QuiverFul Friday

The term "quiverful" is fairly new to me. I first heard it, oh, maybe 4 years ago. I specifically remember my dh saying "oh, those quiverful-freaks". So if your first impression upon reading the title of this post was, um, less than enthusiastic ~ that's okay. I don't blame you.







Just to set the record straight: our first two children were not "quiverful", meaning they were planned, predicted and decided upon BY US. We calmly decided we wanted to have a baby, got pregnant and there ya go. I didn't go back on birth control, well, 'cause we wanted another baby. We got preggo really fast that time and had our second. It was around this time that I started hearing about those "quiverful-freaks" and wondered what all the commotion was about.





From there on out, it's been a growing process ~ and I doubt we're done yet. I've had four c-sections....only God knows what my fertiility future holds. I've gone through stages of trying to figure it all out, how many more we could end up having, the different options if my uterus shows dangerous signs of "wear-n-tear", etc. It makes my brain hurt. Instead, I'm trying to live my life *today*.



*Today*, I have four beautiful children: Isaac (6yob), Selah (4yog), Talitha (2yog) and Elijah (almost 1yob). So my life is small children, day in and day out, diapers, baths, brushing teeth, wiping faces, and cleaning up all the messes 4 small children produce. It also involved teaching and training these four amazing blessings how to be a part of our family: i.e. chores! Yes, my 2yo does chores.


Luckily, it also involved reading books, smiling faces, toddler made-up songs, cuddling on the couch, swiping bites of food as we cook together, and holding hands. I am so awed by each of these gifts the Lord has given us....


Yet in reality, it's hard. There are days I cry. There are days I cry out to God in frustration, anger and despair. Yet if I had it all together, would I really be crying out to God at all??




Anyway.....QuiverFul Fridays will be about some of the more practical aspects of having a larger family (if you consider 6 a large family - we don't, but by American-standards and the looks we get at the store, some people do). Yes, we do things differently than a family of three or four. Our children won't have the typical "American" upbringing ~ and that couldn't make me happier!!



So here's to all those Quiverful Freaks!!
(Sorry honey, but it looks like we've joined the freaks......)
*Michigan Momma*

p.s. my dh just wants me to clarify that he meant the term "quiverful freaks" as a term of endearment (?)- he doesn't want everyone to think he's a big ol' jerk (he's totally not). The idea was just totally new to us, that's all. Just to clarify....