I don't mind....

I have this family, this sweet, wonderful, crazy, kooky family.

I adore them. I cherish each one of them. I don't mind when people ask me why I would want so many children.

I don't mind when they stare and ask me if they're all mine.

I don't mind when they wonder which ones are Jeff's and which ones are mine. (if you're new here, they are all both of ours:)

I don't mind when they say that just their two or one drive them crazy.

I don't mind when people watch us piling out of the Yukon as if it were a clown car.

I don't mind when people ask what my husband does to be able to afford that many children.

I don't mind when people ask how we give them enough attention.

I don't mind when they ask how we will afford college for all of them.

I don't mind when strangers say, "Don't you guys have a T.V.?" "Don't you know what causes that?"

I don't mind when we're a little loud.

I don't mind that we fill a whole row at church.

I don't mind that it's a small fortune to feed us.

I don't mind that we don't go on vacation as often as other people.

I don't mind that I'm never alone.

I don't mind that my attention is on call 24 hours a day.

I don't mind that I have six people to teach, discipline and mold.

I don't mind when surprised strangers compliment us on how well behaved our children are(in public, not always at home:).

I don't mind. In fact, I welcome it. Because I am so glad to have this family of mine. To have them all to hold and love.

I am happy in my role as their mother, as Jeff's wife. I am fulfilled, happy, content, loved and respected.

My only sorrow today is for the families in Newtown, CT. My heart breaks for them.

And I will hold my children tighter, be more gentle, and appreciate them more because of it.