Big Family Methods. 

How will bringing our adoption kiddos home affect the way all our kids think in their futures?  

How will their thinking change the world?

I grew up with 4 siblings from birth to 8 years old, then 11 siblings plus one more by the time I was 9 I think.  When we went grocery shopping, we created a caravan of carts.  Milk and eggs and bread filled the carts.  Making food was a normal family’s bulk cooking for a week.  Burritos for dinner?  Pull out the cookie sheets, lay out all the supplies on the counter, and start the production line, line them up on the sheets, and feed the troops....so to speak.  

So, I had no problem volunteering to make 50 pounds of mashed potatoes for our church Christmas dinner.  50 pounds of russets, 5 quarts of cream, 8 sticks of butter, and salt as needed.  They were a hit! One senior lady asked in shock, “Did you make all of this?”  Me, “You bet.”  Her eyes bulged, , she paused...and then she asked, “and you mixed them?”   Me, “Sure”.  She mildly shook her head and I was a little confused.  Moments later I realized she must have thought I had mixed them all by hand.  I chuckled inside at the thought and then I daydreamed, “If only my muscles were strong enough to hand whip 50 pounds of mashed russets!”  Then I questioned in my mind, “How many things do I do differently or on a grand scale because I was raised in a big family?  How much has that shaped who I am?  For better or worse?  What has being raised in a big family prepared me for in life?”   While I may never have great answers for any of these questions, I can unequivocally state that being raised in a big family has helped me to not shy away from big jobs and it’s helped me think outside what most would; to be creative I suppose.  

If this video works, this is how I set about mixing 50 pounds of mashed russet potatoes.  

Enjoy the humor in this example of my everyday thinking.  

Post-blog request: 

Please follow our page ("bookmark" it on your browser or subscribe via blogger to get email updates).  When you feel inclined to bless us with your story, your words of encouragement, or anything else good, please comment.  If our adventures may help you or someone you know, please share our blog with them.  We are also happily accepting donations.  To help us financially, we have the following options:

A. Venmo "Millie-Hoggan" or 

B. Mailed Check made out to "Hoggan Handfuls Adoption Benefit Account" and mailed to Alpine Bank (Mail to 82 Sipprelle Dr, Battlement Mesa, CO 81636) 

C. Walk-in cash donations at Alpine Banks in Colorado to the "Hoggan Handfuls Adoption Benefit Account".  

We understand you can only give so much financially each month to causes you support.  If you can’t help us now, but want to, we ask that you think of us and our mission the next time you can give financial support to someone.  

Regardless of how you participate in our efforts to raise our little tribe, we appreciate the prayers, the kind words, and uplifting stories shared by so many!  May your loving kindness come full circle in your life.  

With much love, 

The Hoggan's