She is Here!

Well, I know it's been a while, I'm sorry about that.  We have been so SUPER busy this last month!

Teylie Robin arrived on November 30, at 5:45pm, weighing 6lbs. 12oz. and measuring 19in.  Our church put on a baby shower for us, and we were unable to make it as it started at 6:30pm the day she was born!  I went to see my midwife the day before and was admitted.  Even though she was slightly early, she had no need to be in the NICU.  We stayed for 2 days and then were discharged.  Teylie was showered with love by all 6 of her siblings. 

We had a great Christmas with the family! My older brother came up from FL to visit and it was good to catch up with him.

Our family had a good 2017...I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us in 2018!

Our Newest Baby!

Yesterday, I woke up and I was bleeding.  I panicked immediately, and scheduled an ultrasound with my midwife's office.  Turns out I have my usual subchorionic bleed...that normally resolves itself around 7-8 weeks.  I am SO relieved!!  I did get 2 pictures of our new baby!  There isn't much to see, as I am only 6 weeks, and baby is the size of a sweet pea.

Baby Sortwell #8!

Determined to Stay Active

I am resolved.  No excuses.  I WILL maintain an active pregnancy.

I always say I'm going to keep up with exercises and workouts during my pregnancies...and then promptly use the fatigue, the aches, the pains to excuse my laziness.  Well, not this time!  I'm currently at my lowest starting pregnancy weight since Fionna (I was 130lbs. when I got pregnant with her...)  at 167.  I want to keep that, and maybe lower it.  At the most, I don't want to gain a ton more.  I only gained 7lbs. with Winry so I know it can be done!!

So, what's my plan??

1.  I will stick to a healthy diet.

I will mostly stick to a Trim Healthy Mama diet with graces given for times I just slip or knowingly go off plan.  I'll be watching calories and counting macros to some degree.  I will make sure I'm getting the right amount of protein.  I'll be making better choices.

2.  I will actually workout.

I've found several pregnancy weightlifting programs that I want to follow.  Of course, no super heavy weights, but since I was already doing that prior to getting pregnant, I can still do it during.  I also will still be doing my Zumba, PiYo, and RIPPED classes when I can.  I thoroughly enjoy jogging in the summer, and cannot wait to start back up soon!

3.  I will listen to my body.

With all exercising, you must listen to your body.  If it feels uncomfortable, check your form.  If it causes issues afterwards, lighten your weights/shorten your reps.  Knowing what your body can handle is great for preventing injury.  Listening also means, if you're craving something, eat it.  It's ok if it's not the healthiest...just have it once.  If you crave it all of the time, maybe try finding a healthier alternative.  I'm currently craving jalapenos...which are pretty healthy...so that's a plus!

I am determined to remain active and healthy throughout this pregnancy.  I enjoy working out, and being active, and that can make a pregnancy pretty enjoyable, too.   

Partially Doing THM

Well, this is a post that I have been thinking about for a while.  So...here goes!

I've decided to do THM 50% of the time;  or less.

There, it's out! 

WHY?

Because it is just too difficult to keep doing it 100% with our lifestyle/work schedule/church schedules.  We are in the nearby city for church-related things 3-4 times per week.  That is 1 hour of driving time, and roughly 1 1/2-4 hours there.  That doesn't leave a lot of time to be worrying about how many hours have passed, what fuel I'm needing/eating next, if something I'm getting from the fast food place is on plan...etc.  We live a busy, hectic life, and our eating schedules need to be flexible;  and THM is very difficult to do flexibly. (is that a word??)

We love the dinners, and will still be making/eating them!  I will try my best to separate fuel types, and eat healthy foods.  I like to make the crockpot meals on nights I'm exercising.  My husband needs potatoes in his life...I'm serious!!  He is the epitome of a "steak and potatoes" guy! 

We will be watching our portions, and still eating clean and healthy foods.  Some of it may not be on plan. 

So, what does this mean for my blog??

Well, nothing, really.  I'll still post recipe round ups, single recipes, awesome websites, and other such THM-related posts.  I love what I've learned about and through THM.  Some things I disagree with, but most of it I do agree with.  But, I may, occasionally, post about foods or recipes that are NOT on plan.  I will make sure to specify that in the post, and will NOT share them in the THM groups.

Also, PLEASE, PLEASE, I BEG YOU...do NOT flood my post with hate comments about how I'm obviously not doing things right, or that I am a bad person to not be 100%...I ask that because it won't do anything.  I have thought this through for a while, and have full support from my husband.  Yes, THM does wonders for hundreds of women, but it is difficult and hard for me.  I've been doing it for about 3 years now, and have only lost 35lbs. with 1.5 pregnancies in between.  I've seen so many women posting about how they lost 30lbs. in 2 months without exercising...so that in itself is super frustrating.  (props to them, though!  that's awesome!) 

So, that was just something I had to get off my chest. 

Trim Healthy Mama in a Large Family #2

I posted about doing THM in a large family here: THM in a Lrg. Fam. #1

So, this is another post related to having a large family while doing THM.  We have 8 people in our family.

The THM Cookbook is perfectly made for our family.  Most recipes are made for 6-8 people, and we almost always have leftovers for my hubby's lunch the next day.

My husband does THM only because I make THM suppers.  And once in a great while, I'll do a non-THM supper.

I sometimes add a non-THM element to my suppers for my hubby and kids.  Like, when we do enchiladas.  I make it an S or a E.  I take as much as I need for 4, on plan enchiladas.  I use my on plan tortillas.  Then, I add in other ingredients like beans, (I add those to mine if I'm making an E.) and other things.  I use regular tortillas for theirs.  Bake them together, and ta-da!  We all get to enjoy a delicious meal, and I stay on plan!

Pizza night is a weekly occurrence in this house.  I would normally just make the pizzas as usual, using regular flour for the crust.  But I discovered something from a mama in the main THM group on Facebook!!!  Use the Butterfly Wings Cake recipe in the cookbook, omitting the sweetener.  It fluffs up, and crisps just like real dough!!  It is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!   It's a revelation!  I can now enjoy thick crust pizza with the rest of the family while sticking to the plan!

Another recipe I split is Slim Sloppy Joes.  I use sprouted buns for myself, and off plan buns for the rest of the family.  Here is a list of some meals I split:

Chicken Florentine

Salsa Chicken

Balsamic Chicken

Coconut Thai Chicken

Rich N Tender Stew

 I split these by making them as they are in the cookbook, then adding some off plan carbs for my growing kids, and off plan hubs.  Carbs such as noodles, white rice, sometimes brown rice to make it a crossover for them.  I have no qualms about eating a crossover occasionally if I'm really hungry and wanting some carbs. 

Ok, so that was just a small post on doing THM in a Large Family.  Do you have any tips/tricks?  Please share them in the comments below! 

Dreams DO Come True!

So, our 12-passenger van finally bit the dust.  (the snow dust)  The first super cold day this week, it decided to spring several leaks in various places.  That was the last straw for us.  Just two weeks ago, the kids and I got stranded in Green Bay because the brake line snapped.  (after being "fixed" the day before at the mechanic)  So, we decided enough was enough, and that we would get a new van.  We looked at several ads for used vans, but we came to the conclusion that if we wanted a van that would last a long time, we should buy new.

Bram and I went to a local dealer, and it just so happened that they had 3 12-passenger vans on the lot!   We were looking at Ford Transits and Nissan NVs.  None of the dealers around us had any Transits in stock.  We drove the Nissan around for a bit, and decided to get it. 

The best part?  I have been wanting a Nissan NV for almost 2 years now!  I first saw one in the Culver's parking lot in the spring, and practically drooled at it.  So gorgeous!  Bram said we would probably never have one unless, years down the road, we would find it used.  My dream came true, and now I am driving in a beauiful, red, Nissan NV 3500!

It is a tank, seriously!!  From the outside it looks massive.  I've gotten a few open-mouthed stares.  I am so happy with my new van, and I am so glad I don't have to worry that something is going to break when I drive. 

Leaning on Him Through the Difficult Days Ahead

With broken hearts, we have to tell you all that our precious 7th baby was taken up to heaven to be with God.

I had some bleeding and pain in church on Sunday, and by 9:00pm, I had miscarried.  I cannot tell you how heartbreaking it was.  How painful, physically and emotionally, it is to birth your child that is no bigger than a prune.  We have chosen the name, Darcy Bubbles, as her name.  Our older children are convinced it was a girl, and deep down, I feel she was a girl as well.  I was surrounded by my wonderful Mother-in-law, Husband, and loving Parents throughout the process; and had a beautiful visit from my amazing friend, Janelle.

I ended up being kept in the hospital overnight due to a continued allergic reaction to the pain med they had me on.  I passed out once.  I was able to go home the next afternoon.  I am still in a lot of pain; taking pain meds every 4 hours.

The hardest part was having to tell my super-excited children that Bubbles was not coming home;  that she is in heaven with Jesus.  They were devastated.  They loved Darcy SO SO much, and were looking forward to meeting her and loving on her.

We were able to take her body home, and we will bury her with us.  My husband found a beautiful headstone for our little Darcy.

We know heaven is a better place for Darcy.  We know that the Lord had a reason, a purpose for taking Darcy so soon.  He loves Darcy just as much as we do.  This was not a punishment for something we did.  This was not a twisted joke He decided to play on us.  He made a covenant with Bram and I when we became a family, and He tells us that that covenant extends to our children.  We have hope and faith that when our time comes, we will see our little Darcy again.  What a day of rejoicing that will be!

Major Happenings!!

Wow!  So many things have been going on over here!!

1.  The most important news is that

WE ARE EXPECTING #7!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

WHAT???  Yes, you read that right.  I am pregnant once again.  It was a complete shock, only discovered when I took a pregnancy test in preparation for a midwife visit for ovarian pain.  We are thrilled, albeit somewhat nervous. 

2.  We are getting ready to start our second year of homeschool! 

Which means lots of planning, making lists, and making sure we have everything we need from our curriculum. I still have to get K's kindergarten workbooks, but other than that and a few other necessities, we are mostly set! 

3.  My 8-month-old is crawling!

That means she is getting into lots of trouble!  Having 5 older siblings also helps with that, unfortunately.  But it is so much fun to watch her explore and discover new things.  Her favorite thing to do now is eat yogurt snacks. 

4.  My husband and I are getting ready to celebrate 8 years of marriage!

I can't believe it's been 8 years since I vowed to love, honor, and obey this amazing man.  I pray God gives me 80 more years with my beloved.  

What fun/important things are happening in your life?  Please share below! 

Trim Healthy Mama in a Large Family #1

So, I posted before about how my diet is structured around the Trim Healthy Mama plan.   This week, my THM post is a look at how I fed my family of 8 and only spent $197.  Here's the break down...

Menu Plan (all recipes come from the THM Cookbook)
    I don't really decide what I'm making until that day...


~ Coconut Thai Chicken (pg. 45) {S}

~ Cabb & Saus Skillet (pg. 58) {S}

~ Fakertot Casserole (pg. 147) {S}

~ Spaghetti & Meatballs w/Dreamfields pasta

~ Homemade Pizza (on plan for me, off plan for the rest of the fam)
   [crust recipe found here:  All Day I Dream About Food]

~ Hamburgers & Coleslaw (pg. 230) {S}

~ Wipe Your Mouth BBQ (pg. 43) {E}

I loaded all  6 kiddos into our van and drove up to the grocery store.  My list was one page long, also containing some non-food items that aren't a necessity so I left some out.  Most of my cart gets filled up  in the produce section.  After a ton of zig-zagging, and a bathroom break for almost everyone, I finished up and headed to the checkout lane.  (please note that not all of the food in my list is THM approved. My hubby and kids don't do THM 100%.)  My list included:

2 cabbages
20 apples
6 bottles kombucha soda
2 cartons fresh strawberries
2 cartons fresh blueberries
2 loaves sprouted bread
1 carton mushrooms
1 bag pre-mixed coleslaw base
2lbs. ground beef
1lb. bacon
1lb. turkey bacon
1 container sliced roast beef
2 links smoked sausage
2 bags frozen meatballs
2 bottles coffee creamer
1lb. block mozzarella cheese
1 bag frozen seasoning blend
2 bags frozen stir fry veggies
3 bags frozen mixed veggies
1 bottle nutritional yeast
14lb. bag of dog food
2 cans coconut milk
2 packages boxed Thai food
2 jars spaghetti sauce
2 boxed Dreamfields pasta
1 bag peanut powder
2 cartons assorted cookies
2 bags cereal
1 package paper towels
3 boxes smoked oysters
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
1 carton chicken broth
1 carton beef broth
5 bottles Hog Wash juice

*if I've forgotten anything I will add it.

So, all of this and I had $2.50 in coupons so my grand total was $197!!  All of these meals are filling for my large family, and there are always leftovers for my hubby for work the next day!  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below and I will answer them as soon as I can! 

3 Ideas for Controling Chaos

Managing a large family is quite the learning curve!  I grew up in a household of 5.  My husband grew up in a household of 5.  We are a household of 8.  So, with that comes some learning.  You have to learn how to manage your family appropriately without going crazy or always feeling like you're drowning in chores.  How do you manage all of the laundry that comes with a large family?  (I am STILL learning that one.)  How do you budget for a large family?  How do you manage extracurricular activities in a large family?  All of these questions are important to managing your large family.

LAUNDRY:

Yeah, this one is my nemesis.  I have yet to conquer this one.  We did try one summer to limit how many of each item of clothing everyone had, but I ended up buying more clothes as I was washing too many loads every day to keep up. (having 4 boys will do that to you.  They attract all manner of dirt and grime.)  What I *TRY* to do every day is at least 2 loads.  (you know that meme where it says you keep washing the same load so mildew doesn't set in?...yeah that's me.)  Just this past year I created a system of baskets with everyone's name on them.  The baskets are small and light so even my 2-year-old can carry one.  Each morning (or whenever I have a load done) they grab their baskets and put their clothes away in their assigned drawers. I've even taught my almost 7-year-old how to put wash in the washing machine and then transfer them to the dryer.  She likes that chore.  My advice is to include the children in the laundry as soon as they are able.

BUDGET:

My husband is in charge of the finances for us.  He gives me a weekly budget, and every Monday I go to the bank and withdraw the amount in cash.  Cash makes sure I don't go over budget.  It's kind of hard to spend money you don't physically have, right?  Everyone's weekly budget will look different, depending on income, number of people, and other things.  I suggest talking it through with your husband and mutually coming to an agreeable amount.

ACTIVITIES:

With so many kids in one family, and all of the kids getting older and looking for fun things to do:  how do you keep them all straight and happy without going crazy??  I just signed F up for summer gymnastics class with her cousin.  My brother-in-law has wonderfully offered to pick her up and take her to the class every week.  On the Monday's he cannot do it, my dear Mother-in-law has offered to take the girls.  Most things require me to pack all 6 kids in the van and go.  I don't mind it most days, but it can get overwhelming.  I can only imagine what it will look like if TJ wants baseball, L wants football, or K and R have soccer.  In the fall, the kids who are 5+ go to Pioneer Club at their cousin's church every Wednesday.  I usually am able to take only the kids in PC and leave the littles at home with Daddy.  But on the days I can't do that, I take them all and we just play in the nursery until it's done.  My advice is to just understand that if you want your kids to be involved in sports or other extracurricular activities, it's gonna take a lot of time and some annoyance.  I'm blessed to have a husband and family I can rely on, but it's not always possible.  Extra things will take sacrifices.

Do you have some suggestions in these 3 categories?  Please share them in the comments! 

#WCW: Susanna Wesley (Women of Faith series, #1)

Susanna Wesley

Susanna Wesley was the mother John and Charles Wesley.  She and her husband, Samuel had 19 children, 9 of which lived to adulthood.   She was an amazing woman, who homeschooled her children and had great faith.  She had 16 House Rules that she ruled her house with. You can see them listed at Raising Godly Children.


We can use Susanna as a godly role model for motherhood.  She homeschooled her 9 living children.  She raised them in the fear and admonition of the Lord.  Her sons became great preachers.  She lived for Christ, and instilled her faith in every aspect of her life.  We must be diligent about doing the same in our lives.  Our children must see our faith being lived in us.  We must pray daily that our children grow in faith and never wander away from the faith.  We must trust in the Lord and place our children in His tender loving hands

Starting Over

Hi all!  I'm starting a new blog.  I was originally over at Blissful Homemaking, but I felt the Lord leading me in a different blogging direction--large families.

I have a large family.  2 adults and 6 children.  What makes my family even more of a public spectacle is that my kids are all a year apart or so except the youngest 2, who are exactly 2 years apart.

Anyway,

I have so many people commenting on the size of my family every time I go out in public.  I know we aren't normal but some days the comments can hurt me deeply.   I want other moms of many littles to find encouragement in my blog.  I want those who don't have large families to read my blog and gain an understanding of what it is like.  I want to share the ups and downs of my family to be a light in the darkness.  Thank you for joining me on my blog.