Thursday, December 29, 2016

Ravenscroft Crystal- Lead-free Premium Bourbon, Whisky, Double Old Fashioned Glasses- Set of 4- 12oz review



When you have as many kids as we do sometimes a drink at the end of the day is necessary. I am always looking for awesome products for our home bar. I want products that not only look great, but serve their purpose well. I was thrilled to get an opportunity to try these crystal glasses. They seemed like a perfect match to our needs.

The glasses have a shine that really catches the eye. It's a look that only crystal has. The light catches in it perfectly and makes anything in the glass look that much more appealing. They also have a good weight to them. These scream class and sophistication. They are easy to hold and don't slip around in my hands.

The glasses come with a cleaning cloth that will keep them looking great for years to come. I do suggest looking into the care of crystal whisky glasses as they can't just be washed normally.

Overall these are excellent and I would recommend them to all my friends and family.

To learn more or buy http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1RZMGP/


I received these to review. My opinions are honest and my own.

Aposon 1222 Sport Watch-Blue review



I can not express how wonderful this watch is for men and some women. It's pretty much the best watch for anyone who works hard and plays hard. I would even go so far as to say it's great for very active teens. I really love everything about this watch.

It has an easy to read face that has a lot of features such as being backlit, making it easy to read at night. It is water and shock resistant, making it perfect for people who are hard on watches because of their lifestyles. It can tell military time as well as standard time. It's also very heavy duty and has a nice looking rubber band.

This watch is comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. My wrist doesn't get sweaty or sticky from long time wear. It also doesn't leave marks on my skin.

Everything about this watch screams quality and craftsmanship. I would recommend this to friends and family. Overall it's a great watch for just about anyone.

To learn more or buy Click here

I received this to review. My opinions are honest and my own.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

CakCity Men's Quartz Stainless Steel and Polyurethane Watch review



I was thrilled to get a chance to review this watch. I mean come on look at it! It has a modern sleek design that really makes it stand out. I love the beautiful curves and the easy to read face. Everything about this is quality and class. 

The watch has a durable rubber band that makes it safe to wear to work or while out being active. It has a good weight to it, but not so much as to weigh ones wrist down. It's water resistant and overall just a tough watch. Perfect for the busiest of men. 

The watch is comfortable to wear. My wrist doesn't get all sweaty under the band nor does it become uncomfortable. Overall a great product at a great price. 

I would recommend this to friends and family. It would make a wonderful gift for men of all ages! 





To learn more or buy Click here

I received this to review. My opinions are honest and my own.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Gemstone watch review



I was thrilled to get an opportunity to review this watch. I love jewelry and this for sure looks more like a piece of jewelry than a wrist watch. Everything about it works well together and forms a great piece that can be worn with just about anything. 

The watch face is clear and easy to read. I love the gemstones surrounding it. The numbers though small are also very easy to read. The band fits just as easily around my daughters small wrist as my bigger one. It's not too heavy that it weighs down my wrist nor is it light and flimsy. It's well made and durable. 

This watch comes beautifully packaged in a black and red, hearted box. It makes it perfect for Valentines, birthdays, mother's day, or just an every day gift.   Overall an excellent product I would recommend to friends and family.

 To learn more or buy Click here



I received this to review. My opinions are honest and my own. 

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Sterline Sonic Pulse Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush review



There are so many awesome features on this sonic toothbrush that I really have no idea where to start. I guess the best place would be to talk about how it works. It does a great job cleaning teeth and what's even better it cleans itself! This electric toothbrush comes with a built in sterilizer. I mean come on, how cool is that?

One of the things that really stood out to me was that this brish is perfect to use with braces. It even has a special tool for cleaning around them! My teen daughter has a hard time cleaning around her braces so this was a great toothbrush for her. It is so easy to use and really protects the investment we have in her teeth! Anyone with a kid in braces knows that is not cheap.

This toothbrush comes with three brushes that all have a different function. They leave the mouth feeling dentist clean and fresh. They are easy to change out and to put into the sterilizer. That is such a  great feature, more so when it's being used by a kid! Plus it works quickly!

This has three different modes that all work together to make the perfect tooth brushing experience. They have one for normal cleaning, one for sensitive teeth, and one for promoting gum health. Even better it has a timer and turns itself off after two minutes! For those who don't know that's how long a person should brush their teeth for!

This toothbrush is rechargeable so no need for stock in batteries! I love anything that is rechargeable since it saves me money. Anyone who knows me knows I am so cheap! I love saving a few pennies!

The sleek design looks great and it's small enough that it's easy to store when not in use. Everything about this brush is modern and attractive. It also comes with a few replacement brushes so I don't have to go out and buy more anytime soon!

Overall a great sonic toothbrush that would be great for any age!

To learn more or buy Click here


I received this to review. My opinions are honest and my own.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Extra Large Insulated Lunch Bag Review







To learn more or buy Click here

I received this to review. My opinions are my own.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

3 piece ceramic knife review


3 piece ceramic knife review 



Nothing makes me happier than new kitchen utensils! I get even happier when it's a nice knife set that works great! I have had so many knifes that just don't work very well at all. I was thrilled when I took these out and used them. They cut through everything beautifully and cleanly. I didn't have to use a ton of force or pressure to get the job done. 

The carving knife is just the right size. It's easy to grip and keep a hold of. This will work great for turkeys, ham, chicken etc. It's got the perfect edge and angle to making carving easy and smooth. This will be getting so much use in my house!
The utility knife I used to cut up all the little kids meat for dinner. It made the job effortless and quick. That's helpful when I have to cut for so many people. This too had an easy to hold handle and a sharp blade. 


The pairing knife is small, but still easy to use and sharp. This will make smooth pealing of the millions of apples we go through in this house.

The whole set comes in a beautiful box that is perfect for storing them or giving as a gift. Anyone who loves to cook is going to love this set. These three knifes will make an easy job of cutting anything in the kitchen. I couldn't be happier with them!

Overall a great set at a good value. This is a must have for any kitchen!

To learn more or buy Click here

I received this to review. My opinions are honest and my own.

Baby Car Seat Cover review


      Baby Car Seat Cover review




When my son was two weeks old we had a bad car accident. I always said because he was in his car seat correctly is why he was unharmed. It took a lot of research to learn all the rules to properly using a car seat with an infant. One of the major rules is to NEVER put a baby in a car seat with a coat on. Living in a cold area this seemed like one of those rules which would be hard to follow. Then I found this cover. 

One of the huge benefits of this cover is it slips right onto the car seat and covers it and baby fully. That means it keeps all wind and elements off baby while adding a bit of insulation. That means I can take baby out without a coat on! That is huge in my book because it means I don't have to worry about my daughter's safety. 

Another huge plus about this is while we are out and about I can slip this over my head and use it as a nursing cover! I love things that have more than one use. It makes me feel like I am getting more bang for my buck. This is made of light weight material so it's breathable for baby and I don't get overheated. 

This cover is easy to clean I just throw it in a normal load and that's that. I love I don't have to worry about all kinds of special cleaning rules. It is so easy to put over the car seat and it stays in place perfectly. It has never slipped off. 

Overall this is a great product and a must have for anyone with a baby. It will fit over any carrier car seat and has so many functions beyond that. It would make a great baby shower gift as well!

To learn more or buy Click here

I received this to review. My opinions are honest and my own. 

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Bath Toy Organizer review



Bath Toy Organizer review


I was thrilled to get an opportunity to test this out. I have a lot of kids so a lot of bathtub clutter. I know this is made for toys and it would do a great job of holding them as it is HUGE, but I had a different idea. I used this to store the teen girls razors and other hazardous shower products. 
The organizerwas a breeze to put up. It only took seconds and stayed in place nicely. (*The suction cups slid a little and need adjusting from time to time). This can hold a good deal of weight and doesn't slide around when it gets wet. It does a great job of draining out objects that are put into it wet. I love that I don't have to worry about the little kids getting into the older girls stuff and getting hurt. 


Overall this is an excellent product that does its job perfectly. 

To learn more or buy Click here

I received this to review. My opinions are honest and my own. 

Rainfall Shower Head by H2O Natural review




Rainfall Shower Head by H2O Natural review




I knew I was going to love this shower head as soon as I stepped into my shower. I have never had a rainfall shower head before so it was a whole new experience. I wasn't sure I was going to like it after having pressure shower heads my whole life. I was pleasantly surprised to find how calming a shower would be with this. It was relaxing and refreshing! 
This head was a breeze to install. It took a very short time and was so worth it! This fit right in where our old one came out. It was basically just screw it all together and go! It didn't leak and looked great. It has a very modern and stylish design that will fit into just about any bathroom design. It adds a touch of class an d beauty. 
This is a quick project that added so much character to my shower. I love when something is functional and beautiful. Overall this is an awesome shower head I would recommend to friends and family. 




For more information or to buy Click here

I received this to review. My opinions are honest and my own.

US Art Supply 8 Color Crazy Dots Dab & Dot Markers review






The colors are bright and vibrant. They really pop off the paper. I really love to watch my children make flowers, suns, and houses using these lovely markers. They can really let their imaginations shine.

Another thing I love about these is if I can't find my bingo Dobbers I can just borrow on of these. I am seriously considering buying a set of these for my BINGO loving mother in law. I know she'll love all the color choices and how well they work without smearing.

These markers are a breeze to clean up. They just wash away with water and a rag. That makes my life so much easier. There is nothing worse than trying to wash markers off a wall. I've had a beautiful human/cat like figure on my bathroom wall for about 6 months now. Of course some person I don't know named Wasn't Me did it.

Overall I am very impressed with this product. It lives up to it's claims and is perfect for kids. I will be recommending this to friends and family.

To learn more or buy Click here

I received this to review. My opinions are honest and my own.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

If you hold a baby too much you'll spoil them and other bullshit myths.




If you hold a baby too much you'll spoil them and other bullshit myths. 



As a mother of ten children I have heard every bullshit myth out there (don't get me started on the pregnancy ones). I have been told if you do this or that something horrible will happen.... yeah not so much! The reason this is on my mind is my husband keeps commenting that I have spoiled the baby because she cries until she's picked up therefore I must have held her too much, right? WRONG (Done in my best Trump voice)

Some babies just need an extra bit of comfort and security. I have held all my children just as much as babies and they were not all cling ons. My new baby is for sure a lot more clingy than the others, but come on all she knows is mommy is safe and she wants to feel that comfort all the time. She'll out grow it as she becomes more curious an mobile, just like most other clingy babies do. I think I'll just enjoy these first few months where all she wants is cuddled and loved on! Those days pass too fast. 

So please hold your baby when he/she wants held. It's great for bonding and trust building! Don't let yourself get overwhelmed though. My gram always told me sometimes they need to cry, it's good for the lungs (another myth, but hey, got to get stuff done!)

Another bullshit myth is babies who hit milestones faster are smarter. I can assure you from experience not true. I have seen some babies who walked at ten months they grew into some dumb ass teens and adults. Not saying my own kids because we all know mine are the smartest, best looking, gifted...moving on. 

So when you are listening to that mama brag how her son is saying mama at 8 weeks old and all your daughter can do is drool just remember that baby saying mama has just as great a chance at dumbasshood as any other baby. Side note if you're the braggy mom just don't no ones impressed! 



Baby walkers and jumpers help babies to walk faster. Nope, sorry guys this one is also false. In fact it can make them walk later (trust me not always a bad thing). If you are hoping for an early walker do not invest in these products. However, I will say I own them and I am not ashamed. I have to get the dishes done, right? She'll walk at some point. It's not a race. 

Another myth that drives me crazy is all the crap about teething. Baby is drooling TEETH, baby has a rash TEETH, baby has a runny nose TEETH! For the love of God people at what point is it not about teeth? Every time someone says something about must be getting teeth I want to scream damn, my six year old must be getting teeth, my 17 year old must be getting a damn mouth full as cranky as she is! Teeth are just another thing that will come when they do. Babies don't need all those gels and tablets to "help with teething" if your baby has a low grade fever and seems uncomfortable a dose of baby Motrin or Tylonal  will do the trick teeth or not. Again this is not necessarily something to be in a hurry about. Mom's usually figure that out the first time your skin is pinched between those sharp little baby teeth! 

These are just a few of the myths I have heard and they seem to be the most common. What are some baby myths you have heard? 




Review: Qyqkfly Girls Lovely Princess Knee High Unique Cute Christmas Owl Boot Tube Socks




I love Christmas socks. I feel like they are essential to the perfect Christmas outfit. They can't be ordinary socks however, they must stand out and demand attention. They must have colors that pop and a design that wows! These socks have both those qualities and more. I love the bright colors that go perfectly with the season. The cute owls are very detailed down to the pompom on their hats. They are absolutely adorable!

These socks are not only unique and cute, but they are soft and comfortable. They don't have a thick bulky seam, which is important in kids socks. That makes these even better for kids with sensory issues. They fit very well without sliding down as well. They are not overly tight though, so they do not leave dents in the kids legs. 

These socks don't fade or run in the washer, which is also a huge plus. That means they will last a good long time. My kids and I will be enjoying these socks for many, many years to come! 

Overall these are an excellent product at a great price. They would make a great gift or as something to wear for ones self. To learn more or buy Click here

I received these to review. My opinions are honest and my own. 

Monday, November 21, 2016

Baby Bandana Bib Set 4 Pack for Girls - Giggle


I always found baby bibs to be kind of cheesy. They were all basically the same. They either said something like I love (add a family member here), had pictures of fad characters, or were just plain and bland. I was however, thrilled to get to try these bibs. They have a more modern look and feel to them. I mean come on who doesn't love a bandana. They are so cute on babies and dogs too. (note these are not designed for dogs, but I may have tried one on my cat).


There are quite a few things I really love about this set. They are easy to hook. I don't have to worry about accidentally tying it too tight or no valcro to get all ruined and stuck on everything. These bibs have button and are adjustable to two different sizes. I used my 6 week old as a model and they fit her pretty well.



I also couldn't be happier with the absorbency. My daughter spits up a lot and these keep her clothes from being soaked or stained. that's a huge plus for me as baby clothes aren't cheap! It also saves me on running even more laundry! Speaking of laundry these are a breeze to wash and so far they have come clean every time. These are very well made so I am hoping that over time the colors don't fade a whole lot.




 These bibs are made of a very soft material. I was pleasantly surprised how soft in fact. I can see an older baby using this as a lovey. Usually you get comfort or absorption, but not both. That is another very unique feature of these bibs! Plus the designs on them are wonderful. They are easy to match up to outfits and they look great. Her first time wearing it I had two people ask me where we got them from!

Overall these bibs get Mother's seal of approval. They are well made and durable. They do the job intended perfectly all while being stylish. It doesn't get much better than that. These are perfect for any new mom to buy for herself or to receive as a gift! These would be a great gift for a baby shower.



To learn more or buy some for yourself 





I received this to review. All opinions are mine and mine alone. 

Friday, November 18, 2016

Women's Fashion Long Shawl review.



I was thrilled to get a chance to review this beautiful scarf. It has the look and feel of cashmere without the high cost! This is an affordable gift anyone will love. I live in a very cold area so warmth as well as style is important. This scarf provides both.

As soon as this came in the mail all my teen girls starting trying to put claims on it. This easily could have turned to a violent battle with the winner claiming the scarf as their trophy, but I ended it quick by telling them the queen (that would be me) had already laid claims.

I love to wear my scarfs in many different ways. This one was easy to wear around the neck for warmth, wrapped for fashion, or used as head cover for windy days. It is easy to change up and has enough weight it stays in place nicely. This scarf has a lot of length to it which helps it be so versitile.

This would be a great girl for secret santa's or to give to a special woman in your life. It's high quality and will last a good long time. It's thicker material keeps it from wrinkling so it's ready to wear anytime. I also love that this can be worn with a dress or jeans equaly. It's also something that would be loved by people of any age.

If you are looking for a gift under $11.00 this holiday season look no further. To learn more or buy Click here

What I know about millennials





I am climbing up on my high horse this morning to get a few things off my chest. Everyone is talking about generalizing whole groups of people, yet one of the biggest groups being torn apart right now are millennials. People are calling them "special snowflakes", "wimps", and "cry babies". Sounds to me like what the older generation would say about my generation as kids. Yes, generation X. The generation of I don't give a fuck. I think that many people have forgotten about the men and women who are running this country right now. Many of these men and women were hippes. You know, the people they called wimps and cry babies in the 60's. The men and women who often stood hand in hand while beaten, abused, and threatened. You know the people who stood against what they say as injustice.... umm... we are not seeing snowflakes, we are seeing a group of young people fighting for what they see as probable injustices that will happen. Now I'm not going to sit here and defend if there is validity to their fears or not as that is not the point of this post. The point is these kids are standing up for what they really believe in. Isn't that one of the things us as parents always hope our kids will do?

Being a mom of so many kids I have had many, many of these millennial children come through my home. My kids are so different I've had every clique here as well from the geeks to the jocks. I will say a few things I notice about these kids. They are damn hard workers. I see facebook posts daily of these kids asking where is hiring. When I was a kid me and my friends hopped from one job to the next. These kids have learned job loyalty. They are working at one place often through college! I remember my grandfather telling me there is no quality better than a hard worker. I see that with these kids. SO when people say "Oh this generation will be living in their parents basement" I think of a few things. One, that will likely happen because no one can afford to live on their own anymore" and also didn't my generation invent the basement dwelling?

These kids are facing pressures we never had to and they are getting through it! They have pressure to be the best in school so they can get into the best college and get a good job and have a family and do better. Yes, I purposely made that a run on sentence because I imagine they hear that as run on phrases from everyone in their lives. This generation has a higher rate of cancer, autism, and so many other conditions we never thought of. They will be the ones to find the cures. This generation has to find the solution to the environmental catastrophe of our forefathers. Steven Hawkins said yesterday humans have 1000 years to find a new home planet so lets add that to their list as well. Starting to feel like a heavy load yet? Well, lets keep going then, okay? Let's add onto the pile on this generations shoulders, threats of war and terrorism.  I know I didn't have to worry about going to the mall or a theater when I was a teen. Oh wait. they also have to worry about dying in the classroom. They even have lock down/in drills!

People we are not raising snowflakes! We are raising a generation that is going to change the world. They are going to fix the mistakes we and those before us made. They are working to defeat racism (part of the reason they protest) because they don't see the world we all saw. They see people! This is the most culturally and religiously blended generation since the early days of immigration! These kids have a deep love for adventure and the unknown. They want to learn and embrace the differences in each other not be scared because they are different.

In the end I will embrace this generation of snowflakes. I will watch hopefully as they age and grow into adults that will hopefully being us into the utopia we have all been searching for. Imagine this could be the generation that finally sees world peace because they are willing to fight foe it. Maybe instead of calling them names and assuming they are worthless we should listen and learn.

I am ending this with the words of the wise Bob Dylan:
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.


Friday, November 4, 2016

Preparing a young child for surgery

Preparing a young child for surgery





In the past two weeks we have had two children have surgery. One a minor, emergency surgery, the other a planned eye surgery. The emergency surgery was to have a loop put into an abscess on my 7 year old. After it was all said and done I noticed a huge difference in how well my four year old did, who was a hundred percent prepared than how my seven year old did who was not at all ready. I hope this post helps parents prepare young children for surgery to make things easier on both the child and the parents.

A couple days in advance of her surgery (Young kids have short memories so we waited  few days before to start talking about it) we began talking about what was going to happen. We explained to her what the surgery was for: Taryn, the doctor is going to fix your eye that doesn't work so well. We told her we'd be going to the hospital and her doctor would be there and he would take very good care of her like he always does. She was only concerned with the fact she'd have to ride an elevator. She is so scared of elevators! We assured her it was a short elevator ride and we'd hold her. We explained as simply as we could to make her understand each step we'd go through. Mind you I asked a lot of questions so I'd know. We told her she'd go with the nice nurse and they'd put a mask over her mouth and nose and she'd go to sleep. When she woke up her eye would be fixed and mommy and daddy would be there with her. We told her we'd have surprise eggs there waiting when she woke up. We also got her a plush My Little Pony to take in with her. She seemed to understand and we kept reminding her of everything all the way up to the morning of.

We were thrilled when she was in great spirits the morning of her surgery. She was excited to see each nurse and doctor that got us through all the processes of checking in and prepared. Our Children's Hospital is amazing and really helped her feel comfortable and happy. She was given so many stickers I thought I'd have to buy a album for them. Her procedure was on Halloween so everyone was dressed up that made her even happier. Things went just as we had explained them to her so she had no fear as the nurse led her off to the OR and away from me and her father. I think I suffered more through that than she did.

Two hours after she left us we were taken back to the recovery room to wait for her to wake up. I was thrilled she woke up just as happy as when she went in. She drank juice, played with her eggs, and watched TV until it was time to go. I am happy to say that her surgery was a success and her eyes are fixed!

So in the end I highly recommend explaining everything to your child, even if they are very young. Make sure the understand and are ready because after all us adults want to know about any procedures we will get as well.

Side note: Taking pictures and videos when kids are still a bit stoned afterward is perfectly acceptable and encouraged ;)

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Trump on women




I don't give a crap who people vote for. I don't care if you vote Trump, Hillary, Gary Johnson, or write in your best friends, mothers, cousins, brothers, aunts, neighbor. You're vote is not my business. What is my business is what is put out there by people who are suppose to be role models. If you do choose to vote Trump however, and you have children you have a moral obligation to denounce the things he has said about women. The latest being the worst by far!

It is no secret I have ten children and a mouth like a freakin sailor. I, in fact could probably make a sailor blush with the swear words that can spew from my mouth. What you will never hear is me demoralizing other human. I guess I am not so shocked by what Trump said. I am more shocked by people defending it as locker room banter. I have an 18 year old son and have been around a lot of teen boys and men in my life. I have never heard them say the things this man has. I mean come on "Grab her right by her pussy" What the hell is that???? That's rape and sexual assault, that's what that is! That is not locker room banter. If my son or any man in my life spoke those words I would slap the taste out of their mouth. If any man ever said or tried to do that to my daughter he'd be pulling a foot out of his mouth for sure!

By trying to defend this as locker room banter you not only add to the rape culture in America you teach your daughter or your sons that these words and actions  are okay. Like I stated above you want to support Trump go for it, but make sure you teach your kids that these words and actions are not okay! If you think they don't hear about or see them on the news or social media guess again.

We already live in a culture that I have had to protect my daughters against many times and almost always from older men. My oldest daughter has been followed by adult men starting at age 16. She has had comments made to her walking around town or while she was at her job. Yes, it's locker room banter until it's your daughter those words are directed at, right? Believe me father's if that was your little girl Trump spoke about grabbing the pussy of, what would you do? Mother's, what about you? Would it still be locker room banter?

Now mother's and father's what if it was your son who said these things? Would you defend him or slap the taste out of his mouth? Would you want your teen son to speak like that or be a respectful man? I don't know about you, but I want to raise men who love and respect their wives and daughters. Who respect all the women in their lives. I want my sons to tell a woman she is smart, beautiful, and worthy. I want them to see passed the things society judges women on. I want them to know women are not objects, but equals.

Now feel free to read passed everything I have said and claim this is just one more bias piece of writing by a lib, but please do so and then in the same breath turn to your little girl and tell her she is smart and can be whatever she wants. Teach her that sexual abuse verbally, physically, or in any form is unacceptable and not locker room banter. Teach your sons that women are to be respected and treated with dignity in all situations. Do it for your kids, but most of all do it for their future relationships!


Thursday, October 6, 2016

When your child has a mental illness

                             

                 When your child has a mental illness




I am going to be open and honest here in a way I never have before. I have had not one, but two children diagnosed with a mental illness caused by a genetic condition. This was not the life I chose for them, but in life we don't get to pick and choose ideal situations, do we? My children were diagnosed with ADHD (Attention deficit disorder), ODD (Oppositional defiant disorder), and one has separation anxiety and the other generalized anxiety disorder. I have been very lucky that my older daughter has grown out of and has had awesome treatment for these disorders and besides the generalized anxiety is so much better!My seven year old though,... I don't know she'll ever be 100% better. I pray for her, I work witheady her, she gets the help she needs (She has an awesome team that works with her), but sometimes that's just not enough. This post I am going to focus on my younger daughter as it seems she is the age most kids begin getting diagnosed.

Devony was a toddler when she started showing her differences from other kids. She was stubborn, hard headed, mean, very inappropriate, and would pick up on any negative thing and run with it. We used to joke that we were banning her from hanging out with the teenagers because she acted like one. I have videos of her flipping out as a baby even! I knew something was wrong. I just didn't know what. I probably should have since her older sister had the same conditions, but Devony was so much more severe. Still she was my baby. My joined at the hip child who looked to me for everything. Her big blue eyes and cuddly nature snowed me into believing it was all in my head and then came prek.

School was hell. Maybe not as much for her as for me. My husband hated picking her up from prek because the teacher always had him wait to last to get her as   she had done something almost every day. I was that mother who started to think maybe the teacher just didn't like her. I mean come on, sure she was hyper,but it couldn't be that bad, right? Even her ped said she's just active.

I was so excited for kindergarten. It had to get better right? Nope, it only got worse. We always got the she's so cute, she says the damnedest things, but something is wrong. She can't sit still, she can't express herself properly, she can be mean, she doesn't do well with her peers.... Was this school out to get my baby too?

First grade. Devony had the most amazing teacher. She was able to sit with us and was just open and honest. She explained things in a way that made me really see something was wrong. This same teacher had her sister and noticed the similarities. It clicked then. My God, I had two of them! Two kids with a disorder than can make them criminals, drug addicts, make their lives so difficult. The teacher sat and explained how far behind Devony was and how she was ready to go to bat for my child to get her the help[ she needed. Tears flowed down my face as it all became clear. My baby's life was about to change dramatically and damn it, it wasn't fair! It wasn't fair that I had to do this again, that she had to go through this, that she was suffering mentally and even physically. She's already been through so much with grade 4 kidney reflux and a duplex system. I wanted to hug her teacher. I will always be thankful to her and later the  principle and social worker at the school who made her feel normal and okay. Who encouraged her and built her up, but that's a post for another day.

Within a week I had Devony into be looked at by mental health specialist for children. It took about three months to be told what I already knew. My daughter was mentally ill and would need a lot of treatment that includes medication (that can have horrible side effects), therapy, monthly meetings with a nurse practitioner to adjust medication and add more as needed. She'sin a smaller class because she can not read and may have some other learning disabilities. That's just the medical part. Now let's talk social impact on her.

When a person sees Devony out and about or listens to her they see a "bad kid" a kid who says horrible things sometimes and lashes out when she feels threatened. They see a child who has a meltdown that can put the most tired two year old to shame. We are talking hours of crying like a newborn if she feels like she isn't getting something she should have or if her senses become overloaded with sites and sounds. She can cry like a newborn for hours at a time. There is nothing harder than holding your child as she screams like that and not knowing how to help her. I had no idea what to say the day she told my mother matter of factly she was going to die and be put under a dead stone (she meant headstone). How do I explain to people why my 6 year old would look at them and say things like I don't like him/her or the way they look. Two weeks ago her doctor walked into the office and Devony said "Oh so we speak English now". My husband now refuses to ever take her back again.  It killed me the day her IEP report came and it said "She's fine as long as she has taken her medication" or hearing her say "I couldn't help it I didn't get my medicine today".

There are more children diagnosed in this country with mental health now than ever before. More kids are growing stronger by the  fact people recognize the issue! I am thankful that Devony gets a little better everyday. That I get that awesome privileged of seeing how sweet, loving, and kind she is capable of being. I am growing strong enough to say on bad days this is not her this is just the bad wiring in her brain. I love enough to fight daily for her and find what is best. To look into new treatments and ideas. I love when parents reach out to me and we connect in a way only other parents with kids like ours can. When I see a child melting down in public I don't look at the mother with disgust, but understanding. My prayer is that more and more attention is brought to the world of childhood mental health. That parents won't be scared to reach out for help or worry about the stigma put on their child and yes, there is one.

I do worry about Devony's future. I hate how the world will view her, but one thing will always
remain I will love her harder, because she needs it. I will fight for her with ever ounce of me being because that's what a mother does. I will never give up. I will never back down. I will make her life the best it can possibly be! Every time she pushes away I will pull closer.To all the moms and dads out there fighting the way I am. I see you and I am with you., There is a whole community of us out there seek us out!






Some helpful links:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oppositional-defiant-disorder/basics/definition/con-20024559


http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html

http://www.webmd.com/children/guide/separation-anxiety

http://teenmentalhealth.org/learn/mental-disorders/generalized-anxiety-disorder/

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

When I knew I was finally done with kids.



So many people with mega families like mine don't ever get that feeling of being done having children and that's okay. It's okay to have the family size a person wants whether it be none or twenty it's all up to a family to decide what is right for them. I just know one thing, it's not always easy to know when to say when.

According to the world, standards, and pretty much ninety percent of people I have met in life I am crazy and should have been done long ago. It was a conversation with my sister yesterday (she has chosen a child free life) that brought this all to the forefront of my mind. Then again today when a cashier at a grocery store asked me "Don't you think it's time to stop now?". I looked at her shook my head and said, nope going for an even dozen. I lied though. I am done. I'm not done because society has told me I should be. I am done because after taking a look at myself, my family, and our needs I know I just am.

I have been told by people, yes told not asked, that I am addicted to pregnancy. WRONG!!!!!! (That was done in my best Donald Trump voice). Who loves back aches, peeing every five minutes, and for the love of everything holy hemorrhoids! Being pregnant sucks ass, but I do love the reward at the end. Closing in on the end of my tenth pregnancy I am sad to know that it's over, but excited to see what the future will bring too. I look forward to my wine glass once again being full rather than sitting lonely in the cupboard. On top of that having gestational diabetes has taken so much of the things I love from me. I mean french fries!!!! I am a french fry guru. How could they!!!!!

Another big reason I know I am done is I am starting to forget who I am. I need to find that person again instead of getting lost in the day to day needs of everyone else. Yes, that may sound selfish, but darn it I need to be able to read a book again, take a shit without someone sitting and watching me as if I am the newest episode of freakin Paw Patrol! I don't think I've peed alone in the house for the past eighteen years!!! I keep assuring the kids I don't need their help, but I don't think they believe me.

Speaking of kids shows. I can name every overrated, money sucking show since 1998! How many remember Bear In The Big Blue house or The Big Comfy Couch? Yeah, I can still sing all the songs word for word along with every other show that came along since. I will say the 90's children's programming was so much better than the crap on today. I mean come on, Caillou, enough said.


I have had so many bad times and good times with my kids. Hospital stays, specialist, days spent crying in worry or stress. Then their were the happy tears that came with pre-k graduations (no matter how many I have been too I end up weeping by the end). The good times for sure outweighed the bad, but when things were at their worst man, they were bad! We've struggled, we've triumphed, we've lived another day. Now, well now it's time to move on. I have kids heading off to college at the same time I will have a tiny baby at home. My babies are heading off into the world to form their own lives and families. It's such a new, beautiful season for our family, but also marks the end for new baby days. My oldest daughter said something a few months back that stabbed me in the feels (see how I can use teen slang). Her words were: "Mom, the new baby isn't going to know me because I won't be here anymore." OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I know the baby will still be exposed to her often but this picture of her and her baby brother probably isn't a relationship she will have with her new sister.

I'm so ready to be rid of diapers. If anyone ever wants to challenge me to a speed diaper change, you're on! I could go the rest of my life without having to clean up food off the floor and jelly off the cupboards. I know one day I will look back and miss all the chaos, the running, the yelling, but for my own sanity, my own health I know it's time to end the era. When all is said and done I will have spent nearly twenty years having children. My oldest will be nineteen in March. So after this big rambling post I will add a list of the factors I took into consideration in making this decision:

1. My health. I am not getting any younger and things are starting to take their toll!

2. The health of my marriage: It'll be nice to know my husband on a deeper level again.

3. Do I still enjoy it as much as I once did?

4. How do the other children feel about it? This does effect them as well.

5. Do I have the time to make sure everyone is getting what they need?

Those were the top questions but in the end. I just knew. I knew this was it. After this baby there will be no more. To be honest though I always thought ten was a pretty cool number!

Thursday, July 28, 2016

When you're having baby number 10




I am no stranger to people acting shocked, outraged, or just unsure how to feel when I tell them the size of my family. They often ask questions or make some sort of rude comments they think are so witty. I mean come on, don't you own a TV? What does that have to do with having a baby? Do people really think we don't own a TV so we just have sex twenty four seven? I love having a large family that's why we have so many kids. I also love having four TV's in the house. These comments and questions started right around when I had number six and have just progressively grown more and more common and people have become more and more open about saying things. So here are ten things that happen when you're having number ten in list of least to most common.

1. People asking what church we go to because after all we must be holy rollers to have so many. 

We do attend church. I love my faith, but my faith does not dictate how many children I have, I do. I totally believe birth control is a great thing for those who want to limit the number of children they have. I do not think it's a sin or evil. Large families are not for everyone. 

2. People walk up to us and say, I wish I'd had more children. 

I really never know how to answer people who say this. I take it as a compliment. I always wonder though why they didn't. Some elaborate and say I wanted a lot of kids, but I couldn't have any. Those always break my heart. I'm sure some just stuck with the norm of 2.5 because that's just what's done. Having older children (17 and 18) I often wonder what my life would be like if I had stopped with them. Sure, I'd have a ton of freedom, but my house would also be so empty!

3. People I don't know recognize me.

I was signing my daughter up for Pre-k in a room with another mom. The woman do the paperwork asked me how many children and when I said ten the other mom was like oh you're Stephanie! I was just talking about you the other day with so and so.... ummmmm okay... I know you how? Apparently we must be the talk of the town! 

4. You never have to show ID at the school. 

There isn't a person at any of the schools who don't know who we are. We have upwards of four kids in any grade level at any time. The teachers, principles, even janitors know who we are. They know all about our kids and always seem to want to stop and chat. When I walk into one of the kids schools I feel like I am walking into Cheers!

5. Everyone who knows and loves us want to know when we will have the next one. 

I always want to say hey, let's get this pregnancy over with first. 

6. Are you done yet?

This is something I get from everyone from family to strangers and my answer is always the same. 
I have been done since number 5! I don't know how this keeps happening! 

7. They just must fall out when you sneeze. 

It's this question that makes me want to break out a chart and explain the birthing process to people who don't quite get it. Things still have to go through what they go through every time. If it was only that simple!

8. So how much do you get in food stamps?

REALLY!!!!!! Just REALLY!!!! 


9. I'll give you mine, you won't even notice another. 

Yeah..... first dude, you're trying to give your kid away. Also yes, I would notice, my kids are trained a certain way. They all look alike too!!

10. Are you getting fixed after this one?

Clearly I'm not broken, but your manners are ;)

To be completely honest though I do sometimes enjoy that look of shock when someone hears how many kids we have. Their mouths often gap open as they search for the right words (Even if more often than not they find the wrong ones). Overall most people are really cool about things or at least pretend to be. In the end though my family makes me happy and I could care less how nayone else feels about it as it's not their issue. 




Monday, February 8, 2016

Let me tell ya'all about my best friend (giveaway)



My daughter's always taking about her ride or die friend. I'm like what's a ride or die? I know my age was showing. Apparently it's the same as what I called my best friend aka my BFF. At my daughter's age my BFF's changed a lot as do hers. Friends come and go with the seasons, but sometimes a few of them stick around over the years and now for me, decades! I never thought the day would come I was have an s at the end of decade when talking about friendships.

My ride or die I met in Junior high. We were both a little awkward and odd. She was my partner in crime and the one who would have my back no matter what. To this day I know she still has my back. I say someone made me mad she will be the first to be like okay where you want me to hide the body. It's just the way we roll. She is my BFF.

We have never strayed far from each other in life. She stood by me as I had children and tried to put claim on a few of them. She was just blessed with her first baby girl after two boys and I cried for her. She has always been and will remain my sister from another mister. Speaking of sisters, her parents had accepted me as one of their own. I loved them with all my heart and mourned for weeks when they passed on. At me grandparents funeral she was one of the few people who I remember coming in and just hugging me. We know each other, she's my best friend after all.

She knows things about me that I will kill her if she ever tells my kids. She knows things even my husband never will. I think she knows things about me I don't even know, The funny thing is our paths led us in two different directions. I became Suzie homemaker, while she kept her free spirit. I am a born again Christian she's Wiccan. We have more differences than similarities, but I love her! She is my dearest friend!

When I think of famous movie BFF's I think of Thelma and Louise. I actually wonder if that's where the term Ride or die comes from. I mean we all know what happened there! I have been very blessed to have had my girl by my side for these DECADES! I look forward to racing the nursing home halls in our wheel chairs together. I love ya Belynda!


Now for the contest. I want to know about your BFF, your ride or die, your best friend! The winner will receive Thelma and Louise bracelets pictured below:




a Rafflecopter giveaway

This prize is a review item I received.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Mosquito & Fly Repellent Incense



I was excited to get the chance to try these. I use natural products whenever I can for whatever I can. It's so much safer for my children and pets. There are quite a few of these sticks in this set so I can use them on more than one occasion. I use essential oils daily so I am thrilled that's what is used in the making of these. These oils include citronella and thyme, both which are know to repel and kill bugs.

The sticks come ready to use. I just stick them in the ground and light them. It's that simple. They let off a stream of scented smoke that forms an almost barrier around an area. They burn for a long time, providing long lasting protection. These will be great for using along the woods line at our fourth of July party.

I really love the concept of this product and I know these will become a must have for all our outdoor parties. They are simple to use and work. Those are the most important things! These would be great for picnics, camping, the beach. Anywhere there are bugs these should be!

Overall a great product.

I recommend this to anyone who has outdoor parties.

In received this to review. My opinions are my own.