UPS just arrived. The notes that they left said they couldn't leave my package because it required a signature, but the UPS guy just ran off after giving me my package and said he didn't need a signature. Oh, well at least the gift I bought is here now and I can shower and do errands before dinner.

My mom is one of 11 (including two sets of twins) and my dad one of eight or so. Both grew up on dairy farms. As has been said, huge farming families was the norm back then.

My dad was the youngest of his siblings. Apparently he got a fair amount of pressure from his dad to take over the family farm, as no one else wanted to.

THanks, Susan. I guess I was more curious about the not-married men/boys (because of the comment about the older girls taking care of the younger children). I am curious also to be a fly on the wall at homeschooling to see if there's a difference between genders.

But not so curious that I'm going to look it up, myself. I may go donate to another woman at Kiva, though.

It's funny, there doesn't seem to be half so much focus on the unmarried men, possibly because the expectations for them aren't so far out of the cultural mainstream. There seems to be a general sense that men should marry and establish families as soon as they're in a position to support them, so they can provided some nice Christian girl with the fulfillment of marriage and start siring the next generation of culture warriors, but that's about it.

I guess I have to say that I am confused by so many kids. But I am astonished by the power of organization that must run that household. Though I have to say I am more likely to admire vw's dad's cousin. If you have room in your heart for 17 kids, find a few that need a home.(and no they don't have to be special needs kids, that is a whole 'nother issue).

and yes, the quiverful movement scares me.

So I don't post as much when I work... I am always sending the ma~~~ , happy birthdays, congratulations, etc, out. today -- a little special bit for all that fell neglected and in need , or just like dancing

::blows kisses ::

that men should marry and establish families as soon as they're in a position to support them

Which is at least a relief from the way it is in Utah with the Mormons, who believe young men should get married as soon as their done with their missions--at around age 19-21--and then trust that they'll be able to support their families as they grow.

So, being sick this week, I have a new addiction--Charmed.

I just read parts of some of those blogs. The oddest thing is the mix of sensible and then that added twist. For example, it is very sensible to talk to you kids about what you are doing - like if you are making soup yo talk about chopping the veggies, heating the oil sauting the veggies - adding liquid --- they learn about cooking, they learn about process. I never thought about teaching multi tasking, but it makes sense. But I think the boys need to learn this too. and the thought that an 8 yr old can do a large number of chores on there own and even 'run a household seem a bit twisted to me.

[link]

this talks about boyhood work- but sadly(?) the entire post seems isn't there - but girls start work at two - boy - six?

Happy Birthday, Deena!

Bev, glad to hear it was nothing.