Maybe You Should Pick Up the November Issue of Redbook

Because on page 29, under the incomparable Tanis of Redneck Mommy, you will find a quote from me that embarrassed my husband and has already caused much buzz among my friends. I've already been accused of trying to start a "war against other women".

And, for clarification because it came up on Twitter and with a girlfriend at school - I do have six kids. My husband had three before we were married. Together, that makes nine. I do get to count them. I may not have given birth to them, but they are still part of my life.

Comments

[Mary Copeland]

Carmen- I always tell people we have four boys- Henry had Nick and Quinn before we got married, like you I did not give birth, but they are my kids- Love them so much like my own!

[Emily C]

Nice . . . I really don't understand why some people can't keep their mouths shut.

[Elizabeth]

I think it's funny myself, your response that is. And a very good example of the kind of thing that women say to each other, usually without thinking, that are not nice. As an adoptive mom of a Hispanic son, I get told/ask stuff all the time that is hurtful, thoughtless, and annoying. How is your response "starting a war against other women"?

[Kait]

We get a lot of comments when we're out with our girls, usually of where are their real parents/why do they look different variety.

Because I'm a smart ass I usually respond (within ear shot of my husband) "Oh, I had a couple of flings with black guys but at least I got cute babies out of the deal! Don't tell my husband!"

My other favorite is when people ask me how much the girls cost. Not how expensive the adoption was, "how much did they cost?" To which I usually respond "How many times did you have sex before you conceived?" and when they get a shocked/disgusted look I can say "Oh, sorry, I thought we were asking rude and inappropriate questions that were none of our business."

[Dawn]

My husband and I have five between us and they are stair steps, aged 8-14; all blue eyed blonds. His kids live with us so I definitely claim them too!! You should see the looks we get, and when people find out I work full time it gets even worse. I feel your pain. People should shut up and mind their own business!

[susan]

well, i have 8 brothers and sisters, and even I as an adult get comments about my parents. It wasn't that unusual when I was growing up- there were several large families on our street even. I usually don't say anything if I can help it!

[Karen at A Glimpse Into My Reveries]

I think your response is "made me blow my drink out of my nose" hilarious!
I never think fast enough to throw out zingers like that!

How is that in any way 'starting a war against women'? I'd say the person who made the comment is the one who threw the first punch with such a judgemental 'question'!

I give you points for standing up for those of us who come from large families!

My parent were once on an elevator ride when the were introduced to another couple. Someone remarked in horror "Five! Five! You have five children!?!" To which my father replied, in a stage whisper "They're by her first husband". That person was so horrorified to have brought up an obviously sore spot that they missed my mom giving dad an elbow in his side and every else's giggles. You see, they were each other's only spouse! Then and now. They were blessed with 46 years of marriage, 5 kids & 13 grandkids before Mama left this earth to take her place in heaven!

[Lisa]

HI Carmen, I read all the time but rarely post... I can't imagine how anybody could see this as "starting a war against women". Huh?? How about starting a war against rude people!!!

I love it!

[superpaige]

Awesome!

[Brita]

This is where I found you. I just discovered you yesterday after reading your quote in Redbook. I do have 9 kids. I love your take on life. You say it so well.

[Brandy]

Why do you have to have given biological birth to children to count them as yours? I think your response is hilarious! Good for you!

[MJ]

Carman ... you rock!

[Ashley]

Wait a minute...your banner says six kids, and the article says nine kids. Which one is it?

[Debby Pucci]

That is so cool to be quoted in Redbook!

[elizabethk]

Would you sign your real name with address, Ashley? WTH -- you just read this entry, ABOUT rude people, and here you are...rude personified. Where can I send your award?
Get some class!

Love ya - Carmen...don't let the nasties get ya down!

[Kelly KH]

I don't see how you are starting a war - I think it's a great comment! I have 4 kids and people ask me that question all the time. Um, yes, I do know, and perhaps I enjoy it?

[addy]

heee heee heee - you are the best! And no that's ok don't think i need the demonstration thanks anyway - gahhhh

[Pat]

When my parent were out with all 8 of us kids, they always got asked, "Are you Mormon?" Because everyone knows, only Mormons would ever have large families! There was a Mormon family on our block and they had 9 kids. Our two families pretty much cornered the market on children in our neighborhood.

[Therese]

I just got my Redbook yesterday and read the comment last night. I thought it was awesome!

[UKCraftySal]

Brilliant comment, Carmen, and justly deserved by anyone who asks that kind of question.

[Jenn E]

eheheehheheh I love it!

[A Simple Twist of Faith]

"war against other women?" what's up with that? and I agree with you, there are many ways to be a Mom, you definitely do not have to "give birth" to be called a Mom.

[Erika]

Whaaa...? War against women? Guess I don't understand that one... and I have 3 kids and work full-time and absolutely plan to have more. I have 3 boys and want a girl. My first 2 are by my first husband but my current husband definitely still calls them his sons. They would feel left out otherwise. People can be so insensitive.

[Lyz]

How about a war against rude PEOPLE?

My husband is 7th of 9 kids (yes, we get Star Trek comments with that!) and his parents would get asked if they were Catholic. They'd say, "No, we're just passionate Protestants!" To which my husband says, "TMI."