Titus 2:4 "..train the younger women to love their husbands and children...."
The Rest is Still Un-written

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One day, when I was nine months pregnant, my husband desperately needed parts that could only be purchased at our local mall. I couldn’t find a babysitter, so I ended up taking my one, three, and five-year-old daughters to the mall with me. Shopping while nine months pregnant was one of my least favorite activities. People seemed to feel that they had a right to come up to me and pat my belly. It made me very uncomfortable. Pushing a two-seat stroller and holding the hand of a young child while pregnant drew many unwanted stares.

Within a matter of minutes after entering the mall, a man approached and exclaimed, “I know what you want.” Within the next several minutes, two more shoppers passed by, offering similarly ambiguous comments. I was totally confused and frustrated. When the next person stopped me, laughed, and commented that she knew what I wanted, I was about to explode. When I inquired as to her remark, she replied that I wanted “A son, of course.”

Now it was my turn to laugh. They had no idea that I had four sons working with my husband at home.

Things are not always as they seem. It’s VERY hard work being a mom. Try not to become discouraged or weary!
The last chapter of your life has not yet been written!

(This post is an excerpt from my book Recapturing the Joy of Motherhood, available here)
I’m linking to:
http://happy-go-lucky-harvey.blogspot.com/2012/02/mingle-with-us_29.html

http://www.obviously-marvelous.com/2012/02/29/thirsty-thursday-subscription-feed-blog-hop-week-82/
http://www.bassgiraffe.com/category/bassgiraffe-linkups

Bonni is the author of Mom By Example

  1. shelly
    Yay, what a happy thing to find you on the same list of Blogelina blogs as me! I've met you a couple of times through CMBC ladies events, in case you don't remember, and you even had the nerve to invite me and my family to your seder supper coming up within the next month. I still have to decide if I have the nerve to come! :) Anyway, just wanted to say that your posts are always an encouragement. Thanks!
    • Bonni
      Hi!!!!!! Thanks for the comment!!! And, yes, we are having a Seder for friends and you may GLADLY come!!!! Not sure of the date yet!!! I'll let you know! Bonni
  2. Amanda
    That's hilarious! I never had to go through the strangers wanting to touch my belly phase. Thank gosh. I did however (and sometimes still do) have to deal with strangers telling me how to care for my kids. It's in their best interest I know. They don't do it to be rude. But it never comes off good when someone you don't know gives you advice on your kids. Thanks for the post. :)
  3. Karen
    My sister has 6 boys and gets constant commentary about it. On the other hand, I have 2 boys and 2 girls and people always tell me I have a perfect family and assume we're done having kids. I guess no matter what the situation, people always make assumptions! You have a beautiful family!
    • Bonni
      Thanks for the comment! Your words are SO true!!!! Thanks for the kind words about my family!! I was SO mad at God when I had my fourth son in a row, and then my fifth pregnancy resulted in a stillborn son, and I realized how selfish and ridiculous I had been!! I asked for forgiveness and had a major heart change! Enjoy your family this weekend! I know you will! Bonni
  4. Chelle
    Things certainly are not always as they seem...so much wisdom there. Mothering taught me more about faith and strength than ever could I have imagined. Thanks for sharing such a touching and encouraging story. Peace and good to you and yours.
    • Bonni
      Mothering has taught me so much also! It surprised me to learn how selfish I was....a.....am!!!!!! Have a great weekend and thanks for commenting!
  5. Camille
    People can be so rude and ignorant! I just try to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they are well-meaning.
    • Bonni
      How gracious of you to assume that they are well-meaning!! Thanks for commenting!! Have a fun weekend! Bonni
  6. Lisa
    I can certainly appreciate this post. I have six children and when they were much smaller I would get the dumbest comments and/or stares. It seems like people feel they have a right to have an opinion about your choices. I have heard things "you do know how that happens right?" or "guess your television was broken". On occasion I have had passersby say we were blessed to have so many happy, healthy children because they were unable to get pregnant. In all my years I have never had anyone touch my belly! You get the award for that one. That is so rude! Stopping by from the 100 Comments event. Take care!
    • Bonni
      I can't believe the comments that you've received!!!! I had to laugh when I read them! I too have met so many women who have never been able to conceive. My heart hurts for them! Your comment made my day! Bonni
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  8. MJ
    What a great excerpt. It really is true, people often make assumptions based on their observations about many things. It's a good reminder that when you're out in public, and you see a person, or a situation, that you have to keep in mind that there may be much more going on that just what you see, that you shouldn't rush to form (and insert) your opinion.
    • Bonni
      That is so true!! I often remind my children that everyone has a story, and we need to walk in grace! I need to remember that myself also. Sometimes I am too quick to judge!! Have a great weekend!
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  10. Amanda
    I'm not a parent, but I have had people touch my long, curly hair. How strange that people feel so comfortable with others' personal space.
    • Bonni
      I agree!!! I can't believe people touch your hair!!! Somehow that sounds even more gross than touching my belly....but gross is gross...and let personal space reign! LOL Thanks for the comment!
  11. Gina
    You are so right. I always used to tell my children that life happens between (the all or nothing) part of life. Seems like the (between) part of yours is priceless. Enjoy your family. ONWARD!
    • Bonni
      What a neat way to say it!!!! Thanks for the comment and kind words!! Have a great weekend! Bonni
  12. Nekky
    I wonder what gives people the ordersity of thinking they can say anything they want even to strangers. My best part of the post is that you had the last laugh. You laughed at their ignorant.
    • Bonni
      I had the last laugh but I didn't return to the mall for a LONG time, even though I wasn't pregnant!! That event was too traumatizing!! Thanks for the comment!
  13. Junebug
    Hats off to you for going shopping with three kids. I have one child and usually avoid the store if at all possible. Although I wear her in the Moby and she loves it so it isn't really too much trouble. However, I might never leave the house after we get a second child. LOL As a woman whom tried getting pregnant for 9 years and failed (we adopted), I would gladly let a rude person touch my pregnant belly. But that is only because it would've taken me so long to freakin' get one!
    • Bonni
      Thanks for your comment!! I'm sorry that you tried for 9 years to get pregnant! I can't think of many things more heart wrenching! I'm SO happy that you now have a baby!!! Your comment about gladly letting someone touch your belly if you could have only become pregnant made me think!!! I should have been more thankful that I was pregnant, then I wouldn't have been upset about something so petty! I need to work on being more thankful!
  14. dawn
    I've never experienced it so it seems strange to me that so many people would feel they could just comment like they did. I'm sure they didn't mean any harm, but I'm not sure I would have been as gracious as you. What a lovely family you have!
    • Bonni
      I'm not sure how gracious I was!! LOL I think that I was afraid to speak because I was about to 'blow'!! Thanks for your comment and kind words!!
  15. Kelsey
    I don't know how you do it, you must be a very patient woman! I only have 2 girls and sometimes feel overwhelmed with them! You have a very lucky husband, unfortunately for my husband, if I was 9 months pregnant and he needed a part at the mall, he's have to go get it himself! Thanks for the beautiful article! I hope I learn more grace and patience with time!
    • Bonni
      I felt very overwhelmed with 2 children also! And with 3 and then 4, and then I ran away from home, and God got my attention!! (True story!!) My husband was building me a BEAUTIFUL new home that he allowed me to design.....so I had no problem that day buying supplies!! Thanks for the comment and kind words!
  16. Happydally
    OMG I would flip out if someone touched my belly!!! Shopping that far along must have been exhausting...I can barely drag my own tired self around the mall when I have to go! lol
    • Bonni
      Yes, I must admit, that was the last time that I ventured out with that pregnancy, and I vowed NEVER to touch a stranger or even an acquitanence, even on the arm, EVER again. Thanks for the comment!
  17. Deborah Owen
    What a delightful post. I figured they were going to say you wanted to have that baby and get it over with! Thanks for sharing. Looks like you're a very good writer. Deb
    • Bonni
      Thanks for the comment and kind words!! I enjoy telling stories and talking but writing is SO hard for me!!!!!! I read other peoples blogs and they all sound like poets!! Hope that you have a joyful week!
  18. Angi
    I feel your pain. I went through that and had people wanting to touch not just my belly but my hair before too...what a pain
  19. Shopping Tips and Tricks
    When my two oldest kids were younger, my daughter had extremely blond, curly hair. I could not believe it when people would ask if I dyed her hair (she was 2) or permed it! :) Weird. Funny how we as people just assume things based on what we see, not what we know.
  20. Lisa
    Big family!!! We can't care too much about what others think.
    • Bonni
      So true! I love your picture! Thanks for the comment! Have a joy filled week!
  21. janis meredith
    "The last chapter has not been written yet..." good for me to remember as I'm facing a newly empty nest. It's definitely a new phase.
    • Bonni
      Thanks for the comment! Change is hard for me! The whole empty nest idea is overwhelming for me to even consider! Half of our children have left, so I'm trying to prepare myself! Not sure that that is possible! Hope that you have a good week as you are living a new normal!
  22. Paula Baker
    Wow, you are brave! I applaud your patience, perseverance and endurance as a person and a mother. That's a great gift to give to your children. :)
    • Bonni
      Thanks for the comment and kind words but I've chosen to remain silent, at least for now, about all of the times that I wasn't patient or even kind :(
  23. Cindy
    You've got a point that the last chapter hasn't been written. You are so right, things are not always necessarily the way they seem. I have stuck my foot in my mouth before and it's horribly embarrasing so I try to just not say things that I might now regret. How do you do it with so many kids?! Wow!
    • Bonni
      It gets easier with every one...it really does!!!! Thanks for taking the time to comment and for the kind words!
  24. Nichole @ readitagainmama
    With three boys 5, 3 and 2 I get comments all the time when I am out and about. I usually just laugh and say it is always loud in our house. We want to have another and will probably get comments when it happens. I wouldn't have understood their comment either but when we get pregnant again "I do know what I want" :) But it will all be up to God anyway. Love the post. Your book sounds intriguing.
    • Bonni
      Thanks for the comment and kind words!!! Yes, I agree, God knows how many we should have and what sex they should be! Please give your 3 boys a hug...for me :)
  25. Quida
    Excellent encouragement! I really enjoyed the post for moms.
  26. Julie@teachinggoodeaters
    It's so true that things are not always as they seem. It's funny that people always assume that the only kids you have are the ones that are with you :)
    • Bonni
      I agree! The other day I commented how cute a woman's granddaughter was, and she was the mother!!!!! I was mortified! I should have known better! Thanks for the comment!
  27. lorena
    People used to come up to me when I was pregnant, too. They automatically seemed to think my belly was fair game. Not only would they pat it, but I even had a few people rub it "for good luck."
    • Bonni
      Oh yuk!!!! I know people rub my dad's bald head for good luck, but a pregnant belly.....Thanks for the comment!
  28. Jennie@my3ringcircus.org
    Wonderful reminder that we need to know the last chapter has not been written yet! Life is an open book for us so we need to fill it with the right stuff! You are one amazing mom! I am so inspired by you! Thanks.
    • Bonni
      Thanks for the kind words, but I am FAR from amazing!!! Just ask any of my children! LOL And, you are so right. We need to fill our lives with the right stuff! Thanks for the comment!
  29. Lanell
    Oh wow! I'm actually looking forward to checking out your book when it comes out!
    • Bonni
      It's out!!!!! The book is out and I sold my first copies today!! I cried! Dreams really DO come true! Thanks for the kind words!
  30. Tami @ This Mom's Delight
    I love books and may pick up a copy of yours now!
    • Bonni
      I hope that you do!! :) It just came out in hard copy! Same price, but $3.99 for S+H I love books also. They are like a vacation for me!!! I can be in a different world, even in my chaotic house!
  31. Leslie
    You have a beautiful family.
  32. Women Are Gamechangers
    That was a funny story. I don't have kids but I get that when I have my nephews with me people look to see only boys. I may not really get it but I do get the stares too. lol
    • Bonni
      I love your story!!!!!!!!! Please don't give me credit for being kind, I had to bite my tongue OFTEN!!!! Thanks for sharing that great story! Bonni
  33. Honey
    Beautiful family! I remember once I was at the grocery store and had two daughters stuffed in the back of the grocery cart and one in the seat. I had two hand backets balanced under the cart, and this was how we shopped. One day a lady stopped me and said, "Oh, how sweet! :You brought her friends with you". I answered, "Those aren't her friends, they are her sisters. Do you really thing I would go around the neighborhood and gather up children to go to the store?" You were much nicer than I was! I enjoyed your post.
  34. Kari Cu
    I would never touch a strangers belly and probably would be very annoyed if someone touched mine.
    • Bonni
      I agree! I can't either, but it happens all of the time, at least when I'm pregnant! Thanks for the comment!
  35. Tonia @thechattymomma
    It's amazing that people will assume a mother-to-be wants a specific gender. I think what we really want is healthy children and a happy home. You're right, the rest is still unwritten. We should enjoy the moments we have and make the most out of them.
    • Bonni
      Amen!!!!! I wish I would have known that the first 5 years that I was a mom. I kept looking for a better time; an easier life, and I missed out on 5 precious years! Thanks for the comment!
  36. Michelle Pegram
    I haven't had any children, but I do know it would drive me nuts if I were pregnant and people came up to me and said or did that!
    • Bonni
      I think it's out of excitement that they touch, but it's so uncomfortable.....at least for me! thanks for the comment!
  37. Lynden Blossom
    I see we have '6 Degrees of Separation'! I'm from Grand Rapids, MI - where I grew up in a Plymouth Brethren Church - you are speaking at some Brethren Churches - You like 'She Sparkles' blog, also, and Cindy Bultema is from and is a friend of my niece, in GR, MI - I've driven through PA several times years ago - I like pork! - You have 8 children and I wanted a large family, although God finally allowed us to adopt one daughter and have a son by 'miraculous birth' - ;-} I appreciate what I see on your blog and will return when I have some more time! Lynden http://aneleganttouch-lynden.blogspot.com/2012/02/100-comments-event-wwwblogelinacom.html https://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Elegant-Touch-/162889457132788
    • Bonni
      Wow!!! We really do have a lot in common!!! Next time you are heading for PA let me know, you can visit us on our farm!!
  38. Jenni & Jody
    We LOVE the title of your blog! Looks like you are pregnant with baby #8, if our math is correct. We found you through the Blogelina 100 Comment event, but wondered if you'd be willing to do a guest blog for us. We're two moms with nine children between us, ages 24 years to 5 weeks, and we're passionate about raising godly leaders. We'd be honored to have you guest blog for us. Drop us a line and share your thoughts!
  39. Rory at The Tourist Baby
    Great story - it reminds me of a recent shopping experience I had! I was at the store and several people told me how cute I looked. Finally I asked a lady why she thought I looked cute. She said it was my plastic crown! I had forgotten to take it off after playing dress up with my daughter!
    • Bonni
      Oh my word, that is too funny!!! I think that your story beats mine!!!! Thanks for sharing it in a comment!
  40. Colette
    I always ask before I touch someone's belly and it's only on people I know. I liked your story. I was sitting here trying to figure out what people were talking about, too! You have a beautiful family!
    • Bonni
      You were as puzzled as I was!! Thanks for the comment and kind words about my family! I hope that you have a blessed week!
  41. Susan
    You know what they say, the best has yet to come!
    • Bonni
      We have to hope so anyway!! Thanks so much for the comment!
  42. Tracey
    I love your positive attitude. i also didn't like when people thought they had the right to touch my tummy.
  43. Jessie
    Great post! I always hated it when people would come up and touch my stomach too ... I don't know what it is about a pregnant belly that makes others that that is okay.
    • Bonni
      Maybe we should be glad that it's ONLY when we're pregnant! LOL thanks for the comment! Bonni
  44. Elizabeth
    How funny. I hated people touching me when I was pregnant! I wonder why people feel that's ok to do? They wouldn't dream of walking up to you and touching your tummy otherwise (at least I hope not).
    • Bonni
      LOL! You are so right!! In fact, we could probably have them arrested if they did! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
  45. Ashley L
    Assumptions can be really hilarious! Take my oldest son for example- we hear, "He looks exactly like his dad!" or "Are your boys twins?" (They are 9 months apart.) or something referring to his physical similarities compared to his brother or father. The thing is... we brought him home from Ukraine back in 2010! Oh people!
    • Bonni
      LOL!! God is SO good!!! Congratulations on your sons!! I'm sure that you're days are very full! I'm not sure if I would bother to answer the people's comments and questions if I was you or not!! Have a joy filled week!
  46. Pamela
    It is hard being a mom. This job is not for everyone and people need to be mindful of their actions. It can really hurt someone physically or emotionally. Thanks for this great post! Pamela Still Dating My Spouse http://www.stilldatingmyspouse.com Visiting from the 100 comment blog hop.
    • Bonni
      So true! Thanks for the comment and the kind words! I love the name of your blog!
  47. Rachel
    I had a lady at Walmart reach over the cashier counter to touch my belly...lol... It is hard work, but rewarding!!! Thanks for sharing this... Rachel @ BubblyNatureCreations.com
    • Bonni
      Why do they touch it??? I just don't get it!!!!! Motherhood is so rewarding, we just have to learn to enjoy the journey! Thanks for the comment! Bonni
  48. Donna McDine
    Motherhood is the most rewarding experience in my book. Enjoy every moment it fies by. I'm in awe how you balance a big family. Kudos! Visiting through Blogelina for the first time. Lovely blog! Best regards, Donna Award-winning Children’s Author The Golden Pathway Story book Blog Write What Inspires You Blog
    • Bonni
      Thank you for your comment and kind words! Congratulations on the books that you have written! That is wonderful! Bonni
  49. Mona
    People always have something to say. :) I always try to remember that things may not be what they seem. After I had major surgery, I couldn't lift more than 5lbs for 8 weeks. My mom stayed with us and helped me out. At the grocery store, I couldn't lift things like soda cubes or bags of groceries. I felt so self conscious because here was my mom doing all this work and I was doing nothing. Whenever I want to judge, I remember myself of that time.
    • Bonni
      That is a great story to remember!!! It really does make a great point! My father ALWAYS told me growing up never to judge because everyone has a story! It's true. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! Bonni
  50. Jenny
    I don't think this is as bad as people assuming you're pregnant when you're not. LOL I was in a Sally's beauty supply store with my friend who wanted me to dye her hair, and the lady working there was offering her help/tips and asked if I would be the one to color her hair and that she doesn't recommend it when I am pregnant. I said I am not pregnant. I was wearing a baby doll top, and when my stomach has any sort of fat on it, it starts from the top and curves out to the bottom, like someone whom is pregnant. I also had the top of my jeans rolled down since I hate when they're almost up to my belly button. My friend says, she rolls her jeans down. The lady is like, why do you do that? Like I needed to explain myself to a stranger. Then a few minutes later in a different isle, she mentioned the pregnancy again. And at that point I was getting quite peeved. Look, lady, I am not pregnant. I think she felt bad, or that I was going to turn her in. Maybe I should have and then she wouldn't open her big trap wrongfully, anymore.
    • Bonni
      Ouch!! That must have hurt! I had a stillborn son and I had a hard time losing my belly fat and it was horrible having to answer people asking me when I was due! :( Thanks for taking the time to comment! Bonni
  51. Staci
    Hahaha! I love that. Of course, you couldn't have any more kids than the ones who were with you! That is great! Thanks for sharing and the encouragement. It is hard being a mom. I was sharing with my husband the other day that I felt like I should record a couple of phrases that I find myself repeating over and over to my teenage son! One day, I think, he will finally hear it!
    • Bonni
      Yes, it is VERY hard! Do they not hear, or do they fake it well? Four of our five sons were teens at one time.....and I thought potty training was hard! :) Thanks for commenting! Hope that you have a stress-free week! Bonni
  52. Amy
    Wow! I wouldn't have felt much like shopping, either. It's inspiring that you could find that whole episode funny - and your story made me want to read the rest.
    • Bonni
      Thanks for the kind words and taking the time to comment! I love that you used the word 'episode'. That is the perfect word for it!! An episode in the life of a very pregnant woman! Have a fun week! Bonni
  53. Single Gal
    I don't have kids of my own, so I can't really relate, but I know my mom has told me many times that it used to anger her so much when me, my sister and my brother were little that people would assume that she and my dad tried for a boy after having me and my sister. He was an unexpected blessing, and they would have been happy with a boy or a girl!!
    • Bonni
      That is so true!! After our third son, people kept asking how long we were going to try for a girl!!!!!!!!! How do you respond to that???? Thanks for the comment! Have a fun week! Bonni
  54. Cambria
    Intriguing! I'd love to read the book! As a mother of a 3, 2 and 1 year old while 32 weeks pregnant, I can TOTALLY relate to the unwanted stares and random comments that happen when I go shopping!
    • Bonni
      I'd love to send you a free copy of the book! Would you like an ebook edition for the computer or Kindle, or would you like a hard copy???? Bonni
  55. Stacy King
    Lessons in not making assumptions lol, but at least people mean well. I hope the best is yet to come, I live every day that way! Thanks :)
    • Bonni
      Good for you!! You have such a gracious and loving attitude! I love that! Thanks for the comment! Bonni
  56. Katy C
    What a beautiful family you have! It always amazes me what people will say - sometimes I think people mean to be encouraging and it just comes out so wrong and even insensitive. I felt like people were always telling me the worst possible story about pregnancy and birth that they knew - I'm sure I've been guilty of it before too, but it does amaze me what people will feel free to say to pregnant women!
    • Bonni
      You are so honest that it's refreshing!! I agree! I'm sure that I said things that I shouldn't have to pregnant women also!!! Oh well, it's true that we live and learn! Have a good week! Bonni
  57. Caroline
    Wow you are supermom!! I can't imagine raising so many children but sounds like you have it all together :) My girls are 5 and 2 and I am now 33 weeks along, expecting a son. And it's rough for rme to take them out to the stores too while being so pregnant so I try to leave them with daddy when I can. I really hope the adjustment to 3 kiddos isn't too rough as I know I will have my hands full! Especially over the summer! You have a beautiful family! Keep up the great work!
    • Bonni
      I am in NO way a supermom, and I am very thankful that they came one at a time! Congratulations on your pregnancy!! I am so happy for you!!!!!! Yes, you will have your hands full, but try to enjoy the journey, minute by minute!!! One day at a time, was WAY too long for me to handle when my children were young! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
  58. isis
    Being pregnant is a great blessing. The only problem is when people assume they know everything that you have to do and give you unsolicited advice. Oh well..
    • Bonni
      You are so right!! I LOVE the word that you chose....unsolicited.....AMEN! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
  59. Sparta Savings
    Wonderful descriptive writing! I was captured from the get-go! I don't know what it is with those belly rubbers, either!
    • Bonni
      Thanks for the kind words! My daughter in law is 8 months pregnant and is finding the same thing....... :)