RP: You and your husband have 11 biological and four adopted children. Did you desire a large family, and how do you balance having 15 children?
KT: I always wanted to have several children, but if you had asked me 22 years ago how many we’d have, I’d never have said 15. Our older kids are so capable and willing to lend a hand that it makes it possible. Otherwise, it would be impossible to balance. It is an elusive ideal that we couldn’t possibly achieve. We live life in unbalance, and we try to be 100% wherever God has us at that moment.
RRP: What are some mom hacks to stay organized at home, especially given your large family?
KT: Everyone is ready to pitch in and lend a hand. There are teams for the kitchen clean-up for every meal. Our older ones help younger ones get dressed, clean their rooms, and do their school work. Our kids love to entertain other families and friends, and they want our house to be neat, not perfect, but clean and organized. It’s intrinsic to almost every one of our kids to serve our family and others.
RRP: Your children range from ages 22 down to 8 months. As a veteran mom, how are you adjusting to being a new mom again?
KT: New babies in the house are such a huge blessing. I am always ready for snuggles and sweet baby smiles. The new mom role is an old hat for me. On the other hand, the teenage years have me wondering if 15 was a good idea.
RRP: What hobbies do you enjoy and why?
KT: Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, and our friends enjoy coming over for some of my favorite dishes. I also love dates with my husband, Tim, and children. Each one gets singled out every once in a while, and it’s a beautiful thing.
RRP: What advice would you give to women who desire to have a large family?
KT: Laugh a lot, especially at yourself, and never at others. A sense of humor is like people grease…it can take a delicate situation and turn it into a worthwhile and fun conversation.
RRP: Two of your children are special needs (amputee and arthrogryposis). Please tell us about their unique abilities.
KT: They are wonderful. Zaid is capable of doing anything. When Zaid is wearing pants, no one would ever know he’s an amputee. Mamie has no use of her arms or legs, but she can eat, write, draw, and give you “five” with her feet. She loves life and has the most beautiful smile.
RRP: You choose to home school your children, except one takes two classes on campus. What does that process look like for you all?
KT: We are involved in the Classical Conversations home school community. We meet in the community once a week, and we review the new material at home. I love learning right alongside my kids and redeeming my education.
RRP: How do you overcome challenges as a mom?
KT: None of this journey would be possible without my faith in God. When I pray and ask Him for wisdom regarding my kids, He is working out an unholy thing in me, and it’s not about my kids.
RRP: Finally, what would you say is the best part about having a large family? The most challenging?
KT: Lots of love and laughter. We all enjoy each other! With so many people brings so many different talents and abilities. We can do amazing things together. That’s the best!
It can be challenging to spend the time to notice the nuances of each personality. Of each soul. And to treat each one as if they’re the most important one at that moment. We try to be intentional with our children. Each one needs mom and dad to invest in small, but personalized, ways that speak to their heart.
Kim Tormey is married to Tim Tormey (retired from the military.) They live in Montgomery, AL, with their 15 children.
