Where I spent my coming-of-age years, we had large Catholic and Mormon communities, so if a family had more than 4 kids, most people automatically would ask “Catholic of Mormon” because, to us, only religious zealots (fruitful and multiply!!!!!), or those forbidden by their faith to use contraceptives would have so many kids.

I think that, in this modern age of technology and readily-accessed information, people tend to view religion as nothing more than an outdated superstition (like how no one believes in leprechauns or feathered serpents, anymore) and equate faith with ignorance.

So when they see something like large families, which tend to be associated with religion, they jump to the (rather uncomplimentary) conclusion that you are an ignorant savage who believes in the supernatural.

Rather ethnocentric of the “enlightened” parties, really.

Being one of a set of twins, we did get a lot of comments and questions, but nothing related to religion or anything.

PS: My sister and I were home schooled, but it was because the local schools were just dreadful! What are your reasons? …I suppose I could just comb through your blog, but dialog is more fun.

PPS: Whenever people would comment about our mom having her hands full with a set of twins (which was an accurate statement!), she would often say that it meant she’s have more pack mules to carry groceries/do yard work/do the dishes, etc, in the future. Give that a whirl.

What a wonderful idea. I have been needing something like this but my sewing machine is broken. This seems like it wouldn’t be too much of a chore to sew by hand.

We have a little over an acre and we’ve started homesteading. I had a hard time saying that our property was a “farm”, but as we move forward it really is looking more like a farm!

I hope you’ll reconsider closing up shop, its a very good service that you provide.