My dad is a freakin’ hoot. He needs to be a writer. He’s still young … he can totally break in to a writing career. He wins humorous caption contests at The Kansas City Star. He writes a funny Fishing Report after the twice-yearly family fishing trips.
He and Mom only had one kid, so I’m surprised he’s become one of my biggest champions in my quest for a large family. When I told him some of the comments I get in public and about some of the snotty looks (as if I’m not ENTITLED to have so many kids), he came up with some zingers. I’m not one of those people who will say, when told “you’ve got your hands full”, something like “yes, and my heart is also full.” I like to say something funny but not rude that will make them think about what came out of THEIR mouth and help them to see me as a real person and not just a Walking Baby Oven who is too lazy to take her kids to school each day.
I recently took my kids plus 3 of their friends to an indoor playplace, for a total of 7 “truant” kids. Dad said the next time I do something like that I should say things like this to those who stare or make rude comments:
-- This is just my FIRST seven kids.
-- These are my grandchildren (I’m only 37 and often look 12).
-- These are my brothers and sisters.
-- My hands are full but my wallet is empty. Can you spare a five?
-- My husband and I can’t figure out where they’re all coming from!
I keep reminding myself to grab someone by the shoulders next time they ask me about my kids and look them in the eyes all crazed and ask "do you see them, too?"
ReplyDeleteWow, I don't know why people are so rude. I've always thought having a big family would be awesome.
ReplyDeleteI love "that lady with 6 daughters" idea! lol
ReplyDeleteI only have 4 and still get those comments but my friend who has two little one, is in her thirties but looks about 17 gets "advice" wherever she goes...I can't believe the nerve of some people!
Your dad has some pretty good ideas
Breeze
Kerrie:
ReplyDeleteI am so with you. I don't know if I ever told you but I once met a woman at the grocery and she had four kids in her cart and she looked frazzled and other women were giving her "the look". I walked over and told her that children are gifts from God and her family was just beautiful and she busted out crying. I ended up helping her finish her shopping and we just had the nicest visit. I told her I only had three before God cut me off but I was so blessed that the three had seven and the seven have six so far and God continues to bless my life with babies to hold.
The Raggedy Girl
I love the last one.
ReplyDeletehaha yes your dad is a very funny man. I commend people with large families. I think they are great, more love to go around. I hope to someday have one myself. Don't let the haters get you down, they are just jealous of your beautiful family :)
ReplyDeleteI love them all but the last is my favorite. I busted out laughing at 6 daughters post and got teary-eyed at Raggedy-girls. Thanks for giggles, girls;)
ReplyDeleteWhat! No comments from Paul?
ReplyDeleteWhere have you been boy?
Hey Kerrie, I left a little award for you on my blog.
ReplyDeleteLarge families are on the rise and a good thing, too. Maybe those who seem to be looking at you funny, are just grumpy.
ReplyDeleteHow about, "Thanks for supporting these and my other two with your tax dollars! This pizza is awesome!"
ReplyDeleteI was told I had a large family. You know, with my THREE!
ReplyDeleteRemind me to tell you the comeback I heard about from a lady in a demin jumper... no kidding. I'd post it here but someone's spam blockers might kick in!
Your dad is good! Very funny!
ReplyDelete