tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8559052676669496189.comments2013-09-07T16:56:11.851-05:00Dudes and DiapersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15463507600096739233noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8559052676669496189.post-38045439330431700632012-11-14T08:34:10.094-06:002012-11-14T08:34:10.094-06:00Hey Joe, I was just talking with a homeschool mom ...Hey Joe, I was just talking with a homeschool mom who decided that this year they were not doing gifts, just memories. She said that she was encourage by a family who stopped giving gifts & started giving printed gift cards that said stuff like "mini pedi with mom" or "movie with your 3 best friends" or "bowling with just you, mom, & dad". Since they are low on money, they decided they would have family outings for Christmas like going out together to look at lights, or family game nights, etc. I thought this idea was cool! Thought you would enjoy it too! Amy Whitehttps://www.facebook.com/amy.n.johnson.whitenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8559052676669496189.post-29452976974785391192012-11-03T15:02:46.676-05:002012-11-03T15:02:46.676-05:00My husband is the oldest of 10. We have three and...My husband is the oldest of 10. We have three and hope God blesses us with more. Our society puts so much focus not the "American Dream" and providing this so called "american dream" for our children. Society thinks our kids should have whatever they want. With that we are told to take into consideration what we can provide from our children. So that means if we can't pay for college or a car or have a huge 401k then we shouldn't have any kids because they cost too much money and take away from the things we want in life. Self-centeredness <br /> What I want to provide for my children is love, comfort and hope in Christ not in the "american dream". I want to teach my kids that "things" are not important. People look down on those that have so many children because the mentality is "how will you provide for these children". God has provided above and beyond our needs in our family. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8559052676669496189.post-49742884054177423822012-10-31T08:25:05.202-05:002012-10-31T08:25:05.202-05:00I think that 4 or 5 kids is ideal because then you...I think that 4 or 5 kids is ideal because then you have a larger family where your children have siblings, but all still fit in a minivan. Although, if God chooses for you to have more (for instance you were definitely NOT trying but got pregnant anyway, was told by a doctor you could never possibly have more children due to health, etc.) then I don't think we can/should argue. God knows us best and knows what is best for us.Amy Whitenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8559052676669496189.post-14000817944523824712012-10-29T09:04:31.863-05:002012-10-29T09:04:31.863-05:00I like what you said about your kids being cuter w...I like what you said about your kids being cuter when there are just one or two with you. J and I went shopping on Saturday with just our 2 little boys. We got so many smiles and kind comments, it was unreal. Contrast that with when we take our entire brood out and you wouldn't know they are the same children! I have had some encouraging comments though - I once had a woman come up to me as I was loading up the car after a long trip with all 5 kids, and she was very encouraging and supportive.Lydiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10757769321436298177noreply@blogger.com