Big families
Duggar Family expecting #18
Michelle and Jim Duggar have just announced their 18th - due on New Year's Day. You can learn more about the Duggar family - and even enter a contest to name their next baby - with 17 beginning with J, they're running out of ideas - here. Michelle has...May 9, 2008 - 1:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Today's moms - under pressure
I had a meeting last week with some homeschool advocates to brainstorm ideas for a pamphlet they are doing for preschool moms. I was invited to participate because of my books - including Mommy, Teach Me! and Mommy, Teach Me to Read! - which are based on encouraging, empowering and...March 28, 2008 - 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Teens: when things don't work out the way you planned
Just publishing this email exchange for a glimpse into the tough decisions parents are sometimes called to make. When my children were young and I was trying so hard to be the perfect mom, I never dreamed that someday they might turn their backs on the things their dad and...March 5, 2008 - 6:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Question for introverted moms
Here's a question from Adele which I can't answer: It's so interesting that you posted about personality types-- I've been thinking about them a lot lately. I actually have a question about temperament and big families: do you think that extroversion is a prerequisite of having a big family? I...February 25, 2008 - 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | TrackBack
Affluence and big families
Becky Miller sent me this link to a Time article which mentions tow of my favorite subjects - big families and Loudoun County. Though I don't think you have to be rich to enjoy the lasting benefits of a big family - and lots of readers here have made material...January 25, 2008 - 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
20 adopted children - one amazing family
Twenty is enough Couple, their many adopted children thankful on 'our most special holiday' Thursday, Nov 22, 2007 By Bill Lohmand, Richmond Times-Dispatch Before they sit down to dinner today, Mike and Meg King will take a moment to give thanks for their children. Olivia, Claire, Sara-Grace, Natalie, Jessica, Jack,...November 23, 2007 - 6:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Do mothers of big families and/or kids with special needs face more judgment? Take 2
A few weeks ago I posed the question: Do mothers of big families and/or kids with special needs face more judgment? Here is a response from a woman who grew up in a big family: Barbara, I do feel that mothers of large families are judged more. I am the...November 16, 2007 - 9:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Quiverfull article at Crosswalk today
My article is up at Crosswalk today: Why some Evangelicals are throwing out birth control I only had 1500 words, but was able to provide a link to the insights and personal experiences which led many of you to shift your paradigm from the prevailing cultural view of children as...October 26, 2007 - 6:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Do mothers of big families and/or kids with special needs face more judgment?
You know those Life Comes At You Fast commercials? They could have been written with moms in mind. Last week my travels got me behind. This week, it's my life as mommy. Took Jesse and Justin for their check ups yesterday with the most wonderful pediatrician in the world (at...October 25, 2007 - 6:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (27) | TrackBack
The trendy set decides overpopulating is cool - for them
Well, well, well. According to San Francisco magazine, when it comes to kids three is the new two - and the real trendsetters are having - gasp! - four. Somehow, with all the nannies and rural jet-setting, this just doesn't sound like our kind of big family. (HT to Jane)...September 15, 2007 - 9:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Full Quiver Families - 2nd call for pictures
My editor said yes, they would like some pictures to accompany the article I'm doing on evangelicals who've stopped using birth control. I've received only three pictures so far - none of families with more than four children! Now folks, I know I said that just because you scrap birth...September 14, 2007 - 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Call for photos - "Full Quiver" Families
I'm working on my article on evangelicals and birth control - and by the way, you all submitted some dynamite comments!! The hard part for me will be picking out a small number of quotes from all that great material - but I plan to link to the blog entry...September 12, 2007 - 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Guerrilla Parenting
It's been a year since I ran this series. There is so much stuff buried in my archives and I have so many new readers - and especially since we're on the subject of big families - I thought I ought to give you these links: Guerrilla Parenting When...August 30, 2007 - 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Evangelicals birth control free - your input needed
This email came in just as I was getting ready to announce that I need input for an article I'm planning on Evangelicals who've given up birth control: Hi, I found your web site when I did a search for Yes to Carrots, which I also love. I also was...August 30, 2007 - 6:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (41) | TrackBack
World's oldest father has 21st child at 90
From the UK Mail: World's oldest father has 21st child at 90 The world's oldest father has done it again, fathering a child for at least the 21st time, at the age of 90. Indian farmer Nanu Ram Jogi, who is married to his fourth wife, boasts he does not...August 23, 2007 - 7:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
When God doesn't answer our prayers
Dear Barbara- What a beautiful gift you are giving to moms and to our country. We have six children. I am 46 years old and my husband and I have longed in a way that words could never express for more children since I miscarried twins at 40 (our...August 15, 2007 - 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
A mom expecting twins needs encouragement
Before you read this, I just want to ask you to understand that it takes a lot of courage to bare your emotions in this way - knowing that they may sound horrible to people who may judge you on this little part of yourself. But the tricky thing is...June 21, 2007 - 7:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (36) | TrackBack
Kids by the Dozen
Tracked down the schedule for repeats of the Kids by the Dozen shows on TLC here....April 25, 2007 - 1:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (54) | TrackBack
TLC seeking families with 12 or more children - It's a go!
Regarding the TLC search for families with 12 or more children - and the securtiy issues raised in sending your personal family information in without knowing for sure if it was legit - I wrote the producer and received this response: Hi Barbara Thanks for your email. I am a...April 25, 2007 - 7:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
TLC seeking families with 12 or more children
This appears to be the real deal. I have verified the information with the producer of the show - see his response here. [Please note: since I posted this, Angie brought up a question about whether or not it is legitimate - a concern since they are asking for so...April 24, 2007 - 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Teaching a toddler to put on a jacket
Heading into spring seems like a good time to rerun this. As you're putting away those heavy winter coats, think how much easier it would be for your child to learn to put on a lightweight jacket. Remember, parenting is all about leading your child to responsible independence, starting in...March 22, 2007 - 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Homeschooling while pregnant
Many homeschooling moms worry that they don't do enough, that they have to work hard to keep up. I know. I started out that way too. But after 10 years of homeschooling what grew to seven kids (many of my 12 children are now grown up and the remaining six...March 21, 2007 - 5:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Ten great reasons to have another child
It's been eighteen months since I ran this, so in honor of Jenny's good news and to bolster her confidence as she faces those who don't understand why even a 41 year old woman would rejoicein in having another child - and because of Sarah's recent understanding about why her...March 16, 2007 - 6:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
When hubby doesn't want more kids
Last month Sarah wrote me about the wisdom of having more children for parents whose personality types didn't seem consistent with having a big family, or who lived in less-than-optimum circumstances: Readers' Forum: personality types and family size. As always, your comments were filled with lots of wisdom and experience....March 15, 2007 - 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Having another baby in your forties
My name is Jenny and I'm married to Andy who is a pastor at our church and in the process of planting a church in downtown San Jose. I have 3 boys, Jake 6, Dawson 4 1/2 and Garrett 3. Garrett has Down Syndrome. I'm 41. Ever since Garrett was...March 12, 2007 - 6:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (38) | TrackBack
Encouraging a work ethic in children with Down syndrome - or any children, for that matter
Daniel is #11 of our 12. I've told the story before of how we came to adopt him. For those new to this site, we have four boys with Down syndrome - one by birth and three by adoption. The cool thing about having four is that we truly understand...February 14, 2007 - 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Contraception: where the slippery slope began
In a post at No room for Contraception, Always Room for Love, Ruben Obregon makes the same point I make in Reaching the Left from the Right; Talking about Social Issues with People Who Don't Think Like You: The Role of Contraception in Increasing Abortion It’s a common assumption that...January 19, 2007 - 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (22) | TrackBack
Extracurricular activities - finding the balance
From a reader: Dear Barbara, First of all let me say thank you for your blog! It has been such a blessing to me for quite awhile now, and I feel so encouraged whenever I read it. I do have a question for you though. I wanted to ask someone...January 8, 2007 - 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Big Boyz busy tomorrow - Mohs surgery for me
I am really busy tonight getting ready for tomorrow. Ben and Zach are home from college until January 20 (though Ben is going on a mission trip to New Orleans 1/7-1/14), so I spent the afternoon running to Lowe's and Home Depot, gathering supplies so they can paint and wallpaper...January 3, 2007 - 7:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Teaching virtues, good manners, and character
From Julie, who blogs at Raising Three Knights and a Princess: Hey Barbara, I'm searching for something to help me teach virtues, good manners, fruit of the Spirit etc to my kids (ages 8,7,5,2). I want something that gives me something to talk about each week PLUS practical application. Do...January 2, 2007 - 8:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Elisabeth Elliot on Too Many Children
I couldn't resist reprinting this - I know many of you will love it. Too bad all moms aren't like Elisabeth Elliot in taking their concerns to the Lord and overcoming their fears. But we can all learn from her example - and take our concerns about people who don't...December 8, 2006 - 3:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
The scoop on my books
Laurie and Celebrian asked me to explain the difference between my books. Thanks for asking about this. Let me try to explain: The Mommy Manual is specifically aimed at helping moms establish a pattern of mothering that will allow the potential for joy to be released in themselves, their children...December 7, 2006 - 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Even the littlest can help!
I've written before of the tendency to run out of steam with the later kids. With your first children, there is such a thrill in learning how to parent and teach. You have youth and vitality and energy and stamina all going for you. Hooray! I look back and think...October 26, 2006 - 1:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Larger families - More on chores for young children
Moving this comment from Charity Grace up here so y'all can see the answer: Love this. I had a question specifically about having the youngest child capable do a given task. I'm honestly having a hard time understanding what this looks like. Do you have a list of chores most...October 10, 2006 - 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Welcome visitors from LargerFamilies.com!
Prompted by an AP story, MommyLife is getting lots of visitors from LargerFamilies.com. Though there's a lot more to my life than being the mother of 12 :) - I thought I should post something specifically about that part of my life. You can find more entries on Big Families...October 9, 2006 - 9:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Parenting Q & A - Keeping healthy
Hi Barbara- I read " Lord, please meet me in the laundry room" and LOVED it................ Just a quick question: I have 3 boys, ages 5 and under. Last week my baby came down with a cold the same night my oldest got the stomach flu. Needless to say, it's...September 26, 2006 - 1:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Responsibility, renewal and joy on the journey of motherhood
Since February 2, when I started shedding pounds and dress sizes (more here), I've been doing a lot of getting rid of excess baggage around the house, cleaning out closets and drawers. In a way, it's symbolic of the cleanup work that's been going on inside me. I shared...September 8, 2006 - 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack
What to do when husband and wife are not agreed on more children?
This lovely lady would like your prayers and advice: It's all great and lovely when both dh and dw are moved by God to be on the same page as far as letting Him plan their family goes...but what about when dw wants more children and dh says, "NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"??? I...September 2, 2006 - 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | TrackBack
Guerrilla Parenting
It's been a year and a half since I ran this series. There is so much stuff buried in my archives and I have so many new readers - and especially since we're on the subject of big families - I thought I ought to give you these links:...August 30, 2006 - 4:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
So long to family planning
It doesn't get much better than this. A comment on our latest discussion on big families from a regular reader: okay, you all have me crying....(pregnancy hormones maybe?) God is so good...just this last year have i come to know this blog, have i bought a few books, have i...August 30, 2006 - 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Are kids from big families disadvantaged?
In response to my blog last week concerning liberals making themselves extinct by disdaining procreation, I received this comment from jpe@flashmail.com. Actually, I don't want to have a ton of kids because I'd rather focus my resources on the few I have. Better a well-educated, well-loved one or two than...August 28, 2006 - 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (33) | TrackBack
Fan Mail
Received this encouraging word with a book order: I just want to thank you for the time you devote to your blog. Is is a great encouragment to me. I have two little girls (ages 26 mo and 6mo) and I have to say, with each one we've had the...August 22, 2006 - 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Parenting Q&A - delegating diapering
Here's something we need to discuss. I'm going to be offline for eight hours or so as I make my way home from Denver today, but will post all your comments when I get home. A reader writes: I really just wanted to know your opinion on having a pre-adolescent...July 12, 2006 - 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBack
Laundry - sharing the load
While the women in our house are constantly involved with carrying dirty clothes down from bedrooms and carrying clean clothes up to drawers and closets (in our home we have division of labor because the men in the house do things I really don't want to share either :)...June 24, 2006 - 8:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Infertility
I am so sorry about the turns taken in the comments to my post Why I am Pro-Life. Sorry that my response to women struggling with infertility may have seemed harsh - it is easy to read tones of voice and facial expressions into words on a screen that weren't...June 2, 2006 - 6:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Vasectomy reversals
Someone asked in a previous comment what I thought of vasectomy reversals. I know three couples that had vasectomy reversals. One couple had five children and has in the six years since had three more. Another couple had six children and when I last heard had had two more. The...May 28, 2006 - 9:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Links for frugal living
I don't know about that title - it sounds so unattractive. I mean, saving money is attractive, but the word frugal - for those new to the concept - can conjure up visions of tatters, ugly surroundings, Ebeneezer Scrooge. One visit to Like Merchant Ships will convince you otherwise....April 21, 2006 - 5:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Natural Moms Talk Radio
Hi everyone! I am at Mount Hermon and checking in - If you want to hear what I sound like, visit Natural Moms Talk Radio for an interview I did Monday night! Will write more later....April 6, 2006 - 3:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Throwing up all over
Okay, so this has to be one of the most challenging parts of being a parent. Yesterday, Jonny threw up in the middle of church - I mean A LOT. I was home with Daniel who'd been ill - we thought he'd eaten somthing bad because everyone else was fine....April 3, 2006 - 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | TrackBack
Family Worship
I saw this at Angela's new blog Trusting Daily and had to lift it for you to see too! Thanks Angela for this reminder/motivator! ~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~ Is Family Worship Practiced in Your Home? By Steve Brandon I distinctly remember the place. I also remember the time. About nine years ago I...April 3, 2006 - 8:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Family Devotions / Teaching Children about Jesus
A few readers have asked me about good Bible books and devotion time for little children. I'm gathering my thoughts on this as I write, reflecting on what we have done and are doing in our family now. I really have to give a plug here for family devotions...March 20, 2006 - 8:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Parenting Q&A Grandparents
A reader wrote: We are a first generation Christian family. My husband and I have loving parents, but they definitely have different values on different topics regarding the children and how they should be raised. There are times when we have to choose between doing what we feel is right...March 16, 2006 - 5:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Boys' haircuts - and thinking outside the box
Some of you may remember that I once posted on the best investment I ever made as a mom - learning to cut my boys' hair - which I reckon has saved our family $9-18,000 over the years. For the full skinny, see For Mothers of Boys, which shows you...March 9, 2006 - 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBack
Baby Watch: Looks like Amy's not musing today
Great news - it looks like today's the big day for Amy Scott at Amy's Humble Musings! And be sure to read her last entry A Bath for Baby - a cheerfully honest look at the nitty-gritty of evolving motherhood. Another blog WELL worth reading - though I have...March 4, 2006 - 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Picture Book Preschool
Well, I learned something new today. One of my cyber-friends, Sherry Early - in addition to her blog Semicolon - has a preschool curriculum built on 52 children's books, one for each day of the year. It's amazing how many of the same books we've picked to read to...February 21, 2006 - 7:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Sunday Update - 2 new sites
Relentlessly working on cleaning out my Inbox of email. for those of you who haven't heard back from me, thanks for your patience. A publisher has contacted me about my re-writing and expanding Small Beginnings and Ready, Set, Read as the basis for a preschool curriculum which would answer the...February 19, 2006 - 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Parenting Q&A Birth control
I just want to thank the readers here who've helped me out with answering questions I received after yesterday's radio broadcast. I am so trying to finish this book - but also feel like I want to respond to women who've taken the time to write. Thanks for helping me...February 9, 2006 - 9:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Why Pro-Lifers Will Prevail
I've been on both sides of the abortion debate. As a 60's Washington radical leftist/antiwar activist, I was actually one of the founding mothers of the second wave of feminism, and a spokesperson for abortion rights. In 1976 in San Francisco, I had an abortion myself and considered it...January 22, 2006 - 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Why a big family?
I hope you'll understand that although my passion is to write for readers here, I have other things to take care of this week. My grandkids spent the night last night. Tomorrow is the Blogs4Life Conference. Wednesday Maddy is getting her humongous and too-often-infected tonsils removed. And then there's that...January 22, 2006 - 8:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Transitioning to megamotherhood
Keri wrote: I'm 35 years old (as long as you've been mommying!) Married to the same wonderful man since 1992. We met our first day at college and I knew he was the "one". We are now expecting our 5th baby.....we have 4 amazing children aged 8, 5, 3, and...January 21, 2006 - 8:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Mothers in the hands of a merciful God
I use time in doctors' offices to read magazines I wouldn't ever see. So, yes, I know all about Britney and Don and Jessica and Nick and Paris and her animal collection. I mean, between all my kids I DO spend a lot of time in doctors' offices! But last...January 19, 2006 - 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Children at Work - a beautiful thing
While Kari was busy commenting on my question about how using Montessori principles at home had improved life with your children, her daughter was busy applying them. Kari snapped the picture above and wrote about it at As For Me and My House. (And by the way, I’m happy...January 14, 2006 - 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Montessori at home/ Birthday request
Anne of Anne's Cafe recently posted on how she was able to overcome one obstacle to finding the joy in motherhood: Coats on the floor - no more! That got me to wondering ("got me to wondering" - man, you can tell I live in Virginia now!) if anyone else...January 13, 2006 - 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Intentional Parenting
Our family dynamic is changing as Josh has moved out. He saved up and bought a house about half an hour from us, in Berryville - the same town where Samantha, Kip and five of my grandchildren live. He has already begun going to a church and a Bible study...January 13, 2006 - 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
SAHM -Your work really matters!
Here's something for every SAHM (stay-at-home-mother) who questions her worth - especially those fighting years of public shool brainwashing preparing her for anything but motherhood. It's an article called "It's the Sex, Stupid" - an interesting analysis of how our culture's demeaning of sex from the social glue it provides...January 11, 2006 - 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Parenting Q & A : Destructive behavior
Question from a reader: I am desperate for some help with my two year old who will not stop tearing her books. I am a young mother of two and my oldest (2 1/2 year old daughter) has had a problem with tearing books for almost 6 months now. We...January 10, 2006 - 7:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Maddy's picture surprise
If you've followed much of what I've had to say here about Maddy, you will know that she is my Number Nine, my youngest birth child, incurable optimist, lover of Doris Day, Narnia, and lions. She is also very much the center of universe, but in an upbeat manner...December 31, 2005 - 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack