7 Kids & Counting

a special kind of love

2012-03-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

have you ever looked at your child and your heart just filled up with so much love it made you cry? often, without expecting it, my daughter will smile at me or say the sweetest thing and i get butterflies in my belly. or i will look down, while nursing and just fall in love with my baby girl all over again. my older children may just come up to me and lay their head on my shoulder and tell me they love me. or, despite their size want to sit on my lap. my son will tell me, i need another hug, the last one ran out. i just feel so privelaged to have been blessed with such a love for my children. i just love them so much. it is a gift from god, the kind of love that makes a mother cry just from looking at her children. my cup runneth over...

Winner of Princess Modest Swimwear Giveaway!

2012-03-05T10:37:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Mom or 3 Dolls!!! You are the WINNER of the Princess Modest Swimwear Giveaway! You will love your new suit, I look forward to hearing about it.

Baby K'Tan Review and Giveaway

2012-03-02T09:56:00.003-08:00

Ever since I had my first child twelve and a half years ago I have practiced attachment parenting, before I even knew there was such a thing. After our fifth child I started hearing about slings. I mean yes I had one of those awful strap on Walmart carriers I never used, but slings, hmmm. After looking into carriers I discovered there were so many styles. After our seventh was born I finally decided to take the plunge and try a wrap styled carrier. But my goodness was it a pain. I mean I loved it but all of that fabric! And when we were going somewhere I couldn't ever keep it off of the ground. Then I discovered the Baby K'Tan, and I fell in love!

I can do everything with my K'Tan. I don't have to hold on to her like in a sling and guess what-No wrapping! It is a total Hallelujah moment for me!

I have literally worn her for hours in my K'Tan and she is not fussy and I am not sore. I have even wore her older sister when I had a sunburn with ease and comfort. My daughters who carry our youngest two on occasion are begging that I buy one their size. Yes I am seriously considering it, because the K'Tan is so easy to use. Oh and another great feature is, that it comes with a pouch that you turn inside out and it holds the carrier or you turn it and it is the sash you see tied around me that gives added safety support for the baby.

I love that there are multiple ways to wear the K'Tan as well. I can wear her in a wrap styled (which is my favorite) or a sling style. Which is easier to nurse her in.

The Baby K'Tan certainly makes life with seven kiddo's alot easier. Whether it's a day at the library, cooking supper, doing laundry, shopping, doing homeschool or just taking a walk. I love holding my baby close, not only does it feel nice to me, it keeps them from crying. Holding a little one all day, which I pretty much do, gets very tiresome, I get very sore. But now that I have my easy to use Baby K'Tan I can keep up with life and wear my little one without getting sore.
I have heard the K'Tan being called a hybrid carrier, meaning the best of both a wrap carrier and a structured carrier, I can't agree more! I took a few things off of their website-I do hope they don't mind. I just wanted all of you to see how very cool the K'Tan is and how it works.

The Baby K'tan Baby Carrier is a uniquely designed soft cotton carrier. It can be worn in all the same positions as a wrap, without the hassle of wrapping! The K'tan is made of two loops of cotton which are connected by a third smaller loop called the Back Support Band. This ergonomic and stylish design allows the carrier to be worn in multiple positions, all without any complicated wrapping or buckling. It is a cross between a sling and a structured front baby carrier, offering the positions and benefits of both! The Baby K'tan offers unparalleled comfort, safety & convenience!

On the Baby K'Tan website they have video's and PDF files to help you out if you need or want to watch. You can also personalize your carrier, and really how cool is that! It comes in sizes rather than one size which makes it safer and much easier and comfortable to wear.

look how snug he looks, to cute.

(taken from the website, another way to wear an infant)

(also taken from the Baby K'Taken website)

Notice the cute little hat that comes with every K'Tan you purchase. I can not say enough about this company and the carrier. I wish I had it with my first.

Purchase a Baby K'Tan here or enter to win

Baby K'Tan has so graciously offered one of my lucky readers a chance to win a carrier for themselves.

Good Luck

a Rafflecopter giveaway

this giveaway is for the Continental U.S. only
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely that of 7 Kids and Counting , and are completely honest and without influence. I have requested to host a giveaway for this K'Tan because I think it would benefit all of you, parents, grandparents and any and all care givers. I will not responsible for prizes that have not been received, but will make every attempt to assist the winner. In securing it in a timely fashion. It is the winner’s responsibility to make contact with me in a timely manner (within 30 days after the close of the giveaway) to report that a prize(s) has not been received or the prize(s) may be void. I may or may not be an affiliate of one or more products mentioned on my Blog.

Happy 10 Years Jamie Allen, I Love You

2012-03-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

This morning at approximately I am awoken by scurrying little feet and hushed whispers of 5 little children. Why didn't I tell them all to go back to bed at such an awful hour...It is momma & daddy's 10th anniversary! Most years our children enjoy "surprising" us with breakfast in bed. This year, however I knew (sshhhhh) that they had made a poster. So I'm laying there thinking they will hang the poster and go back to bed. No way, when my kids do something they like to go all out. About 6:30 we were, hmm well we will say we were awoken ;-) by soft music playing and breakfast being brought in to us by 5 beautifully excited children! Our living being all decked out in decorations as well. This could have went very differently. I certainly was not hoping to be woke up at 4am, but if my children are willing t sacrifice their sleep for me and their dad, I see the loving kindness in that, who am I to say no. I thought it was so sweet. No matter how tired we all are going to be the rest of the day.

Once upon a Time there were two people, who came together and fell madly in love with one another.

(yes that's me with the spikey do)
These two people had alot to over come to be together. They had family who were not looking favorably on their union, they had children that would need to be adjusted into a blended family. Young yes but even still. Their love took them to a land far away from the young girls family. This was hard on all of them, but well worth it. As long as the two were together that is all that mattered.

(Summer in Virginia)
The couple learned alot about one another. And the young girl, almost overnight had to learn how to be a mother to three and how to run a real household. She flourished! The young couple could wait no longer. They had to be wed.

(what a happy happy time)
The wedding was small and very intimate. There were just a few family members. Although the children were dressed for a wedding they were not an actual part in the ceremony, for only the young couple were. The girl was so moved by emotion she knew not how she was able to get through her vows, tears coming from her eyes, shaky voice, but she made it through.

(it rained that day, only during the actual ceremony, which is said to be a good omen)
Since the wedding the couple have been through so much together. Such as the pregnancy and birth of four wonderful children.

(expecting our first together and the last to be had at a hospital, homebirths were in their future)
Sending the children away to a school bared to much on the couple. So after just a few short years, they decided homeschooling was for them.

(Blixon was the last to attend a public Kindergarten)
The suffered great loss, when the girl miscarried their fifth child, yet grew tremendously in the Lord)

(our fifth child is awaiting us in Heaven with our Heavenly Father)
The couple also went through a great deal of struggles in their relationship, from addiction, to separations to divorce threats and family problems. However with fighting for one another and their love, with the help of God, they managed to pull through. The young man even gave his life over to the Lord.

(the man became a born again Christian, after many years of praying)
They spent a great deal together with their children As family was a top priority to them both. There were a few times they even got to go on small trips together as a family.

(first big trip, to King Island)

(they even had a great time dressing up and traveling to a Renaissance Festival with the children)
They went through cancer with a child and a miraculous healing from the Great Physician, our Heavenly Father. The girl had surgeries, the man never left her side and was very loving.

(traveled to North Carolina to have a tubal reversal)
They went through baby dedications and baptisms of four of their children. Everyday life. Time passed and the two grew as did their family. They grew as individuals and as a couple as well. They coached upward basketball and showed team spirit as the children discovered what they enjoyed participating in as well. They moved once again and went from city life to rural Ohio farm living. Once again these two only grew closer together as one. They were able to take the trip of a lifetime...

(For their eighth anniversary they went to Florida, with their six children)
Today, today is ten years to the day that this couple wed. Throughout these ten years there were ups and downs, but through it all, they stayed in love with one another. They defied the odds and provedmany wrong. With God, they are looking forward to many many years to come.
Happy 10 Year Anniversary My Dearly Beloved

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-29T09:19:00.001-08:00

Momma Actually Got a Few Minutes Off

(Big sister Haven and her buddy Syhven)

(Blixon and her buddy Hadassah)

I Don't want to be so Plain

2012-02-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

Do you ever just wish to be someone else, even for just a day. Or maybe just be different??? I know I certainly do. Now don't get me wrong, I love my children and my husband more than life itself. It's just some days, I don't feel like taking care of goats and being so plain, or even homeschooling. Some days I just want to do my hair, put make-up on and get my nails done, maybe even get a pedicure ( never had one but sure wish I could) I love tattoo's and some days...some days I feel really spunky and think, hmmm maybe a tongue ring!
Ha, NO I'm not going to get my tongue pierced, not that in my opinion there is anything wrong with that. Maybe I has split personalities, some days I want to be a crunchy hippie momma and others, others I feel like being a plain skirt wearing momma, and some a tom-boy in yoga pants in a t-shirt. I feel I have fallen into the mommy look, you know plain top-if not a nursing shirt, jeans or a skirt, tennis shoes or flats, no make up and undone hair.
I am thirty years old now. I have seven children and have been with my husband for eleven and a half years. You would think I would know by now who I am. Well, I know who I am. I am a God fearing wife and mother. But I look around and most women are. They just are. They have a style and rarely sway from it. Sure they may dress up or down on an occasion, but they are predictable. Not me. I am so bored right now. I really do not think I have found the true "look" for me. I feel in my heart I am a spunky fun, corky, off kind of dresser, yet in my head I want to be classy and sophisticated, yet we live in a small town on a farm, neither seem very practical. Not to mention the fact, despite what I may say, I do care how others perceive me and I am a Christian so no matter how "cool" I think tattoo's are I obviously wouldn't get covered in them (no I do not think anything is wrong with tattoo's I have some) but I don't want to walk into church and have people stare, or be out in public with my children, having people think, wow that woman needs to grow up! My husband says "who cares what everyone thinks, wear what you want to, look how you want" sometimes I feel like it's just not that easy. I mean I don't want to walk around in revealing, skimpy clothes, just more me funky clothes.
I wish I had a large amount of money and an entire weekend to myself, well maybe with my mom or a girlfriend to just shop. Just try on everything, I mean I rarely get to try on anything. I am always with all of the kids, so I just grab and go if it's on sale. I need an entire wardrobe for every day of the week
;-) Aah the life a confused mother. Maybe someday.

Why I Use Cloth Diapers

2012-02-26T17:16:00.001-08:00

My first purchase of cloth diapers six years ago consisted of 24 unbleached diaper service prefolds and a few snappi's and Gerber plastic cover pants. Sure I had a couple of "fancy" covers to, but they were not used to often because of diaper blow-outs. I can't remember the exact moment that I decided to purchase them, but I know it was when I first got involved in being a Doula and in with the "homebirth" scene. Up until that point my kids had worn Luvs, and Huggies but mostly Pampers. After we switched to cloth, we often flip flopped back and forth from cloth to Seventh Generation.
With our next daughter I had found G-diapers, which were "cool" and all but I wasn't keen on the way they fastened, despite the "cool factor" I still think they are very cool looking. I started shopping at Whole Foods and found a disposable brand called Tushies. I loved them, they were all cotton with no chemicals. I figured they were the next best thing to cloth. I went back and forth between Tushies, Seventh Gen. and Cloth, but at least by now I had some even cuter covers (Thirsties mostly)!
Then came our seventh baby. I was still on the fence teetering between cloth and sposies. I think Syhven was about 6 months old when I got the "Fluff Fever" I was asked about Charlie Banana's (which I love) and I had to try them out. I then decided I needed more, due to the fact I had two little ones in diapers. So I bought some Bum Genius, Fuzzi-Bunz (which I don't personally care for)I spent about $500 on my new Fluff and I wanted more! I have tried fitted with covers, Flip and Oeko PoPo(which I love), and Grovia (which I love).
I was still using Sposies at night, out of fear of leakage, plus I had bought a case of Seventh Generation and figured I might as well use them. But I have not bought a disposable diaper since June of 2011, and I am pretty happy about that. We were spending $100 a month on diapers. Now I have the cost of my (Charlies soap and Bac-out)and that's it! Also, a little less than a month ago, I noticed we were almost out of sposies so I started using cloth at night. No leakage what so ever! I will be honest, some mornings they do stink a little like pee, but not every morning. I just thought I better save the sposies in case of diaper rash because creams are bad for cloth diapers. Why buy more when we have all we need already.
I know that alot of people don't want to have to "deal" with cloth diapers. Yes, it is extra work, yes I have to clean poo out of their diapers and wash and stuff their diapers, but it is totally worth it. And come on, there is not a disposable diaper on the market that can touch the "cute factor" of my Fluff! I had to buy some Baby Legs just so I could show off the Fluff. I know now how moms can become addicts :-) It's all an added benefit I can say that I am going green, but in all honesty that is only a small part of why I love Cloth Diapering! I hope to post a few reviews in the near future on my favorite cloth diapers and why they are my favorites, so stay tuned. and if you do not Love your diapers, you are not using the right diaper!

co-hosting a Blog Hop with...The Epic Adventures of a Modern Mom

2012-02-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

http://1epicmom.com

Hey party people of the blogosphere, welcome to the Weekend Blog Hop till you Drop!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop to find other blogs we can follow!

1. Follow the hostess, Epic Mom a.k.a Char from The Epic Adventures of a Modern Mom, and show some linky luv to our epic guest host Tiffany from 7 Kids and Counting. Be sure to leave a comment so that we can follow you back.

2. Link up your blog so we can all check it out.

3. Please feel free to add any family friendly blog post, Google +, Twitter and Facebook, RSS Feed, You Tube Channel, Pintrest etc. for everyone to follow. This a fun way to get new followers, so go ahead and add the social media channels that you would like us to follow you on, just specify which one it is!

4. Check out some other blogs and if you find some blogs you love, become a follower and leave them an epic comment.

If you are interested in being a guest host, please feel free to contact me at epicmomblog@gmail.com!

Now come on y'all, let's party like it's 2012! And have an awesome weekend as you Blog Hop Till You Drop!

Princess Modest Swimwear, Review and Giveaway!

2012-02-21T17:39:00.000-08:00

I contacted Princess Modest Swimwear and asked if I could review one of their bathing suits and they were ever so kind as to not only review their bathing suits, but hold a Giveaway as well. On top of all of that anyone who would like to purchase a bathing suit can get 10% off! Use code 7Kids and you also get Free shipping-very cool, right.
A little about Princess wear Princess Modest Swimwear was established in 2006 by Galia Peled, a religious woman living in Jerusalem. Galia is the mother of six, and a midwife by profession. Through her 22 years of experience in midwifery, she knows how to attend to the needs of women. Women have active life styles that include exercise and fun, and are not willing to compromise their principles or sense self dignity, as many feel that the “bikini” culture requires them to do.
Galia started Princess Modest Swimwear based on strong belief that women need options and that religious women of all faiths may desire to dress modestly while enjoying activities.
She herself longed to enjoy the beach and pool with her family, without being bogged down by soggy clothes or an overly revealing bathing suit. Galia has spent countless hours researching swimsuit fashion and fabrics, and surveying what women of different cultures, religions and ages really want. The result is a stylishly designed suit that you can actually swim in, now enjoyed by women around the world.
My reason behind wanting to review a Princess suit is that in a bikini world my body simply does not need to be seen by any other than my husband! After my first pregnancy I had stretch marks all over, even on my legs. I have never fully lost all of that weight and five babies later I am where I am.
The Princess wear covers me up in a way that I feel so much more comfortable.

(me in the pools showers)

Now I know what some of you are thinking-that does not look like a bathing suit. Well let me tell you something, I felt more at ease in this bathing suit then I ever have in my entire life. My breasts were not falling out the top when I bent over, I was not trying to suck my belly in, I was not worried about who was looking at the backs of my ghostly white legs where my stretch marks are. I didn't worry about the bottoms riding up my behind as I climb out of the pool.
Princess Modest Wear has got to be the most comfortable wearing suits I have ever worn. I could move around in it with ease in and out of the water. The material is so very soft. The light purple (lavender)material is that of a regular bathing suit and the darker purple is such a soft material that just wicks the water away. Not to mention the fact that I burn very easily and in my princess wear bathing suit I don't see myself getting burned like usual. Praise God for that!
I love this bathing suit, my only regret is not having found it earlier.

(this is the bodysuit style, with a built in shelf bra)

(the snaps, I actually left them unsnapped so that I could pull it up, under the tunic top, to nurse)

(the tunic top that is optional to wear, perfect for nursing under & hiding baby belly & of course just for extra modesty)

(the bottoms, with skirt-I left my panties on, but I would imagine you don't have to)

(optional snaps to turn the skirt into shorts style)
I have been through alot of bathing suits in my time and I have to say this is by far my favorite. If it someday (which I doubt because it's made so well) gets to worn, I will most certainly buy another, because I don't ever want to wear another bathing suit other than a Princess Modest Swimwear! I would imagine that I could wear this bathing suit while doing other things as well, it is that comfortable and easy to wear. I will say that in my opinion for me it runs slightly small. I normally wear a large with breathing room and I have a large Princess wear and it is very snug. However it is still the most comfortable suit I have ever owned, I am just used to a suit slightly larger. So there again it is just a personal preference. But if you are on the larger size of the scale I would just go ahead and order up. If it were me. All and all I could not be happier with my bathing suit! Now on to the fun stuff, Princess Modest Swimwear bathing suits run for $107.00 (believe me completely worth it) however as I said earlier the wonderful people ;-) at Princess Modest Swimwear has offered one of my lucky readers a free bathing suit of their choice. Good luck I juts know you'll love your new Princess Modest Swimwear bathing suit.

Buy Here Princess Modest Swimwear
Or Enter to win a FREE Suit below using the rafflecopter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I did recieve my Princess Modest Swimwear bathing suit free of charge, but everything in my review is 100 % my honest opinion as always.

Potty Training is on Hold, I Totally Gave Up for Now

2012-02-18T14:55:00.000-08:00

I feel like a horrible mother. My hubby wanted me to potty train our little one in the summer, she seemed ok with it. That only lasted a couple of days, lol. However about three months ago she started actually asking to go potty, even while we were out shopping. She was doing so well. She rarely even wet at night. However we really never got the poo in the potty all to often. Then here recently she started peeing in her panties all the time. Now she doesn't even want to put panties on she wants a diaper on and she doesn't want to go potty at all.

(yes that's her on the potty with a diaper on)

I suppose it's totally my fault. I started out with a timer, and enlisting the help of two of my daughters. But Hadassah refuses to sit on the potty for them anymore. She fights me as well. Once she was doing fairly well I got lax with the timer and I shouldn't have. She is our sixth little one to potty train, she is two and a half, this shouldn't be happening. I feel just awful because I have did the BIG No No and caved, I allowed her to win and put her back in a cloth diaper purely out of laziness. I was tired of the pee panties and tired of fighting her and I gave up. Ugh, I just don't know if it's even worth pushing her at this point. Maybe in the summer. That sounds terrible. I need some fire under my bum to get the enthusiasm back I had at first, cause I am just not feeling it anymore. Have any of you ever caved and took a break from potty training? Or am I the only one?

Being Set Free by the Grace of God

2012-02-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

I have grown up with self esteem issues for just about all my life. When I was a teen I thought my only self worth was that of my body, what I had to offer a guy, in my appearance. And that was my downfall. I made more mistakes then I care to count. I gained 60 lbs when I was 17 and pregnant with my daughter. I had lost all of my friends because I chose my daughter over partying and so I didn't do much besides sit on my tushie in the air conditioned comfort of a recliner watching T.V.
After I had my daughter, I felt my body was ruined. I of course never got back down to 120 lbs. I had stretch marks on ever limb of my body, from my breasts to my legs and I am talking all the way from my thighs to the backs of my knees-gross huh. My husband and I got married and he has been working on me ever since. I had heard several times to give it to God. How do I do that? I want to give it to God. I mean what woman wants to look at herself in the mirror with disgust! It affected my happiness, my husbands happiness and my marriage. I fought with dieting and exercising. I fluctuated in my weight and my appearance. I rarely found cloths that made me feel good. I think that's why I love being pregnant, its the only time I truly feel beautiful.
I recently went through a Bible Study that had me taking large strides to letting go of all of my self esteem issues (by the way that was not what I thought the Bible Study would do for me, God is just like that) I gt my haircut, colored after 10 years of going natural. I started going to curves. Wouldn't ya know Satan decided to fight for me. He decided he was not ready to let go a gripped even harder. What did I do, I got obsessive loosing weight to the point of my 6 year old daughter jumping up and down at dinner and when asked, she said I need to loose weight I'm to fat (by the way she is a slim in pant size) I got obsessive about cutting the red out of my hair to the point of taking clippers with a 1 inch guard to my head. When I was through I looked at myself in the mirror and said Dear God what did I do! At that point I realized it was time to start letting go, no matter how hard. I mean I was damaging my daughters thoughts and with six girls I can't do that, and I was damaging myself.
I was doing laundry one day when I thought I would start wearing skirts. Now this is not like me. Granted I have dresses and skirts and like to wear them on occasion but as an every day thing, not my cup of tea. But I once again threw all of myself into this new plan for me and my girls.
Now a few things you should know before I go on,
one: I do not see women heavier than me as fat, why I have issues with myself is more personal and I do not feel that a woman's weight makes her pretty or not pretty.
two: I do not look at wearing skirts as a way to make a woman more holy or better than the next. However my lovely husband thinks it is taking women back to prehistoric days if they always wear skirts and never put on pants, he doesn't care either way what I do but that's how he feels.
three: I do not hate myself and I am no depressed on an every day level, I am proud of where I am at in life and proud of the woman I have become.
I was in the kitchen staying busy with something when suddenly I felt a release. I have been questioning why I would be released from such a strong feeling so quickly, after all its only been two or three months of trying to convert me and six girls to all skirts. I have been very hesitant in my wearing pants again, out of fear I am hearing the wrong person telling me it's ok. I have talked to other women and I have prayed alot. The fact of the matter is is I feel frumpy in most of my skirts, not all of them. I like wearing my new black jean skirt from The Skirt Site and a couple of others. But I have noticed that I am not so concerned with my appearance since putting on a skirt. I think that God put it on me to wear skirts to help me with my self image problems, without my knowing it.
The moral of this story, well I am not exactly sure. I know that when dealing with something that hurts you, you cannot do it yourself. You need to give it to God, no matter how hard. You also need to be submissive to His voice, it will be rewarding to you and pleasing to Him. My husband has always been wonderful about paying me compliments and making me feel good and completely supportive. This is something that I need to work on with God and for now I had to share my story because I am very pleased with the Lord and how far I have come with His help just in the past few months. I know that this is not an over night cure and I know that this is something I will have to take up my cross on this one on a daily basis, but I now know that I can do, because I AM doing it!

Thank you God, may you help all women realize that we are made in Your image therefore we are all beautiful, no matter size nor color! Please continue to help me in my efforts of letting go.
Amen

I got the Versatile Blogger Award

2012-02-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much shutterbug social for this award.

When you receive this award there are 3 things that you are asked to do:
1. Thank the person who nominated you with a back link to their blog.
2. List 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 15 newly discovered or fondly followed blogs.

7 things you don't know about me
1. I often use a nursing baby as my excuse to be on the computer ;-)"
2. I can't wait until my mom can live with me
3. I am addicted to nesquick chocolate milk
4. Despite my knowledge about health, I have a sweet tooth
5. I am more afraid of an epidural than I am of the pain in childbirth
6. I tend to change my style often
7. I a try to hold a grudge but am not very good at it

15 Blogs I have discovered and would like to Award.
1. http://alovinglastingmarriage.blogspot.com
2. http://www.babylovingmama.com
3. http://bootybunsclothdiapers.blogspot.com
4. http://www.chunkyandmonkeymd.com
5. http://www.create-with-joy.com
6. http://findingmyheartfeltbalance.blogspot.com
7. http://jessica-healthymommyhealthybaby.blogspot.com
8. http://homegrownfamilies.blogspot.com
9. http://mamato3blessings.blogspot.com
10. http://marriagefromscratch.blogspot.com
11. http://raisingahappyfamily-momof8.blogspot.com
12. http://mylittlestgravesies.blogspot.com
13. http://lifewithmydisabledchild.blogspot.com
14. http://ohhthejoysofboys.blogspot.com
15. http://ourfootprintsontheworld.blogspot.com

I think they are pretty great, go and check them out, I bet you will to.

Periods, a Part of Life, Talk to Your Children

2012-02-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

When I was challenged by another blogging momma to write about periods, I thought hmmm, I can do this, then I thought naaa I think I'll skip this one. I changed my mind again though and figured I would after all. Why because she was right, a period or ministration or a monthly cycle is just part of life. Why make it taboo as she said.
I can remember in my fifth grade year starting my period right before going to school. I couldn't wait to share with my best friend. After all we both had older sisters and we knew a "little" something about it. I was excited to tell her, but she was the only one. I didn't really want to tell anyone, my mom, my sisters, my teachers, no one else. I can remember sneaking into the teachers bathroom and stealing pads every month because I hadn't told my mom just yet. I of course ended up telling my mom and it was embarrassing but she was very cool about it.
That being said, I wanted my children to think of it as no big deal, just a part of life. When I had 5 young children and went to the store during my period, well there was only so much room even in the handicapped bathrooms. They were told to turn around but they were still curious about the crinkling sound. So I told them. It was just the easier thing to do. my so knew all about by the time he was 4 years old. I would like to think his future wife will thank me someday. My husband is great about it as well, he doesn't get embarrassed or act grossed out. I mean he is very mature about it and also tends to act as if it's just not a big deal.
I have one son-the oldest and six girls, periods have to be part of the norm in this house. Being ashamed or embarrassed is just out of the question. I remember my girls wanting to, or coming to me saying they think they had started, of course they hadn't though. When my oldest did, she came to me privately and we had "a moment" then life resumed as usual. I still have not got her in the habit of jotting it down, but she will get there.
Now, I know, when we were all young it was tampax and always, stayfree and such. However I do want to let all of those brave women who read this, that our vaginal area is one of the most absorbant part on our body. All of the typical brands have harsh chemicals in them. So when I thought about my girls being on their period i opted to use Seventh Generation pantyliners & pads. Yes they sell tampons as well. Also for you cloth diaper lovers ( I use C.D.) there are washable, reusable pantyliners & pads even insertable diva cups rather than tampons, Glad Rags being a huge name. Anyway I just wanted to share that bit of info as well.
So the moral of all of this, Moms talk to your kids, daughters and sons. Don't make a period a bad, embarrassing thing, it just is and always will be part of every girls life. I would much rather them being ok with all of this and hear it from me then being scared or taken by surprise or told by someone else.

Modest Middle-A Product I Love for Nursing

2012-02-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

I found an Awsome new product I wanted to share with all of you nursing and pregnanct momma's.

Modest Middles http://www.modestmiddles.com/
From the start of my nursing career, that has been one thing I do not enjoy about nursing. That is pulling my top up and showing my (very unpleasant to look at) belly. It made me feel very uncomfortable. I have tried plenty of things, all which are fine on their own. From nursing shaw's which really don't cover your sides, to nursing tops which usually are not very flattering or are expensive. The Modest Middle changes everything! I can wear a Modest Middle and still wear my everyday tops from before I was pregnant. I love that!

The black Modest Middle I have on here shows nothing! I can wear any nursing bra I want, because the Modest Middle wears underneath my bra in the front, but like a tank in the back with spaghetti straps. When I first got it I thought maybe it might be comfortable under my breasts, but no, not at all. I completely forgot I even had it on. It is that comfortable.

here is a picture I stole from the website to show how it fits

How to put MM bra strap on inside for tanks. I just can't say enough. The Modest Middle was super comfortable and it comes in several colors, white, nude, grey or black so you can have them to match your cloths. I am always on the look out for things that help make parenting more easy. Nursing is a MUST for me, for so many wonderful reasons and the Modest Middle makes nursing so much easier. No need to buy special tops or shaw's or anything. Put a Modest Middle on and any of your regular tops and on you go, I can nurse in public, church at home anywhere and now I feel comfortable doing so. I know I already said it but I love love love the Modest Middle. Just one of the many products I only wish I would have had earlier on.

Here are a couple of pics of Amy the owner/designer/mom of 6

I can not recommend Modest Middle enough. Go check it out, I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do!

http://www.shop.modestmiddles.com/main.sc

Fun on the Farm Outdoors (wordless Wed)

2012-02-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

The Food We Eat

2012-02-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

I can remember when I was a teenager and all I ate was pizza rolls and microwavable pizza. Gone are those days, right. Then after I had Haven and it was just she and I, my diet changed a bit. I didn't cook much though, being it was just for me. When I got with Jamie I had to start cooking meals for he and I and soon for our two little ones. I still didn't cook very healthy. It was alot of hamburger helper, chicken voila and things like that. See I didn't like to cook and I still don't!
When I became a Doula I did start changing our diets a little bit. But it wasn't until I met Becky (midwife and spiritual mom) she really helped open my eyes and point me in the right direction. I found some great stores to shop at, whole foods, trader joe's and we even found organic foods at bent & dent stores (which by the way I miss so much) and Kroger even began selling alot of organic and natural foods. We really changed our diets for the better. I mean, do you know what kind of "junk" is in the milk that you drink everyday, it's disgusting! Most of the "so called foods" we put into our body are more toxic then nutritional. I mean no wonder our country is obese and disease ridden. I have read that it's something like 1 pear of 50 years ago would have the nutritional value as about 34 or something. I mean what are we allow them to do to our food. And Corn, my goodness this mycotoxin infested grain (not vegetable by the way) is in everything! Oh and corn syrup is NOT sugar! There is a documentary called King Corn I highly suggest it. And Super Size Me is a good one, having to do with fast food-McDonalds in particular.
When Gala got sick we went to an Anti-Fungal diet for quite awhile. Meaning no sugar at all, no pasta's, no breads no corn, pretty much just meat-organic or all natural, vegetables, and eggs, organic dairy products, with local fresh cow milk-try finding that around, ha the government, supposedly wanting to protect us has for bid us to buy fresh milk! That makes no sense to me, I mean who are they to tell me I can't drink milk from a cow because it wasn't ruined by the dairy companies! Now since Gala's being sick we have gotten off this diet a bit. But it wasn't until we moved to our place now that it has gotten this bad. :-(
I can remember when we first moved here and we figured, well it won't be so bad. We can drive to Columbus once a month and Zanesville whenever we need to grocery shop. See our town has a Kroger (probably one of the first ever made, and yet to update, I'm talking barely fitting carts down the isles) The Kroger here in town barely has anything healthy but I do try. We have not been to Columbus to a Whole Foods in close to a year I am so extremely sad to say, and Zanesville, well I try to go once a month and stock up on as much as I can. But we used to be able to do more with two refrigerators and now we only have one. I find myself more and more running to this Kroger, giving in the pleas for candy and cakes. I find our dinners, which were not really out of the ordinary, just organic have now switched to, "well at least it's not boxed" I will tell you it's amazing how easy it is to crave the "junk" to!
I need to get back on track, Columbus or not. I can see the difference in the kids' behaviors and all of our health, it's simply not as good. I have been buying Syhven organic baby food, but to be honest by they time the other kids were a year old they were at least tasting table food, but most of ours I am to afraid to put into her body. I just wish it were easier living here and having a healthier diet. I mean how much chemical pesticide or preservative did they spray in those apples just for them to make it here? It's almost not worth eating them with all of the bad stuff that's in them or on them, but yes we still eat them. It's so hard. It should be easier and cheaper to buy the healthy stuff, not easier and cheaper to buy and eat the Genetically Modified or Engineered foods, all of the hydrogenated and fried "junk" that's killing us, but hey we will all be so preserved that we won't need to be embalmed at this rate. Ugh anyway...
I still detest cooking, so I need fast and easy recipes. I have a large family so it can't be these dinners for 4, It can't be the kinds of dinners that call for special ingredients that is hard to find. I am just so stuck in a rut with the same old things I have perfected and am comfortable with. I would love to hear from anyone on what kinds of dinners they have!

Homeschooling + video

2012-02-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

My children and I recently got turned on to a funny youtube college student
Blimey Cow-I highly reccomend watching several. We just loved his homeschool video.

It's so true, all of the funnies on the video. My children were finished up with their school before lunch. After lunch they headed out to build a fort with extra boards and what not from a barn their dad took down. What fun is that! I thought I would share that with all of you just for fun.
Now the not so fun part, the picking curriculum, which we seem to change this every year. I so want to just fin something I love in all subjects and stick with it throughout the years. I am extrememly envious of teachers. They ahve so many resources. I would love to be able to have all of the worksheets they hand out everyday. I would love to find out how they plan their year and the students work. Besides the whole evolution thing I wouldn't mind our kids doing a more regulated school-maybe ;-)ANd how they grade all of those papers, AMAZING it truely is, I can't seem to catch up with all of last months grading, shhhh.
We, for the whole, love homeschooling though. We get to spend loads of time with our kids. They aren't feeling so pressured. And believe me, even from church youth group I see it, I couldn't imagine public school. Yesterday we decided to ride up to my moms with hubby who had work up there. Now if we were on a time schedule we wouldn't have been able to do that. There is just so much Homeschooling has to offer. I know a fifteen year old taking online college courses. By the time he graduates high school he will only have a year left in college.
I would love to hear everyone elses idea's or opinions if you would like to share. and I hope you enjoyed the video!

Syhven loves baby bunnies

2012-02-01T05:59:00.001-08:00

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The Skirt Site Review and Giveaway

2012-01-31T10:23:00.000-08:00

On my quest for modesty I am in search of fun and modern skirts (mostly) and dresses. I don't want to look like a frumpy, boring, old woman. Nor do I want my girls to look frumpy. I want all of us to look fashionable and fun and modern with our modesty. Also with a modest price. As I was searching the web, I found a great site. The Skirt Site
http://www.theskirtsite.com/
I loved this site, because not only did she have a nice variety of adult skirts but girls as well. On top of skirts the Skirt Site also carries tops, scarves, jewery and dresses even in plus sizes. I contacted the Skirt Site about a review and she was kind enough to let me choose my own style to review. I choose the Black Jean with Lines

I loved the versitily of a jean skirt and the fact it was black. Most jean skirts are of course blue. I love this skirt! It is so comfortable. Its very easy to wear and goes with just about anything.
I did all of my regular daily things in this skirt from getting the mail,

to the laundry, which happens to be in the basement. I have always been worried about going up the stairs holding a basket in a skirt. The Skirt Sites skirt was pretty good though. I have to say I love the length of it as well. I was able to play with the kids outside and even cross a baby gate with the amount of stretch it has in it.

I know that this may not be very important to you but this skirt had such a pretty button. i got several compliments on the SkirtSites skirt, at home and when we went out. It was easy to wear, easy to wash and it's easy on the pocket. The Skirt Site is modestly priced, especialy for the quality of skirts that she has. Over all I would recommend the Skirt Site!

Pro's: Stretch, it's very easy to move around in this skirt

The fact there is not a slit half way up the backside

It's a very nice looking skirt

The button-I just love it

The comfort, No matter if I was sitting or playing it was very comfortable

It was warm, We do alot outdoors playing and this kept me warm

Cons: No pockets

The Skirt Site

http://www.theskirtsite.com/index.html

Has been gracious enough to offer one of my lucky winners a skirt of their choosing $40.00 or less

(all but one are as far as I know) Just enter below using the rafflecoppter

Congrats Kat for winning!!!!!!! for liking the skirt site on facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

the first "LIKE" on FACEBOOK is likeing the SKIRT SITE on Facebook, not sure as to why the rafflecopter didn't recognize this.

Our Quest for Modesty

2012-01-31T09:32:00.000-08:00

Now that you all know my past, due to my Evolution of Me series, you all know the way I dressed as a teen. Since I have had children I of course dress entirely different. I have always worn pants on a day to day basis, with the occasional dress or skirt. I never wore revealing tops (since having children) and I most certainly would not allow my children to wear alot of the "in" clothing. We made a rule a long time ago when it came to the girls mostly, and since we have added many more due to the change in the kinds of clothing that is now being made today for young girls and teens.
We started out with
"No writing on the backside of the pants, and no words such as Hottie on their tops"
We have since then added
"No two piece bathing suits, and no low V's in the one pieces"
"No skirts above the knee and always wear shorts under dresses or skirts, unless they are full length"
"tank tops or cami's under lower styled tops"
"No tops showing their bellies"
These are among several of our rules. Just because in today's society there are alot of perverts that I would care not to draw attention or advertise my children. Not to mention that I think that it looks awful. I mean to see these young girls dressing and some looking like bar hopping adults! I am sorry for my harshness, but I am disappointed and at times disgusted with the way that parents are not only allowing but dressing girls these days. That Toddlers in Tiara's is one of the worst. To dress those girls the way they do and then prance them around on stage, having them shake their bodies, ugh I'll stop there. I could go on and on when it comes to that sort of thing but I won't.
I remember, back in school knowing some girls who wore nothing but skirts, boy did they seem odd. Even as an adult I didn't totally understand why. I mean I knew it was for religious reasons but I was never told I had to wear skirts in church. I love pants, I love dress pants, I love jeans I love the comfort of yoga pants! Since we have moved to our new place I became good friends with a couple of women, one who always wears skirts due to religious reasons and one who wears them just because she wants to and likes the way she and her daughters look in them. In all of my rebellion, I of course just wanted to stay in pants all the more. Not that either one has ever pressured me to put on a skirt. They are both very loving and accepting. However after going through a women's bible study, in which I did alot of healing and letting go of alot of my insecurities, I was in the basement doing laundry...When all of a sudden I had it laid upon my heart to start wearing skirts! Ha me never I thought, but that day, it wasn't even a question I just knew it was so. AM I all in, no, I live on a farm, I love my Carhearts when it comes to working with the goats and hiking in a skirt is pretty much out of the question in any of the skirts I have.
When I get my mind set on something I almost get obsessive over it. Not that that is a good thing, but I can't help it. We are currently in a bit of a slump money wise so I can't go out shopping and buy seven girls worth of new skirts and dresses, but I am trying. Again I have told my girls that there are times when a skirt just isn't practical, but for day to day they are. Some of my girls are ecstatic to be in skirts. I have to be honest, I look at women in skirts and I see beautiful women. Not that wearing pants make women not look beautiful, it's just that it's so much more feminine and girly. I am not sure if the Lord put this on my heart to be a lasting change, I just know that I am called to be submissive and that is what I am doing, I am being submissive to what He has layed on my heart.
With all of that being said I plan to review and have some giveaways concerning modesty. I hope you will join me on this new journey in this season of my life. I leave you with this...

Deuteronomy 22:5 “A woman must not put on men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing. Anyone who does this is detestable in the sight of the LORD your God.

Hadassah and little sister Syhven playing

2012-01-29T16:02:00.001-08:00

I just love to see them grow and forge new relationships with one another. Now that Syhven is getting bigger and is more active Hadassah is having to learn how to share!

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Weekend Blog Hop

2012-01-27T13:42:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my first ever Blog Hop. There are two rules.
1.Be Kind and follow me on GFC
2.Have fun reading all of the great Blogs!

Have fun and God Bless

I was Terrified for my Baby

2012-01-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

As we were wrapping up dinner last night, one of the scariest things ever happened. Hadassah our two year old had gotten out of her booster seat (the kind you strap to a regular chair.) nothing new there. She was sitting on my leg (which I had resting on the underneath bar of her chair, like a horsey) before I knew it she fell off my leg sideways, and landed on the back of her head! Now most will say nothing new there, children fall all the time. Jamie, her dad was directly behind us on the computer. He quicker than lightening picked her up rubbing her head. She screamed out and would not breath in for a long time, again not as if that had not ever happened before, remember we have seven kids. He turned around so I could see her, as I was telling her to breath ( I had baby Syhven in my lap-that's why I didn't grab Hadassah as fast as daddy) She then began to breath and he bent low into a squat to be facing me. All of a sudden she turned a gray color and her head began to go limp as did her whole body. Her eyes began to close and my heart began to drop! I got panicked as did the older children, all jumping from their seats. I started rubbing her face repeating her name over and over telling her "wake up baby", "open your eyes Hadassah" She slowly came to and I grabbed her out of daddies arms, much to his dismay. I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text to several all at once asking for prayers. I urged daddy and the others to lay their hands on her as we prayed.
I knew not to let her fall asleep, even though she kept trying to lay her head on my arm. I just had happened to buy daddy M&M's (usually don't eat that stuff) and told Jakob to give them to her, knowing that would keep her awake, anything I didn't care what it was. A couple of hours later, when I finally let her get down out of my arms, she seemed a bit hazy at times and slightly off balance but not for long. We kept her up with us rather than putting her to bed. She cried once reaching for the back of her head when she began to fall asleep on my lap (yes with Syhven nursing away,also on my lap) and a bit later she kind of twitched making a face, which could have just been a dreamy kind of thing. We kept her in our room in Syhvens crib that is up against our bed (Syhven always sleeps with us anyway) for the night, checking on her regularly. She is fine today Praise God but I am still on edge to be honest. I was so very close to calling 911 had daddy not been there I would have.
How very scary it is when such a horrifying thing happens to our kids. Granted I don't like boo boos and blood or scratched and bruises but this time, well there just isn't words to describe the fear I felt in my heart...

The Versatile Blogger Award

2012-01-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

I am So very Happy and Surprised! I was awarded The Versatile Blogger Award http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/vba-winners/!

Rediscovering our Family

http://rediscoveringourfamily.blogspot.com/ was so very wonderful to have nominated me, thank you so very much!

Recipients of this award are asked to:

Thank the person that nominated their blog for the award with a backlink to them.
List 7 things about themselves.
Award 15 newly discovered blogs with the award and notify them of the award.

7 Things About Me:

1. I am about to celebrate my 10th anniversary March 2nd

2. I have a very passive aggressive attitude, which I am always trying to change.

3. I have a 27" screen tv in our full size van that doesn't work. but I don't mind because if my hubby didn't also install dishnetwork, I wouldn't want to have tv at all.

4. Even our animals are females, our poor son and hubby are certainly outnumbered and I'm totally good with that. I just don't think I make a good "boy" mom. but I do try.

5. I am totally addicted to texting, I'd rather do that than talk on the phone these days-unless its my mom

6. I long for a best friend who lives close by.

7. I was stupid and colored my hair (after not having done so for 10 years) and had to take the clippers, 1" to my head to get that color out, boohooo now I am pixie styled and miss my long hair so very much.

The 15 blogs that I would like to give this award to is.

1. http://christiansupermom.com/

2. http://www.heartfeltbalancehandmadelife.com/

3. http://mamato3blessings.blogspot.com/

4. http://raisingahappyfamily-momof8.blogspot.com/

5. http://lifewithmydisabledchild.blogspot.com/

6. http://raisinglittlerubies.blogspot.com/

7. http://www.thehouseofhuff.com/

8. http://themommycalling.blogspot.com/

9. http://womenofnoblecharacter.blogspot.com/

10. http://2betterthan1but3wow.blogspot.com/

11. http://www.thoushallnotwhine.blogspot.com/

12. http://thembdiaries.blogspot.com/

13. http://mrsbyn.blogspot.com/

14. http://carriemotherhood.blogspot.com/

15. http://www.littlecrunchy.com/

Please make sure to check out their blogs as well, they are great and I really enjoy them, they totally deserve this award! Congrats to everyone.

The Evolution of Me... mini series part 3

2012-01-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Here I was about two hours from home, I know it doesn't sound like much but it seems countries away sometimes. We bought a small farm, thinking we would just have to paint. HA, we have gutted the entire house besides the kitchen and hallways! We bought goat to milk and yes I actually milk them. Any real stores are 45 minutes away, and boy has that been difficult. My life had changed so very much. After only a few months of being in our new "construction zoned home" Hadassah was born, via daddy's hands, with only momma, daddy and God present. I have to admit it was the most peaceful birth yet.

Life was so different being in a small town. My children were safe when they went out to play, even though I thought every car that drove past was just waiting to steal them...

We found a church about 20 minutes away that even Jamie loved. Only there was no way I would have left my little ones in the nursery and I didn't care for those who and how they ran the Jr. church so that was a huge problem. Jamie and i had been having disagreements. Fights really and I actually took the kids and went back to our old house. We were going through a trial separation. A dear friend turned me on to a study book called Love and Respect, which probably saved my marriage. Jamie soon followed and we realized that we were together for a reason and could work through this.

So we went back to the farm and worked on us as a family. We had been trying all kinds of churches, that was no fun. I found a great little group of other homeschooling families who I have grown to love very dearly. But we had given up on finding another church, which broke my heart. I knew we all needed to be there, but for now bible study and T.V. church would have to do.

Farm life was growing on me I have to admit. I had even butchered chickens myself! I assisted in our goats birthing kids and boy that was amazing! I was getting used to having to drive all that way to shop, or else I would skip it and order everything I could online. Things were going good.

and along came Syhven

We also had been directed (by God) by some friends at 4-H to a church with several youth. We gave it a try and felt right at home right away. Its the kind of church that feels like family, most are, but they welcome newcomers as if they had known and loved you all your life. I have never been to such a loving church in my life! Its a Methodist church and I have to be honest I am not happy with the whole Pastor rotation thing, but I know God knows best.

I don't know when it happened and I don't know exactly how it happened, but this little town, this small little farm house, the small church, it became home...

I couldn't imagine going back to our old place. I miss my mom/best friend more than anything and another dear friend and the ease of shopping, but I'd rather that all be here. I don't want to leave. I want to be here for the rest of my days. Like I said before God knows best. We are exactly where we were meant to be and I couldn't be happier.

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate...I think NOT

2012-01-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

Why do you vaccinate? Do you vaccinate because your Dr. says you should? Do you vaccinate because the hospital you birthed your baby in started without your permission and gave you a shot record? Do you vaccinate because your friends do or because your parents say you should? Why do you vaccinate? Have you ever truly thought about it. Are you scared your child is going to die? Or that they won't be able to go to a public school? Have you ever looked up anything on vaccines? Have you looked at more than one website or are you only going to the American Pediatrics website?
We vaccinated our children at first. I followed the recommend schedule. Our oldest three children have every vaccine that is required to get into Kindergarten. Our fourth has all but the Kindergarten shots and our fifth only has a few doses of each, our sixth and seventh has not had a single vaccination injected into their precious little bodies yet! Before getting into why I will tell you, despite all of Hadassah's coughing lately (I am beginning to think allergies) my youngest two are healthier than any of my older kids who seemed to live at the Dr.'s when they were young. I can remember being told by the nurse, that they were going to get some cot's in the back for our family.
When I delivered our fifth at home she of course didn't get her first dose of vaccines. However I did get her vaccinated, until I was educated. I began going to a study group and boy did I ever learn alot! I also went to a La Leche League conference where Dr. Bob Sears spoke on his book The Vaccine Book. He was neither pro nor anti vaccines but again I learned alot. I am sure most parents have heard the link between Autism and ADHD and vaccinations. Also our son got the chicken pox years after getting the vaccine for it. Our fourth got the measles after getting the measles vaccine. An extremely tragic incident right here in our small town happen just this year. A small toddler boy died from meningitis. Tragic yes, but guess what...that child was vaccinated against it!
I am not one of those people who are going to scream at you over NOT getting vaccinated, but I do wish more people would educate themselves as to what kind of toxic chemicals they are allowing to be injected into their child's body. I have been turned down by every single Pediatrician in a large city nearby due to our not vaccinating, but I found a great local Dr. who doesn't mind.As long as I sign a form. But I have been in her office twice when she had a sub fill in and both have tried scare tactics to get me to vaccinate my children. You want to know a secret...Our old Pediatrician once told me that most Dr.s do not even research the medications and vaccines they are giving to their patients. They rely on the pharmaceutical reps that come to their office to give them what everyone else is giving their patients, now that TERRIFIES me!
I mean do you even know how many complications girls are having over this HPV vaccine, yet it's still being pushed, not that that's the worst of them. Mercury has been removed for the most part, but it was just replaced by a toxic amount of aluminum-another heavy metal. Vaccines have he live virus in them. If some of these diseases are completely eradicated, why are we still injecting them into people? Then for all of us who don't want a toxic cocktail in our bodies we go out into public with all of those who do and we get sick from the germs coming out of you because you have the live virus pumping through your body. I know more people who get the Flu after getting the Flu shot then I do who doesn't get it. If you want to line up like cattle to line the big pharmaceutical companies pockets go right ahead, but read up as to what you are putting into your body and your child's. Here are some websites that are an interesting read.

http://drtenpenny.com/default.aspx
http://www.vaclib.org/
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/index.php/dr-jay-gordon-anti-vaccination/
http://www.askdrsears.com/
http://www.thinktwice.com/
just in case you want to look
http://www2.aap.org/immunization/

Those are just a few, if you would really like to dig-please do there are many more. A newborns body was not created (by God) to withstand around 35 injections of such dangerous chemicals. So you can vaccinate your children, to each their own. I say it's a personal question. I just ask you to remember, just because a Dr. recommends it does not mean it's the best thing for you or your child. Praying is also a good way to ask God to guide you. Good Luck in making such an important decision, and please remember, I am not going to criticize you for your personal decision please do not criticize me.

hadassah getting a ride from mom

2012-01-22T12:33:00.001-08:00

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The Evolution of Me, mini series part 2

2012-01-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

So within a year, and a few boyfriends-hey I said I wasn't perfect, Jamie and Jakob came into my life. Jamie had been friends with my step brother, so when he started calling me every day, all day it wasn't as if he was a stranger. He was newly separated with two kids. He had kept his son and his daughter had stayed with her biological mother. He moved in with Jakob, but it didn't take long for him to miss Virginia so Haven and I moved to Virginia to be with Jamie and Jakob.

It didn't take long for Jamie to begin missing his daughter. We soon found out her biological mother had not been taking good care of her so we took Alyssa home with us from Ohio to Virginia three months later. So I went from being an 18 year old single mother to an 18 year old mother of 3 in five short months. It was alot but totally worth it!

Now in Virginia you have to not only be separated but legally separated for a year before being able to file for divorce. So, yes Jamie and I lived together without being married and waited that year. I can remember that next year, the divorce was finalized on my birthday-best birthday present ever. I am not condoning my behavior or even trying to justify it. It was wrong and I know that, I really knew that then, but I felt it was where I was meant to be. I did start taking the kids to church, Jamie however did not come very often. Within the year we moved back to Ohio (home for both of us) and I couldn't have been happier, my mom was my best friend and I missed her so much.

In March of 2000 we were married in an extremely small ceremony. Notice the belly bump, yep I was expecting! And boy was I ever happy to be back home to have this baby. However yet again I was stuck in a hospital much to my dismay. See I had always been interested in having a home birth but didn't know how to go about it.

AS a new momma again I couldn't have been happier. it was a total different experience having a husband there for support and love. Blixon was so small compared to Haven. That in another Bloggy day :-) She fit well into our family, but I have to admit Alyssa was not happy she was not the baby anymore. I don't think she ever forgave her for taking her place, but don't tell them I said that. It kind of makes me laugh to look back at pictures and see my little Alyssa with that frown on her face. I don't think I can find one picture of her smiling with Blixon in the picture. But that's ok, such is life.
as we grew as a family we went through alot. We had to deal with our ups and downs and I am talking about way down sometimes. I do believe it has been said before, that which doesn't kill me makes me stronger right? Jakob and Alyssa's biological mother had come and gone. Not seeing them in years. It was bitter sweet. I hated that she was hurting them, but I was glad we didn't have to deal with her.

By this time I had found a small church right down the street from where we were living. The kids and I were regular attendees and I had actually got myself rededicated. I had continued to try to change my life as best I could. It was hard without Jamie as my rock.

After we had Blixon we were unsure if we wanted to have more children. I tried to assist another couple have a child. I had really wanted to be a surrogate. After four months of fertility drugs and trying the couple decided to take a vacation so I got a break as well. Jamie and I, the one and only time, got pregnant. Only to loose that baby ten weeks later. Despite the heartache the loss of a baby causes, that baby did something for me no other baby has ever done. That baby brought me closer to God. I heard the Lord talk to me, and not just a quiet voice, a very unmistakable, loud and clear kind of voice. I grew in my faith in such a way, I am looking forward o meeting my child again someday in heaven, but for now I'm happy to think my child is with Jesus, whom I saw holding my baby in the heavens the day my Holy Father talked to me. No one can take that from me!

Jamie and I discussed having another child or giving surrogacy another go. He decided that we would try having another baby of our own. Not to try to replace the child we loss, but because in the past we had talked about having five and decided now was the time.

Guess what? I got my homebirth, yay! I'll have to tell all about that some other day. It was great though, a real life changing event. Gala was beautiful and we were all very happy to have her. Soon after, I had some pressure to get my tubes tied, much to Jamie's objections I had the surgery. Five was going to be our number of children here on earth. Of course the turbulence in Jamie's and my relationship did not stop. It was a constant roller coaster. I do not want to blame anyone over the other. He had his struggles and I held a grudge. At one point I had even filed for a divorce, the day before we went to court he asked me to give it another try and I said yes.

As our children got older we did what we thought we were supposed to. They went to preschool and then straight on to elementary. I wanted them to be everything they could be. Jakob played football, the girls were cheerleaders. The played soccer and took gymnastics and swimming, they wore nice clothing. I have to say it was easy not having that responsibility, a break almost throughout the day while several of them were at school. Of course all of that has its downfalls to.

Remember I said having Gala was a life changer. I had met a midwife through a local La Leache League Leader (quick side note-I became a leader myself) and after interviewing her for my Doula certification, she agreed to deliver Gala. Then I found out I had been going to church with her parents. and her brothers family and her husbands parents. We met up at a banquet there. She invited me out to her house for a study group for Midwives and Doula's. By God good grace I talked her into letting me apprentice under her. Thus began one of the most important rewarding relationships next to me and my mothers. I trained for two years under her. She guided me in the ways of midwifery and in my personal and spiritual life as well. With a crazy unpredictable schedule I had we decided homeschooling was the way to go, as most midwives do-not all of course. Another huge change.

We also changed churches, per my husbands request and because he was attending I was willing. I truly flourished there. I was attending a women's bible study and learned and grew by leaps and bounds, as did the children. The church had so much to offer, a family night with a great children's program I assisted with, bible studies, upward basketball we coached once even! A clothing and food pantry. With all of that there was also drama. I became close to a women who in the hurt me very badly, but also taught me a very valuable lesson-never be anyone than yourself, no matter what!

Jamie and I suffered turbulence along the way, but he did accept Christ as his savior and get baptised. This helped, but did not make things perfect of course.

Something else huge had happened yet again. I had felt that God had been telling me to have a tubal reversal. I fasted and I prayed and the number eight weighed heavily on me. We went forward with the surgery and one month later I was expecting again! But as I had said Jamie had demons he struggled with. We decided it may be easier if we moved. He had wanted property ever since we moved from Virginia. I figured if we moved it would be easier for him to stay away from the things that was hurting our family. So moved we did. After a few short months I felt as if it were a terrible mistake after all...

Our Wet and Cold Scavenger Hunt

2012-01-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

I feel that it is so very important to get the kids outside. Some days are easier than others. I have a couple of girls that it has to organized play or they just don't want to. So whats more fun then a scavenger hunt!

yes that is Jakob giving Alyssa bunny ears
We had alot of fun looking around for everything on our list. Some needed a little help and that's part of the fun. I think it's great when they get to help one another. It builds bonds and helps with self confidence.

Yes even the cat participated in the hunt ;-)

look at the crazy weather we have here in Ohio. It was crazy enough to freeze a mini water fall, yet warm enough to thaw the ground.

me and Gala teamed up. She did great, but her dress got a little muddy. but that's ok.

Good thing daddy's coat is big. I need a Kowalli.
When we were all finished (it took awhile, due to the rain-we had to go into the cow shelter) we headed back up to the house, with about 10 pounds of mud caked to our boots, but again that's ok, we had fun.

Yep those are my crazy kids, wet and muddy and very happy!

All in all we had a great time as a family, outdoors. It didn't take long and we didn't let the weather ruin our fun. These are the memories I want our children to remember.

The Evolution of Me a mini series, part 1

2012-01-19T12:15:00.000-08:00

I was like most little girls (without a father) when I was young. I loved dolls, barbies and anything girly.

I had the best mother ever. No matter what happened she always loved me and my siblings. She taught me what unconditional love was. I know she always did best. When she met my dad I was about 4ish and they soon were married. However I do have to say there was alot of things that we do differently as parents. I can remember watching Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm st. at the age I am here in the picture. That didn't change of course when my parents got married. We had issues, as many blended families do. My dad loved me and treated me exactly the same as he did his biological children and for that I will always be thankful. And without dishing on my family to much (this is about me) Alcoholism was involved, personal (I care not to mention) physical & emotion abuse had occurred and I grew up. With older siblings ( I was the youngest of 6) I always wanted to tag along. By the time I was 11 I was hanging out with 16 years old's. By the time I was 12 I had drank my first beer I was smoking and had tried pot and even lost my virginity-if you can call it that due to my past. Is this something I am proud of, absolutely NOT! But it is what it is.

Both of my parents worked so I had alot of free time. My mom did try to take me to church when she wasn't working and she did try to mother me when she was home and I was home-I was grounded alot. But I did fall into the wrong crowd in middle school and was stealing when I wanted to and sneaking out at night, going from boyfriend to boyfriend just looking to be loved. I never had a girlfriend for more than a few years and I still to this day wonder why. It just added to my frustrations though, my looking my wanting.

There wasn't a whole lot I was unwilling to try. I knew right from wrong, I wanted to do right but by the time I wanted to I was to far gone. I already had a reputation. Even the teachers knew my name. I had been expelled my ninth grade year, I had been on probation since I was 12 I had ran away at 14, which was the biggest regret I have in my entire life, it hurt my mom so bad. When I really think about it, even today, it makes me cry.

At one point I was so lost I had read the satanic bible. I was constantly looking for a way out any way out. I had a problem with cutting due to depression, yet I knew there was more, I had more in myself to offer, but I didn't know where to go to give. If I tried I got good grades and actually did well in school. My 10th grade year I was still doing stupid crazy things but getting good grades and I actually applied to skip the 11th grade through correspondence courses. I accomplished that, barely but I did. My 12th grade year I wasn't improving much until something big happened...

Yes, you guessed it I got pregnant! Now where as this might have been a terrible thing to happen to a just turning 17 year old, but not me. I lost all of the "so called" friends I had then. When you stop drinking and partying they drop like flies, let me tell ya. But that's exactly what I did. I stopped parting, stopped getting in trouble and I knew that I had to change the way I was living my life, for my daughter. I broke up with my then boyfriend because he did not want to change the way he was living and I didn't want it around my baby.

My daughter saved my life, no telling where I would have been. I certainly was not heading down a very good path. Through my sin God sent a blessing who ultimately saved my life! I started going back to church, knowing that I wanted a good life for my daughter. Somehow I knew that God was what I needed to provide her a good life. By His grace, by His love, by His faithful love he hadn't given up on me, He was waiting all of that time, through all of those years, through all of my mistakes our Lord the Creator of the universe cared enough for me to send a blessing down to me and He received me messed up little ol' me with open and loving arms He received me. So I have to say that if God can forgive me and love me and want me to be apart of His family, well there isn't a thing anyone can do to make Him not willing to forgive you and love you. He knows whats in your heart and He knew what was in my heart. I was just misguided. I had finally found the love I had been looking for all of those years, my daughter yes but it was God that I needed to fill that hole that had been in my soul, I needed His love to fill that void.
Now did I become the perfect mother and Christian from that point, no I still had some growing to do, just to get me to where I am now....

American Made Oeko Popo Cloth Diaper

2012-01-17T12:32:00.000-08:00

I know I had planned on keeping my reviews on my
http://clothdiaperingmommatomany.blogspot.com/
Blog but I wanted to share this with everyone. In today's society, where almost everything is made out of this country, the country that we live in, the country that owes China trillions, the country where far to many people are out of work, I found a Cloth Diaper made in America! I was thrilled. My husband and I have been looking into ways to support American made things, despite the fact it is very hard to due these days.
The Oeko Popo Diaper is one way not only can I support (you to) an American made product
(the Batumee and the Easy Folds US made, the TCS & Versiatility assembed here) but it gets even better than that-the owner is right here in Ohio! WooHooo that sweetens the deal if you ask me. I only wish I had found the Oeko Popo when I first started diapering, its probably all I would own for that fact alone. Cloth Diapering is a great way to help the environment, help your pockets in the long run, we were spending $100 a month on disposables. Now we can even support one of our own. I was so excited to get an Oeko Popo cloth diaper.
http://shop.oekopopo.com/
The Oeko Popo (pronounced oico poh-poh) how cute is the name. My son and I had fun just chanting it around the house :-) They have several different diapers, even custom made diapers. I was expecting an expensive diaper, yet they are not. They are no more than most cloth diapers. Again with the fact it is made right here in Ohio, (the Batumee and the Easy Folds US made, the TCS & Versiatility assembed here) well that makes me want to give my money to Oeko Popo rather than one of the more well known ( I won't name names) cloth diaper companies that get their diapers from China. The Oeko Popo are now even selling an easy easy fold, more like a prefold only newer and hipper if you ask me.

The diaper I was sent was a super cute Little Miss Sunshine cover with a snap in insert and an added newborn (booster) insert. This is a size 2, which pretty much is a one size because it takes you from 8-40 lbs.

They fit so well on my little chunka babe. They have a trim fit which I love because there isn't so much fabric or material between their legs making their little legs stick out.

and Syhven looks perfectly comfortable wearing it!
Another cool thing about the Oeko Popo diaper is that she has made it to wear you can literally fold it up and snap it closed when you are out and about just like you do a disposable diaper. We played with the diaper the first day we had it and you can, it's easy as pie. I love these diapers and I can't wait to try the easy folds. Thank you so much Oeko Popo for making an American made product
(the Batumee and the Easy Folds US made, the TCS & Versatility assembed here) that works Great! And trust me it works great, I'm a little embarrassed to admit that the first day she wore it I, umm, kind of forgot to change her for, well longer than she usually goes between changes and NO leaks, no redness her bum was still dry, the inserts worked great. and they are NOT micro-fiber. I do not like micro-fiber at all. It stinks and who wants man made product up against baby's bum when you can get an organic cotton insert from Oeko Popo at a great price! I give the Oeko Popo diaper a huge thumbs up!

blixon guarding in the grey!

2012-01-15T08:43:00.001-08:00

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3

calling all snow

2012-01-12T13:10:00.001-08:00

This hill, our hill is turning for a nice thick blanket of snow. All of us Elkins are turning for a fun filled snow day enjoyed on that hill.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3

2012-01-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

I love having my children at home.

(Blixon tends to be my helper, before she starts school)

I love the fact that we are able to homeschool.

(Alyssa trying to get through so she can run off to knit)

Spending time with each one of them and them with each other is great. I can remember saying to homeschooling families (momma's usually)

(Gala starting school on her own-I was so proud)

"thats great, not for me but great" or "I could never do that" and now I couldn't imagine it any other way.

(Jakob likes the quiet in his room for school)

When they finish up, they like to learn new things such as knitting and embroidering and they tend to learn this on their own.

(Haven embroidering-keepers at home book turned her on to it)

All while the younger ones are watching and often like to participate in activities in which they take something away from it as well. Or simply helping momma clean up ;-)

(Hadassah with her Dyson)

Such an honor and blessing it is to have children. The fact that the Lord has entrusted Jamie and I to raise up His children, amazing really! If He has given these children to us to raise then we are going to try our best to raise them for Him. Win them over to Him. We feel the best way to do that is as a family, together. Somedays we all want to scream but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Will we be a family of 9, of 10 of.......

2012-01-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is hard to distinguish my thoughts and feelings from the very still voice from our Lord.
    I can remember when I had my tubal ligation after we had Gala, thinking she would be our last. I of course had a tubal reversal, due to the Lords guidance and I know it was the right thing to do. One month after the surgery we were expecting Hadassah, and about 10 months later we were expecting Syhven! I couldn't be happier with my children. I love having a big family. I knew when I had my surgery that the number 8 was weighing very heavily on my heart. So I expected that we would have three more children. We are now coming up to the time that I figure the possibility of another pregnancy is high. This somewhat scares me.
   I thought that eight was the magic number due to my fasting and praying before my surgery, but I am scared that thats not the number. What if it meant eight more children-yes this has been implied by some. I didn't think I wanted eight more children. But I am just turning 30 this coming Sunday. I have many more childbearing years! Do I really want to continue having children into my 40's? I don't think so. I mean I thought I would get back into midwifery (which I love and miss so very much) There is the financial aspect, of course not to the extreme some people think. I look forward to having my bed back to myself and hubby. I look forward to a full nights sleep, or being able to go out as husband and wife because all of our children are old enough to help out while we are gone for a couple of hours. I home school and to be perfectly honest I do not look forward to schooling young ones (don't mind the older ones so much) for the next ten years. And I am thoroughly enjoying the children growing older & the new season that comes with young adults. I love my babies but it is hard getting everything done that needs done when you have babies that don't want set down. As I do practice attachment parenting. I even shower with Syhven. Here is my predicament...
   Most of these things are selfish. I mean am I so of the world that I think something that is a blessing from God is a bad thing? I mean God is willing to entrust me and my husband with another life, He says that children are a blessing. Don't most of us feel the same way when our first comes around, the second, third...when do they stop being a blessing and become an inconvience, a money drainer, problem, a stresser a carreer stopper? When do we have the right to step in and say NO Lord no more blessings?
I obviously I didn't always care either way. I mean I have aways oposed abortion of course but just preventing a pregnancy all together, well thats a personal descision, I think, but what is my descision? What is the right thing to do? Biblicaly speaking I would say, let the Lord decide, but thats easier said then done. I don't look down on anyone who chooses not to have more children, but I do have to say, I do look up to those familes who do leave it in Gods hands. After all who is in charge of giving life? He says that He will never give us anything we can't handle. Should I not be buiding up His army, one soldier at a time? So many things are going on in my head which seems to be conflicting with my heart which also seems to be conflicting with my "wants" who seem to be fighting in amongst themselves as well.
So will we be a family of 9, of 10 or will God put it upon our hearts to continue having children, will He want to bless us with more. I don't know right now. What ever it is I do pray I listen to that still small voice and He gives me the discernment to do the right thing according to His plans for my family.

Weekend Blog Hop

2012-01-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

WElcome to the Weekend Blog Hop
Only 2 Rules,
1: Be kind and follow your hostess
2: Have Fun

Rainy days

2011-12-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Now that it is CHRISTmas vacation, yes even for most home schooling families, there is a little to much free times for the kiddo's. The worst part is is that it's not even cold enough to snow! I heard that we have had 55" of rain this year. That beats out Seattle by like 20" So here on this farm it is so muddy the kids don't even want to play outside for the 5 minutes it isn't raining.kids.Oh we were able to muck out the barn-completely today that was great. I bet the goats are happy. It always feel good to get the heavy duty stuff out of the way. especially on rainy days and there isn't a whole lot else to do :-)
I can't stand for the T.V. to be on so what to do what to do. Younger kids are so much easier. We have barbies and baby dolls and dress up and cards ect., but the older kids... I have to break the board games I think. Of course that's a chore in itself because then we have to keep the real little ones away, which is not very easy. We are such a digital world it's ridiculous. Most of the time if it were up to them they would sit in front of the T.V. or the computer. What ever happened to imagination. I mean when they hit 10 or 11 does that go away? We live on 42 acres, we have goats and cats and a cow and each other there really shouldn't be a moment of boredom but here I am wondering myself what they could do. Any suggestions?
As we speak my daughters are working on a fashion show, sounds good to me :-)

A day in the life of little Ol' me

2011-12-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

A day in the life of little Ol' ME

7:00A.M. comes far to quickly in my house. Because I'm co-sleeping I try to get out of bed without waking Syhven, or I try to nurse her back to sleep, usually with no luck. The alarm officially goes off at 7:21. I get dressed, go potty and go wake the kiddo's up. I suit up to go feed and milk the goats.

Our goats happen to be being breed right now so the milk I get from them go to our bull calf, who is no longer being bottle fed on a regular basis, however he gets babied for now because goat milk has a yucky taste while the buck is around.

After the animals are taken care of I head in wash up and make sure the kids are all eating breakfast and dressed. I usually get a carnation instant breakfast (I'm not a big breakfast eater). We do our daily Bible study at the table. At about 9:00 A.M. I head to Curves! Other then my Midwifery training and ministry this is the first time in thirteen years I get to do anything for just me. I got a membership in October.

If its nice out me and the kids go to the track to either walk, jog or roller skate :-) Then we head home for school.

We decided years ago that Home schooling was the route we wanted to go with our children. Have we doubted that decision, have we been tempted to send them back to public school is it hard? You bet it is and we sure have! But we know that it is what God has called us to do so with His grace we keep at it. We wanted to raise our children our way though and not have the "system" raise them. Because if our children went to school then attended after school activities, sports and what not, had friends and then had to do homework when would we get real quality time to spend with them. Now I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea, I am not against schools and I do feel that alot of families make it work for them and thats great. But I know our family, personally, when our kids were in school and had soccer and football and cheerleading and swimming and basketball and homework and church, well it was just to much. we spent more time in the car than really together together, plus we wanted them to have a Christian based education. But again I am not against schools, I miss school myself and I think that it of course is needed and I pray for the teachers because they are absolutely amazing people! Something I could never do. Our six year old is actually in school right now because I did not think the curriculum we had for her was strong enough and right now we don't have the money to shop around, also I know and love her teacher, we attend church together so that makes it easy. But we will be bringing her home next year for sure.
At some point while they are working I get my break to "play" on the computer, usually while nursing my napping seven month old

Then its lunchtime where we enjoy left overs from the night before or almond or cashew butter wraps (we rarely eat bread) some annie crackers and a clif bar. Then its nap time for the toddler and laundry time for mom.

I then usually help out with school or sit down to nurse the baby again. Then Hadassah wakes up and if i don't have Syhven in my arms and sometimes even when I do Hadassah jumps into my arms for her mommy time.

We do get some play time in between things such as sweeping and mopping and snack time, running errands and such.

Come 4:00 P.M. it's chore time for the kids and I like to over see that, or keep them on track. When we first started having the kids do chores I felt guilty about not doing it myself, however I have since then realized I was looking at it all wrong. Not only are we to raise our children to become well rounded adults and capable of making it on their own. If they never have to do chores or learn how to do laundry, or wipe down walls or do the dishes or set the table or even clean the toilet then I feel like I would have failed because they would either not know how to do those things or find it very hard to get into a routine of doing such things. Also I'm not going to lie it does help me out. We have seven children and if I am to spend time with all of them and keep up then it is nice to have a little bit of help. I often will do their chore for them and yes it will go unnoticed, but thats ok because I only did it to help out not for affermation. My phone is set will all kinds of timers/alarms to keep me on track and 5 is start dinner, which is usually always done with Syhven in arms.

(and no I have never let her get splashed on or burnt or anything of the such) After dinner it is a mixture of showering, teeth brushing (some days back to church) cleaning up bedrooms and family time in general. 9:00P.M.and it is bedtime. However there are several nights other than family fun night that they don't exactly make it to bed at that time.

Some days are so busy some of the kids konk out right on the couch and dad has to carry them to bed. We take them to bed hug and kiss them and tell them we love them. Gala usually ends up in Havens bed soon there after, and Hadassah in Blixon's. I'm guessing this comes from the fact that we co-sleep and this carries over into toddlerhood and more. They don't seem to mind so we don't push the issue. then it's mommy and daddy time. We wil either get done any unfinished businnes done or sit down for a t.v.show or something while I nurse Syhven to sleep. We usually head to bed around 11:00P.M. or so.
All of that being said I do not know how working mothers get all the things done they need to get done, but I also that stay at home moms are just as busy, only doing different things. Kudos to all of you working mothers. I do however feel very blessed that I am able to stay at home with my children. I hope you enjoyed the honest look into my life.

My House is Loud

2011-12-07T10:54:00.000-08:00

My house is loud! We are busy. We play, we sing we yell & we occasionally cry. We all are emotional people in my family. That does not mean that my kids can't be a little backwards when they are around new people. Just let them get to know you, they'll open right up.
There are some people (family) included that do not like when my kids are loud, but it's just who they are. I mean when they have so many to compete with, one learns to talk loud. There are times when I wish things were quieter. However my children know if mom says turn it down that means now! They are not complete wild and out of control children, but they are children. I want them to play and yell and sing and have fun now. I think to many adults have forgotten how to do this.
Some day my kids will be grown. They will be well mannered civilized ;-) polite people, but for now, when its appropriate, right place right time kind of thing they are allowed to let loose. I want them to look back and remember how crazy we all were playing games together and how we would all yell in excitement over a great thing together, how we would turn up the radio and dance until we fell down laughing. I want those to be the things they look back on, when they are all grown up & boring old adults.
I have seven children and yes I do have quiet moments in my house but for the most part is is more like an organized chaotic loud fun house. And I would not have it any other way!

CHRISTmas

2011-12-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

I wonder how many people are just about ready for CHRISTmas to be over already? I know some people who start before Thanksgiving! Getting decorations up, sending out cards shopping (normally my favorite part) all before December rolls around.I'll admit I love seeing houses all lite up and cards are nice, at least we are thought of right. Shopping, oh don't get me started on shopping. I love to shop, it doesn't have to be for me or for my kids, I love to shop for other people I even love to shop for groceries! This should be my favorite time of year. Well this year it's pretty hard so shopping is not exactly top priority. I think that was a blessing in disguise.
   CHRISTmas has been turned into an "economical" event rather than a celebration of the virgin birth. Which I used to be one of those moms who went way over board and bought to many things for the kids because it was fun. It was fun to buy and it was fun to give. Sure I told the kids after Jakob was in Kindergarten Santa was not still around. Afterall there once was a man named Saint Nicholis who first gave bread to the poor, then years after gave small gifts. It was still fun. Sure our kids still watch the Grinch and the Santa Claus movies, but I don't want that to be their focus. Several years ago while I was in my midwifery training another midwife told me her daughter only gave her children three gifts, as baby Jesus got three gifts. I loved this idea. This year I am finally accomplishing my goal of sticking with only three gifts.
   Three years ago Blixon wanted to watch The Nativity Story on CHRISTmas eve. I loved that idea. So every year we watch The Nativity Story on CHRISTmas eve. Usually after they all fall asleep I put their gifts under the tree, we chose and cut down ourselves and get all gitty with excitement for what the next morning will bring.
   We had usually bought prepackaged donuts earlier in the week as a big treat for a quick breakfast. We then gather around the tree and I read the nativity story from the Bible before we touch a single gift. We pass one at a time and watch one another as the gifts are opened. The kids soon disappear with their new found fun and if we are lucky we get to stay at home, nice and cozy watching CHRISTmas movies.
Every year I do hope we can hold strong to some of the traditions Jamie and I are starting, such as the movie, the bible reading and the time spent with one another. The most important...to remember that CHRISTmas is not about, shopping, Santa Clause, gifts and cards or even lights and trees. CHRISTmas is about LOVE, the love of our Holy Father God, who blessed us so when He so lovingly placed Jesus in Mary's womb, the birth of the Son of God the Son of man, our Redeemer, our Saviour Jesus Christ! That's what I want our family to be excited for, to be celebrating that birth. Happy Birthday Jesus we the Elkins Family love you.

How Different My Life Has Turned Out To Be

2011-11-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

   I was a typical teenage girl when it came to my "envisioned" future. I thought I would someday get married, have 2.8 children live in the suburbs with a picket fence, little swing to sit in and watch the kids play in the front yard. I thought we would have play dates and I would go shopping and we would just be, well one of those perfect families like you see on TV. Yes I was young and naive but hey why not, right...
       Then I had my first child and that vision quickly died. However if I am completely honest I still secretly hold tight to that vision in my inner most being. We were poor, living in an apartment complex. Then we moved to Virginia atop a mountain, thankfully only for a year or so. We moved to a small house back in Ohio praise God! It seemed things were slightly more within my reach. Then we moved in to an even bigger house (still a small starter house) right beside a trailer park, no fence, we couldn't even send the kids out to play if we were not with them. They had friends while in school but they never got close with anyone and I was always so nervous about what others thought we didn't have kids over to often because I always felt we weren't good enough, or we didn't have enough to have them have fun. We lived in that house for several years. Gala was even born in that house.
     Something you have to understand, I grew up in the only city in our county. So it was not Columbus but it was the "good" side of town at least. My parents did not buy me everything I wanted but I pretty much knew they could if they wanted to. So I always just thought that was what I would have only better!
    I knew my husband wanted land though, and I wanted to get away from some unsavory characters that seemed to cast a shadow over my husband from time to time. Therefore in typical Tiffany fashion, I jumped on the idea and became obsessed with finding land and preferably not in our home county. I saw a 42 acre farm and thought we have to move here! When I get fixated on an idea everything seems less than important. I don't like that about myself. Regardless within a few months we were packing up and moving in. We thought we would have to remove some wallpaper and paint and maybe a few minor things from there. Ha! We have gutted the entire house besides the hallways and the kitchen.
   It was a huge adjustment, just being able to let our kids play outside by themselves was so very hard. I missed my mom more than I knew humanly possible. I missed my one of only three (in my whole life) true friends. I missed my church. I missed my spiritual mother and being a midwife! I missed being able to drive 15 minutes to Walmart and a Kroger-with good foods, JCPenny and even the best ever chiropractor, I was not happy.
    We have been here for about 2.5 years now and I am finally coming to realize this is our home and I'm beginning to be ok with that. I still miss all those things but I am getting accustomed to living in a small town on a small farm. I love my goats, yeah, who would have thought. I love my church, even though it is different from our old church it has an amazing family of people there. I love the fact that my kids can run and play freely and get all sorts of experiences you just can't get living in suburbia. I love that my husband is happy here. My younger kids at least have found several friends. My older three and myself, we have not found everyday "best"friends yet, but we do have some occasional friends, those who we only see on occasion and talk on the phone to occasionally, but we still have hopes for something to develop soon. My wonderful husband has even put up a fence an outdoor swing for me to enjoy while watching them play, it actually made me cry, in a good way. This is our home, and even though it is not how I thought my life would be I am happy here and I know that God knows what He is doing bringing us here. So goodbye 2.8 kids suburban soccer mom life...Hello 7 kids and counting goat farming hoe body mom! I think I like her ;-)

A Small Family Thanksgiving Spent Together

2011-11-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

I know that most people get together with parents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sister, grandparents or maybe just friends. We had been doing that for years. Mostly with my husbands family. My family does not do a whole lot together. At times it was at one of their houses and a few times we hosted it at ours. When it was at ours, my nerves would get flustered, I would be stressed out for days and I would spend to much money and time trying to make everything perfect-and NO don't even think about trying to help! If someone were to have to help, then I would be admitting I could not do it all and that would be defeat on my part.
Since then I have mellowed out more than I ever thought I could. We try to get together with his parents the day before or something, but we have spent the last couple of years at home with just our kids. I have to admit, I love it that way. We have turned Thanksgiving into not only a family experience but also a learning one.

Hadassah is always front and center
This year we made the pumpkin pies a couple of days early and stored them in the fridge.

Gala loves helping out with measuring.

Alyssa won 1st place in 4-H for cooking so she is a big help!
Because we had to visit Jamie's parents the day before Thanksgiving we went ahead with making the mashed potato's early as well.

Blixon had the pleasure of pealing and cutting the potato's
.

Haven and Jakob had to assist in the mixer fun.
Jakob kind of had his hands in a little bit of everything really. I think he likes it that way. Thanksgiving day we all slept in and decided it was official comfy clothes day, which believe it or not is a rarity in our house. The kids begged dad to hang some CHRISTmas lights because he was actually home for the whole day and it wasn't to bad weather wise.

Haven was not helping dad so much as helping me inside with the baby while I got dinner finished up. Not to mention she is afraid of heights and yes this is our roof and yes that is our 2yr old up there. When it comes to those kinds of things, I close my eyes and turn my head and trust that Jamie will keep my children alive ;-) They got a lot accomplished before dinner. Alyssa came in and she and Haven and Gala helped with the table while dad and Jakob hung a couple of more strands. Then...

Thanksgiving Dinner Time!

Nothing to elaborate, just the usual.

We all sat down together, took turns thanking God for what He has blessed us with and enjoyed a wonderful dinner, together as a family. I almost wish everyday could be Thanksgiving, but I'm sure my body would not thank me so much as I put on the pounds. But it really is something to be thankful for. A Dinner prepared by the whole family, Time spent with one another, And our family in and of itself, not to mention all of the other things I could go on and on about. I only hope that every year can be so wonderful.

Home School vs Public School

2011-11-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

   When I was young I had a vision for my children when it came to school. I wanted them to be dressed in great cloths, but not the most expensive, I didn't want them to be boastful. I wanted them to be liked by all, and I wanted them to be nice to everyone even the "unpopular" kids. I wanted my girls to be cheerleaders, and my son to be the star quarterback (or at least on the football team) I wanted them to play soccer and basketball. I wanted them to be on the honor roll and just be great students all around!
Boy was I ever shooting high. however we were on our way to reaching my 'idealistic" student. The kids were in public school and the girls were social butterflies. Jakob played football in the 3rd grade, the girls were cheerleaders, they all played soccer and swam and did gymnastics through the YMCA. They also played basketball at our church through Upward. They all did very well when it came to grades. I volunteered whenever I could for anything I could at the school and was on the PTO.
   I met a few people who home schooled at church or other parenting groups I belonged to. I thought they were crazy! Why in the world would anyone want to home school, I thought. I always said "more power to ya" but it's just not for me. I was certainly an on-the-go kind of mom, we were hardly ever at home. I loved the way things were, or so I thought.
   Then I began my training in Midwifery. It was very inconvenient to be so far away and get a call from the nurse to come and get the kids, or just the simple fact that I had to arrange my schedule to work around their school schedule. The wonderful Midwife (my spiritual mother) who was training me spoke often about home schooling. Suddenly half way through the school year I forcibly talked Jamie (my husband) into letting me pull the kids out of public school and do one of those computer public schools at home. It was AWFUL. they did not tell me, but when we got all of our stuff, they wanted them to catch up with all of the work from the beginning of the year, that was insane! We tried but then to incorporate the computer with their work and type in their answers, well after about 2 months I was ready to send them back to public school. The following year they stayed at school. The whole time though I was feeling the pull toward home schooling. I talked Jamie into letting me try once again, only this time buying the curriculum.
That was a hefty expense. We went with Abeka Academy with the DVDs. It was terrible, it did not work for us at all. After about three months or so we stopped using the DVDs all together but still had to pay the rental fee. The kids and I fought all of the time, because of all of the dredge work. Abeka told me if they could do the first little bit skip the rest, well I just couldn't do that. We never went anywhere unless it was a scheduled break, because the kids were working from 9:00 am until 5:00pm some days. Not that I didn't know several people who loved Abeka books.
We then went the complete opposite and went with a Charlotte Mason styled school My Fathers World. That was more group oriented year. (did I mention we moved 2 hours away) We did alot of the classes all together. My reading to them mostly. I loved the thought of it, but it didn't work either. I have a couple of kids who can not pay attention very well so I don't think they got alot from that. So the very next year we tried Switched-on-Schoolhouse. A downloadable computer school that would actually grade most of the kids' work itself. That seemed ideal, I mean I didn't have to do a whole lot. I really do not like grading at all, and I do have troubles myself sometimes trying to teach them. I have to learn some of it over myself. I didn't think it had enough meat to it though, so four laptops and a year later. We were back to the drawing board.
This year we are doing what is called eclectic curriculum. Its a variety of classes rather then one curriculum bought with a manual and all. Guess what they are even in Abeka english and history, imagine that, Ha! This year really seems to be working out for everyone but my first grader. who I sent to public school a couple of months ago because we didn't have the money to shop around and I do not feel like what we had for her was teaching her enough and at that point i didn't know what to add to make it better. Everyday I wake up wishing she was staying home.
Every year before I order their school I make a list of pro's
My Reasons For Home Schooling My Temptations For Public School
*Christian curriculum                                                           * More friends
*Less pressure, drugs and sex                                                            *Easier on me (selfish)
*No Bullying here                                                                                 * More time for me (selfish)
*Safe with us                                                                       *Ability to play sports (not allowed here)
*We are raising them rather than the "system"                       * More exposure to things earlier on, to where
*We get to choose what they are exposed to and when           * I can be here to help guide them through
     (by the way we are more open with them                                    rather than later in life when I'm not around
          then most parents                                                                       * More computer training (able to with home
       including public schooled kids)                                  schooling, just haven't did it yet)
*We are a stronger family unit for it                                         * Dances
*They have more time to just be a kid                                              *Tend to mature quicker
*We have the ability to gear their courses towards their interests and abilities
*They tend to learn more life skills

   So even though it is a close list between the two I also have always been the kind of parent who listens to how they feel on the inside. I like to think that is God, guiding me in the direction i should go and that feeling has clearly been telling me to home school for several years now. I do want everyone to know I am not anti public school at all. I know it is needed and I wish that people would give the schools, teachers, the recognition they deserve really. Its just that it is not where we are in our lives right now.

Finally at the Age

2011-11-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

Everyone with more than 2 children knows it is extremely hard to find a babysitter these days. And to find one for 7 kids well, you might as well ask to fly to the moon! Unless you have an amazing mom like mine, she would. Unfortunately my mom is almost 2 hours away :-( So it makes me laugh to hear these women, or men sometimes, talk about not being able to bring their kids to the store because they drive them nuts, 2 kids, HA. On the norm I am taking all 7 of mine everywhere we go, including the occasional Dr.s visits we need, yes all 7 kids in a tiny little office. That's just the way things are for us. We are all used to it, My kids and I do not know anything different.
I will admit there has been a handful of times when dad has watched the kids, but its rare, or he only watches a couple of them to make it slightly easier ( he means well but it doesn't really make much of a difference) I think from day one until now, my husband and I have been out on a date alone (we consider with only an infant alone) maybe 25 times or so in almost 12 years! This is our life and yes we are still in love and no we do not resent our children. No we do not feel as if we are missing out on some fun life, would it be nice to go out more to a movie or dinner, of course but it's just not that time in our life right now.
However a super duper BIG change has occurred in The Elkins home. We now have an almost 13 year old and a 12 year old and down. Every morning they are opened I am now able to go to Curves and workout for 30 min. or even run to the grocery, which is less then 5 minutes also and grab a few things all by myself! I have not been able to do that for my entire adult life. I would never leave for hours or go any farther than just a few minutes away of course. But I now know how glorious it is to have older children. I will never use my children as built in babysitters, but they enjoy the new found responsibility just as much as I appreciate it. It makes them feel big, they told me.
So when so many people want to act as if 7 kids would be so much harder than 2 or 3, they don't understand that they do grow up. It's not as if they stay infants and toddlers forever. At some point they do become more self sufficient people. I am so very thankful and appreciative of this new season of our lives with our children growing and maturing. Now if only they could stay this way forever. I don't know what we'll do when its time for even one to leave home, but that's a whole other story now isn't it.

Why 7 kids and counting?

2011-11-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

Well of course there's the obvious..yes you guessed it we have 7 kids. I also wanted to add some humor to my Blog. It seems as if at least once a week (usually more) I am asked, "are all these yours" as if they are something to be possessed like beanie babies or something. I have had the "Do you know what causes that?" "yes" I reply "and apparently I am very good at it" They love that one. "How do you do it", "you sure got your hands full" a friend gave me a wonderful reply to that one "rather full than empty" thanks Annie. I have been asked if I were catholic, as if that matters, but no I am not.When I had but 4 kids and was at an ice cream shop with a friend who had 3 they asked us if we ran a daycare, now I get this by myself, lol. I have been asked if I was going to go out for a TV show or if I was trying to out do the Duggars ( I don't like these 2 find them rude) Although I think the most rude thing O had ever heard, which I do not think it was intended for my ears rather the woman's daughter "Do you want to know my worst nightmare...That" Motioning to me and a friend who again at the time I had 5 kids and she had 4 by this time! The nerve of some people! I just don't understand why some people would say such hurtful things, or disrespectful things just because we choose to have a larger family than most in this country. Oh and I forgot my favorite, "are you done yet" Ha, who knows, I highly doubt it, why should I be done? Is there a number that you can get to that suddenly the shock value is so great no one asks anymore? I know I am getting a little tired of it all and so are the kids. But at the same time it gives me a chance to witness to people in my own way, so bring it on people I'm not shy. Yes I have 7 kids, yes I am married, yes I know what causes it, no I am not done, no I don't want to be on TV and no I do not want 20 kids,yes my hands are always full and I am a busy mom, yes I am a Christian and I home school and guess what I birth my babies at home with dad who catches his children! My husband is not afraid to change a dirty diaper and even clean one out (we use cloth, and not because we have to) my kids have chores but no they are not slaves. We have 42 acres and milk our own goats. Is it easy having 7 kids, no not always but would I change a thing, absolutely not! I love my ornery little energetic loud chaotic family and I am proud to be the mother of 7 kids and counting!