In response to Anonymous

Hi, I’m Tricia.  I am the mother of 9 children.  If that alarms you or you feel that our family size is irresponsible please read on.

We have raised chidren who are honest, hard working, generous and caring.  The have been raised to work hard and contribute.  Unlike many children in this days society, they have not been raised to feel that they deserve everything and know that in life they must work hard to reach their goals.  They know what a hard days work feels like and they also know the pleasure and pride in a job well completed.  They have been raised to respect authority while still knowing the right questions to ask.  They understand the concept of community and the importance of sharing not only their resources but also their kindness.

Why am I telling you all this?  Well, a few days ago I received an anonymous comment (which I chose not to publish) and which I have decided not to answer the sender directly but instead address some issues right here in my own space.

The emailer read my post about how excited we are in welcoming a 9th child into our family.  She accused me of over populating the world, not walking the walk and using a “green” agenda to make myself look better or profit from other people who are trying to live a more responsible life through this blog.  I have taken a couple of days to write this and believe me it was way better written in my head but I digress.  In the past I have seen other blogger momma’s whom I care about get bullied by a comment poster.  Because they  are nice caring people those comments probably upset them.  If this was the intent of the person who sent me an email, let me assure her.  I am not upset by your comments, but as any mother of a large “brood” would do, I am going to take this opportunity to teach a little : )

So…lets take this step by step.

Firstly,  We do walk the walk.  Everyday.  We buy most things used because they have already made their impact on materials and resources.  I make alot of my childrens clothing, gifts and the things we need.  We recycle almost everything we can.  No paper products (well,  few paper products) rags for cleaning, un-needed papers are shred an added to chicken nest boxes and once soiled thrown in the compost.  We do not need to use anymore resources than a “normal” family of 4 might use because we watch our consumption and are happy with what we have.

Secondly,  I have never made a dime on this blog so any opinions or postings are my own ideas and not meant to profit from any “unsuspecting” reader who might visit here.   I have purposely not set my blog to monitze and share my ideas freely here because I like to share and believe that building community is important.  That does not mean that I would never take sponsors in the future but even in that event what you see here is what you get.  This is our life and we are sharing it with you.

Thirdly, Regarding my “overpopulating” the world.  I believe that we do not have enough people on this planet who care about others, who are good stewards and good citizens.  If you have a problem with children who will grow up to serve others and their community and be good, decent, God fearing people then my advise to you is have some children because you are going to be outnumbered.  Here is a little clip on demographics.

Society is made up of old people and young people. Old people didn’t start off old; they were once young: working, having families, and paying taxes. These young people gradually age until they are old and no longer able to work. When this happens, it is important for them to be fully replaced by a new generation of young people. These young people will in turn work, have families, and pay taxes, which go in part to supporting the elderly population which can no longer support itself.
However, this setup only works if the young are more or less equal in number to the elderly. If the number of workers becomes too few to support the number of elderly, then the whole system faces the danger of a catastrophic collapse. Witness the debate over Social Security.
-like Japan’s 1.21 children per woman–are in demographic collapse because each new generation is little more than half the size of the one that preceded it. At this rate, it would take only four generations to reduce the size of population to 10 percent of its initial size. To offset this decline and restore

In this country we are on the borderline.

So next time you decided to anonymously bully a mom online, pick one that won’t fight for her family, her rights, her faith and her freedom.

To everyone else who reads my blog and loves our family, stick around!!  The best is yet to come.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or follow me by email at the top right hand of the screen to have future posts sent to you. Tricia (Crunchy Catholic Momma)

20 Responses to In response to Anonymous

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  2. Ms. Lorry Davies March 1, 2014 at 7:38 am #

    Just wanted to share some of my life with you – your blog brings up some fond memories. Love your blog. Had not read this portion before today. Good for you to stand against someone who will hide. Since I couldn't have any children – you can have "my quota". LOL Silly people.

    I am the oldest out of 6 and was raised Catholic. (56 years old now) I am no longer a Catholic but more of a born again Christian – whatever that means. I love God most importantly and know that he has a path for each of us. I enjoy reading about your projects, farm life, new home, etc.
    My best friend, Joyce, is Catholic. Her family and my husband and I all lived together in this large apartment complex near Chicago. She was a stay at home mom, her husband worked a FT job and then was the apt. manager. You can imagine how busy he was. So we stepped in as baby sitters and best friends; we ate together about 3-4 times a week. She taught me about Le Leche League. Her husband is diabetic and we learned how to use applesauce to make a cake. She is an excellent seamstress and made stuff so many of her creations – oh and she is a perfectionist! Anyway, they had 3 kids in a 2 bedroom apt. You can imagine the talk. But they were frugal and she helped to reinforce that frugality in me. We had fun – all this before cell phones, e-mail, etc. Her children are grown – I have attended all their weddings, etc. The family moved to CA in 1987 but to this day we are still in touch. Her daughters have 2 children and her son 1. 1 girl is in PA, 1 in TX, the son in CA. So even though I did not have children, I did through my dear friends. God blessed her – we were blessed to be included in her family. Perhaps this person who thinks of your family as not good stewards, need an extra bit of prayer and love sent their way.

    • farmishmomma March 1, 2014 at 5:47 pm #

      oh Ms Lorry!! Thank you for sharing that with me. What a wonderful friendship and isn't it wonderful how God gives us exactly what we need. I had a "big sister" like that in my 20's. She made me see mothering in such a different light and though she may not know it, I am so much of what I am because of her influence. It was nice to see a comment from you again, its been a while.

  3. Jennifer January 31, 2014 at 8:33 pm #

    I am enjoying your blog! I just had my 6th child and I'm sure I've heard it all. The worst was when someone at our Catholic Church asked if we had ever heard of birth control ? Yeah, I've also heard of mortal sin. I just think people who intentionally stop after one or two will regret it in their later years when they are lonely. Keep the faith my dear, God has blessed you for it.

  4. CamiCakes November 3, 2013 at 4:30 pm #

    Good for you to defend a well raised family! You may also want to share the website pop.org which addresses the overpopulation myth. Let's not forget that God asked us to "be fruitful and multiply". He didn't tell us to be fruitful and multiply until we feel it is a good time to use abortion and contraception to limit the numbers of his children. There is no love in that, nor trust in His plan and providence. Huge topic here. I can't even scratch the surface but I am proud of you as a fellow Catholic Momma who is trying to raise good stewards herself. God bless you and yours!

  5. Anonymous January 25, 2013 at 5:51 am #

    You don't need to defend your family choices, but you did so eloquently. Way to take the high road. I'm a mom of 2, but I was raised the 9th of 10. (Catholic or Mormon was a question I once got….catholic in San Francisco ):)

  6. The Maestro January 16, 2013 at 10:46 pm #

    Overpopulation?? Its simply not true. Take a look at this article found on Slate: <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/01/world_population_may_actually_start_declining_not_exploding.htmlhttp://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_t… />I'm new to your blog and we proudly have 5 kids! All the best to you and your family!!

  7. Nikki Wall January 13, 2013 at 12:52 pm #

    Oh no! What nasty things to write! I'm only a sporadic visitor here (I've had some problems accessing your blog and commenting for a little while), but I just want to say that you are an inspiration and how wonderfully blessed I think you are to have such a beautiful family. x

  8. Heather January 2, 2013 at 1:49 pm #

    I am new to your blog – I found it via pinterest, LOVE it! I am a catholic mom to 5 kids and God willing we will have more – I too have experienced such discrimination due to my "large" family. I find it interesting that liberals claim to be accepting and open-minded and often paint conservative Catholics as close minded bigots – however when it comes to choosing life they very often are the bigots!I love how you stood up to the person who attacked your family -God Bless -Heather

  9. Ana December 23, 2012 at 4:50 am #

    I love your blog! What a tremendous blessing to have such a large family! I am the youngest of 13 children, and do not have to tell you what a tremendous blessing a large family is. I thank God for the 3 beautiful children that we have, and I hope that he will continue to bless our family the way he has yours. Bendiciones a su familia!

  10. Mama Taylor December 22, 2012 at 10:06 pm #

    I have to say "THANK-YOU" for standing up to that cyber-bully. I love your blog and feel I would rather see a mother, like yourself, with many well mannered children than a mother with one child like the ones I see all too frequently. So many children are spoiled and have no respect for the world and community around them. My husband and I are expecting our first this June and we are planning a very similar approach to the one you have with your children. Thank you, and your family, for setting such wonderful examples.

  11. Luna LLena December 22, 2012 at 8:30 am #

    Oh!, pero como hace y hará usted con las escuelas y universidades, he oído de familias con tal cantidad de hijos, pero tienen gran solvencia económica, por ejemplo, yo soy católica también y creo que es una dicha traer al mundo a niños para educarlos a hacer el bien, pero no tengo lo suficiente para cuidar del alimento y la salud de tantos niños. No se moleste, solo es curiosidad por el saber para aprender.Saludos, me encanta su blog, desde Perú!!!

    • Crunchy Momma December 22, 2012 at 2:49 pm #

      Hola Luna, No se apure, yo no me molesto y porfavor escuse mi espanol. Para la educacion de mis hijos, so you los que los ha educado aqui en casa y cuando tienen edad de universidad, aqui en mi estado, hay un programa que les deja hacer los dos primeros anos de universidad gratis a los ninos que son educados en casa. Despues de eso si quieren seguir con su educacion tendran que trabajar y buscar becas como los hice yo. No se come estan las cosas in Peru pero aqui se puede tener muchos ninos. Nosotros tenemos mucha casa y terreno pero tambien conosco muchas familias grandes que no lo tienen y son felices igual. Yo como Catolica creo que El Senor en su perfecion sabe quantos hijos podemos sostener y el siempre nos ha proveido. No les compramos todos los equipos y jugetes que tienen sus amigos pero ellos son felices. Comemos comida sana preparada toda por mi y eso lo hace mas economico. Si quieres saber qualquier otra cosa, solo dejame saber ; )

  12. mary grace December 20, 2012 at 10:59 pm #

    I am expecting our 8th child. Our family has been built through both biology and adoption. The mere thought that somehow my family size negates my dedication to live a green lifestyle is ludicrous to say the least. People really ought to reject ALL stereotypes– not just the ones that the think are the least likely.

  13. Nori Coleman December 20, 2012 at 10:26 pm #

    I am also a mom of a large Catholic family and to anonymous, I feel very sorry for you. The value of life and children in this world has become so backwards. God said, " Be fruitful multiply and subdue the Earth." Instead the earth will subdue the ones who do not obey His command. This is the culture of death the Pope John Paul 2 talked about. I even heard a speech called, "The Earth Without Us." Most of the time the larger families are more responsible and thoughtful when it comes to recycling and reusing. Keep up the good work Crunchy Catholic Mom.

    • Crunchy Momma December 22, 2012 at 2:51 pm #

      Nori, You are so right, this is the culture of death. I would have loved to hear that speech!

  14. Nicole Spring (Front December 19, 2012 at 2:41 pm #

    Oh no! Did my comment ever make it?

  15. Anonymous December 18, 2012 at 5:43 pm #

    I wandered onto your blog through pintrest. I love this post! The world needs more families like yours.-Ruth H. Sacramento, CA

  16. Bethany Trimble December 17, 2012 at 9:00 pm #

    Good for you in standing up for yourself and your lovely family. I'm praying that for every one person that posts such a hateful comment you have many more that love and support you. HUGS!!!!!!!

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