This week the dishwasher and I are doing something a little bit different. We are doing a swap with another site: Shenk It Up!
I don’t remember who found whose site first, but as soon as I started reading Shenk It Up, I was hooked. Nate’s writing never fails to make me laugh and make me think, two things this harried mom loves to do.
Nate and I thought it would be fun if we “swapped” sites for this Sunday. I’m thrilled to introduce you to this really funny and smart writer. I’m also excited to get a chance to hang out at his great site for a post.
You can read my latest essay, The Sibling Zone, over at shenkitup.com But before you hop over there, please stay and read Nate’s great piece about his family and their unique American story.
As always, thank you so much for your support! It really means so much to me. I look forward to seeing you over at Shenk it up.
But now without further ado, I give you Nate Shenk:
The Abnormal American Family
When you think of the typical American family, do you picture a set of parents, two, or three kids and perhaps a dog named Max?
Some families may prefer to have a cat to a dog and a goldfish instead of a third child, which would still be considered as ‘normal’ in the eyes of the general public.
However, there are certain American families who defy all that is normal by having, not just a cat, dog and goldfish; but a whole herd of kids as well.
I’m not embarrassed to admit that my family does not fall into the categories of normal, or average; which is probably a good thing since I don’t exactly have much of a choice in the matter.
Growing up, my family consisted of one set of parents, 7 children, multiple cats and dogs, a fish or two and one large (very awkward) red van. My parents have never been able to give me a definite answer as to why they decided to have so many kids, but I’m sure glad that they did.
My father, after graduating from college, set off to sail around the world as a sailor and ended up spending a few months in the country of New Zealand. During those three months, he met my mum, fell in love, got married and sailed back to the U.S. Then, after a few years of being married, they began popping out the kids one by one.
So I guess my family is really only half American, which pushes us just a wee bit farther from normal, but I’m ok with that. Having 6 siblings and a non-American mum has given me the opportunity to think and see things outside of the box.
I happen to be the lucky middle child, with three siblings above and three siblings below; a spot I wouldn’t trade for anything.
It gave me the flexibility to be considered as either one of the big, or little kids––depending on the circumstances and which group was more desirable at the time. If there was a bunch of chores to be done; I was a little kid. If there was a movie only the big kids could watch; I was a big kid.
Not a difficult concept to grasp and it worked splendidly until the other kids caught on and decided to vote on whether or not I should be considered a big, or little kid. Unfortunately, I was voted off the island of the young and sent to the mainland of the old; where I spent the majority of my time being bossed around by my three older siblings.
Did I mention that the three siblings above me were all sisters? Yeah…just what every boy wants; three older sisters to bossed around by.
To make things even more abnormal for us, my parents decided to homeschool all of us from pre-school all the way to high school. Yes, my mother is most likely a saint but refuses to agree with that title.
I went to private school, with two other siblings, from my freshman year of high school to my junior year. When I got to my junior year, I bugged my parents about going to public school so much that they finally gave in. Jumping into public school with only two years of high school left is an experience unlike most and deserves an entire post all to itself.
The reason for divulging all these details about my life and family is to emphasize the fact that this all was possible because of the great country we live in.
Being American gives us many freedoms that we frequently take for granted, or simply fail to acknowledge altogether.
Naturally, not everyone is going approve of the fact that my parents homeschooled us and many seem surprised when they find out (after asking) that we aren’t members of some religion that encourages parents to pop out a bunch of kids.
We were a typical Christian family who just happened to have more than the average amount of children that were homeschooled. In many other countries, the freedom to choose how to educate your children is not up to you to decide and this is just one of the many benefits of being American.
During my junior year of college, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Germany and, while I was there, began to realize just how lucky I was to be American. Not that Germany is a horrible country, or a bad place to live; it just isn’t the United States.
When I explained to my German classmates that I was homeschooled for a large portion of my childhood education, they were beyond shocked. Apparently, my parents would have been locked up (even to this day) if they had homeschooled us in Germany; it’s not only illegal, but looked down upon as well.
Out of my parent’s seven children, 5 have gone to college (the two youngest haven’t graduated high school just yet) and I’m sad to report that my college GPA of 3.5 was (so far) the lowest. Proof, at least in my eyes, that homeschooling isn’t such a bad thing after all and it’s a shame more people don’t see it that way.
I guess there are two things that you can take from this post; being American is awesome and that homeschooling isn’t so bad…just don’t do it in Germany (I don’t think they allow parents to teach in jail either).
Special thanks again to Nate Shenk! Don’t forget to check out the dishwasher at his great site shenkitup.com
I loved this post! I live in Washington State, and it is considered (loosely) to be a home school state. A lot of children here are home schooled, it’s practically the norm. There are tons of resources and many groups to be involved with. I wish it was more of an option when my children were younger. They are now 23 and 25. I honestly, at the time didn’t, realize I had an option. I was very naive. They are doing great, but I just think it could have been so rewarding. Hurray for home schooling!
Mary thanks so much for stopping by and reading Nate’s post. I think home schooling sounds really interesting too. Living in NY it’s not as popular as it is in other states, but I could certainly see it appeal. Especially when so much of public schooling is geared towards the state tests. Thanks again.
Mary I did not know that about Washington State! That’s so cool! Even in Texas it’s not exactly normal…people in college always gave me the strangest looks when I told them I was homeschooled. Almost like they expected me to be automatically weird, or something…I like breaking stereotypes hehe. So glad you liked it!
kathy, thank you so much for sharing and swapping! i loved nate’s post and just headed over to his site a bit ago. i must have just read about 10 of his posts…so funny and real…love it!
i was looking for your essay but couldn’t find it. i will check back again 🙂
i hope you have a sweet week, my friend!!
lots of love <3
xoxo
maria
Maria thank you so much for dropping by and reading Nate’s post. I find him very funny too.
Sorry about the problem with the link, I think I swapped too soon!! My piece should be there soon, and I will let you know since I know your week won’t be complete until you read my weekly essay!! Lol!! xo Lots of love to you too!
Maria I am so sorry also about the delayed updating of posts on my site. I was having a little difficulties with it (typical Monday).
Hearing your awesome review of shenkitup has brightened my day! I am so glad Kathy and I have connected and can now swap more posts (hopefully)!
Awesome post. 🙂 It’s funny. I lived in Southern California for a good 18 years of my adult life and never heard of anyone homeschooling their children. Then we moved to a small town in Western PA and every where I turn I meet a family who is homeschooling. I think it might just be a geographical thing. Even in Idaho where I grew up, it seemed unheard of. I will admit though, I live in an area now that is packed full of Christian families and that seems to be a common family value for the Christian community. My family is also Christian and I’d LOVE to homeschool my children, I just haven’t convinced my husband yet that it’s the right thing to do. Although with all the new things public schools are starting to do and teach, I see him slowly having a change of heart. Thanks for sharing your story! 🙂
Blessings,
~Rosann
My older sister is having a hard time convincing her husband to homeschool as well lol…I think it can be a concept hard for some to grasp, which is completely understandable. I fully encourage you to look into it more and if you need help with an intervention I’ll assist you in convincing the hubby haha 😉 So glad you liked the post!
Kathy, I clicked over to Shenk It Up to read your post but couldn’t find it anywhere. Is there a direct URL for it?
Love you!
~Rosann
Thanks so much for dropping by and reading Nate’s piece!! As I was saying in my comment to Maria, I think I swapped to soon! I will let you know when Nate puts my post up too, since like Maria, I know your week won’t be complete either till you read my words for the week!! Lol!! Thanks for being such a good friend!! Lots of love!!
I work in public education, yet completely support (and secretly dream of) home schooling. You are so right, Nate, that it is one of the benefits of being American–having a right to choose.
Heading over now to check out your blog!
Melissa thank you so much for dropping by! The right to choose how we educate our children is a just one wonderful benefit of living in this country. One of the reasons I have loved blogging and finding new sites is the chance to read so many stories I might not have come upon. Thanks again Melissa! xo
Homeschooling? Not in my house. My parent’s couldn’t even handle teaching me to drive. I had to go to an actual driving school. Amen to those that can. Although, isn’t a part of GOING to school time away from your parents?! Just saying. I couldn’t find your post on Nate’s site! HELP!!!
I’m right with you. My parents could not have done it either. I do think you bring up an interesting point about a child venturing out in the world without your parents. I would be interested to hear what homeschooling parents would have to say about that. Plus Nate’s own opinion.
Thanks for checking out my post, I believe we have run into some “technical” difficulties with my post, I will let you know when it’s up!! Thanks for being such a great friend!!
I was home schooled from K to 12. It was great, wouldn’t trade a thing. I didn’t go to college after I graduated, I joined the military for 5 years. haha 🙂 I am thankful for living in a place where we can home school. When my mom was starting out it was a struggle. As it wasn’t popular and such, and home school rights, I think were pretty new at the time. Boy I am feeling old now. 😉 Great post!
Sarah that is so interesting! Also really interesting that you joined the military. There are parts of homeschooling I find so appealing, and I would look into it if I ever felt my children needed something that I could not find in public or private education. You are right,there does seem to be so much more available to people who choose to do it now, in part because of moms like yours! Thanks so much for visiting and sharing!! xo
Sounds like an interesting blog – I will have to hop over and check it out more in a bit.
Love the dishwasher, and I’m switching to follow via Networked Blogs since I’m not sure GFC will still work in my reader soon… Hate to miss your great blog!
Thank you so much! And thanks for following me on Networked Blogs, I know the ending of GFC is a real pain! Thanks again for your support, I really appreciate it!!
I love being American and as a Vietnamese American I can tell you my mom has worked hard to give us that American dream that my sisters and I all are living now. She had 6 children, 5 girls, and last one was a boy. I love a big family. What a great post.
Oh wow, your poor brother!! Lol! My husband is has two older sisters but he had a friend who had 7 older sisters so he always felt like it could be worse!! Lol! Your parents must be thrilled to see all their children living the dream they so wanted for you!! Thanks so much for dropping by! I so appreciate your support!! Much love to you!
Sounds like you have an amazing family! And I have huge respect to anyone who homeschools. Just the thought of doing that with my kids is a little overwhelming.
Kathy, thanks for introducing a new fun blogger! Though I missed reading your post! But looking forward to reading it when it goes up. 🙂 Love ya!
Thanks so much Janae! I give Nate’s mom so much credit, I really don’t know how she did it! My three are off from school this week and I’m already waiting for them to go back! And, it’s Monday!! Now that I’m up and running on Nate’s site I hope you get a chance to read my post and check his site out!! Thanks for the support dear friend!! Much love to you!!
Nate, welcome to this awesome site! It’s great to hear such a refreshing take on homeschooling and living in the States with such a big family! Your mom is a SAINT! She better accept the title! 🙂 Great post. Onto your site! Not Your Ordinary Recipes
Not Your Ordinary Agent
Becky thanks so much for popping over!! Much love to you!!
Thanks for introducing us to Nate, Kathy! I will hop over to his blog next and check out your post. I appreciated hearing about homeschooling and large families because both seem to be somewhat hot topics it seems nowadays. People seem to have very strong opinions on both and I believe that having the freedom to choose is the best thing.
Kim I also think it’s great that we have the choice to choose what is best for our own families. You are right, Nate did seem to hit on a pretty hot topic right now. That is one of the things I like about his writing, he is not afraid to touch on some touchy subjects. Plus, he always makes me laugh! Thanks for giving him such a warm welcome!! xo
I didn’t come from a large family, just the average three, plus a large collection of pets. But we were homeschooled. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, it was a great experience and I agree, my mom achieved saint status in my eyes as well! Thanks for sharing about your unique family!
Beck I didn’t know you were homeschooled! I would love to hear about your experience with it. I could see how it could be wonderful, but I don’t know if I could do it with my own kids. Do you home school? Thanks so much for popping over!! Much love to you!!
I had no idea that Nate has six siblings and all home schooled. That must have been a blast growing up with all those kids. Love the swap!
Annie, thanks so much for coming over!
I enjoyed your story Shenk! You are right about America and our freedoms, we certainly do take things for granted at times. You sound like you grew up with no shortage of love, and that’s the important thing. I am also a middle child of three, I think our sibling position gives us good negotiation skills. What do you think? Feel free to visit my blog – http://lisagradessweinstein.blogspot.com/
I’m so glad you liked the read! I definitely grew up with lots and lots of love! I am going to check out your site now!
I feel so honored to be on here! I am overwhelmed by all the great comments Kathy! Your readers are so great.
My sister(s)–two of them–have told me they have read more of your articles and love it. They are just beginning out and one of them has some kids of their own so reading what other mothers say is something they love.
THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME BE ON YOUR SITE! The all caps are to emphasize my appreciation lol 🙂
Thank you my friend for doing such a great piece! I do have the best readers and friends. Each time I come to my site I’m overwhelmed by the great people who visit. It’s made writing and blogging a real joy!
I’m so glad your sister liked it over here! Thanks for introducing me to them! And, thanks for letting me hang on your great site!
Nate,thanks again for writing such a great piece for the dishwasher, it opens up some great discussion points on so many topics!!:)
Nate, my husband is number seven of eight children!
I’m number one of eight, but there is a mixture of half and step siblings as my parents divorced and both remarried. That was back in the day when divorce wasn’t “common”.
I think it’s so awesome that your mom homeschooled seven children! That is very challenging. She did a great job with you. You are intelligent and articulate with a wide range of unique opinions. I wish more young adults would act like you!
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting Pamela. I’m so glad you liked Nate’s piece!! Thanks again!!
Great post!
My family is truly abnormal. How about i have no aunts or uncles. Wanna talk about it?
I’m going to check out yours now Kathy.
What a wonderful and quirky story. And whoever says they have a normal family is crazy 🙂 There simply is no such thing 🙂
Amen to that! I would have nothing to write about if I came from a normal family, or if I had one now!!! Lol!! Thanks so much for dropping by!! xo
Michelle you made me laugh with that one! No aunts or uncles, I don’t know if I would have liked that. xo!
LOVE this post and am totally going to be his newest follower! I only had one sister and dreamed for a big family! I am determined to have more children so my kids can have more than 1 brother/sister. Oh and I took notes…no homescholing in Germany 🙂
Thanks so much for stopping over! Katherine you make such gorgeous children that you should most certainly have more!!! Lol!! xo
I think you are so lucky to have such a loving and LARGE family! A lot of support, a lot of laughter and joy, and probably a lot of fighting but oddly less stress….. Your mum and dad were onto something!
Thanks so much for stopping by! I think it must be a lot of fun too!
Nate- I remember the “tomatoe” van very well.
wasnt there a pickle van at some point?
Well now Nate is going to have to explain the pickle van!! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Nate, love your post. I only have (or I should say had) two brothers, but before anyone took off for Heaven, we had 22 first cousins. Kathy, what a great idea to have a post swap. Off to see yours at Nate’s place now.
Thanks so much for visiting! I have had fun with the swap! Thanks again!
I love this post and the perspective of being the middle of 7! WOW! There is something to be said for that Momma who home schooled all 7 children and that of the 5 who went to college had spectacular grades (and studied abroad)- I commend the Mommas that homeschool and have the gift of being able to do it well. Such an uplifting read. Thank you!
Tracy you are so right, not only did Nate’s mom homeschool 7 kids, she did it really well!! Thanks so much for coming by and checking Nate’s essay out. His site is really good too! Thanks again!!
Great post, Nate. Love learning about your family life. And nice to see you here. From the looks of all these comments, I’d say, you’re going places. And to think, I knew you when…
Thanks for the visit and great comments!
What a great idea of the swap! I love meeting new blogs, and I can see why you love nate!
Hillary thanks so much for popping by!! It’s been fun to do a swap, something different! I have told Nate to read you as well! Take care!!
I like your conversational style, Nate; and thoroughly enjoyed your post. I love all the options we have in the US as far as schooling is concerned. While I attended private schools, my boys are homeschooled via a Virtual Charter School, and my daughter attends the local public elementary. Lots of choices in our great country. Glad to learn of yours…and that you turned out all right. ☺ Happy Wednesday! Off to check out your post, Kathy!
Larri I’m so glad you were able to pop by, I thought you would find Nate’s story interesting! It is great to have so many choices. Thanks again dear friend!! xo
Nate, I loved reading this! My older brother is Nate too, and I am 1 of 7. I love hearing your perspective on being home schooled, and how grateful you are to be an American. What a treat to find you through Kathy!
So I’m thinking that having 6 siblings isn’t that abnormal because there seems to be A LOT of big families, which is awesome! Thanks so much for reading! I can’t wait to check out your site.
Thanks so much for coming by Betina! As I said to Courntey I did not know you guys came from a big family!! Thanks again!
I loved this post, as I can relate–first because I come from a large family (9 of us) and secondly because I have now followed in my parents’ footsteps and have a large (8) family of my own! Oh yeah, home schooled too. I home schooled my kids until the end of last year–I’m kinda missing it and thinking maybe I should go back to it! I do still have “only” 3 at home now, ha! Love seeing your family, so beautiful!
Thank you so much Ang 🙂 I’m surprised our families haven’t met yet lol! I’m so glad you enjoyed this post! I was a little nervous at first because I know that a lot of people have negative feelings towards homeschooling, but I’m glad I got over that because the feedback has been overwhelmingly awesome!
Ang I knew you had a large, and beautiful family, but I did not know you came from a big family too!! I knew you would relate to Nate’s story!! Thanks so much for coming by!! xo
Nate, this post was such a great read! I don’t come from a large family, there’s only three of us women, but our small family rivals the enthusiasm and joie de vivre of any large family. And did I mention the drama? You think having three older sisters is bad? Try vying for queen bee position with two other females! hee hee! The beautiful thing about large families is the closeness they develop. No matter what the circumstances, you always have back up. I’m sure there’s never a dull moment! 🙂
Bella I come from an all girl family where we are each only two years apart!! Major competition and drama! Lol! Thanks so much for coming by and reading Nate’s piece!
People don’t realize the freedoms we have in the US, until they hear that what we take for granted, is prohibited in other countries.
thanks for sharing this post with us.
Regina
http://www.thecrazynutsmom.com
Regina I had the same reaction as I read Nate’s piece. It’s easy to take for granted the freedoms we have here. Thanks so much for dropping by!
I loved reading this and I am so intrigued by the idea of homeschooling, being a public school employee and servicing thousands of students who do not always fit the mold of what a formal public education has to offer. Yet, I have also seen the negative impacts of students who were home schooled for most of their childhood, but chose to attend public high and struggled immensely when trying to adapt. So I am intrigued!! Nate, I’d love to talk to you more about the pros and cons..if you even see any cons.
Great post!!
I was intrigued as well. Thanks so much for visiting, I hope you check Nate’s site out, he is a great writer, and I think you would enjoy some of his other posts as well!
I think this is going to be two likes in one as I head over to “shenk out” the other blog 😉 Nice insight to a large family. Mine is small all the way around.
Thanks so much for dropping by! Great to find your site as well!
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What an amazing writer Nate is! I can’t imagine going from being homeschooled to going to 2 different high schools (by choice). He must have some stories! Can’t wait to read more about him…
Actually a big family is normal for me- I come from a family of 9 kids. And my mom’s mom had 13! Of course I always knew I didn’t want to have that many, lol, so we only have 3. ;p
I honestly, was against homeschooling until my oldest sister started doing it with her kids. I realize there is a such a benefit for the children when they can stay home and learn from a loving parent. Thanks for sharing your story Kathy! I love your writing along with wise council.