March 8, 2007
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Ok, I'm tired of people telling me "I don't know how you do it," "You must have so much patience," and other back-handed compliments that seem to say "Your life must be so crappy I don't know how you can stand it." I like my life. It's not perfect and there are enough things I would change about it, but, personally, I'm so convinced that it's a great life that I think more people should try it. Yeah, that's right, I think more Christian women should stay at home, have six (or more!) kids and homeschool them.
Is it easy? Sometimes. Is it tough? Not as tough as going to work every day would be for me. Is it drudgery? Not much. The drudgery tasks are pretty well delegated.
Yesterday, for instance, I got up and did some Organic Chem problems, blogged and picked up my room and got dressed. Aidan made scrambled eggs for breakfast. I made the toast. At breakfast, Aidan, Fiona and I played a word game. Aidan cleared the table and Brendan cleaned up the kitchen after every meal. Fiona took care of the floors. After breakfast I snuggled in bed with Aidan and read some books with him, and I read to Aine and Mairead a bit. Then we went to finish deep cleaning the boys' room. Aidan did his math and phonics and then came and sprayed and wiped all the furniture. Aine did the baseboards while I moved the beds and sorted through the junk. Conall helped a bit and then made lunch. After lunch I commented on people's sites and then went back to O-Chem while watching "The Secret Garden." Fiona made an awesome dinner. I left the cleaning to Brendan again and went back to a little more studying and watching "French in Action" videos.
Does it sound so horrible? I made no meals, did no dishes. What housework I did was actually an enjoyable group activity. I had time for personal study and recreation. Can you see how I stand being surrounded by people I love and involved in the building of home? I guess I just must be crazy.
Comments (10)
I love it! I had to laugh especially at the line: "The drudgery task are pretty well delegated."
) It seems that there's been some shift since the invention of such modern day conveniences as dish washers and washers and dryers that the idea of a "stay at home mom" is that she does everything so that everyone else doesn't have to do anything but what they enjoy. You've given your children a realistic perspective of responsbility and as well as an abundant life. A lot of people just try to keep up with all their kids things and then run all over for dance lessons, sports, gymnastics, girl scouts, boy scouts, awanas, and ski lessons. Each.Week. (I did have a specific family in mind when I named all those things! 
) And in addition to that a full 6 hour day of school for the kids which could be done in far less time with less distractions.
I can't really imagine that we'll have a lot of children, but I also can't imagine ever saying "we're done." I love spending time with Riley and I always have and I'm sorry for people who don't enjoy their children. The ones who comment on your life are usually those people. They feel sorry for you because they're multiplying their own stresses by 6 to imagine what it's like.
I admire you and I admire your family.
) Most of the families I've enjoyed the most are ones with 4 or more children!
~Catherine
It is nice to hear about the days when they won't all be in the baby/toddlerhood/preschool stage anymore. This stage is nice too but I do look forward to the days that my kids get a little older and more independent. Tell me I am not crazy...
Already though my girls are a big help to me and they enjoy it when we all have a good attitude of 'let's work fast so we can play more'. What always surprises me is that they are more happy and content on the days that they help me the most and spend the most time working beside me. Kids need the responsibilities along with the carefree times of childhood.
not much to add to what Diana and Catherine have said! i do completely agree that children need the responsibility - and really, isn't that what a family is for? to help out and share in things so it's not left just to mom or dad to get things done? i've never understood the families who've always expected that mom will do everything - where is there any learning about real life duties from that? children from those families nearly always have no work ethic (and tend to be snobby!!) - at least in my limited experience.
looking at your family (and other bigger, well working families), it makes me want to have more kids. what a blessing it will be to be surrounded by people you love, generally just enjoying their company? i'm enjoying now, but looking forward to then as well
That's awesome. I am barely surviving with the 2 girls, so we're going to take it one child at a time.
It's always encouraging to me to look at your family and other big families where the kids are a bit older. From what I gather rom older moms, the hardest part is when there are a bunch of very little ones, but when the oldest ones get old enough to help, it's so much easier. I'm looking forward to having a house full of loved ones! I love to hear from moms who enjoy their children!
Hey Danielle, Sounds like you had a great birthday! I have always admired you and your family. They are so able and independent. Your day sounded wonderful! Sorry you have been hurt by thoughtless people.
I hope you and yours have a great weekend.
Love, Jenn
Ps. Thank you for such a sweet compliment!
how many kids do you have? i have 6 daughters. i dont homeschool caus im not sure how i would start. sounds like your doing a great job bringing up great people...keep up the great work and i know how it is to have so many little ones so this isnt a compliment of flattery to say that you have a crappy life. i hate those off handed jokes that some people would say....dont you know what makes a baby...you havent figured that out yet.... or some actually get ticked off at me caus they think i purposely get pregnant so i can live off of welfare. excuse me but Ken works offally hard to provide for his family and i dont believe in daycare just so i can pay them so i can go to work.
keep up the great work...meant with love
Dear Danielle. Happy Belated Birthday! It sure sounds like the family made it so special for you. I think you are doing a wonderful job in what you do. You are also fulfilling God's highest calling as a woman. Don't let people ever discourage you. Rest in the happiness that you know you are in God's will. I admire you! Love, Lori
Thanks for your comment! I know, Williamsburg is another place I associate with boxwood. And a friend's lovely historic brick house in Lynchburg. I can hardly see a boxwood without stroking it and smelling it!!
Eep. That sounds a bit like my dad's family, as my unsaved grandfather Christie once told my Dad he'd never let him visit again if he mentioned God again. He got a little more mellow as he got older but we usually tiptoed around certain subjects. I wish I'd been a little bolder when I was older. He died several years ago, still as far as we know rejecting God.
Do you think CDs would be okay for teaching French? At least you'd be hearing it.
Now to comment on your post. That sounds very nice not having to make meals or do dishes! I'm still doing most things... except cleaning the boy's toys, but even then I must keep checking lest they lapse into playing instead of cleaning! But that's not really a complaint. I like the feeling of accomplishment from getting things done. I do look forward to having the kids do more. But I love them at this cute cuddly funny age and am in no rush for them to grow up!!
Love you tons,
Mary
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