My Midwest Home

The Midwest has been my home for all of my life. Whether I never move again, or if I venture out to new cities, states or even continents this place will always be my home-- what can I say, I'm a down-home fusion girl.

Do you like my somewhat invented term? Wondering what it means? Well, it means overall I'm your basic Midwest gal--courteous, intelligent, just a hint of sarcasm..., you get the picture-- but I have a little fusion from other regional cultures, if you will.

I may laugh a little too loud.

I may have a little draaaw--according to some non-Midwesterners.

I just might have a bit of feistiness if I feel so inclined--yes, I can be pretty darn passionate.

I don't much care for what some may consider traditional Midwestern food--meat and potatoes just ain't my thing.

I also don't really use the word ain't when I'm speaking.

However, at my roots, you'll find a gal who values family, friends, hard work, compassion and good manners.

I'm proud to call the plains and green, rolling hills home. Yes, it's true, I have no mountains to go hiking in or a beach near the ocean to build sandcastles. The tallest building in my city doesn't compare to any skyscrapers that reach across Manhattan. My state's not famous for gorgeous, tan bodies; an art district, football stadiums the size of 500 Walmarts; or really great crab cakes (but goodness I wish we were; known for crab cakes, that is).

But I'll tell ya what we do have-- honest, friendly, caring, polite people. Now, please understand that I'm speaking from my own point of view, from my own experiences and certainly about the majority--of course there are the lying, rude, ill-mannered idiots here just like anywhere else--but most people here give a hoot about other people. We're not a totally self-involved people.

One characteristic of mine that may align with preconceived notions of a Midwesterner is the fact that I beat the 2 children per family average by about 2 kids. Yes, it's easier to have a larger family when the cost of living is much cheaper than in the big-city.

I've read several blogs or heard numerous stories about large-ish families from around the country. All too often, I hear these nice families' stories about how rude people can be when they are out in public. A nasty comment at the grocery store concerning the child to adult ratio--like it's anybody's business anyway. I can honestly say that no one has ever come up to me and said anything intended to be anything but kind or supportive. Now, the universe may be listening and I might experience this situation soon, but I'm prepared if it does (watch out, I said I can be feisty)!

Let's face it folks, my oldest of four was born 3.5 years before my now six-month old. They're all girls. They all look pretty similar. I have learned that I'm a bit of a circus when I walk into any public space by myself. I'd be rather dense if I hadn't noticed all the noticers!

But all those noticers have treated me and my family with respect and kindness. I have never heard any too many comments, or what were you thinking comments.

What these noticers notice---?--- How blessed I am.

I can't count on all the baby hands in my house how many times someone takes one look at me with my car-cart (you all know what I mean by this right?) full of doe-eyed girls and says, ohh, aren't you so lucky/blessed. What a beautiful family!

Recently, the six of us dined at a new bar/deli during happy hour on a Friday evening (we chose to do this not because we're crazy or stupid, but this particular establishment was a place that we loved in our college town and was new to our town). The booths lining the walls were all full and we were left with no other choice than to sit at the high tops. So we adjusted all three older girls to a secure position on their bar stools and set the baby in her car seat down on the floor (which being on a bar stool seemed a mile below us). As we were trying to tell our 2 year old to park it, two young couples saw us and suggested we take their booth seats. Yes, it was obvious we were struggling, but we could have handled it. I can even imagine that in some areas of the country people might think, well they decided to have all those kids and come out to eat during the busy happy hour--they can deal with poor seating. But these young 20 somethings gave up their seats just so we'd be more comfortable. I was floored on the inside, but said a simple thank you so much and exchanged a few friendly smiles.

Yeah, I'm sure there are plenty of people in my area who would like to tell me that I have too many kids, or that I'm unfortunate to not have had a son, or that I need to figure out how this (that'd be kids they're talking about) happens. But no one has ever said such a thing--and Lord help them if they do. Would I be the bigger person and just walk away--?-- I hope so. Can I guarantee I won't fight back a little--?-- ummmm...., NOPE! I digress...

So, yes, I do have a purpose in bragging about my people--you know I don't mean my people, I just mean these Midwesterners, right? In short, they are one of the biggest reasons I'd never call any other place home.

The slow-placed life living in the center of the U.S. affords quite a few luxuries--our traffic jams mean having to wait through 3 rotations tops at the busiest stop light during Christmas and rush-hour; there's also access to some fresh produce grown by your neighbor who's happy to share the harvest--but no luxury beats the fact that most people are just courteous, polite and respectful.

Yes, I call this place nothing other than, home!