Moments from Motherhood Monday: God loves them more than me.

It's the first day of school today. 

Here are my 4 older children all ready to walk to school

 

I must admit, I was a little grumpy yesterday.  I know why, but didn't want to share with the hubby.  You see, I long to home school my children.  I did for 2 years, against my husbands wishes.  I was stubborn and refused to put them in public school.  It was always a big fight with us.  On our 7 day drive across the country from California to Maryland (thank you Marine Corps), I had lots of time to talk with God.  I'd been praying for a while that my husband would step up and take his place as head of our house.  He did just that and put his foot down on that trip. He told me that they were going to public school.  For some reason I couldn't even speak.  I cried and prayed and heard God very clearly.  "Katie," he said, "The kids will be just fine."  Peace came over me immediately.  "It's more important for them to see their mommy and daddy standing together as one.  Submit to your husband, I'll watch over the children."

 

I know that God loves my children more than I ever could.  And I trust Him.  I prayed this morning for peace.  As I dropped my babies off at school, I felt peace. 

 

 

 

Here I am with baby Abby in the carrier and my PreK boy, Eli.  He starts school the 4th of September.

It's going to be a quiet day today.

 

 

 

Blessings,

 

Crunchy Katie

 

 

 

Help me plan my next Giveaway

I love sending out those winner emails.  I love getting them too!  I remember the first time I won a giveaway.  I had just found out we were expecting #5.  Hubby was a bit stressed about all of the baby gear we would need to buy.  I scoured the Internet to find every giveaway for every imaginable baby gear item. 

I entered so many I lost count and didn't even know when the next one ended.  I checked my email multiple times a day and nothing. 

But then I realized I had a SPAM folder.  I felt like I was Charlie Bucket opening the Wonka bar looking for the golden ticket.  Sure enough I had WON!  I WON a giveaway!!!  And it was for a $300+ Britax car seat!!!  I was on cloud 9 for days. 

I love sending my readers to cloud 9.  So please help me plan my next giveaway!!

Please tell me what your most favorite, natural baby products are.  Also let me know one thing that you wish you would have known when you had your first baby. 

I want to do a giveaway event focused on helping first time moms.  Please leave a comment below and have your friends come too.  The more comments I get the bigger the event will be. 

Ready, Set, GO!!!

Blessings,

Crunchy Katie

Winner!

Super congrats to Roxanne DeBord.  She is the lucky winner of the Flufftastic Summer Celebration giveaway! 

Happy cloth diapering Roxanne!

Can't wait to put together another awesome giveaway for you all.  Stick around k.

Blessings,

Crunchy Katie

Food For The Soul Friday: Do you know who you are?

"What religion are you?"  I've heard many people answer this question by saying "I don't have a religion, I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."  In fact, I'm quite certain I've said that before myself.  But what on earth does that mean?  One verse that is used constantly to tell people how much God loves them is John 3:16.  I love how well The Message puts it.

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.  John 3:16-18

Insert "me" where "the world" is written.  This is how much God loved "ME".  That's right, it's personal.  He really did it for each and every person that He created. 

This became profound for me when I became a mother.  Imagine choosing to give your own child up.   Allowing him to suffer, and die, as Christ did for another person.  I cannot even fathom it.  God did that for me and for you.  I guarantee there is no person on this earth who loves you enough to do what God did for us.  I feel so special when I think of how much he loves me. 

God is the King.  He is your Father in Heaven, the Kingdom of Heaven.  And you, the children of God, are all princes and princesses.

Now that you know how much he loves you, let's get to the relationship part.  You may wonder how you can have a relationship with someone you can't see or touch.  In any relationship there is one most important thing.  Communication.  That is how to have a relationship with Christ.  Communicate with him.  You don't even have to talk out loud.  Tell him when you're sad, mad, frustrated, or excited.  Ask him for things that you want and need.  Tell him please and thank you.  Oh, and he really loves to hear how awesome he is.  Just like any person here on earth, he loves to be praised.  In fact, the Bible says that praising him allows us to enter into his presence.  Psalm 100:4, from The Message, says:

Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.  

When you enter into His presence everything changes.  You just feel different.  Better.  Let's try that this weekend.  Let's work on our relationship with the one who loves us most.  Much like you would go on a marriage retreat with your spouse, spend the next few days on a retreat with him.  Just simply communicate and see if you don't feel a million times better.

Blessings,
Princess Crunchy Katie

Thrifty, Crafty Thursday: Cheap Shoes.

I have 5 kids.  4 of them wear shoes, and by wear, I mean wear them out.  I had to stop buying the cheapest shoes for them when they started riding bikes and scooters.  They seem to use the toe of their shoe as breaks, which really quickly sends us back to the shoe store.  So what's a momma to do when all of her (shoe wearing) kiddos need new shoes?  I wish I could just run out and buy them whatever ones they want.  But being a single income family, that's just not going to happen.  Here's how I am able to get 4 pairs of brand name shoes for under $100.

There are many stores out there that always offer a buy one get one at 50% off deal.  I always choose to buy their shoes there.  Skechers, Rack Room, Famous Footwear, just to name a few.  I usually hit up the Skechers store.  Sometimes they run a promotion where if you buy 3 or more pairs of shoes you get an extra $10 off.  Those days I usually shout loudly in the store "PRAISE GOD!!" 

School is starting in 4 days!!  Last week was tax free week here in Maryland.  All clothes and shoes could be purchased tax free for a whole week (most states have something like this, so go here and see what your state offers) so we jumped at the chance to save a few bucks.

This time we went to Rack Room Shoes.  We like to buy shoes with flat soles for our kids.  This allows their muscles in their feet and legs to develop naturally (more on that another day).  I sent them all off to pick out a pair.  My girly (8) chose some neon pink converse.  The little guy (4) chose converse as well, his were a little snazzy though, with some cushion around the ankle and a bit of a high top feel.  #3 and chose some really cool vans.  And the Biggest Brother chose Nike.  NIKE, seriously.  I really didn't want to get these.  They were like $45.  How on earth could I possibly allow this to happen.  The look on his face sealed the deal.  He has the sweetest smile. 

Once everyone had their shoes (like 10 hours later), we headed up to the counter.  A sign next to the register reminded me that the day before was Military Monday, 10% discount for all military ID card holders.  Bummer.  The awesome cashier let me know that if I texted a number, they would text me back a 10% off coupon.  YES!!!  Sure enough, it came right away!  She scanned every pair and I watched the total climb...$109!!!  I gave her my coupon and that brought the total down to $98 and some change.  "PRAISE GOD!"  I shouted, nearly jumping up and down.  I thought for sure those Nikes were gonna do me in . 

In the end.  Happy kids, happy momma, SUPER happy husband! 

Blessings,

Crunchy Katie

What's for Dinner Wednesday: Taco Pasta

The recipe for the day is one I just threw together with what I could find in the fridge and pantry.  Tacos are one of the few meals that all of my kids will eat.  When I make them, I always make TONS of meat.  4lbs of ground turkey feeds us all for dinner, the hubby's lunch the next day, and with what's leftover I get to have fun creating a new meal!

Here are the ingredients I used:

- 1lb of leftover ground turkey seasoned with taco seasoning.
- 1 can of fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can of black beans
- 3/4 cup of sour cream
- 8oz of Monterrey Jack Cheese
- 1 tbsp of chopped cilantro
- 1 box of rigatoni pasta

Throw the leftover meat in a pot to heat.  Once hot, mix in the tomatoes, black beans, and cilantro.  Then add the sour cream.  Cook up the pasta ( I always throw a good amount of salt in the boiling water before I add the pasta, it flavors the noodles so well).  Once the pasta is done strain it and put it in a 13x9in casserole dish.  Then add the meat mixture.  Mix well, top with the shredded Monterrey Jack.  Back in the oven at 375 degrees for 30min. 

I wish I had a picture to share with you all today.  I'll make sure to start snapping some whenever I cook a meal! 

Enjoy,

Crunchy Katie

Think Twice Tuesday: Think Twice before putting on your sunscreen.

Do you spend a lot of time outside in the summer?  If so, you probably always have a bottle of sunscreen handy.  These days, everyone is so scared to get some sun on them for fear they might come down with skin cancer.  But did you know that the sun is actually good for you?  Here's what I found:

First of, the sun actually helps your body produce a very much needed vitamin. Vitamin D.  This article explains in depth how vitamin D is produced by your body. This is how it works. When the sun hits your skin, a chemical reaction occurs. The light is absorbed by your skin and used to make vitamin D3. It's kind of like photosynthesis for humans. Then your kidneys and liver work to metabolize the vitamin D3 into an active hormone called 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D3. This vitamin plays a very important role in almost every system in your body. For example:

-Vitamin D helps build healthy bones.

-Vitamin D helps build a healthy immune system.

-Vitamin D helps your circulatory system stay strong.

-Vitamin D helps keep your cells healthy.

It has become more apparent in these past few years that Americans are suffering greatly from vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can be cause the following diseases:

-Osteoporosis

-Unhealthy teeth

-Autoimmune conditions like Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

-Heart disease

-Links between vitamin D deficiency and several deadly cancers have been made.

Studies have proven that the best source of vitamin D is the sun. So why then are we constantly being told to stay inside out of the sun, or cover our bodies completely while out with either clothes and hats or chemical sunscreens? If Vitamin D from the sun is so good for us, then why are we being scared out of spending time in it?
Obviously, studies have been done that show that spending too much time in the sun can lead to serious fatal skin cancers. So how do we protect ourselves from the dangers of the sun while still reaping the great benefits from it? 

An article I found on mothering.com said this,

“A natural alternative to vitamin D supplementation is exposure to sunlight, but how much sunlight? To make enough vitamin D, a baby in a diaper needs a total of only 30 minutes of sunlight a week-less than five minutes a day. Fully clothed and without a hat, a baby would need two hours of sunlight a week, or about 20 minutes a day. Medium to darker skin tones need a little more time in the sun.”

My children are all half Filipino. They have darker skin. During the summer months when we are spending lots of time at the pool I usually let them play for up to 30 minutes without sunscreens. Then we'll take a break for a snack and they get lathered up with a waterproof natural sunscreen. They don't tend to get sunburned, just darker. The benefits of allowing them that time are amazing. They are much healthier in the summer due to all that time outside!

We just had our 5the baby in February, and I was shocked when the pediatrician prescribed a vitamin D3 supplement for me to give to her at her first check-up. I always listen intently to their recommendations then I head home and research for myself the pros and cons of their recommendations and also natural alternatives.  What I discovered, and pretty much already believed, was that limited sun exposure daily to produce natural vitamin D would be great for my baby and much more beneficial than artificial vitamin D.  When we go to the pool, I will take baby in the sun for about 10 minutes, which according to the mothering article is plenty for my darker skinned baby.  I put a sun hat on her but still allow her body to be exposed to the sun.  After her 10 minutes, we sit in the shade while the other children play. 

So I bet you're asking yourself what kind of sunscreen I use for myself and my kiddos.  I always have a good natural form of sunscreen in my pool bag. With so many options out there, making a safe, non-toxic choice can be hard. Here's a few things you should know about sunscreens.

Sunscreens include some of the following dangerous chemicals:
-Benzophenones (dixoybenzone, oxybenzone): These are among the most powerful free radical generators known.
-PABA and PABA esters (ethyl dihydroxy propyl PAB, glyceryl PABA, p-aminobenzoic acid, padimate-O or octyl dimethyl PABA)
-Cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, octyl methoxycinnamate): Are known to be dangerous if they enter the bloodstream. In the 1970's Professor Howard Maibach discovered that as much as 35% of sunscreen enters the bloodstream and the longer it's on the skin, the more absorbed.
-Triethanolamine (TEA): When this chemical was applied topically to female mice an increase in liver tumors was detected. When applied to male mice a smaller increase in liver tumors was noticed, but there was an increase in kidney tumors.
-2-Phenylben zimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA): This sunscreen ingredient has been shown to damage DNA when exposed to light.
-Benzphenone-3, homosalate octyl-methoxycinnimate, 4-methylbenzlidene (4mbc) camphor and octyldimethyl-PABA (o-d-PABAestrogenics make contact with the hormone receptors, they are interpreted as the real thing (estrogen) and the results are the feminization of tissue. This can lead to endometriosis, uterine and breast cancers, disruption of the menstrual cycle and other problems for women. In men, it can lead to testicular cancer, breast enlargement, lower sperm counts, loss of sex drive and more.

So, what's a mother to do with all of this information? Here are some helpful tips to help keep you and your family healthy and safely protected from the sun.

1. Please do make sure your child gets daily exposure to the sun.
   
2. Gradually expose your children to the suns rays-especially in the summer months.
   
3. Avoid sun exposure during the strongest hours of the day: between 11:00am and 3:00pm.
   
4. Be aware that snow and water intensify sun radiation, so adjust exposure accordingly.
   
5. Use protective clothing, hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses to minimize exposure.
   
6. Carefully select a mineral based sunscreen that is non-toxic and does NOT contain synthetic ingredients or preservatives. You can find sunscreens like this at your local health food store
   
   
   
   
   All of this info can be overwhelming at first. Just remember, the suns rays are actually good for us!  So think twice before lathering the sunscreen on.

Blessings,

Crunchy Katie

The New Look!!

What do you think??? 

I just can't stop looking at the new blog design.  I even have a cute button!! 


Here's the plan.

Mondays:  Moments in Motherhood Monday.  I will share inspiring moments, funny things the kids say, challenging moments, and cute pictures of my kiddos.

Tuesdays:  Think Twice Tuesday.  Here I will write a blurb about something you should think twice before doing.  Examples include.  Putting sunscreen on, eating grain fed beef, or letting your children eat food coloring.  These blog post will be packed full of links of information that I have discovered over the years that led me to be more crunchy.

Wednesdays:  What's for Dinner Wednesday.  I will post a recipe that I use often, and an easy way to use any leftovers for another meal. 

Thursdays:  Thrifty, Crafty Thursday.  I will post ways that I get cheap stuff for our big family and crafty ideas and projects for kids and moms!

Fridays:  Food For the Soul Friday.  I've posted 2 Fridays already.  I love sharing whatever wisdom I have gained from the Lord.  I've learned a lot of lessons on motherhood and marriage, and just life in general. 

My hope is that this blog will be helpful and encouraging to you.  Please come back often, and send your friends.  Join the email list too!  From time to time I will be throwing in a giveaway too!  Wouldn't want to miss that would ya? 

For today's post here's a pic of my sweet family.  Just an hour after our 5th baby was born at home.  I love looking at each of them.  You can almost see their personality in the picture.  I am truly blessed.

Food For The Soul Friday!! Trusting in His plan.

Food For The Soul Friday
Trusting in His plan.


Let me start of by saying, I believe in miracles.  I believe Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever and He still performs healing miracles through the Holy Spirit.

That being said...
A couple of weeks ago, I took my oldest to have an allergy test.  When he was one, he was diagnosed with a peanut allergy.  It's not severe, like when he smells it he stops breathing, but he does break out in hives all over his body and experience vomiting and a scratchy throat.  We laid hands on him and prayed for his healing.  God did show up, and my son felt his presence.  Having a positive attitude and believing for his healing we went along the last couple weeks proclaiming that he had been healed, and we were waiting for the results to confirm.  I got the call yesterday and his levels were still high, indicating that he had not been healed of his peanut allergy. 

I was upset at first.  All I could think of is how this would affect Isaac's faith.  The Lord kept encouraging me telling me that He alone knows what is best for Isaac and I should trust in His plan.  I can't wrap my mind around why God does what He does.  But I know one thing is for sure.  He has never let me down.  My prayers are always answered in God's time.

A song by Jake Hamilton describes this greatly for me:

It's all gonna be okay, it's all gonna be okay, it's all gonna be okay, it's all gonna be okay

For I know, if you're eye is on the sparrow, then your heart is on me, yes I know, if you're eye is on the sparrow, then your heart is on me.  It's all gonna be okay!

So simple and so true.  The Word says:
 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matt 10:31

A friend sent me an encouraging word today, so fitting for my son in this situation. 
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

We all desire for Isaac to be healed.  God knows our desires and he longs for us to delight in Him.  It's hard to delight in the Lord when we haven't received what we've prayed for.  But regardless of that, we have to keep our eyes on Him. 

As I prayed for the words to tell Isaac that he is still allergic to peanuts, the Lord spoke to me and gave me this verse.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

I believe that Isaac will be healed of this allergy in God's time.  Until then, I know that God will use this scary, inconvenient allergy for the good of Isaac and the Kingdom.  I will be excitedly waiting to see how this plan of God's plays out.  While I'm waiting I will delight in the Lord, trust in His plan, and know in my soul that He cares for my son more than I ever could.

Blessings,

Crunchy Katie

Monday is the BIG day!!

It's done!  The blog has been redesigned and I'm so excited to launch the new Crunchy Katie's Rants and Raves! 

Monday will be the BIG day.  A new look and a new purpose!  Can't wait to share with you!

See You Monday!!

Blessings,

Crunchy Katie

Flufftastic Summer Celebration Giveaway

It's the day you've all been waiting for!  Flufftastic Summer Celebration starts today!

Flufftastic Summer Celebration is hosted by Eco Baby Mama Drama.

The Grand Prize is sponsored by Lotus Bumz, Rinse Hopper, 7 A.M. Enfant, BabyLegs, Wooly Rounds and Mama on a Green Mission and is valued at over $400.  This grand prize package is a great start for anyone or a great addition to the cloth diapering addict’s stash!


Enter to win the Grand Prize by clicking here! 

Now for my giveaway!!

 I was so happy to be able to sponsor this one all on my own!  I LOVE supporting local business and WAHMs, so my prize pack consists of items that do just that.  Here's what I have:

One winner will get all of this!  A Retail Value of $59.78
(1) FuzziBunz One Size Elite Cloth Diaper in Mint
(1) 60 Load box of Tiny Bubbles Cloth Diaper Detergent
(1) WAHM Made Medium Size Wet Bag
(5) WAHM Made Cloth Wipes

All of these prizes were purchased at a local consignment shop!  Thanks Greenberries!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tomorrow the Flufftastic Summer Celebration starts!

I've decided to let you all in on the Cloth Diapering Package I am giving away during the Flufftastic Summer Celebration #clothdiaperhop!  Here you go!!

All of that goes to (1)US or Canadian winner!! 

(1) FuzziBunz One Size Elite in Mint
(1) Medium size Wet Bag made by a local WAHM
(5) Cloth wipes made by a local WAHM
(1) 60 load box of Tiny Bubbles Cloth Diaper Detergent

What do you think?  Pretty awesome that all of this was purchased at a local small business, huh?

Make sure you come back tomorrow when the Flufftastic Summer Celebration goes live! 

I'm so excited!!

See you soon,

Crunchy Katie

Flag handling rant...

If you didn't already know this, I was a United States Marine.  I served 8 years on active duty.  During that time I developed a great passion for our flag.  I guess it comes with the title Marine.  We are taught how to handle the flag and protect everything it stands for.

After 9/11 everyone was displaying their flag.  I wondered to myself if everyone knew the rules for the flag.  How to put it up and take it down and store it.  I wondered if they knew that it had to be lit at night or taken down at sunset.  I saw flags displayed that were torn from weather.  It honestly hurt me to see it.

Now for the rant. 

I love the Olympics.  I hate. Absolutely HATE, they way our flag is treated during the Olympics. 

Here are a few of the regulations as found in Section 8: Respect for the Flag
 CRS Report for Congress 
The United States Flag:
Federal Law Relating to Display and other associated questions.

-No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the
flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.-The flag should never be used as wearing apparel...
-No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform.

As I watch the Olympics, I cringe every time a flag is thrown from the stands to an athlete so they can drape it around their body like a cape as they take a victory lap or wave wildly to the crowd. 

Don't get me wrong...I know they are proud of their country and proud of their achievements for our country, I'm proud of them too, but this is getting out of hand. 

People have died for that flag.  People have put their lives at risk to raise that flag proudly! 

Take the flag raising on Iwo Jima for instance.
This photo was taken in 1945 as 5 Marines and a Navy corpsman raised the flag on top of Mt. Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima.

These are real people putting their lives at risk to raise our flag! 

Please treat our flag with respect.  Don't wear it, throw it, write on it, crumple it up or use it as a blanket. 


Rant over.

Crunchy Katie

Flufftastic Summer Celebration

I'm putting together a great package for the Flufftastic Summer Celebration hosted by Eco Baby Mama Drama and Mama on a Green Mission! 

I'm not going to reveal exactly what it is yet...but it will consist of:

1 diaper
1 package of detergent
1 set of cloth wipes
1 wetbag

I'm so excited to put this package together and can't wait to give it away to someone!  Come back here on the 10th and see what it is!!


Until then,

Crunchy Katie

Blog Overhaul!

Hello all!

I am proud to announce that my blog is undergoing some great changes, upgrades actually.  I'm getting a new design and will be blogging daily M-F!  Each day will be dedicated to a different topic!  I'm still working on a few of the topics, but for example:

 Wednesdays will be called What's for Dinner Wednesday!  I will post a great recipe that I have tried and loved!
 Fridays will be Food for the Soul Friday, and will be dedicated to a life lesson from the Bible.  All of these lessons will be ones that God has taught me through my personal life experiences and will be filled with Bible verses!
 Tuesdays will the Think Twice Tuesday.  This is the day I will rant about all things natural (or the things that made me go Crunchy).  These posts are intended to make you take a second look at what you are putting in and on your body and how your body may be affected. 

So, please stay tuned, and get ready for something great!  I'm so excited for you to see what's in store! 

Until then, don't forget about the #giveaways going on now.  And the ones coming up! 


See you soon,

Crunchy Katie

Food for the Soul Friday!! Just BELIEVE!

I am quite a thinker. All day, every day, I'm thinking and wondering about all kinds of things. When I look outside I wonder just how it is that all of the things in nature work so perfectly together.  The birds eat the worms, the deer wander around eating what deer eat, the rain waters the trees, the sun helps them grow...it just goes on and on.  Then I stand in awe.  In awe of the Creator.

  When I read verses in the Bible, I ponder about what it really means. One day as I read this verse:

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

It just hit me. I even opened my mouth in amazement! Could it really be that easy? Could we really ask for something in prayer, then just believe it and it would be ours? I couldn't believe it (no pun intended). But then I noticed something else...

These are red words in the Bible, that means they are straight out of Jesus' mouth.

So then it has to be true. Still in shock, I searched for the definition of the word BELIEVE just to make sure. Here's what Merriam-Webster says: to accept something as true, genuine, or real

Now I really start thinking.  To accept something.  Accept?  Hmmm, I wonder what accept means?  So I go back to Merriam-Webster.

 Here's what accept means:

to receive willingly
to recognize as true

OK.  So all I have to do to receive what I pray for is to recognize it as true, and willingly receive it. 

Sounds simple, but I just couldn't wrap my mind around how easy this verse makes it seem.

I remembered a book that I read that changed my life.  The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer.

Joyce writes:

"The Bible makes it clear that the mind is the leader or forerunner of all actions.  Proverbs 23:7 tells us:  "For as he" [a person] "thinks in his heart, so is he..." (also see Romans 8:5.)

If we renew our mind according to God's Word, we will, as Romans 12:2 promises, prove for ourselves "what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" for our lives.  If we think and dwell on negative thoughts, we will have a negative life."

*Taken from The Battlefield of the Mind, Winning the Battle in Your Mind Study Guide.*

And then it was real.  I got it.  I knew it was all about the battle between good and evil inside my mind.  All I had to do was choose the thought that lined up with the Word of God.  The thought that gave me unexplainable peace like Philippians 4:7 says. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I read the verse again.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours.  Mark 11:24.

I choose to believe.  I believe with all of my heart that my God hears my prayers and cares (1 Peter 5:7) about my deepest desires (Psalm 37:4).  And I believe that he is a faithful God and he keeps his promises.  I believe that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  I believe that He can do whatever he wants to, even if I can't fathom it.  I believe.  And that gives me peace.  Not even quiet peace, excited peace.

I sit here today with a huge smile on my face and a heart that's about to explode with excited peace. 
God gave me a huge revelation about BELIEVING.  Now it's my job to pass it on.

What are you praying for today?  Leave a comment below and I will BELIEVE with you in prayer!!

God Bless You,

Crunchy Katie 

Newborn Cloth Diaper Stash #Giveaway!

Hey there all of you cloth diaper lovers...

It's my first ever giveaway event!  I've joined with Kerrific Online and many other bloggers to offer a giveaway for 12 Alva Newborn Cloth Diapers and a wetbag!  

Just use the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

This giveaway is open to the US and Canada!

Good Luck Everyone!!

Flufftastic Summer Celebration!

 I've recently signed up for a giveaway blog hop hosted by Eco Baby Mama Drama and Mama on a Green Mission!  The Flufftastic Summer Celebration is an awesome event going on from August 10-24th! 

Each participating blog will be offering a cloth diapering giveaway valued at $30 or more.  I don't know about you, but I love these giveaway blog hops!  So check back here on August 10th to see what I will be giving away.  What cloth diaper or cloth diapering accessory do you want or need that you would like to see in the giveaway blog hop?  Leave a comment below to let me know!


See you soon!
Crunchy Katie

 

French Toast Bread Pudding

What do you do with all of the ends of loaves of bread?  My kids refuse to eat them, as did I when I was a kid, so we always have a good amount of them laying around.  We are currently doing a pantry challenge thanks to a LOOOOONG time between pay periods so I had to come up with a tasty, kid friendly, breakfast using the ends of the bread.  Here's what I made!

French Toast Bread Pudding

I got some ideas from the web and went to town making it my own with what we had laying around!
Here's my recipe!

4 old hot dog buns (no mold, I promise)
4 old hamburger buns
6 end of the loaf slices
8 eggs
2 cups half and half
2 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp sugar
half a stick of butter (plus a bit more for greasing the glass dish)
4 tbsp brown sugar

Here's how ya do it...

I used a 11x7 glass baking dish greased up real nice.  Strategically place the assortment of whatever bread you have laying around.  Squish it all in there real tight!  Now mix up all the other ingredients (minus the brown sugar and butter) and poor it all over the bread.  Now get a fork and mash that bread so it soaks up all the egg mixture.  Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

In the Morning...

Preheat oven to 350.  Place covered dish in the oven for 30min.  While it's baking, mix the brown sugar and butter to make a sort of dough.  After it bakes for 30min, take it out, remove foil and place bits of the brown sugar mixture all over the top of the pudding.  Now, put it back in for 35-40min or until its golden brown and bubbling!  

Serve hot with butter and syrup!

Enjoy!!

A quick random rant...

I got these really cute black chino style shorts from Old Navy a while back.  Each time I wear them I try to make sure the pockets are laying flat so I don't get bumps where I don't want them.  I hate, HATE, Hate it that there are pockets on the butt that are sewn shut!!  But there is a flap on the inside like you could still stick stuff in there.  What is that sick trick all about??  If you're going to sew in a pocket, don't sew the opening shut people.  C'mon. 

Rant over.

Crunchy Katie

Chemicals lurking everywhere

Hi all! 

Recently my hubby asked me to pick him up some deodorant on one of my shopping trips.  He had finally run out of the aluminum free one we'd been using for some time.  I  searched the shelves and was dismayed to come up empty handed.  Where had my favorite deodorant gone?  I have tried a few of the more natural types, Tom's, Nature's Gate etc, and always felt let down.  So I left the store without. 
Coincidentally, that day I saw a post on Facebook about the aluminum found in deodorants and antiperspirants.  They had highlighted the directions for use and warnings on the back of the deodorant.  It actually said, that if you have kidney problems to consult a physician before using.  I don't know about you, but I usually don't even read past the ingredient list.  I wonder how many others just skip past that as well.  It got me thinking about how important it is to be mindful of what we put in our bodies.  My hubby is less crunchy than I am, but he quietly listens as I rant often about crunchy things.  I kindly asked him not to use anything but what I would buy for him. 
I settled for JASON deodorant.  It has worked the best at keeping both of us smelling fresh.  Although after a hard workout, the hubby always feels self conscience around is coworkers.  I assured him, his scent wasn't noticeable.
Don't even get me started about antiperspirants.  Plain and simple...WE ARE CREATED TO SWEAT!!!  Let's not try and doop God's masterpiece into not doing what it's meant to do.  It's all for our own good!
I am concerned about all those who just used whatever kind of deodorant, filled with the gamut of heavy metals and harmful chemicals.  I have to really talk myself out of walking up to strangers in the store and ranting about all I know about deodorant ingredients.  I'm so glad I have all of you to rant to!! 
So, what kind of deodorant do you use?  

Till the next rant...

Crunchy Katie

Long time no see!

I just logged on for the first time in months!  I've been so busy with the new baby girl and the other 4 this summer!  I finally am feeling like I've gotten used to waking to nurse the baby in the middle of the night and still stay up all day with all the kids!  Boy am I glad too! 

I've been busy collecting different cloth diapers and find that I'm falling in love with a different one so often.  I sold a few (of my more boyish colored) FuzziBunz to a new cloth convert friend of mine, and bought a whole bunch of BumGenius 4.0!  They are my current favorites. 

Now that I'm "old hat" at cloth diapering, I figured I should join a blog giveaway!  See the below link!  Today's the last day if you have a blog and want to join...get to it!

http://kerrificonline.blogspot.com/p/win-cloth-diaper-stash-sign-up.html

I promise I'll be back!

See you soon,

Crunchy Katie

Baby Wearing Bliss

Baby wearing has been around for centuries.  Before there were strollers, moms wore their babies all the time!  The benefits of baby wearing are countless and include keeping baby calm and happy, keeping arms free to care for other children or take care of household chores, may even help moms who may be depressed.  Scientific studies have been done and show that wearing your baby is great for their emotional and physical development.  I'm all for that!!  There are so many reasons to wear your baby and I encourage every mom to wear their baby if possible.  Find more reasons to wear your baby here!

Ever since my #3 child was born, I've been into baby wearing.  I had to.  My two older children were 2 and 1 when he was born.  I was one busy momma and my sling saved my life!  It was so convenient to just pop the baby in the sling so I could have extra hands to hug the little ones or fold laundry or prepare meals.  I honestly couldn't have done it without my sling.  With him, I chose a pouch type sling, you know the over-one-shoulder kind.  When I had #4, I purchased another one shoulder type and used it some, it really started hurting my neck so I started searching for another, more comfortable type of carrier. 

That's when I learned all about the ergo.  I got one on ebay for a great price and used it all the time.  I could put any of the kids in it when they were cranky and they would calm down.  The older ones had a blast getting piggy back rides while I cleaned the floors or did dishes.  I was even able to carry 2 sleeping babies if I had to, one in the ergo on my back, and another in my arms.
In February #5 was born.   I currently have 2 carriers, a Sleepy Wrap that I won on a blog giveaway and a baby k'tan that I received at my baby shower.  I really LOVE the Sleepy Wrap!  Baby sleeps almost instantly when I put her in there.  It feels so nice to have that warm, chubby baby so close to me.  Wish I could wear her forever!  The baby k'tan is easy to put on and works well, but I am so in love with my wrap that I almost never use it.

I am already planning for the future and looking for another carrier, one that's easier and quicker to snap on and throw baby into.  I have been scouring the Internet for giveaways for various carriers.  I recently found a giveaway for a Beco Gemini carrier and a Red Charlotte stuff sack at Life With My Littles blog.  I want this Beco so badly!!  And the Red Charlotte GC, such a bonus!  I am praying (literally) that I win this prize!!  You should head on over and enter for it yourself!!  Let the Mama of the Littles know that I sent you!!

Are you a baby wearing momma?  What is your favorite carrier?    

Adventures in Cloth Diapers

I've been a cloth diapering momma for almost 2 months now.  The other night my husband asked me, "So, how's the cloth thing going?"  By the looks of that question, I bet you can guess that he hasn't changed a diaper yet.  But I'm okay with that!  I love snapping those cute little things on my chubby baby's bum.  And it brings me great joy to know that I'm not contributing to over filled landfills. 

I am also happy to be able to keep dangerous chemicals away from baby's delicate skin.  Did you know that your skin absorbs faster than your stomach?  Everything we put on our skin and scalp gets sucked into our bloodstream very quickly.  And there are some pretty nasty chemicals in disposable diapers.  Some which the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency say are carcinogenic!  That means they cause cancer among other things.

The amount of money that can be saved is absolutely jaw dropping!  Being a one income family of 7, it seemed a wise choice to go the cloth route.  I really don't think we would have been able to afford disposables this time around!  Check out this site which breaks down the money saving potential!  Seeing those numbers is shocking!        

Armed with all this info, I set out to find the best deals on cloth diaper and wipes I could find.  Luckily I have a blogging friend who has been cloth diapering and writing about it for a while.  She was blessed to have companies sending her different diapers to try out and review.  She also had a few great connections with online cloth diaper retailers and helped me to get a super great deal on some diapers.  I ended up spending just over $10 a diaper thanks to a buy 3 get one free deal that FuzziBunz was running, and earthy crunchy mama offering a free gift with purchase and a military discount! 

Now we had to choose wipes and of course a wetbag.   I chose Planet Wise wipes and wetbags.  I loved their wipes pouch and the bright colors of wipes.  They have the most awesome patterns for wetbags too.  I bought a wipe warmer and folded the wipes to fit nicely in there.  A little water to wet the wipes and we're set to clean the sweet bum!  We've only used water so far, but I know there are plenty of wipes solutions you can buy or even make your own.

I take my wetbag, diapers and wipes with me whenever I go out.  No excuses here, I'm gonna use the cloth everywhere I go!  It's fun seeing peoples faces when I change baby in the bathrooms.  And every now and then I run into another cloth diapering momma.   

I also love that my kids are learning to be green through us cloth diapering.  My 7 year old daughter is always happy to change baby's diaper, and she does an amazing job!  I also enjoy the help!     

I've been washing about every other day.  Right now baby is exclusively breastfed so washing is simple.  Just pull out the inserts and wash!  No rinsing prior to filling the washer.  I do run a soak in cold water, and then a rinse before I wash on the sanitary cycle.  It does take about 3 hours in total just to wash, then another 90 min to dry on low.   I spend some evenings after the kids go to bed stuffing pocket diapers and folding wipes while I watch TV. It's kind of relaxing really.

Are you thinking about cloth diapering?  I encourage you to do the research and give it a try!  There are so many choices for cloth diapering out there.  There's bound to be something perfect for you and your family. 

Bamboobies Winner!

I am happy to announce a winner for the Bamboobies Giveaway! 

Brittany Harrison Vice, check your email and get back to me within 48 hours!

Congrats!

Let's talk about carseats.

The other day I saw a video on Facebook about a toddler that broke his neck in a car accident.  He was properly restrained in a carseat.  They said the reason he was injured so badly was because his carseat was forward facing.  Most convertible carseats state that it is safe to turn your baby to forward facing when the reach 1 year old and are 20lbs.  With my first few kids, I couldn't wait to turn them forward.  It was always a milestone when they turned one and I was able to see their cute little faces in the rear view mirror.  I must admit, I'm pretty sure none of them weighed 20lbs by their first birthday.  I didn't know or understand anything about carseat safety.

I just had our 5th baby in February.  We had to buy a new, bigger minivan to make room for 5 carseats/boosters.  That got me reading about state laws regarding carseats and boosters.  Our law here in Maryland states that a child should be in a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4' 9" and 65lbs.  Our oldest son is 8.  My husband wanted to keep our smaller van and since we wouldn't be breaking the law, have our oldest son sit without a booster.  At first I thought it would be okay.  We aren't breaking the law right?  Well, the more I read the more concerned I became.  You see, our 3rd row seat in the small van doesn't have a shoulder belt in the middle seat.  This is unsafe.  Even with the shoulder belt our son was unsafe.  The belt definitely crossed his neck and the lap belt ran right across his stomach.  Both of these belt placements would surely cause a severe injury if we were in an accident. 

Believe me, if we could have SAFELY kept our paid off van, I would have been all for it.  But I just couldn't imagine  letting my little boy sit so dangerously in the back seat knowing what I knew about carseat safety.  I was able, after much debating, to convince my husband that buying a bigger van with room for 3 boosters in the 3rd row was the best thing for our family.

Our newest baby will be rear facing for as long as I can have them that way.  After watching the crash test dummies in this video, it's a no brainer for me.  Safer is better. 

I have seen people comment about how ridiculous these new laws are.  I have to agree to a point.  I mean, seriously, my kids will probably be in boosters until they are freshmen in high school!  But honestly, I don't really care.  It's their safety we're talking about here.  Possibly life or death!

Do you know what the laws are in your state?  Here is a link to help you find out.  Is your child like mine and lawfully able to ride without a booster in your car?  Here is a website that will help you decide if your child is as safe as they can be in the car.  Is your child SAFE in your car, even if you are obeying the law?  Share with me your thoughts on this post!  What's your favorite carseat for each age group?

The Home Waterbirth of Abigail Glory

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I posted, but I have a good excuse! Our 5th baby was born on February 20th!! We had a wonderful home waterbirth surrounded by family and friends. I'm still on cloud 9!!

I had contractions for about a week off and on before she was born. The real stuff began just after midnight on the 20th. I woke up to a "different" contraction and uncontrollable shivering. I went to the couch to snuggle up with a blanket and see if anything was going to come of these contractions. They were about 8 minutes apart. At around 1 am, I called my best friend so she could start the hour long drive over. I managed to sleep between the contractions. They weren't bad, but I knew it was the real thing. My BFF arrived just after 2am. She helped me put plastic sheets down under the pool then we both crashed in the living room. Contractions were consistently 7-8 minutes apart and uncomfortable. I had to breath through them, but they weren't so bad that I felt the need to get off the couch. I couldn't sleep anymore after about 530. I got my husband up to put some water in the pool. I wanted to have it at least half full. Gotta have that water!!

At about 630 I texted our friend and photographer to let her know today was the day and to get ready and head on over!! Our 4 children got up around 7am. We told them their sister would be coming that day. They were so excited to see a little water in the birth pool. They were all so sweet, hugging me and the belly. All of the activity slowed contractions down a bit. I just walked around the house and sat in my rocking chair. At around 8am, things started to pick up. Contractions were more consistent and 5 minutes apart. Another friend showed up about 815. Contractions continued to be 5 min apart. At 845, everyone talked me into calling the midwife. I was still a little hesitant cause the contractions weren't so bad, but figured I should let her know. She let her apprentice and assistant know to head on over and she would be close behind.

Just after talking to the midwife I noticed contractions picking up a little. They were about 3 minutes apart and much stronger. I really had to focus on relaxing through them. My friends were amazed to see how my belly changed shape during a contraction. I could hear them talking about it while I was off in labor land.

 
I really wanted to get in the tub around 1030.  I kept asking if it was ready.  My husband had been dumping pots of boiling water to get the temp up.  Finally it was full enough and I jumped at the chance to get in.  My kids were so excited when I climbed in. 

The midwives wanted to check the heartbeat, but were having trouble with their dopplers.  I knew she was alive though, I could feel her moving!  I laid back and tried to relax through contractions.  I could tell it was getting close because I was really starting to moan at the peak.  I even felt a little pushy.

  Then at about 1105, my water broke.  Now it's down to business.  Immediately I moved to a hands and knees position and that overwhelming urge to push took over.  It wasn't long before I could feel her descending.  I had to really try hard to slow down the pushing so I wouldn't tear.  Moments later her head was born and I had to move a bit to make room for her body.  My husband said it looked like I was Tebowing.  Silly guy!!  One last push and she was here.  At 1111 am I pulled her up out of the water and she cried right away!  I couldn't believe how chubby she looked.  I sat back and thanked the Lord that it was all over.  It was a wonderful birth.  I am so thankful that I was able to have my children present to witness the birth of their sister.  Having friends there was great too.  As I look at the pictures I am in love with the whole experience.

At my one week visit with the midwife assistant, she asked me how I prepared for my birth.  She called it "elegant" and was amazed at how well I handled it.  I prepared myself by thinking positive thoughts.  I rested on the word of God and the work Christ did on the cross.  He shed his blood to break the curse that Adam and Eve introduced to the world when they first sinned.  He shed His blood so that we could be reconciled to God!  I claimed that the whole pregnancy.  Along with my faith in Christ's victory, I also educated myself.  I watched homebirth videos, read birth stories, and flooded my brain with knowledge about how our bodies were created to work.  I had complete faith in my body and in trusting that, I could just let go and let my body work.

Bamboobies Nursing Pads Review and Giveaway!!

My! It has been quite a while since I've been on here! I have a good reason though...I had a baby girl on February 20th!!!! I will blog about the birth another time. But right now we're going to talk about one of the glorious things that comes along with having a baby!! LACTATING!!! Which leads me to a wonderful review of Bamboobies!!

I was sent one pair of regular bamboobies to try out.   

If you've never heard of them, let me explain. Bamboobies are washable nursing pads.  I am totally in love with everything about them!  They are made of soft bamboo velour, are leak proof, and are the cutest heart shape ever!!  The heart shape serves a great purpose, besides being so cute, the shape allows the nursing pad to form so wonderfully to the breast that they really are invisible when worn.  Take a look at the awesome colors they have!

Aren't they awesome!  I mean, come on ladies, HOT PINK nursing pads!!! 

Now, let me get on with the review.  I washed my nursing pads as soon as I was up and running again after baby was born.  I really couldn't wait to try them out.  After washing them, they were so soft.  This is really nice for those first days of sore nipples.  Once my milk came in, I got to see them in action.  They absorbed the milk so well and never leaked during the day.  Night time was another story.  I only have one pair, so I was wearing them 24 hours a day.  I also thought, based on previous breastfeeding experiences, that I was not a big leaker!!  Boy was I wrong about that.  I didn't invest in any overnight Bamboobies and was kickin' myself in the behind when I woke at night and was covered in sticky milk.  The regular Bamboobies, are really meant for the slow leakers.  Those of you, I mean us, who have a generous supply...get the overnights!! 

Now, for the giveaway...
 
This giveaway is open to residents of the US only.  It will run for 2 weeks ending on Saturday April 7th.  The winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to reply or another winner will be selected.  Now...Go to the Rafflecopter form below and get busy earning entries!!  Good Luck!!

Also, Bamboobies has been so generous to offer my readers a discount code to be used at www.buybamboobies.com .  Simply enter CRUNCH20 at checkout for 20% off of your order!  Happy Shopping!!

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil Review and Giveaway

Months ago, when I found out I was pregnant with number 5, I dreaded the day when my current stretch marks would begin to stretch even further up my belly. Not that I don't "love" my stretch marks, they are a sign that I've lovingly carried 4 babies, but it had been a few years and they were faded enough and not so noticeable. I really didn't care to see those bright red lines again. So I started looking for something natural to use on my belly as it stretched, hoping that I could minimize the damage, or maybe even prevent it. Nothing had ever helped before so I kinda just let it be and accepted that I was one of those mommas that was just gonna get them no matter what I tried to do to prevent them.

But then I found Earth Mama Angel Baby!! They are a most wonderful company, dedicated to making natural products for mom and baby. Here's what their website says about their mission.

About Our Family
Earth Mama Angel Baby's pregnancy, childbirth and baby products were, ahem, born of our sincere faith in the natural process of birthing babies. Supporting the pure process naturally with nature's gifts makes sense to us. We don't think of pregnancy as an illness, merely a phenomenal process that has many wonderful and sometimes difficult stages. We trust in the wise women who have historically exalted the glories and eased the common discomforts of pregnancy naturally.

We use the highest-quality, certified-organic or organically grown herbs and oils for our teas, bath herbs, gentle handmade soaps, salves, lotions and massage oils. Our products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes. Our commitment to honor the earth and her valuable resources extends to our packaging as well - we use only eco-friendly recyclable or reused/reusable packaging and packing materials. It's true - we are even the proud recipients of the BRAG (Business Recycling Award Group) for our green practices.

Just as our foremothers did, Earth Mama Angel Baby honors the ancient knowledge of natural and herbal remedies and plant medicine. The wisdom we rely on has been passed down from great-grandmother to grandmother to mother to daughter, which we combine with the safety and assurances of contemporary evidence-based research.

The mamas (and honorary-mama papas) at Earth Mama Angel Baby are a dedicated and diverse group of nurses, herbalists, labor and postpartum doulas, childbirth hypnotherapists, childbirth educators, women, mothers and grandmothers. And a father or two.

We strive to provide research, tools and products to empower women with knowledge about the earth's natural resources for nurturing themselves and their angel babies.

It is also our goal, in times of grief, to help provide real physical support, resource information and emotional and spiritual comfort to women who have experienced the loss of a baby. We created the Healing Hearts Baby Loss Comfort web site to specifically address these heartbreaking needs.

Just like most mamas, we love hearing from you! If you have suggestions about information you'd like to see included or ways to improve our site, questions about natural pregnancy or feedback about our products please write to us: Contact Mama

Growing, birthing, and nurturing babies are natural and wondrous processes. Let's care for our angel babies and ourselves - naturally.

We are proud members of:

•Natural Ingrdient Resource Center
•National Environmental Trust
•Organic Trade Association - Cultivating a strong organic industry since 1985
•Co-op America and the Green Pages Online
•American Botanical Council
•Herb Research Foundation
•International Childbirth Education Association
•American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth
•Green Products Alliance
•United Plant Savers - A non-profit education corporation dedicated to preserving native medicinal plants
•American Herbal Products Association

I contacted them and they were so kind to offer me a bottle of their Natural Stretch Oil to review.

I was so excited when I received the oil. I wanted to make sure to use it daily from early on in my pregnancy. I read the instructions and set out on my review. I wanted to do it for as long as possible, to get the best review for all of you. Here is all the info on Natural Stretch Oil, straight from Earth Mama Angel Baby's website:

Are you a mama with a sensitive nose and an itchy, pregnant belly? Looking for the perfect natural stretch mark oil? Mama knows. That's why Natural Stretch Oil is exactly what every mama needs. Your gloriously expanding belly, hips and breasts will drink up the luxurious, natural blend of oils to help deter stretch marks and relieve the itch, and the light, delicate scent won't aggravate morning sickness.


Mama starts with plant-based oils that are infused with the healing herbal goodness of organic Calendula and calming organic Chamomile. Organic Borage oil and Neroli pure essential oil help nourish and encourage skin's natural elasticity for natural stretch mark care. Natural Stretch Oil is light and readily absorbable. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and contains no nut oils. Zero toxins and no artificial preservatives, fragrance or color. It's lovely as a bath oil and perfect for perineal massage to help avoid tears and episiotomies during childbirth.


Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but don't be fooled: this is Mama's secret blend to help prevent pregnancy stretch marks naturally, perfected with loving care, with a celebrity and celestial mama following to prove it.

I am a momma who is very conscience of what I put on my skin as well as my babies. I was very impressed by just how natural all of the ingredients are! There's definitely nothing toxic in here!! Here is the ingredient list:

Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) seed oil, Borago officinalis (organic borage) seed oil, Matricaria recutita (organic chamomile) extract, Calendula officinalis (organic calendula) extract, a proprietary blend of Citrus sinensis (organic orange) essential oil, Citrus aurantium dulsis (neroli) oil

You can also visit their website and read all of the awesome reviews by other happy mommas!

Now, for my review!

I took this picture at around 17 weeks pregnant. I was just starting to pop out and those beautiful stretch marks were showing their face proudly! I had a navel piercing in high school and my belly button is really a sight for sore eyes! Each pregnancy the scars from that piercing just grew upward. I figured this time it may end up closer to my boobs than ever! So I began applying the oil daily, in the morning and at night, as the directions suggested on the bottle: Beginning early in pregnancy, massage onto your lovely, growing belly, breasts, and thighs twice each day. After pregnancy, enjoy it as a rich moisturizing body oil all year long. I was totally amazed at the light citrus scent. So sweet and pleasant. I rubbed it all over my stretchy areas, the belly, boobies and my wonderful child bearing hips! My skin really soaked it up! And it felt so smooth and hydrated!

During the colder winter days, my skin would feel dry and itchy at times. I would just apply a few squirts of the Natual Stretch Oil and immediately found relief! It really saved the day many times!

Today, I am 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant. I am still using my nearly empty bottle of Natural Stretch Oil, and am so completely thrilled to say that my stretch marks have not extended one little bit!! I am so excited and really in shock! It really works!! Here is a picture of my belly today!!

Now that I'm a faithful believer, I am so glad to say that Earth Mama Angel Baby has offered to giveaway one bottle of Natural Stretch Oil to one lucky Mama!! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below and you are entered to win!