10 Things You Should Know About Me ~ the Mother of Many Children

1. I was homeschooled – It was only for 3 years (10th through 12th grade), but it sure shaped who I am today.  It is one of the main reasons that I’m homeschooling my kids now.  If you want to know more about our homeschooling journey, read Why We Homeschool.
2. Sometimes I feel like a referee – Yes, lots of little children with lots of stories to tell, sometimes equals a big argument.  Not often, but it does happen.  What do you do when you can see each child’s point of view and understand why they acted out in the way that they did?  You look a little closer for sin and use it as a teaching moment.  I have a neat little If/Then Chart that gives me questions to ask in order to get down to the heart of the matter.  Most of the time, they’re all in the wrong in some small way or another.
3. Laundry is a way of life – We could easily wash at least 3 loads of laundry a day and never get caught up.  As it is, I tend to be totally random on how many loads a day I do.  I rarely get completely caught up, but I also rarely get too behind on it either!
4. Dishes can take over my life – 8 people consume a lot of food, therefore we use a lot of dishes!  If we don’t run the dishwasher 2-3 times a day, I am overtaken in dishes!   In the past I have used lunch baskets to help reduce dishes.  I need to start doing that yet again!
5. I think that “Don’t You Know What Causes That?” is a rude question to ask – While I’m usually gracious when someone does ask me that question, I officially think that it is incredibly rude to say that to a mother or couple with lots of kids.  I know that people are just trying to be funny, but you’d be amazed at how many people actually say it.
6. I’m disorganized –  I have met some of the most awesomely organized moms of large families!  My brain does not think like their brains.  I’m having to train myself as we go along and I’m slowly getting it.  I still have a long ways to go.   There is going to be a new 5 day series here in August on Organizing & Cleaning.  I plan to go through my kitchen to get it good and organized.  I will be sharing the steps I take as I go along!  There will be 20 bloggers in on the series again this time!
7. I’m happily married – Although we have had our moments in the past and still have a few arguments now and then, we are still totally in love with one another.  I cannot imagine having to do this job of mothering all these children without the support of my husband.  When I’m weak, he jumps in and saves the day!  It hasn’t always been like this though.  We went through a rough patch.  I ended up reading Created to Be His Helpmeet and that finally changed my outlook on life as a wife.  I realized that I had to change myself and stop trying to change him.  It’s amazing how that works!
8. I buy food in bulk – I remember when we were first married, we’d forget to finish the bread.  We would have it so long that it would get moldy.  We finally had to just leave it in the freezer and get it out a slice at a time so we didn’t waste it.  Now….I buy as much as possible in bulk.  I find that many things are quite a bit cheaper when you buy it in larger quantities.  We utilize Sam’s and Aldi for as much of our grocery shopping as possible.  I only buy things that I can’t buy somewhere else for a lot cheaper.
9. I STILL love Dr. Pepper – Help!  I’m not reformed yet.  Despite the fact that I tried to talk myself out of drinking it with the article, 14 Reasons to Skip the Soda, I’m still drinking it.  I love the afternoon boost that it gives me.  I may try replacing it with unsweatened tea for a while in the afternoon to see if that helps as I think that soda is a large reason why I am not losing weight.
10. I think every home needs a toddler – Aren’t toddlers the cutest little things ever?  They say the funniest things, too.  Yes, there would be a lot less laughter in the home if there weren’t toddlers here.  I know it will happen some day….but for now, love on your toddlers.  Take the time to enjoy them while they’re little!

What else would you like to know about me?  Ask your questions in the comments below.  

This post is a part of iHomeschool Networks 10 in 10 Blog hop.  I will also be sharing it with Top 10 Tuesday on Many Little Blessings‘ website.