So many people have told me I should write a book. I'm not quite arrogant enough to think that these stories are worthy of that sort of permanence...but for everyone who accosts me at work, at school, and out there in the world for stories, come and get 'em here! I get sick of telling the same stories over and over, just for your entertainment.
Yes, I have 7 kids. Yes, I have a job. So does my Dear Husband (DH). No, we aren't on welfare or AFDC or whatever it's called these days. No, we aren't weird religious freaks who think we should procreate 'til we can't procreate no more. No, I don't want a reality show or any free shit. Yes, I am a full-time student. And yes, it is possible! So many folks give me the "I don't know how you do it," line. Well, I don't know what it is these people think I am doing, but I can pretty much assure you that I'm not doing much more than laundry and cooking for mass consumption.
So, yes, I have a brood. Sometimes things get out of hand. Sometimes (ok, most of the time) our house is a disaster area. I have definitely seen worse, though, in places where only two people live. Sometimes I yell. Sometimes I drink. Sometimes (a lot of times) I curse like a sailor. But everyone is fed and clothed and they ALL know that they are loved. Maybe I can't buy them each a XBOX360 and we don't make a habit of jetting off to Disney World every year, but for the most part, they are happy kids.
More importantly, they are well-behaved kids. In fact, I often get complemented on their behavior in places that have to dread seeing a family of 9 walk through the door. (Wal-mart. the grocery store, etc.) I chalk this up to fear. They all fear me just enough to want to behave. They know I mean business. I will not hesitate to FOLLOW THROUGH with any and all threats that I make. But the fact of the matter is that it only takes one kid left on the side of the road (ala "do not make me stop this car") for the other ones to learn. So, yes. I may seem like a harsh mom. I am definitely NOT my children's friend. That is not what parents are for. They are here to teach children how to become good adults, good parents, and more importantly good people.
If anyone wants to challenge this idea, they just need to take a look at their own kids' behavior. Being "buddies" gets you absolutely nowhere. Except eventually at the jailhouse, bailing out some kid who didn't know how to act.
