Quiverfull?

Growing up, I knew a family with 13 children. Not only were all the children nice and funny and good sports (I knew them from showing horses - that doesn't always bring out the best in people, and certainly not kids), they were also an example of one of the only families I knew who said they believed in something and actually lived up to it. The parents didn't believe in birth control so they didn't use any. Any. None. Most people I know who say that don't believe in birth control are either only opposed to some types of birth control or only keep that belief until that belief is tested. They don't believe in birth control, but have 3 kids in 4 years so they decide to step in and take control of their fertility. That, my friends, is no trusting God.

I don't know where I stand. Right now, Mirus and I aren't using any birth control. We have condoms, and we used them for a few weeks, but neither of us are very sure about whether we should or should not use them. A baby would not be a burden (shouldn't a baby always be a blessing - regardless?) and neither of us feel 'unready' so . . .

If we aren't pregnant by this summer, we plan on trying. That is not quiverfull. Trying to get pregnant is the same as trying not to get pregnant. It's still taking charge of your family and your family planning. Somehow it seems less offensive to God.

This is one of those decisions that should be left up to grownups, but I find myself facing it anyway. Luckily for me, I breastfeed and cloth diaper, so babies aren't really very expensive in our house.