Dad has 14 sons, but it’s the newborn’s name that’s making headlines around the world

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Jay and Kateri Schwandt welcomed their 14th child back in April. You already assume the couple was beyond happy with the newest addition to the family. Having 14 children make the days busy and and it never gets boring around. Large families are amazing, and this one is special because all of the children are boys.

The oldest son Tyler, is 25 years old, and the youngest, newborn Finley, has yet to hit his first birthday. And not only is Finley special because he is a 14th brother, but he has a very unique middle name.

Many were surprised with the parents’ decision to name their son Finley Sheboygan, but this attracted the attention of many and his story ended up in the news.

You can surely make guesses of what the meaning behind this name is, and before we reveal that to you, let us tell you more about this beautiful, large family.

They reveal how it’s like to be raising 14 children and talk about their daily routines as they open the doors to their home for the PEOPLE magazine.

“We feel like we’re unique parents. Obviously, very few people want to do this and very few people could do this and it’s just something we’re very comfortable with,” dad, Jay, says. “Everything we do, we do as a family and we just feel blessed that we’re able to do it.”

They live “in the woods” of Rockford and own several acres for the boys to grow and play. The house has 6 bedrooms and three and a half bathroom.

“If you’re the first person in the bathroom in the morning you’re in pretty good shape,” he says. “If we had all girls that would probably be a bigger issue!”

Some may assume they decided to have so many children because they were trying to have a girl, and that’s not far from the truth. They actually waited till the baby was born to learn its sex.

“We’ve got all boys, so it’s what we’re used to,” Jay says. “It would’ve been nice to have a girl, but we’re super excited to have another boy. Some of the boys were hoping for a little sister, and some were rooting for another brother. I was pulling for a girl.”

Now when it comes to the name, it was inspired by a fairy tale about a Native American chief who had many boys, just like the Schwandts. The chief believed his last child would be a girl, but when he learned they welcomed another boy, the chief named him Sheboygan for “she is a boy again.”

The family promises this is the last child, although it was exactly what they said before Finley was born.

Please SHARE this lovely story with your family and friends on Facebook.

Bored Daddy

Love and Peace

Why Senior Citizens Are Becoming Fast-Food Workers

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Monica Pop

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In the past, if you walked into a fast food restaurant you would probably be welcomed by young teenagers who pick up shifts working as waiters or waitresses. They would need the money to cover for their college tuition or simply buy things. But it looks like nowadays things are quite different and restaurants prefer to hire seniors over those from the young generation. If you don’t believe us, next time you enter a big fast food company restaurant, or the local pub, just take a closer look at the employees and you’ll see for yourself that the number of senior workers is bigger than that of teenagers. If you wonder why it is like that, and how come things changed so drastically, the answer is more than obvious. Restaurant owners believe that older people are more polite and better at approaching the customers, compared to the youngsters who spend most of the time on the internet with the mobile phones in their hands.

You may also notice how the ads of vacancies relating to a career at the food service industry welcomes seniors to apply for the positions opened. The restaurant owners even try to recruit employees by targeting them in ads where they will stumble upon them, such as churches and senior centers. Not only their approach to customers is better, but according to the owners, seniors are more likely to show up for work on time. Many of these workers are retired and need some extra money, or they are simply bored and like being active and around people. Take Stevenson Williams for example. He is a 63-year-old retired construction worker who started working in the food service industry. He says, “It’s fun for a while, not getting up, not having to punch a clock, not having to get out of bed and grind every day, but after working all your life, sitting around got old. There’s only so many trips to Walmart you can take.” Having never worked at a restaurant before, Williams got a dishwashing job at Church’s Chicken four years ago. Now, he manages 13 employees and works up to 70 hours a week. “I just enjoy Church’s Chicken. I enjoy the atmosphere, I enjoy the people.” He also helps younger people learn how to be more efficient and how to better communicate with the customers. He says, “A lot of times with the younger kids now, they can be very disrespectful, so you have to coach them and tell them this is your job, this is not the street.” Williams started working as a waiter but was promoted to a manager, which isn’t something many of the senior employees want. Most of them are satisfied with their low positions and are not interested in being promoted, which is another plus for the employers. It is estimated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that the number of working Americans aged 65-74 will increase by 4.5% between 2014 and 2024 while they expect the number of working Americans aged 16-24 to decrease by 1.5%. Please share your thoughts on this subject in the comments bellow. Do you believe older people are better workers?

Judges In Disbelief At Unexpected Twist Seconds Into Little Girl’s Audition

By

Monica Pop

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We can never get enough of the music talent shows, because we never know who will take the stage next. Among all those participants who audition in hopes of becoming a world celebrity, there are really those who stun the judges, the crowd in the studio, and the great number of people who watch them on TV. The next great talent we stumbled upon is a young girl with an angelic face, coming from Ukraine. When she first took the stage, no one could believe the performance she was about to give. Dressed in what resembles a Ukrainian traditional dress, and her hair in pigtails, this beauty rocked the stage.

She starts the show with some dance moves, and what caught the audiences’ attention are the unique little shoes that go along with her funky dancing. And now is the time for her to show her vocal talent, which is a real treat for the listener’s ears. Once she starts singing, the judges immediately notice her beautiful and strong singing, but it seems no one is prepared for what’s coming next, and that’s a sudden change in her voice which leaves everyone stunned.

The facial expressions of the judges show how shocked they are by what this girl is putting on stage, the unique country twang in her voice that at one moment turns into yodeling, is not something they get to see every day. They exchange looks with each other, as though they are trying to ask, whether this is real or not. One of the judges claps along with the country song which makes everyone stand up and dance. And just when everyone thinks this can’t get any better, the girl who resembles a professional musician impresses the crowd with her next move.

Out of nowhere, the young talent suddenly begins full-on yodeling as the judges’ jaws drop in disbelief. The audience went wild over the show she prepared, and their reaction is hilarious. She stole the hearts of everyone who saw this out of this world singing performance. She is definitely our favorite contestant and we hope she’ll made it all the way to the final.

See the incredible audition in the video below and make sure you share it with friends.

93-Yr-Old Veteran Left Homeless After Fleeing Fires, Then Strangers Say ‘You’re Coming With Us’

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Monica Pop

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The devastating California wildfires left an enormous number of residents homeless. Thousands of people were evacuated and placed away from their city and even the country, and unfortunately many are missing. Those whose homes were destroyed by the flames are now left with nothing but the memories of the happy times spent there. One of the many evacuees is a World War II veteran. This 93-year-old man named Lee Brundige left his house after the fire approached closer. He lives alone, and everything he took with him was his car he used to drive himself to a nearby parking lot. He wasn’t the only person looking for a way out at the parking place, but authorities soon told all the people who were staying there to leave because the air quality was declining. Lee had no idea whether his house was safe or already burnt down, which was the case with thousands of other homes. As he decided to drive further, he noticed a young lady who was delivering some food to the people around. She remembers how Lee rejected the food, telling her to offer it to someone who will need it more than he did. This veteran’s plan was to sleep in his car, and move even further if needed. But when Tracy, the girl who offered him the food, learned the old man was about to be left outside, sleeping in his vehicle, she decided to offer something else. A place in her home. She lives with her boyfriend Josh, and the dogs. Lee was flattered to be offered such a generous suggestion, but he only accepted it after Tracy was trying to convince him for some time. These generous and compassionate people told Lee that in case his house is no longer there, he could stay with them forever. Their act of kindness didn’t go unnoticed and we do hope it will inspire others to open the doors of their homes to those in need. Lee is beyond happy to be spending time with Tracy, Josh, and the dogs. These kind strangers are his “saviors.” If you believe more people should provide this kind of support to those who were affected by the wildfires, please share this lovely story and spread the word.

Fire Department Shares Photo Of The Toll Wildfires Takes On Firefighters

By

Monica Pop

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The California wildfires continue and the country is facing another round. It has been reported that the statewide death toll is 58, as eight more human remains had been found on Wednesday. Unfortunately, authorities expect this number to grow, as the list of missing people is getting longer. Thousands of residents were forced to leave the cities as around 8,650 homes were completely destroyed. Citizens are left terrified and in deep shock of the devastating outcome of one of the most destructive wildfire seasons on record in California. And while they are fleeing the country, fearing for their safety, another group of people approach the flames, bravely standing against them face-to-face. The firefighters are the sparkle that gives us hope that people and animals will be evacuated to safe places, and more homes will stay out of the reach of the fires.

These real life heroes are standing between total destruction and minor burn marks, grabbing the hoses as tight as they can, aware that the safety of a whole country depends on them. But what happens after they finish with the fight for the day is heartbreaking. A California fire department shared a photo of the reality we don’t get to see. This is all the rest and break the restless firefighters get when they leave the battleground. The Kern County Fire Department shared the photo last December (below) and said:

“This is a photo of our Tehachapi Wildland Fire Crew 11. Our crews have worked hundreds of hours to help battle the Thomas Fire. These firefighters work 24-hour shifts and are pushed to the point of exhaustion. Thank you, for your dedication and hard work to help the communities of Southern California.”

These heroes are taking the much-needed nap with their uniforms on, and their helmets next to them just in case they need to get back and continue their heroic work. They are completely covered in soot and this is all they get before the duty calls again.

Looking at the photo, we better understand the sacrifice all the firefighters make in order for ordinary people to be saved and their homes to be kept untouched by the burning flames. I’m sure everyone feels the urge to help these courageous men, and that’s the reason why they receive gifts by random people. Darren Dow, the vice president of California Fire Local 2881, told TIME that while material donations like clothing and supplies are nice, they’re often unwanted. Instead, the firefighters battling flames in California could use monetary donations now more than ever. Dow said:

“A lot of times cash donations are better because they can actually utilize those dollars for specific needs rather than taking away some manpower.”

If you’d like to make a financial contribution, TIME recommends donating to one of the following reputable organizations: AFF’s Disaster Relief Fund

“[Helps] firefighters who are working on the front lines and their families in a variety of ways, from financial to emotional support.”

California Fire Foundation

“Provides support for firefighters and the families of those who have [passed] while at work.”

CDF Firefighters Benevolent Foundation

“Provides funding for injured or fallen firefighters and their families, as well as burn victims.”

If you are not in a position to donate money, a prayer and some nice words are always welcome.

To all the firefighters out there, remember that you are our heroes, and our thoughts are always with you because your strength is the strength of the country. May God bless you all.

Strangers Enjoying A Meal Together At McDonald’s Touch People’s Hearts Around The World

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Monica Pop

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While having lunch at McDonald’s, Indiana, a customer named Amanda Marquell Craft witnessed an amazing scene which touched her heart, so she decided to snap a photo of it and share it on Facebook. While a man was sitting alone, a woman approached and asked if she could join him to which he said yes. They started talking and laughing, and that wouldn’t be so surprising if they weren’t complete strangers.

However, Amanda didn’t want to just butt in on the conversation the two strangers were having, so she grabbed her camera and snapped a picture of the unlikely lunch companions instead.

She wrote,

‘“Shout out to this guy! “This elderly lady (seemed to be a little lonely) came up to him and asked if she could sit with him. Without hesitation, this guy said ‘of course’. My friends and I watched him introduce himself and shake her hand.”

‘“They talked and laughed together like they were friends,” she continued. “They didn’t know each other, and they couldn’t be more different. But today they shared a meal together and it touched our hearts.”

Unfortunately, these days it’s not that usual for strangers to offer so much kindness one to another, and that’s why Craft’s post quickly vent viral. She later told ABC News that she believes that people want to see more acts of kindness in the world.

‘“It struck a chord with everybody because you don’t see that,” Craft said. “I think that’s what people are hungry to see is the kindness of others.”

They identified and later contacted the man whose name was Eric Haralson and asked him about the encounter that was seen by so many people. He told them that the lady he had lunch with that day introduced as Jan, and the two felt as they knew each other for years. They talked about their families, and even exchanged phone numbers.

When Craft posted the photo on the social media, little did she know it will attract that much attention,

‘“What an amazing outpouring of love, kindness, and overwhelming encouragement! Our post has made it across the world! It’s been shared in Switzerland, Hungary, and a few other countries that I can’t recall at the moment! …I was contacted my numerous people in private telling me how much they loved the story, and they thanked me for sharing! This one act of kindness at a Noblesville McDonald’s spoke to people across the world, and reminded everyone that Kindness Matters!”

She also took the time to thank Eric and Jan, saying,

‘“The two of you have truly touched the world with your kindness.”

These two strangers are a true inspiration and teach us a lesson that we should always treat everyone with respect because a simple act of kindness can really go a long way. Please share this lovely story with your family and friends.

Mom Posts Picture Of 10-Year-Old In Diaper, Then Says 8 Words That Reveal Tragic Reason Why

By

Monica Pop

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The story this mother shared with Love What Matters breaks our hearts in million pieces. She is one of the bravest people we’ve seen, a true hero ready to do anything in her power to help her son Drake whose life is a struggle. This young boy, who is only ten years old, has been diagnosed with leukemia in 2012 and he’s been through so much ever since. He had to endure many painful procedures during the years, including spinal taps, blood transfusions, surgeries, and chemotherapy. After so much struggle, the doctors informed him and his family that the cancer went into remission, but just when things were about to get better, the devastating news of a testicular cancer struck the family. It meant going through the same painful path all over again. His mother Jessica never loses hope that her son will manage to survive everything that stands on his way to a normal life, and she is always there by his side, but she’s aware things are hard, and watching her son going through so much pain is devastating. She decided to share a picture of her son, along with his story, and people around the world are deeply saddened.

“For anyone battling cancer or enduring chemotherapy. For anyone going through this horrible disease. It is about to get real, real hard and real quick,” she started. “The picture I’m posting is from this morning, and before you scream and cry ‘why would she post a picture of him in a pull up, the indecency’, well 1. It doesn’t show more than swimming jammers would and 2. Because life is not always politically correct and pretty, it is real. Life isn’t pretty, and cancer destroys a person.”

Drake doesn’t eat properly, so he is skinny and weak. Every bite he takes is a real struggle. His cancer made him unable to control his bathroom habits at times and he is terrified because of everything that is happening to him.

“He is afraid of something happening and being alone,” she wrote, “and by something I mean dying.”

All this mother wants is to tell her son that everything is going to be all right, but she is aware that things are not that promising. She only knows for sure that she will never leave his side and will fight for him with all her strength. It sometimes happens that Drake has to take 44 chemo pills in just 24 hours, which is more than his fragile body can take.

“This is him telling me, ‘mommy, I’m not going to make it.’” the heartbreaking post continued. “This is him not wanting to be touched, because it hurts too much, and using morphine to get through his day. This is him telling me he is scared and thinks he won’t see his 11th birthday. This is him and me, telling him that I will continue to fight for him when he can’t. This is him and me, and our world.”

These mother and son’s story touched the hearts of many, and her post has been shared more than 67,000 times. Words of support and encouragement come from people from all over the world. Everyone praises and admires Drake’s and Jessica’s will to never give up.

“From the moment I found out I was pregnant till future forever, he has been my reason for life,” Jessica finished her post. “He is my smile, my love, my heartbeat. He is also my tears, my heart ache, my frowns. He is my life.”

If you would like to help this inspiring family in their battle against cancer, you can visit their YouCaring page. Please share this touching story with your loved ones.

12 Obvious Signs That Guardian Angels Are Really Protecting You

By

Monica Pop

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It sometimes happens that we avoid an accident without an explanation, and while we believe we were just lucky, it may be that our guardian angel was there to stop anything bad happening to us. There are many signs that speak angels are all around us, guide us through life, and enhance our spirituality. Guardian angels may protect us from harmful situations by providing a rescue, or they protect us by not letting us enter one. So whenever you believe an angel is near you, you may want to take a look at some of the signs that will tell you whether you are right. Some of those signs, according to ask-angels.com are the following.

Feathers

Finding a feather is definitely a sign of an angel who is by your side offering support. If you find it in an unusual place, such us your home, that is even more powerful sign of an angel being around and protecting you and your home.

Clouds

Angels are likely to reveal their presence by creating angel shaped clouds in the sky. It’s usually a way to tell you that they are there for anything you need. A heart-shaped cloud on the other hand, is a message your angel wants to send you about your closest relationships.

Scents

Lovely scents that come to us out of nowhere tell us an angel is making his presence known. It could be the smell of flowers, chocolate, or any other distinctive smell. We may sometimes even smell the perfume of someone we loved, but is no longer around us. Their signature scents is there to remind us that they love and guide us.

Babies and Animals

If you have ever noticed a baby staring at the ceiling and giggling, that’s usually because they see angels. It is believed that animals and young babies get to communicate with “the other side” easily. Guardian angels are always there, we just need to pay close attention and learn how to read the signs and the messages they try to convey with their presence.

Music

Sometimes we think we’ve heard angelic voices singing in choir. It is a beautiful music that seems to come from outside the physical world. Others believe that angels communicate with us through recurring songs on the radio. Pay close attention for a common theme among the songs you’re drawn to – this could be a message from your angel!

Coins

If you find a coin on the street, or someone gives you a lucky penny, that might be a message from your guardian angel that there is a financial help coming to you.

Sparkles of Light

How many times have you been alone in a room and caught a glimmer of light out of the corner of your eye? Unexplained shimmers of light, flashes of color or floating orbs that appear without an actual light source are clear signs that your angel is in the room! Has it ever happened to you to see a sign just when you needed one? For example, thinking of your late father, and then suddenly you her his favorite song playing on the radio. That is a definite proof that the deceased one knows you are thinking of them. No matter what, these little signs are reassuring treasures that remind us all that we are not alone.

Rainbows

Rainbows are the classic symbol of Divine love. When you ask for assistance and see a rainbow soon after, you know that your prayer has been heard!

Temperature Change

If you are meditating and suddenly feel a warm glowing light around you, be certain that this is your angel giving you a big warm hug! No need to worry, you are protected!

Feelings

Sometimes when we feel like someone has just passed near us, but actually there was no one there, it must be an angel letting you know of his presence. Your angel might be reaching out to you, pay attention to what comes next!

Signs or Advertisements

Sometimes the words you’re looking for are right in front of you. Angel lovers believe that we mostly given subtle direction, but when that doesn’t work, an angel will point you towards something more obvious. Stay open and alert for certain words or phrases that relate to the guidance you’ve asked for!

Numbers

Do you see 11:11 multiple times throughout the day? Numerologists believe that Angels contact us through the divine order of numbers. Find out what these repeating numbers symbolize to get your special angel message! Please let us know if you believe in the presence of your guardian angel in your life.

Feathers

Clouds

Scents

Babies and Animals

Music

Coins

Sparkles of Light

Rainbows

Temperature Change

Feelings

Signs or Advertisements

Numbers

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