Some consider it immoral. I have no opinion. Perhaps that is why I find the issue so hard to talk about. What issue is that? Overpopulation.

I never truly considered that the people I encounter with their sideways glances and short comments considered large families wrong justfor being large until one day while I was at a favorite park (in the heart of downtown Corvallis). In a typical conversation-starting way, a man asked: "...those all your kids?" "Yep..every one."

"I have something you might be interested in." he said, as he began scribbling on a piece of paper.

At first glance, I had an idea what it was. Not long ago my mom had given me this link.

I questioned him weather this was the article about overpopulation. He was embarrassed. Of course he was probably hoping I would discover this in the quiet of my home when he was long gone. Nonetheless, to him it was a moral issue and worthy to bring to my attention. I don't fault him. I just wonder...what does he want me to do about it now?

I will say this again: I have no opinion either way. Obviously, I am not concerned as some people seem to be; neither do I think all families should be large. We love our family and have simply not been convicted (through conviction or scientific evidence) that we are to limit our family size because of this.

I am sure there will be more posts on this subject as things and thoughts come up. May this just be an introduction to the issue. Your thoughts are welcome...so long as they are kind.

I do have some advice for those who are passionate about this: rather than pushing for family limits or criticizing those with large families (who obviously do not see a problem) why not try this. (I know people who have done this and COMPLETELY respect them. These are the people who would truly convince me of something.) Have no children biologically. Adopt. Convince others with similar concerns to do the same. In this way, I will respect you. Please respect me as well.

My children are beautiful. Uniquely beautiful and uniquely loved.

Storm Watch

Cheap fun for Oregonians who aren't used to lightning storms. Our Southern and Midwestern relations are laughing I am sure.

A good lesson as well. It isn't every day in this state that you get to teach your kids about the emergency broadcast system when it is not simply a warning. Unfortunately, the warning was for a tornado. "MOM! you said tornadoes don't happen HERE!!!" Sheesh.

Grocery Shopping

I did a quick run to the grocery store by myself the other day. This always feels weird. I feel, well, normal. Like no one is staring at me or making way for my group.

And then there was yesterday.

Did you know that 5:00 is a very busy time at the grocery store? And apparently that's when the single people coming home from work and the people with only one child go shopping. Not the people with four young kids strategically placed in various positions surrounding the cart.

I felt especially out of place and received an unusual amount of "you've got your hands full" comments.

Now, typically I tend to take a preventative approach with discipline in the stores, but Noah was determined on this ride to grab whatever Oliver had in his hand and throw it overboard (they sit together with their legs crossed over one another in the front seat. There is no illustration for this on the cart and I keep waiting for a nice concerned store clerk to reprimand me).

After repeated attempts to dissuade him, and after a very deliberate "stare and drop," I gave his hand a calm thump. This was followed by an onlooker's abrupt voice asking "Does his mother know you do that?!" What could I say but the truth? "I am his mother."

At least I got a laugh out of the trip. And Noah didn't drop anything else.

Leaving a kid...coming back a bigger kid!

Yesterday I watched as my FIVE YEAR OLD swaggered excitedly around the house. "Is it time to go???" was heard at least every 15 minutes. He offered condolences to his little brother, "Sorry Max...when you're five you can come" and assured his mom that she would be missed.

Jake has been looking forward to this event for at least two years. It has lived in his mind as a mark of a big kid. He has heard stories of his grandpa and his dad taking this very trip and now it is his turn.

When grandpa pulled in, there was a mad rush to strap on his backpack with shouts of "wait! wait!" His fears of being left subsided when we told him that grandpa arrived early.

With some final packing, picture taking and goodbyes, my boy left for his very first backpacking trip. I don't know what they do up there on the mountain, but I know it will stay with Jake for a very long time. There is just something about bathroom shovels and freeze dried food that bonds guys together. May this be the first of many!

Ready to go!

T-Rex

Waiting Patiently

Thanks, Laurie! You made being left behind a little better. Max says as we are having our drinks together, "I bet Jakey doesn't get this! Because I'm two!"

The Things Ya Hear! (Comments to our Conspicuous Family)

"Looks like that one's been playin' in the dust!"

-Man at the blueberry fields

Hmm....