Monday, September 8, 2008

Ramblings: Teeter Tottering

Anytime I go anywhere with the kids (either the twins or all four) I have total strangers asking me if we're "done" or if we're planning on more kids. When did "four" become the "eight" of the old days? But no big surprise today at Walmart, when the cashier asked me first if the boys were twins (for the sixth time in 40 minutes), then she asked if I had any other kids, and then the big one: "So you must be done then! Are you having any more?"

Hmmm, let me think...(pause to check blue and white name tag)..Tammi, is it? I've known you for all of about two minutes thirty six seconds, and you've already busted out with what is a fairly personal question. Not that I mind answering or even talking about it, but do people typically go around asking total strangers about their family planning? Or is that a right we extend to folks we've trusted to slide our fragile produce, deodorant, and fire ant killer over that little glass scanner? While you're at it Tammi, would you like to know how much my husband makes, how much I weigh, and my preference in feminine products? Oh wait, seeing as you just scanned a giant box of tampons (that the boys will try to eat soon enough) you probably already know the answer to that one.

I think scanning each and every item that people have specifically chosen to buy probably does give you a sneak peak into their lives, their preferences, and/or their weirdness. Maybe questioning them about having more kids doesn't seem like such a big jump after you've seen all the stuff they stack behind closed cupboards and closets. Tammi must just feel like part of the family. Important question before Tammi earns her place at the family dinner table: Tammi, do you babysit?

Of course I didn't say anything rude or mean to Tammi, I'm totally used to getting this question. But I developed a new answer after the kids called me outside on Thursday to see what they were doing...
How could we think about more kids right now? It would throw our teeter tottering out of whack! (Not to mention alot of other things.)

9 comments:

Jessica the Jacked LDS said...

there's room for 2 more on the middle of that teeter. btw, when ppl ask me (or rather TELL ME) if we're done it makes me feel like i'm in trouble for having 4 kids. should i be made to feel that way? what if i DO want another? is that so bad?

Amy said...

Yeah, don't throw off that teter totter.

Deanna said...

There's always the "fitting into the current vehicle" problem. You might have to upgrade to a giant van, like the Gosselins.

Travis and Jamie said...

I think you should go for 8.

Kimball and Marianne Larsen said...

Amen, girl! I get that question a lot. Especially when (before our #5) was born, we had 2 girls and 2 boys. You know, 2 & 2... of course! The perfect American Dream, right?! Whatever... Anyway, Kimball and I were reading on the NBC Miss Manners tips on etiquette and I found the perfect answer to anyone who has taken the liberty to pry a little too far... "Thank you for your interest, but I'm very happy with my PERSONAL life." In other words, 'Butt out'.

Kimball's response is usually, "Someone's got to raise responsible citizens for our country, and we're going to give it our best shot." Unfortunately, most of the 'families' that we see that have 5+ children are not contributing to society, but leeching from it. I could go on, but the bottom line is if you choose to have more, those children would be lucky to come to a home with a great family. If not, you have a beautiful family and you are a great mom.

Unknown said...

I get that a lot too, and I only have three! It kills me when people ask me if they are all mine. I swear one of these days I am going to scream, "No! They aren't ALL mine. I just gather up random neighborhood children before I go to the store because it's more fun that way!"

Sami said...

If you ever do come up with the right way to answer that question, you'll have to let me know what it is. I get that all the time, and I just kind of give a nervous laugh, and a shoulder shrug. When I'm feeling really sarcastic, I'll say something like: "Are you kidding? I don't even want the ones I HAVE at the moment!"

Kris said...

So? Are you?

Lindsay said...

that teeter totter is the funniest looking one i've ever seen. It made me laugh out loud..... it's so goofy.