Party of 9 – a Column by Betty Vertin

My family recently spent a week in Indiana with friends at a cabin on a lake, and it was so good for us. Our two families met more than a decade ago when our sons were all little boys, and we have remained friends throughout our separate journeys with…

The first thing I tell others about myself is that my husband and I share seven children: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and Callie, 4. Being a mom is literally my favorite thing about myself. Caring for my family is my main purpose…

In the last year, I have written about our family’s need for more space. Well, I have some exciting news to share. We are moving to a new house! It has been a process. We looked at houses for months. That might sound like we looked at a lot…

As the summer flies by, my thoughts turn to going back to school — reluctantly. As a mother of many, the end of summer is nothing new. I have seven children with my husband, Jason: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and Callie, 4. Max,…

I wrote last week that I have been overwhelmed this summer by the demands of being a mom and caregiver. I have seven children with my husband, Jason: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and Callie, 4. Max, Rowen, and Charlie live with…

“You have your hands full.” I have heard that said hundreds of times over the past 25 years, and I hated hearing it. I always had a response ready: “Sure, but my heart is fuller,” I would say. However, I’m currently in a season of life and caregiving where…

I had my annual physical last week and when the doctor told me I was in good health, it was a relief. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. I am a mother to seven: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary,…

June is a quiet month here in rural Nebraska. Most days, only neighbors drive on the street outside our home, and you can hear the wind moving through the plains. That may sound boring to some of you from the big cities, but here it is supposed to be relaxing…

Here are some facts about me: I am an introvert, I am quiet, and my strongest voice is the written word. I grew up in the foster care system and experienced childhood trauma that makes it hard for me to know how to be around people. I am a mom…

They say the third time is the charm. However, as a mom to three sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), I don’t find that to be the case. I share seven children with my husband, Jason: Lexi, 25; Max, 20; Chance, 19; Rowen, 17; Charlie, 15; Mary, 11; and…