Large Family Living » Large Familyology

“Happy” Meals

Stacey — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:28:35 +0000

We are very blessed that my husband’s workplace is only a few minutes down the road. Therefore, most of the time he is able to come home and eat lunch with us. It’s really nice to see him, even though he’s usually kind of distracted and rushed. It gives him a break, and a decent meal. It gives the kids a chance to hug him, and tell him what’s gone on so far that day.

The other day right after lunch, my three-year-old daughter said, “This is a happy meal!” Of course, I was delighted at her happiness and said, “I’m so glad you’re happy.” Later my fifteen-year-old son brought up the fact that most kids think “Happy Meals” come from a drive through. I thought about that and was so amused.

This little girl lives in a world where she is surrounded by people who love her and watch out for her (sometimes read “boss her”). She has at least one parent immediately available to her almost all the time unless we’re out together. She is warm, safe, and regularly fed. She climbs in clean sheets at night, with clean jammies on. She has a big sister right near by if she’s scared at night. There’s always something going on around here to join in on. There are usually potential playmates available. Even Daddy has been known to play dollhouse! And this day, after a lunch with her family, she stood up on the bench and told me she had just had a happy meal.

What was so great about that meal in particular? I don’t know. The lunch fare wasn’t special. No exceptional things had transpired. She was just happy about having shared a meal with all the faces that fill her world everyday. That’s the kind of happy meal I can afford, and the kind I can feel good about providing. We all have so much to be thankful for. I’m glad my little girl told me about her happy meal.

Don’t You Just Love It?

Stacey — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 01:36:49 +0000

There are many, many obvious challenges about raising a large family. I won’t even endeavor to list them all here. Most of you know them firsthand. But amidst all those challenges, there are some amazing things to delight in. Here are just a few. As you read, mentally add your own ideas to my list and thank the Creator for them. Also, go tell your spousie and children how glad you are to be sharing this life with them.

Anyone hugging or kissing anyone else
People dragging themselves out of cozy beds because they forgot to hug/kiss/say goodnight to so-and-so
Siblings working together to accomplish tasks
Mom and Dad smooching only to find 1-3 kiddos slithering in between for some falling sugar
A million colors and sizes of everything: undies, socks, shoes, toothbrushes, PJs, bath towels, bath robes, favorite blankets, favorite dolls/stuffed animals, bicycles, musical instruments, comforters, etc.
People choosing to share their things
Siblings giving up free time to play something “beneath them”
Olders holding youngers
Youngers copying olders
Conversations, talking, chatting, and story-telling
Siblings watching out for each other
Genuine rejoicing from all as one learns to ride a bike, loses a tooth, or plays a recital piece
Lots of cute feet – line them up in order some time and take a picture
More birthdays to celebrate
Wonderful, raucous noise
Lots of breathing in the house at night
Crowded couches
Older kids to help you remember things from your younger children’s early years
Older children teaching your younger children things you taught them “when they were young”
Younger children teaching your older children things they should have learned by now!
Walking in public and having people smile at your family
Watching the children walk somewhere holding hands
Hearing the children express love or approval to one another
Watching the children comfort one another
Walking behind your brood somewhere and realizing all those precious people live at YOUR HOUSE

So How Many Kids Makes a “Large Family”?

Stacey — Mon, 25 May 2009 22:08:18 +0000

I’ll tell you right now, I thought I had all I could handle when I had one little boy. I was a 21-year-old mom, unsure of myself, and thought, “how could I ever do more than I’m doing now?” Baby #2 came and things leveled off. There were 2 of us and 2 of them. My husband could often help me, and we each carried a little one, each pushed a stroller, each changed a diaper. And even if Hubby wasn’t available, I still had two hands. Most tables hold 4 people, and the children fit nicely in our cars. All was well. Then. . . Baby #3 came to rock our world. Hubby’s job had him gone all day and often at night. There were 3 of them and one of me. One tired me. The laundry piled up, the dishes piled up, etc. Our family has felt “large” ever since. Just about the time I would master the day-to-day workings of our life, we’d add another blessing. So, for us, “large” started at 3. Six still feels large, although, as they grow and gain skill and responsibility, it is easier to share the work among the family members. More about chores later. . .