Hello World,

The McGhee family first captured the hearts of America after an online photo went viral and the entire family appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011. Soon after, they received a series on OWN. Now the family returns to television in this all-new series for UP TV. Audiences will have a chance to follow this fun-loving family of eight as they embrace life and encounter new firsts – all of which come with unexpected twists and turns when you’re doing them with six five-year-olds. While neither Ro, a minister, nor his wife Mia ever expected their lives to be so hectic, they wouldn’t change a thing.

Ro and Mia tried for 10 years to have children, but they never imagined they would end up having sextuplets! Life was busy enough when taking care of six little ones, but now that their brood is five years old and in kindergarten, they are facing brand new challenges that are throwing them for a loop. Never before have they felt more outnumbered! Diaper changes and feeding schedules have been replaced by sassy opinions and chore charts. “Growing Up McGhee” premieres tonight June 8 at 9p.m. ET.

The first episode is titled “Going a McGhee a Minute,” which is I was able to watch in advance. Here is the summary:  In this all-new series, the McGhee sextuplets are now five years old, and they are forming their own interests, opinions and personalities, which is certainly making life interesting for mom (Mia) and Dad (Ro) who now feel outnumbered! When they go to their first parent/teacher conferences, will the sextuplets get glowing remarks, or are Mia and Ro going to be sent to the principal’s office?

Below is my interview with Ro & Mia McGhee:

When do you find time to be a minister in addition to being a father of sextuplets and a carpet cleaning business owner?

It is because of God that I am a father of sextuplets and a business owner. It is the least I can do for Him for making me who I am today. My faith is priority, teaching my kids about God is essential, so in ministering I’m fulfilling both.

Do you think being married for 10 years before having your children gives you an advantage in parenting multiple children? Please explain.

I can only speak for my situation. Being married for the time we were without kids helped us to build a solid foundation. In this we learned each other, built trust, love and mostly a true friendship. So when the kids came, it just added to what was already there.

The both of you mentioned that your children have stashed items in the craziest places from cookies under a pillow to socks in a freezer. Where is the craziest place you have found something and what did you find? 

Bugs in my vehicle. My kids are at a stage where they are fascinated with bugs. So they collect them in a disposable cup. They will bring the cup in the car and watch them crawl out.  The most I found was about ten different types of bugs ranging from ants to potato bugs.

Do you have  anybody who assists you in taking care of your children other than the children’s grandmother? Why or why not?

We do have a small list of people that we can entrust our children with other then grandma. We choose to keep that list small because we can’t trust just anybody with our children.

Feeding six kids sounds very expensive! How much do you spend on groceries every week? And what is your favorite go-to meal for weeknight dinners?

When you have a big family, you have to be creative. We spend anywhere from $200 to $300 a week on groceries. Our favorite go-to meal is spaghetti with meatballs.

Why do you think keeping the children in kindergarten for another year will help them? Were they disappointed to find out they wouldn’t be promoted to first grade?

I am still a little torn with this, and I want to be completely honest. My kids have made great strides this year, and I cannot penalize them. However, I want what’s best for them. So I am working with the staff at the school for options and guidance. The kids are not aware of being held back as of yet until I work out the details with the school.

When do you get time to spend alone as a couple?

My husband and I go once a year on a just the two of us cruise every January for at least seven days. We have learned that this helps our marriage as well as assists us with being better parents. Also, when the kids get on the school bus sometimes we’ll have a breakfast date or a lunch date together. We’ve learned nurturing our marriage is a must.

Below is a video snippet of what you will see on “Growing Up McGhee” tonight at 9 p.m. on UP TV!