Like so many larger families out there, hubby and I didn’t start out wanting a lot of kids. Well, God had His own plans for our family, and boy am I glad!
When we only had two kiddos, we were at a different place in life. We were seeking the “American Dream“, with Christianity mixed in. I had this ideal of having my children in their perfectly decorated rooms, with trendy clothes and getting lots of “individual” time with mom and dad. Now with four children, our life looks a little different. Not only did God really shake-up our spiritual life, and cause us to really seek Him and His will, but the way our house functions has really changed.
Having a big family has affected many aspects of our lives. Here are a few:
- What’s a restaurant? An occasional drive-thru might be feasible, but sit down restaurants are far too expensive and difficult.
- Can you say “Staycation”? Years ago we made frequent trips to amusement parks, and many other fun vacation spots. Now, it neither sounds as doable or fun.
- Buying in bulk; cooking from scratch. Need I say more?
- Hand me downs are wonderful!
- I’ve learned to cut everyone’s hair. Even at bargain rates, six haircuts add up quickly!
- Cloth diapers. I can’t even begin to calculate how much we’ve saved by not buying disposables and wipes!
- No longer does every child need to be signed-up for extracurricular sports and lessons. “If you really want to learn something, and I can’t teach it, you must be committed before we start a new kind of lesson.”
- Really, kids don’t need their own bedrooms.
- We share everything. “I understand you got it for your birthday, but we still share.”
- Not everything is fair. Sometimes some kids get some things, and others don’t. It’s really okay.
- We learn together. I don’t have any desire to teach each child individual subjects, per grade.
- Older children help out with younger children.
- “Sometimes you have to eat things you don’t love.” I’m sorry but I can’t be a short order cook all day.
Really, when it comes down to it, we are all very happy. Obviously God has blessed us greatly with many children, and we would love more. I used to think that with lots of children, we would need lots of money, and even then I would be compromising the care of our children. Now, with less income then when we had two, we eat healthier, live more simply, and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Psalms 127:3
awesome….loving God’s blessings….it’s amazing how when you set your mind to raising a family with a simple, (yes frugal…responsible) outlook, what you can really do….
great post!
Thanks, Michy. You’re right, when we really try to be more frugal, God shows us amazing ways to make that work. Actually, at times I have a lot of fun seeing how I can “make do”. It’s a creative challenge.
I appreciate this post, especially your title. We have 3 girls now, and it has been very challenging to adapt to the arrival of each child. In the weeks and months after the child’s arrival, I have seriously considered birth control but now I am seeing that maybe God has bigger plans for us. Adapting to God’s blessings is tough, but I can tell He has been working earnestly in my heart to stretch and pull me in ways I never thought possible. I’ve never been happier!
Thanks for your post. I can relate to everything you have said. I am a new follower.
Blessings to you!
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re a new follower! You know it’s funny, but it was with our third child that we really started thinking about what we were going to “do”. Something about going beyond the “average number of children” gets you thinking. It was definitely a tough time for us, as we were really seeking what to do, but I couldn’t be happier now. Thanks for sharing, and I hope God continues to bless your family in many ways!
Seems like a lot of those things teach valuable lessons too! I’m just starting out and have an 18 month old, but I’m hoping God blesses me with many more!
It’s wonderful that you are already thinking about these things! It’s amazing how God can work on our hearts, preparing us for the wonderful blessings He has for us. Thanks for commenting!
Parenting (next to wifing) has been the single biggest refining tool God has used to conform me to His image. Homeschooling was just another tool in his arsenal to rid me of myself, fill me up with Himself, and bring true JOY into my life. I am so thankful for the children He has used to bring me to this place. You are a wise woman to recognize His good and perfect plan
So glad I visited today from Be Not Weary (www.lorihatcher.com).
So true!! There is nothing like parenting and raising our little ones to really cause us to grow. I wouldn’t even be able to recognize my pre-mommy self!
Thanks for sharing! It’s always nice to hear from someone who appreciates the blessings in their life for what they are.
Love the post. Glad I found you. Lauren
Thanks so much, and glad you stopped by!
I love this post! My husband and I are still young in our marriage and have 3 kids thus far, but according to your post we are living the same way. I pray all the time that God will bless us with more children.
Lindsey, I feel the same way. My children are such blessings, and even when I feel overwhelmed with life, I want more! Thanks for sharing.