J and C and Me

I really do.  Every time TLC shows a new Duggar special I program the Dish to turn it on (you know, so I don’t forget).  I watch John and Kate +8.  One of my favorite movies is Cheaper by the Dozen.

Now I know these movies and shows make light of life with that many kids, but there’s just something to be said for that kind of family.

I watched the newest Duggar special yesterday and once again I’m so in awe of Michelle Duggar.  I mean, she has 17 kids, but is just as calm and laid back as can be.  Yes, her kids do chores.  But as the mom of a 10 year old who is very able to do chores, I know how trying it can be to get him to actually do them correctly.  But she’s got this huge master chart of who is supposed to be doing what and when they are to do it.  And somehow, they make it through the day, and most of the stuff gets done.

I have two kids and there are days that I feel like I’m losing my mind.  But there she is with 17….cool as a cucumber.  Doesn’t raise her voice, just happy as can be.

Do you think we could arrange a trade?  Maybe I’ll travel down there and observe her awesome mothering skills for a week.  And I’ll fix her hair (I love her mothering skills, and totally respect her religious beliefs….but she has a beautiful face.  And her girls all have long, cute hairdos.  And hers is SO outdated.  I would so love to fix her hair).  She’ll share with me some fabulous secret of motherhood, and I’ll come home ready to govern my home with grace.

Chill out family.  While I love the thought of more kids, I will NEVER be pregnant again.  I know I’ve shared with you the misery of pregnancy about 467 times, but don’t get all scared and think I forget how bad it is.  I do not.  I won’t do it again.  In fact, Chris has all of one week left before he meets with a big man about a little snip snip.

I just like the idea of a big family.