Mothers of Large Families Series: Jen Lang

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The Homemaking Cottage Series Presents:

Mothers of Large Families

Jen Lang, Mother of nine

I grew up as the oldest of 9 children, 8 girls and 1 boy (the youngest!). I was born in Northern California, spent 6 1/2 yrs in Washington State and then moved back to Nor Cal where I continued to live through my high school years and through my teen years.

We are a military family and have been fortunate enough to have had several sets of orders to San Diego. I’m in love with being by the beach and think that I’d like to live out the rest of my days here!

My husband is a Navy, helicopter pilot. I was a stay-at-home mom for the last 16 years. I started aiding in my children’s preschool this last Fall, when my youngest went off to school. Additionally I’ve been blogging, podcasting and writing for Military Spouse Magazine.

Why The Decision to Have a Large Family?

I didn’t “decide” to have a large family. Instead I decided to let nature take it’s course and to welcome each new life as it was given to me. I know this isn’t a “popular” or “common” approach to modern-day mothering, but now that my days of pregnancy and babies are over, I’m happy to have each and everyone of my kids to raise and enjoy.

Ok…you ready for this?!…
Kateri-21 yrs. She’s in her 3rd yr of college and has a magnetic personality that everyone seems to be drawn to. I could NOT be prouder of the young woman she’s becoming!

Clayton (we call him JJ) is nearly 18 and just graduated HS a few days ago. He will be off to college in Dallas, in the Fall. I am amazed and awed by this young man!

Mariah-16 yrs. She’s finishing her Junior yr of HS and is passionate about ASL and her school work. She’s a beautiful girl with a strong personality!

Arianna-14 yrs. She’s passionate about sports! When she decides to take on a sport, she gives it all she’s got!

Madison-13 yrs. She’s my #1 helper at home. She pays attention to detail and always listens with her heart.

Tristan-10 yrs. He’s a self-motivate student and a passionate reader.

Max-7 yrs. Max has the biggest heart you’ll ever find. He pays close attention to detail but this can get him in trouble because he collects so much detail that he’s often off-task or behind schedule. He loves music of ALL kinds.

Gabriella-5 yrs. She is my princess and my firecracker! A beautiful girl who wants what she wants and she wants it NOW!

Luke-Xavier-4 yrs. He’s the baby of the family and moves through each day with a mischievous grin. He LOVES to cuddle up with me but can keep up with his brothers without missing a beat. A GREAT lil guy to end this family with!

Some joyful experiences with her large family

There’s truly NOTHING like being around the dinner table with the whole family sharing stories. It’s great to always be able your own party! Want an instant party?…just invite the Lang Clan over and you’re good to go!

Knowledge that has helped her on her journey

Once I realized that all moms are in the same boat, doing the same job, no matter the # of children, I let my guard down and was more open to asking for help when help was needed and offering help when I am able. Too often moms try to do it all on their own and forget to let others in. I’m a firm believer that working together and building a community of people around you and your family is the best way to be successful at this job!

Her Housekeeping Tip

Organization and planning are key. Plan everything. Make lists. Make sure the kids have chores and are held accountable for them.

Favorite Quote

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
— Paulo Coelho

Favorite Family Meal

Mexican Lasagna-Mommy of Many™ Style

1 can black beans
1 can refried beans
1 can corn
1 can chopped tomatoes w/ garlic and onion
6 tortillas
shredded cheese (I like to use sharp cheddar)
salsa (optional)
sour cream (optional)
olives (optional)
avocado (optional)

Drain black beans and dump into a large bowl. Add the can of refried beans (and unless you are Amelia Bedelia I’m going to assume you know to open the cans before placing the contents into the bowl). Drain the can of corn and add to the bowl. Add the can of tomatoes. Mix together.

Line a 9×13 dish with 3 of the tortillas. I tear one of them in half to cover each end of the bottom. Spread the bean mixture evenly over the tortillas. Top with the other 3 tortillas and sprinkle the cheese to cover.

Cover and bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Slice and serve. I like to let the kids decide which *optional* items they want to top their portions with.

Enjoy!

Favorite Family Dessert

A simple Dessert that I’ve even served for breakfast-

Croissants
Nutella
Fresh berries (I use blueberries and sliced strawberries)
Heavy Whipped cream

Whip the heavy whipped cream w/ a little sugar and set aside

Cut a croissant in half, spread Nutella on one side, layer in berries, top with a generous amount of whipped cream and place the other 1/2 of the croissant on top. Mmmmm! Simple and YUMMY!

Her Blog

MommyofMany.com

Last Thoughts

As I parent a wide age of kids (4yrs-21yrs), I’m realizing that this job is forever-for every single day of the rest of my life and that each age and phase of life for my children brings me new parenting experiences. Even when my children are having children of their own, I will be having parenting experiences. Your children grow and walk out into the world, becoming adults with their own lives and dreams and experiences, but they always expect you to be there and to be their parent.

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