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It's the question we've been fielding since the birth of our second child over 14 years ago. After all, we had a girl and a boy. "A girl for me, a boy for you. Thank goodness we're through!" And when we got married we certainly didn't plan on having enough children to field a baseball team!
But along the way, God showed us his truths. The first command God gave to man was to “Be fruitful and increase in number..." (Genesis 1:28) This command was never rescended.
Children are a blessing from Him. "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him." (Psalm 127:3). If God handed me the reward of a bag of money, I wouldn't turn that down. Why should I turn away the reward of precious babies if He blesses me with them? Especially when people I love are crying out to God for children but their arms remain empty?
So when Bryan and I felt convicted to let God plan our family, it was "all oars in." Kind of like marriage: for better or worse. The conviction wasn't removed when finances were a concern, when we were tired, when overwhelmed, when people start looking at us like we're nuts, when we started being asked if we were trying to keep us with the Duggars. (For the record, we had six children before we'd ever heard of the Duggars. And, no, we don't know them. There is no "large family cult" despite the desire of some members of the press to portray it otherwise.)
And the conviction hasn't been removed even though I'm a "mature" mama looking at a 9th c-section in a couple months. Going into every delivery, I asked my doctor to evaluate the health of my insides and whether it looked like it could handle another pregnancy.
Babies #3 through #6 were all delivered by a wonderful Christian who was also a father of 7. Every time he gave me a thumbs-up. After he retired, I had to find a new OB. I have no doubt that my new doctor would have recommended a tubal during delivery #7, but, as God would have it, I was at a Catholic hospital where it was against their policy to do so.
I found a new doctor for Baby #8 and now #9. I love this wonderful Christian practice so much that I drive an hour for my appointments. After he delivered #8, he was amazed at how good the insides looked. We'll have to see what #9 holds.
I'm not looking to put my health in danger, but I refuse to let fear alone be the reason to turn from what we feel God has called us to. If it doesn't look like I could safely carry another baby, we will take the appropriate steps. But if everything looks good, let it be a testimony to the fact that nothing is impossible with God!
So I've been choosing sleep over blogging lately. Sorry about that. Hopefully once the baby's born, I'll be able to blog while nursing. There are posts in my head, just a lack of energy to get them out right now.
Meghan made our favorite tomato soup for dinner the other night (Heidi calls it orange soup). I posted the recipe a couple years ago, but it's worth repeating. It's a staple around here for lunch and dinner when paired with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Homemade Tomato
Soup
4 T Butter
1/2 C Flour
12 C Milk
64 oz. Tomato Sauce
salt & pepper to taste (about 2t and
1/2t respectively)
Parmesan Cheese
In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium
heat. Stir in flour until combined. Whisk in milk until smooth and creamy. Heat
until thickened, stirring frequently. Add tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Heat
through. We like it sprinkled with Parmesan Cheese.
This week we will be enjoying:
Monday (Bryan Night Meeting) - Chinese Salad, Fried Rice
Tuesday (Math Practice, Horse Judging) - Turkey Ranch Wraps, Jello, Potato Wedges
Wednesday (AWANA) - Hot Dogs, Popcorn
Thursday (Karate) - Black Beans, Cheese, Chips
Friday - BBQ Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans
Saturday - Stroganoff Meatballs, Noodles, Peas
Breakfast menu is here; lunch menu is here.
Because this is what is sitting on my kitchen counter:
It might not be easy to see all the creepy-crawly ants, but trust me, they're there! Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am terrified of anything with more than four legs.
Today the oldest 3 girls and I went on a shopping trip to the fabric store to buy the materials for their Resurrection Sunday outfits. Last year we went with a tie-die/Hawaiian theme (see banner photo). This year the girls chose....
African Animal! Because nothing says spring and the Resurrection of our Lord like neon zebra!
Here's the pattern that I'm using for the little girls.
It's much easier than the dresses I gave birth to last year! Only one small pattern piece! I making longer sleeves and including a sash. Click here for more info on the pattern. I had Heidi's cut out before dinner and am hoping to have made progress made before bed tonight.
Just got back from an OB check-up. We actually talked about delivery dates! Looks like 11 or 12 weeks from now - crazy!
Making dinner together is something that all my children look forward to. It's the one evening job that is always tackled enthusiastically. I let the child playing dinner chef pick their meal from our grid of meals I've planned for.
Some of my chefs are getting very proficient. Even when they can get dinner done on their own, I still hang around the kitchen. I like to use the fellowship time to also tidy the counters or straighten a drawer while being near if needed.
This week my children will be cooking:
Monday - Bean Burritos, Homemade Tortillas, Salad
Tuesday (Math Practice, Horse Judging) - Puffy Pancake, Sausage
Wednesday (AWANA) - Mac 'N Cheese, Frozen Pizza
Thursday (4-H Rabbit, Karate, Mom's Meeting) - Hamburgers & Fries
Friday - Tacos, Skillet Corn
Saturday - Broccoli Cheese Soup, Bread Bowls
Breakfast menu is here; lunch menu is here.
This morning was one of the coldest so far this winter. About 14 degrees. What better time to do our grocery shopping for the next 9 weeks?
Actually, it turned out to be a time to great to go. The crowds were so light, we rocked through Aldi and Walmart in two hours. Home and unloaded in 3. And we're done until April!
For the first time in 16 years, we didn't need to buy diapers. Hunter has done amazing with potty training. It was like he was just waiting for me to give him the chance to be a big guy. Of course, diapers go back in the cart next shopping trip - newborn ones!
A couple weeks ago I was approached to have one of my past posts included in a soon-to-be-released ebook, That Works for Me: Tried and True Tips from Works for Me Wednesday. It will be full of tips from the popular blog carnaval, Works for Me Wednesday. That Works for Me will be organized, categorized, and highly useful with hot links to 1,001 of the best tips.
I'll post more information when the book is released this spring. In addition, a portion of all proceeds will be used to bless Mercy House.
Actually this was a New School Year's Resolution. I just haven't gotten around to blogging about it. Anyway....
I do hereby resolve to aspire to uphold the Three "C's" of parenting:
1. Calm - Ohhh, this is a toughie for me. But I can't expect the kiddos to keep their cool if I'm losing mine.
2. Consistent - Say what I mean and mean what I say. Why is this harder with #8 than with any of the others?
3. Caring - My children need to know that no matter what, I care deeply about them. This is easier to convey if I can remember #1.
Since I made this pledge months ago, how am I doing in achieving these goals? Well, some days are better than others, and God is still continuing a good work in me. :-)
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