I've always wondered how women who have a lot of children can handle it. I only have three and sometimes I'm close to a breakdown. When I hear of families with 6, 7, 8, or more kids, my mouth just drops open. How.in.the.world?!
First of all the expense. Wow. I can't imagine. Secondly the food consumption. Again, WOW! My kids eat like birds and I feel like I'm constantly at the grocery store. Every time I turn around they are in the refrigerator. So what about the kids who are gavones? How do you keep up? Do you buy a cow? Grow your own vegetables?
And forget about laundry. Holy crow you must do about 10 loads a day. I can't even fathom how much detergent you must go through.
I guess with a lot of kids you do have help. Yes, the older ones would HAVE to chip in. You'd really have to space the births just right to optimize the live-in babysitter factor. Otherwise, I think you'd be completely doomed.
I had a dose today of what it might be like to have a large brood. My best friend's father was hospitalized. She was extremely upset and I told her to drop her kids off on the way because I insisted she go be with him. She was reluctant because she knew I'd be alone, as Mr. Schmitty was working. You see she has four children and she was also caring for her two nephews. I told her I knew this and to stop wasting time. So, with those six and my own I was in charge of a total of nine children, ranging in ages from 3 years old to 13 years old.
Mr. Schmitty left the house to go to work and wished me luck. He had a look on his face that made me want to laugh. His expression was a mixture of fear and relief, if the two are able to possibly mix. The fear, I believe, was if he'd find me either with my head in the oven upon returning or that I would be tied up, gagged, and the kids would be on the roof throwing eggs at passersby. His look of relief came from the realization that he was getting the hell out of dodge.
I must say I am quite proud of myself. This only being said after six children have gone, three children and a puppy have fallen asleep, one house has been cleaned up, and some wine has been downed. The day has been a success. My friend is happier upon being with her dad, there were no casualties, and the only thing that went MIA was a pink flip flop, to which is STILL missing.
12 comments:
Where DO those shoes go? If more than 4 kids get together, you can rest assured that at least one shoe will not make it out alive.
oh my GOSH you are brave!!! 9 kids?? I would NEVA in my WILDEST go for that..I bow down to you Mrs. Schmitty...today you are my hero!
Wow, wow, wow. I also bow to you, oh great god of children watchers. Wait, one more...wow.
You rock! I don't know how in the world you managed that. I recently spent two days caring for my own (7 and 20 months) and a friends (2.5 and 4 months) and the whole thing left me a) in tears and b) convinced that I never, ever, never want to have another child.
I'm one of eight and Hubby is the eldest of eleven! Big families are noisy, argumentative, expensive.....and fun!
Well done on handling it so well. You only lost a flip-flop, not a child!
You are a saint and obviously a VERY good friend!!!! I'd say you did well only missing one shoe after all that!
... they were different times and people were less wired and more relaxed... my dad has 4 brothers and 5 sisters and mom has 4 sisters and one brother so big families... I think moms were less concerned then as compared to modern moms... they were easier times....
You are an awesome friend! Only one flip-flop lost??? You are amazing!
You are my hero. Seriously.
I came over after visiting Misslionheart. We have 4 and when the youngest was born the oldest was almost 6. I can relate to the days you refer to, but have great experience with families with over 6 kids. In fact I went to help a neighbour with renovating once; there were 6 moms and 30 kids 3 weeks to 13 in the 1100 square ft house with basement, and the moms got a lot of painting and baseboard work done. It was amazing. You did great with so many kids under your care for the day, but having done it you know you could do it again.
Great post and I love your blog layout. So fun.
You are an awesome friend. Either that or you are just plain crazy! ;)
But seriously...I sometimes freak out in the winter if I'm home alone all day with just my TWO girls.
Just reading this is making me twitch...I too bow down Mrs.
Schmitty...
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