The latest from the homestead

Jordan and I hooked up our red trailer and climbed into the truck to head north to the Denver area. We had been in contact with a lady that had Karakul sheep. We had been interested in getting sheep for a few years. It started in Russia when we had purchased some karakul hats. We looked into the ancient breed and discovered they were a hardy breed, able to survive in harsh conditions, cold or hot. They are a multipurpose, meaning you can harvest them for wool, meat, or even milk! We found the location of the woman's home, picked out our sheep, paid her for them and then headed home. We had never owned sheep before and knew very little about them, but were excited to start this new adventure. When we got home, we unloaded them into their make shift pen and have been learning more and more about them every year. 

Did you ever do 4-H or FFA? Maybe your kids are participating in one of those organizations? They are both great organizations to a part of and I recommend it! These organizations encourage discipline and consistency in the projects that the kids participate in. These are skills that I am still striving for as well and often think I would like the accountability of a 4-H or FFA club for myself! 

Through these organizations we've learned more about sheep and how to train them. When you first bring a sheep up that has never been handled, their flight response is very touchy. They literally think you are going to eat them, so they are running away and leaping about. Your first step is to teach them to trust you. When you raise a lamb from the moment they are born, they learn to trust you from day 1 and have almost not visceral reaction to you. Our latest batch of ewes, that we acquired last year, had never really been handled and they could leap and move very quickly. We didn't start working with them right away, mostly due to the schedule, but it turned out to be a positive as they learned to relax, seeing the rest of our animals not reacting in a dramatic way. This winter we officially started working with them. We had the whole flock follow us into the green house and then we cornered each ewe, catching them, straddling them and wrestling a halter onto their faces. Then, we would lead/drag them out of the green house and tie them up in a line along the fence. We had grain that we would feed to them while we just sat next to them. After the first week they were not fighting us as much, realizing there was something tasty in it for them. Into the second week we started teaching them to lead by walking the same path, giving them treats as we went. The first day of this was complete chaos, but after a few days they started to get the idea. I've worked with horses for almost my entire life and working with sheep is nothing like working with horses. Horses are more relational and motivated by the pecking order. In other words, you establish yourself as a leader to be trusted and they will yield to what you are asking them to do. There is a lot more that goes into it, but that is the basic premise. For sheep, they are highly motivated by basic needs, such as flight or fight mechanism and the desire to eat. If you can convince them that you are not going to eat them, then they can be convinced to follow you by what you have for them to eat. It's like bribing a child to pick up their room for a piece of candy. There is still so much we are learning about how to train sheep, but we have an older ewe, Bridget, who is a star when it comes to be haltered, led, and standing tied. She is not registered as a Karakul, but she produces big babies and I'm eager to use her for milking. Visit my Youtube channel to keep up on our latest adventures.

Working with any animal takes time, energy and discipline. To make any changes in life takes time, energy and discipline. I've seen this with my very middle daughter, as she has struggled in the past to finish her school work daily and then not had any improvements because you can not expect to retain information if you are not practicing it everyday. This year we have had some breakthroughs and due to her being more disciplined, she is retaining the information and it is not taking her as long to finish her school! There are some tools we are using to help her and I. There is a free online homeschool curriculum that I use to utilize when we lived in Russia and it now has the ability for you and your students to track what they have completed and earn "points" as they go. It not only is helpful for them, but me as well, as I often forget where they are at in each subject and what I need to grade or go over with them. I spent a lot of time everyday, reorienting myself to where each of them were at. With this online tool, it has saved us all time, energy and mental space. The online program is through https://allinonehomeschool.com/ You can sign up for free, but I recommend giving a donation as they have put a lot of time and effort into a free online homeschool curriculum that is excellent. I still use The Good and Beautiful for most of my educational needs, but added other subjects through Easy Peasy like, daily Bible reading, science, art and computer skills.

As many of you know I am big into natural health and wellness; preventively taking care of our bodies to avoid be horribly sick or having illnesses that could be prevented through proper diet and high quality supplements. I realize that some illnesses are not preventable, however, even those can be better managed through holistic means. When we manage our health and wellness with the same diligence as training an animal or doing school work we will also see huge improvements as time goes by. There is never a get healthy quick scheme without unwanted side effects. Like get rich quick schemes, they are detrimental in the long run. Time, energy and discipline are the key to better health as well. Here are some of my go to's for better health:

Ningixa Red: 1-2oz everyday, and more if you're fighting something

Boost and Balance: 1 packet everyday

The Good Day Protocol: Click the title to see how to use it.

Joy

Valor

Harmony 

White Angelica

Daily use and practice is very important in whatever we set our minds to do. Consistency is the key and taking the time, energy and discipline to accomplish your goals. 

Go here to get my daily regimine: Daily Regimine

Have a Blessed Saturday!

Becca Maria

Alright, let's be real. Yes, I use natural remedies AND we still get sick. However, there are two things i have noticed:

1) We are only sick a few times out of the whole year 

2) The duration for each person is usually pretty short

What happened in January??? If you come from a large family, you know that when one person gets sick, that pretty much takes up the next 30 days as it cycles through every person. Well, about the second week of January two of my kiddos caught a mild head cold, that cleared up, we went home shopping in Walden, got back and a couple days later my son had caught a stomach bug. I went into hyper drive to prevent it from spreading; more on that later. I seemed we managed that, but then one of the two girls that had not caught anything caught the cold/flu bug. The other girl still hadn't caught anything and I hadn't either. Meanwhile, everyone else was on the mend or healthy again. A few days later the other daughter was down with the stomach bug! Then, she caught the cold/flu bug after that. Poor girl. My oldest re-caught a cold/flu bug, but hit her a bit harder this time, and my son re-caught a stomach bug. Keep in mind basketball season is in full swing and the girls are going to away games together, breathing the same air, and I found out they all shared a coffee at one point. I started laughing as my oldest told me this and I said to her, "You want to know why you're sick again???" That concluded January, which we also still did school and worked with our livestock. So, these different bugs everyone caught were short lived but took up the entirety of January. Oh, and I'm fairly certain I also was dealing with my first UTI.

How do we manage sickness in our family? Well, for starters, let me explain, I have used other over the counter remedies before and I avoid them as much as possible. I have recently, in the last year, even used some over the counter meds and have found I just don't like how I feel after taking them and they were not really effective. We use natural remedies because we have found them more effective with no side effects and quite honestly I have peace of mind knowing I'm not wrecking something else in my body by taking a med with side effects. 

Here's what we do and are still doing! We all take Ningxia Red on a daily basis. What is that? is an antioxidant drink that helps your body get rid of toxins. We also avoid processed sugar and processed flour. At the first sign of sickness we eliminate dairy as that has a tendency to create more mucous in your throat and sinuses. I make a crockpot full of spiced cider. Message me if you want the recipe! We then move to essential oil application, which includes diffusers going in every room and putting those oils on everyones bodies. Go watch this video: Immune Support if you want to learn more about what we use and why. Young Living also has a vast array of essential oil infused supplements that we take. Why essential oils in supplements? The simplest answer is that essential oils help your body to absorb the supplements more effectively. They have: Super C, Super D, Super B, an immune support supplement, and even supplements to support your whole body. Go to this link to peruse their selection: Supplements

Taking care of our bodies shouldn't be complicated, especially during this season. Want to set up a consultation with me? Text, call or email and we can set up a free one-on-one meeting: (720) 336-4041

I'm not a medical professional, but I have 8 years of experience taking care of my family and friends with natural remedies. What's your biggest hangup? What keeps you from pursuing better health and wellness, especially when you see results from people around you?

In Christ's Love,

Becca Maria

I set a goal. I went to accomplish that goal and then: Middle school girl's basketball season hit; I was struggling with what I thought was a UTI; some of my kids got sick; they got healthy; we went home shopping up north; came back and the other half of the kids got sick, with something different (puking), and more basketball. 

Life can throw so much at us and I know sometimes I don’t even know that I’m walking around tensing up my shoulders and upper back! Like, why do we do this??? I’ve figured out how to release that tension without spending an arm and a leg on massages and chiropractors. We have to start at the root of the issue, which is realizing why we are even walking around as if we’re carrying 100lbs all the time. I finally noticed that I was tensing that upper back and shoulders at night!!! So, the first step is realizing that you are doing it and then practice relaxing those muscles on the go. It does take time and effort. You may think, but it’s quicker if I go to the chiropractor or get a massage, but if you think of the time it takes to make that appointment, the soreness you feel afterwards even and the fact that you have to block out time for it, not to mention, not all of us have the money to do that. So, without further ado, here are my steps:

1) Recognize the stressors that are causing you to be tense. It could be relationships or it could just be the day to day tasks that need accomplished and you’re thinking about those; tensing as you’re running your daily list through your head. Whew! Who can feel me on this one? Once I realized I was unconsciously tensing, it allowed me to consciously practice un-tensing.

2) Morning and nightly essential oil routine. Put a drop or two on your finger tips and apply that directly over the areas that are tense. I get big knots right next to my shoulder blades, in between the shoulder blades and spine. So, I apply a drop or two to my right finger tips and then massage it into the left side knot. I do the same on the other side. Favorite oils to use: Deep Relief; Wintergreen/ Peppermint and Clove; Frankincense, Northern Lights Black Spruce and Copaiba. Any combination of these can be used. I will occasionally apply Stress Away along the back of my neck and shoulders. To top it all off I’ll apply a hot corn sack over the knots after applying oils. It really starts to loosen up the muscles and help them relax.

3) Finally, stretching after applying the oils and heat will help to loosen those muscles even more. I like to do deep squats, taking deep breaths and reaching forward and at 45 degrees angles with my arms and hands. I slowly bring myself up so I’m bent over touching my toes and then slowly rising up into a standing position. 

When I have followed this protocol in the past, it usually takes about 5-7 days for those muscles to finally release. When I remind myself to relax throughout the day, I don’t develop those knots in my back. Applying the StressAway roll on from Young Living or Valor or my current favorite: Vanilla Whimsy also helps as a reminder to relax. 

Go here to get the knots and relax bundle and find relief: Knots and Relax

As we step into January, it's the perfect time to set intentions and focus on goals that bring balance and vitality to your life. Whether you're working on fitness, mindfulness, or overall wellness, essential oils and supplements can be powerful allies in supporting your journey. From energizing blends to keep you motivated to calming oils for moments to destress, we've got you covered. Let's make 2025 your healthiest, happiest year yet—one drop at a time!

JANUARY AT A GLANCE

* FREE Grapefruit, Deep Relief & Life 9 Probiotic. These are perfect for your new year resolutions!

* NingXia Greens is 15% off for Loyalty Rewards orders! It's a wonderful addition to your new habits.

* Grab your NingXia Resolutions Kit and join the new year challenge towards better health!

* Check out the new Liver Love Course for ways to embrace and support one of our most essential organs!

* No matter what the new month brings up for you, we have some wonderful blends & recipes. If you're feeling… check them out!

JANUARY GIFT WITH PURCHASE

Welcome the new year with free favorites that inspire transformation from the inside out! January's gifts with purchase help you kick off 2025 with a curated trio that will support your journey toward healthier habits and a happier you. As you make your resolutions, set yourself up for success with exclusive goodies that will power your goals and make this January your freshest yet!

GIFT WITH PURCHASE AT A GLANCE

* Get our favorite fruit and veggie power–NingXia Greens–at 15% off! 

* FREE Deep Relief, Grapefruit, and Life 9 Probiotic. All of these are perfect for your new year resolutions!

* You order the household products you use anyway -- cleaning products, shampoo, bath gel, supplements, and all your favorite oils – and you get freebies in the process!

* Each time you hit a specific tier, a free gift is added to your order! 

JANUARY LOYALTY ORDER EXCLUSIVE

Add NingXia Greens powder to your Loyalty Rewards order during January and get it for 15% off. Get your daily recommended fruits and veggies—simply scoop, stir, and sip! 

300 PV ORDERS WILL EARN (Retail value: $90.46)

* Loyalty order: Deep Relief essential oil blend, 5 mL: Sore muscles can knock you off your groove when you're starting a healthy exercise regimen. Soothe and cool fatigued muscles and joints and refresh your post-workout routine with Deep Relief essential oil blend. It pairs the cool combination of Peppermint and Wintergreen oils with the warm duo of Clove and Copaiba oils that you can massage into muscles for recovery support.

* Grapefruit essential oil, 15 mL: When you're stuck in the musty indoors during the winter months, brighten your day with citrus zest! Infuse your space with the uplifting aroma of Grapefruit essential oil. This aromatic pick-me-up for the senses sets the stage for your successful resolutions with its cleansing, energizing scent.

* Life 9 probiotic: Take charge of your gut health with Life 9 probiotic supplement. Packed with 17 billion live cultures from nine beneficial bacteria strains, it supports a healthy digestive and immune system by sending reinforcements to maintain or replenish your healthy microbiome.

200 PV ORDERS WILL EARN (Retail value: $46.71)

* Loyalty order: Deep Relief essential oil blend, 5 ml

* Grapefruit essential oil blend, 15 ml

100 PV ORDERS WILL EARN (Retail value: $21.05)

Loyalty order: Deep Relief essential oil blend, 5 ml

ORDER THIS, GET THAT!

Create a Loyalty Rewards order with some of these ideas below and get Deep Relief, Grapefruit, and Life 9 probiotic for FREE.  PLUS at least 30 points (up to 75!) to use as product credits!

* NingXia Greens – This supplement is perfect for all your resolutions–greens, nutrients, and gut health! And just for January,  you can get it for an extra 15% off with your Loyalty Rewards order!

* NingXia Red –  This daily red drink is a must have in our homes all year round!! More energy, better sleep, and less stress on the body–its a win!

* Super Magnesium -- Did you know that magnesium is a core building block for your health? It is involved in over 300 processes within the body! And almost all of us aren't getting enough of it. Super Magnesium gets the job done with better distribution, higher available levels of magnesium, and fewer capsules.

* Cleansing Trio – If you're ready to give your body the cleanse it needs ,this trio is the perfect thing! ICP, Comfortone, and Essentialzyme work together to help you refresh in the new year.

* Deep Night Essence – Sleep is a vital part of our health, so when sleep is elusive or hard to maintain things go downhill quickly! As science uncovers more about the importance of sleep, we need a support option we can use long-term without worrying about side effects and drowsiness. This non-drowsy, melatonin-free sleep supplement gives you  the sleep you need!

How does it work?

Every month this generous company loads us up with free items simply for being loyal customers. We purchase items we'd be buying anyway - toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, makeup, supplements and cleaning supplies, etc - from Young Living, and we not only get amazing, high quality products that are safe for our families, we get free products, delivery to our doorstep and product credits galore! Just make sure to order a minimum of 50PV to get your Loyalty Rewards! 

Gift With Purchase & Loyalty Rewards FAQs:

What is the gift with purchase? Basically the best way to order ever! You purchase products and YL sends you free ones! Each month you'll have new picks for every tier. What's a tier? Basically, the more PV (product volume) you order, the more free products you receive!

* Order at least 50PV to earn Loyalty Reward points.

* Order at least 100PV to qualify for free gifts 

* Every time you increase your order volume (up to 300 PV) and qualify for a new tier, you receive free products.

Earn points on products

Not only do you receive free goodies, but if you place a 50 PV+ order each month with the Loyalty Rewards program, you'll also earn points on each purchase, which you can redeem for future products. 

Earn exclusive gifts

If all those perks weren't enough, subscribers receive a free loyalty gift as a thank you each time they reach a benchmark anniversary of 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of ordering!

NEW NINGXIA RESOLUTIONS KIT

Say hello to your healthiest year yet with our Resolution Reset Bundle! Take a transformative 30-day journey to your best self. Inspired by Josef Young, this bundle pairs the powerful benefits of the NingXia Red drink with the Naturally Nourishing recipe book, tailored toward building the healthiest you yet.

Depending on what level you prefer, you'll receive enough of our NingXia Red superfruit drink to help you crush your fitness, hydration, and nutrition goals. NingXia Red is made from wolfberries (goji berries) and a blend of superfruits and essential oils. It's clinically shown to increase healthy energy levels, support better sleep, and reduce stress.* Fuel your body, refresh your mind, rediscover your energy, and create lasting, life-changing habits.

NingXia Red is clinically shown to:

* Provide energy support without caffeine

* Increase physical energy levels significantly while reducing physical limitations

* Support whole-body health and wellness

* Improve sleep patterns, increasing time asleep

* Reduce daily stress significantly to improve mental well-being

* Help prevent oxidative stress

This one supplement provides a nutrient infusion for whole-body support with powerful antioxidants and a synergistic blend of Orange, Tangerine, Lemon, and Yuzu premium essential oils. It is a daily must, no matter the time of year!

Learn more about the 30 Day Challenge here

NEW COURSE – LIVER LOVE

Is your metabolism struggling?

Does your skin seem muddy and inflamed?

Is your digestion sluggish?

Are your energy levels at an all time low?

Then you're in the right place.

Your liver is a literal powerhouse when it comes to your overall health. Showing it some love on a daily basis can go a long way! And it doesn't have to be scary or overwhelming or honestly even that hard.

In this class, we'll dive deep into the many vital roles your liver plays in keeping your body in balance—like detoxifying harmful substances, regulating metabolism, and supporting immunity. 

You'll learn natural, effective ways to support liver health through mindful lifestyle choices, essential oils, and supplements, helping you restore your energy, clear your skin, and feel your best. 

Let's give your liver the love it deserves!

Check out the Liver Love Course here 

“IF YOU'RE FEELING…” DIFFUSER BLENDS

The start of a new year is a time of fresh beginnings, reflection, and setting intentions for the months ahead. It's an opportunity to embrace emotional growth, let go of what no longer serves you, and cultivate a positive mindset for the future. Diffusing essential oils can be a powerful way to support these intentions, helping you navigate the emotional waves that often come with new goals and challenges. Whether you're looking to boost joy, find balance, or stay motivated, the right blends can set the tone for a fulfilling year ahead.

If You're Feeling... Sad

Diffuse: Joy

Joy is a blend designed to uplift the heart and brighten your outlook, combining floral and citrus notes like Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, and Geranium. Diffusing Joy can help replace feelings of sadness with warmth and positivity, making it easier to embrace the brighter side of life. It's perfect for creating a cheerful, comforting atmosphere.

If You're Feeling... Angry

Diffuse: Lemon

Lemon is bright, refreshing, and known for its mood-boosting properties. Diffusing Lemon can help clear mental fog, ease tension, and release pent-up frustration. Its crisp, citrus scent inspires clarity and positivity, creating an environment conducive to letting go of anger.

If You're Feeling... Lonely

Diffuse: Lavender

Lavender's calming and soothing properties make it the ultimate oil for easing feelings of loneliness. Diffusing Lavender fosters a sense of comfort and emotional balance, promoting inner peace and relaxation. It's like a gentle hug in aromatic form, helping you feel connected and supported.

If You're Feeling... Anxious

Diffuse: Valor

Valor is a grounding blend that promotes courage and confidence, featuring oils like Black Spruce and Blue Tansy. Diffusing Valor can reduce feelings of anxiety, replacing them with a sense of calm and self-assurance. It's a wonderful choice for times when you need to overcome nervousness or regain balance.

If You're Feeling... Content

Diffuse: Frankincense

Frankincense is grounding, centering, and deeply spiritual, ideal for enhancing a sense of contentment. Diffusing this oil helps calm the mind, deepen your connection to the present moment, and foster peace. It's perfect for reflecting on what you're grateful for and cultivating a deeper sense of fulfillment.

If You're Feeling... Hopeful

Diffuse: Believe

Believe is a powerful blend of essential oils like Idaho Blue Spruce and Frankincense, designed to inspire faith and optimism. Diffusing Believe fills the air with an uplifting aroma that encourages a hopeful outlook, helping you focus on possibilities and dreams. It's a wonderful oil for times when you need a boost of encouragement and motivation.

By diffusing these oils, you create a personalized aromatic environment that supports your emotions and helps you navigate life's ups and downs with greater ease and balance.

SHARE YL CODE

Did you know that you can share your love of Young Living with your friends and family and get 25% back in product credits?! Or you could upgrade to a Brand Partner, make commissions, and win some fun prizes!! 

If you're a Customer, be sure to share your favorite products with your friends and family using your Young Living personal referral link. When they use the link to place a 50+ PV (point value) first-time order, have them use the code SHAREYL at checkout to get 10 percent off. Plus, you'll earn 25 percent of their order's PV in product credits for use in your future orders!

If you're a Brand Partner, share your faves using your Young Living personal referral link or wishlist link. Remember to give your new Customer or Brand Partner enrollee the SHAREYL code to use at checkout when they place a 50+ PV first-time order so they can save 10 percent. As a Brand Partner, you'll earn 50 percent in Fast Start Bonuses on all PV purchases your new Customer or Brand Partner enrollee makes in their first month.

HOW TO FIND YOUR PERSONAL REFERRAL LINK

* Log into your YL account.

* Click the menu.

* Click ‘SHAREYL'

* Copy/paste that referral link and share it with your friends/family!

Want to browse the catalog? Go here: Browse the website

Happy New Year!!!