I never thought of that, but you’re probably right! She probably has some kind of hammock held up by a belt around her waist that is holding all her “womanly parts” under her so they don’t drag on the floor. Ewwww!

I think large families were more typical a few decades ago, but 18 kids goes beyond what I would consider a large family and moves into clown car territory.

Trish and Maree, it’s so ridiculous, because every time a woman bears a child, it tears up her body even more. I’ll bet this Mom has to wear Depends because her urinary sphincter is totally useless.

Jeane–I can imagine how resentful I’d be if I were one of the older sibs having to take care of the younger ones. I’d also be resentful as a younger sib because I’d feel neglectd by my overwrought parents. It’s a lose-lose situation all the way around.

Holly — “Quiverful?” Is it really called “Quiverful?” How stupid is that? These religious freaks scare me, because they refashion religion to suit their own insane purposes. This is the kind of dogma that starts wars, further oppresses women and children, and makes us even more retarded so that we elect people like Dubya and believe in ridiculous things like intelligent design. Blah!

Lit, I figure that after about five or six kids, the rest must seem almost invisible. How do they get what they need in a family this huge? You’re right, it IS terrifying, and IMO, it’s also irresponsible, and perhaps even abusive to have this many kids.
Thanks for your concern. The bug made me take a few farewell bows late Friday night, and I slept most of Saturday. I’m feeling great today, though!

So sorry you are poorly, though, and do hope you feel much, much better soon.

It helped us through the Friday afternoon doldrums.