When my twins were born, I became the mother of five children ages five and under. I could have charged admission to the circus that was my life. Every day events like going to the grocery store drew attention. I couldn’t pick up bananas without being accosted by elderly women who hadn’t seen anything interesting on Oprah that day. They considered it their civic duty to find out what kind of crazy person would venture down the produce aisle with two carts and five children in tow.
Over the years, I’ve gotten pretty good at answering the questions. In fact, I’ve heard the same ones so often, I thought I could just make a T-shirt to summarize everything anyone might want to know. It would read something like this:
1) Yes, they’re all mine.
2) 9, 7, 5, and 3.
3) Girl, boy, girl, boy, boy.
4) Yes, I’m sure they’re twins. I was there.
5) They’re not identical?! Gosh, I can see why you’re disappointed about that.
6) Nope, their names don’t rhyme.
7) I can’t tell you if they have a secret language because then it wouldn’t be a secret.
8) Yes, we’ve figured out how I keep getting pregnant.
9) I’m not sure, but if we do decide to have more, you’ll be the first to know.
10) I think they’re crying because we’re no longer moving.
11) Yes, I’d love to hear a lengthy story about someone you know who is/has/married/or went to school with a twin. That’s why I came to the grocery store.
It’s kind of awkward to end with eleven answers. People expect nice, round numbers, especially on T-shirts. So if I could, I’d answer one more question, the question no one ever really asks. I hear it, though, in whispers as I walk by, or in the tone some people take when they ask me if all these children are mine, or in the way some exclaim, “I’m glad it’s you and not me!”
What they really want to know is, “Don’t you wish you didn’t have so many children?” or perhaps, “Don’t you wish you had a more exciting life?”
So in answer to the questions no one asks, here it is:
12) Yes, I’m busy. Sometimes I’m very tired. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Above all, I am a woman who has been greatly blessed. I find great joy in using words to capture the blessings of the everyday, to savor the sweetness of the simple things, and to preserve the beauty of a life with my Five in Tow. Thank you for joining me on the journey.
WAIT! There’s more. Check it out my on-going list, 100 Things About Me, starting here.
HOOYAH! Oh wait, it’s HOOAH! For you Army folks.
Whenever I feel like I’ve won or am winning an uphill battle, I shout the Navy’s battle cry to remind myself that I am a woman, and I am awesome just the way I am. So that’s your 13th shirt. LOL! HOOAH!
That’s right!
oh my!!! i thought i’d would never hear of someone in the exact situation as mine. i also have 5 children and the youngest being a set of identical twin boys. my oldest was 5 when i had them. so 5 five and under. my twins are now 8 months old and my oldest is 6. i have girl, boy, girl, and boy twins. i also have started to blog about my family. Gods greatest gifts is my blogs name. i had just posted a blog about my 5 top questions asked about my twins/family a few weeks before i read this. so great to find someone that can relate. God bless you with your blessings.
So have you had your shirt made yet?
No! But I think it’s time.
The bit about twins reminded me of this very amusing video a friend just shared on Facebook: http://youtu.be/tT-lgB_HGEE
Oh my goodness, that is spot-on! Thanks for the great laugh.
You must be a saint.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Oh, stop! I’m crying!
Oh I would buy that shirt if you made one. Except no twins here.
Mine are 9, 7, 5, 4, 2, and 1.
2 boys, then 4 girls. And I remember people expecting me to be done after # 3 because I “finally got my boy.”
Just found this blog by the way!
I’ll be back! We have a lot in common!
“Wow, you have your hands full!” That’s another thing people always say to me so I thought you’d appreciate that. Haha! If I ever make a t-shirt, I’ll send you one too.
In the mean time, I am going to go check out your blog. *runs away to check out another great site*
Thanks for your encouragement in the adventure of momhood!
I recently adopted this answer (from Loving the Little Years) when people comment to me that my hands are full: “yes! Full of good things!”
It helps me to say & I think is good for them to hear.
Love that! I usually say, “Yes, I’m blessed!” so that they don’t say something like, “I’m glad it’s you and not me!” in front of my kids. I don’t EVER want my kids to wonder if I wished things had been different.
I’m glad I read your reply, something really good for me to keep in mind for my children. I never want them to think I wish they’d never been. I am truly thankful for all five of them. ALL GIRLS! 6, 5, 4 in a couple weeks, 2 at the end of January and our newborn of two weeks.
@ Christa, I have 4 boys , 7,4,3 and 3 months. I hear that all the time when we are out ” You have your hands full”. I have started saying, ” Well you should see my heart!” It makes them think, if just for a second. It is hard work being a mom these days, people just dont think before they say things, So I give you credit for trying to be kind, when sometimes it is really hard. God Bless you and your family.
That is SUCH a great answer — “you should see my heart.” I have three boys, 3, 2, and 7 months. I usually answer with “full of good things,” but yours is a fantastic response.
Our third child was just born 2 days ago, giving us 3 kids under 2 1/2 years old:) People keep saying we’ll be busy, and we know that some of them think we are crazy, but we know we are so blessed and wouldn’t trade it for anything! And we know that God will give us grace to handle however many children He decides to bless us with (and we are letting Him decide:)
I haven’t read much on your blog yet, but I’ve been encouraged by the little I have read! Thank you!!
By the way, I like t-shirt quote #8;)!!!
Thank you for your honesty and humor. It is delightful and encouraging. I laughed for a day after finding out we were going to be blessed (yes, I can now say blessed although until they were born I was skeptical) with twins. Our two year old just wondered if he left his truck in the dr’s office. Three under 3 wasn’t our plan, but it was His. I’m so glad God provides the strength and power, now if I could just remember to use it.
#5…. boy/girl, yeah they’re not identical.
I love your # 12. Maybe I should get a t-shirt with that on it to wear to the grocery store. It will answer everyone’s unasked questions when I go to the store with my four (ages 8, 4, and 1 year old twins).
I must admit that #10 and 11 really made me laugh. I have three kids and the most frequent comment I get is “you have your hands full!” and recently I’ve been replying, “yes, full of blessings.”
Thanks for the laugh.
My husband and I love your twelve sayings for your t-shirt! We both laughed! We have 3 — 3, 2, and nine months and we are all ready getting the comments– but we too can thankfully say that they are very much our blessings!! I just started reading your blog and really enjoyed your article about time. He does give grace and strength and just the right amount of time for all that He has for us!
I look forward to reading more of your articles…
Thank you for that and “counting the hours”. My husband and I are expecting our third in July. Girl, Boy, Girl. Our oldest is five soon. Even though ours are pretty well spread out I still get very inconsiderate comments. So I appreciate your humor very much. You seem to be nicer than me, because I want to say things like, “No, I don’t know what causes this, could you tell me? We’ve been wondering”
Also thanks for reminding me to slow down, I seem to get overwhelmed a lot lately. Especially with what I haven’t done or what needs to be done. God has blessed me immensely and I need to remember that! 
Thanks for the reminder.
I’m not ALWAYS so nice. I once told a nosy woman that the reason my twins didn’t look alike is because they have different fathers.
Completely untrue, of course, but it worked like a verbal taser and allowed me to make my get-away.
HAHAHAHAHAHA! I laughed out loud when I read this… love it. Sometimes we just can’t resist.
My favorite is when people tell me I “must be busy!” and I always want to say “oh, you aren’t?” because really, who doesn’t consider themselves busy these days? So I usually just say, “I sure am, there’s nothing better to be busy with. We are so blessed!”
Well, off to tidy one more room before nap time comes to an abrupt halt… thanks again for the laugh!
Sometimes we all need to use verbal tasers when people can’t shush their inquisitive-ness.
You have beautiful children and I’m pretty sure they’re lucky to have a mother with such an amazing sense of humour.
Thank you–I hope they find my humor a blessing and not a curse. The trouble is, their father is even crazier than me, so they have no hope!
From my experience, the crazier the better
You are the goddess of wit, charm, and verbal muscularity. Rock on, sister.
You’re my favorite, Laura.
Hi, I’m a mom to 4 (including 3yo boy and girl twins) ages 5 and under and #5 coming in 3 wks! Oh.my.word, I can sooo identify with your list. I don’t usually take all of mine into the store. I’m just not that brave. Usually I only take 2 inside along with my swollen belly and leave the others in a car with a friend. However, I still get the looks and comments. I can only imagine what ppl would think if I had all 5 in tow! I just read your post about counting the hours. Sooo very good. I can’t wait to read more. I’m having the hardest time with my 3yos in the discipline area. I must trust that God will give me grace for the moment to train them. Now I’m off to read more of your posts and look for the answer to getting them trained before the new baby comes *insert sheepish grin*!!
You are a wonderful writer. I needed the laugh tonight
My oldest is six, my youngest 12 months and we are expecting #5 in July. Super excited! When I read your post, it made me want to be the person with 7 kids, although I don’t think we’ll physically make it to seven, but I have stopped counting the hours and soaking up every moment I have with these LOs. I can’t stop making over all their little quirks, movements and achievements, because I know, so soon, everything will be different as they move on and grow up. What a blessed sweet time! You might as well make the t-shirt and some money with it on top of it.
Blessings to you,
Nicola
Hmm, I think sometimes people misread the “looks”. I look at larger families with admiration… and I know I am misread most of the time. I came from a big family (8 kids… 7 girls) and we were always gawked at. Now I do the same thing… only it brings a smile to my face as it brings back memories from growing up. I’m just trying to say, not all looks are negative. God bless!
You are EXACTLY right. And you know what else? I stop moms with twins to ask them about their babies all the time!
I really have enjoyed your blog! My husband and I laughed as I read your blog on getting pulled over by the policeman. Thanks, we needed that laugh, we’re just at the two children stage, and I needed that encouragement that it does get easier. Maybe I’m the crazy one, but I would love twins, and hope & pray that I get them, lol! I’m looking forward to more of your posts!
Hi,
If you would like to participate visit my post http://onelovedamericangirl.com/2012/03/11/some-questions/ and congratulations!
I have been tagged to answer some questions and in turn must tag other bloggers I find inspiring. That would be you
My daughter has five-in-two, too. She has four boys and one girl. Run down: Boy, girl, boy-boy (identical mirror image twins), boy. She also has a step-daughter.
I have four (grown) kids of my own, all within six years from top to bottom. Twins are a whole nuther ball game.
You would not believe the questions she got when she was expecting #5. Oh wait…. Yes you would.
I am laughing to myself because I think I am going to need to send her a t-shirt.
You are a blessed woman! I think it’s wonderful that you are writing your story for those grandkids. My kids love reading my stories, and I imagine that your children and grandchildren rush to read the stories you compose. It is a gift you are giving them. And us. Your stories are rich and beautiful, and I am now in the uncomfortable position of trying to figure out how to create a blogroll so I can list your site (argh, computer stuff), the first blog I’ve felt COMPELLED to list. Blessings to you!
You are a sweetheart.
One of my grandchildren (I have 12 altogether) is a subscriber. YOu may see her comments from time to time.
I only have two kids so far, a 19 month old and 5 month old and I hear a lot of the comments. I have only been married two years is why we only have two. I think 5 is the perfect number. But I have strangers come up to me and ask me if I’m done having kids now since I have a boy and girl and I only have two! And I’ve had people tell me ” I’m glad I’m not you!” Its amazing to me how nosy people are. I want God to number our family and my kids our 14 months apart and it can get crazy. But I am truly blessed and just ignore the comments. I’m sure I’m only going to hear more the more kids we have. I enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Jessica! It has certainly made me more sensitive to the things I say to other women. I try to be as encouraging as possible. As women and mothers, we should all try to build each other up. It’s hard work, no matter how many kids you have, and we all could use a little extra support! If you’re out with your kids, chances are, you could use a smile and a “great job!” rather than a bunch of questions about how many children you’re planning to have! I’m sure God will bless your family with just the right number. Take care, and thanks for stopping by!
lol the shirt is hilarious. I am the 2nd of 6 kids and people always used to ask my mom “are they all yours”? Most of the time she answered yes, and then one time she answered , well, 2 are, and the other 4 just kind of followed me…not sure who they belong to but they won’t leave me alone. lol
I am expecting my 2nd one in 2 weeks (first is 2) and I have gotten the comment, “Don’t you know what causes that?”! I answered “Why do you think we are having another one?!” lol
You are so much fun – a little bit of perspective goes a long way. i need to share your site with a friend who had triplets, then twins before the triplets were two years old.
Oh my goodness! That is a special kind of five in tow! It’s nice to have you read my blog since we are far away and I can’t give you all a big hug in person. But I think of you all often and am always thrilled to see what God is doing in your lives.
I just found you site, and am thankful it’s there! We have 4, 5 and under, but also run a farm. So I need all the perspective I can get, especially that of a Christian mom! Thanks for being so willing to share in such a humorous way!
How wonderful! I want a farm. I compensate by keeping chickens in the backyard and planting every inch of my yard that I can with fruit and vegetables. But it’s not the same. I’m trying to convince my husband that we need to keep a milking goat in the backyard, but he’s not convinced.
Welcome to the site!
This is too funny because when we moved to Utah we got the opposite reaction from people! Everyone here has huge families and when we moved here we only had one child. Everyone would look at us with a confused look on their face, tilt their head to one side and say “Just the one?” (Even in the grocery store!) And we could always tell they were thinking one of two things: “What’s WRONG with you? At your age you should have at least four by now!” OR they would have a look of extreme pity, assuming that we had difficulty having children. I should have come up with a smart list of responses like yours!
That’s GREAT! How funny. You should make up your own cyber t-shirt. I’d love to hear what you come up with.
I have 6 kids with twin girls #5 & 6 so I know exactly what you mean. When I’m grocery shopping with the two carts and 6 kids and I get asked “Are they all yours?” I reply, “No, I just gather the neighbor kids to go shopping with me!” Love you blog, I can so relate!
I have 6 kids, 13, 10,10, 8, 4, 4 (yes two sets of twins) so I know how you feel when you’re out and about. When I get asked, “Are they all yours?” I simply reply, “No, I just like to gather the neighbor kids to go shopping.” Love your blog, I can so relate!
Two sets of twins! How fun!
Hhahahahahhah
I can’t bellieve people want to tell you stories randomly at the grocery store (eye rolls), unbelieveable.
your blog is great! I’m gonna follow you in hopes that some of your awesome attitude will rub off on me. I’m struggling with two… sigh…
Hang in there. Two really is the hardest! I say that in my Counting the Hours story, and I really mean it. I never, ever thought I’d be the mom of 5. I didn’t think I had the patience for it! Yet here I am. Be encouraged; motherhood is HARD whether you have one or ten. Some days, you just need a cup of coffee with a friend. So brew some up and get cozy. I’m usually here.
Hi, I just came across your blog and yep! the first 2 were the hardest! (They were monsters!!) I have 6 now and I just read those questions and I thought, “How many times I’ve been asked the exact same!” The 12th question I usually get asked is “And are they all yours by the same dad?” I sometimes have to look at the questioner like their mad, My children all look the same and all have their dads eyes and mannerisms, it would be hard to say there someone else’s but still the stupid questions! My eldest is now nearly 13 and youngest 3 and I am now entering the new learning process of teenagers! (Its interesting and demanding and opens a whole other door on parenting!) Good luck to you and your family and I will continue to drop by and read about it.
Hugs to you and take care.x.
I’ve had that question before too! Blessings to you with your crew, especially as you enter the teen years. I think teenagers are wonderful (of course, I don’t live with any!), and the fun is just beginning!
Just found your blog and love it, great writing. I don’t have 5 kids, but I have 3 my B/G twins were born when my oldest was just 16 months, and I hear you about the comments people.
I would get a shirt with:
1) Yes, they’re all mine.
4) Yes, I’m sure they’re twins. I was there. (my favourite is when they ask again “are you sure) even after I have answered them)
5) They’re not identical?! Gosh, I can see why you’re disappointed about that. (in my case my twins are boy/girl so NO they are not identical, think about it people……….)
7) I can’t tell you if they have a secret language because then it wouldn’t be a secret. (well said……)
9) I’m not sure, but if we do decide to have more, you’ll be the first to know. (I always wonder why they think it is any of their business, but then again it seems like once you have twins nothing is your own business anymore)
10) I think they’re crying because we’re no longer moving. (this one is my favourite…..thank you I know they are crying)
11) Yes, I’d love to hear a lengthy story about someone you know who is/has/married/or went to school with a twin. That’s why I came to the grocery store. (or I just love it when the 16 year old cashier or the 20 year old waitress needs to tell me how they are going to have twins when they start having kids,,,,,good luck with that)
I would also add one more to my list:
12) “Are they natural or did you use fertility treatments?” Seriously? Unless you really want me to stand here and go over the past 10 years with you about our struggle with infertility then don’t ask!!!!!
As a mama of 6…with one set of twins (fraternal! Both girls.Look nothing alike)…I really,really appreciate this
You’ve been there, huh? If I ever see you in the store, I’ll ask you how you got your twins.
You have a circus, I have a zoo! So nice to meet you, and btw, I get those snickers too… Even though I adopted half of my crew, they’re still all mine and I wouldn’t trade the chaos for anything else…
Amen to that!
This made me laugh so much…. love your blog
Thank you, Kate!
Good list, reminds me of my brother’s life — he and his wife had six kids, and she’d be married before with two then. So, girl, girl, gap of four or five years, boy, twins (boy/girl), twins (boy/boy), boy. The last six were all within 4 years of each other, so she had 5 under age of 3 at one point. And then they had another one.
The answer to the Q’n he would have had for the top of his T-shirt would have been, “Yes, we had a private room in the hospital after her delivery”. (nudge, nudge, wink, wink).
She had eight kids before she was 30. Not sure if the insanity came before, or after, but they did figure out what was causing it too.
Thanks for the morning giggle today from your list and the ways to get a toddler to eat…
Oh. My. Goodness. That’s one wild ride! That woman needs two Mother’s Days every year. At least!
I have 5 children as well. Not quite as close together in age as yours but a challenge none the less. They are currently 22, 19, 18, 15 and 9, so my babies are getting all grown up. But I must say being a grandmother is even better!
I think that your 13th point on your t shirt should read:
13. Yes my children are glad its me and not you too!
He he he
I LOVE that! I might have to steal it.
Yes, I know most of those Questions/Answers too, I have 5 too, 9, just 8, 4, 2 and 1! boy, boy, girl, boy, girl!
It’s a lot of fun, isn’t it?
Love this.. Particulary #11.. I have 10mth old twin girls (identical) and people always ask me if they are a girl and a boy (despite them both wearing pink sweatshirts!!) lol. Loving every second…
Congratulations! It’s so much fun, and probably getting easier every day as they get a little older. Enjoy it!
In a few days I am due to have twins and I will then be a young mother of 4 under 4years……I will be reading your blog and looking for all the help I can find. Thankx for sharing all the stories
Wow! Congratulations! It’s hard to wait out those final days when you feel like you can’t possibly get any bigger and you don’t know how you’ll get to the doctor’s office for an appointment because none of your maternity clothes fit any more. It’s a wonderful, crazy time. I will be praying for a safe and healthy delivery for you and those babies!
I love your writing! And if I bumped into you in produce I wouldn’t ask nosy questions- but might ask to borrow some kids, as I want more!!
That’s funny! Depending on the day, I might let you have some.
I’m with you on that one! I’d love more, but pregnancy and I don’t get along. I am the poster-child for hyperemesis gravidum! I am praising God that I got through the 4th and final pregnancy with all healthy babies.
It’s amazing that any of survive pregnancy, isn’t it? My first was breech, and both twins were breech. I could very well have died if I had lived a hundred years ago. But, God is good! I’m thankful to say that I made it through, and I’ve got the scars to prove it.
Got here by accident and definitely staying
I’ve “only” got three kids, a boy and twin girls, but have heard the very same questions a lot 
But what always amazes is me that there are people who say “I feel sorry for you” right to my face. I pretty much answer with your number 12 
All the best for your wonderful family – Joanna from Poland
Thank you, Joanna! All the best to you as well!
Your reply list…is AWESOME. You go, girl!
I nominated you for the WordPress Versatile Blogger Award!
http://greenboxgarden.wordpress.com/versatile-blogger-award/
Still laughing in such a wonderful way!!! My wonderful sister in law forwarded me this after an Easter weekend conversation since she has heard me say many of these things! We have 6 year old twins, a 4 year old and 2 year old……love this! And thanks for putting at the end “Yes, I’m busy. Sometimes I’m very tired. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Love…….
We also have 5 children, twins (4 & 5) and being all girls we also get those questions but I am now perfecting the responses back.
Q1: 5 girls, what does your husband think?
Answer: Why, does it matter?
Q2: Do you have a boy dog?
Answer: How does that help?
Q3: What car do you drive?
Answer: A mini, I get the kids to walk!
Also, one of our 19month twins has shorter hair than the other one so people often ask if I have a boy and girl, to which I reply “Which one in hot pink do you think is a boy?”
I have 7 children. One question I get is, “Do they all have the same father?” Nice. I also got asked if I ran a day care when they were all really young. I get asked what my husband does for a living as well by people who ask how we can afford so many kids. And the comment, “You sure have your hands full!” I’d always say, “Better full than empty.” Especially true now that I lost baby #8 last month at 20wks pregnant. What I wouldn’t give to have my hands full!
Oh my, this just breaks my heart. I’m so grieved for you and your family at the loss of your little one. Was your baby a boy or girl? What was his/her name? I am sure you were very blessed to have that sweet baby in your life, even for so short a time.
I just found your blog
I am a mom to 5 – all girls (13, 8, 7, 4, 7mo) and dh and I have talked so many times about making a Tshirt 
Trudy – we get those same questions, plus the still trying for a boy.
My Favorite come back to the you are busy, hands full, what is your house like question is, “Our house is full of shoes and drama”
Can’t wait to hear more of your life!
That is very true! Yours are much more spread out than mine, which must be kind of nice. I’m sure your older kids LOVE that baby!
Kristen, In moving hearts, you move mountains. Another honest, edifying, and moving post.
Thank you, Laura. I appreciate you!
I love your blog! I am a mother to four and I had to laugh hard reading some of your comments. They are the same for me-directly out of my mouth at times! Thank you for a wonderful blog!
Welcome! I’m glad you found your way here.
I have 7 children, all grown now. I enjoy them as much now as i did when they were little. My oldest was 9 when my youngest was born, so that was a challenge also. We have a dairy farm, so the kids all grew up doing chores, which gave them all wonderful work ethics. Your momma was my best friend in high school, and you have been to our farm once. Keep up the wonderful writings!
How did I miss this one!!! I love the whole t-shirt idea – and aren’t you amazed at the boldness of some people! I wonder how they’d react if someone asked them the same questions?
I know! There’s something about pregnant women and moms with lots of kids that makes people think they’re public property. It takes a village, you know.
Kirsten, my mum had 9 kids. We would encounter similar stares and remarks by passersby on the street, and my mum just silently took it all in. She was too busy to bother! Handknitting, handsewing – even toys for the kids, helping with the school fundraising activities, getting a meal on the table, school fees, school books … busy and blessed mum!
Cracking up…this is awesome…we are pretty much “odd” too.
Mine don’t look anything alike (girl, girl, girl) and I have been asked more than once if my husband is the father to all of them…… Really? (1) Is it any business of yours, perfect stranger and (2) not that you are asking, but have you ever heard of adoption? Many blessings to you on your adventure!
At the flu clinic two weeks ago the nurse asked, “Are these all yours?” in that tone we know so well.
Without looking up from the ridiculous amount of papers I was being forced to fill out I replied, “No, the other five are at home.”
I did not maintain the lie… and she deemed me a “funny mom” who must survive by my sense of humor (actually, it is chocolate).
Later my 12 year old son said, “Mom, I was ready to go along with it. That was so funny. You made her stop and stare.”
Now – HE made my day.
Just followed a link from a friend’s blog. Hope to be back!
I want in on that shirt! I have a 2 and 1 yr. old with another on the way. Girl, boy and another girl. People call me crazy and brave but like you, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Hi, I just found your blog and I’ve had fun poking around. We’re thinking about adding to our family but I have one question. What do you drive? We have a mini van and I’m wondering how I could fit 5 kids all in car seats in our van. Do you have any tips?
We have a minivan and can (just barely) fit three in the back seat. We had to find just the right car seats to fit, but now my oldest is big enough to sit in the middle of the backseat without a car seat, so that is nice! It’s still pretty cozy so it’s a good thing she’s skinny.
Some vans are a little wider than others, and some have eight seats, but if I had the choice to buy another vehicle, a ten-passenger van sure would be nice. I know the gas mileage is terrible, but there have been so many times when I wish we could take extra kids with us, or grandparents, etc. I hope that helps! Blessings on your family!
Just found your site because I was actually looking for tips on how to cultivate quiet time for toddlers. Right now I only have two children (2 1/2 and 10months). My toddler is outgrowing naptime sort of and I was wondering if you have an tips or good books on quiet time. Thanks. PS I love your site!
I LOVE your blog!!! I love your honesty and your humor and your obvious love of the Lord.
I only have two (and the oldest just turned two) and I hear the comment “wow you’ve got your hands full” ALL the time. My typical response “Yep, I’m double blessed!!” 
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I will be back to read more!! P.S. If you live around the LA area and would be amenable to speaking to my MOPS group…. we’d love to have you!!
Thanks for reading, Emilee! I would love to come to your MOPS group, especially in January or February! That’s a little joke because I’m not in CA–I’m near Seattle. Rats! I love speaking at MOPS groups.
Love these:) I’m going to remember that “full of blessings” response b/c I hear “whoo, you’ve got your hands full” almost everytime I go out (we’ll have 3- 4 and under come March). Also, I heard a mom of 7 say that when someone says something hinting at her not knowing how she gets pregnant, her response is “Yes we know how it happens, and we like it!”
Oh, that’s funny! I bet she doesn’t get many follow-up questions.
I love all those comments! We have 5 boys, aged 9 and younger. I’ve had the strangest comments as well, including one lady who looked at me very perplexed, and said ‘so were you trying for a girl?’ I just told her that trying for a girl is a really dumb reason to have a baby (as if it were totally in our control anyway!). Congratulations – we’re so blessed (even if it’s hard trying to explain it to people in the check out line as my blessings won’t stop pushing the button so all the bread is being squished at the end of all my groceries!)
Oh, Kristen, we are going to be friends. I can feel it. I just read this post and starting hooting out loud and crying with laughter at #10, especially. Good GRIEF, people! Does it never occur to you that having strangers halting our basket so they can lean into my children’s faces and ask them why they’re crying will never, ever be a helpful thing??
I had one of those classic, all-five-kids (including the twins) moment at Brookshire’s the other day, and I came home saying I was going to make a t-shirt. I had to! Or I was going to end up committing a homicide right there beside the green beans (because, really, if you’re going to kill somebody, it should at least be somewhere exciting like by the toaster strudel or something).
So glad I stumbled on your blog. Very few things make me happier than finding blogs where I really feel that I must keep pressing “older post” again because it just keeps getting better.
Well, done, sister! (P.S. The last time I wrote such a gushy comment was about a year ago on the blog of a woman who is currently one of the 5 blogs I actually take the time to read every day; yours is going to be #6).
Nice to meet you, Abby! I’m so glad you found me so I know I’m not the only crazy one on the face of the planet.
Your comment made me laugh. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Just found your blog, and I’m going to enjoy it, I know!I am currently expecting my seventh – due in 2 months, and my oldest is only 6 1/2. No twins. 6,5,4,3,2,1….I get my share of “looks”! But, I wouldn’t have it any other way! My kids are each other’s best friends, and, we are trying to raise them to the best of our ability, to be mighty warriors of faith. While I have gotten rude comments, and strange looks, I have also seen people marvel. I have had an old man in the grocery store put his hand on my shoulder and say, “God bless you” with tears in his eyes. I have seen countless women look at me with regret because of the children they admittedly chose not to have. We have had our meals annonymously paid for in restaurants by people who’s names we’ll never know….. God uses our family more and more with each little blessing He adds to it!
I love hearing the stories of how other people embrace large families and support moms instead of criticizing or asking rude (or even offensive) questions in front of the kids. I’m so glad you’ve been on the receiving end of that kind of love!
Oh my gosh! This is hilarious and true! I am a mother of 3 (5 & 18 month BB Twins) So funny how these same lines are everywhere! I just came across your blog on facebook from a friend that share the how to get your kids to eat everything! Also freaking hilarious! and totally true. Oh….when people as us if they are twins, We (because they are not identical) say one is my husbands and one is my boyfriends. Stops them DEAD in their tracks.
Imagine you had $1.00 for every stupid or repetative question you received. Can you say RICH RICH RICH!!!??? 
Anyways I am at Robynslittlenest.com – stop on by!
Happy to stumble across your blog. You are an amazing person.. Looking forward to reading more about your journey
Thank you for stopping by!
Found your blog from a facebook link of a friend. Your writing is delightful! I just wanted to say that people are just rude so it really doesn’t matter how many kids you have. I have 1…just my precious son and people are so tacky. I get a lot of “don’t you want more?” or “have you thought about trying for a girl?”. Some person asked my child “wouldn’t you like it if mommy had a baby?”. Or the worst one ever was “don’t you think he’s lonely all by himself?” So you see it really doesn’t matter if you have 1 or 10. I just usually respond “we have tried for several years and it just didn’t work out yet”. Anyways, more power to you!
You can’t win, can you! I’ve heard those comments to moms of one and it always makes me cringe. Or to the moms who only have one gender: “Don’t you WANT a boy/girl?!!!” As if it’s something you can control! Well, blessings on your ONE!!! I bet he’s just perfect.
What?!?! There are so many women with 5 kids 5 and under! I thought I was the only one! I have 5 boys, ages 5, 4, 2 and identical twin 8 month olds. I honestly can’t go anywhere without stopping every 6 feet to answer questions and listen to twin stories. The t shirt idea is great! I ‘ve considered a hand-out for everyone who stops me, like a business card but with the answers to the top 5 most faq’s. Mine would have to include, ” No, we weren’t disappointed that the twins were boys, we were just praying for healthy babies….”
Hi Kristen,
Sarah I. mentioned I would like your blog. She’s right.
I can relate to you in two ways: I have five children, and I’m an identical twin. Just wait till someone asks your boys, “What’s it like, being a twin?” Uh, I don’t know – what’s it like NOT being a twin? 
Anyway, just thought I’d pop in to say hi! Looking forward to reading more.
Welcome, Paula! Thanks for stopping by. Sarah is such a dear! I love having twins. Your mom was so blessed!
I have 6 under 8 – no twins. As I was reading through the comments, I just thought how it’s funny that everyone seems to be asked the same few questions. Even my children notice. “Mom, why did they ask us that AGAIN?” “Mom, those people are counting us…”
Many of the older people that stop us want to tell me how sweet our family is and how they grew up in a big family and how you don’t see that anymore, etc. I DO appreciate those comments.
Hi! I’ve awarded you the Beautiful Mama Blog Award… Check out my latest post to read more!