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So thanks for letting me share that...I just feel so frustrated that people can't be nicer!
I have never gotten any of these feelings from you. I think you are a mom and dad trying their best to raise healthy children. I do not think you would ever jeopordize your childrens' health by not going to a doctor if it was necessary, but I also think that you trust your instincts and know that doctors can be wrong sometimes.
AND HELLO! You have six kids and then let me know how often they are sick. With six kids someone is always sick. It seems like your family is hardly ever sick to me.
WHATEVER!
People are odd. ;)
As I dont live the exact way you do, I respect that you are so open and honest about the way you parent!
Keep on girl!!!
It's your life, your kids, your family... you can raise them up whatever way you want to, feed them whatever, take care of them your way.... you don't have to explain why to anyone.
I'm so shocked people had the courage to say those things to you. I wanted to cry!
I have to say I started laughing out loud at some of the questions people asked you...or maybe the WAY they were asked! I actually started wondering if you were making them up for effect =) haha...some of them were SO so so so so rude! I can not even imagine why!
I am SO proud of you in how you answered all of the questions...there was no tone of deffensiveness or rudeness in your responses! WAY TO LET Christ shine thru you! =)
Thats the things about these blogs...we make ourselves vulnerable to people and then they ATTACK!! aahhh!!
I am proud of you! =)
You seem to get more than your fair share of weird people commenting! I enjoy your blog and love hearing about your kids (and the pics!). Thank you!
People are silly and not nice. Ignore them!
Callie
As to illness, almost everyone has been sicker than usual this year. What are your thoughts on Triclosan?
I have recently read two books that have somewhat changed the way we eat around here (although, you are right about the fruits and veggies, it's hard to get turly pure ones these days!)
These books are Skinny B*tch (don't have authors names, sorry) and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kinsolver.
I also want you to know that I have NEVER thought any of these things of you (although you probably already know that!) and that I love the information you give out.
Elaine
I have added you to my blog favorites list, hope that is ok? I have enjoyed reading your posts and hope to read some older stuff to catch up!!
People should really stop and think about what they are putting into their bodies, most of it is not really what we need to sustain life. Yes, it taste good .. but moderation is always key!! The corn industry is taking over our lives and our food, and some of the ways they get into our food is icky for us and our bodies!! Just stating my opinion.
Anyhoo!! Everyone is entitled to raise their family the way they choose, no name calling or belittling allowed go somewhere else with that!!
The end!!
I think you do a wonderful job of writing about information. Doctors, Chiro's and 'health experts' even tend the change their minds after research. I feel you give your opinion, but hey, it's your blog. We all do the same on ours.
I agree that our food supply is not as pure as created it to be. We have modified, sprayed, added and 'force fed' the very things that God created to be good for us.
One author and herbalist I like is Shonda Parker. Check her out sometime if you haven't already. Her books don't only give health facts but also Biblical references.
Annika
I like the way you write and how it makes me re-think many of my "set-ways". Hope you keep on posting your view of things.
I am grateful that there is somewhere out there that there are alternative options being talked about and shared. I am Irish born, and grew up in South Africa, where we ate home cooked meals every day, including breakfast. I grew up knowing nothing but healthy choices like that. And to be fair, fruit in South Africa (right off the tree in our garden sometimes) was much, much, cheaper than it is where we live now. (Washington DC). It's hard to find good, fresh fruit here, unless you go to the farmer's markets which I try to do. You could get a whole box of mangoes in SA for about 2.00 dollars, so it is definitely easier to make healthy choices when you are surrounded by so much good produce and the lifestyle is so much more healthy. When I grew up, there were no fast food restaurants or drive throughs or any convenience foods and the stores shut at 1.00pm on a Saturday! It was a different world. However, my parents and brother still live there (he has three children) and I always notice a difference in the quality of food, particularly fresh fish (and the price) when we visit. Again, it is much cheaper and more assessible to people, which I know is not always the case in this part of the world.
What it really comes down to is education. I am so open to finding out about everything I put in my body, or any medical treatments that are suggested. I think modern medicine is wonderful, but have used an accupunturist and chiropractor since my children were born and while I was pregnant. It has in my humble opinion, prevented many illnesses and kept us more balanced, along with what we chose to eat and drink. The only reason I say all this, is because while I understand that some people may feel affronted at some of the suggestions in the article, you are not telling people that's the only way to live. You are just sharing what YOU do. And that to me is helpful and educational and wonderful.
I would never, ever judge my friends either - my children have rarely had fast food and they don't like it. I've had many comments on how paranoid I am, but like your children, my children are simply "aware" of why we do what we do. We too have treats on occasion and they are just that, treats. They don't feel deprived in any way (as far as I know) and are just adjusted to my choices and eat healthily for the most part. I just haven't given them many options.
The only thing that I do not do right is give them supplements, which I know they should. My main reason for that is that I am a single Mom for the past 2 years and cannot really afford them at this point. I do use herbal medicines from the accupunturist when I need to, but would love to delve more deeply into the supplements out there.
I just wanted to share my respect for you Brittany. I too, have different ideals about food, TV, education and what's good for my family to about 90 percent of my neighbours and friends. Most of the time, I don't have a problem, but there are always those, who, for some reason see being unique and different to the mainstream as something scary. I honestly feel it stems from fear.
But, in the meanwhile, thank you for giving us links to natural websites and information and for sharing your own experience. I am deeply grateful for that. It is hard to come by in a very "instant" world. I am nowhere near a perfect Mom either, but I am passionate about doing what is right for me and them. So far, it works! And I need some pics of your girls - I'm having withdrawals!
:) :) :) :)
YOU KNOW...people who are overly critical of you are just jealous!
As for this post....sigh....it is ashame that someone can come to YOUR blog and be so darn rude! It is YOUR place to write what YOU want to share, YOUR personal thoughts and opinions...I just hate that people are so "ugly". I also have had people be like this with me, when I was on another site. It just turns my stomach. We are here to uplift, support, and pray for one another.
I think you said it perfectly, and much more nice than I might have when you said:
"What is right for me may not be right for you and like-wise what is not right for me may be right for you and so on. I hope that I can continue to share what I have already learned and the new information that I am continually learning with all of you without it becoming a personal attack each and every time. I am not attacking or judging any of you for the health choices you make. Anyone of you could eat the exact opposite of us, vaccinate their children, not have the slightest care about they put in their body, be the complete opposite of green and I would still respect you, your family and your choices. This is not about being right or being better. It is simply about sharing and helping each other."
You keep believing what you believe, and who cares what others think of you! YOu stand your ground! YOu keep doing what is right for YOU and YOUR family!
Praying that the uglyness stops!
Terry
Angel
The are triyng to attack you and your family.
I am very sorry, but I also very happy the way you respond
Dianna
While I don't have the same "holistic" lifestyle as your familiy.. I would never accuses you of being preachy. I don't do MANY of the things your family does, but still really enjoy your blog.
IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT... DON'T READ IT! Give me a break - I deal with my kids all day then get to read ADULTS acting like kids!!
Keep doing what you do and what is right for your family!
"Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angles to watch over you and your little ones."
We can only "do the best we can" the Lord asks nothing else!!!
You do a great job of staying postive when people are so judgemental and out of line!!
Anyway my question would be are you guys ALL organic or partially and if so what are the items you ONLY purchase as organinc and which ones can slide.. it can get really expensive sometimes
thats it from me, sorry to go on and on, of and yes I want to see more pics and enough with the bloggy breaks....you can sleep one day just don't keep me waiting hehehehehe, glad you are feeling better
Leonie
Honestly girl, I don't understand why you even bother to address these people and their rude questions. You are not the ignorant one ~ they are. These are probably the same people screaming "tolerance" as well. ;)
I got somebody the other day on my blog who "informed" me of how dangerous it was for me to not vaccinate my children. I posted a photo contest picture and she felt the need to address my vaccination stance. Hmpf. Some people. :P
Funny enough, five years ago I probably would have thought what you believe on eating and health was a bunch of bunk. Through reading (Nourishing Traditions - Dr. Mercola, etc..) and research, etc. our lives have become very different. I, too, see a holistic chiro now, we take supplements, eat more organic when we can, avoid unneeded medications, etc.. Personally, I have been healthier in the last two years than in my entire life. I'm a walking breathing testimony that all of this does make a difference. :0)
You keep doing what you're doing girl! They're a lot more lovers of your blog than haters!! Keep your head up and don't worry about "them"!!
~Elyse~
Chill out girl!
Take it easy...
....with life?
Try Jesus. He doesn't care about anything in your closet, how much hair you have, how well you eat, who follows your blog, where you buy your clothes, or the view from your laptop.
He just wants to go on a long walk down a short beach with you. There's some place special just over the horizon.
He is the little blue pill most will never have the opportunity to take and even fewer will believe is real.
Unplug from you and connect with Him.
This is Courtney Brennan your old childhood friend LOL :) (from Bayridge) Anyhoo, I have been reading your blog since Oct., and I just have to say. You should not have to explain yourself to people. Everyone will have an opinion and who cares if some people want to judge you on your decisions. I have been reading your blog a lot and I have to say I believe you are doing a great job raising your kids and I look forward to all the health info you blog about. I have a daughter myself and my husband and I are trying to find a way to be healthier so I enjoy it when you post a blog with some good healthy information.
All of your children are beautiful! and I can't wait to read more healthy info! Now hurry up with that cheese blog..LOL :)
Your friend,
Courtney
I was wondering about the vaccination thing - your reasons and research to support not vaccinating. I'm currently a medical student (in the uk) and this is rapidly becoming more of a trend here in the uk, and i'm interested to know the main reasons behind, particularly since current research has disparaged the autism link. i want to be able to understand both sides of the argument in order to be a better doctor in the future. if you have the time, an email would be great, but dont worry about it if you dont have the time - 6 kids is a <a href="mailto:lot!
annajanehardy@hotmail.co.uk">lot!
annajanehardy@hotmail.co.uk
My husband is constantly reading medical journals ...WHY? because they have updated MEDICAL information about the newest 'discovery's'....
My husband pays a huge amount in Malpractice insurance --- NOT because he has ever been sued but because other's have sued doctors for stupid things (yes, I do realize somethings they are justified)...
My husband has gone to the Clinic at night, Weekends, etc... because people have called and asked him b/c they WANT to see him and not go sit in the ER .......
...right now we have a patient who has taken nothing but vitamin supplements all his adult life -- against Slater's wishes and was diagnosed with diabetes (extreme case -- and still won't listen to reason)....
.... I have NO problem with Brittany... don't know here except through the blog... and truly think she has to be a SUPERWOMAN to handle so many children as calmly as she does... but I don't agree with all her thinking.... BUT guess what... this America ...where everyone has the right to have and VOICE their own opinion!!!
Robin
I think your kids are super fortunate to have parents to who care enough than to blindly believe everything that is told to them and shove junk food down their throats.
Barb in Canada :)
Brittany, it seems to me that you do a very good job at not taking these people so personally, which is exactly the thing to do. Often what people say/do has more to do with them and where they are than it ever has to do with you!.........
But now, the real question............Random Picture Challenge tomorrow??? ;-)
We have made certain choices based upon verifiable information. It sounds like that is what you do, too.
It's too bad that people aren't stimulated to learn more when they are faced with information they have never encountered before. And if words like ignorant and uneducated are going to be bandied about, shouldn't they be tossed in the direction of the people whose undies are in bunches, who don't care to learn more?
Also? So nice of the anonymous commentor to point you toward Jesus. Because you've totally never mentioned HIM before on your blog. For Pete's Sake.
I don't have time to read all of your comments, but I am shocked at some of the ones you have apparently been getting.
One thing never ceases to amaze me--why do people continue reading a blog of a person they obviously do not agreee with?
Furthermore, why do these people feel the need to leave nasty comments?
It is fine to question someone on why they believe what they believe...but have any of these people ever heard of discretion or tact?
Sheesh.
Well handled. Keep the info coming--I, for one, don't know about a lot of the things you post about--and it is a great way for me to begin researching and finding out the info for myself.
I'll talk to you soon.
If I had a question it might be....if you could not breast feed would you join a milk bank or do formula?
Its YOUR blog.. it is YOUR way or the highway on YOUR blog... what is with people?
If they don't like what you write, there are 87.000 new blogs created every day and growing. Find another one to read.
People want leadership and conviction... you present what you think is the truth, with conviction, and if people disagree, that's fine. At least they can trust that you are not wishy-washy or just trying to please everyone.
YOU are the one making the effort. People should be thanking you, not writing snotty comments. Life's too short, just ignore it.
Blessings,
Brent
www.riggs...
This is one thing that I have struggled with and would really like your input. I have two children and I hesitate to have any more because of the environmental implications. Regardless of the choices that we make, our organic eating, our compost pile, our recycling, whatever it may be, we know that population takes a huge toll on the environment.
Therefore, my question is this. Because you make it clear that you are a huge fan of the environment, what made you choose to have more children knowing the impact it would have? Don't be mad at me!! I just really want your thoughts, I am not trying to tell you that you make horrible choices or your children are not beautiful and wonderful. I am just asking....
Kimberly
PS- Adam is thrilled with his new stuff! Thanks! :)
Although most of us (including myself) thought the questions you received were out of line and rude, those people just were just giving their opinions in response to you giving yours.
I agree with "if you don't like my blog, don't read it" but I also think that if you don't like people's comments, disable comments for your blog or for certain posts.
They are judging your opinion. You are judging their response to your opinion. It's a two way street.
People's comments to these posts along the lines of "I feel so bad for you, these people are monsters"
Well, no offense but I really really DON'T feel bad for you. Part of having a blog that allows people to comment is that you will inevitably receive comments! Isn't that what you want? For people to read what you write and respond? Not everyone will like what you write and you won't like everything that people leave in their comments.
Get over it. You're entitled to your opinion and so are they! They aren't monsters, they're just opinionated - like yourself!
If this is such a big deal, disable comments.
i guess that i don't need to say much cause apparently enough has been said:)
..except that God has blessed you with 6 beautiful children and thank you for not taking that lightly.. and doing what He has called YOU to..
we could all glean a little off of other's perspective & that is what your blog has done for me.. well that and look at all the super cute tights :)
A lot of your decisions are very different from mine but I can see from the way you write that you have researched and discussed your decisions with the person who matters most- your husband and you have made the decisions that are right for you. I don't think you have ever tried to force your opinion on us (we all visit your blog by choice! no one makes us) and always try to share in as open and as balanced a way as you can and you do it very well.
I think that having 6 kids is brave and most certainly not a drain on the environment. You can provide for them, raise them to be responsible educated adults. 6 children aren't right for everyone but it obviously is for you!
Thank you for putting your life and opinions out there for everyone to read - I for one enjoy it.
Besides, those nasty commenters don't get to log off their computers and get hugs from their SIX gorgeous kids and loving husband!
Keep the faith girl.
*tight hugs*
I've never taken your blog as preachy or "better than you". If I did, I wouldn't keep reading. I enjoy reading about eating more healthy and challenge MYSELF (meaning, I'm the one putting the challenge on myself. You just put the info out there) to adopt a new food idea every now and then.
Honey, bottom line: It's YOUR blog... you do with it whatever you like.
Times like these I appreciate not being as well-read as your blog... Yikes! I just posted about Pepsi vs. Coke! Can you imagine what nastiness I might get??!! lol.
Keep your chin up. I think your great.
Thanks for ALL your health info! :)
I think you have a BEAUTIFUL family; especially the girls! =) Have a wonderful weekend!
Shame on them! You have a wonderful blog and very helpful info :)
For some reason, I think people are bolder about being rude when commenting on someone's blog than they'd EVER be in real life....as if they get confused...they think they are dealing with a "persona" or a "blog entity" rather than a real person!
I think it's just fine to share whatever you want on your blog. I mean, it's the internet -- EVERYONE has something to say. People can just take it or leave it as they see fit, but they have no right to be rude!
:)
I agree with another comment that said you should not apologize for your views. IMO responding to the rudenness gives those people power. If it makes you feel better to respond then do so, but don't apologize for your blog. It is YOURS. It seems like the negitivity is draining you. Don't let it. Pray and turn it over to God.
It really just comes down to the fact that you are stating how you live, people that don't live that way are self centered and egotistical, defensive, and they think you are personally reaching out of the internet into their lives and judging them. When you don't even know them, and are just sharing who you are.
I'm a vegetarian, and this happens *all* the time to me. I simply say "I don't think meat is healthy for you"- and ONLY when asked- and then people freak out on me and accuse me of judging them for eating meat. In a way, reading your blog is like asking for your opinion- and it's crazy that they would get so mad about it : / I think disagreements make the world go round, and we can do it respectfully, but man some of those comments come from a very small, mean place.
Just wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. It's definitely one of my favorite "random finds" on the internet!
I really appreciate all of the information you post about health/nutrition.
I am learning as much as I can about living a healthy lifestyle...and it's nice to read your thoughts.
I can't believe some of the comments people leave for you sometimes. Reading your blog, OBVIOUSLY, is completely voluntary...you aren't forcing anything down anyones' throats; you are simply sharing the information you have gathered. I appreciate your honesty about the soy issue and really liked your post pertaining to it. I really admire how you talked about how you used to eat it and view it as healthy but now, after learning more about it, have chosen to eliminate it from your diet.
One thing I struggle with is worry. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease last fall and have since, obviously, cut out all wheat/gluten products. I've also done a considerable amount of research about Celiac and have learned about fertility issues and problems with pregnancy that could potentially ensue. My husband and I are considering starting a family within the next year and I have made it my mission to become as healthy as I possibly can to hopefully counteract some of the damage I have done to my system over 26 years of consuming gluten, not knowing it was destroying my villi, causing me to absorb nutrients poorly. YIKES!
So, anyway...THANKS for keeping your blog public and I hope those who have bad things to say about you cut it out. I love reading your blog...
Thanks!
Rachel
I read a book recently called "Anticancer" by a doctor who found out he had brain cancer. Before this, he was a by-the-book doctor; then he started doing research when his own doctors told him there was nothing he could do to improve his condition -- no lifestyle changes, no eating habit changes, nothing. After doing a lot of research and applying it to himself, he found that his doctors were wrong.
Anyway, he speaks in the book about presenting some data about the impact of eating habits on health conditions since WWII. He insisted the urgency of changing these habits. A fellow physician told him: "You may be right, David, but people don't want to change. It's useless to tell them all that. All they want to do is take a medication and forget about it."
Obviously he didn't take this advice since he published a book about it! Keep on putting the health information out there... even if it only changes one person, it's worth it!
God Bless!
I have four children ages 5 and under and we try to eat sugar-free, organic (especially meat) and use only healthy oils. We use a homeopathic doctor and go to the chiropractor regularly.
I look forward to your health topics and I thank you for sharing your ideas and tips to raising a healthy family.
Your family is beautiful.
Also, the comments seem to flare up a lot more after your health and food-related posts. I think comments that aren't flattering go with the territory if you want to post such controversial material. And when you answer to their comments, it just adds fuel to the fire.
Again, you have misled your readers by implying that people out right asked you these questions. I think you are being way to defensive. Chill, and go back and reread. There are two sides to every coin. Be open, if you want others to be!
peace, love, and blessings!
Amy
I think you are an inspiration!
From another publicly no milk mom!
Not everyone who disagreed was rude...also some people meant no offence, their question just came out blunt in writing. The girl who wrote "My way or the highway" actually left a really nice comment if you read the rest of what she wrote. (And she did leave a name, it was Kate I believe)
As I said in another post, if you're going to post controversial topics that are anti doctors and especially anti vaccine, you're going to get strong responses. If you don't want them, then perhaps shut of the commenting when posting something inflammatory. Or maybe start a separate blog for that stuff and keep this a nice place to see your gorgeous kids?
Personally, I read blogs for the inspiration, ideas, and support. I take what speaks to me, maybe learn from things that don't necessarily fit me personally- but are still pretty educational and leave the rest. As you should with all things in life. :)