Large Families get a bad rap!

In the past two days I have read two different articles/letters complaining of large families and the effect they are having on the environment. I take offense. First off, isn't it interesting that a family with 4 children is now considered large? More importantly, where are these people getting their information? The fact of the matter is, large families are more likely to live a "greener" life, if only out of necessity. For instance. Cloth diapers, The environmental reasons for using cloth are obvious. The financial savings are also great, and multiplied by each successive child to use the same cloth diapers. Carbon foot print you say? Well large families are less likely to go gallivanting around town every minute. (we go to town to run errands once per week) We also watch our budget more closely as we have more mouths to feed.Yet I still can feed six for less than $130 per week. This means less extravagant traveling, spending, using, consuming. We are more likely to breastfeed, and for longer durations. We are all about the hand-me-downs. When my family of five lived in the same building as a couple with no children we put out one bag of trash per week to their two or three!We use dish rags, and cloth napkins, and real dishes. Disposable items are a waste of money(and land fill space) We usually eat out less and are more likely to have one parent home full time.This makes finding the time to do the green thing easier. less travel, less spending less consuming.....A smaller carbon foot print! is that possible? Large families don't usually live in those giant mansion like homes. They turn their heat down and put on a sweater, they shut lights off, they even watch less TV! We simply can't afford to. What did i just say? We REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! Not because it is hip or green but because it is necessary, the rest is just an added benefit. Now studies are saying our children seem to be more well adjusted, than those coming from average, or small families. Children from large families are found to have less illness, and even less chronic disease! The divorce rate is even lower for adults who come from large families. I guess all the arguing is good for something! I have always said having four is easier than having two. you learn to let go and relax. Children become more independent. Please remember, the population is actually declining, not increasing! Who will pay into taxes in the future, taxes that will pay for your social security? Who will grow up to be the doctors, who will take care of you, find a cure to your disease? Who will grow up to be the world leader that bring the change this world must have to survive? The children, my children! You should be congratulating and thanking us, not ridiculing us.

check out this article it's from Brittan but still relevant

The Price of Groceries!

Man! Food is so expensive!

So Friday is shopping day. we do groceries, BLC (health food store) and the farmers market. I have been determined to get our grocery shopping down to $140 per week for everything and i just can't do it! I was sure i had it this week. I am guessing that we still spend less than most families of 6. We do buy organic and some specialty items. But it is still driving me crazy! I Hate to see the register at Hannafords go over $100. Two weeks ago it $164 at the grocery store alone! I make everything form scratch and buy no meat or dairy. Soymilk is expensive. I have been thinking about a soymilk maker. that would save us like $15 a week. Here is my menu.

butternut squash soup
coconut pancakes with pineapple sauce
chick pea and spinach curry
black bean burritos
vegan pizza
chick pea casserole
veggies and rice

i make everything from scratch, all bread, and flat bread, i did buy pitas for pizza to save time. but that's it. Maple syrup is outrageous right now but i simply can not buy that evil corn syrup impostor! I'm just venting but why the hell does food have to be so expensive?? I guess that is why i need to have a farm! Man I could grow so much yummy food! CARROTS! So Many Carrots! Once we move i will buy more in bulk. I all ready buy 50lb bags of organic oats, I will also buy flour and wheat flour, brown rice, and sugar in 50lb bags, maybe that will make a difference. so whatever if ya have any suggestions, let me know. Oh and having less children is not an option!