Logan, I think I can answer a few of your questions...saw several programs regarding the family.

The father was a state rep. at one time and he is or was, in insurance sales. Apparently he and his wife had some serious financial difficulties in the past, way into debt, bankruptcy, then finally decided to take control of their finances. They attended some credit managment seminars, financial counseling and apparently have their act together now!

The mother said that they shop for clothes at thrift shops, stating that she will pay 50 cents for a pair of childrens' shoes that others pay 50.00 dollars for and then will hand down outgrown items of clothing to the younger ones. They also shop for the majority of their houshold goods, furnishings, at yard sales and such. I heard about the home they are building, large but simple. She said the kids will be roomed in seperate boy and girl "dorms." I'm not sure what building/housing costs are in their area of the country, perhaps less than in the Northeast. A house that size would cost a fortune to build here, forget about the cost of the land! And it's not totally inconceivable that they are receiving some help from family; a good thing! They did say they will be purchasing 4 commercial washers and dryers, commercial frig and stove, etc. and that certanly is costly!

I have to say that that the children were precious on TV, so polite and well mannered and seemingly very well adjusted...and articulate! The mother said that each child is buddied with a younger child, to help the younger sibling with dressing, bathing, homework; a mentor of sorts. This provides an invaluable life lesson in responsibity, sharing for sure! But like Rachel, I do worry about their relative isolation from the "outside world," but perhaps the parents are compensating for that in ways other than school, church, etc.

If this is the path they have chosen for lives and are able to adequately provide for their children, I say God bless them! And each child is a blessing yes, but for me at least, the blessing is not born of the birthing alone. With so many homeless children in need of a loving family, I would hope that perhaps (considering their apparent financial solvency) they might considering opening up their hearts and home to a homeless child in need. I remember seeing a few programs in the past on families with 10, 15, 20 children, half of whom were adopted, many with physical handicaps, disabilities. Like this family, they were amazing!

It's hard for me to imagine being pregnant 14 of the past16 years! And while the mother's fortitude is certainly commendable, it is really not the best course for her to pursue continued, uninterrupted pregnancies year after year, from a health perspective, especially as she's into her late thirties now. Pregnancy definitely takes it's toll on the body!

Logan, E.D. Hill does "have" 8 children, but hers is a blended family. As I've heard her tell it, both she and her current husband came into the relationship with children from previous marriages. I think she had 3 children with this husband Still, a handful! lol