Why I Announce My Pregnancies Early

   I have talked to several people lately that have asked me why I announce so early. Well , there are several reasons. Really this time I almost didn't want to tell ANYONE, not even my husband I knew several days before I told him. I had just miscarried the month before and I felt if I told someone that I would lose this one( weird I know).
    Then I got to thinking about even if I did lose this child would it be even less of a life than it was? It is still a life to me no matter if I carry the baby 1 day, 4 months, 9 months, or whatever. So, that is the reason I announce early. Yes, we waited a bit to see how things looked this time to tell our children but we do want them to know that life has sadness and trials along with joy. It is okay to grieve when we need to. And life begins at conception. That is something we want our children to know and understand.
    Another reason I announce early is because there is NOTHING better than having prayer warriors praying for you and your family. Prayer is a mighty thing and I want nothing more to know that someone is praying for me, my precious baby, and our family. That is one of the most beautiful things you can do for someone is pray for them. And I covet your prayers and would love to know how I can pray for you!
    And I want others to rejoice with me. While I know there are naysayers that are not happy with us having so many kids , that is their problem! Billy and I resolved about 9 years ago to fully trust in the Lord and give him every part of our lives and that is what we have done. Has it been easy? Well , not really but we have been SO VERY BLESSED and are rich in the things that matter. Sometimes it gets downright lonely but you know what? God is always there and ever faithful.
     While I have 11 living children , I also have several angel babies waiting for me in heaven. Oh, the reunion that will be someday. Until then I can hold fast in knowing that my grandmas are up there probably rocking those babies for me. :) And how precious that they are at Jesus's feet! I do have a lot of stress and anxiety that I will go through another miscarriage. Things are looking good so far with this one but I know who holds the future so I just have to trust in Him. Every little cramp or thing that I think is out of the ordinary sends me into a state of worry but then I remember 2 Cor. 12:9! And peace fills my soul.
       I know there are some that have a difference of opinion than me on when they like to announce and like everything else you have to do what makes you comfortable. I know I have heard well if I miscarry I don't want to have to go through explaining to people why I am no longer pregnant and yes it does sting some when someone doesn't know and they congratulate you or ask how you are feeling BUT I do not want to ever act like a child did not exist just because it make me or someone else uncomfortable. Everyone has their own convictions and this is just mine. I also want to be considerate to someone who might be infertile that could never have children but I also want others to do the same for me. I had someone that I just know online (not in real life) , say well at least you have 11 children you should not be upset. I only got to adopt because I could not have biological children. That was heartbreaking! Just because I have several children does not make the heart hurt any less. My heart breaks for someone that may not be able to bear children of their own but I also know God has a plan for us all!
     Love each other, bear one another's burdens , and pray for one another. There is enough nasty in this world. Be salt and light. I hope that is what I am to others. I have a long way to go and so glad God has never given up on me. I hope to update you as this pregnancy progresses and I appreciate all your prayers.

Attention all parents!!!! Host a Healthy Baby Home Party!

What is a Healthy Baby Home Party?
Seventh Generation's home parties are powered by people like you who are focused on creating a healthy environment for the next generation. Developed with input from non-profit partner, Healthy Child Healthy World, they are a great way to get together with friends, share helpful information, and make an impact!
Healthy Baby Home Party kits are provided to all selected hosts and are filled with educational info about our environment, helpful tips, a fun game, and samples and coupons from Seventh Generation and other favorite family-friendly brands like bobble, Plum Organics and Zarbee's Naturals.
What is the Application Process?

• Sign up at generationgood.net to join the Generation Good community, or log in if already a member.
• Accept the Healthy Baby Home Party Application offer on your Generation Good dashboard and complete the application.
• Applicants will be notified by end of March if they have been selected to host a party, via an email to the email address assigned to their Generation Good member profile.
• All selected applicants will then need to confirm their participation by accepting the Healthy Baby Home Party Mission in Generation Good and confirming their shipping address.
• 1,900 FREE Party Kits will be distributed in this round.
• Hosting spots are open to US residents only at this time. Canadian parties are planned for later in 2016!
• Full terms and conditions are available within Generation Good in the "Healthy Baby Home Party Application" offer.

I personally love Seventh Generation and Generation Good. Chemical free products and they work great! Highly recommend. I have received products from them before for free to try and I have loved everything. Give them a try and reduce the chemicals you use in your home.

Seventh Generation

 The past few years I have been more aware of chemicals. I am trying to get as much as of my home as I can. Baby items without chemicals is VERY important to me. We love Seventh Generation. They have awesome non toxic diapers as well as great wipes and other products. I really like what they stand for and how they give back to the community. I would highly recommend trying Seventh Generation. We love their dish liquid as well. I am so thankful their are companies out there that make healthy products a priority . I would check out Generation Good as well.

Ore Ida Tater Tots

 Okay so you know I blog a little about everything. And of course food is a big part of our lives because with 13 people in a house you go through a lot of food. We try to eat as healthy as possible but with a busy household you do the best you can. Here is where Ore Ida comes in. Everyone in my home loves Tater tots and many in our home love Tater tot casserole. I was sent a coupon from Influenster for a honest review just so you know. But honestly we already love Ore Ida. I CAN tell a difference in other brands of tater tots, they almost taste freezer burnt. Anyway, I would love to know what you think about Ore Ida, tater tots, or what your favorite food is. :) Here in our home we love the Ore Ida brand.

Natural Rememdies to Have on Hand Before the Sickies Hit Your House!!!

This is my must have tried and true list of natural remedies that have worked for MY family. I am no doctor, never claimed to be and so I am not intending on diagnosing, treating, or curing anything in this post. I am just a mom of 11 that has learned a lot over the years on ways to treat sickness so we are not running to the doctor and picking up other stuff every time we get sick.

    1.Activated Charcoal- This is a must to have on hand for any parent in case of accidental poisoning. BUT it also has tons of other benefits. One being it can stop a stomach virus like no mans business. I buy the capsules for convenience. Adults can take recommended dosage and you can open capsules to add in kids applesauce or what have you to get it in them. It works so very well!! Another little secret-believe it or not it is great for whitening teeth.

2. DiGize-This is a oil blend from Young Living and we LOVE it in this house because it works so well for tummy issues. It is so easy to just rub it on if one of the kids starts throwing up. It usually knocks it right out!! DiGize is also great for constipation, diarrhea, tummy bugs, and so much more.

3.Grape Juice- Who would of thought!! But really if a stomach bug is going around drink some grape juice!! It is a great way to KEEP FROM getting a tummy virus. I will be keeping it on hand from now on. It does work great.

4.Thieves oil- This is also a blend from Young Living and has went through many test for it's uses for germs! And we have sure tried it out in a family of 13. I will not be without this one either. I just got over being sick for the first time in years because I totally slacked with our oils and supplements. I have not had to take the kids to the doctor for sickness since I started using Thieves(except for my daughter's gall bladder issues). It really has been a blessing for a family who used to be sick all the time.

5. Pineapple Juice- Just found this little gem! It is great for coughing. It taste good and actually works. I just learned this one and will be making sure to have this on hand.

6.A wonderful ear drop for children is by Herbs for Kids.It is a Willow/Garlic ear oil and works magic. I am being totally serious. You warm this stuff up and drop a few drops in and it is almost instant relief. Very thankful for this.

7. Since we are talking about ear aches/infections along with the ear oil we use is a mix of oils. We use Copiaba,Purification, and Thieves mixed with carrier oil and rub behind the ear. I have a little tool I bought from Amazon to look in the ear and I saw this really does work. Last year two of my kids had really bad ear infections and with this mix and the ear oil the ear infection healed up within a few days and it was a bad one! **Never put Essential Oils in the ear**

8.Of course when you are sick you want something warm to the throat. This time I really wished I would of had some homemade chicken broth in the freezer. So making some of that and having that on hand is a great thing. I had to settle for Campbell's Chicken Noodle soup. The health benefits are totally different but hey it did serve it's purpose. Hoping to make some chicken broth soon to keep in the freezer.

9.Throat Coat Tea by Traditional Medicinals  is a great thing to keep on hand. It doesn't taste bad and really works! When your throat is hurting you will be thankful for this one.

10.My diffuser is a must have in this house when we are sick and really when we are not. We diffuse Thieves a lot around here. And when you are sick diffusing various different oils REALLY helps. I would never want to be without my diffuser.

11.R.C. oil - Another blend from Young Living is great for respiratory and colds. It really offers huge relief .

12. Well Child by Planetary Herbals -This is something else that my house is never without!!! This is a echinacea-elderberry  herbal syrup for kids. Can be used on ages 1 and up. My kids actually ask for this because they like the taste. Since using this many years ago they have been much healthier!! I get mine off Amazon and when I get low I order the refill. Isn't really expensive either.

    There are a few more things my family uses on a regular basis but I will leave you with these top 12 things. Please feel free to leave a comment with your must have list. :) This is how we keep our large family in the best health we can possible. We do live in a fallen world full of sickness and sin. It is almost certain you WILL get sick sometime so being prepared is key.

Blog post coming soon!!! Must have natural products to have on hand!!

Tomorrow I will be writing a blog post about must have natural products and remedies to have on hand in case someone gets sick in your house. We just got over something nasty and I'm thankful for my knowledge and the tons of research I have done. Totally think I had the flu, the kids were not near as sick but I do better about boosting their immune systems than taking care of myself.
     Will be posting the natural remedies that were the biggest blessing to my family! Have a blessed night!

Seventh Generation Wipes and Products

Ladies and Gentleman after 11 children I have went through the wipes. I think I have tried every wipe known to man and then some more, lol. There is NO TELLING how many wipes we have gone through in our baby raising. I have searched high and low for wipes I love. When I started to be more chemical conscience I tried a few brands but some were dry and others just plain stunk. But then I found Seventh Generation wipes and diapers.
   Oh my, the rest is history. These are the only wipes I will ever use. I have them on my Prime Subscribe and Save shipment because I never want to run out. I am always so excited when I found them on sale , get a free sample, or have a coupon. They work well and I do not have to worry about harsh chemicals on my baby. Win Win!!! So if you haven't tried them out yet then give them a whirl. I doubt you will regret it. Best wipes ever. 
   And since we love the wipes so much we branched out and tried other products of theirs. Like dish liquid and laundry detergent , both of which we love as much. Their dish liquid is a must in our house . The only other we use is Thieves dish liquid unless we just already had another brand on hand and are trying to use it up. I am just starting to use their laundry detergent but so far so good on that as well. So, what are you waiting for? Try these products asap. What have you got to lose? Less chemicals in your home. Awesome!!
  I was send free samples for an honest review. :)