tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79832095241735720632024-03-19T00:15:47.944-04:00Butler, Party of 4*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.comBlogger1035125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-17915244795480495142021-01-05T14:15:00.003-05:002021-01-05T14:31:34.770-05:00Top Book Recommendations from 2019/2020<p><b>I've always loved to read, but into adulthood I fell into the trap of thinking "I didn't have time." Turns out, I just wasn't making it a priority. About 6-7 years ago, I became an avid reader again &LOVE sharing (& receiving) some good book recommendations. I have read more books than just those on this list, but some of them I didn't like/don't recommend so they didn't make the cut. ;) I have other blog posts with book recommendations too, but here is my list from the past two years. (Some of these I re-read. We also haven't read all the Max & Liz series yet, but have read the first in the series and it was amazing! We can't wait to read the rest! Jenny Cote is an incredible author.)</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVHtCiEqbht1LHthXLRY6hOREngmVqLXijeZIQ6MCpHpQoWmlsNqh77hNZICRcOFPNrpQ_7bZNZoLWXWis_8hTQwroXZ4Ank0btbTWXdnKWJT0Y99T3AyrIU3CAQRu6f8FqOEK_p_Q24/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVHtCiEqbht1LHthXLRY6hOREngmVqLXijeZIQ6MCpHpQoWmlsNqh77hNZICRcOFPNrpQ_7bZNZoLWXWis_8hTQwroXZ4Ank0btbTWXdnKWJT0Y99T3AyrIU3CAQRu6f8FqOEK_p_Q24/" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><b>Honestly, I spent more time reading aloud to my kids than personally reading this year. Just being totally transparent, getting my kids to do school most days is a struggggle. BUT, they all LOVE to be read to, & I've read the academic outcomes of children who are read aloud to are much better. So, I roll with it. And I keep reading when they beg (which they do), even when it's way past everyone's bedtime. ;) It has created some awesome opportunity for conversations, and some of these recommendations have some deep content & I've been amazed at how they "get it."</b><p></p><p><b>For me, I typically listen to books on Audible while I'm doing things around the house so I can continue to fill my mind with good stuff. Makes laundry and dishes and cleaning and cooking go by faster. Multitasking for the win!</b></p><p><b>Here are some of my top recs. Hope you ENJOY!! (P.S. Would love to hear some feedback if you read any of them!)</b></p><p><b><u>Kids:</u></b></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/35buvvh">Pilgrim's Progress</a> <i>(So good! Age appropriate story of John Bunyon. We followed up by watching the DVD.)</i></p><p>**Warrior Kid Series:<i>(cannot recommend these enough! My boys were obsessed & they even motivated me. So many important character lessons throughout.)</i></p><p>- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Way-Warrior-Kid-Wimpy-Novel/dp/1250158613/ref=sr_1_4?crid=NFYZHIM32B85&dchild=1&keywords=way+of+the+warrior+kid&qid=1609789765&sprefix=way+of+the+war%2Caps%2C389&sr=8-4">Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy SEAL Way</a></p><p>-<a href="https://amzn.to/3pMiSCN">Way of the Warrior Kid 2: Marc's Mission</a></p><p>- <a href="https://amzn.to/3hHb1DS">Way of the Warrior Kid 3: Where There's a Will</a></p><p>- <a href="https://amzn.to/3rT1ezd">Way of the Warrior Kid 4: Field Manual</a></p><p>**<i>The Amazing Tales of Max & Liz Series:</i> <i>(These are SO much fun! They provide Biblical accounts through the perspective of the animals. I always read them with the fun accents. They are big books and it takes a while to get through them, but they are so captivating and thought provoking.)</i></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3910tvl">The Ark The Reed and the Fire Cloud</a> (Was SO good! Took us a couple months to read it, but we loved it! It made us all think & I considered some things logistically about the ark I had never preciously considered.)</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2XgrYLP">The Dreamer, The Schemer, & The Robe</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/38f7ucE">The Wind, The Robe, & The Way</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3rVefZh">The Fire, The Revelation, & The Fall</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/38fIp1z">The Voice, The Revolution, & The Key</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/38XRvix">The Declaration, The Voice, & The Spy</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3pSk9Iv">The Prophet, the Shepard & The Star</a></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/35bCIzB">Secret of the Hidden Scrolls</a> Series </p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/2X7AwF1">Chop Wood Carry Water</a> <i>(my boys listened to this on Audible. 7 year old especially loved it was about a samurai, but had great character lessons too.)</i></p><p>AWESOME Advent Series: (I enjoyed these so much & could barely put them down myself! You HAVE to order these and read them with your kids. We are still reading them now even though Christmas is over.)</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3pMseP5">Jotham's Journey</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2KZZ3t6">Tabitha's Travels</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2MzW0bx">Isthar's Odyssey</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3rRoUEf">Bartholomew's Passage</a><br /></p><p>Easter:</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3q13vXB">Amon's Adventure</a> (I legit cried reading this. SO good!)<br /></p><p>**The Prince Warriors Series (full disclosure- my kids listened to these on Audible so I didn't read them)</p><p>- <a href="https://amzn.to/3nfUaZQ">The Prince Warriors</a></p><p>- <a href="https://amzn.to/3odSkdj">The Prince Warriors: Unseen Invasion</a></p><p>- <a href="https://amzn.to/3oegsg3">The Prince Warriors: Swords of Rhema</a></p><p>- <a href="https://amzn.to/3ndJCur">The Prince Warriors: The Winter War</a></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3ognJvE">Hinds Feet on High Places</a> (Probably my top recommendation of all, for both kids and adults. Thank you to my friend Tiffany for recommending! I actually cried multiple times reading this one too & I;'m not even super emotional. Don't let the pictures or first chapter throw you off- read to the end. Everyone I've shared it with fully agrees.)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Parenting:</b></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3hEYK2S">Strong Fathers Strong Daughters</a> (I know it's for men, but I read it too after having our first little girl and it was SO good. Definitely buy a copy for your husband if you have a daughter)</p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/38bVCrT">Raising Men Not Boys</a> (I taught this in a group study & all of the videos are recorded if you'd like to be added. If you're a boy mom, would love to have you in our FB group (Raising Boys Not Men). </p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3nfG8HG">Mother & Son: The Respect Effect</a> (This will be our next study in the boy mom group. Two of my mentors recommended it a while back and I just got around to reading it. This book convicted my heart and made me feel a little bit like a loser, but also inspired me with some practical tools in my toolbelt so I can be a better mother to my sons.</p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/2JJmQwJ">The 5 Love Languages of Children</a> (One of my all-time fave parenting books. Helped me better understand my children and how I need to show them love.)</p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3ncorsD">Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles</a> (I've listened to this twice. Convicting & challenging, but great reminders of how to keep the main thing the main thing in parenting!) </p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/2JHZiZ6">60 Promises to Pray Over Your Children</a> (Short & sweet, but specific prayers to pray over your children. I love specific Scriptures and ideas of things to pray.)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Business/Mindset: </b>(These are all excellent if you're looking to grow you mindset or step up your game professionally.)</p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3pPi1RS">The 10X Rule</a></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/38YZ7kW">H3 Leadership</a></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/38byQjV">Secrets of the Millionaire Mind</a></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/2L4AT0t">The Compound Effect</a></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/393XMt5">The Magic of Thinking Big</a></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3hFVXGF">Necessary Endings</a></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/38d1uBc">Make Your Bed</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Other: </b></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/2MpkvrI">Fasting</a> (This is a MUST read! It taught me so much about fasting and gets me excited to fast each year...until I actually start the fast anyway. Then reality hits. Lol! But fasting is such an important aspect of spiritual health! This breaks down the what, the how, the why, and backs it all with Scripture.)</p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/2X84XL0">Uninvited</a> (Listen, even if you don't think you've ever been "left out," read this anyway.)</p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3rYlSxS">Rhythms of Renewal</a> (Thank you so much to my friend Megan for gifting this to me! I'm 1/3 of the way in and enjoying it!)</p><p><i>**The Delusion Series</i> (I hardly ever read fiction, but I couldn't put these down. They gave me a very different perspective on spiritual warfare.)</p><p>- <a href="https://amzn.to/3hFRyU2">The Delusion</a></p><p>- <a href="https://amzn.to/392ekS6">The Deception</a></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3nfEyFK">Dirty Genes</a> (This is FASCINATING! So eye opening about the role of genetics, environment, etc .)</p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3na2k6h">The Little Things</a> (Short, easy read with impactful reminders.)<br /></p><p>**<a href="https://amzn.to/3bbhea3">True Woman 201</a> (I taught this study in my FB group formerly called Godly Wife and now renamed to "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/496100730724172">Woman After God</a>." The videos are still live in there if you'd like to go back and watch as you follow along in the book. The study is so relevant, practical, and impactful in pointing women back to God's calling for our lives.)</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: These are Amazon affiliate links, meaning if you order, our family may be compensated a very small amount. If you have the ability to check them out from your library or shop at a small, locally bookstore, I always recommend that.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-33983175388276096732020-06-25T16:14:00.003-04:002020-06-25T16:14:42.987-04:00Femininity > Feminism<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Femininity > Feminism (2 totally different things)</i></span><br />
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Ladies, I just want to encourage you today. </div>
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Your home IS your ministry! What a powerful opportunity we have every single day to serve the Lord...even in what may feel like mundane tasks. Isn't that exciting? It's such an awesome contribution to the Kingdom that we should be proud of and work heartily in! There are a few passages in the Bible that are just for us women, like Titus 2:3-5 that says "the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed." We should study those & become passionate about them as we pursue our mission to become more like Christ.</div>
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Being a homemaker- to me, that means your best efforts should be inside your own 4 walls. If your ministry ever becomes so demanding of you that your own home- your family...husband/marriage, children, health, personal walk...begins to suffer, it's time to step back. We can't let our light shine for others if our lights are burned out, and they can even be burned out by doing "good" things like serving/working outside the home. Do I believe both can be done? Yes. But we have to be super cautious to GUARD our hearts, minds, & homes. You have to take care of your own light first, and the bigger the flame, the more it draws others & more you can share. We are not called to be busy, stretched too thin, or too exhausted for our own family.</div>
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I have no doubt Satan is using this as a tool of destruction & a sneaky method of getting into families...making us busy, making us feel inadequate & like we aren't doing enough in what should be our greatest calling, by keeping us from finding fulfillment in being homemakers, & in having us pursue things that mean some of our own families' needs go unmet. Let's pursue godliness together by becoming warriors for our own 4 walls! </div>
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P.S. Currently teaching a Bible study on <a href="https://amzn.to/31hbkPr">10 Elements of Biblical Femininity</a> in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/496100730724172/">Godly Wife FB group</a>. Would love for you to join us! All videos have been recorded.</div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=butparof3-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0802412580&asins=0802412580&linkId=caea87dd339389a5667013b77cf8f155&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "I want to be respected most by those who know me best."</span></div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: Lori Alexander, text that says 'The Transformed Wife @laalex2 No matter how dark and evil this culture becomes, women, your home should be a place of order, beauty, peace, and rest for your family. It should be a haven amongst the stormy sea. This is a gift you give to your family, and it's the ministry the Lord has ordained for you. 11:00 AM 6/22/20 Twitter Web App'" height="297" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/82948932_10101429204679672_2028530172266059729_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=z5ZUu_y-mzMAX_66jaO&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=0b7d3e26a6611ad44df8269887083d64&oe=5F19D2AD" width="320" /></div>
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*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-3230922022081772842020-06-25T16:04:00.000-04:002020-06-25T16:04:04.574-04:00Offense<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
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Every day, we are presented with multiple opportunities to get offended. It can be as minor as someone cutting us off in traffic or stealing our parking spot. Other times we can feel deeply hurt by a friend's rude or harsh comment.</div>
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What many people don't know is that offense is one of Satan's greatest tools to steal our peace and rob us of God's blessings.<br />The word "offense" comes from the Greek word scandalon. It is an interesting word that literally describes a trap used to hold bait in order to lure animals. Similarly, offense is the bait the enemy uses to trap us. He will use people's words and actions to get our minds churning and stir up our emotions. He uses this bait to lure us into a lifetime of bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, strife, hatred and revenge.</div>
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I often say that Satan sets us up to get us upset. He knows our weaknesses and what buttons to push to send us over the edge.<br />The good news is we are smarter than our enemy because we have the mind of Christ! (See 1 Corinthians 2:16.) We can know the truth of God's Word and don't have to take his bait.</div>
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In other words, when somebody tries to give you offense, you decide whether you take it or not.</div>
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You may be thinking “it's so hard not to take offense sometimes!” I understand how you feel, but we can refuse to be offended because God gives us self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). This means we can control ourselves with God's help and take responsibility for how we respond to life's situations.</div>
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It's easy to deflect our problems and place the responsibility on someone else, thinking, If you didn't upset me, then I wouldn't feel this way or If you would just do this, then I would be happy.</div>
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But the truth is we will never be free from any problem as long as we're blaming somebody else. I'm not saying other people don't do anything wrong; however, we can't control what everyone else does; we can only choose how we are going to react!</div>
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1 Corinthians 13:5 says love "is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs" (NIV). Love is a choice! I can choose to forgive and let it go, or I can hold on to the offense and let the hurt turn into something even worse.</div>
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For example, sometimes an offense starts out like a paper cut. It's seemingly small, but if you don't take care of it properly, it can begin to fester. In time, it can become infected and cause you a lot of pain.</div>
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I can tell you from experience that it's so much better to take care of a problem when it's little. It's good to address it as quickly as possible before it has an opportunity to take root and turn into something more serious.<br />I've learned that the quicker I can forgive somebody, the easier it's going to be. Sometimes this means being the first one to apologize and make peace — even if it's not my fault!</div>
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However, the more we do the right thing, the easier it gets. The quicker I forgive others and get rid of any offense, the more peace I have in my life. After a while, you realize that staying offended doesn't change other people or solve your problems — it only makes you bitter and angry.</div>
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I often say that staying mad at someone who has hurt you is like taking poison and hoping your enemy will die. You don't hurt them at all — you only hurt yourself!</div>
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Psalm 34:14 tells us to "seek peace and pursue it" (NIV). I've learned over the years (many times the hard way) just how valuable God's supernatural peace really is. Now, I absolutely refuse to live without it!<br />It is so much greater than living with the toxic results of holding unforgiveness in my heart.</div>
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Opportunities to be offended will never go away, but we can grow wise to the enemy's tactics and learn how to respond in a godly way.</div>
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So, the next time you are tempted to be offended, don't take the bait!</div>
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Always remember that you have a choice. You can choose to be angry and bitter ... or you can decide to forgive, believe the best of others, and enjoy God's supernatural peace.</div>
*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-56111801192991679442020-06-25T16:02:00.001-04:002020-06-25T16:04:31.396-04:00Christians: What is Your Focus Right Now?<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.</span><br />
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I’d highly recommend taking a few days off of social media & ALL news platforms if you haven’t done that lately. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t96/1/16/1f49c.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💜</span></span> It did my heart so much good, & it’s more important now than ever to make sure the Word of God is the loudest voice in our head. I hear lots of folks saying lots of things that sound “good” & “right,” but in reality they aren’t Biblical.</div>
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There are many important things going on around us right now, no doubt...but I fully believe the ene<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">my is using distraction as his main tool to create chaos & division. If we are all so distracted with worldly issues, we lose our focus on things of eternal importance.</span></div>
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It is possible to keep the main thing the main thing & still stand up for what you believe in. But if you’re a follower of Christ & things of the world are getting more of your time, energy, & attention...it’s time to reshift those priorities and put Jesus back on the throne.</div>
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Here’s a great way to check your heart & just a little food for thought...<br />
1. When is the last time you argued with someone on the internet over differing beliefs?<br />
2. When is the last time you shared the Gospel with someone?</div>
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If that’s as convicting to you as it was to me, it may be time to re-evaluate some things. <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t96/1/16/1f49c.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💜</span></span> Lots of love to all of you! Stay vigilant & prayerful! Let’s worship our way through this.</div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, text that says 'Garrett Kell ن @pastorjgkell One of the most dangerous things a Christian can do right now is neglect Bible reading. Thousands of voices are attempting to convince you how to think. Be certain, you are being shaped. More Scripture, less social media. More Bible, less books. More prayer, less blog posts.'" height="320" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/104615661_10101425479320322_201081052856494653_o.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=nQqcOufJQMcAX_rwm6C&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=17bfaf9549350f29c345f8db9e3bbb98&oe=5F19C8F6" width="307" /><img alt="Image may contain: 1 person, text that says 'is the kingdom of darkness. The question is not, Is there social injustice? Of course there is. It's everywhere. The question is, What's the answer to it? And the answer is political; the answer economic; and the educational. The answer is spiritual. John MacArthur The church is in the world to preach the gospel. When the church begins to be preoccupied issues, is the primary indicator have abandoned mission." "The answer to injustice is the righteousness need to fix ourself on the Word ofGod, fulfilling biblical mry preaching true Gospel."'" height="249" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/105693999_10101429729952022_2069709991862756995_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=QfEP6i0XINMAX-AIqoq&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=4256535287c81e0058812da07fe549ee&oe=5F1A03B7" width="320" /></div>
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*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-87417817443485649462020-06-25T15:57:00.000-04:002020-06-25T15:57:01.046-04:00Opportunities<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Some thoughts about new opportunities...</div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💛</span></span>Be ready for opportunities by staying close to God. Then, when he calls you to a task, you'll be ready!</div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💛</span></span>Don't let the fear of what might happen cause you to miss an opportunity. Be alert for the opportunities God gives you, and take full advantage of them.</div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💛</span></span>Look for the areas where God has gifted you and then seek opportunities to allow God to use your gifts.</div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💛</span></span>When you are making decisions or assuming new responsibilities, remember these two important steps. Ask yourself what you need to know about the opportunity, and then obtain that knowledge. Common sense is a valuable aid in accomplishing God's purpose.</div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💛</span></span>Increased opportunity bring increased responsibility. "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded." Luke 12:48</div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💛</span></span>Not every opportunity is sent from God. We may want something so much that we assume any opportunity to obtain it is if divine origin. An opportunity to do something against God's will can never be from God because God does not tempt us. When opportunities come your way, double check your motives. Make sure you are following God's desires, and not just your own.</div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💛</span></span>Take advantage of the opportunities given us, doing what we can do and not worrying about what we cannot do.</div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💛</span></span>Rather than complain about your present situation, look for ways to use every opportunity to serve God and share him with others. Your problems may be opportunities in disguise.</div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f49b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💛</span></span>See your troubles as opportunities. 2 Corinthians 4:17</div>
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*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-42191902727613561452020-06-25T15:48:00.004-04:002020-06-25T15:48:36.180-04:00A Few Quick Health Tips<br />
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A couple of quick health tips!</div>
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1. Your body actually NEEDS salt. It just needs to be QUALITY salt. (Avoid table salt at all costs, pre packaged foods, fast foods etc. They have astronomical amounts of poor quality salt.) I personally alternate between pink Himalayan, Celtic sea salt, herbed sea salt, & this.</div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: food" height="320" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/104860074_10101430014027732_1374961938349090519_o.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=22ijnBGXkpIAX-zB8pq&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=306d25fc8d2fecf29834de3626c3aca4&oe=5F1988A9" width="180" /></div>
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2. Corn, canola, & soybean oil are highly inflammatory & terrible for you. Stick to coconut, avocado, & a quality olive oil (which is only to be used on low heat, or pref<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">erable not heated at all). You need good fats like these for heart + brain health. This ad? LIES.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Image may contain: food" height="320" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/104835987_10101430014062662_162468557057505969_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=nIa-cpIErb0AX_RRBxc&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=23d9a556a88a309429131ce73a16ebcf&oe=5F1A23FF" width="147" /></span></div>
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3. Prep your veggies all at once so they’re ready for snacks & dinners for the next few days. Try to consume some at every meal! More green light foods = better health, better skin, better energy, improved weight management.</div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: food" height="320" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/105989706_10101430014147492_5281608566563925469_o.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=fLApBluMsDsAX_NANsH&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=a325dca6ef99c72e523f1e40be44643e&oe=5F18E2F8" width="240" /></div>
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4. Supplements are necessary with our current food industry, depletion of soil, etc. QUALITY supplementation is incredibly important. (Avoid synthetic forms of vitamins & a one sized fits all supplement regimen.) Co-factors are also important for proper absorption! You can take this free HIPPA compliant assessment to find out what you should be taking/avoiding & WHY based on your unique makeup.<br /><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tc/1/16/1f449_1f3fb.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">👉🏻</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tc/1/16/1f449_1f3fb.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">👉🏻</span></span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FLivecleanlivewell.idlife.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3YfAA5bpz09mS7jSKRsU22HcK6UB9MPpjhJ9KZtyZ6aRhGcOSoroI_lGo&h=AT0_6tIFtbnXaqTY5QLeoTl-njL3FelGT6JrL3PXK6wfNUv3zCBqWsyc_l_YkUbcmzLGyHnqTVkaNoEnTyUw9ath8ihn2COZTJ9GeoNxNoaFy5OdiMRxClOvj3mjF7VIeuG9ceEE9K5QtZ_XmfNWnn2Y8IZ_RHQYPGEchzi8qQ" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Livecleanlivewell.idlife.com</a> > take assessment (in the dropdown menu)</div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: text" height="320" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/106097220_10101430014117552_9118215565214141418_o.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=35N07HXqYNgAX86C7b6&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=838ac29fac317fd7e3a00d9670ad9284&oe=5F1C406C" width="147" /></div>
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<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tbd/1/16/1f34f.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🍏</span></span>Take care of your body...it’s the only place you have to live.</div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: text and food" height="212" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/105865840_10101430016168442_1958965305515958158_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=PTn01WpdCvUAX85SS23&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=d3bbc27b7a9ff2a8b7185e76ebb31c9c&oe=5F1B37EC" width="320" /></div>
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*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-17573729009746615992020-05-01T00:02:00.000-04:002020-05-01T00:02:43.412-04:00Tips for Healthy Digestion<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t9d/1.5/16/1f4a9.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💩</span></span>check in!</div>
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<img src="http://sbt.blob.core.windows.net/storyboards/oliversmith/digestive-system.png" height="248" width="400" /></div>
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So first, disclaimer...Please don’t think I’m being gross or unladylike...</div>
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This is an important part of health and can signal things going on in our body and emotions.</div>
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You don’t have to comment, but I at least want you to think about it.</div>
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With everything that is currently going on...Have you been regular? Constipated? Loose bowels?</div>
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Digestion is so crucial to our health, & that includes regular bowel movements. Daily, 1-2 times is preferable.</div>
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Being constipated unfortunately means you are also not excreting toxins your body should be expelling. Loose stools may be signaling some emotional distress/anxiety/worry.</div>
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A few decades ago, they began treating our brains and bodies as two totally separate beings and practicing medicine as if the two operate independently of one another. That could not be further from the truth. Our mental health and emotional health absolutely impact our physical health and manifest through symptoms. Improper digestion is often a signal of some thing going on mentally/emotionally...</div>
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Going to share a few tips to help digestion during this time:</div>
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<li>be aware of it; pay attention to your digestive system right now</li>
<li>HYDRATE! Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of filtered water each day, and if you consume caffeine you want to add that back in (dehydration can seriously slow things down!)</li>
<li>make sure you are consuming plenty of fiber in your diet through Whole Foods, fruits & veggies, chia seeds, etc (smoothies are great)</li>
<li>try to eat in a calm state. Take your time, slow down, really chew your food. I have been trying to be more mindful of this. Half the time I don’t even sit down to eat, & I’m so busy taking care of the kiddos or nursing the baby I scarf down my food. I’ve been more intentional lately about sitting down, slowing down, taking some deep breath‘s, and calming myself before I eat.</li>
<li>give thanks for your food before you eat it… Studies have shown your body actually absorbs more nutrients from your food when you do that.</li>
<li>limit drinking anything while eating. Have some water 30 min before, & a warm liquid like herbal tea after.</li>
<li>try to limit refined sugar & processed foods.</li>
<li>pray! This May sound silly, but sometimes we forget to pray for some of the most simple and practical things. However, God cares about even our digestion. Sometimes I just don’t even think about praying, but I know God answers prayer so just wanted to remind you of that. You can ask him to help regulate and improve your digestive tract.</li>
<li>i’m sure there are supplements that can help support great digestion also, so feel free to share that or any other suggestions in the comments! This is all i could think of off the top of my head. </li>
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Just wanted to bring this to your attention. I’m sure there are some of us I feel like we are handling this well on the outside, but our bodies may be signaling something different to us if we take the time to look for it. </div>
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Any other tips, thoughts, or comments?!?<span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t23/1.5/16/1f447_1f3fb.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">👇🏻</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t23/1.5/16/1f447_1f3fb.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">👇🏻</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t23/1.5/16/1f447_1f3fb.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">👇🏻</span></span></div>
*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-58197853217570973362020-04-23T23:08:00.002-04:002020-04-23T23:08:44.712-04:00Earthley: Earth Day Sale (One of our Fave Herbal Remedy Companies)Over the last few years, I've been intentional about making swaps in our "medicine cabinet."<br />
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It's definitely taken time to build it, but Earthley is an incredible company and has been so helpful in rebuilding what I use to take care of my family if someone is under the weather. They are having an awesome Earth Day sale with 15% off site wide, so wanted to share in case you've never heard of them or want to take advantage of the savings & stock up.<br />
<img src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/94396998_162072191826008_669804831325552640_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=b96e70&_nc_ohc=AINsc9N5MVYAX8s5ugO&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=72fdeee8ce71d3ccc860be4494b9a398&oe=5EC95C33" /><br />
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These are all products we have personally tried and loved. (Please note: if we ever try something and don't like it..I don't share. And just for the record, we DID try the deodorant but you won't see that pictured here. Hahaha!) I also forgot to get the tooth mineralizing powder out of the bathroom, but we like that too.<br />
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If I could recommend just ONE product, it would definitely be the cod liver oil. That has INCREDIBLE benefits, especially for kiddos!!<br />
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All of their herbal remedies are SO, SO good, but my fave for moms of littles is defnitely The <a href="https://www.earthley.com/product/feel-better-fast/ref/danielle.butler">Feel Better Fast</a> . This is what we use in place of Tylenol (which depletes glutathione) for fever and upset tummy. And thr Pain Potion actually knocked out one of Jon's headaches a few weeks ago!<br />
<img height="300" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/94116076_221841839259299_4672784462243692544_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=b96e70&_nc_ohc=jsSEiAAvVscAX889gtx&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=483710aad5194520adf6b72034dd5c6e&oe=5EC8BC21" width="400" /><br />
There are so many great products....from detox, to pain potion, to sinus saver, to the cough syrup. I trust the ingredients AND the company, and I wanted to share because they are having an Earth Day Sale that ends tomorrow. You can click <a href="https://www.earthley.com/ref/danielle.butler/">this link to shop</a>...& be sure to use code EARTHDAY and enter my name [Danielle Butler] at checkout. <i>(Free shipping on orders over $50!!)</i><br />
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Let me know which products you try!*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-6989247385921588462020-04-23T22:53:00.006-04:002020-04-23T22:53:59.553-04:00Easy Muffin RecipeWe had a few ripe bananas laying around, so I decided to toss them into a quick little muffin recipe. The boys loved them so wanted to make sure I posted!<br />
<img height="400" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/94134368_562242598030936_9064469465357352960_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=b96e70&_nc_ohc=SKzA4yl69LAAX8CZ-c9&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=fafedc4581ef7236c68aa44d20cf8591&oe=5EC96951" width="300" /><br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul class="wprm-recipe-ingredients" style="background-color: #fdfdfc; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Biko, sans-serif !important; font-size: 0.9em !important; list-style: none !important; margin-block-end: 0px; margin-block-start: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px !important;">
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">heaping cup ripe mashed banana</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">½</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">creamy or crunchy natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt)</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">eggs</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">tablespoons</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">pure maple syrup (or honey)</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2/3</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">unsweetened almond milk </span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">teaspoon</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">2</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cups</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">gluten free oats</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">teaspoon</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">baking powder</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1 tbsp chia seeds</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">1</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">teaspoon</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cinnamon</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">¼</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">teaspoon</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">salt</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-amount" style="box-sizing: border-box;">⅓</span> <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-unit" style="box-sizing: border-box;">cup</span> Lily's <span class="wprm-recipe-ingredient-name" style="box-sizing: border-box;">dark chocolate chips</span></li>
<li class="wprm-recipe-ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><b>**Mix together, spoon into baking cups, bake 20-25 min on 350. Enjoy!</b></li>
</ul>
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<img src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/94119699_897505767356142_8021505007633301504_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=b96e70&_nc_ohc=5hSg5_MxI2cAX8BuSbO&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=d4e01fc443690b6d06502d46aec3f2ee&oe=5EC9881A" />*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-51457769447783520912020-04-08T17:19:00.001-04:002020-04-08T17:19:20.886-04:00Tips for a Struggling MarriageI am a part of an awesome group of ladies who are striving to be more godly wives, and I recently asked them to share tips/advice for a wife who was in a struggling marriage. There was so much wisdom in the responses, I wanted to share them here.<br />
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So maybe this is you. Maybe you are in a tough spot in your marriage. Or maybe you are going to share this with a friend to encourage her. Either way, let's just pretend we're all sitting around my living room drinking some coffee (or herbal tea) & go through some of this together. It's good stuff, and if you have anything you'd like to add, shoot me an email or comment and I'll get it added.<br />
<img height="400" src="http://findingsanityinourcrazylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Marriage-is-Struggling.jpg" width="266" /><br />
My response:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Prayer! Prayer changes things. Mostly, praying for someone else fervently changes YOUR heart towards them! It’s really hard to stay mad at someone when you are praying for them. Pray for the Lord to give you eyes and a heart that sees your spouse as Ch</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">rist sees him!</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Consider fasting. I love Jentezen Franklin’s book Fasting. It taught me allllll about it. </span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Find a group of godly women (or even just one) who aren’t in your family that will speak truth to you, never speak negatively about your spouse, will encourage you to fight for your marriage, and will agree to stand with you in prayer...keeping your arms up for you when you feel weary.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Write down a list of the things you fell in love with about your spouse originally and maybe write them a note letting them know those things.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Focus on what you can control and ask the Lord to reveal any areas where you need to change. It is so exhausting and frustrating trying to change your spouse… Because we don’t have the ability to do that, and we cannot control their actions, attitudes, words, or reactions. Only our own. But the good news… We are only responsible for our own. That means when we stand before the Lord, we need to make sure that we have given everything to be as godly as possible in every area.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">That is not always easy when there are hurts. This is such an important time to diligently seek the Lord and allow him to heal your heart, and help you continually choose forgiveness… Even if that’s multiple times a day. He can do that through you.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Try to out serve your spouse. You’re never more like Jesus than when you are serving. (This also means coming together sexually... which sometimes we don’t feel “in the mood” if our emotional needs are not met, but I have never once regretted doing it even if I didn’t necessarily “feel like it.”)</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look up scriptures that encourage us during this time… Read about godly women in the word like first Peter 3 (winning him without a word) Titus two, Proverbs 31… Memorize them if you can!</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be the most loving, joyful person you know! The Holy Spirit will strengthen you and embolden you to do that, if you allow him to be the one to meet your needs and don’t place that expectation on your husband. Remember, your husband is going to be the one standing before the Lord one day for how he treated you and how he lead your family spiritually. We should never nag them into loving us like Christ loved the church… But instead just focus on our own contribution to the marriage. Have your own personal relationship with Jesus that is so appealing, it causes your husband to want to see Jesus more.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Choose to love your spouse with the true biblical meaning of love, even if you were in a season of not necessarily liking them very much. There’s a really big difference between those two.</span></span></span><br />
<img height="320" src="https://cdn.quotesgram.com/img/0/44/1124485470-a-strong-relationship-requires-choosing-to-love-each-other-even-in-those-moments-when-you-struggle-to-like-each-other.jpg" width="320" /><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Never ever ever use the “d” word. Don’t give the enemy a footstool.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am all about some good Christian counseling!</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t trust your feelings. They are not always true. Take every thought captive and measure everything against the word of God… Not worldly standards. Ask the Lord to reveal these things to you. James 1:5</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a really important time to fill your mind with good stuff. Podcasts, books, the Bible… Things that are FOR your marriage! That point you back to the Gospel.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">And most importantly, remember who the real enemy is. It is not your spouse. There’s a very real enemy on the prowl… Spiritual warfare Trying to destroy the family unit and your marriage because it is so precious to God. Remember that, put on your fighting gloves, and fight the enemy for your marriage. God is for you. He is your helper, and he is victorious!!! <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tef/1.5/16/1f49c.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💜</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tef/1.5/16/1f49c.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💜</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tef/1.5/16/1f49c.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💜</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Elizabeth said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My greatest hurdle and yet one of the best pieces of wisdom I have been given (time and time again I receive it!), is to never let your feelings or how your spouse is treating you/handling a situation determine how</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> you treat them or respond.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sounds basic and easy, especially if you are a believer, right? Wrong. At least for me!</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">But I find when I love my spouse the way I am called to, to the best of my ability, the way I want to be loved, and NOT in response to whatever he is doing at the moment, my marriage is stronger and a greater delight. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
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Laura said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Endurance and forbearance. Just as my own personal sanctification typically does not occur overnight, neither does my husband’s. I am called to walk alongside him as his helpmate and endure the years and our shortcomings together. Prayer is the game ch</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">anger here and in most cases the Lord changes my attitude toward my husband long before He changes my husband’s actions.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Knowing each other’s love language. Effort does not always equal results, and I think this can be very true in our attempts to show each other love. We all operate best when our “love tanks” are full, and The Lord has designed us all uniquely to receive love in different ways. (Which btw, you’ll find it rare for a husband and wife to share the same top love language). This knowledge equips us to put forth INTENTIONAL effort to show them love in the way their heart and soul crave it most! Knowing how to pour into each other efficiently and effectively is so beneficial.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">And most recently, I had a friend challenge me to speak to my husband as if he is already 100% everything I hope and desire for him to be. I struggle with a critical tongue so it’s HARD, but showing him this level of respect has caused him to “rise to the occasion” more times than not in areas that I hadn’t expected.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
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Julie said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I suggest praying that you and your spouse will be like-minded and in agreement. For those not yet married, start praying for this now. It’s made for a peaceful marriage.</span><br />
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Chandra said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Corinthians 16:14. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ephesians 4:2-3: “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the b</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ond of peace."</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two of my favorite verses. A great deal of wisdom here. I have had to learn over the years to really give my own character flaws and the flaws of my spouse, ( what I perceive as flaws <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tb0/1.5/16/1f609.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">😉</span></span>) to the Lord in prayers. I can be a nitpicker and fuss at my husband about things or I can choose to focus on all the amazing reasons I love him. We really do have a choice on how we handle events in our marriage.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing I love to do is pray over my marriage. I pray gratitude and safety , love and peace over him and our marriage. I can get very specific in my prayers. And if I’m irritated or mad with him, I always feel better and centered after prayers. I can approach the situation with fresh eyes and God in my words and actions.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the D word never comes out of my lips. I treat my marriage as a sacred covenant to God, not a modern transaction that can be easily thrown away.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been married twice, first husband passed away, second marriage incredibly strong. Marriage is a gift from God I never want to think of nonchalantly.</span><br /></span></span><br />
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Ashley said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think a struggling marriage is much like someone who’s heart hasn’t been yet shown Jesus. A partner may not recognize their sin or behavior, but when it is revealed to them real change can happen. My marriage struggled for years, constant misundersta</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">nding and unlove, but once my husband recognized that he was unconsciously treating me like the enemy his whole demeanor changed. His revelation caused me to search myself more (instead of looking at his shortcomings), and see what I could do to improve my attitude and heart towards him. It has been a beautiful picture of redemption that a year ago I would not have thought possible.</span></span></span><br />
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Emily said:<br />
<a aria-describedby="u_jn_1" aria-owns="js_eac" class="" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=51100551" href="https://www.facebook.com/danielle.butler.1804?hc_location=ufi" id="js_eai" style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Danielle Butler</a><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> your post for being a Godly Wife changed.my.life. Can you maybe link that - I know you’ve shared it before. I printed it out and find very valuable marriage advice in it! <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tc3/1.5/16/1f497.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💗</span></span></span><br />
<br />
Here is the link to it: <a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2012/07/being-godly-wife.html">Godly Wife</a> <i>(And thank you, Emily! So glad that allowed our paths to cross many years ago!)</i><br />
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April said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grace. Generally speaking the man you married doesn't wakeup with the intent to cause your heart pain. That typically is not his end goal (I'm not speaking to domestic abuse situations here...I'm aware that is a whole other topic and issue). Just like </span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">we don't wake up with intent to hurt our husbands. God is key, but open communication is also top priority. Don't just offer corrective critical feedback and then walk away, you also have to receive it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then more grace, upon grace upon grace.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
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London said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Advice I was given right before I got married, don’t assume you know your husbands mind. We as women have the ability to create scenarios and ideas our spouses have and they’re probably wrong. For example, “I know what you really mean when you say that!”</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grace upon grace upon grace.</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love God more than you hate/ are angry at your spouse.</span></span></span><br />
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Emily said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This may or may not help someone and </span><a class="" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=51100551" href="https://www.facebook.com/danielle.butler.1804?hc_location=ufi" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">Danielle Butler</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> you may be able to tie scripture to it ....</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">But years ago we won a trip to orange beach and went to a marriage devotion lead by Jonathan and Danielle. We walked in blind, new to a relationship with </span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">god but curious. That hour, completely changed our marriage.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is probably not exactly what what said but what I got ....</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Women need conversation. Men need sex.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both speak different languages and god made us differently. Neither is right. Just different.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since then I have made a serious effort in the bedroom. When he is not getting the bedroom attention he wants, it’s usually because he is not meeting my emotions needs. Once I communicate that, we meet back in the middle to met each other’s needs.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sex is not everything in a marriage but it is a huge part to a healthy relationship.</span><br /><br style="content: ""; display: block; margin-top: 10px;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not sure if this was WAY off the path but wanted to share</span></span></span><br />
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Mandi said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pray over him. Lay hands on him while he sleeps. Pray over him as you fold his clothes. Pray for yourself, that the Lord will change you and your responses.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Respect him. Only say things to and about him that build him up. You can confide in someone yo</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">u trust (an older mentor type) if you are struggling with something he does, but do not use his shortcomings as a punchline or a gripe session with girlfriends. Also, you chose him... what you say to and about him says volumes about you. You want to speak life to him. The world tears him down enough.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tell him the things you admire about him. Write it in a note. Text him something sweet (or sexy).</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look for ways he serves you and thank him. Then, look for ways you can serve him. I mean.... an errand so he doesn't have to, fixing the coffeepot for the next day, buy his favorite treat and tuck some into his lunchbox... there are countless possibilities.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Read God's Word daily. Scour it for YOUR job as a wife. You cannot control him and his reactions, but you can control yours. Use the Bible as your handbook for your life because that is what it is.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
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Caroline said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Peter 4:8</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Romans 5:8</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is from a marriage sermon by Paul Washer and they aren’t exact quote so sorry about that but it’s the same idea he was conveying.</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Marriage is not 50/50. We are called to give 100% even if the other person is giving 0. “ That’s where Romans 5:8 comes into play. While we were YET sinners, Christ died for us. He didn’t wait for us to get our act together to show the ultimate act of love.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The point of marriage is to sanctify us into the image of Christ and to put the Gospel on display to the world, not just our own happiness. I know that in my heart, but it still sucks when you’re in the midst of the struggle. We struggled for a long time and it hurt even though I knew I was doing the right thing sticking it out. So I found a lot of comfort in psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
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Tiffany said:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing that has been so powerful for me is to ALWAYS ASSUME GOOD INTENTIONS! He is not out to cause you pain or upset you (in most situations) so when we assume his intentions are always good, it keeps our hearts in the right place. Prayer is the nu</span></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">mber one game changer in any situation. Pray specifically for him and parts of your relationship you hope to be better. Pray that you can see him the way God does and always give grace. Stop and pray at times when you feel like nagging or saying anything that isn’t going to build him up. At times when he has wronged you in some way, PRAY, rather than fighting. It will soften his heart and mean so much more when he realizes you offered grace instead of calling him out on his wrong behavior.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Men NEED sex. You are the only one who can fulfill his need for intimacy. Think of it as an honor to be able to give him what he needs most.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m certainly praying for all of our marriages <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tf3/1.5/16/2764.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">❤️</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Hope you found that as encouraging, challenging, and beneficial as I did! Praying the Lord BLESSES your marriage!*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-83117266634717987602020-04-08T16:48:00.002-04:002020-04-08T16:48:30.368-04:007 Simple S's of Immune Health (& 7 Bonus S's)<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">One of the BEST things you can do for your families health is to focus on what you CAN control. Here are some super SIMPLE, practical immune boosting tips that will serve you and your family well. (And the teacher in me stuck with the "S" theme so they'd be easy to remember!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1. SUNSHINE! </span><span class="_5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tf4/1.5/16/2600.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">☀️</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> good ole fashioned vitamin D! Vitamin D is POWERFUL for the immune system. I have read that kids should be outside for at least 4 hours of the day. (Here's a great CLEAN & non-toxic <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/category/160-organic-suncare-and-sanitizer.aspx">sunscreen option</a>- they have both lotion stick too.) </span><br />
<img height="220" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/92351249_10101352201160342_339160072577875968_o.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=j_THcVzk99EAX_yMP0A&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=baa1d0d87bcf96b71735bde79e035bd5&oe=5EB380FA" width="320" /><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">2. SLEEP! </span><span class="_5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t8/1.5/16/1f634.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">😴 Sl</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Sleep is so crucial for immune health + mood + weight management. Many times overeating, sugar cravings, anxiety, & irritability are signs from our body we aren't getting quality sleep and they are manifesting in other symptoms. If you're having a difficult time with sleep right now, these <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/product/06-0003">sleep strips</a> are non-habit forming and have INCREDIBLE ingredients that support the body & brain.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">3. SKIP the SUGAR. Sugar has been proven to significantly weaken the immune system. Too much sugar at one time prevents the immune system's ability to function optimally. If you can't fully eliminate it, at least LIMIT it. (If you're struggling with cravings/boredom/emotional eating, <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/products/weightloss/slim">this </a>& <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/product/15-0001">this </a>may help.) </span><span class="_5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/tc8/1.5/16/1f6ab.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🚫 </span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">4. STRESS LESS. Feels tough in the current climate, but do what you gotta do to de-stress. Being in a constant state of stress weakens the immune system. Take some time for prayer, worship, deep breathing, exercise, connecting with friends, yoga, detox baths...whatever will help! (This is a <a href="https://www.earthley.com/product/anxiety-calm-oil/ref/danielle.butler">great product</a> that may help with that. I LOVE this company and everything we have tried has worked SO well. It's what we are currently using to stock many aspects of our "natural medicine cabinet.")</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t64/1.5/16/274c.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">❌</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">5. STOCK up on veggies. Fruits, quality meats, nuts + seeds, good fats...all important right now but definitely go heavy on a plant-based lifestyle for the phytonutrients + antioxidants. We are using lots of garlic, herbs, herbal teas, etc. right now in addition to increasing our veggie consumption (through smoothies, soups, adding to eggs, offering salads at dinner even if they don't want it that night, offering a wide variety of veggies each night, lots of raw veggies with dip & roasted veggies, etc.)</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t57/1.5/16/1f96c.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🥬</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/taa/1.5/16/1f966.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🥦</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t86/1.5/16/1f951.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🥑</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t8a/1.5/16/1f955.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🥕</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t1c/1.5/16/1f9c5.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🧅</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t1e/1.5/16/1f360.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🍠</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t65/1.5/16/1f345.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🍅</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t7/1.5/16/1f952.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🥒</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t12/1.5/16/1f34b.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🍋</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img alt="Image may contain: food" height="320" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p720x720/92134559_10101352660105612_5805958003576274944_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=EgQn74sM_5YAX8Dqop4&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=fd17820308b36a88b382ce1ffc571e27&oe=5EB2B18C" width="240" /></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">6. SUPPORT your gut. Avoid processed foods. Take a quality probiotic. Add fermented foods, collagen, & bone broth into your diet.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">- <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/product/05-0013">gut support packs</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">- <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/2001-digestive-enzymes.aspx">digestive enzymes</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;">- <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/2039-gut-shield-organic.aspx">gut shield</a></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">- <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/2003-gluten-guard-digestive-enzymes.aspx">gluten guard</a></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />7. SUPPLEMENT! You can support your body in most of these areas with quality supplements. It will never be a replacement, but can definitely help provide additional support your body may need. Right now I am especially loving the immune packs with high quality C, D3, antioxidant and immunity blends that cover so many of the biggies I LOVE seeing! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;">**</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What's in them?</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
1. Vitamin C</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
2. Vitamin D3</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
3. Antioxidant Plus/Immune Support:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Zinc<br />Co-Enzyme Q10,<br />Quercetin<br />Broccoli<br />Andrographis<br />Alpha Lipoic Acid,<br />Green Tea Extract<br />N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine,<br />Tumeric Extract (95% Curcuminoids)<br />Vitamin A</div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Through April 12, they are buy one/get one free (to use yourself or to give away) & I have a coupon if you want to save an additional 10%.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/products/promos/immunesupport">BOGO on Immune Packs</a> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t4e/1.5/16/1f48a.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">BOGO 💊</span></span></span><img alt="Image may contain: text" height="303" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/92558055_10101352660654512_6393533800529264640_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=8aMv50bdjm4AX9BvLtQ&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=5bdf0166aedc109cfcf43bcaa0316506&oe=5EB1F101" width="320" /><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">**Bonus #1: SWEAT! Moderate exercise boosts immune system & mental health. Sweat detoxifies as well, and can we just give a shout out to ENDORPHINS, the real MVP!</span></span><br /><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">**Bonus #2: SMILE & sing! Laughter & music are truly the best medicine! Watch a funny movie or turn on your fave jams. </span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t78/1.5/16/1f3b6.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🎶</span></span><br /><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">**Bonus #3: SHOES= OFF! Don’t wear shoes in the grass (go barefoot, it’s called grounding) or inside the house (transmits SO much bacteria). Great time to implement a drop the shoes at the door policy.</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t75/1.5/16/1f45e.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">👞</span></span><br /><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">**Bonus #4: SCRUB those hands, yo! (We hag our hand sanitizer<a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/2064-hand-sanitizer-4-oz.aspx"> HERE </a>without all the endocrine disruptors if you need something for on the go.) </span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t27/1.5/16/1f9fc.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🧼</span></span><br /><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">**Bonus #5: STAY connected & stay positive. Your thoughts & your mind is powerful. Be careful what you feed it. I would recommend turning the news off. Consider a social media fast if it's more of a negative place than positive place for you now. Community is also important. Stay connected by calling friends, doing Zooms, whatever. Memorize Scripture and take time to worship. Write out a list of things each day you're grateful for & continue to focus on that.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">**Bonus #6: SIP, sip, sip, STAY well hydrated! So important for optimal health. We also love <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/products/weightloss/hydrate">Hydrate</a> and drink it every day, but I'd definitely recommend drinking lots of filtered water too! </span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t1a/1.5/16/1f4a6.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💦</span></span><br /><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">**Bonus #7:SEEK the Lord. He has it all anyway. If you have never called on him as your SAVIOR, the Bible says TODAY is the day of SALVATION! </span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t8/1.5/16/271d.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">✝️</span></span></span>*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-72934133972521234142020-03-28T13:00:00.000-04:002020-03-28T13:01:06.913-04:00Tips from a Christian Holistic Mama During Coronavirus PandemicHeyy heyyy my sweet friends!<br />
<img alt="Image may contain: Danielle Butler, smiling, closeup" height="213" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p640x640/89982221_10101330663806372_952010540887048192_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=13bebb&_nc_eui2=AeGtINIeem63S41CfhMvtmxdOuqRXTuAVcKMrpMxc3gnD6iASBusjzg5D4O6b8P9Inkxs7nVYUIVp9uPiZIjZAFclKj9oC4ZEi4x9Kn0GlXyNA&_nc_ohc=jdO1ja-eueUAX9CEx1X&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=6&oh=a4031e4c5ffa1dd4e7580ea766a272c0&oe=5E9D5627" width="320" /><br />
Been a little while, but I feel like everything currently going on in the world warrants a blog post.<br />
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My prayer is to be a voice of encouragement, hope, reason, and light in this crazy time.<br />
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There have been SO many thoughts swirling through my head. I typed out most of this once already & it got deleted. I was so annoyed it took me a few days to get over it and start re-typing it. Then it sat half done on my computer for several days because my thoughts have changed as this has changed. which is why this has taken so long to get out. (So thank you for being patient to those of you who have asked for it.)<br />
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I am going to share some of my thoughts, some things we are doing (lots are free & simple!) to boost our family's immune system, some supplements we are taking, what I've stocked up on, and the Scripture I am praying specifically over my family and our home right now.<br />
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First of all I want you to know this...<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Although this is uncharted territory, there is <b>NO ROOM</b> for <b><i>fear</i></b> at the Father's table.</span><br />
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If you are a child of God, please know that your Bible says <b><i>perfect love casts out fear</i></b> (1 John 4:18). God loves us- me, you, your loved ones, everyone you will ever encounter- with a perfect love. And if you know the Lord as your Savior, that means that same spirit also lives <u>inside of you</u>. That is so comforting to me.<br />
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If you don't know the Lord in a personal way, or maybe you believe in God but can't remember a specific time you confessed before him and called on the name of the Lord to be saved, I would love for you to e-mail me @ rainey.danielle@yahoo.com & we can talk through it.<br />
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When this all began originally in China, I was praying fervently for Wuhan because one of the sweet members of my BSF small group has family there and was telling us how bad it was. We were also praying about having to delay Jase's mission trip (him and Jon were supposed to go to Cambodia in April) since he is asthmatic and it didn't seem wise to send him to SE Asia where a respiratory illness was rampant. (Obviously as this progressed the decision to postpone/not go was made for us & I was thankful for that clarity.)<br />
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If I can be totally honest, even when this made its way to America, I initially felt like people were overreacting. I have since listened to many of the experts I personally feel relay truthful, valid, research based information. I have read studies, stats, and research. I don't tap into the media and am really cautious about the sources where we get our information. (If you're still watching the news at all, TURN IT OFF, my friend. I've been saying that for years! We haven't had cable in over 6 years and haven't missed it at all.) Our thoughts our powerful. What we allow in our heads, hearts, and minds is powerful because every cell in our body is eavesdropping on our thoughts, whether we are operating in the conscious or subconscious.<br />
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Like you, I have watched as this has grown. I have watched as people I know and love are growing more anxious and scared by the day. I have also watched as some people are choosing to be completely careless & irresponsible.<i> (Times like this reveal a lot about a person's true character, by the way, so quietly pay attention.)</i><br />
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Anyway, here's where I am in my thinking. Yes, I have beliefs about how this began and what is really going on, but the reality is that doesn't matter so much right now. As a wife, mom, and follower of Christ, it is my job to focus on what I can control and give my best efforts to taking the best possible care of my family, trusting everything else is in the Lord's hands.<br />
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As a citizen of the United States, I also believe we should submit to our governing authorities' requests to stay home and self quarantine. I've caught myself feeling disappointed in Bible-believing Christians who are blatantly disregarding that because they can or they want to or believe this is over the top. In the Word, we are called to submit to authority. (Romans 13:1 & Romans 13:5) That means whether we like it or agree with it or not, we should strive to be social distancing as much as possible.<br />
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A sweet friend lovingly reminded me to "mind my own business" (which again, the Bible instructs us to do) and pray that people's hearts will not be rebellious or fearful. (1 Thess 4:11-12) So I have stopped worrying about people who are not "following directions" right now. But an I just say, people who are deliberately choosing not to social distance right now during the one time we are being asked one simple thing...to STAY HOME...Well, it sort of reminds me of a little ole tree and piece of fruit in the Garden....and we all know how that turned out. (Genesis 2)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So much uncertainty going on right now...but it's encouraging to remember this is not going to last forever, and none of this has come to us without first having sifted through the Father's hands anyway.</span><br />
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My goal is to be a light in a dark time. As Christians, I believe this is all of our time to SHINE & point people to Jesus.<br />
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- I know many friends are homeschooling their children right now for the first time and feeling completely exhausted, defeated, and overwhelmed. This is pretty spot on. (And I also loved this <a href="https://www.heatheranneworld.com/post/homeschooling-is-not-the-same-as-crisis-schooling-advice-during-coronavirus-covid-19-shut-downs?fbclid=IwAR1gwjilwe8pq4sJb5q14CQvd4R_Wwswrvg6aMtUF6A6s08F1LORyP_yEpU">blog post</a>.)<br />
<img alt="Image may contain: text" height="320" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/89863519_10101331509197202_5943087384395513856_o.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_eui2=AeGHmkLqu7ziVk7nOI4JsTiQkMgOqbHxq89edurugwrGMsPQkTB4nh61CiCKqXFz-aR86gW59UY4_hLG3-1po7bFbICDW_qd7T6JZ8e67zDfkw&_nc_ohc=wb51o5xjdYAAX_1tsTU&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&_nc_tp=7&oh=42e13a0b028633055f05db4f96bfb0d2&oe=5E9BF5B1" width="221" /><br />
- I know my friends in the healthcare world (and I have a lot) are scared, and we absolutely owe it to them to help #flattenthecurve and give them a fighting chance.<br />
(**Side note: Our company is offering a <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/perks">FREE VIP membership</a> for all essential workers right now...& also a buy one- get/give one FREE for our <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/products/promos/immunesupport">immune booster vitamin packs</a>. If you order two, you automatically get 4! They are a one month supply & incredible components & quality.)<br />
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- I have loved ones in the at-risk population who are terrified of what could come for them. (Really important time to focus on immune boosting efforts, which I will share below.)<br />
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- I have friends who run businesses that are fretting over how they are going to keep their doors open. Friends who have already lost their jobs and are wondering how they are going to pay their bills.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It's a lot.</i> I know.</span><br />
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And that's exactly why I wanted to remind you who is on the throne and who is truly the King of Kings. (Take a few minutes to listen to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=emb_title&time_continue=8&v=dQl4izxPeNU&fbclid=IwAR0hZpIiKnFAnCvdYL4RXfK8V9XW32npE565HB2Yzk84pfh17rACWEh-W7I&app=desktop"> this song</a> when you finish reading this.)<br />
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We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. (cliche, but true.) And THAT is what gives me peace even during this chaos.<br />
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I do believe there is some good coming out of this & in my house, we are doing our best to focus on that.<br />
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Lots of families are getting some much needed time to slow down, to rest, to spend quality time together making memories and eating around their kitchen table. Churches are collectively rising up and praying/serving together. Hopefully people are beginning to pay attention to their health and how to strengthen their immune system by adopting some healthier habits that will continue beyond this pandemic.<br />
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As a family, we are praying, taking the Lord's Supper, going to be fasting, and teaching our kids to pray Scripture. My favorite to pray right now, morning and night of our home and family and friends and church family, is <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/91.html">Psalm 91</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aVoKBDoIzLnj_Yp9BLLX9VVUcSjvIPW5-dV1qVww-3iXcB0u7eYzlwfB9qDLPPu1g1Mjh4PvKDBxKAiJIsNj08aw0Gv1DBSZb4O5q1iZ3ER9Xg_76_XxqfUxsl8-d4qpy1YgU3bW4Ko/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="372" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aVoKBDoIzLnj_Yp9BLLX9VVUcSjvIPW5-dV1qVww-3iXcB0u7eYzlwfB9qDLPPu1g1Mjh4PvKDBxKAiJIsNj08aw0Gv1DBSZb4O5q1iZ3ER9Xg_76_XxqfUxsl8-d4qpy1YgU3bW4Ko/s320/Capture.JPG" width="222" /></a></div>
Here are some things we are doing that are FREE & SIMPLE to keep our family healthy. Things we do most of the time anyway, but are being more diligent about right now.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">SIMPLE, FREE, PRACTICAL TIPS: </span></b></div>
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<li>Get outside if possible. Fresh air will definitely do you good, both physically and mentally. I recommend trying to spend some time outside every day if possible. If it's warm where you live, spend some time barefoot in the grass/sand/dirt. (Sounds weird but there are proven benefits to this- it's actually called "grounding.")</li>
<li>Open windows. Indoor air is actually more toxic than outdoor air. People were found to have stronger immune systems in countries where people leave doors and windows open more often.</li>
<li>Limit/eliminate sugar. Yes, I know this is hard. (It is for me, anyway. I eat SUPER clean, but sugar is my struggle. And the struggle is REAL.) But it is SO, So important. Your blood can show concrete evidence of a lowered immune system within 30 minutes of eating glucose, fructose, and refined sugar. That causes a 50% reduction in the ability for white blood cells to kill germs. Removing sugar from our diet has been shown to improve immune system activity immediately. I've also read too much sugar consumption at one time can basically shut down the immune system for 5-6 hours. That's scary considering the average American consumes a half pound of sugar per day- which is 130 lbs per year!!! </li>
<li>Drink tons of FILTERED water. (NOT tap water!) This is an important time to look into a <a href="https://www.berkeyfilters.com/?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=f55935c0&fbclid=IwAR2E2EVeQr6XKlaNVFT1h3uSaY4y-hCqyGnQquGid-QrnsTKDBfk7eLLW5w">Berkey</a>. (They have been selling out with all of this...so I would consider acting fast. That link shows you different options/sizes/prices.)</li>
<li>No wearing shoes in the house. <b>Period.</b> I never want to nag my family, but I am laying down the hammer on this one right now. This virus specifically has been shown to survive on the bottom of shoes for up to 5 days.</li>
<li>Wash your hands often and correctly. I will be the first to admit that although I am pretty hard core about hand washing after the bathroom and before eating (when eating out), we haven't been doing it for 20-30 seconds. Definitely stepping our game up!</li>
<li>Don't touch your face. This is going to take some intentionally thinking about it. The average person touched their face 23 times/hour and doesn't even know they are doing it. I've been mindful of this and it is a really tough ha</li>
<li>Eat clean!You can buy several organic items much cheaper on <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/myaisle/?ccode=RAF25TM9&ccode_force=1&ref=K2V0QXp3K2VpaVE9&___store=default&utm_source=UserReferral&utm_medium=Link_RAF">Thrive Market - (this link will save you 25% off your first order)</a> & at Aldi. I have been posting lots of dinner, breakfast, and snack ideas in my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2037898129830574/">Healthy Mama/Healthy Kiddos Hacks group on FB. </a>This is one of the most important ones in my opinion. I love the Wahl's protocol infographic.</li>
<li>Get plenty of rest. It's not a time to let your kids stay up super late. Make them take a rest each day. Let them sleep in a little.</li>
<li>Get some moderate exercise. Keeping the kids moving & exercising especially will help them be more tired at bedtime and sleep better. Plus, moderate exercise strengthens the immune system. There are tons of free fitness things online right now! </li>
<li>Lymphatic massage. Can also do dry brushing/rebounding. You want to keep the lymph moving!</li>
<li>Don't stress. I know this comes easier for some of us than others. I think one thing that has helped me is not watching the news. The times I have caught myself starting to feel anxious, I have made it a point to stop and breathe deeply and take my thoughts captive. May be a good time to turn on some uplifting music you love or read some Scripture- Phil 4:8, Jer 29:11, Rom 8:28, Phil 4:6-7, Prov 3:5-6. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus!</li>
<li>Fast & pray. I believe fasting is the key and prayer is the door. You can fast and pray as a family.</li>
<li>Worship. The story of Paul and Silas from Acts comes to mind. They were publicly beaten, flogged, stripped naked, accused and imprisoned, yet they praying and singing hymns. They were worshiping their way through a trial and it led to their miracle. The Lord sent an earthquake that broke their chains and set them free. Maybe we just need to put God back on the throne where he belongs! (I read this earlier today and thought it was so true...</li>
<li>Continue to support small businesses where we can while still being mindful of unnecessary spending.</li>
<li>Avoid processed foods. (They spike inflammation.)</li>
<li>Avoid Tylenol, as it depletes gultathione. (I linked to what we would use instead below.)</li>
<li>Drink lots of warm liquids. Teas, broth, etc. This is my favorite <a href="https://amzn.to/3amm010">tea</a> right now. I also shared about an incredible tea you can make at home - my friend Katie (a nutritional therapist) taught me about - that is SO incredibly powerful & nutritious! I would buy both in bulk : <a href="https://amzn.to/2xk4pbf">stinging nettles</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2UalrBT">red raspberry leaf</a>- fill these <a href="https://amzn.to/2ygwT6t">tea bags</a>- and use local honey to sweeten it when you're ready to drink. I order bone broth off of <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/myaisle/?ccode=RAF25TM9&ccode_force=1&ref=K2V0QXp3K2VpaVE9&___store=default&utm_source=UserReferral&utm_medium=Link_RAF">Thrive Market </a>if I don't make my own. Bone broth is SO healing! I cook with it often.</li>
<li>Choose gratitude. This may all feel like an inconvenience, or you may feel anxious and overwhelmed. I know there are some people who are missing out on some really big life moments and many others experiencing really difficult loss during this time. I have found the easiest way for me to choose joy is by operating out of a GRATEFUL spirit. That may take some being intentional, but I know if we just look around, we will see SO MUCH for which to be grateful!</li>
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I would pick as many of those as you can start implementing and work on doing more and more. Not just right now, but as a lifestyle. I truly believe this will improve your family's quality of life!!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THINGS I'M BUYING or HAVE BOUGHT:</span></b><br />
(Note: Please do not think you have to spend your savings buying ALL of these to keep your family healthy. I shared LOTS of free tips above! Pray about and decide what is most important for your family & start there when it comes to these things. We have built to having all of these things over time...not all at once.)<br />
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-Berkey! This is a GREAT time to clean up your water, and if I could recommend starting anywhere, it would be here. You can click on the picture and it will take you to some different options & some savings.</div>
<a href="https://www.berkeyfilters.com/?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=99f7319a" target="_top"><img alt="" height="250" src="//berkeyfilters.postaffiliatepro.com/accounts/default1/9wu00y0gba/99f7319a.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a><img alt="" height="1" src="https://berkeyfilters.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/9wu00y0gia?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=99f7319a" style="border: 0;" width="1" />
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</noscript>-Austin Air purifier- This is a really important time for clean <b>food</b>, clean <b>water</b>, and clean <b>air!</b> I've had Austin Air purifiers since 2017 and I actually have 5 of them. I just bought a new filter for a few of them (I put them through a lot with off gassing from new carpet, new furniture, and recently stained hardwoods.) My friend Heather is actually offering a GREAT discount if you mention <b>{Butler Healing Strong}</b>.<br />
<img height="300" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/90443014_233407871038301_5789153875311198208_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=b96e70&_nc_eui2=AeGtzS09S468mQgN-9OT_CydFRuP4Ok5HU3xOEK60MbEakq4J3jrIlp4IRnsBGJ7UBDTWrTXqSVPYY5bEE6R2WkmtVoWhIxIHmt2JHaaW9QCCg&_nc_ohc=ytXp-ENkcQ4AX_SfmeL&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=ba5a0e5a0101ea3edbca84f03ec87861&oe=5E9E9C10" width="400" /><br />
<br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/33LiNpm">Nasal spray!</a> (<a href="https://amzn.to/3aqA7m0">or a 3 pack here!)</a> This is one of the BEST, easiest, most affordable things to do in my opinion. I specifcally like THIS brand because it has the grapefruit seed oil & xylitol. Irrigating the nasal cavity will help flush out germs that enter through our nose, so this is an easy way to flush them out before they begin colonizing and spreading. I would especially recommend after you've been around others or in close quarters/confined spaces. My boys still fight me on it, but I do it anyway.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2WLwDqi">Silver</a>- to use in the nebulizer if needed or to help if someone is under the weather. They also have one specifcally for kids. We don't take daily.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/3dxzid4">Salt inhaler</a>- another option <a href="https://amzn.to/2JkzgY7">here</a></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/">POOFY Organics</a> products we are especially loving right now: </b></div>
<div>
-T<a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/1726-take-down-body-equipment-spray.aspx">akedown spray</a> - clinically proven to kill viruses. Perfect for surface areas that are touched often in your home.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-<a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/category/160-organic-suncare-and-sanitizer.aspx">hand sanitizer</a>- It IS possible to use some that has the 60% alcohol and still isn't an encodrine disrupter. I like <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/category/160-organic-suncare-and-sanitizer.aspx">Poofy Organics</a> hand sanitizer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-<a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/category/189-all-purpose-soap-concentrate.aspx">Non-toxic soap</a>- (Spoiler alert...Mrs. Meyers isn't non-toxic!) Definitely time to ditch the B&BW and switch to something like<a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/category/189-all-purpose-soap-concentrate.aspx"> Poofy</a> or <a href="https://amzn.to/2WQjdcH">Dr Bronners</a>.</div>
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<div>
-<a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/2004-super-shrooms-mushroom-tincture.aspx">Mushrooms</a>- they are POWERFUL for your immune system. This is an incredible tincture.<br />
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<b>Paleo Valley Products we are loving:</b><br />
- <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/product/15-1041">Beef sticks</a> - fermented to support gut health<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
- <a href="https://paleovalley.com/offers/essential-c-complex-promo/butler10?fbclid=IwAR0RFop6lABGRXQFq1f-kTBd-kBlfQMKSvRR8APQoVQyoM3YudLrnBIgD8s">Whole foods vitamin C</a> - you do NOT want to take anything synthetic. (Most of what you are going to find in stores/online is...so this is one of the few foods based/quality ones I like. Plus, I like/trust the owners of this company. Same company I get the beef sticks from. The code BUTLER10 will save you 10% too.)<br />
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- <a href="https://www.earthley.com/livecleanlivewell/ref/danielle.butler/">Earthley</a> is an INCREDIBLE company! They have SO many products I love. Cough be gone, Respiratory support bundle, Feel Better Fast (what I would personally use in place of Tylenol), Sinus Saver, Pain Potion, Master Tonic, just to name a few.<br />
<div>
-<a href="https://www.planttherapy.com/germ-destroyer-kidsafe-essential-oil?v=2012&trk_msg=7EB39IAQ3624JDTJLJDVCF3S60&trk_contact=27TKLM4C927MC4DNT5LV2H3SL8&trk_module=ppe&trk_sid=40HL928L5TMMAM661MM1N8GMNK&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=BUY+GERM+DESTROYER&utm_campaign=Winback&utm_content=Winback+2&fbclid=IwAR1Nx4jZRfS8OCIz1eRewLJ8sGs0ghX_Nw5tgzSXHqSQQygzAuhZEFyXHms">Germ Destroyer</a>- this is what I'm diffusing since I have littles. The kid safe line is okay for them.<br />
<br /></div>
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- <a href="http://db65139.juiceplus.com/">Juice Plus</a> chews. Been using them for YEARS for all my kiddos. I like that it bridges the gap & gets some things in their body they wouldn't ordinarily get in their diet. Plus, they are like a treat. Jon & I actually take the red & green ones too because they're yummy.<br />
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/39qHlFt">Vitamin D</a>- Jonathan and I get our vit D and D3 in our customized nutrition packs, but if you're looking for one to buy on its own, <a href="https://amzn.to/39qHlFt">this</a> is the one I recommend. (Could possibly find cheaper through a practioner.) For right now this is fine, especially considering most Americans are defiecient in vitamin D. But if you choose to continue I would get vitamin D and vitamin D STORES tested. (Even better would be REAL SUNSHINE! If you're working from home, try working or doing school with your kids outdoors. At least spend an hour or so each day outside. And whatever you do, do NOT take synthetic crap vitamin D.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
- <a href="https://amzn.to/33DWWQH">Cod Liver Oil</a> - SO beneficial! My older two take it from a little medicine dispenser, and I put it in Hydrate for my youngest to mask the taste. It does NOT take good, but it's so beneficial it's worth it. I give my oldest a little Dixie cup of organic tart cherry juice (also high in antioxidants and the ONLY juice I would consider) to chase it with.<br />
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- <a href="https://amzn.to/2wnINuP">Omegavail</a> - Omegas are so helpful in fighting off inflammation and keeping the immune system strong. Most kids aren't consuming enough in their diet, and this actually tastes great! I also love <a href="http://nordic%20naturals%20chews/">Nordic Naturals chews</a> fir my kids. Jon and I get omegas in our IDLife customized vitamin packs. I also try to make fish from a quality source (nothing farm raised) at least once a week or so.</div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Here are the <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/">ID Life </a>products we are especially loving & sharing right now because they would be super beneficial:</b><br />
**For $19/95/year, you can become a <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/perks">VIP customer with IDLife</a> to save 15% on any of the IDLife supplements. If you pick any single product to put on the subscribe & save option, you'll get to enjoy 20%! There is free shipping on all orders over $100. Everything is non-GMO, soy free, gluten free, & no artificial sweeteners/colors. TONS of fun additional perks for our VIP team.<br />
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- <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/product/05-0012">Immune Booster Vitamin Pack</a> (Buy one/Get One Free to give away or keep for your family) - <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What's in them?</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
1. Vitamin C</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
2. Vitamin D3</div>
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3. Antioxidant Plus/Immune Support:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Zinc<br />
Co-Enzyme Q10,<br />
Quercetin<br />
Broccoli<br />
Andrographis<br />
Alpha Lipoic Acid,<br />
Green Tea Extract<br />
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine,<br />
Tumeric Extract (95% Curcuminoids)<br />
Vitamin A<br />
and more... (I only put things here that you might recognize - and the source and amount are all listed in the details.)</div>
</div>
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- <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/product/15-1041">Hydrate</a> . This is our family's hydration drink of choice. You ideally want to get at least half of everyone's body weight in ounces of purified, filtered water each day. If an adult is consuming caffeine, they will need to automatically deduct that in # of ounces off the top of what they're consuming. If you're breastfeeding, be sure to account for what is lost through nursing as well. They have diff flavors and both stick packs and canister available. We LOVE the fruit punch, and I love that it has NO sugar or artificial sweeteners/colors. Plus, it contains electrolytes, coconut water, and other important minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.</div>
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- <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/products/weightloss/shake">Shakes</a> - These are super high quality, no junk or fillers, non GMO, soy free. They have a Vegan option and even the whey is 99.9% lactose free. Filling, an incredible base for smoothies/protein balls, and a great option to satisfy the sweet tooth. Our boys love all 3 flavors and I've been adding a scoop to the chia pudding I've been eating for breakfast. (I really need plenty of protein while nursing.) I love letting the boys help! This was our #smoothiewar<br />
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- <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/products/weightloss/sleep">Sleep strips</a> Helpful for shutting off the brain and getting quality sleep, but also non habit forming and doesn't leave you groggy. Getting quality sleep is SO, SO important. This has the perfect amount of everything in my opinion. (You have to be careful with melatonin, for example, because taking too much can eventually build a tolerance, requiring more, and signaling to your brain to stop making it.)</div>
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- <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/products/kids/kidsprobiotic">Kids Probiotics</a>- 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut. This is an incredible probiotic (that they all LOVE) because it has the 3 strands I'm specifically looking for in a probiotic. (Again, our probiotics come in our customized nutrition packs.)<br />
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- <a href="https://daniellebutler.idlife.com/shop/products/kids/kidsnutrition">Kids Multivitamin</a> - fills in nutritional gaps, no junk or fillers, and includes really important minerals and co-factors needed for absorption. I'm super impressed with how affordable it is considering the quality (they use the highest quality forms of everything for maximum absorption & bioavailability. So you'll see folate, NOT folic acid, for exampke. SO huge!)<br />
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I've prayed Numbers 6:24-26 over every family who reads this post. Check out this song...<br />
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<em style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and I am not offering any medical advice/prescribing anything here. I am simply sharing what we choose to do for our boys to boost their immune systems. I do believe parents are the best advocates for their own children’s health, and I highly encourage parents to do their own research/consult with a doctor on each of these supplements to make the best possible decisions for their babies. Also, some of these are affiliate links. I only associate with companies whose products we personally use (like as in, if you came into my home and looked around, THIS is what you would find us using) and whose values align with ours. </span></em></div>
*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-89381173159493835842020-01-04T23:51:00.000-05:002020-01-04T23:54:38.794-05:00Tips from a Sleepwise Consultant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You guys! </div>
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I am SO pumped to share this with you all! </div>
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This is my sweet friend Marissa Gianakas. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDs4B9bL2Un0g0nhLCtdFLavxG0qxf14_MFRSaYaUrobAXaoudfUWGve2kPyABGr8ZsDZYMRJP9QeVvx238ITVkSUOLhd-gtw-p-glzmj40nmeN97VMpeX0qIkle4MKrK9KR7wi1wFVA/s1600/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDs4B9bL2Un0g0nhLCtdFLavxG0qxf14_MFRSaYaUrobAXaoudfUWGve2kPyABGr8ZsDZYMRJP9QeVvx238ITVkSUOLhd-gtw-p-glzmj40nmeN97VMpeX0qIkle4MKrK9KR7wi1wFVA/s320/Capture2.JPG" width="130" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWwkOK7wMNF9WfRG_TodTwTCRE4Lz_jasIQWGu0kbTTeVVTcPAKmfXdAcJAeVrj54ooFbkpSisGeOMHoiv5bEqHhZKyO4xNbSQpjF6Hyw1YG02ha20qvzWfjim39QZCn_23OCqZyOVZM/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="395" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWwkOK7wMNF9WfRG_TodTwTCRE4Lz_jasIQWGu0kbTTeVVTcPAKmfXdAcJAeVrj54ooFbkpSisGeOMHoiv5bEqHhZKyO4xNbSQpjF6Hyw1YG02ha20qvzWfjim39QZCn_23OCqZyOVZM/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We have known each other for many years and I adore her, her precious family, and our friendship. She is super sharp and has such a passion for babies, littles, and helping mamas thrive. Not only is she a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, but she is also a certified sleep consultant. Hello...jackpot! I've had so many friends ask questions needing help with getting their littles to sleep well in my Healthy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2037898129830574/">Mamas/Healthy Kiddos page</a>, that I "convinced" (okay, begged, but she was very willing!) to do a 1 hour live video in the group for all of us for FREE! She's giving away her expertise because she truly cares. (And trust me, I've seen her client testimonials...she is the best and worth every penny.) Sleep is such a pillar of wellness and in helping children thrive. For me personally, I notice a huge difference in my attitude, patience, and even sugar cravings when I don't get enough sleep...so I know what a gift a well-rested kiddo and mama can be. If you have any questions, you can join the group & add your question on the thread by 5 pm on 1/5. She's going live Sunday night (1/5) at 8 CST/9 EST in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2037898129830574/">Healthy Mamas/Healthy Kiddos FB group</a>.<br />
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In the meantime, I also asked her if she'd be willing to write a blog post with some tips for readers who may not have a Facebook account. Plus, helllo new baby! I want all the tips because I legit feel like I forget everything after each kiddo. (Anyone else? I have to re-read all the books every time and I'm like, wait, what did I do with my others? This is my 4th...shouldn't I be a pro by now? Ha!)<br />
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Okay, here ya go....enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzuHAuu9WOse13fQkzaKGFwZonuzYaH114kUQAyFayJzjK6YVl5mAIa6xE89P-wZ55cEq9uxbbE9YIPJtbosOvwKem7SNqiPaQg1ETRs0MQG8gLHe5EEkUlr091N2IyCmhXVvMhgxDng/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzuHAuu9WOse13fQkzaKGFwZonuzYaH114kUQAyFayJzjK6YVl5mAIa6xE89P-wZ55cEq9uxbbE9YIPJtbosOvwKem7SNqiPaQg1ETRs0MQG8gLHe5EEkUlr091N2IyCmhXVvMhgxDng/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">Here
are 6 tips for helping your baby get better sleep with Certified Pediatric
Sleep Consultant Marissa Gianakas!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in; text-transform: uppercase;">BABY SLEEP TIP #1: AWAKE Times Matter</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">Did you know that being tired
is one of the biggest enemies of sleep? When little ones become overtired, it
makes it harder to fall asleep and stay in a deep sleep- and it happens more
quickly than you might realize!</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">Here are some general guidelines for the amount of awake time your
little one should have between sleep times:</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.6pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">Newborn (birth to 10 weeks): 45 minutes-1 hour of awake time</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.6pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">11 weeks-3.5 months: 1.5 hours of awake time</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.6pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">3.5-5 months: 2 hours of awake time</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.6pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">5-7 months: 2.5-3 hours of awake time</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.6pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 15.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">8-13 months: 3-4 hours of awake time</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 21.6pt; margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">14 months to 2.5/3 years: 5-6 hours of awake time</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; border-bottom: solid lightgrey 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid lightgrey 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt 0in;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; line-height: 33.75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-outline-level: 2; mso-padding-alt: 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in; text-transform: uppercase;">BABY SLEEP TIP #2: ELIMINATE THE
FEEDING-SLEEPING ASSOCIATION</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">The feed-sleep association is
pretty common amongst babies. Many are used to being nursed or bottle fed to
sleep. If your baby is under 6 months old, it’s likely that they need a feed
when her or she wakes in the night (although I see 12 week olds sleep 12 hours
all the time!). The problem is when a baby <i>only</i> knows how to
sleep by being nursed to sleep.</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">So when he or she wakes up in the night and are not hungry, the baby
will still call out to feed because he or she feels tired and does not know how
to fall back to sleep without nursing. Feeding and sleeping can become
inseparable partners in the little one’s mind – which can lead to exhausting
nights for both mom and baby!</span> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">For naps- try feeding your
child right after nap time. That will help break that connection in
his or her mind, while allowing the little one to fall back to sleep without
intervention overnight when waking between sleep cycles.</span> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">At bedtime you definitely want to offer a feed as part of the
bedtime routine, but work on keeping your little one nice and awake for the
duration of the feed!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background: white; border-bottom: solid lightgrey 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid lightgrey 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt 0in;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: none; line-height: 33.75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-outline-level: 2; mso-padding-alt: 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in; text-transform: uppercase;">BABY SLEEP TIP #3: BE PREDICTABLE & BORING</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">You've probably noticed that
your little one loves a routine. Routines provide a reliable rhythm to the day,
which is comforting. Doing the same things in the same order provides security
for children!</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">By creating a predictable
rhythm for your baby in the 20-30 minutes before every bedtime, you are letting
your little one know that sleep time is coming. Thus helping him or her prepare
for great sleep.</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">A simple routine could include
bath time, get into jammies, read a book, have a bottle or nurse, and goodnight
kisses. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background: white; border-bottom: solid lightgrey 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid lightgrey 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt 0in;">
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<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in; text-transform: uppercase;">BABY SLEEP TIP #4: KEEP IT DARK</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">Our bodies know that we sleep
when it's dark because that's the natural order of things. So whether it's nap
time or bedtime, keep your baby's room as dark as possible. Consider blackout
curtains or window coverings, but also be aware that nightlights and clocks
that glow can disrupt sleep.</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Teaching your baby from the get-go that the dark is a great place
to rest will help him or her keep this habit as they get older. The truth is
that little ones who nap in a dark room will nap better and longer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="background: white; border-bottom: solid lightgrey 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid lightgrey 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid lightgrey .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 9.0pt 0in 9.0pt 0in;">
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<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in; text-transform: uppercase;">BABY SLEEP TIP #5: CONSISTENT TIME & PLACE</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">Just like your child does best
with a predictable routine, your baby will sleep through the night more
predictably if he or she is sleeping in the same place at the same time, too.</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Your child should be able to know "sleep happens here"
regardless of nap time or bedtime. Try to avoid sleeping in strollers, car
seats, or your arms, if you want them to sleep longer and better.</span> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Ideally a baby should fall asleep where he or she will stay asleep.
That will alleviate any shock from falling asleep in mama's arms and waking up
in a different place.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in; text-transform: uppercase;">BABY SLEEP TIP #6: Encourage independent sleep</span></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 20.5pt; letter-spacing: 1.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">A sleep cycle lasts
approximately 45 minutes, and it's normal to wake up at the end of each one. For
adults, that awake moment is so slight we won't even remember it in the morning,
or maybe we just roll over and look at the clock.</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">But for a baby? Well, it can be hard to fall back to sleep if they
are dependent on an external source to fall asleep and stay asleep (feeding,
rocking, bouncing, etc). If your little one is not familiar with self-soothing
in any way and instead relies on you to rock or feed to sleep, he or she will
likely cry for you at those times when ideally the little one could go right
back to sleep. In order to get them sleeping longer chunks during the night,
you want to put him or her down in bed relaxed but awake after the calming
bedtime routine. Next, create a very clear plan on how you will respond to him
or her if they have trouble falling asleep. Consistency here is crucial! </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">If you start applying these six
simple steps today, your baby can start sleeping better tonight!</span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Still stuck? Don’t hesitate to reach out to me for a free 15
minute call. Every family deserves rest!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;">You can contact Marissa at:</span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;"><b>mgianakas@sleepwiseconsulting.com </b>or set up your free call here: </span><span style="font-family: "Times",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://sleepwiseconsulting.as.me/?calendarID=3149066" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">https://sleepwiseconsulting.as.me/?calendarID=3149066</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #404040; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 15.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; padding: 0in;"><b>Instagram: </b>sleepwise_marissa <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-53912566941810791892019-12-19T10:39:00.000-05:002019-12-19T10:39:02.608-05:00Last Day to Save $200 on Berkey Water Filter<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">When I'm helping people clean up there home and lifestyle, the very first investment I encourage them to make is CLEANING UP the water! This is one of the very FIRST things I did for our family and is also what I would recommend to others. We all know drinking lots of water is crucial for optimal health, but it really needs to be <b>clean </b>water. Municipal water has so many things in it you do NOT want to be consuming- from heavy metals, to fluoride, to birth control, Benadryl, & even Prozac. (Yep, most pharmaceuticals people are consuming and peeing out/ flushing are coming back into our water supply & even soil.) We have a whole house water filtration system (which for me is 100% worth the investment considering I soak/rinse my produce, wash dishes, bathe my kids, etc. in the water, but it's also a few thousand dollars) so a Berkey is an extremely AFFORDABLE option for drinking water. We've had ours for over 5 years and absolutely love it! It's one of the BEST & you can really taste the difference, and right now they are having the <a href="https://www.berkeyfilters.com/collections/berkey-holiday-sale?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=47900a7f&fbclid=IwAR1G0-g17-qB9jT5NkB6U9_5qCSDyC50Oog_eoCOk5f5AsZ78OAU6a37vPE">biggest sale</a> that I've ever seen. There is a $200 savings plus tons of extras on the Royal Berkey (which I recommend for families so you don't have to constantly refill it) & over $180 on travel Berkey system. <i>**The holiday sale ends tonight. </i>I personally think this would make an excellent Christmas gift for the whole fam!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVagYlCp5hnOR8IMg9CKa9GGwsvcw8s-aCgVdQItIlFKQUdj1_f-figqdxjwOoHm3EhukNfzrUaDYl9UnYlj0gUH7hFEu0HzusCcIXrlX7Xu-zEOsoh3huhyphenhyphenY8c_3EX5QM2ARhqbjPA9I/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="516" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVagYlCp5hnOR8IMg9CKa9GGwsvcw8s-aCgVdQItIlFKQUdj1_f-figqdxjwOoHm3EhukNfzrUaDYl9UnYlj0gUH7hFEu0HzusCcIXrlX7Xu-zEOsoh3huhyphenhyphenY8c_3EX5QM2ARhqbjPA9I/s320/Capture.JPG" width="254" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Your water really, really MATTERS, especially when trying to conceive!! It is critical to stay well hydrated, but unfortunately if you’re not consuming clean water, it can be doing almost as much harm as it is good. There is a local town where the fish are not even reproducing at the same rate because of all of the birth control in the water supply. If it’s affecting fish at that level, what do you think it’s doing to us?</span><br />
<br />
Check this out:<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;" /><a href="https://draxe.com/nutrition/article/tap-water-toxicity/" style="background-color: white; color: #f8238d; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px; text-decoration-line: none;">Tap Water Toxicity</a><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">**This also means being cautious with </span><a href="https://draxe.com/nutrition/article/bottled-water-risks/" style="background-color: white; color: #f8238d; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px; text-decoration-line: none;">bottled water</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">. I only choose this option when there is nothing else available, but typically I bring our own water from home with us everywhere we go. Looking into adding a travel Berkey, especially since they have a $180 savings right now!! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">If you DO have to buy a bottle, I prefer Fiji or San Pellegrino.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;" /><a href="https://draxe.com/nutrition/article/bottled-water-risks/" style="background-color: white; color: #f8238d; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px; text-decoration-line: none;">Bottled Water Risks</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To see the holiday special, <a href="https://www.berkeyfilters.com/collections/berkey-holiday-sale?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=47900a7f&fbclid=IwAR1G0-g17-qB9jT5NkB6U9_5qCSDyC50Oog_eoCOk5f5AsZ78OAU6a37vPE">enter your email here</a> & it will take you to the deals! (Ends tonight at midnight.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-57672913382626123042019-12-10T09:39:00.004-05:002019-12-10T09:39:46.143-05:00Grace.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrWOlsbSxbQ6_zD2GaepTRS4BIZaj27UokqN3v4dpbG8SJWt3TYjk1Ubdd-15KWExoxB6RUgNBspEj5PDuNvwJYEgO1NUP7Klcw3hiU_PdPQ5fQ5ERWHVeq-H7bWvZc0-5Su8f-xGKco/s1600/DSC_3316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrWOlsbSxbQ6_zD2GaepTRS4BIZaj27UokqN3v4dpbG8SJWt3TYjk1Ubdd-15KWExoxB6RUgNBspEj5PDuNvwJYEgO1NUP7Klcw3hiU_PdPQ5fQ5ERWHVeq-H7bWvZc0-5Su8f-xGKco/s320/DSC_3316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
I think we’ve all finally come to the conclusion & realization that you can’t compare your real life with anyone else’s social media life, right? I mean, we can keep talking about it because I know we sometimes need the reminder to stay in own own lane, but I think we’ve brought enough attention to the “highlight reel” that it’s pretty much understood now. So this isn’t a post about the comparison trap.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
It’s about <b>grace</b>.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Jonathan & I have had some tough life stuff happen.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Jon’s very best friend was killed in a car accident right before our wedding. My big brother passed away unexpectedly just a few years later. The next year we lost Jon’s mom, 2 weeks before I was due with our second son. Three unexpected calls you never want to get. Three people we fully expected to be here today.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Then it was a close family member getting a cancer diagnosis. And this time last year I had a miscarriage. In May, we lost a six figure income when our business restructured, right before we were about to have our 4th baby.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
It’s life. Life is hard sometimes, isn’t it? Unpredictable.</div>
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But we are seriously SO.VERY.BLESSED. The blessings we’ve experienced over that same span of time are too numerous to count. So we choose to focus on that, even in the hard.</div>
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And ya know what I’ve learned? ALL of my friends & family...the people I know best and am closest to...they could all rattle off their “lists” too. They all have their hard stuff they’ve dealt with. They may or may not put it out there, but they’re having to navigate losses, struggles, and trials in the midst of their beautiful lives. And my guess is you have too.</div>
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So I understand now, even more as I’ve grown older, that we just really need to just give everyone a lot more GRACE. Because everyone you meet is probably carrying around some heavy stuff, just like you are and just like I am. And chances are, even if they are open & transparent about it, & even if everything looks beautiful & happy in all their posts (because there probably really is a lot of beautiful & happy too, even in the hard), we still have no idea their whole story.</div>
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So can we just be happy for people when they’re experiencing victories? Cheer them on? And pray for them when they need prayers & are hurting? And not place expectations on others? And be quicker to forgive & assume the best in someone’s intentions? Goodness, our world could sure use a lot more of that!! Less worrying about things we can’t control, and way more intentionally choosing grace. Staying in our own lane, but with a whole lot more thinking about others and a whole lot less thinking about ourselves.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>GRACE.</i></span></div>
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And just in case you’re reading this and don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, do you know who was/is my rock during all of that? My husband is beyond incredible, smart, talented, & hard working, but it wasn’t him. My children bring me so much joy & are my world, but it wasn’t them. My parents and family are so helpful & generous, but it wasn’t them. My friends are some of the best & so encouraging and supportive, but it wasn’t them either. That’s too much weight to put on any person, or even your village. But it’s never too much for God.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">“On Christ the solid ROCK I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”</span></b> </div>
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<i>He knows. He cares. He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. He’ll give you a peace that passes all understanding. He’s a good, good Father. And I’m so grateful for his good GRACE.</i></div>
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Let’s pass that same grace on to others today...</div>
*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-31708664230032975972019-12-09T23:57:00.001-05:002019-12-09T23:57:26.990-05:00Emmie Kate's Newborn PhotosWe took our sweet girl's newborn photos when she was 10 days old.<br />
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Brittany always does such a great job with the babies...she has a gift! We call her the baby whisperer, and I love that she has been able to capture all of our sweet Butler babies!<br />
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It is a LOT of work & feels stressful trying to get everyone ready, but it's always SO worth it and I always cherish these photos. I didn't have time to get the boys anything to wear since two of them just had major growth spurts, so I just let them wear their big bro shirts.<br />
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The newborn shoots usually take a few hours because you have to nurse the baby, etc. to get them to sleep. Jonathan was ready to go after about an hour & a half, so I didn't get quite as many of just EK as I wanted (since we did all the family pics first), but the ones we did get were so precious!<br />
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So thankful for these sweet babies!<br />
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Thank you, Lord, for this sweet girl!!</div>
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*********</div>
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And here is her birth announcement...</div>
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<br />*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-34520352032896087492019-11-30T12:55:00.000-05:002019-11-30T13:43:13.385-05:00Immune Boosting Hacks During Flu Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Benjamin Franklin said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” </span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" src="http://www.regionalpt.com/sites/regionalpt/uploads/images/prevention-cure-meme.png" height="312" width="448" />
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It’s that time of year again, folks. The dreaded "flu season."<br />
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My goal, like all the rest of the mamas, is to keep myself and my kiddos as healthy as possible all the time. My biggest concern with flu specifically is that I have a newborn and a kiddo with asthma, so I really want to be as proactive as possible in preventing it. I've done quite a bit of reading and research and even took a masterclass with a holistic pediatrician on this topic, so I wanted to share some of my favorite homeopathic/natural remedies for boosting immune systems and keeping everyone well. (For the record, it’s not fool proof. Me and one of the boys had a cold just last week. But I do believe these practices help significantly + shortens the duration when they do come down with a little something.) I don’t think there are many things more heartbreaking than seeing your baby not feeling well, so I want to help with that some if I can.<br />
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**I also have an awesome FB group called “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2037898129830574/">Health Mama/Healthy Kiddo Hacks</a>” where all my mama & grandmother friends share their fave resources, ask questions, etc., and I’d love for you to join us there if you like. You can just click on that link & request to join.
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<em><span style="font-size: small;">Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and I am not offering any medical advice/prescribing anything here. I am simply sharing what we choose to do for our boys to boost their immune systems. I do believe parents are the best advocates for their own children’s health, and I highly encourage parents to do their own research/consult with a doctor on each of these supplements to make the best possible decisions for their babies. </span></em>
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Here are some of our fave homeopathic and natural immune boosting secrets. (I included direct links to purchase.)
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<ul>
<li><strong>Don’t wear shoes in the house.</strong> SO simple! Have you ever thought about all of the yucky germs/viruses/bacteria you're tracking in on the bottoms of shoes? Think about what is on the floor of public restrooms, doctor's offices, in elevators, etc. that you're tracking in! YIKES!! I have a friend who is a childhood oncologist and said it's one of the first things he recommends to his patients family. Easy peasy- just take shoes off at the door. And NEVER set shoes on surfaces where you eat like kitchen tables or countertops. (I used to do this without thinking about how DISGUSTING it really is. And I also quit practicing the "5 second rule" since people do still wear shoes in our house. I'm trying!) I clean our floors with a Norwex mop.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><strong>Wash hands often with soap and warm water.</strong> I’m not a fan of antibacterial soap (antibacterial disinfectants disrupt our skin microbiome) or hand sanitizer (most are endocrine disrupters) unless it's <a href="https://msphere.asm.org/content/4/5/e00474-19?fbclid=IwAR28ET99ERBaOHkPZqZtcfXKmhdIIxQy4URH_kphNhva6LO5jwoOdezlj1c">Poofy Organics</a>, Thieves, or another homemade or more natural kind. There was actually <a href="https://msphere.asm.org/content/4/5/e00474-19?fbclid=IwAR28ET99ERBaOHkPZqZtcfXKmhdIIxQy4URH_kphNhva6LO5jwoOdezlj1c">a study in the American Society for Microbology journal</a> that said water is extremely effective in killing influenza A. Teach your kiddos to wash their hands OFTEN & how to do it the right way. (Tip: Teach kiddos to sing their ABCs or the “Happy Birthday” song while scrubbing in between fingers, around fingernails, then use the paper towel to open the door if in public. Stay away from the hand dryers. Google that one if you don't believe me.)</li>
</ul>
<img alt="Image result for how to properly wash hands" height="518" src="https://cdn3.vectorstock.com/i/1000x1000/00/07/dirty-hands-washing-properly-medical-hygiene-vector-11760007.jpg" width="480" /><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2OAfJq3"><b>Nasal spray every day</b></a>...especially after being in a confined environment. Hopefully you can flush out viruses before they begin colonizing in your nose. We like <a href="https://amzn.to/2OAfJq3">Xlear </a>brand because it contains xylitol and grapefruit seed extract.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://idlife.com/shop/products/kids-probiotic-30-pack?taxon_id=22">Probiotics</a>.</strong> ALL of us take probiotics, every.single.day. Over 80% of your immune system is housed in your gut, so gut health is VERY important. Your gut is often referred to as your “second brain” because so many aspects of your health (even mental health, which is astounding) is tied back to gut health. P.S. Antibiotics destroy the gut. They kill ALL bacteria, both good + bad, so probiotics are especially important in maintaining gut health while on an antibiotic and/or rebuilding it after. And we personally try to use antibiotics as a LAST RESORT. I would recommend amping up probiotics while on an antibiotic, but you really want to take them at different times of day so thy don't counteract one another. Jon and I are taking probiotics that come in our<a href="https://idlife.com/assessment?experience=true&sponsor_id=1318134"> customized IDNutrition</a>. We have switched the boys to <a href="https://idlife.com/shop/products/kids-probiotic-30-pack?taxon_id=22">this one</a> because it tastes great, is SUPER high quality with 3 strands you REALLY want, & it's really affordable. You can do the subscribe and save for convenience (can cancel, change dates, etc. at any time) and they'll even give you a 10% discount. It'll be automatically applied and deducted from retail price if you choose a date for scheduled delivery.They also have a super <a href="https://idlife.com/shop/products/black-friday-kids-sidekick-special-with-free-lunchbox?taxon_id=62">fun Black Friday deal</a> that is good through Dec 4th that includes the children's multi (same one we use) and super cute lunch box.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRX27jiBH6ycWYYY_rTWiV9qmN2GSvEeylt8I7z7NDKwJfPKgElWNnshuiBk9AYYxCCGTDyBpm18KR_z_VFQogmB9y9lOJVKpBJnh17tvl0cN5q0pI1oFizadbGiT4T4AuOUTldKiGYY/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRX27jiBH6ycWYYY_rTWiV9qmN2GSvEeylt8I7z7NDKwJfPKgElWNnshuiBk9AYYxCCGTDyBpm18KR_z_VFQogmB9y9lOJVKpBJnh17tvl0cN5q0pI1oFizadbGiT4T4AuOUTldKiGYY/s1600/Capture.JPG" /></a></div>
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<li><strong><a href="https://www.maryruthorganics.com/?rfsn=3459478.70380b&utm_source=refersion&fbclid=IwAR0KGr-HNjyOE47ek0YxIWlKMTc5WBNRaNjnAlD8NVwrYtHd6_ziPHJ871Y">Vitamin D</a>.</strong> I think vitamin D is one of the most underrated supplements there is, and people are totally missing the mark. (Most adults are deficient too.) The liquid drops/sprays are easiest with littles, and I start at around 6 months (even while breastfeeding). I like to get as much sunshine as possible when the weather is nice because our body stores it up and this helps us fight off infections during the winter months. (I don’t use much sunscreen for this reason unless we are going to be in direct sun for extended periods.) I prefer <a href="https://www.maryruthorganics.com/?rfsn=3459478.70380b&utm_source=refersion&fbclid=IwAR0KGr-HNjyOE47ek0YxIWlKMTc5WBNRaNjnAlD8NVwrYtHd6_ziPHJ871Y">Mary Ruths</a> because it also contains the co-factor K-2, which helps improve absorption. (I also love her olive oil and she is having a major Black Friday sale that I'm sure is still going on,)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/thrive-market-organic-chicken-bone-broth">Bone broth</a>.</strong> If you can’t get them to drink it by itself, cook with it. I use it as a base in soups, to stir fry veggies, etc. Of course it's best if you can make your own & it's actually very easy. (Just google how to do it.) If you don't want to do that, my favorite brands are Bonafide and <a href="http://thrv.me/ymAg28">Thrive Market</a> Organic bone broth. I also use a chocolate bone broth protein & the boys drink it warm like cocoa.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/37S8KQO"><b>Oscillococcinum</b></a> is an awesome herbal remedy (my personal preference over Tamiflu because of the psychiatric side effects- you can read about them directly from the insert) if someone DOES catch the flu. I’d stock up now because when flu season hits, you can’t get your hands on any. We have friends that used this + elderberry last year and the flu symptoms eased very quickly. This can also be taken as a preventative measure. </li>
</ul>
<img alt="Boiron Oscillococcinum for Flu-like Symptoms Pellets, 30 Count/0.04 Oz each" height="277" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81rnkY1LE1L._SX522_.jpg" width="335" />
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<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/35LWXll">Colloidal silver spray</a></strong><strong>.</strong> I first heard about colloidal silver at a huge holistic health conference we attended a couple years ago. They sold me on it. You can give it daily as maintenance, and amp it up when they’re starting to come down with something. You just follow the directions (age/weight and desired outcome determines the # of sprays). You can get drops too, AND they have some for <a href="https://amzn.to/2Y3KeaQ">adults</a> as well. We personally just use it when they're coming down with something.Also, make sure you choose a quality brand like Sovereign Silver & don't overdo it.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="Sovereign Silver® For Kids Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol™ for Immune Support* - 2oz – Fine Mist Spray - Ultimate Refinement of Colloidal Silver - Safe*, Pure and Effective* - Premium Silver Supplement" height="245" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91OEVleS8wL._SX522_.jpg" width="245" />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.boweltolerance.org/store/p58/Organic_Flavored_Vitamin_C_Kids_Powder_-_300_Grams.html"><strong>Vitamin C</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I first learned about orthomolecular vitamin C while watching the Healthy Child Summit with Dr. Saul. High-dose vitamin C is POWERFUL for healing! (Check out <a href="https://www.boweltolerance.org/">the site</a> to read more about the benefits, how it works, etc.) Some people give it to the point of loose stools. I don’t do this, but I do give a pretty good amount if they’re coming down with something. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Elderberry syrup.</strong> We give this daily during flu season and amp it up if someone isn't feeling well (Reminder: NO honey for any babies! Botulism is very REAL, and their digestive tracts aren’t formed well enough to be able to handle raw honey. They say once they’re over a year old it’s okay, but I’m very conservative and don’t do any honey under the age of 2. I also don’t use as much as the recipe calls for.) We buy our own organic <a href="https://amzn.to/34BA83E">elderberries</a> and make our own (Wellness Mama’s recipe, or follow the recipe on the back), but you can find someone local who makes it or buy it <a href="https://www.maryruthorganics.com/?rfsn=3459478.70380b&utm_source=refersion&fbclid=IwAR0KGr-HNjyOE47ek0YxIWlKMTc5WBNRaNjnAlD8NVwrYtHd6_ziPHJ871Y">pre-made from Mary Ruths</a> too.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Limit sugar.</strong> Too much sugar at one time shuts the immune system down for 5 hours at a time. FIVE hours!! No wonder “flu season” shows up right after Halloween & Christmas and all the parties, treats, candy, and cookies. We are basically filling them with junk and shutting their immune systems down. (For the record, I’m not a total weirdo and my kids aren’t deprived. I haven’t totally found a solution for how to navigate this and I do let them have candy & treats. I’d definitely like for them to consume <b>less</b> sugar though.) We should shoot for <a href="https://newsroom.heart.org/news/children-should-eat-less-than-25-grams-of-added-sugars-daily">LESS than 25 g</a> a day. When we do go to some type of celebration, I typically encourage the kids to pick one thing they want as a treat. For example, they can have a piece or cake, OR a juice box...not both. (They are their mama's child and always go for the cake!) We also don't do any juice and really try to limit candy & processed treats. </li>
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<h4>
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<ul>
<li><strong>Make sure they get plenty of sleep.</strong> Sleep is when their bodies recover, their brain grows, etc. Not getting enough sleep actually weakens the immune system & hinders their ability to fight off viruses. I know we can definitely work on getting ours in bed earlier more consistently.</li>
</ul>
**Check out the <a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/excessive-sleepiness/support/how-much-sleep-do-babies-and-kids-need">National Sleep Foundation's guide</a> to how much sleep they need at different stages.<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>On Guard + Thieves (oils on the bottom of feet & diffuse).</strong> I use them interchangeably and like them both equally. I personally like to mix it up so they don't develop an "immunity" to it. I diffuse oils every single day & I love them as an alternative to toxic candles, scents, air fresheners, etc. I also uses Thieves hand sanitizer and sometimes I clean our house with Thieves (I just ordered some Thieves oil, but before that I made my own with a recipe I found online.) Make sure you do your research to determine what is safe for littles (not everything is) & proper dilution. Also, I personally do not ingest or use neat. I know some people do, so you’ll want to come to your own decision on that. I do not diffuse around the new baby either since her lungs are still forming and EOs are very potent. Again, I know some people do, but I'd rather not. You can find your fave oils person to get hooked up.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="https://jonathanbutler.idlife.com/shop/t/categories/hydrate">Hydrate</a>.</b> Let me say that again for ya..HYYYYDRATE! We live in a society that is chronically fatigued and dehydrated. Get them to drink plenty of water (at least 1/2 their body weight in ounces, and more if they're sick or sweating). I also love to give mine Hydrate because sometimes they get bored with just plain water. It has coconut water, important minerals like magnesium, electrolytes, and NO artificial colors or sweeteners. All 3 flavors taste awesome. Comes in stick packs for on the go or canisters for at home, and they are on sale right now for <a href="https://jonathanbutler.idlife.com/shop/t/categories/black-friday-deals">Black Friday</a>. </li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAugBL8gpLg7FG6DyrLyNEi1fQX5rh6DaBzP7YPu7cGDesNPCctTb2lAhylw09d8rMhGP4CIJ7A8fKJ0f22resyRI_9CRWY57dEoZ4cMJAKgZv_NEWbR9MPZ_sIru-x7_SyAOo7f0wI1M/s1600/78692009_10101237420671362_6207810077391323136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="444" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAugBL8gpLg7FG6DyrLyNEi1fQX5rh6DaBzP7YPu7cGDesNPCctTb2lAhylw09d8rMhGP4CIJ7A8fKJ0f22resyRI_9CRWY57dEoZ4cMJAKgZv_NEWbR9MPZ_sIru-x7_SyAOo7f0wI1M/s320/78692009_10101237420671362_6207810077391323136_n.jpg" width="148" /></a><br /><ul>
<li><strong>Nutrition.</strong> I try to help them eat real, whole foods as much as possible. Shew- this is NOT always easy! I try to offer lots of fruits + veggies. There really is power in eating the rainbow because i provides so many antioxidants and phtonutrients that strengthen our immune systems. Organic when you can. Avoid processed food, junk food, and fast food. I sneak in Superfoods when I can by making homemade smoothies, grain free muffins with Superfood blends, etc. I have some tips for <a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2018/10/tips-for-helping-kids-eat-healthier.html">getting kids to eat healthier here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://db65139.juiceplus.com/">Juice Plus gummies</a>.</b> Speaking of nutrition, I like my boys to take the <a href="http://db65139.juiceplus.com/">JP gummies</a> because their diets aren't perfect, and this helps bridge the gap. My boys take these in addition to their daily multivitamin. I recommend continuing to give the <a href="https://jonathanbutler.idlife.com/shop/products/kids-nutrition?taxon_id=22">IDLife multi</a> too (highest quality I've found and best formulation of specific nutrients) because it contains important minerals and co-factors needed for absorption (things they aren't getting in their diet).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/33zhdFe"><b>BetaKids</b></a>. Beta Glucan is powerful & so beneficial! I also love that is has selenium and vitamin D. Just to save money I don't give this daily, but I do love it.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2rL5pT1"><b>Cod Liver Oil</b></a>. I only give it in the Fall/Winter, and other times of the year if they seem to be coming down with something. (Same with elderberry.) I've been using <a href="https://amzn.to/2rL5pT1">this brand</a> - either the unflavored or the orange (I give it to them in a little medicine dispenser and they all take it like a champ), but am trying <a href="https://amzn.to/2qRe72i">this brand</a> next. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://amzn.to/2OA4PjZ">Homeopathic allergy relief</a> & <a href="https://amzn.to/2OCkJdC">cold relief</a>. </strong>This is my preference over Claritin or other OTC drugs when it comes to allergy/cold relief.</li>
</ul>
<img alt="Genexa Homeopathic Allergy for Children: The Only Certified Organic Kids Allergy & Decongestant Medicine. Physician Formulated, Natural, Non-GMO Verified & Non-Drowsy (60 Chewable Tablets)" height="304" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A17FEl3XFPL._SY679_.jpg" width="207" />
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<ul>
<li><b><a href="https://amzn.to/34z4js8">V Clear.</a> </b>Highly recommend!! Much better than traditional cough meds, etc. in my opinion. Upper respiratory and lung health support.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Get moderate daily exercise.</b> Family walks/hikes/bike rides, sports,etc. If it's too intense, it actually has the opposite effects. But staying moving, getting your body to sweat will be helpful in boosting the immune system.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/2027-detox-bath-salts.aspx">Detox baths.</a></b> You don't want to do this daily, but I like to do detox baths occasionally for the boys. You can use your own ingredients or just get <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/2027-detox-bath-salts.aspx">this one</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I am not one who is quick to go to the doctor. I avoid antibiotics at ALL COST unless 100% absolutely necessary. If we’re not careful, we can develop a resistance to antibiotics which would make them less effective in the future if we ever had a serious infection and REALLY needed it. (We are starting to see the effects of this with the super bugs, and it is being addresses in the healthcare industry.) Plus, antibiotics destroy your gut by killing the good bacteria (it has know way to differentiate between the good & bad guys, so just kills them all and takes TWO YEARS for your gut microbiome to recover!). I have also found that it seems lots of antibiotic use leads to more sickly kiddos. When you don’t develop and immunity to something, you won’t be able to fight it off next time, and the weakened gut/immune system leads to contracting stronger bugs in the future while your immune system is weakened from the previous antibiotic use. Are they absolutely necessary sometimes? Absolutely. But the reality is that most things will run their course if you allow them, and many most viruses cannot be distinguished whether they are bacterial or viral. Antibiotics are pretty useless against something viral that would need to run its course anyway, and there are better ways to manage symptoms. Of course you’ll want to use common sense/discernment here. I personally do NOT use fever reducers anymore. (With a fever, it's less about how high it is and more about how they're acting. We should be more concerned with a 99.9 acting puny and pitiful, not eating, etc. than a 103 kiddo acting totally fine.) Thankfully my boys haven’t had many fevers, but fevers are actually our bodies’ way of fighting something off. They are for our benefit. Our bodies heat up to kill whatever is trying to take us down. When we use a fever reducer, we are many times extending the life of the virus & interfering with the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Febrile seizures typically happen when fevers spike very rapidly, so definitely keep an eye out for that! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Also, I definitely encourage you to do some research on the topic for yourself. I recommend reading <a href="https://amzn.to/2MWpnQz">THIS BOOK</a> (absolutely NO offense to doctors- so grateful for their knowledge! I wish it had a different title, but it is FULL of valuable info nonetheless) for a more comprehensive overview & explanation about this topic. Maybe check out this article about <a href="http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/tylenol-just-once-month-raises-childs-asthma-risk-540">Tylenol raising risks of asthma.</a> If you’re in need of a more natural pain & fever support, I recommend <a href="https://amzn.to/2KZJYS9">this homeopathic option.</a> </li>
</ul>
<img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41mMXzCx83L._BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" /><img alt="Homeolab USA Kids Relief Pain & Fever" height="301" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jFkRGBBZL._SX522_.jpg" width="301" /><br />
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**I also love <a href="https://www.earthclinic.com/">earth clinic</a> to look up a collection of natural cures and remedies. Awesome resource to keep in your back pocket!
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<b><i>Sweet mama friends,</i></b> I hope this is helpful for you. I know mommin’ ain’t easy, and we all want to do the very best by our children. Praying that if you’re reading this, the Lord blesses your children with a hedge of protection and thriving HEALTH in the upcoming year! Also praying He gives you wisdom as you navigate the BEST way to take care of your babies. I truly believe God has given you instincts to know how to best care for them, but I also know that when we know better, we DO better. Knowledge (applied) is power.
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P.S. I’m always looking to learn! Anything else you use I need to know about??*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-51740218313995205292019-11-29T19:00:00.000-05:002019-11-29T20:19:29.043-05:00Tips for Getting Healthy Prior to Conception<strong>
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I am so passionate about being a mama, and that has led to me also being super about children's health. This may sound crazy, but I believe God has given me a heart for this and the faith to pray for more believers to have more babies. I have a list of babies I prayed specifically for in my prayer journal! (Some of them have come into homes via IVF and adoption, but they are being raised in godly homes and going to help advance the Kingdom,) God is faithful!<br />
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<i>"Children are a heritage of the Lord..." - Psalm 127:3</i><br />
<i>"For this child I have prayed, and the Lord has granted me what I have asked of Him." - 1 Samuel 1:27</i><br />
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That being said, I also believe there are things we can do in the natural to support our bodies & to get back to how they were originally designed. I have spent LOTS of time researching and studying this topic, and my research has led me to understand that having healthy children actually begins YEARS before conception. In fact, the things you are doing now are helping shape the health of your GRANDCHILDREN in terms of gut microbiome, etc. It it is <b><i>really</i></b> important to provide optimal "soil" for fertilization, and this requires efforts from both mom AND dad as soon as possible before ever even starting to think about trying for a baby. (We definitely have undervalued the role that a father's health plays in fertility. We want a high sperm count & quality egg, so again, both parents want to invest in their health.) With that, (disclaimer!) please know I am not a doctor and don't pretend to play one on the internet. This is not meant to take the place of any advice from a healthcare provider. This is simply a compilation of tips based on my research and what I personally do to try to be as healthy as possible before trying to get pregnant.<br />
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Also, take this for what it's worth, but I personally do NOT take birth control, will not ever take it again, and will strongly discourage my daughter from ever taking it in any form. I regret taking it for the years that I did to try to control my acne (that I probably could have cleaned up with making changes to my diet anyway). If you think about it logically, we are essentially using something synthetic and telling the body NOT to ovulate. That means when you stop taking it, your body has to readjust and your brain has to communicate to the body to begin ovulating again. And while many people do begin ovulating again with no issues after going off of birth control (our bodies are very resilient), there is also a percentage of the population that struggles with getting their cycles to ever go back to normal after years on birth control. I personally believe it's a combination of multiple factors that affect our body's ability to regulate- we eat fake food filled with artificial everything, drink contaminated water, are surrounded by environmental toxins & slathering them on our bodies, are basically living in a chemical crapstorm, are infiltrated by EMF, & live an ultra stressful lifestyle. That's a recipe for all of the health, autoimmune, and fertility issues we are facing today. (If you have really bad cycles and feel like you need birth control for that reason, there may be another underlying health issue that needs to be addressed to resolve that. As always, it's best to try to address the root rather than simply using a band aid.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here we go..my fave tips for getting HEALTHY!! </span><br />
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<strong>Clean up your water. </strong>This is one of the very FIRST things I did and would recommend. Municipal water has some things in it you do NOT want to be consuming- from heavy metals, to fluoride, to birth control, Benadryl, & even Prozac. (Yep, most pharmaceuticals people are consuming and peeing out/ flushing are coming back into our water supply & even soil.) We have a whole house water filtration system (which for me is 100% worth the investment considering I soak/rinse my produce, wash dishes, bathe my kids, etc. in the water) & a Berkey for our drinking water that we’ve had for over 5 years.
<a href="https://www.berkeyfilters.com/?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=f55935c0" target="_top"><img alt="" height="90" src="//berkeyfilters.postaffiliatepro.com/accounts/default1/9wu00y0gba/f55935c0.jpg" title="" width="728" /></a><br />
Your water really, really MATTERS, especially when trying to conceive!! It is critical to stay well hydrated, but unfortunately if you’re not consuming clean water, it can be doing almost as much harm as it is good. There is a local town where the fish are not even reproducing at the same rate because of all of the birth control in the water supply. If it’s affecting fish at that level, what do you think it’s doing to us? <br />
<a href="https://draxe.com/nutrition/article/tap-water-toxicity/">Tap Water Toxicity</a><br />
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**This also means being cautious with <a href="https://draxe.com/nutrition/article/bottled-water-risks/">bottled water</a>. I only choose this option when there is nothing else available, but typically I bring our own water from home with us everywhere we go. Looking into adding a travel Berkey, but for now I just fill up several stainless steel bottles and bring a Brita water pitcher when we go out of town. If you DO have to buy a bottle, I prefer Fiji or San Pellegrino.<br />
<a href="https://draxe.com/nutrition/article/bottled-water-risks/">Bottled Water Risks</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.berkeyfilters.com/?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=99f7319a" target="_top"><img alt="" height="250" src="//berkeyfilters.postaffiliatepro.com/accounts/default1/9wu00y0gba/99f7319a.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a><img alt="" height="1" src="https://berkeyfilters.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/9wu00y0gia?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=99f7319a" style="border: 0;" width="1" /><br />
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<b>Balance hormones. </b>This can be done naturally with things like herbs, seed rotation, supplements, specific nutrition choices, etc. It may take some work, but can absolutely be done! I would look into talking to a naturopath for more support in this area because there is no one-size-fits-all protocol here. You'll want to work with someone who really knows what they're doing when it comes to herbs, etc. <a href="https://hormonesbalance.com/">Here</a> is a great place to start though.<br />
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<b>Keep your electronic devices OFF of your body.</b> Don't sit around with your cell phone/ipad/laptop on your lap. Encourage your hubby not to store his cell phone on his hip/in his pocket. EMF cannot be good for our reproductive organs...& we want healthy eggs/sperm.<br />
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<strong>Manage stress/get adequate sleep. </strong>Exercise is the biggest factor that helps me in BOTH of these departments. Prayer + making Bible study, quiet time, and praise and worship along with choosing gratitude help me manage my stress. Working out, shutting off all screens 2 hours before bed, or at LEAST wearing blue blocking glasses, all help with sleep. I also LOVE these <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.idlife.com/shop/products/sleep-strip-30-pack?taxon_id=67">Sleep strips</a> because you don't become dependent on them, you can take them like traditional sleep aids, you don't feel groggy at all the next morning, and wake up very refreshed and not groggy the next morning. HIGHLY recommend! (P.S. you can save 10% by choosing the subscribe and save option, which is something you can cancel/defer/change at any time with no penalty. You're basically just picking a day for them to be delivered each month like I do with my toilet paper, diapers, paper towels, etc. on Amazon. And they reward YOU for choosing the convenience option by automatically giving you a 10% discount off the retail price. They are already very afforable, and this just makes them even cheaper! Here's a video about the <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.idlife.com/shop/products/sleep-strip-30-pack?taxon_id=67">science behind it</a> & a <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.idlife.com/shop/products/sleep-strip-30-pack?taxon_id=67">product overview </a>that tells you all about it.)<br />
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Also, I know I'm nerdy and enjoy learning and implementing #allthethings health related, but if it's more of a stressor for you, I'd probably take a step back and just focus on doing the best you can & taking baby steps. If it's an added stress, that's probably doing more harm than good. You know yourself better than anyone, so do what makes sense for your personality type and tendencies.<br />
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<strong>Take quality prenatal supplements.</strong> I just learned about this prior to my 4th pregnancy, but this go round I am opting out of folic acid and choosing methylfolate instead. If you're looking for a super high quality <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.idlife.com/shop/products/prenatal-pack?taxon_id=70">basic prenatal, I recommend this</a>. If you want a more customized and personalized option, I would take this <a href="https://idlife.com/assessment?sponsor_id=1317930&referralid=&Experience=">free HIPPA protected health assessment</a> and choose the customized ID Nutrition.<br />
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<b>Test for MTHFR gene mutation.</b> Over 40% of the population actually has this gene mutation (myself included!) and has NO idea. That’s unfortunate because it’s actually one of the leading causes of miscarriage and infertility along with a host of other issues. It does not have to define your health though (I don’t have any symptoms from it at all other than some fatigue)...but it is important to know so you can combat it appropriately. For example, you may have trouble detoxing some things others can, such as folic acid & B vitamins, as well as heavy metals. The <a href="https://jonathanbutler.idlife.com/shop/products/black-friday-special-dna-bundle?taxon_id=75">DNA kit</a> I used to test for this is $100 off through December 4th (it normally retails for $249) and you'll get tons of other great health info too! Here are some links with more info about this gene mutation:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrjockers.com%2Fmthfr-gene-mutation%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1ku8CrFU9Gy8_DaU5VBj4xVFDqAqgGfRpUoqMV9JJNzCMsr1yR71QGL7M&h=AT3dCgsG9mMj2QzNdZ_Xjlex19EIJqznxVf1-IaA4QJOfUqcADKCTZclZKUQ3bCwK2fQgsXWv90x4W8Pg0ehfFyaisTzkJDpC3keuxf0h9Om096ODI7QG8BqJUezXUrV0QtMH7W_Vu3_fA_P" href="https://drjockers.com/mthfr-gene-mutation/?fbclid=IwAR1ku8CrFU9Gy8_DaU5VBj4xVFDqAqgGfRpUoqMV9JJNzCMsr1yR71QGL7M" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">https://drjockers.com/mthfr-gene-mutation/</a><br /><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmommypotamus.com%2Fmthfr-mutation%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3qv482wqdXXr_RCD4EIr7oBnSYG6NkyYb_qwY5Bf71c0yacrKPMjQlGwE&h=AT0uYPOzzALmUGFIWBlB6wCZidY2ffuyNOFOEh6MHYxL1Mb13HbCeMX-yUIuCrIVtzokkruUT7kdEg9Sb1u0hPWJO6g5Nr99RjXJYxaO_nfF8McM24_HHmy6eCdGTZSHiwvA3yAtedXyW_G0" href="https://mommypotamus.com/mthfr-mutation/?fbclid=IwAR3qv482wqdXXr_RCD4EIr7oBnSYG6NkyYb_qwY5Bf71c0yacrKPMjQlGwE" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://mommypotamus.com/mthfr-mutation/</a><br /><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmthfr.net%2Fmthfr-mutations-and-the...%2F2011%2F09%2F07%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3WPw09jm8gCAMcKQXz5pQfrJBVVf-G17kqTG6ybGVHDGwz3PnTbq-Jdsw&h=AT2S7hQOEF1c6Tc7abm0k2tUwzTi6rkG16apwpNG0Rgi0Urv4uhGjYz9gLHFfhPHyiF9cJwbjg8Mrvm1ksMHsAp69mVTriU3ZJlkgXbTJ1fT04T6DnHZ9Rj4CEZU0lZQCwddWhK6TELLiFDk" href="http://mthfr.net/mthfr-mutations-and-the.../2011/09/07/?fbclid=IwAR3WPw09jm8gCAMcKQXz5pQfrJBVVf-G17kqTG6ybGVHDGwz3PnTbq-Jdsw" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">http://mthfr.net/mthfr-mutations-and-the.../2011/09/07/</a></span><span style="background-color: #f2f3f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fghr.nlm.nih.gov%2Fgene%2FMTHFR%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0dB6m_IBffdfMRW7-cD0RTGLUR7DniNGNMgebOsRFpA9KQFAmCqMHapKE&h=AT2V1Km9lVKSc2c22ynzMdUUsAP8QPpt0l84WXpFswjG_U-d7XIMA_LpBRhUGT8Ts160gYHAL2zBiofpXdGGYx-AY3afJdcGQc8HU5-m2JOT3IJrDC-XsFHbY_Rcv8L4jfroSE5AvG1LLmiE" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MTHFR</a><br /><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalhealingcenter.com%2F...%2Fwhat-is-the...%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3-VXgoo6k7iAgyNVP--caA9K-nxN_o7-pf_Yi3c_n9Wn3iyD3RSvYsrig&h=AT0ysW8L7JZ0ujyeC6qaEIR_auyfLgNtPnTs_nINFHJcOhiyy_EfkkfMd3eJ5wL0ZG-BwEpRWYbgJYTQvDJls_yWsm-bb2znfOFZ54qXvqXOt6k6LmSHmEO4qiwkIWmZCfLJTx9T7kf8Cqkq" href="https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/.../what-is-the.../?fbclid=IwAR3-VXgoo6k7iAgyNVP--caA9K-nxN_o7-pf_Yi3c_n9Wn3iyD3RSvYsrig" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/.../what-is-the.../</a><br /><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwellnessmama.com%2F27148%2Fmthfr-mutation%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR21eqq-47SVxo7ZBFchZwkTj0oTrnYPDmKo1Y-If8CWJCmvijQ5VmCUQ60&h=AT2H7wM1T74M_GOAon1E-nkbTJogXtJ9rK3Wih53qB8S5Mo9x8Lbgt6qpgqXBzw6FkCAmeRg5SVkdMsrjL9dqdG9e4EHZMYfS8txSy79OCqGA97F5xmz83x-TtcEdMEbZMeTftEDAlI8ylyq" href="https://wellnessmama.com/27148/mthfr-mutation/?fbclid=IwAR21eqq-47SVxo7ZBFchZwkTj0oTrnYPDmKo1Y-If8CWJCmvijQ5VmCUQ60" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://wellnessmama.com/27148/mthfr-mutation/</a><br /><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdraxe.com%2Fhealth%2Fmthfr-mutation%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR336_AYIx5b4TioR6ckB6IKHqWz14WgiUxW0Z4nnnb9JXDI3dpO8GBOqdg&h=AT3mkKEOjiD14VvnM8lGxDWuwRchEsfOeX4iWb9k6BycASU6nwtxW0WCPvCJazy14Q4Jhcbc40IQZz47Aun_skXvdR64KJUf1ACnpslTJq8Isk3tgdDwuxsY6ZWQ5_fKMEdOfmoB3024Jvzr" rel="nofollow noopener" style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://draxe.com/health/mthfr-mutation/</a></span></span><br />
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<strong>Go organic. </strong>I know some people think it’s a scam, but it's 100% NOT. I HIGHLY recommend putting those doubts behind you when you’re in a season of trying to conceive. I have more than one friend who went organic & saw immense benefits from a fertility standpoint.<br />
<img alt="Image may contain: text" height="320" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/74474345_10101222538764822_3799645979225882624_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_eui2=AeHIvzKxsifkWZ-yLskiLy7puUUIC4mPlyRPodPqtMB_xWkVIkmxd_JWM6-6L6E5o3zHYx7wxxjPBk1APCwH7iV49UXlIGbrgj2XxWImKX93bg&_nc_ohc=vXc14rzUpXYAQlTNX41-x4RU94EC3AtRZORebPCXIPOhwJdwvCApPbY2Q&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=563a6987e60a674014058176778a91aa&oe=5E48DE72" width="206" /><br />
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<strong>Avoid GMOs and processed foods. </strong>The more research I’ve done, the more I realize the importance of eating REAL, whole food! This is a time when you really want your body to be as HEALTHY as possible, and this includes both you AND your spouse. (So pretty much everything I have listed applies to him too.) You want to limit processed grains, gluten, most things in a box/package, fast food, etc. Instead, focus on consuming plenty of leafy greens & cruciferous veggies, fruits, nuts/seeds, quality protein, healthy fats, and nutrient dense carbs.You may also want to chill out on some of the "cooler foods" (smoothies, cucumbers, etc.) and consume some of the warmer foods (pumpkin, sweet potatoes, etc.). Side note: research suggests a vegan diet is not optimal when trying to conceive. I tend to follow more of the Weston Price suggestions during this time.<br />
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<strong>Consider a fast. </strong>Before we started trying to get pregnant, Jonathan and I both did a 21 day Daniel Fast (no bread, sugar, caffeine, meat, nothing processed etc.) A couple months later, I did a 3 day water fast. That resets SO many things in your system & helps your body flush toxins. (The water fast was more for spiritual reasons, but it just so happened to come at a time right before we started trying to conceive. I’d been doing some intermittent fasting and even a 24 hour fast, so this isn’t something I’d just jump into. You should consider doing this under the care of a physician, especially if you’ve never fasted or have any health issues.<br />
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<strong>Limit caffeine, alcohol, OTC & prescription meds.</strong> I don’t drink alcohol or take any OTC or prescription meds, so that’s no biggie for me. But I do make it a point to start cutting/limiting caffeine when I’m ready to start trying.<br />
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<strong>Maintain a healthy weight. </strong>I have several friends who are OB/GYN physicians, and they have seen women get to a healthier weight (even 10 lbs) and be able to get pregnant. This applies to women who are both underweight (do not have enough body fat) and overweight. It’s important for the husbands to be at a healthy weight too.<br />
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<strong>Clean up your personal care items (deodorant, shampoo/laundry detergent, hand soap, conditioner, lotion, perfume, skincare system, makeup, etc.) <em>If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin.</em> </strong>Your skin is your largest organ and absorbs what you put on it almost instantly. Lots of the toxic chemicals we put on our skin are hormone/endocrine disruptors. This industry isn’t well regulated, and the average woman applies over 26,000 chemicals per day (or something like that)! I like <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/">Poofy Organics</a> and Beauty Counter.<br />
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<strong>Eliminate toxic household chemicals. Same reason as above. (Cleaning products, etc.) </strong>If you’re still burning regular candles or have plug ins/air fresheners, I would toss them <i>immediately</i>. Some of my favorite products that I actually trust and there isn't any greenwashing going on is <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/">Poofy Organics</a>. I wrote a blog post with some of my favorite products <a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2019/11/people-ask-me-all-time-about-products-i.html">here</a>. I also share lots of my favorite product recommendations in my FB group I mentioned earlier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAFAnyh2oVpv2m0fNrFUpfYTbl1eSjGdUsou0yQRAuX3P_Ns2CjoTkbQ0PTB7g_LpmiuaSy5vate6HJGSN0-g00rRAFU0GGvwAiQ9owpBpHqMKH3BjU6qa2wuSXMPYOCJaB89ZhMTA9w/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="1128" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAFAnyh2oVpv2m0fNrFUpfYTbl1eSjGdUsou0yQRAuX3P_Ns2CjoTkbQ0PTB7g_LpmiuaSy5vate6HJGSN0-g00rRAFU0GGvwAiQ9owpBpHqMKH3BjU6qa2wuSXMPYOCJaB89ZhMTA9w/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Limit BPAs & choose safer cooking options. Switch from plastics to glass when it comes to water bottles, food storage containers, etc, and choose cast iron/stainless steel (rather than non-stick cookware). </strong>Super simple swap but makes a huge difference. <br />
**Check out <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-fertility-tips-to-get-pregnant#section10">this article</a>,<br />
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<b>If you're already healthy, consider doing a detox 6 months or so (or even longer) prior to trying to conceive.</b> You do not want to detox while pregnant or nursing. Things like Infrared Sauna are safer closer to trying to conceive and are extremely beneficial.<br />
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<b>Consider <a href="https://arvigotherapy.com/">Arvigo </a>therapy and abdominal massage.</b> I did this towards the end of pregnancy & LOVED it! The info suggests it would be really beneficial prior to trying to conceive too. You can search for a certified practicioner in your area.<br />
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If you start making the healthy swaps/changes early, the new healthy habits easily become a new way of life & you don't even have to think about it. It will benefit your entire family and help the whole family live healthier even after that sweet blessing comes into the world. Super simple!! Some things you should probably just toss/donate right away, but with many of these things you can just buy a cleaner version as you run out. Easy peasy! And remember, the SOONER you can start before trying to conceive, the BETTER!<br />
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<i>Any other tips for improving overall health & fertility?</i>*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-75427911795071261232019-11-29T15:28:00.000-05:002019-11-29T23:49:06.403-05:00Black Friday FavesI have come across some GREAT Black Friday deals this year!I've been passing them all along in my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2037898129830574/">Healthy Mamas/Healthy Kiddos Hacks FB group</a>.<br />
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But, wanted to share a few of my faves here too!<br />
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***<a href="http://thrv.me/ymAg28">Thrive Market</a> - GREAT savings on lots of our favorite grocery/pantry staples (that are already way cheaper than the grocery store!)! I wrote a blog post all about Thrive Market here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjnisZE39c9f01v4-lyxRd2UMMcHX44at4fx6zCjH_9bANWvlVLBMKr1gQJfheIoKKbN-wREcXs-dxOF_l-aHTcuDKMIi3kSbMvu56l_etFRS1ArG9IAnnNKBp7Bl8OPFIhKQsYUC540/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="235" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjnisZE39c9f01v4-lyxRd2UMMcHX44at4fx6zCjH_9bANWvlVLBMKr1gQJfheIoKKbN-wREcXs-dxOF_l-aHTcuDKMIi3kSbMvu56l_etFRS1ArG9IAnnNKBp7Bl8OPFIhKQsYUC540/s320/Capture.JPG" width="178" /></a></div>
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***<a href="https://www.berkeyfilters.com/?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=f55935c0">Berkey</a>- Drinking filtered water is one of the VERY first recommendations I have for someone looking to clean up their lifestyle. This is the BEST & most affordable option I've found. We've had a Berkey for at least 5 years or so and we love it! Click the picture below or <a href="https://www.berkeyfilters.com/?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=f55935c0">here</a> to order!<br />
<a href="https://www.berkeyfilters.com/" target="_top"><img alt="" height="250" src="//berkeyfilters.postaffiliatepro.com/accounts/default1/9wu00y0gba/99f7319a.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a><img alt="" height="1" src="https://berkeyfilters.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/9wu00y0gia?a_aid=5aac005d0f8ce&a_bid=99f7319a" style="border: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
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***<a href="https://livecleanlivewell.idlife.com/">IDLife</a>- SO many awesome deals from IDLife today! The biggest savings is definitely the DNA kit...$100 off! That is huge! This is also what we use for our personal/customized vitamins, shakes, hydration, energy, & our kids probiotics and multi.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mIiKgWq0oiChxHuRBWIafxodjeCnkGy8mwauPLSYB6o46zmycTnRIQnMol81A6JnBPs6L22wQPEkPgwIyS6-OlwwEhTQ-SHlYu_h7hVJ2IDzAx8sfZo0sYMC9-cbRr0crddbGXYABsg/s1600/DNA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="357" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mIiKgWq0oiChxHuRBWIafxodjeCnkGy8mwauPLSYB6o46zmycTnRIQnMol81A6JnBPs6L22wQPEkPgwIyS6-OlwwEhTQ-SHlYu_h7hVJ2IDzAx8sfZo0sYMC9-cbRr0crddbGXYABsg/s320/DNA.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh0OSsu1FUCfDWZealrBvcVmYH17rTYKzyj_nVNCmIrXMpitOkzjZcoYvUzB48e6FgjPJfQX6lhasG8VonsNhJ2cDT13RATTg84913gFkZVCjvfzTpW_QdOd-thka6N88LA07IB4hoII/s1600/73504770_517861128806914_7801129222063259648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="828" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh0OSsu1FUCfDWZealrBvcVmYH17rTYKzyj_nVNCmIrXMpitOkzjZcoYvUzB48e6FgjPJfQX6lhasG8VonsNhJ2cDT13RATTg84913gFkZVCjvfzTpW_QdOd-thka6N88LA07IB4hoII/s320/73504770_517861128806914_7801129222063259648_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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***<a href="https://www.maryruthorganics.com/?rfsn=3459478.70380b&utm_source=refersion&fbclid=IwAR0KGr-HNjyOE47ek0YxIWlKMTc5WBNRaNjnAlD8NVwrYtHd6_ziPHJ871Y">MaryRuths</a>- I like the olive oil & liquid vitamin D3 since it has K2!<br />
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***<a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/">Poofy Organics</a>- 15% off everything (you don't need a code!) & FREE shipping over $45. These are some of my fave personal care & home cleaning products. <a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2019/11/people-ask-me-all-time-about-products-i.html?fbclid=IwAR1jcJ6wU5xb70WFgmLh7nh0JagTD_iRwwfnJ3JlSbT4AhbSjn3aGfLA0ic">Here is a blog post</a> I wrote about it.<br />
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There are a few more fun things I've come across, so I'll be sure to get them posted ASAP...but this is a great starting place. What's the best Black Friday deal you've seen??</div>
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<br />*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-2244006622072950782019-11-29T11:04:00.001-05:002019-11-29T19:08:53.565-05:00Black Friday Sale on CLEAN Personal Care & Cleaning Products <div style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">People ask me ALL the time about the products I use to clean with & about our personal care products. I’m in a season of life right now where I could make my own products for some things, but I’d just rather buy them.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0);">#momof4under6 </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">BUT, I want them to be truly CLEAN & non-toxic AND affordable. That’s so hard to find these days. (I can’t tell you the number of companies that have been bought out by big corporations who eventually change ingredients, yet still operate under the same name...or companies that advertise being free of toxins but are actually full of them. It’s called greenwashing & it stinks, but they’ve got people fooled. I know because I’ve totally fallen into the trap. Go look at Mrs. Meyers as just one example.) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/">Poofy Organics</a> is one company I’ve been using and recommending that I actually trust with clean ingredients, LOVE everything I’ve tried so far, & they’re affordable. I've been sharing their products in my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/danielleb2922/">IG stories</a> for a while because I always share products I love there.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK-fUzV_pztjNMuf24E5SAUXPW6UzvfOHOzdc8g3kgjG7wy7xgqsIOhOgsTtqU4FNucIQ8WBBjsIa3kn6Kqb1bmd1UQrYZbiL0d8TIEUKeM2PaNzqatDrjV1kuS5KvX9eJsKZ5mjC2eI/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="1128" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK-fUzV_pztjNMuf24E5SAUXPW6UzvfOHOzdc8g3kgjG7wy7xgqsIOhOgsTtqU4FNucIQ8WBBjsIa3kn6Kqb1bmd1UQrYZbiL0d8TIEUKeM2PaNzqatDrjV1kuS5KvX9eJsKZ5mjC2eI/s320/Capture.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">They are having their <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/">biggest sale of the year</a> this weekend- 15% off (automatically applied, you don't need a code) starting today through Monday with free shipping over a certain amount!!</span><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span class="_5mfr" style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t51/1.5/16/1f64c_1f3fb.png?_nc_eui2=AeG0tgy8tbMK5qR7tHS4uCQyGDNb1T6TymHEO-rXGIXtqoTQy_gqfkyzd9U9Go4Vw79ibQrFCwOMSf1tFXjmSPmTlqGvZmJI_QzEBIw8gc6FAw"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🙌🏻</span></span></div>
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Here are some of my tried-and-true recommendations & some things that would make great stocking stuffers!! <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t23/1.5/16/1f447_1f3fb.png?_nc_eui2=AeF_7bsQyqE1f2j6qRNuyoqsFhLzR7N6ADh-gX521_hNsZ53HKo8YSxUxCuSttnVY1zs9GyqtZ0Sq7qIq0W-q3-cjyXSoLMf5DJv2OQdot1huA"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">👇🏻</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/t23/1.5/16/1f447_1f3fb.png?_nc_eui2=AeF_7bsQyqE1f2j6qRNuyoqsFhLzR7N6ADh-gX521_hNsZ53HKo8YSxUxCuSttnVY1zs9GyqtZ0Sq7qIq0W-q3-cjyXSoLMf5DJv2OQdot1huA"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">👇🏻</span></span><br />
**wool dryer ball spray (makes your laundry smell good even if you’ve switched to free & clear and ditched dryer sheets...& if you haven’t you want to ASAP! fiery fall, island getaway, & holiday cheer all 3 smell awesome!), laundry pre-soak spray (actually gets stains out!), almond biscotti lotion/soap, baby bath/shampoo and lotion, sleepy sleep bubble bath & lotion, sugar scrub & body butter, vapor rub, everything salve, all purpose soap, hand sanitizer, & the all purpose cleaner</div>
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A couple more of my faves that would make awesome gifts/stocking stuffers are the nail polish (I’ve posted before, but you really want a non-toxic nail polish & polish remover...especially for little girls & expecting mamas) and the bath bombs (immunity booster & breathe easy are the ones i use for the boys) or shower steamers. I’m super excited to try their new detox bath salt (has some awesome ingredients- again, one of those things it’s just easier to buy than make in this season of life).<br />
<img alt="No photo description available." height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/77393648_2715732008447057_441235257472057344_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ohc=lHBm2UiTVooAQnjflmPu_J1p5jBKs0d-pJjY_8TBdw0TNriFsHsQocaiw&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=06d61fd508304daa2106388c56805826&oe=5E7E9AFF" width="200" /><img alt="Image may contain: text" height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/78266094_2715732408447017_8780591110847201280_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ohc=XqYQVwsj83cAQm6EiZZPrSYPDcNWYeHAug2gpPNWPdd3FZA3WCMJIgWuA&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=9057f92ddd84bac3587244a362c6690a&oe=5E7C7DFF" style="font-family: inherit;" width="200" /><img alt="Image may contain: text" height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/78042210_2715732681780323_4768712604044492800_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ohc=ORHCtKs_k8cAQlQE_2-oJF_MRetQd0QhyCUHZAI8qr5Xc8jrZlY7KbDgA&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=3c6e9e6cf4a4aeadc94151942f5736b0&oe=5E8C5E61" style="font-family: inherit;" width="200" /><img alt="No photo description available." height="198" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/76916722_2715732871780304_462430057789390848_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ohc=5ooCkTFAgz4AQm3omjBbPuD9u788xwemwf4O_cHhomkGArF-m9gpyBKzA&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=da782693b4ae1d283226ea961c390c05&oe=5E740C53" style="font-family: inherit;" width="200" /><img alt="Image may contain: text" height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/78084380_2715733045113620_4951265709310083072_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ohc=s4JOLYxeKAwAQliRqofkNY0mtvlel8_Ybj8Q-9rJAvjVWPwMfxNDOHLRw&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=292501efacdc5b0db148f1c0a37802fc&oe=5E892FE1" style="font-family: inherit;" width="200" /><img alt="Image may contain: text" height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/72858806_2715733408446917_1421415385046974464_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_ohc=Lg3_p8r_5B0AQl8PJAhtwlQi7Ci1Kfr19PpARi-hL7Jo5NExDfM6bAFJQ&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=9d9907103064e7db947db4bb94812654&oe=5E73C7AC" style="font-family: inherit;" width="200" /><img alt="No photo description available." height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/77428048_2715733658446892_4914256135034241024_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ohc=ey-GAnj8ncMAQksiatjZvgcPT_idoe-4iRDXn1Gr9F2iVJkTztQp55dxw&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=6637a0772a398972122492ac36b00530&oe=5E7E898B" style="font-family: inherit;" width="200" /><img alt="No photo description available." height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/74390489_2715734008446857_1139324428421693440_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ohc=dVtg13KxWu8AQkZSgq15SDrh6KKJ3LSdGkj8cQeL70I0EGY-79G251edg&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=36f635967015f36fd3ae9dbede251b71&oe=5E47CEA2" style="font-family: inherit;" width="200" /><img alt="Image may contain: text" height="200" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/78535988_2715733905113534_6210733081809125376_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_ohc=VltgihwKlFoAQkwOMfg6_akf1p4tYf6n__57oCbIXPn3JB6DE8GSjXMKA&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-1.xx&oh=696de41d8d67f19cad9503a4eb60d5fb&oe=5E74FB8F" style="font-family: inherit;" width="200" /></div>
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If you decide to try anything, you’ll have to let me know what you think! <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/ted/1.5/16/1f49a.png?_nc_eui2=AeFBWH1wYkFDlX45p2JNwhbbdCZDDve4IANrBSO48a1dJ3iOEuwDXump7Gv1u4m-XSISAMNsvpRyfkpW6OZK9B8lEl9Z9Ipqm2JDoS-aGwdwWw"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">💚</span></span> Shop <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/">HERE!</a></div>
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*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-7308183412752719822019-11-23T18:14:00.003-05:002019-11-23T18:21:55.541-05:00What I Packed in my Hospital Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just welcomed our 4th sweet Butler babe into the world, so I should pretty much be an expert now, right? Welllll, turns out I'm still not...but I can at least share my experiences with expecting mamas-to-be. I always think, "Oh I don't have to write this down, I'll remember." Mom tip: Don't fall for it. Ha! So, in case I can talk Jonathan into just one more ;) I'll have this to refer back to next time.</div>
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This is the blog post I wrote after having one of the boys with <a href="http://tips%20for%20packing%20for%20the%20hospital/">Tips for Packing for the Hospital</a>. I couldn't find it when I was searching my blog, so at about 36 weeks I started making a list in the notes section on my phone of all the things I wanted to pack. My babies don't like to come till after their due date, but I recommend packing at at least around 37ish weeks just in case. (You can pack the snacks/toiletries last minute, but have the other stuff ready to go.) I included links for some of the items. :)</div>
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<b>For baby:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>clean coming home outfit</li>
<li>maybe 1-2 other outfits (gowns are the easiest)</li>
<li>socks</li>
<li>mittens</li>
<li>hat</li>
<li>Boppy</li>
<li>car seat (but you can leave it in the car till it's almost time to leave the hospital) with car seat cover & blanket</li>
<li>They have all the diapers, wipes, etc. so you don't need to bring any of that</li>
</ul>
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<b>For Mama:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/37wcTK1">nursing bra</a>/<a href="https://www.target.com/p/maternity-seamless-nursing-cami-isabel-maternity-by-ingrid-isabel-153/-/A-52302088?preselect=52229538#lnk=sametab">tank</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-beautifully-soft-robe-stars-above-153/-/A-54245034?preselect=54151063#lnk=sametab">robe</a></li>
<li>comfy pants & clothes to wear home (either loose/elastic. i remember being surprised my belly wasn't all the way gone after i had my first! lol! i was like, uhhhh, nobody told me I'd still look pregnant? Hint: you'll still look pregnant. ;) It takes a few days (or longer) for your belly to go down.</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2XMgcIH">abdominal binder</a> (highly recommend wearing both night & day for around 6 weeks post-partum...for both c-section mamas AND vaginal deliveries)</li>
<li>socks, shoes, <a href="https://amzn.to/37xs59W">slippers</a> & flip flops for the shower (the hospital gave me non-slip socks, so I just mostly wore those and threw them away when i was done. I'd recommend washing shoes and not wearing shoes in the house when you get home. Do you know the types things on hospital floors? You don't want to bring that home!</li>
<li>I had my own hospital gown but that's not a must- have. :) </li>
<li>Toiletries you'd normally take when going out of town (face wash, lotion, chapstick, face wipes, toothbrush/<a href="https://amzn.to/35uEppz">toothpaste</a>, floss, deodorant, HAIR TIE, <a href="https://amzn.to/339qBiI">hairbrush</a>)</li>
<li>makeup (I mostly wear Beauty Counter & some Bare Minerals)</li>
<li><a href="https://livecleanlivewell.idlife.com/shop/products/prenatal-pack?taxon_id=70">pre-natal vitamins</a>/supplements </li>
<li>snack bag (Clif bars, Lenny & Larry cookies sugar free gum & candy, <a href="http://refer_1158o/">Paleo Valley beef sticks</a>, homemade healthy muffins, nuts/seed mix, apples/bananas/oranges, <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.idlife.com/shop/products/chocolate-shake-bag-15-servings?taxon_id=9">shakes</a>/shaker cup if you want) - By the way...Clif bars are WAY cheaper on <a href="http://thrv.me/ymAg28">Thrive Market</a>! I love them as a snack for when I'm nursing! I'm pretty sure you can <a href="http://thrv.me/ymAg28">try it FREE for a month & can save 25% off first order</a> (+ free shipping on your first order over $25)</li>
<li><a href="https://livecleanlivewell.idlife.com/shop/products/hydrate-15-pack-fruit-punch?taxon_id=67">Hydrate</a> (or your fave electrolyte drink, but get one without all the crap in it) & drink as soon as possible after delivery. (I sip on it during labor too.)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2XGylHJ">water pitcher</a> and empty stainless steel water bottles to refill (I'm a water snob & really avoid tap water whenever I can. Just brought a little <a href="https://amzn.to/2XGylHJ">Brita pitcher</a> & kept refilling it.)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2017/01/gifts-for-nursesdoctormidwives.html">goody bags for nurses/doctors</a></li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/37tnB41">fully charged camera</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2019/09/baby-butler-4-is-38-weeks_28.html">gift bags for older siblings</a></li>
<li>phone chargers with long cord</li>
<li>fave playlist & optional <a href="https://amzn.to/2QJljba">blue tooth speaker</a>. I cranked some praise/worship during every delivery. <i>**Fave Pandora stations: Chain Breaker Radio, Hillsong Worship Radio, Hymns 4 Worship Radio, Elevation Worship Radio, Lauren Daigle Radio, 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) Radio</i></li>
<li>herbal tea (<a href="https://amzn.to/2D9zAWz">Pink Stork recovery</a>, 3rd/4th trimester, <a href="https://amzn.to/2KNzo3z">Sleep</a>) and post-natal herbs (if you're avoiding meds- the <a href="https://amzn.to/2KPctVr">After Ease </a>and <a href="https://amzn.to/2DmOgC1">Sleepy Nights</a> from Wish Garden are a MUST) Side note: My friend Katie told me about both of those herbal remedies. When she was telling me about them, she said "you remember how AWFUL the after birth pains are while you're nursing, right? And how sometimes you can't fall asleep even though you're so tired?" And I nodded, but didn't actually remember. Wellllll, I TOTALLY know what she's talking about now! Not sure if I just didn't remember before or if it was worse this time, but I was so thankful to have them in my arsenal. I didn't take any meds at all (like not even one Motrin), so I'd definitely check with a doc if you are taking any medication,</li>
<li>pillows from home</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/37uXuK4">a book for people to sign for the baby</a> or your door sign (a family member can bring those in later)</li>
<li>cash/quarters for vending machines/food</li>
<li>wallet (you'll both need your ID, insurance card, etc.)</li>
<li>text/call list (everyone you want to contact when you're heading to the hospital and after baby is born)</li>
<li>They will provide nipple cream, nursing pads, & soap to wash the babies, but if you want to bring your own...I recommend <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/">Poofy Organics</a>. This is the <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/1195-happy-boobies-nipple-cream-organic.aspx">nipple cream</a> & here is the <a href="https://livecleanlivewell.poofyorganics.com/products/1043-baby-body-wash-shampoo.aspx">baby soap</a>. (Although I really wish I would have waited on the bath.) </li>
</ul>
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**Don't forget to take notes in your phone about the labor/delivery so you can write out your birth story as soon as possible (if you want to..I think the kiddos would like to read it someday, plus, it's always fun to go back and read later!). There are so many details you think you'll never forget...and... then you forget! Bahaha! Type it out in the notes section of your phone or bring a journal.<br />
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<br />*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-79970181081875996402019-11-22T23:20:00.000-05:002019-11-22T23:20:01.834-05:00First Month Home with Emmie KateWell, this post started out as a "First Week Home" post and turned into my "First Month Hone" post because, well, #momlife.<br />
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And also because #momlife & the fact that I would randomly come type for a few minutes during the last 5 weeks, it is super scattered and pretty much all over the place.<br />
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We were SO THANKFUL to come HOME!!<br />
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I feel like I may be more of a homebirth kind of gal, but unfortunately that's off the table since I'm VBAC. Actually, it would be ideal for me to have the baby AT the hospital (I like being able to monitor baby and having access to emergency care if needed) and then come home immediately after for recovery. Too bad that's not an option, right?<br />
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We took EK to the pediatrician at 2 days old to check her numbers for jaundice. Jonathan had to install a closet that day at Lake Oconee so my mom came to my house that morning to come with me. She was late getting to my house and I had a little bit of a meltdown because we were late to the appointment. (I have been late to 75% of everything in my life, so clearly it's just that I was sleep deprived.) I apologized to her later. I definitely couldn't have done it without her! (Lesson learned...do NOT make early appointments when trying to get yourself and 4 kids, including a newborn, ready by yourself when you're 2 days post-partum and have only slept for 5 hours in the last 3 days. And yes, 10:30 am is "early.") Mom sat in the car with the boys and I took EK in. (I know I shouldn't have carried her carrier but didn't have my wrap with me to wear her.) They didn't end up doing a screening for the jaundice (which was our whole reason for coming in anyway), but told me they wanted us to come again 3 days later for another weight check. I was a little bit annoyed because she was only down to 7.4 (birth weight was 7.10) and my milk hadn't even come in yet. I prefer to stay out of the doctor's office as much as possible with all of the nasty exposure to germs & viruses, but of course I followed directions and scheduled it anyway. I did like the pediatrician though! Ours moved out of state last year, so I had to find a new one for the boys and it is an hour away. I couldn't handle driving that far as often as you have to go in the early days, so I decided to find one closer. I may transfer the boys...still undecided. I like them both.<br />
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My milk ended up coming in the Friday night after she was born. She was born Wednesday at 4:02 am, so a little under 48 hours. When I brought her back in for her checkup on Monday morning, she was back above birth weight.<br />
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Emmie Kate's "belly button cord" (as the boys called it) fell off on day 9. I gave her her first real bath in the sink in our bathroom at 10 days old. She seemed to like it. All of the boys were so concerned about her belly button and wanted to make sure it wasn't hurting her.<br />
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She's had very strong neck/head control (from day 1). She started turning her head side to side (while on her tummy) within the first few days.<br />
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Our first time at church was Sunday 11/3 (3 weeks old). She did great. Jonathan dropped us off at the door to go park, so I wore her and walked all the kids to their class. I left for the nursing room about halfway through the service. Other than her crying in the car on the way there, it was super smooth! (I think she just needed to burp. As soon as I got her out she let out a big burp. Jon complained the whole way there though & said he thought it was too early to be going to church.)<br />
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Speaking of car seat crying...she cried in car seat about 75% of time for the first 3.5 weeks. That's a part of why I didn't want to go anywhere. ;) Thankfully she stopped that at about a month old. Whoever was standing in agreement with us in prayer over that, we THANK YOU. (I want to laugh, but I'm actually serious. And if you've ever had a "car seat cryer" you feel me on all levels of this. Ha!)<br />
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She rolled over at almost 4 weeks! I put her down on her tummy and she rolled right over to her back, 3 times in a row.<br />
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I took 2 Colace in the hospital, & I know they helped because my first two bowel movements at home after having her were fine. I probably should have kept taking it though. And by probably, I mean definitely. (You forget about that part.) I had a few random gas pains that were pretty intense. It happened one time in front of Jon and he kept talking to me during it asking what was wrong...I had a flashback to labor/contractions. Lol! Later I told him if I look like I'm in a lot of pain, I know the temptation is strong and it's natural to want to ask what's wrong and if I'm okay, but to PLEASE try to resist the urge.<br />
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EK puked 3 different times in the first few weeks. She hasn't spit up at all. Those were all 3 bigger pukes and each time it was because I didn't burp her. I would just forget, keep feeding even she would be a little fussy, and sure enough a big vomit. Note to self: burp the baby. Be patient enough to not continue feeding until she burps. (Hasn't happened since I wrote that "note to self" a couple weeks to go, so sometimes those "notes to self" actually work.)<br />
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Sister likes to be held ALL the time. And I would LOVE if I could just lay around all day and hold her. If you're a first time mom, hear me...everything else can wait!! Just lay around all day and hold that baby! BUT, I'm not in that season so sometimes she has to fuss in her little bouncie chair for a few minutes while I finish doing dishes, cooking, or wiping someone else's booty.<br />
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We have had some BEAUTIFUL weather and we've been enjoying that. Finally had a cold front hit in the last week or so.</div>
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The boys...I am just in awe. I prayed that they would all have a sweet bond with the baby, but it has been UNREAL to watch how sweet they all three have been with her. I honestly didn't know what to expect because anytime anyone asked them if they were excited about a sister while I was pregnant, they all said no. But...It has been beyond my expectations and melts my heart! They all three dote over her, constantly want to talk to her and kiss her on the head. They talk so sweetly to her, pretend to read to her, sing to her, etc. Jase has been especially helpful & I am SO grateful. I know all of our transitions have been a lot on them, but God has been so faithful. They are such AMAZING boys and I am so, so proud of them and so thankful for the Lord showing up in this particular area.<br />
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If you want to love on a new mama, take her a meal! I am so, SO grateful for our friends/family who have brought meals!! I know people are probably intimidated because they think we eat healthy & don't know what to bring, but it's pretty much a free for all during this time. We've eaten pizza 3-4 times!</div>
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<i>**Meals: HUGE shout out to my parents, Brian & Laura (special thanks for doing crafts with the boys!), Papa & Jimmy, Dwight & Sue, Megan, Stephanie & Girls, Chelsi (sent me 8 freezer meals, all homemade from scratch! Plus a huge box of meat that came at the PERFECT time), Candice (for all the food & goodies), & Heather! My friend Katie also sent us a gift card for Pete's Paleo and that was a brilliant ideaa!</i><br />
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**1 month update! EK just turned a month old! She had her 1 month checkup and smiled and cooed at the doctor the whole time! It was ADORABLE!! Everything looked perfect and we are thankful for our healthy girl. 9 lbs & 9.5 oz and has grown 1/4". She jumped up on the growth chart. She has slept great for me (so thankful!) and quit crying in the car seat- HALLELUJAH!! Rolling over, smiling, cooing, and a little more content in her bouncie seat. Boys are still super, super sweet with her and it's very obvious she recognizes them/their voice.<br />
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I took After Ease for one whole week because the after birth pains while nursing were BRUTAL. I couldn't remember how long this lasted and don't remember it being so bad with the boys. It was a full week and then went away almost overnight. I was so thankful when they stopped! I would say the pain was equivalent to that of a contraction.<br />
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LOVING the Pink Story 3rd/4th trimester tea! And their lactation cookie mix tastes SO good!<br />
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My lower back was KILLING me the first few days home. I thought that pain would go away instantly after having the baby, but it took some time. I went to the chiropractor twice for adjustments. The first time after birth I was pretty jacked up and had a good bit of inflammation. I am trying to get in at least weekly for the first few weeks post-partum because everything is still loose from that relaxin hormone, but begins tightening back up as that goes away. That happens within 4-6 weeks after birth, so ideally you want everything in proper alignment as it goes back.<br />
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It took until about day 13-14 for the nipple pain to go away. The first 2 weeks was pretty brutal. I would cringe every time she would latch and Jase would ask "is it labor?" They would count down when she was about to latch and say "3-2-1-BITE!" Hahha!! When we were taking out newborn pictures, Kade told our photographer "watch out, she's gonna bite your milkies!" My mom thought that was HYSTERICAL!<br />
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I feel pretty good. This has been a very different season for us than I anticipated or what I was planning in my head when we decided it was time to try for a 4th. Our kitchen remodel upstairs isn't done yet, so I have slept in the basement and mostly stay down here (since this is where the kitchen is). I've tried to limit stairs to 6x/day or less and really wish I wasn't going up & down them at all, but that's just not possible. I'm the one laying Beau down for naps, getting the boys ready for the day and for bed, doing their bedtime routine, etc. Physically though I feel good. I feel like this is the fastest my body has ever bounced back. (Not like bikini ready or anything...I just mean the way I feel.) Like night sweats...only lasted about a week and wasn't that bad. (I remember waking up being DRENCHED after the boys.<br />
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I have really wanted to stay home and not go anywhere, which has been very surprising to me. Normally I'm on the go a good bit getting the boys to music, going to church/Bible study, going to co-op, gym, grocery store, running errands, etc., but I.don't.want.to.leave right now (even when I do have help). I've had to anyway each week for school and music, and took them on one field trip and to newborn pictures. (I hardly ever do family pics- only for Christmas cards because it's more stressful than anything, but I really wanted newborn pics.) Obviously I haven't been going to the gym, I've been ordering groceries online for pickup (which I still don't LOVE). I've been skipping Bible study because it's definitely the most overwhelming. It's almost a 40 minute drive each way, starts early, and all of my kiddos are on different floors of different buildings for their class. I'm just not up for that yet. I REALLY hate to miss it because I love, love, LOVE BSF, and I feel like the boys get as much out of it as I do. I may attempt it next week, but thankfully I'm still getting the lessons and you can listen to lectures online. SO...I'm only going the places I absolutely have to.<br />
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Jon has been working every day, and the days he is here he is doing things around the house to work on the remodel stuff, so I've been pretty much solo for the last 3 weeks. (I am thankful for my mom and sister for coming to help a few days & for meeting me at music each week! Shout out to my parents for coming to let me take a nap one day too.) I'm so thankful for his hard work, but it has been tough on both of us. I've prayed God would help me have a supernatural, speedy recovery & for my body to heal super quickly because I don't have any choice other than to bounce back. I remember feeling like the transition from from 1-2 and 2-3 kiddos was a breeze, but this has DEFINITELY been the toughest transition without Jon's help. He is always so hands on with the kiddos and helping around the house, so not having extra set of hands (when I need it more than ever) has stunk.<br />
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I think the hardest part is that she wants to be held all the time, and honestly I just want to hold her all the time, but I can't since there is so much that has to be done. Makes me sad- especially if this ends up being my last baby. (For the record, I don't think it is.) I know everyone likes to say "it can wait," and while that is a nice sentiment (and true for first time, maybe even second time mamas), the reality is we <b>have to</b> have clean clothes to wear, we have to eat food, & I live with a lotta dudes so I have to clean toilets ;). Jon has always been crazy helpful with all this type of stuff, but he doesn't have any extra time to be able to help right now. I'm trying to stay on top of everything with the house (laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.) & homeschool/music because I feel way more overwhelmed when I get behind. There are some areas I've let fall behind..I am behind in our school work, my Bible study, and haven't done much with our business the last few weeks even though I've really needed to (& Jon wants me to).<br />
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I have been cooking all of our meals at so home though in between people bringing us meals & we've really enjoyed that. (I got lazy towards the end of my pregnancy and we were eating out waaaay too much. It's so nice to eat a home-cooked meal!)<br />
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I also feel MUCH more like myself now, minus this ridiculous cold. I have just been overdoing it & not getting enough sleep (my hormones, not her), so I am run down. I felt so bad one night I thought about going to the ER & worried I might have had the flu. I've been doing my breastfeeding safe natural remedies and thankfully feel MUCH better today. Praying EK doesn't get any of this cough and thanking the Lord she seems fine so far.<br />
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She is sleeping great (praise the Lord!), but unfortunately I am not. I'm having a really hard time going to sleep or falling back asleep if I nurse her in the middle of the night. I also cannot fall asleep if I try to take a nap (the 1-2 times I've tried....napping isn't really an option right now). I'm sure it's hormonal, but man it's annoying.<br />
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I am LOVING seeing the bond that Emmie Kate has with Jonathan!! SO SO sweet!!! I know it seems early, but the adore each other already and it's PRECIOUS!! He was the first person she smiled for, and she lights up every time he talks to her and holds her. He is so sweet with her too and I could just watch them together all day.<br />
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Thank you, Lord, for our sweet girl and the BLESSING she is!! God knew our hearts needed her, and I love the new dynamic she is bringing to our family. Even though this season has had it's challenges (I just want to be transparent and remember everything, so that's why I put it all out there), we are overwhelmingly GRATEFUL.God is so good, so faithful, and we are thankful for the precious gift of Emmie Kate! It's been a wild, fun, crazy, exhausting, overwhelming, sweet, blessed first month.</div>
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<br />*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-80745433511655174082019-11-03T01:34:00.000-04:002019-11-03T01:34:20.657-04:00Hospital Stay with Emmie Kate<a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2019/10/our-birth-story-meeting-emmie-kate.html">Emmie Kate Butler arrived</a> at 4:02 am on 10/16/19.<br />
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We stayed in the labor and delivery room for about 2 hours after she was born. My parents both got to meet her, then headed out to find some coffee for themselves and breakfast for us.<br />
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By this time, I'd been awake for over 24 hours straight but my adrenaline was too high to even think about sleeping. I was so thankful that I felt SO good! I remember feeling a little yucky the last time I had a natural childbirth (I think I just needed to eat & drink something) but thankfully that didn't happen this time.<br />
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Our sweet nurse Diana took us to our room upstairs. She pushed me in the wheelchair (holding the baby) while Jon pushed the cart with all of our things. I remember thinking the bumps (over the elevator,etc) felt really BIG.<br />
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They were SWAMPED (from the full moon a couple days earlier maybe? I've heard that's legit) and we were all the way in the back in a small little room. We saw lots of familiar faces when we were walking in- loved that! They were really close to shift change, and we were so excited to find out that we were going to get Rachel (who we know from small group and were totally hoping & praying we'd get!!) and Mary Kate (who was the stork nurse that helped take care of EK downstairs). They are both so great!<br />
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As soon as we got up there we had about 30 minutes left with the first nurse before shift change. They did all of my stats/vitals and the baby's, gave her the vit K (stealth mode- I didn't even know they gave it which is kind of scary). She got a little bit choked on some mucous, so I handed her to the nurse and she was super calm as she patted her on the back and walked around to the table to get the bulb to suction her mouth. I was watching Jonathan's face because I couldn't see, and he looked panicked. It felt like forever but of course she ended up being fine. He said later they probably are taught to remain calm so they don't freak out the parents. They told us downstairs she may have more mucous because she came so quickly, but thankfully that was the last episode like that. I kept the bulb close by just in case though. (The ones from the hospital are the BEST.)<br />
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We were so excited to see Rachel come in! She is so sweet & nurturing, and it was very comforting to have someone you know and trust taking care of you.<br />
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My parents came to the room and brought us breakfast. Jonathan and I both ate while they held the baby. I made sure to pee two more times quickly so I could get my IV out (the rule used to be 3 pees, so I was drinking lots of water & filling up the pan hoping to get it out), but it turns out they changed it and you have to wait 24 hours. Boo! I called Rachel in because I thought she needed to see that I was filling up the bucket AND she changed EK's first poop diaper for me. (For some reason I was thinking they needed to know all this?) She was probably wondering why I was calling her in for all this! Ha! But of course she was very sweet and helpful and gave me my Rhogam shot around this time.<br />
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A couple hours later Jonathan's sister texted they were heading our way. Her and Papa took all the kiddos to Longstreet for breakfast, and she told Jon Jase had thrown up while they were there. He hadn't been sick at all the night before, so we decided we would still let him come in and just not get too close to the baby. Honestly, we all think it was just that he was a little bit anxious. (He's not a super anxious kid, but this is the first time he's really been old enough to understand everything. I think he was a little overwhelmed watching me have contractions and waking up to us not being there.)<br />
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The boys wore their big bro shirts & I was <b>so happy</b> to see them! I wish I had let them come in by themselves to meet the baby first (& wish I had her in her bassinet when they came in instead of me holding her) but I didn't even think about it at the time & it all happened kind of quickly.<br />
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I love Beau's facial expressions...he's not so sure about all this.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">We had gifts for them in the hospital room from Emmie Kate. Rachel also brought us some big brother stickers. I got them each a bag filled with goodies from Five Below & they LOVED that (sticker books, books, candy, a pencil bag filled with markers, a car you have to put together, etc.). </span></div>
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Gifts & candy "from the baby" definitely helped! (Wise advice from one of my mentors!)<br />
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The three handsome big bros...</div>
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Jase (6)</div>
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Kade (4)</div>
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Beau (2)</div>
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Jonathan's dad (Papa), sister (Aunt Jade who they all call "Jimmy"), and niece (Kayton) all got to meet EK too. That's one proud Pop, & KK was so sweet with her. Jade brought me a yummy omelette filled with veggies!<br />
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Look at those proud big brothers!!<br />
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We had several more visitors throughout the day. Loved seeing so many sweet friends and family! SUPER grateful for our incredible support system. Emmie Kate snoozed through all of it so I went about 4ish hours without feeding her. I wondered if that was part of why she didn't pass her first jaundice test- since I went too long without feeding her? I know lots of poop/pee diapers helps flush everything out. (But I also one of the listed side effects from the vitamin K vaccine.)<br />
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EK met Aunt Tammie, Morgen, Renee, Laura, Stephanie, Gracie, & Chloe.<br />
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They were wanting to do the bath, but I kept putting it off for visitors. The tech was so sweet though!</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I honestly wanted to skip the bath altogether but Jon told me not to be super weird, so I just kept putting it off or as long as possible. She finally got us around 4:30 or so.</span></div>
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Is this not so sweet of her combing her little hair?</div>
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Aunt Stephanie dressed her after her bath.</div>
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The pediatrician came in to check her and said she looked perfect. The lactation specialist came in & brought me some nursing pads and Lasinoah cream. She asked if I had ever nursed before, & when I told her I had nursed each of my three boys for around 15 months, she said I was probably an old pro (but I still had her check to make sure the latch looked okay). It did. Thankfully our girl was nursing great, but it only took that one bad latch and BOOM- blisters, the infamous 'lipstick," & curling my toes through every nursing session after that. I continued to need the After Ease when I was nursing because some of those after birth cramps were INTENSE.<br />
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After everyone left, I fed her and ate a little snack myself. I remember the food being a little better with Jase & Kade, so I mostly ate my own snacks I brought from home.<br />
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My parents came back with the boys that evening for a little while & EK met some of the rest of the fam- two of my other nieces, Carsyn & Presley.<br />
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Aunt Tammie sent us this bear. So sweet! Kade wrote his name perfectly on it.</div>
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Still my baby.</div>
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The nurses has a shift change again at 7 pm and Mary Kate came back again. Jon ended up leaving around 9:30ish pm to go get us something to eat. Almost everything was closed so he ended up getting us both a salad from Zaxby's.<br />
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Emmie Kate did 2 poop and 1 pee diapers throughout the day.<br />
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I can't remember when the after birth pains started, but they were pretty brutal when I was nursing. I don't remember them being so bad with any of the other boys, but I also took Motrin after having them so not sure if that is part of it or if it's just that this is my 4th baby. Some of them were as intense as contractions. I brought some After Ease (by Wish Garden) and would take that any time they were bothering me.<br />
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I had been awake for over 36 hours at this point and I was so excited to sleep! Unfortunately she did a little cluster feed and wanted to use me as a paci, so I didn't really get any rest. My nipples were SO sore & it killed me anytime she'd latch.<br />
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Anyway, I remember everything, but the timeline is probably off on some of these things because I was so exhausted! Middle of the night baby...ha!<br />
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On an unrelated side note...aren't you thankful for swaddles with the velco? Those nurses put my swaddling skills to shame...they all swaddle like a boss!<br />
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ANYWAY. I do know they came back in around 4 am to do her bloodwork, bilirubin, PKU, etc. They gave her sugar water while doing the testing (like 3 viles of it, actually) & I was NOT happy about that. I didn't realize until it was too late because they were doing my vitals and taking my IV out (praiiiiise!), but I was pretty blown away they gave her that sugar water without asking. I guess it's just standard, but I never would have agreed to that. Jonathan was actually the one who brought it up to me when he realized & he didn't like that they did that either. The gal doing it asked him to come put a glove on and put his pinky in her mouth. He said "wow, I Can see why breastfeeding hurts so bad. Geez!" Hahah! Labor was over, so his jokes were finally funny again.<br />
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The next morning Dr. Martin came by to check on me. I was doing great so there wasn't really anything to check. Uterus moving like it should, minimal bleeding, great blood pressure, no fever, feeling good (other than exhausted). He offered to call me in some medicine if I needed it (I hadn't taken any pain medicine at all) & reminded me to schedule my 6 week checkup. Said he was praying we'd be able to get home soon and gave me a green light to be discharged. One box checkced!<br />
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When the results came in from EK's blood work, Mary Kate let me know everything was perfect (praise!) except the bilirubin screening (boo!). Emmie Kate was at 7.1 and they wanted her to be below 6.5, so that meant we would have to stay and re-test in 8 more hours. Jon was not happy about having to stay the extra time. We were really hoping to go home around 7 am, but that meant we'd have to wait to re-rest at 12 pm the next day. I made sure to feed her tons and sit in front of the window some. Still no sleep at this point I don;t think??<br />
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They came in to pick up her paperwork for birth certificate & to do her hearing screening (which she passed). Around 12:40, Rachel came in to get more bloodwork. This time I asked specifically if we could skip the sugar water and they did. I was glad Rachel was doing it this time.<br />
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Around 1:45, the pediatrician came in to let us know she was back where she needed to be on the curve for us to be able to go home. HALLELUJAH! (Appreciated the nurses, but I was ready to be home in my OWN bed!) She showed me the chart & how her number was still increasing (as it does) but was only an 8, so it was more along the lines of where they wanted it to be at this point. (I'm super nerdy and always like to know allllll the details, which I'm sure doesn't surprise anyone.) They wanted us to go back to the pediatrician in 2 more days to have it checked again, so I called to make an appointment. They came in and gave us all our discharge paperwork/instructions. There was a nurse in training, so she went through all of that with us. (She seemed a little nervous but did a great job.) I know it's my 4th baby and all, but I still like to listen intently. They talked to me about PPD & also gave me a survey to fill out. I was trying not to be know-it-all-Nancy but wanted to tell them magnesium has proven extremely effective in treating anxiety/depression and lots of women probably have depleted stores and deficiencies from pregnancy. I would think this could be really helpful, but I just didn't say anything because #iamlearningnottosayeverythingithink. I do think they should give a little more education on taking care of your pelvic floor because most moms probably have no idea and end up way overdoing it. For example, women should really not carry anything heavier than the baby for a couple weeks, should wear an ab binder for 6ish weeks post-partum, should really avoid stairs as much as possible, start doing kegels, and take it easy. Continue on prenatals and try to eat as nourishing/nutrient-dense of a diet as possible while drinking LOTS of clean, filtered water. All really important while your body recovers because there is a such thing as fourth trimester. (I learned most of this doing my own research after developing diastasis recti after Beau.)<br />
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We packed everything up and Jonathan took a load of our things out to the truck. She started crying as soon as we put her in her car seat so I went to get a paci for her from one of the nurses when Jon got back. Rachel walked us out to check the car seat and we waited on Jon to pick us up out front. The baby did great on the way home and we stopped by our PO box to check the mail. My dad took my older two boys to music for me and then him, my mom, sister, and nephew Zach brought all the boys out to our house later that evening. They also brought us dinner from Quillians Grill.<br />
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Welcome home, sweet girl!! We are so glad you are a part of Team Butler! (Dad says the "finale" but I'm still not so sure yet that you'll be our caboose. I think you need a sister!) You truly are a gift from above and we are so very thankful you're ours. Let the fun begin!!<br />
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<br />*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-23290323848202394172019-10-27T18:43:00.001-04:002019-10-27T22:43:59.616-04:00Our Birth Story: Meeting Emmie Kate!!My last checkup was my <a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2019/10/baby-butler-4-is-40-weeks.html">40 week appointmen</a>t on October 11. Happy due date, sweet girl! I couldn't believe I was watching another due date come and go because I REALLY thought she would be here before then. I was 3 cm, still about 60%. She did another membrane sweep and we scheduled my next appointment for the following Friday (I'd be 41 weeks) and went ahead and put an induction date of 10/22 (41+3 again, same as Beau) on the books. At this point my biggest prayer was that she would come on her own and I would NOT have to be induced again! I felt like she would so I wasn't super worried about it, but I will say this is the most "ready" I have ever been at for one of my babies to come.<br />
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My parents let the boys spend the night with them that Friday night after my appointment and Jonathan and I went out on a date night. (If you live in Gainesville area and haven't had Recess on the square, you've gotta try it. SO good!) The rest of the weekend was business as usual. I took the boys to a birthday party on Saturday, we went to church Sunday morning, and then dinner with Jon's dad and sister on Sunday night. Monday we did school, I made dinner, and we went to the gym. I walked on the treadmill because that was the only thing that seemed to bring on contractions. I actually had to stop two different times because I was having contractions (yay!), but nothing was consistent or crazy intense. It actually felt kind of good to have a contraction as crazy as that sounds.<br />
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Tuesday morning I took the boys to our homeschool co-op and then met my mom and dad for lunch at Zoe's with the boys. Tuesday (10/15) is my mom's birthday!! I had a feeling Emmie Kate was coming soon because I was having contractions all throughout the day, but nothing consistent enough to time yet. After lunch I took the boys to get hair cuts & and we got home around 4:30. I wanted to go to the gym to walk some more, but Jonathan was busy doing things around the house so we decided to just stay home. I made teriyaki chicken, baked sweet potatoes, and roasted cauliflower and broccoli (which I ended up burping up all throughout labor- yuck) and then baked some cookies for dessert. My contractions were really picking up while I was cooking dinner. Jonathan kept trying to make jokes but I didn't think they were funny. Ha! Jase said "I know Emmie Kate is coming soon because we prayed for her to come soon. Dad, I think mom's in labor and you need to call 911!" Every time I'd stop and pause Jase would ask "is it labor?" And Jonathan kept asking "What is it? A contraction?" I don't like to talk when I'm dealing with any sort of pain, & if I didn't respond Jon kept on asking over and over...but I was trying to be sweet and loving even though it was pretty annoying. ;)<br />
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After dinner I cleaned up and washed dishes (have I mentioned that I cannot WAIT for a dishwasher?!? I am grateful this was my last time trying to wash them with my big old belly getting in the way though), then went upstairs to get the boys ready for bed. At around 7:30/8 I told Jonathan we might should call his sister Jade over to come spend the night with the boys just in case. I just didn't want to call her a 3 am and have her rush to get to our house since we live about 30 minutes away. I texted her and he called her (he actually told her we didn't need her to come cuz I'd just delivered the baby in the tub...daddio got jokes) and we told her we'd let her know by 9 pm for sure. Contractions were coming more consistently and by 9 pm they were consistently 10 minutes apart. I was still debating because I didn't want to waste her time if they were just going to stop, but I decided we should probably have her come just to be on the safe side. She left work, got her little girl, and got to our house around 10ish. Grateful for friends & family willing to drop everything for us! I took a quick shower, dried my hair, and painted my toes. Jon said "You're going to have this baby in the middle of the night, aren't you?" I was like "uhhhhh, I don't know. Probably! I'm just grateful she's coming on her own though!"<br />
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By this time contractions were every 7-8 minutes but still not unbearable. I decided to call and leave a message for the midwife around 11:45 pm to see when they wanted me to come in since the doctors kept telling me #4 can come quick. Plus, they wanted me in to monitor the baby since I'm VBAC. One of my biggest prayers this whole pregnancy was that I'd know WHEN to go to the hospital. When I called, I didn't think about what I was going to say ahead of time so I just said "I think I'm in labor and trying to decide when to come in." When she called back she asked me the normal questions "Has their been any bleeding? Has your water broken? Are you able to breathe and talk through contractions? How far apart and how long are they lasting?" No to bloody show, no to water breaking, 7-8 minutes apart, and I told her I was actually having a contraction right then. She asked if I had tried laying down & suggested I drink some water and lay down to see if it was the real thing. I wanted to say"No I'm for sure in labor, that's not the question...I'm just trying to figure out when to come in." (I should have just said that to start with instead of beating around the bush, because by this time I KNEW I was in labor.) I decided to try laying down, but as soon as I did I had a monster contraction that I couldn't talk through. Whoa! I prayed "Okay Lord, if I have another one like that I'll know it's time to go on in." Sure enough, about 8 min later, another monster contraction. It was about 12:30ish probably and I called Jon in the room (he had just finished working on the house and had just sat down to start drawing a closet) and I told him it was time to go. He loaded the truck with the boys' gifts, the boppy, car seat, my bag, gifts for the nurses, etc. We hopped in the truck (it was raining) and were jamming to some praise music & prayed together. When we got to the end of our road (about 12 min from our house & halfway to the hospital) I realized I forgot my mascara (hahaha, hello diva!) & told him we needed to run by the store. He said Wal-Mart was the only thing open and it'd just be easier to go back home really quick. By this time contractions were about every 6 min and we got behind a truck pulling a trailer going like 5 mph the whole way! It took us what felt like <b>forever</b> to get home. Jonathan asked me to try not to have the baby in the car! You got it bro. We got home and I grabbed my mascara out of my car and we were back on our way. He dropped me off at the entrance to check in while he went to park. Unfortunately it was sprinkling AND the doors to the maternity entrance were locked. I forgot you have to go in through the emergency room entrance after a certain time of night. I had to stop once while I was walking over to the entrance because contractions were getting stronger. When I got in and called triage, again they were asking me questions like I wasn't in labor. (I know it's just standard. I know there are probably lots of people who come in too soon. I know they have no way of knowing that I am NOT one of those people.) It almost makes you feel stupid so I tried calling Jonathan to tell him not to get all the bags out of the car in case they weren't going to keep me. He didn't answer though and about that time walked in with all the bags. I had another contraction in the waiting room and then a nurse came out and called me back. I changed into a gown. peed in a cup, told her my quick story (3 births, first c-section because of a swollen cervical lip, 2nd natural VBAC, 3rd induction/VBAC). She put me on the monitor and checked me. Baby looked great, definitely having some good contractions, and she said I was 6 cm and they were going to put me in a room. She asked if I preferred a doc or midwife and I told her I didn't care. I had my bloody show as soon as I sat up from getting checked. (Jon was a little grossed out- he told the nurse he was there for the after party & not all the pre-game stuff! Lol!) This was at 2:15 am.<br />
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When we got into the room (same room where I delivered Kade I think) & I met all the nurses. Registration also came in.at the same time, and at this point I'm having regular contractions that are growing in intensity. The nurse decided to ask Jon some of the questions while I was talking to the super sweet registration lady.<br />
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When I declined something for Emmie Kate, one of the nurses said she wasn't sure if they had to call DFCS and she would find out. She picked up the phone to call to ask in front of us. I really did not appreciate that because I know she knew the answer and felt like it was bullying/a scare tactic, but I prayed that I would be Christlike to everyone I encountered and that we would have favor with the staff. Thankfully I was in the middle of a big contraction so I had to focus on that & I know that was God's way of keeping my mouth closed. I have read every single insert, done a ridiculous amount of research & prayed through every decision, studied research from toxicologists, read published medical journals, & listened to a 14 hour evidence based seminar on all of these things. I'm not just a mom blogger making a decision based on someone's FB post, but thankfully it all went smoothly after that and I never had to say anything. After that was over, all of the nurses were so sweet and encouraging! Everyone we came into contact with was wonderful. The charge nurse did a great job getting my IV in quickly and painlessly. Our nurse Diana was also very sweet and super open to whatever I wanted to try when I told her I wanted natural childbirth again and preferred to be able to move around. At that time the midwife came in to check in on us and she offered to break my water, but I prefer to let it break on its own so I opted out. She also told us they switched shifts at 7 am and who would be on call the next day. I think this made Jonathan think we had some time, but after she left things started picking up & I knew EK was coming sooner than later. He was working on drawing a closet he had to get done & I remember asking him if he thought I should go ahead and call my mom. He said "nah. let them sleep," but I felt like it was getting close so I went ahead and called them around 3:20. The nurse, Diana, suggested we try a new monitor they have that is wireless, allows you to move around (even get in the shower) and still monitors baby continuously. The other monitors NEVER stay on me since my belly is so round, so not thinking clearly I agreed. She had to exfoliate my belly (contractions were pretty intense at this point and coming pretty quickly so I barely noticed) and tried 2 different monitors, but neither would hook up. I later realized they were blue tooth and was thankful they didn't work!<br />
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At this point, my legs started trembling and I knew I was in transition. I know it's intense, but the shortest part of labor and usually means you're very close. I also know it's when you tend to doubt & want to "give up." I told Jonathan that I was in transition (and he later told me he had no idea what that meant) & told him he needed to get me a trash can cuz I thought I might throw up. I was also starting to feel hot & my legs were still shaking. When Diana walked out of the room to try to get another monitor, I remember feeling very alone. I was staring at the back of Jonathan's head while he was drawing a closet- and I kind of wanted to just throw something at him. Lol! I remember thinking "He has no idea what a rock star I am" and wishing I had a doula. Bwahah! I mean, could I be any more humble?!? I also told him I needed him, but I didn't want him to talk to me or touch me. (Poor guy. I can see how that would be confusing for him.) He tried to encourage me but I kept telling him to shhh. At this point I was doing the low moaning as I was trying to relax and breathe through contractions. I was quoting Scripture in my head over and over. I was thinking about the baby turning and moving down the birth canal and trying to breathe all the way into my uterus and where the contractions were happening. I asked Jonathan if he thought I should just go ahead and get an epidural because I couldn't take much more of this. He tried to encourage me but another contraction came on and I shhhhed him again. I knew this was normal during transition, but I just needed some reassurance and wanted him near me.<br />
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At this point I was laying on my left side. I had asked for the peanut and a ball, but I wasn't getting a long enough rest between contractions to even move. When Diana came back in I told her I was in transition and it probably wouldn't be long. I told her I felt like I was dying and she encouraged me and told me what a great job I was doing. I hadn't been checked again since getting to the hospital, and I wasn't on the monitor since we were trying to get hooked up to the other one. (This meant no one but me knew how strong they were and how quickly they were coming.) I told her I thought my water was maybe breaking a little (I was actually feeling some pressure but couldn't say it) and she said "I was thinking the same thing but that just smells like urine." Lol! We cracked up about that later. (No shame. I had lost all sense of decency by this point, another sign we were getting close.) I told them I wanted to try getting on the ball. Jonathan helped me get out of the bed to get on the ball. At this point I was having a contraction, so I leaned over the bed while Diana stood behind me with her arms around me to hold the monitor on the baby. She said "Wow, she is really low." When the contraction was over and I sat down on the ball, my water ruptured everywhere! It was just like a movie!! I have never had my water break like that, but it legit sounded like a balloon popping and dumping a bucket of water on the floor. (Poor Diana. Her shoes probably got soaked on that one.) She said "now THAT was your water!" Jon turned his head around and told me later he thought I'd thrown up on the floor or something. It was SO loud! I felt pressure immediately (I'd been feeling a little before that too but again couldn't really communicate much) and I just said "She's coming! She's coming!" I stood up and leaned over the bed, then climbed on it quickly (I was on all 4's) because I didn't want her to come out onto the floor. Diana said "Well, I can see that she has hair!" I couldn't see her, but Jon said she looked a little bit frantic (although she was talking calmly to me) and fumbled to get her gloves on and the phone to call for backup. She said she needed someone immediately- nurse, doctor, tech, whoever, ASAP in our room!<br />
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(At this point my mom was right outside my room but they wouldn't let her in. She said she heard them calling over the intercom and knew it was for me.)<br />
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Several nurses rushed into my room ASAP and they told me they needed to get me onto my back. (I was still on all fours at this point.) I promise I wasn't trying to squat her out or anything, there was just so much pressure and I told them I felt like I couldn't move. A lady with dark curly hair said "sweetie, this is probably going to be a nurse catch so we need you on your back for liability." Jon asked if he needed to help me. I don't know how I got rolled over, but next thing I know I'm on my back, my legs are up (they had to help me grab them), and the midwife was walking in putting her gloves on. I'm sure everyone was relieved. (Later the nurse thanked her for running to get there!) EK's head was already crowning at this point and it's what they call the "ring of fire." It was pretty intense & felt like it lasted forever, but to me that part isn't nearly as bad as the contractions right before. I stayed here through the rest of the "break," and with the next contraction I felt the urge to push again. They were all encouraging me to push too. so I pushed and the next thing I heard was "head's out..." Then "look down mom" and they handed her to me. Emmie Kate Butler, born at 4:02 am on October 16th, head full of dark hair. She was lifting her head and looking up at me. She was just beautiful!<br />
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They mentioned she had some bruising on her face (she did come out fast), and I remember asking if she was okay. I told them originally (before delivery) I wanted to see how the birth went to determine if I wanted to do vit K. (I did it with all the boys, but they don't have preservative free so I was strongly considering drops this go round if everything was uneventful.) I ended up doing it because of the bruising, but I'm still not sure how I feel about it. Jaundice is one of the known side effects, and she did not pass her first test which meant we had to stay in the hospital an extra 10 hours to re-test.<br />
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They wanted to cut the cord pretty soon after she was born, but I asked if we could leave it for a little bit longer. They let me know it was already white and done, but I asked if we could just hang on for a few minutes anyway. At this point they let my mom in & she came over and cut the cord for us at 10 min. I would have loved to have waited even longer but I felt like I was bothering everybody. The feeling of the cord on you is the WEIRDEST feeling ever. I can't stand that thing touching me but wanted delayed clamping for as long as possible so I just tried to block it out. (It feels like an octopus on you or something.) My mom cut MY cord when I was born, so it was very special she got to do this for Emmie Kate too. (I hate that she missed the birth but was glad she was able to get in there so soon after she was born.) Jonathan was more than happy to give her the honor.<br />
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The midwife said "Wow, you were just meant to have babies!" And Jon immediately chimed in and said "yea, 4 babies!" Hahhaa!!! They all kept saying "You didn't even need us in here" but lawd have mercy, I am SO glad I made it to the hospital in plenty of time! One of the nurses said "You didn't even break a sweat!" I was just thinking "y'all didn't see me about 10 minutes ago writhing and moaning on the bed!" I told Jon after having birthed my last 3 babies and knowing what I know now, I don't think I would have had a c-section the first go round. If I had it to do over, I would not get checked so much and I would have let my water break on its own with Jase.<br />
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They took the baby for just a minute while I changed my gown and went to pee. When they gave her back, she started nursing immediately like a champ. She nursed for 15-20 min on one side and about 40 min on the other.<br />
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The stork nurse was such a sweetheart and let me keep nursing as long as I wanted. She did an awesome job getting her footprints and all of her stats.<br />
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When they weighed her, Emmie Kate was 7 lbs, 10 oz, and 21" long. They all commented on how perfectly round her head was for being a vaginal delivery.I couldn't get over how DARK her hair<br />
was!<br />
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I decided not to take any Motrin or anything since I felt so good. I chugged a huge bottle of water I brought from home (total water snob) & ate a half of a Clif bar. They moved us to mother/baby around 6 am (at which point I'd officially been awake for over 24 hours straight).<br />
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Super proud parents!! Can't believe we have a GIRL!<br />
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Jonathan's birthday is October 17th, so I love that she wanted her own birthday and the Lord snuck her right in there between my mom and Jonathan.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My beautiful, precious girl....we have prayed for you! You are an answered prayer, and I felt God's hand on every part of your delivery. I can't wait to watch you grow and see how the Lord uses you, Emmie Kate.</span><br />
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<i>**Also, huge shout out to my sweet prayer warrior friends (you know who you are) who prayed very specifically for ua. Your timing blew me away, & it was so cool hearing afterwards how and when you interceded for us. You ladies are such a treasure to me and I know God used you and your prayers!</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2013/05/our-birth-story-meeting-william-jase.html">Our Birth Story: Meeting Jase</a><br />
<a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2015/06/our-birth-story-meeting-andrew-kade.html">Our Birth Story: Meeting Kade</a><br />
<a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2017/03/our-birth-story-meeting-beau-michael.html">Our Birth Story: Meeting Beau</a>*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7983209524173572063.post-6123335606038012942019-10-12T10:23:00.003-04:002019-10-12T10:44:13.253-04:00Baby Butler #4 is 40 Weeks!!<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Update:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> I had a checkup on Friday 10/4 when I was 39 weeks. My blood pressure was great, heart beat was strong, she was measuring right on & moving well. I was 2 cm, 60%, & a -3 station. She swept my membranes (which wasn't as painful as I was anticipating) to try to stir up some action. We went to a birthday party that afternoon & the boys had a blast. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Spent the next week doing all the normal things with the boys (BSF, music, church), finalizing things around the house, & praying for contractions. I ran some stairs & took an afternoon nap most days. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">No action really though. We didn't schedule my 40 week, so I had to call to book that. I went on 10/11 for my 40 week. Everything still looked/sounded great. Measuring right on. This time I was 3 cm (I had a couple of contractions the night before but nothing too serious) & still 60%. She swept my membranes again and I did lots of walking. (Definitely the most action I feel, but my back gets tired and I really want to sit.) </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">My parents took the boys to the movies yesterday and let them spend the night last night so I could get a good night's sleep. Jonathan and I enjoyed a fun date night at our favorite restaurant on the square, & I slept for a full 7 hours last night without getting up till 5.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">They went ahead and set my next appointment for next Friday (when I'll be 41 weeks) and set an induction for the following Monday (10/21...holy moly, does that not seem like forever away?). They haven't done any ultrasounds or monitoring or anything this time- I feel like I had way more of that with Beau. I'm thankful though. I know they'll do all of that if I make it to the next appointment.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">My mom's birthday is 10/15 and Jonathan's is 10/17. Everyone kept joking when we first found out I was pregnant I could have her on one of their birthdays and I was like "yea right, there's no way I'll go past my due date again." But here we are! Hahhaa! I seriously cannot believe it. (I say that every single time I'm pregnant. Jase was 40+1, Kade 40+2. Beau 41+3. Anyone noticing a trend here??)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">I am not uncomfortable or anything, but I am really praying she comes on her own. I really, really do not want to be induced (ever) again. I don't plan to labor at home as long this time once active labor begins because I feel like it will go quickly. (Then again, my "gut feelings" haven't exactly been spot on so who even knows.) If I could pick an ideal time, it'd be during the day so I could get the boys somewhere without having to wake anyone up in the middle of the night to come stay with them. But at this point, I'm not picky.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">We are all VERY ready to meet her! Jase is starting to ask lots of questions and is way more interested in her. He is also anxious for me to sign him up for some 5Ks and really wants me to be able to run with him again. Kade has been extra loving with me too. If anyone asks, they say they aren't excited about a girl, but I can't WAIT to see them with her. I love hearing them talk about her and try to help us name her sister. (Jon said a big fat NO. Me and the boys both want another baby though. Jase wants to name her Elizabeth.)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">I reread my birth stories from the boys. God is so good! I've had 3 completely different labor/delivery experiences, so I sorta feel like that makes me the ideal patient, right? I mean, I know that every labor is different and am open for whatever it takes to get her here safely. Ideally I want another natural, vaginal birth. I definitely want to avoid anesthesia if I can until I can do more research (after learning anesthesia can affect you differently if you have the MTHFR gene mutation, which I do.) My easiest recovery was after Beau.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Here are my birth stories with the boys. I'm so grateful I typed them out because there are SO many details I definitely would have forgotten!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"><a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2013/05/meeting-william-jaseour-birth-story.html">Meeting Jase</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"><a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2015/06/our-birth-story-meeting-andrew-kade.html">Meeting Kade</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2017/03/our-birth-story-meeting-beau-michael.html">Meeting Beau</a><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">My Symptoms:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> I can't think of anything. I feel good. Very thankful for a healthy pregnancy. (After I typed that, I remembered...holy moody! I feel way more easily irritated than normal, so I'm just keeping my mouth shut & ask the Lord to fill me with JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, & self-control.)</span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Maternity Clothes:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> Temps dropped this week and I wore some of my favorite maternity jeans. It's cool in the mornings and evenings but still hot during the day. Feels SO good outside! Mostly wearing leggings & t-shirts, & then dresses to church on Wed & Sunday.</span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Movement:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> Sometimes I forget & think "uh oh, have I felt her move?" But when I pay attention, she's moving plenty. She definitely moves the most at night time. I'm hoping that isn't an indication of how it'll be after she's born...</span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Sleep:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> I've been taking naps the last few days (when I can) because I wake up at 3:15 every morning to pee, and then wake up at 5ish for the day. I'm normally a 7:30ish (or later) kinda gal, & I personally think waking up that early is for the birds! Ha!! Sleeping okay.</span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Cravings:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> Popsicles. And anything sweet. Definitely been feeling more hungry lately.</span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Supplements:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> Still taking & LOVING </span><a href="https://livecleanlivewell.idlife.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #f8238d; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px; text-decoration-line: none;">IDLife</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">.</span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Nutrition:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> I've slacked up a little these last couple weeks. Definitely need to tighten up. Eating more junk than I normally would (because when someone brings you donut minis or a Chik-Fil-A biscuit, you eat it, right?). </span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Work Outs:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> Mostly walking. I did take a body pump class last week and did some body weight squats and upper body stuff yesterday, but mostly walking. That's when I feel the most "action."</span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Goals for next week:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> Have a baby!!! Been meaning to ask how long they'll let the cord pulse before cutting it but I keep forgetting. Hopefully I get to find out live and in person before I get a chance to ask at another appointment.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Sibling Comparisons:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"><a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2013/05/baby-butler-is-40-weeks-all-about-week.html">40 Weeks with Jase</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"><a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2015/06/babybutlernumerodos-is-40-weeks.html">40 Weeks with Kade</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"><a href="http://www.butlerpartyof4.com/2017/02/baby-butler-3-is-40-weeks.html">40 Weeks with Beau</a></span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">What I’m praying about:</u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;">Still praying I go into labor on my own, make it to the hospital in plenty of time, and we have a God-ordained staff of medical professionals who have the wisdom and minds of Christ. Praying it's quick (but not too quick) and we have a perfectly healthy baby and mama. Praying for a natural birth free of any interventions, and that I will be Christlike to everyone I come into contact with.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 18.4px;"><u>Praise Report:</u> A couple weeks ago Jonathan and I were driving after church to his uncle's funeral where he was going to be a pall bearer. We were in the left lane and came over the top of a hill where traffic was dead stopped. He locked it up (as did all the cars in front of him and behind him) and looked to see if he could get over to avoid rear ending the guy in front of him or getting rear ended by the guy behind us. Unfortunately there were cars coming in the right lane so we couldn't get over to the right, and to the left was a median and two lanes of traffic coming from the opposite direction. We just sat there like sitting ducks and I was praying the cars behind us weren't going to hit us. You could hear tires squealing all over the place. The three cars in front of us all hit one another. The four cars behind us all hit one another. We saw pieces of vehicles flying everywhere, and it was one of the times in my life I can remember almost VISIBLY see the hand of God putting a hedge of protection around us. No one was severely injured thankfully, & I know it stunk for everyone involved, but it would have been a way bigger deal for us. We would have had to replace 4 car seats, and I probably would have had to go by ambulance to the hospital immediately. Car wrecks are always scary, but at 39 weeks, you reallly do not want to be in a wreck. I am so incredibly thankful for the Lord's hand of protection on us that day and wanted to give him praise by sharing that testimony. He is faithful!</span>*Butler, Party of 4*http://www.blogger.com/profile/13259874091406217654noreply@blogger.com0