Why the name? And other random questions...

Just some insight into our family :)

First, why Nineandcounting?  It all began with AIM.  Does anyone remember Instant Messaging? That was in the days before Facebook.  Anyway, we had six children at that time.  My "nickname" was NCMomof6.  After announcing that we were expecting, I was instant messaging with my mom, and she commented that I would now have to change my nickname.   Hmm...since I didn't want to change my name every time we had a child, and since I didn't know just how many children the Lord had in store for us, I decided that we were a family of nine.  And counting. So that became my nickname there, as well as on ebay, and other websites. 

And now for that list of FAQ that and family with more than 2.5 children seems to have encountered...

What does your husband do for a living?

Well, my husband is a hard working diesel mechanic, and a very good one!  He's been doing that for 29 years now.

Oh my goodness, 11 kids! You must love being pregnant, right?

To be honest, I enjoy the end result much more.  I suffer with gestational diabetes, and therefore must stick my finger at least 4 times a day, plus stab a needle into my side twice a day to push insulin into me to help the baby.  I have varicose veins, which cause swelling and pain in my leg, and I suffer with sleeplessness and leg cramps.  Not exactly all fun...

My goodness, 11 kids, you must be a saint. How do you do it?

My children would be happy to attest that I am not.  And I do it one at a time, with God's grace and wisdom.  One would do well to realize that I didn't have all 11 at once - it isn't like I have 11 little toddlers running around...

Do you run a daycare?

No.  Maybe I should.  I'm experienced.  And could certainly use the money.

Are you crazy?

I'm sorry, what did you say?  I couldn't hear you for the voices in my head...


Have you figured out what causes that?

Yes! And I'd say that we've pretty much perfected it.

How many kids do you want?

All of them.

Are you from a large family?

Yes.  I have a brother.

Are you going to have any more?

Not in the next few months.

What do you drive?

A 15-passenger van.

You must have a big house?

Actually, thanks to God, we do.  But until six years ago, we lived with seven children in a single-wide, three bedroom mobile home.  We were a very close family ;)

Are you Catholic?

Nope.  Baptist.

Are those all YOUR kids?

Actually, they're God's children, but he has graciously loaned them to me.  I'm certain it's because I haven't gotten it right yet, and He is the God of the second (and third, and fourth, etc.) chance.

My favorite, of course, How DO you get them to behave so well?   

I would tell you, but you would roll your eyes, and tell me that you tried that and it didn't work for you :)

You've sure got your hands full!

Indeed I do, as well as my lap, and most of all my heart :)

Have a great evening!