Our Messy House (Real Life w/ 6 Kids)

2023 Vlogmas, day 10. Nothing like a free Saturday to get things done around the house! Chris cleans up, we open Advent Calendars, and then Jessica discusses some health stuff that she's dealing with. Join this channel to get access to perks:
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[@heyitsmeggg]

Can I just say how refreshing it is to see a man caring for his house and kids the way Chris does? I really appreciate him showing what a good man and dad looks like

[@alisontravers5477]

I agree but it’s just a shame that we notice this as unusual when it should be the norm. Chris is setting a good example for the next generation!

[@gabbyghikas5343]

🥺 Luke’s speech has improved so much!! I’m so proud of how far he has come ❤

[@rhonda1631]

How nice was it to see a "normal" house!! I'm tired of seeing the Instagram home where everything is perfect, so thank you!

[@ellespoonies]

I was seriously expecting that before and after to then cut to a “ten minutes later” picture of everything being a mess again. Because let’s be real, we all know that’s exactly what happened. 😂

[@camille9094]

Anemia can be so frustrating! I struggled with it for years because of heavy menstrual cycles. If it helps: Hemoglobin is the amount of protein that carries oxygen to your blood (decrease means fatigue with anemia) Hematocrit is the amount of red blood cells in your blood Ferritin refers to the amount of iron your have in storage. Hope you feel better soon!

[@k.239]

16:33 Luke saying "I did it" when Jacob opened the bag 😂😂😂 they're so cute

[@eli_so__fly]

I am so impressed at how loving and cooperative the kids are with each other. It seems like Christopher and Jessica have instilled such values and I just love how the kids interact with each other! Also, I get horrific migraines too. I could not imagine dealing with them with 6 kids. Christopher is an amazing saint for stepping up and 'taking over'

[@rebeccaward9365]

I don’t know if you have been told this but when I was pregnant I was anemic and I entered to a dietician that specializes in anemia and they told me that dairy inhibits the absorption of iron. So I had to space my iron filled foods and the iron supplement well apart from any dairy foods and it made a huge impact on my iron levels for the better. Hope this helps you too

[@trippyerinsd]

Rue going up to Jessica when she was talking about feeling crummy awww 🐾🥰

[@Just-Darcy]

Teddy and Luke’s interactions are so precious! Reminds me a lot of my preschool students. 🥰

[@tiffm8869]

I love how authentic this channel has always been. Can't wait to see you guys decorate for Christmas!

[@SallyH247]

11:08 The joys of being Neurodivergent and hyper-focusing on one thing to the point where you become oblivious to everything else around you! Considering his sisters are both Neurodivergent, it makes sense that he is too! His son Jake is diagnosed as Neurodivergent too (Dyslexia) and I'm pretty sure Bailey has ADHD and is possibly Autistic too. They're a wonderfully chaotic Neurodivergent family! 😄

[@ellespoonies]

I think that’s why this family brings me so much joy! It’s so lovely to see a neurodivergent family thriving and encouraging each other’s differences and needs without the allistic mindset of needing to “fix” behavior or change to adhere to a certain mold beyond the obvious level of kindness and respect we all should aspire to. It’s just beautiful to see, heals my inner neurodiverse child! ❤

[@Laura-iu8sp]

It certainly does run in families! I'm curious though, what makes you think that about Bailey? I've only started following recently!

[@ulrikethaetner]

Bailey is definitely not autistic.

[@k.239]

I just love that they accept everyone as they are ❤️

[@janiensche7820]

was searching for the commentary adressing that this all sounds like a very neurodivergent thing.❤ Couldnt have been better summarized! And i also have to heavily agree with ellespoonies!

[@mandaavis799]

Iron: #1 advice is ask for and prioritize an iron infusion. It’s an iv a week for 2-3 weeks and so worth it. #2 spinach smoothies #3 I’m southern so I go for pinto beans in the instant pot with some type of ham added with a side of coleslaw. Could be done with veggie broth instead of the ham if you like the taste of beans.

[@Hey.itskailey]

Iron infusions saved my stomach! The supplements never sat well with the me.

[@mandaavis799]

@@Hey.itskailey sameeeee

[@Alexandra_Julie]

For iron, the best is baby cereal. Often, for 1/3 of a cup, you will have 90-100% of your daily value. You can put it in yogurt, this is what I do. Or do muffins or pancakes too. Hope you will get better soon ❤

[@Hey.itskailey]

Wow this is a great tip. Thank you!

[@andreanairvin7724]

Jessica, I have struggled with iron as well and one thing they said was the tannins in coffee and tea can inhibit iron absorbing. So even when I was eating iron rich foods I would still have lower iron and they said if I was drinking coffee or tea with it it could cause it to not absorb as well. Same with milk which I also would drink with meals. Just my experience but I know you love your tea

[@BallingerFamily]

Nooooo 😭😭😭 Thank you for the info!! Maybe there are teas with no tannins… I’m assuming herbals wouldn’t have any. I’ll add that to my list of things to discuss with my doctor 💗

[@andreanairvin7724]

@@BallingerFamily Hope it helps.

[@carlyrose4040]

Duuuuuddddeeee!!! THAT MAGIC TRICK 👏🏼 I’m amazed and confused all at the same time! Great job Chris

[@StefanieSchmidt-v8s]

Hello, I‘m from Germany and love these Exit Advent-calender ! I do one every year and it‘s always so much fun to do it and solve the riddles ! As a little help for Bailey, there are arrows when you solve the riddles on the back of the red, yellow an blue strings. From the door on this day you can follow the arrows and you find the next door. To Check if you got it correct, there are the three signs (Star, Moon, etc) From the strings. If they are the same, you were right :) have fun With it - I love them :)

[@Gab__________]

Best part is literally 9:47 , and Chris's smile with the reexplanation totaly killled me hahahaaaa (sorry for my bad english btw, i'm french)

[@laurenh825]

Really loved your transparency in this Chris.

[@Lewlew066]

I've had anemia my whole life because my periods are heavy as hell. I was always on iron pills and my iron levels never really went up enough, then I was recommended by a doctor to get an iron infusion, and that was literally the only time my iron levels just SKY rocketed and I finally started feeling good! It's been 8 months since then and my levels are still great. Do it, Jessica! took me 2 sessions, 30 mins each.

[@mpdaugherty8549]

Perfectly Normal. Thanks for sharing the honesty. Facts: We all live busy lives. Amen Happy Holidays

[@AbbeyLeigh12]

Parker’s nails were a slay 💅🏻 I loveeeee the advent segment each day 🥰

[@KatieSparkles]

Yesss! Thank you for showing real life! We can all relate to that especially around the holidays! 🤩 My partner and I just moved and we still have towers of boxes as we slowly go through everything. 😂❤

[@jeannine8400]

We have that same mop bucket, and I don't know how I lived without it. It is a huge help for cleaning up messes.

[@cambridgequeen7174]

Best family ever! Keeping it real!

[@Twdsuperfan2010]

Chris, how have your hives been. I know last yr you where suffering from hives and how bad they where. Could you give us an update on how you’re doing. I’ve noticed you havent mentioned the hives at all this yr. So, I assume you’re doing better.

[@amandanicole3999]

Im living for your cat shirt Chris 😊

[@unapologeticallyamy9031]

I laughed so hard when Chris pulled the play-doh from the floor. I totally thought that one little person left a wet sticky sock on the floor. I don’t have kids but I have cats who like to launder various fabric items in their water bowl and the hide them. I’ve found kitty toys behind the furniture as well as the one time I almost died reaching behind the couch to grab a stray sock and it was sopping wet. I then slid down between the couch and wall 🤣 but I’m not little and it hurt 🤣

[@nickpassion123]

I really appreciate how you guys show the reality of your house and don't always try to appear like picture perfect people that always have their house clean.

[@just_sarahjane]

All Ballinger house tours are messy house tours and I love it

[@funwithfriends634]

One good habit I raised my son to do is clean as you cook, then you don't have a huge mess when your done. Well he is an adult now living on his own and I have to laugh when he tells me how much it bugs him that his roommates and girlfriend do not clean as they go. It made me think of it when you said you try to set the example for your kids. They really do pay attention and learn by example! 😂

[@tracylandry3821]

Sorry, Floradix is plant based and easily absorbed. It's spendy, but worth it. With the menopause stuff it literally got me out of bed and able to function. Should find it at Whole Foods or natural food stores. Maybe online. Give it a look-see.

[@SuperOlivia1993]

Okay messy or not your house is beautiful and so full of love and life and looks lived in! It's realistic and relatable! You guys are all doing awesome! Your house is also so satisfying to see clean and I loved the time lapse! I'd love to see an update of your other living room/dinning room cleaning transition! ❤️❤️❤️❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@movingandshaking3849]

I’d love an update video on Rue and her training. She’s well behaved❤

[@tessawhite7962]

Your kids are so adorable. I still can’t get over how well Luke is talking. He always puts a smile on my face. 😊😊

[@playwithmeinsecondlife6129]

Chris would you agree it get easier as the kids get older? You are right not to stress out, enjoy them while they are young. As a New Yorker I find it astounding that you can have your patio door open in December. Good job cleaning!

[@tarab7773]

I love cleaning videos. More please:) PS Rue is such a sweety

[@suepeterson163]

I agree

[@ninopink1598]

Oh my I Love the New vlogmas intro it's my Favorite!! Love from ct.!

[@KatieSparkles]

Oh that’s rough Jessica, I hope the anemia goes away soon! ❤Sending so much love and healing energy your way. ❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@joybranch-londesborough6617]

Do the kids have chores? They may learn about messy things if they have to clean it up? This, coming from one who's mother did it all, of course? Lol! Yeah, lifes too short to sweat the small stuff. ❤

[@lizzygiroux9490]

The drama of the penguin not being squishy 😂

[@planetjunebug8404]

IN THE BAG! … IN THE BAG! …. IN THE BAG!!!!!!

[@deena285]

Hi Jessica, if your iron levels are low and food is not boosting it, I recommend getting iron infusions. I get them once every 6 months to a year and they have helped dramatically raise my levels. And I also suffer from migraines but have been put on the Emgality shot which is a monthly dose, and I will say since starting it over two years ago, I have yet to have a migraine. It’s been a life saver! Hope this helps, feel better!

[@tinawilliamson2149]

When I had really low iron. Female stuff, a doctor in the er, told me to buy an iron fish. I believe you can only buy it on the internet. You put in the pan when you cook liquid. Like boiling water for your tea. It will put iron in the water. That helped her. When you buy one, they donate one to a country where they do not get the food they need for nutrition. I had a very difficult time absorbing iron, too. I hope you feel better soon.

[@tyreebruce]

I clean homes for a living. I use Barkeepers friend cleanser on sinks and sooooo many things. We have a lot of people on wells and everything gets discolored. Their sinks get scuffed etc and a bit of buffing with barkeepers friend and all is like new.

[@breemangie4018]

Mom award goes to Jess for sharing her advent instead of her having her own like everyone else. Kids have a mom with such a good heart

[@PurdueAlum01]

Well they always shared the food ones every year, just happens she got the only food one this year. Even the hot sauce one they shared... and tea, Reeses and classic tiny chocolate pcs. Maybe they need to do a family one that's food to sample, but too bad it's a single pc of licorice instead of a few dots of it instead.

[@breemangie4018]

@@PurdueAlum01 I would share with my little ones. Nothing negative at all. But I wish there was a family one. That would be cool so there’s more than just a tiny piece. I kind of wanna do that for my family. Next year everybody have their own that represent us and then something new for us all to try

[@alissamorris4494]

I’ve had trouble with anemia too and supplements haven’t always worked. Try adding some sardines and oysters in to your meals. They aren’t always to everyone’s taste but are a great food source of iron if you do like them.

[@thecuriouscashew]

Not sure if you’ve heard of “the lucky iron fish” i believe it is called. It is quite literally a block of iron in the shape of a fish that you cook with to help fortify meals with iron! For example, boiling it in with pasta to enrich it with iron. It it used in developing countries i think to help treat iron deficiencies. Its worth looking into!

[@rebeccag.s3682]

That magic trick was insanely good

[@joanchaffinbawcom5722]

Gosh I remember cleaning for the Christmas holidays and shoveling toy drifts in my two boys rooms and around the house. I feel the struggle, but now it's a wonderful memory. I saved a fair few things and have the fun of passing them on to my first grandchild.

[@annajosullivan]

I’ve had brain cancer twice. While doing chemo my labs would be in the toilet. I had to take liquid iron instead of a pill. I also had several iron infusions. I ate a lot of northern beans. I would just throw them in the crockpot. I slept a lot and it was nice to have dinner ready when I woke up. Also if you didn’t know barometric pressure changes can give you a headache. We call it barometer head. I live in west Texas and I’ve learned a good barometric pressure for me 29.97. If it goes much higher or lower than that then I’m in misery. Or if it’s high or low and climbs either up or down quickly then I’m in misery. I take 100 mg of sumatriptan and if it doesn’t work after 2 hours then I take another 100 mg tablet.

[@jewelsgrl]

I’ve struggled with anemia most of my adult life, and recently had to have infusions. It made a huge difference! I hope you find relief soon, Jessica!

[@Marian-gt3zn]

Just ended up here somehow and I’m glad I did! Refreshing!❤

[@lynnethwaytes7944]

Hope you and Jacob feel better soon Jessica. Well done with all the cleaning Chris xx

[@curlykmk47]

I really appreciated this real life vlog.

[@annetje2333]

Hi Jess, i’ve been struggling with chronic iron deficiency for over 25 years. What i found out helped me was that there are different types of iron suppletion. There ferrofumarate, the most common supplement, but also ferrosulfate, which spreads the dose over a longer period, and there is also ferroglucanate which is often put in supplemental drinks. For me a combo of the ferrosulfate and glucanate work best because my iron levels go very fast up and down with ferrofumarate. Hopefully this helps!

[@MakeItMagical27]

I also just had a blood test and found out I’m anemic too. It really can make you fatigued! I also don’t eat red meat so it’s a struggle finding good iron-food. I recently made some chocolate muffins stuffed with spinach and zucchini. They were amazing!

[@scarredlove]

I’ve been going through basically the same anemia thing! Found out in August that I’m severely anemic! All the tests came back super low. It takes 3+ months for iron numbers to really show improvement. Also, avoid grapes! They deplete iron stores. Don’t take or eat calcium near taking your iron. Certain types of fish also can deplete iron stores. I had to do a lot of research when I found out. My numbers also have only slightly improved as of November, I’m getting rechecked in March. It’s quite a long process to get back to a normal range. I hope you’re able to start feeling better soon!

[@siddhisamlal2654]

Just a curious question: What do you do with all the different advent items that have been accumulated over the years?

[@PlumberryPuppet]

That cup and ball trick was so fun

[@ladybug3699]

You guys need a vaccum/mop so much easyer then moping (i have a tineco version but I know there is also a bissell crosswave too)

[@johannageary6991]

I’ve been anemic for years (haven’t been pregnant yet) and it took like 2 years for me to get to a stable place with it. It still never went away completely, but the most helpful thing for me was cycle control (I know not for everyone, but truly life changing). Also ask for your b12 to be checked if you haven’t already. It sounds like you’re doing everything you can but I feeeel you. Being that level of tired can be emotionally draining

[@imgabiireyes]

hi jessica! i used to work in a pharmacy and i know exactly what you mean when you said those cough drops flavor because i spent my winters with those in my mouth!

[@Hey.itskailey]

I’m anemic as well and get the migraine headaches when my numbers get really low. I gave up on iron supplements and I now go for infusions once a year, or every other. It’s a privilege given I know it can be very expensive without insurance, but if you have good medical coverage it might be something to look into.

[@the_ambracer]

Hey, it's ok to have a messy house. It just shows that you live in it and that you and your kids are active. ^_^

[@AnotherEmmaLouise]

Thankyou for keeping it real! I feel so guilty for having a house that looks lived in

[@sandradeleo3215]

Jessica oatmeal is a really great source of iron, you can get more iron from it then alot of red meat servings in case you didnt know

[@charlotterickman139]

I have anaemia, due to a large fibroid causing heavy menstruation. If your periods are heavy or have got worse over the years it might be worth considering, they are much more common than you think. I am taking iron tablets and am on the route to having it removed x

[@amiramohamadrafi9804]

i was so impressed by the magic trick😮😮😮 i’m just itching to know how it’s done now 😂

[@JuneNelson]

I’m also dealing with anemia and low iron, I’ve had a blood transfusion in 2022, also taking iron and vitamins, I’m looking forward to my iron infusion Praying for you Jessica♥️

[@amilcarcosta3330]

I loved the opening of the vlogmas, it was really cool.

[@maggiegoldermann3600]

Hi Jessica - I am anemic and also a dietitian at the Mayo Clinic. Have you ever heard of “lucky iron fish”? It’s pretty much a block of iron that you can add into your food when cooking. The iron leaches out into your food. It’s kind of pricey, but you can reuse it!!!

[@marissaouellet2585]

Using iron pans does the same effect I believe!!

[@SEYEBONOMUSIC-2]

9:36 The true meaning of life, as explained by Luke. 😊

[@chaz12582]

Jessica! I’m sorry you have been suffering! Migraines a couple times a month sounds taxing without the anemia! I’m so glad you are going to the doctor! Hewitt had iron issues and got iron infusions. We also discovered that mini wheats is a great source that he could just snack on throughout the day. My mom recently tried Botox for her migraines. It didn’t work for her. And, I did the tiktok hack the other day where you put your feet in super hot water. It worked a smidge.

[@crazyshelly2628]

I was recently told I was anemic too. I love lintels! Didn't know they were high in iron, though. This makes me want to make some lintel soup!

[@catwoman4921]

Thanks for sharing about your Anemia, Jessica. I'm vegan and am also anemic. But I've always struggled with anemia, even when I was an omnivore. One food that surprised me about the iron count is cream of wheat! The only problem is, caffeine inhibits iron absorption and I normally eat it at breakfast when I like to have coffee. But it's an incredibly easy and fast meal and you can add extra ingredients to make it tastier like fruit, or cheese and butter for a more savory option. I also try to throw spinach into any dish I make and keep tangerines or 'lil cuties on hand to eat along with my meals for that vitamin c. Lentils also work well in marinara sauce for pasta and can also be made into a tasty lentil loaf that isn't much more difficult than making a normal meat loaf. I also add lentils to salad and a lot of different soups.

[@dorothycooke]

I love this video, it’s a typical thing that happens when you have a big family and you are trying to clean each room and then another room gets messy again. It reminds me of my house but I don’t have a big family, but I just try to make a room clean and then I make a mess in another room myself. It’s so funny though. I opened my day 2 of my Lego advent calendar and I managed to put my Lego together in the bag.

[@Allisontaylor1997]

Happy Vlogmas Ballinger Family. I hope you all are enjoying your December. I was inspired by you and I'm doing one of your old advent calendars you did a few years ago. I'm doing my very 1st Advent Calendar which is the Reese's Advent Calendar that Duncan did and I'm posting it on one of my podcast's vlogs. I hope I get to see each of your kids at the end of the video do a "What We Learned". I love seeing all of your kids grow as their own person. Tell them all to never stop having fun and keep that childlike mind at heart when they get older.

[@sparkasaurusdonna]

Jessica, so sorry to hear about your migraines. I get them, too, but I have identified most of my environmental and food triggers, so I'm doing better most of the time. I'm sure your doctor has tested your B12 levels because that can also cause anemia.

[@caitlin9150]

So cool you thought of a licorice advent calender

[@Mweedman7]

I’m Right there with you Jessica I had to do iron iv through my Pregnancy and I’m suppose To get two iron shots but I can’t afford Them at this time. But I can feel it for sure. ❤❤ I’m there with you it sucks!!! Wish my husband understood like Christopher does.

[@lisam8831]

Hope you get better Jacob and Jessica with your migraines

[@k.239]

Btw it's important to note that black and green tea block iron absorption! Knowing Jessica loves tea that might be the culprit. Just don't drink them close to meal time. Nettle tea is rich in iron. Snacking on dried fruit and seeds might help too

[@lilredheadgirl28]

Thank you for reminding me that vitamin c helps iron absorb! I got really bad about taking my iron supplement and literally just today took my first one in months, just added some vitamin c to help it out!

[@JustEmilyLove]

i absolutely love these real videos! ❤

[@MissMiasma]

My husband has pretty severe ADHD and I do not. It actually works out really well as far as cleaning because he is capable of doing a quick sweep clean and I focus on the smaller details that are left afterward.

[@lisam8831]

That was nice of Parker that he helped clean a bit

[@Flybynite1972]

I hope you and Jacob feel better with you Migraines soon Jessica. I have gotten regular Migraines since I fractured the front part of my skull and I get really bad Migraines dues to congestion because I had a CATSCAN done and it turns out I have extra deep Groove sinus pockets which dues to +4 to grass and ragweed along with a bunch of spring +3s mimics my Migraines especially when the extra fluid drains into my spinal canal. Blech! I also never met someone as anemic as I am. Like I just had to take blood work for surgery and the numbers LOOKED HORRIBLE and my primary was like "Hey your numbers have actually come up since the last time. Good job." Meanwhile they read way off the chart anemic and I always have to reassure the nurses that draw the blood that I do in fact clot and no I am NOT actually on blood thinners. And then double reassure the surgeons that I 100% clot with no issues despite what the numbers say so don't actually worry. I guess some of us were just built differently to confuse everyone because if everyone was identical what fun would that be? Easier, YES, but not as much fun.

[@beardkayla1]

Cooking in cast iron pans helps with iron as well

[@Trisha0413]

Feel better soon Jacob & Jessica ❤

[@becboobear]

My nephew is about 4 months older than Teddy and he too loves to turn on the burner on the play kitchen… except he turns it on and walks away. And if you turn it off… he turns it right back on. It’s a very annoying noise 🤣

[@Pageh22]

I found out I was anemic a year ago, I suspect I had been for a while. I’m not a big meat and dairy consumer. Instead of a prescription I took Mega Foods Blood builder supplement. Within 3 months I was back to normal levels. Highly recommend.

[@biddiemutter3481]

I m so sorry to hear about the migraines.

[@lauren-maryoutram9599]

Iron rich cereal really helped me in the past. An certain nuts are great for iron as well. I know you are really good at planning so try meal prep at least 2meals a day that are rich in iron. Hope you feel better soon ❤🎉

[@21clementina]

Spinach and black beans love a enormous spinach salad and black beans y like to mash them and put over tortillas (enfrijoladas) with cheese and cream very good.

[@michellemorningstar880]

LOve when you guys clean and rue so darn cute .your vlogs are truly amazing thanks so very much Chris and family...

[@thatgirlinokc3975]

So much advice about having low iron, I hope something helps. My only advice would be cut out dairy for a week, see if your absorption improves. Love to all ❤

[@josayshi2156]

Loving the new opening jingle🎉

[@movingandshaking3849]

Advent has become my favorite tradition in my home, thanks to watching this family for a billion years

[@iknowlinda]

A thought for Jessica... A supplement that helps the body absorb iron is spirulina. I took it when I was pregnant and needed to up my iron levels. Spirulina does not contain iron, it works alongside it to help your body with the absorption of iron. Wishing you all the best with this.

[@AmySmile]

Do you cook with cast iron (non enameled)? Because that can definitely boost your iron levels as you get more iron in your food that way.