Blogging has changed a lot since I started in 2005. Back then you could write about what you had for dinner and who got sick that week and everyone loved it! Today there is so much out there, so many choices, so many other things to do other than reading a silly post about how many loads of laundry were done during the day.
The current thought is that posts must be “evergreen.” This means a reader can actually gain something lasting and useful from your post; more like an article in a magazine than a log of regular life.
Turns out, I love writing posts that are more like articles. In fact, I wanted to be a journalist when I grew up (but hated how you had to be feisty and pushy and gave it up). I even know how to make really, really, really, really long ones.
I didn’t realize it until one dear reader mentioned she was printing one of my posts out and it took seven pages (when I looked at the post I found it was over 3000 words, enough for a small book!).
One thing about those long articles: They take loads and loads of time! First, there is the idea. Then there is the writing. Then there is the research (oh, how I love the research 🙂 ). Then there is the other stuff bloggers must do (such as formatting, graphics, SEO, categories, promotion, etc.).
Well, the Lord gave me a creative idea; why not start a vlog? Instead of the written word only (which is important for many reasons), my readers could hear directly from me about large family life.
Right away I went to a very active, sweet group on Facebook that is full of Christian moms with large families who homeschool, and I asked them what they would like to ask an older mom with lots of children about large family life. I know this is important because it’s what I sought out back when I only had four of my own. I ached to ask older moms questions, but I was afraid they would either think I was silly or a bother.
The response was phenomenal! The questions were real, and I actually knew a little bit about most of what they wanted to know (although there are always subjects I am still growing in).
Since then, I have been able to record two videos, one an introduction, and the other one dealing with the giants in a large family mom’s life.
My goal is to try and include the practical, nitty-gritty, down-in-the-trenches advice (or examples) along with some spiritual encouragement. I believe I have hit a nice balance with these two, and I hope to continue the same in the future.
So, here are the links. I hope you enjoy!
Now don’t you to worry! I know there are many who don’t do Facebook or find that reading my blog is more convenient. I will continue to blog conventionally because I do dearly love it so 🙂 However, by having these videos at the ready I can alternate so that I can take two weeks to produce something amazing instead of trying to rush something mediocre.
Next up, I will be publishing the post I promised on “Customer Service.” Meanwhile, I will also be producing some video chats that I hope you find helpful.
Thank you so much for these videos! What encouragement!
My pleasure 🙂
I’d like to know more about teens gaining independence, meeting members of the opposite sex, courting/dating, etc. My oldest is nearly 16.
What a subject! I could spend days on that one–but I know it is probably one of the shakiest subjects for those of us who homeschool. I’ll pray and try that one, too.
Wow, I love this! I have loved your videos in the past on the McGuffeys and such. And your voice is very soothing! Hee hee!
I am looking forward to more vlogs. You are a wonderful Titus2 woman of the Lord!
Blessings!
Gigi
I remember you, Gigi. Thank you for your sweet encouragement 🙂
I loved watching these videos, can’t wait for more.
I’m in the early phases of motherhood, with a 3 year old, 1 year old and one on the way. I am looking to experienced mothers.
Sherry,
I want to get away from traditional Abeka, but I am afraid ( giant) that it will take more time and I won’t be good at using the McGuffey readers and Notebooking. Also, what about finances? My husband is a factory worker. His pay increases are always eaten up by ever-increasing healthcare premiums. He hasn’t had a “cost of living raise” in 10 years. How do you make ends meet and not become discouraged with always watching your pennies?
Excellent questions, Kim. I believe we can tackle those and see if we can’t come up with a few suggestions 🙂
How about the subject of the ever decreasing family size as children marry and how to regroup as a family. And as a Mom also could you address how to adjust to less help as those darling daughters take their acquired skills and begin their new families? thanks
These are definite issues large family moms face, but few are talking about!
How do you get outside as much as possible (as many days as possible)? With your children. And when the weather isn’t nice for days in a row. And in winter… How do you manage your day/week to achieve this? With a baby, I can send the other 6 children outside, but the baby and I mostly stay inside. Which I know, isn’t good at all.
We can definitely address this one–but for now you might enjoy this video done by another mom of many:
Thank you Sherry, I’m glad you are doing vlogs. It is nice to see your smile and hear your gentle voice. I loved the introduction video – and no, I don’t think you’re weird for not making your life too busy with sports and other out-of-the-home activities.
I’m glad you took the time to tell me, Jadie. I’m enjoying sharing via video.
I love these videos so far! Please keep posting as you can. My new favorite pastime this year is to “stalk” large family blogs and gleen as much wisdom as possible from women who have figured a few things out lol;)
I really enjoy your humor (yes, even when you’re writing you are quite funny!!)
We have an Army connection, since I also joined the army young (17 1/2) in 2005 . I’m sure the Army has changed a bit since the time when you were in.
I got married in the Army when I was almost 19, and then also had my first at 20.
I’ve had 5 beautiful kids total now, although one is kept safe by the Most Loving Arms in heaven. Looking forward to adopting from foster care in the future and love the wisdom you offer about how to homeschool and get things done! I figure if I can get things more organized and somewhat under control now with 4, adding more in will be easier. I’m also learning how to not overcommit so that I can be a happy, fun, peace filled mom and not crazy mom.
Your relationship with Jesus is amazing, and refreshing and I want to be just like you when I grow up!
Thank you again!
Chrystal
Thank you for sharing a bit about your life, Chrystal. I think you are right, if you can keep things “somewhat” under control now, adding more should be easier. Learning how not to overcommit is truly a bit of wisdom! You have made me smile!
The “defeating your giants” video was timely encouragement for me today. The Lord used this to help me pull myself up by my bootstraps and press on. Thank you.
You are welcome–I’ve needed just that so many times!
Thank you so much for these videos! I don’t usually watch videos (because I can’t speed-read them, LOL!), but I will watch yours!! I’m so glad that you will keep blogging, though, because I love your posts and love being able to print them off to read over again. Many of your posts are currently residing in my parenting notebook!! 🙂
Looking forward to learning from all you have to teach!!
Diana
P.S. Can you elaborate on something you mentioned in your video – praying in the Spirit? I’m a little at a loss with that one. Thanks!!
Thanks for your valuable feedback, Diana. I will try and cover the “praying in the Spirit” bit in the near future.
Thanks! And Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Hi Sherry!
I have been reading your blog since your youngest was born and since then I’ve had 5 little ones! I love your vlogs, your voice is very calming. Well done!
Thank you, Peta. It’s amazing how time flies, isn’t it? To think you have had five little ones in the past 8 years–God has blessed you immensely, hasn’t He?
I just saw these today over there! I subscribed. We have a lot in common…large family, we have 12, homeschooling, grown up kids, we have four married now. LOL! I had also started a series on the theme but called something different. I enjoy writing more than videos though. I am glad to see you.
Waving hi! I’m gonna definitely check your videos out 🙂
Love the blogs! Keep them coming! So my burning question is this: How do you handle outside activities with such a large family? There is so much pressure to play soccer, do gymnastics, dance, etc. but I hate the idea of spending each weekend running from place to place with a large family. Are these things as important as people make them out to be?
You know, I think it depends on the family. I only know that if I had added that to our already busy family life something else vital would have been neglected 🙂
Oops, I meant I loved the vlogs (and the blogs, of course)
I’ve watched all 3 and LOVE them! The one on kids leaving the house was such an encouragement to me as my oldest is 14 and my youngest is still on the way. I’ve often wondered what life will be like without my oldest here all the time and why God designed such age differences in his obvious plan of fertility but the way you phrased it gave me such encouragement. That the oldest ones moving on allows you to focus on the middle set and then the younger set and that just perked me up as I want to lament my oldest set getting older. Thank you for your honesty and encouragement!
Your preschool vlog also encouraged me, “just work through the hard times and pray” was good to hear!
I”m so glad I was able to bless you and encourage you, Jennifer. I will have to put another one up soon 🙂
Hi Sherry! I just saw your first video and you made me laugh so hard, lol. I never knew you were so funny! I’m so looking forward to your videos! Everyday… lol no not everyday of course, but I can’t wait to hear more and learn more. I’m a homeschooling mom of 4 (8, 7, 5 and almost 2 year old) and we live in the Caribbean. For almost 4 years we homeschooled alone (no other homeschoolers on the island that we knew of) but his year this all started turning around and we are finally starting to meet up with other families. Right now I’m wondering how to get hs done with my little girl all over the house. lol God’s blessings to you and your family!
Thank you for taking some of your precious time to encourage me, Samantha 🙂 I know what it’s like to homeschool with children bouncing around the house. I just bought a new phone with a better camera, so I hope to make some more videos soon!
Hi Sherry! I just saw your “Giants” video and you are so right. One of my giants is perfectionism, just kind of really found out. God is really helping me, to let go and just take tiny steps and be persistent and patient. Not everything has to go they way you planned it, it’s okay. Be gentle, that’s way more important and tomorrow is another day. Also, big one, stop worrying about what others think. In your first video you said that, I really loved all you said about that. I need to really let go of what others think. Especially when we first started out (and families don’t agree with you and there are no other homeschoolers around) I felt like all the weight was on me and people would judge me for how much they would know, if they could read or not, etc. Anyway, what a weight to carry. But, stop worrying about what people think is a big one. Sherry you are so funny, I love listening to you. I hope you continue with your videos soon! I sit and listen and learn and laugh when you laugh. Have a blessed (almost) weekend and thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and tips. Greetings, Sam
Thank you! I stumbled across your vlog and kept watching your videos. Several bits you talked about I needed to hear and I just wanted to thank you so much for sharing.
You are so sweet to take the time to tell me–thank you back!