You are so generous to be so open and share what is truly very private information. I do not see things exactly like you but I value the commitment you have to God and family. You obviously are focused on Honoring God and each other.
If there’s anything we want to communicate through our channel, it’s the importance of relationship with God and desiring to be faithful in our relationships. Thanks for your comment.
@@HerdingLittleCows I am a career woman that lives right outside New York City so we couldn’t be more different but I see so many things in you that are just so wonderful :-) PS my middle son bought a house in Maine a few months ago and he absolutely loves it!
You two are the most real transparent people and my Godly discernment allow me to see this. I worked for 38 years and raised 4 girls. I had a stroke in 2019. I am now drawing the Social Security benefits that I paid into all those years I at times feel guilty that all my kids are grown and I'm unable to work but I try to help people where I can. I am also a born again Christian. I admire you guys for everything good in this world you're doing and the Godly household in which you raise your children. Bless you all!!
Thank you for sharing your story. It’s important that we faithfully do what God has given us to do while accepting the limitations we have without guilt over things we can’t control.
I appreciate y’all’s openness. We’ve gotten so far away from community and helping one another in the last number of decades. Familial help and support used to be the norm and how everyone lived. Most of what I see now is “parent until 18” mentality. I don’t support mooching off others… but it’s evident that’s not what your family is doing. Your mother wants to help and be a blessing… and y’all are a blessing to her as well. Lord willing my husband and I will have the means to bless all our grown children one day. That’s what I want! I want us all living around each other and supporting one another. This is biblical! Blessings to y’all♥️
Thank you for being transparent with us! We have a similar relationship with my in laws that you do with your mother except they live in the house too. We don't pay rent and utilities-they won't take it-but we do yard work and other things we can do to help them. We too try to stay away from as many government programs as possible. Our church family has a couple of people who love to give venison meat, wild turkey meat, and fresh farm eggs to us. I think that more families and communities/churches used to be more like ours but at some point the culture and family dynamics changed. I'm glad to hear of another family like us!
It’s not so common these days for multi generational families to live together, and there’s a need for balance, but it’s a great blessing when families can help one another.
We just want to encourage good stewardship of our own resources as well as the resources others offer to those in need. We want resources to be available to those who need them. We were in the spot where we needed them or we would not have eaten in the past. There was only so much food available in our area at the food pantry. We don’t judge those who need these resources, but at this time we are not in need.
I just found your channel through Mama Bear, and have subbed to both😊! I am a reformed christian homeschooling mom of 3 girls in central Maine, and I look forward to watching more of your videos❤. God bless you guys, and your children 🙏✝️💕.
God is SO GOOD! Amen to that!! He TRULY does provide ALL our needs!!! Hope you’re feeling well, and resting for baby’s arrival, it won’t be too long!! Blessings
Love hearing how God has provided for your family. ❤ we have 2 special needs adults sons (and 5 other children who are not). It's a challenge, we feel the same about Medicare and just use what we need and do as much home remedy as we can. We also pay out of pocket for many expenses. We also work with our adult sons rather than having in home aides. My husband thankfully is able to work and has a job he works from home. I am thankful there is financial assistance for people who are truly living with disabilities, our sons get it and I'm glad your husband is able to get it. I'm only halfway through the video and I look forward to hearing ways you are frugal with your finances. 😊
Have yall looked into the discount on prime for disabled? We get that and it's some savings. I think it's like $6.95/mo. I just looked it up, its called prime access.
I use our credit card the exact same way. We also have cheap phone plans and no streaming services. Not having a mortgage is huge. We paid ours off right when my husband changed jobs/I lost mine in 2021. Our income was cut by two thirds and we were just above poverty level income but able to survive just fine without any government assistance. Thanks for sharing your story :)
They pay for emergency services. So Josiah in the icu with a seizure was paid for. The tibia was paid for. But at one point we had a respiratory issue. We went to urgent care and paid out of pocket. We needed to be seen but we didn’t feel like it was an emergency.
@@HerdingLittleCows gotcha! Just curious! We travel quite a bit so it’s always made me nervous. Good to know. Thanks for doing this video. I gleaned a lot from it.
@@HerdingLittleCows Love the Thomaston area. Our kids have grown up going to Moody's Diner, so we always head over that way for old time's sake and drive through Thomaston on our way. Now that the family home has been sold, and the family is more dispersed through the state, our family picks a place to stay for a week and we go visit family, or they come to us. Can't wait to be there in 14 days!
We generally buy wipes by the box at Sam’s Club. Diapers usually the Parent’s Choice brand. We’ve not had many children with sensitive skin but we generally do the fragrance free wipes and avoid fragrances in general.
We don’t have a target nearby. The closest is over an hour. There are many things in life right now that take up time. Educating our kids, teaching them Bible, and feeding my family healthy frugal meals are taking precedent over laundry right now
@@HerdingLittleCowswhy do you eat so frugally ? Is it because you are tight with money? Why don’t have take the food stamps you are eligible for so you wouldn’t have to eat so frugally. And enjoy life a bit more
@thisismylife6117 we enjoy life plenty. We like to help others who have less money learn to work with what they have. We also have talked about the idea that not every meal needs to be a feast. One can have a simple meal that is nutritious and delicious without spending a lot of money, and then perhaps once a week take the money saved and do something special. We don’t need food stamps or WIC as God faithfully provides above and beyond our needs. Our children are happy and well nourished. Our approach to frugal living means we are free to pursue things we want, and being debt free the last 15 years, many come to us for ideas on saving money and enjoying family more.
Great video. I would suggest that the government does follow the example of bearing one another’s burdens. I do see your reason for going to a food pantry if you had the need. But I think in your case that it would be fine to accept food stamps. A tax budget is understood that those with needs are provided for, and you have legitimate needs. That way you would be able to put the money you currently spend on food into a long term 401K or such in the event you have an emergency.
@@ashlieleavelle It really depends on multiple factors. This time of year the kids are outdoors a lot and tend to wear through clothes faster. In the winter we dress in layers but don’t get outside as much so they tend to last longer. We buy what we need when the need arises. This past week we bought shoes for 3 children. Shoes wear out faster for Sara, Samuel, and Malachi because of their braces for CMT. Naomi has made some dresses and skirts for herself and Abigail, but we buy them also if we can find them reasonably priced. We don’t have a line item budget for clothes or a specific time of year that we buy. But looking at the boys pants, I think we’re going to be watching the sales🤓
I have always loved Maine ❤ We currently live in Oregon .. there are no houses under 400k. A 200-300l house in Maine is easily 1mil here :/ we are blessed to have inherited a house as well praise be to God . Well done ❤️
This is our 4th child born since Mark became unable to work. He’s able to help with various things at home and when he’s feeling well can hold the baby and other tasks. God has graciously given all our children a love for one another and we have taught them to express that love in various practical ways. Many use the term “teamwork” but truly, caring for one another is how families ought to work.
But why don’t you take the food stamps and wic if you qualify? You could use the extra money to save or to treat yourself. You should take what you qualify for. You’re such a good family and deserve the best. Food stamps is such a big help. I rely on it every month to be able to feed my kids
We have considered this option. They are very expensive to train. Also expensive for vet, shots, food. Right now we don’t know that the benefit would outweigh the expenses
I dont want to be unkind, and its great you can live with your mom in a house your Dad paid off. But just play this forward, are you going to provide housing for all of your children when they are adults and married and have their own children ?
God has provided us a very unique living situation while he has also provided us very unique health challenges. We teach our children the value of work and providing for their family. We are trying to help all of them have marketable skills for the future. God provides every family different opportunities that aren’t necessarily going to be available to their children in the future. We should live for God’s glory in each situation and appreciate what we have in that season. Also knowing that God might change that situation and thriving in the new circumstances.
I’m sure they will provide for their special needs child if he needs it as an adult in the same way her mother provides for them with their medical needs.
You are so generous to be so open and share what is truly very private information. I do not see things exactly like you but I value the commitment you have to God and family. You obviously are focused on Honoring God and each other.
If there’s anything we want to communicate through our channel, it’s the importance of relationship with God and desiring to be faithful in our relationships. Thanks for your comment.
Amen!
Thank you for sharing your story. I have really loved watching your story. ❤
We’re glad you came back.
I really appreciate you guys :-) you guys are a lovely family 😊
You are so kind. Thank you.
@@HerdingLittleCows I am a career woman that lives right outside New York City so we couldn’t be more different but I see so many things in you that are just so wonderful :-) PS my middle son bought a house in Maine a few months ago and he absolutely loves it!
Maine is a special place, a lot of folks leave the city and head to a bit more quiet pace of life up here.
You two are the most real transparent people and my Godly discernment allow me to see this. I worked for 38 years and raised 4 girls. I had a stroke in 2019. I am now drawing the Social Security benefits that I paid into all those years I at times feel guilty that all my kids are grown and I'm unable to work but I try to help people where I can. I am also a born again Christian. I admire you guys for everything good in this world you're doing and the Godly household in which you raise your children. Bless you all!!
Thank you for sharing your story. It’s important that we faithfully do what God has given us to do while accepting the limitations we have without guilt over things we can’t control.
Thank you for sharing your story so honestly , I could listen to you both talk all day , as you said God is good , every blessing
I appreciate y’all’s openness. We’ve gotten so far away from community and helping one another in the last number of decades. Familial help and support used to be the norm and how everyone lived. Most of what I see now is “parent until 18” mentality.
I don’t support mooching off others… but it’s evident that’s not what your family is doing. Your mother wants to help and be a blessing… and y’all are a blessing to her as well.
Lord willing my husband and I will have the means to bless all our grown children one day. That’s what I want! I want us all living around each other and supporting one another. This is biblical!
Blessings to y’all♥️
Thank you for your openness and honesty. God bless you and your family
@@Grtchnjb If our experiences can help others, then we are thankful for the opportunity to help.
@@Grtchnjb He has been so gracious to us.
It’s called being a family!
Living with my mom used to be seen a lot more. With everyone benefiting from the relationship
God is so good to take care of us.
Yes He graciously provides!
I love your attitude on how to use the system wisely
Thanks
God bless your family
Thank you
You are a great family and so good your family is being blessed
The Lord has been very gracious to us.
Thank you for being transparent with us! We have a similar relationship with my in laws that you do with your mother except they live in the house too. We don't pay rent and utilities-they won't take it-but we do yard work and other things we can do to help them. We too try to stay away from as many government programs as possible. Our church family has a couple of people who love to give venison meat, wild turkey meat, and fresh farm eggs to us. I think that more families and communities/churches used to be more like ours but at some point the culture and family dynamics changed. I'm glad to hear of another family like us!
It’s not so common these days for multi generational families to live together, and there’s a need for balance, but it’s a great blessing when families can help one another.
Thank you for not just taking , taking and taking from the government- many people do take advantage- your very humble ;)
We just want to encourage good stewardship of our own resources as well as the resources others offer to those in need.
We want resources to be available to those who need them. We were in the spot where we needed them or we would not have eaten in the past. There was only so much food available in our area at the food pantry.
We don’t judge those who need these resources, but at this time we are not in need.
Enjoyed.🫶🏻
You guys are awesome love you all Gods Blessings 💜💜🙏🙏🙏
Thanks!
I just found your channel through Mama Bear, and have subbed to both😊! I am a reformed christian homeschooling mom of 3 girls in central Maine, and I look forward to watching more of your videos❤. God bless you guys, and your children 🙏✝️💕.
Thanks for your comment, it’s fun to meet other Mainers through UA-cam. If you have any questions, give us a shout.
@@HerdingLittleCowsyes, it definitely is 😄, I believe you guys are a little over an hour from me! ❣️
@@solideogloria6569 we’re in Thomaston.
@@HerdingLittleCows I'm in Lisbon 🙂
God is SO GOOD! Amen to that!! He TRULY does provide ALL our needs!!! Hope you’re feeling well, and resting for baby’s arrival, it won’t be too long!! Blessings
We’ve got a lot of meals prepared and in the freezer, as well as some very capable help at home while we will be away.
God is so good!
Love hearing how God has provided for your family. ❤ we have 2 special needs adults sons (and 5 other children who are not). It's a challenge, we feel the same about Medicare and just use what we need and do as much home remedy as we can. We also pay out of pocket for many expenses. We also work with our adult sons rather than having in home aides. My husband thankfully is able to work and has a job he works from home. I am thankful there is financial assistance for people who are truly living with disabilities, our sons get it and I'm glad your husband is able to get it. I'm only halfway through the video and I look forward to hearing ways you are frugal with your finances. 😊
Have yall looked into the discount on prime for disabled? We get that and it's some savings. I think it's like $6.95/mo. I just looked it up, its called prime access.
I found this helpful, especially the idea of buying whats on sale at the groceey store. 😊
Glad it was helpful!
God is great
Yes He is!
I use our credit card the exact same way. We also have cheap phone plans and no streaming services. Not having a mortgage is huge. We paid ours off right when my husband changed jobs/I lost mine in 2021. Our income was cut by two thirds and we were just above poverty level income but able to survive just fine without any government assistance. Thanks for sharing your story :)
Congratulations on paying off your mortgage. That’s a huge weight to bear for many, it’s very freeing to not have that debt.
Super random question. I’ve always wondered if Medicaid pays for out of state care? When your son broke his tibia in Tennessee, did they pay?
They pay for emergency services. So Josiah in the icu with a seizure was paid for. The tibia was paid for.
But at one point we had a respiratory issue. We went to urgent care and paid out of pocket. We needed to be seen but we didn’t feel like it was an emergency.
@@HerdingLittleCows gotcha! Just curious! We travel quite a bit so it’s always made me nervous. Good to know. Thanks for doing this video. I gleaned a lot from it.
I’m glad it was helpful.
Love that you are in Maine!!! My family is from the Ellsworth and Rangeley areas!
Mark is from Ellsworth area. Sara’s family is from Ohio but she moved to Thomaston when she was a young child. Welcome!
@@HerdingLittleCows Love the Thomaston area. Our kids have grown up going to Moody's Diner, so we always head over that way for old time's sake and drive through Thomaston on our way. Now that the family home has been sold, and the family is more dispersed through the state, our family picks a place to stay for a week and we go visit family, or they come to us. Can't wait to be there in 14 days!
That sounds like a great family tradition. Enjoy your upcoming visit. Our 22nd wedding anniversary is June 15.
Nice video
Thanks
Do you follow a curriculum for your homeschooling?
That’s a big question, here’s a fairly short answer. 9 minutes.
ua-cam.com/video/CVkfc_GVSMw/v-deo.htmlsi=CRdAPawwkYyrRsM6
So true nothing is free someone is paying
I think because you don’t see the bill you forget the cost
What brand of disposable diapers and wipes do you plan to use ? For the new baby
We generally buy wipes by the box at Sam’s Club. Diapers usually the Parent’s Choice brand. We’ve not had many children with sensitive skin but we generally do the fragrance free wipes and avoid fragrances in general.
@@HerdingLittleCows target also has very cheap wipes. Have you got a target nearby ? What made you decide to not use cloth diapers anymore
We don’t have a target nearby. The closest is over an hour.
There are many things in life right now that take up time. Educating our kids, teaching them Bible, and feeding my family healthy frugal meals are taking precedent over laundry right now
@@HerdingLittleCowswhy do you eat so frugally ? Is it because you are tight with money? Why don’t have take the food stamps you are eligible for so you wouldn’t have to eat so frugally. And enjoy life a bit more
@thisismylife6117 we enjoy life plenty. We like to help others who have less money learn to work with what they have. We also have talked about the idea that not every meal needs to be a feast. One can have a simple meal that is nutritious and delicious without spending a lot of money, and then perhaps once a week take the money saved and do something special.
We don’t need food stamps or WIC as God faithfully provides above and beyond our needs. Our children are happy and well nourished. Our approach to frugal living means we are free to pursue things we want, and being debt free the last 15 years, many come to us for ideas on saving money and enjoying family more.
Just curious…. How do you get the money that you use to pay for your expenses?
I thought we explained this in the video, but Mark receives benefits from disability insurance.
Where does your income come from?
Mark receives a payment from disability insurance.
when you say minstry what do you mean? are Pastor?
Ministry simply means serving. We are not paid clergy and do not hold positions of authority, we are servants of Jesus Christ.
Great video. I would suggest that the government does follow the example of bearing one another’s burdens. I do see your reason for going to a food pantry if you had the need. But I think in your case that it would be fine to accept food stamps. A tax budget is understood that those with needs are provided for, and you have legitimate needs. That way you would be able to put the money you currently spend on food into a long term 401K or such in the event you have an emergency.
Thank you for sharing
Agree on stewardship, well said!
Thank you.
With all the kids, how frequently do you buy clothes?
@@ashlieleavelle It really depends on multiple factors. This time of year the kids are outdoors a lot and tend to wear through clothes faster. In the winter we dress in layers but don’t get outside as much so they tend to last longer. We buy what we need when the need arises. This past week we bought shoes for 3 children. Shoes wear out faster for Sara, Samuel, and Malachi because of their braces for CMT.
Naomi has made some dresses and skirts for herself and Abigail, but we buy them also if we can find them reasonably priced.
We don’t have a line item budget for clothes or a specific time of year that we buy. But looking at the boys pants, I think we’re going to be watching the sales🤓
I have always loved Maine ❤ We currently live in Oregon .. there are no houses under 400k. A 200-300l house in Maine is easily 1mil here :/ we are blessed to have inherited a house as well praise be to God . Well done ❤️
Housing prices are getting so expensive
Can Mark still care for the newborn baby when he or she arrives? How will you manage without his help?
This is our 4th child born since Mark became unable to work. He’s able to help with various things at home and when he’s feeling well can hold the baby and other tasks. God has graciously given all our children a love for one another and we have taught them to express that love in various practical ways. Many use the term “teamwork” but truly, caring for one another is how families ought to work.
But why don’t you take the food stamps and wic if you qualify? You could use the extra money to save or to treat yourself. You should take what you qualify for. You’re such a good family and deserve the best.
Food stamps is such a big help. I rely on it every month to be able to feed my kids
We are thankful that food stamps are filling a need for your family, but truly we have no need for them as we have all we need.
Do you herd little cows? Or is that just a UA-cam name?
Our last name is Cowperthwaite, so “Cows” is a play on our name. We have no animals, not even a cat or dog. 🤓
So cute❤ love that
Wow you’re able to only spend $1000 a month on food for so many people. That’s impressive
Much easier to use a credit card if something goes wrong
Yes.
Have you ever considered a service dog? I think you may really benefit from that.
We have considered this option. They are very expensive to train. Also expensive for vet, shots, food. Right now we don’t know that the benefit would outweigh the expenses
I dont want to be unkind, and its great you can live with your mom in a house your Dad paid off. But just play this forward, are you going to provide housing for all of your children when they are adults and married and have their own children ?
God has provided us a very unique living situation while he has also provided us very unique health challenges.
We teach our children the value of work and providing for their family. We are trying to help all of them have marketable skills for the future.
God provides every family different opportunities that aren’t necessarily going to be available to their children in the future. We should live for God’s glory in each situation and appreciate what we have in that season. Also knowing that God might change that situation and thriving in the new circumstances.
I’m sure they will provide for their special needs child if he needs it as an adult in the same way her mother provides for them with their medical needs.
@@HerdingLittleCows Amen. You are doing wonderfully walking with the Lord that wpromises to provide.
Does Mark have UPPER Teeth?
No, he does not. He has a genetic issue with his teeth. Thanks for being so observant
I think under your circumstances it is extremely unfortunate that you keep bringing children into this world.
Children are a blessing, not a burden.