**I shared our exciting news the other day, which entirely relates to the re-posting of this post from almost exactly one year ago. Morning sickness, fatigue and some other challenging circumstances have made it a real struggle to put decent food on the table (or desire to eat it, for that matter) these past two months. These tips and thoughts definitely still apply for our family, and for those of you who find yourself facing similar situations!**
For me, one of the most important aspects of blogging is being real. Being transparent. Admitting that I’m not a superwoman, and that just like the rest of you, I deal with the regular ups and downs of life as a mom, wife and homemaker.
Sometimes life flows along merrily. Other seasons are so much more difficult, where each day (and sometimes each hour and moment) can feel as though we are trudging through knee-deep rivers of sludge in a clunky pair of old rubber boots.
For me, this current season of life has had many rubber boot days, in the midst of much joy and blessing. By God’s grace, I have the strength to keep trudging along, trusting Him to supply for all of my needs and to see me through this season, hopefully refined and purified and just a little bit closer to the image of Christ than I was before.
In order to be truly transparent with you, I needed to make a shocking “real foodie” admission. We haven’t been eating all of the usual real food, prepared in the usual ways, that you would normally find us eating. Life has been hectic and at times, overwhelming, and I’ve been doing my best to keep my head above water. That doesn’t always leave time for making sprouted flour bread and homemade mayo. Sometimes it barely includes enough time and composure to get some organic boxed cereal and raw milk on the table and call it breakfast (or dinner, for that matter).
One of my priorities through it all has been to find ways to keep the compromises to a minimum, and our nutrition (if not particularly great) at least sufficient. I’ll let the video tell you the rest…
One other thing I didn’t mention (because the video was already getting long) is that your focus should be on which ingredients you use, but not as much on their presentation or on how you use them.
What I mean is that if all you can do is make simple, comfort, convenience-style foods, at least start with really wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients. High quality eggs, sea salt, beef and poultry, coconut oil or pastured butter, wild fish, whole grains, etc.
Even if you end up eating too many carbs, not enough fresh vegetables, or the same proteins over and over (all things that we have done lately!), at least they’re still the right ingredients and even that makes a whole world of difference! For more on this topic, see my series Nutritional Foundations.
Four Steps to a More Peaceful Home
Miranda
July 30, 2010 at 1:36 AMThis video is exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been expecting to much of myself, knowing that in this season we just need to take a step back. I’m expecting out 4th child in 4 weeks. I’m battling insomnia, a weaning toddler, 2 other children under 6 along with the pregnancy. Thank you so much for posting this video. It really does show me, even if I think people do it all, there are those times when the Lord calls us to focus on the most important things and take a step back from others.
candace
July 30, 2010 at 4:23 AMI drink nourishing infusions (nettle, oatsraw, red raspberry, etc.) and several cups of tea (lemon balm, chamomile, catnip) to boost nutrition, calm nerves, and improve digestion. I also drink smoothies with yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, fruits, greens (thoroughly cooked and frozen), other random veggies, coconut oil, and sometimes ground chia seeds. We snack on nuts, dried fruit, and yogurt. We have dairy goats and laying hens, so lots of millk and egg dishes too.
J.J.
July 30, 2010 at 4:35 AMFirst of all, thank you so much for being transparent and honest. Your willingness to share openly is going to bless so many women out there — myself included! I’ve been struggling to stay on top off everything and it’s helpful to not only have “permission” to step back but also a “Plan B” when I need to do so. I love the specific recommendations of ways to supplement and purchase items I would ordinarily make at home. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom.
Joanna
July 30, 2010 at 4:38 AMThanks for the honesty ‘cuz sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed! I’m working full-time (from home, thankfully), homeschooling my 8 year old, nursing and caring for my 5 month old and trying to keep us well fed on a gluten-free diet. We eat a lot of salads with a simple meat and veggie sautee for dinner, preferably using veggies from the garden. I tend to keep fruit, nuts, and cheese on hand for easy snacking, but I buy pre-packaged GF crackers/crunchy stuff. Also, if there aren’t enough leftovers for my husband to take to work, I keep some simple frozen meals on hand to make it easy on both of us. Trader Joe’s has a lot of convenience foods made with simple, natural ingredients, so I don’t feel much guilt about buying them at this stage of my life.
Kelly
July 30, 2010 at 4:44 AMStephanie, I love this video! I feel like I have been able to get to know you more. What an encouragement for all of us – and to see you interacting with your daughter instead of shooing her away is a real blessing.
Thanks for reminding us that bloggers are normal people. 🙂
renee @ FIMBY
July 30, 2010 at 4:48 AMI think this is just a busy season for many people. Summer is like. Even though you’re referring to life season I see this many places I read and visit.
Our lives also are quite “full” right now. There are certain convenience foods I always use. 100% corn (organic, non-gmo) tortillas, pasta sauce and salsa. Now with fresh veggies coming weekly from our farm share we cook up those in easy stir fries and sauces. Also, when things are busy we eat more repeat meals, but that’s ok. Life doesn’t need to be a smorgasbord of new tastes all the time.
Tammy
July 30, 2010 at 5:33 AMThank you for this, I appreciate your openness and candidacy. I am new to learning about this way of eating, not new to healthy foods by any means, but I’ve been so overwhelmed with everything lately and not really knowing where to start to implement some of the Nourishing Tradition ways into our diet.
Again, thank you so much.
Nola
July 30, 2010 at 6:05 AMI don’t have time to watch the video right now but will later. However I think I can get the idea of what you are saying. And THANK YOU for saying this. I think it is something that we all need to hear and wanted to hear. I do this myself, but often I feel guilty (and have been known to think in my head that so-and-so off in bloggy land never does this! LOL!) Dealing with a busy summer season plus a relapse of a lot of my health symptoms has meant that things haven’t been normal around here either. We do exactly the same in busy seasons…which sometimes feels like they go on forever…we eat very basic things but a little different than normal. Things like sandwhiches on fairly decent store bought bread and a smoothie can mean supper time! Honestly I figure doing my best is all I can do so its got to be good enough. 🙂
[email protected]
July 30, 2010 at 6:20 AMYes, I’ve definitely found myself in a stressful life season lately. I finally realized that I needed to step back, look at how far we’ve come in the past three years and be thankful for that. I actually had to stop reading some of the real-food blogs because it was really getting me down on myself since I couldn’t “keep up”. It’s taken me about three months to sit back, relax on the food issue, and come to a place where I could re-evaluate our nutritional direction.
Like you, I found comfort in the fact that *most* of ingredients are good ones. I’ve also found comfort in the Bubbie pickles – YUM!!!! There isn’t much offered at our local stores, but I was also fortunate to run across some naturally fermented kimchi in the produce section at Kroger. Double Yum! 🙂
My big compromise food lately has been boxed cereal… not even organic. However, it has made my mornings so much simpler and less stressful with the kids. Some days it’s just about survival. 🙂
Thanks for the vlog. It was really helpful to know others struggle at times, too. Sorry for the long comment. I’ve had this topic running through my head for a blog post for awhile… just never found the time to sit down and write it. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Sue
July 30, 2010 at 6:51 AMThank you for your honesty and transparency! God DOES shower us with grace and His gentle love….and it is encouraging to know that even people who seem like the perfect mothers and ‘nutritionists’ have off times. I especially liked the ideas of the gummies for the kids, the kefir and the granola. We are just beginning to get out of a very busy, stressful (but fun) time…and are looking forward to a slower pace. Finding balance, for our family, is so important. God bless you and your family!
Ashley
July 30, 2010 at 7:05 AMI have been in a similar place for quite awhile now, and I felt so much guilt at first for just giving up and putting whatever was easy and quick on the table for everyone. But then I had to stop and realize that the stress I was putting on myself was just as bad or worse for my health than what we were eating. I’ve come now to accept that all the Lord wants from me is my best all the time, and that will mean different things. The best I can do during a very rough season is not going to be as good as the best I can do during an easy time, but I need to let go of my “rules” and trust that the Lord will take care of what I can not. 🙂
I’ve seen this verse take on a new meaning in my life during this time: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? … But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:25&33
Thanks for your honesty. Always encouraging to know we are not alone! 🙂
Edwena
July 30, 2010 at 7:56 AMYour honesty and transparency was a blessing. It’s all about balance, sounds simple, but one of the hardest things in life is to live balanced. Praying for your family during this busy time.
Erica
July 30, 2010 at 8:07 AMThanks for this video. I really appreciated your openness and clarity, in addition to some of the supplement suggestions. I’m 5 weeks out from delivering my second child and I’m just…tired. So hearing “permission” to just do what I can, and without guilt, was a real gift this morning.
Sheri
July 30, 2010 at 8:16 AMI loved this vlog! I have been very SLOWLY changing our eating habits over the past year and it is so easy to get discouraged by reading real food blogs (I have never felt this way with yours though, because you always sound so genuine and keep things simple). I am one to read about something new and want to jump into it full force right away. I then get discouraged when i hit the speed bumps of time, money, my husband :), and not being able to find the right sources.
For example I was determined to get raw milk for our family. After much digging I finally found a source near us and I got my first order. My husband was never totally on board. He tried it, but claimed that it tasted too much like “udder” 🙂 He is convinced that pasteurization was invented for a reason so it is too dangerous. I almost had him convinced that it might be okay, but then there was an e. coli outbreak from raw milk in our state that got on the news, and i couldn’t really argue it anymore. Shortly after, the farm I was getting it from closed for financially reasons. I just recently discovered a dairy farm/creamery really close to us that sells milk. It is pasteurized, but it is organic, grass-fed, non-homogenized, glass-bottled, at a fairly decent price. And best of all my husband drinks it! I have let my self relax about this issue as I think that this is a good compromise.
We have been in a busy season also. We had our third baby this summer, so now we have three boys 3 and under. We also are closing on a house next month and renting out our current house. Just with those things alone it has been a crazy summer! Eating well has definitely lost priority!
Alesha
July 30, 2010 at 8:18 AMthank you. i know those 2 little words don’t sound very meaningful, but in this case they are filled with much meaning from a grateful heart. you said the things that i already knew, but that i so often forget. i have been feeling extremely overwhelmed lately and just needed to be reminded that that is ok. 🙂
we follow the Hallelujah Diet right now, as i am trying to reverse some health issues that are keeping me from living a life of joyful service to my family; and both my hubby and i are trying to lose weight. this season is not going to be over quickly. we did not come to this place of being unhealthy overnight, and it is not going to be reversed overnight either.
we are, however, resolved to stick with it, for the sake of our family and our health. so, when we are overwhelmed, we try to continue to take our Barley Max faithfully. we try to continue taking our daily supplements. we try to make and consume our veggie juice and green smoothies.
the juicing especially is not easy to maintain, and in truth, it can sometimes cause the frustration – it is just so much work! but we feel so much better when we drink it, so it is worth the extra effort even when things are difficult.
again, thank you for the blog. i’ll be sharing it on Facebook. God bless you!
Alesha
Mackenzie
July 30, 2010 at 8:51 AMGreat post ( I need to go back when baby is not sleeping to watch the video). I just had my first child 2 months ago and while I love being a mother, I’ve been feeling guilty for all the “backsliding” we have done, nutrition wise. This is just what I needed to hear.
Genevieve
July 30, 2010 at 9:04 AMGreat post!!
Stacy @ Delighting in the Days
July 30, 2010 at 9:31 AMThanks Stephanie. I really enjoyed this video. It was like sitting in the yard talking with you. How fun.
I loved the part where you mentioned making some of these changes in order for Mom to be more rested and joyful. That is so important! If we are making everything from scratch and serving “perfect” meals, yet are always cranky and short with our children – it doesn’t mean much. It’s no fun to be healthy, but miserable!
It is so good to take a step back and look at what truly matters. Thanks Stephanie. You are always open and honest – which is one of the many reasons I love Keeper of the Home!
Jessie
July 30, 2010 at 9:38 AMThank you so much for this! It’s true, I am my own worst critic. It was great to hear some encouragement, and to hear it from your own mouth, and to see your bright sparkle “in person”! 🙂
Katie
July 30, 2010 at 10:02 AMThis is why I love your blog so much. You are REAL! We’ve been in the same place you are. 3 kids 3 and under and my husband has been deployed for the past 7 months and 2 of my kids received a Celiac diagnosis 5 months ago. Life has been difficult but it’s ok cause GOD is good! Many people tend to idolize “Food bloggers” so I love that you are honest with your readers. Show that you are just “one of us”. Praying for you and your sweet family.
Charity
July 30, 2010 at 10:58 AMThank you so much for the encouraging words and information! God was certainly in this, as this could not have come at a better time. I struggle having to be a working mom and fixing homemade meals. I believe firmly in eating according to “Nourishing Traditions”, but sometimes it can be quite the challenge. Lately, we have had several additional responsibilities and I have felt bad because I haven’t been able to keep up like I would like. It seems we have ended up not eating enough veggies or too many starches, etc. Thank you not only for the wonderful information, but also the emotional support as well. God Bless!
Nola
July 30, 2010 at 11:01 AMOkay so I got to watch the video now…great thoughts and ideas! Thank you! I am SOOO glad that you shared this, for me and the other women out there who feel this way too.
And it was too cute to see your daughter being a typical little girl…gotta love the hand that pops into the video to tap you on the arm 🙂 So sweet and keeping it real.
Krista
July 30, 2010 at 11:05 AMThank you, thank you, thank you for the timely reminder– I needed that! I’m relatively new to your blog, and have been exploring traditional foods for several months now. I’ve been making great strides, but my husband is less than enthusiastic about some of the changes I’ve been bringing to our mealtimes. In addition, I’m at what I’m afraid is the start of a very stressful season for me, as my dad is having some health problems that we are waiting to get a diagnosis for. Since I’m still learning to incorporate a lot of traditional foods and food preparations into our meals, (while being a working wife, which adds to the chaos for me) I have found the most important thing that my husband and I both do regularly is pray over our food. I’ve always said grace at mealtimes, but recently it really hit home for me the power of inviting the presence of God right there in the midst of the chaos that often surrounds mealtimes. This gives me peace of mind, as well putting God in charge of my nourishment! Again, thank you for this post, and your authenticity!
Sarah Eiley Cowherd
July 30, 2010 at 11:34 AMThank you, thank you, thank you SO much for sharing so honestly!! I have been trying to balance it all. I am so inspired by you and a few other homemaking/real foodie bloggers that I love, but I often find myself saying, “how on earth do they do it??” I am in a similar season of life, and also just really starting on my journey towards cooking from scratch, and feeding my family REAL FOOD. I have to remember to take baby steps and not get overwhelmed. Every little change is a positive change! Thank you for being real about the challenges and ups and downs. I have also been so helped recently by your book, Real Food on a Real Budget. You are a blessing to all of your readers!!
Oh, and just one little suggestion to add to your list – I’ve been making Water Kefir all summer. It is refreshing like soda pop but with all of the benefits of probiotics and very little sugar. A great addition to our summer diet!
Diana
July 30, 2010 at 11:50 AMThank you so much for posting that. It’s so good to hear that not everyone is perfect! 🙂 Although we are not in one of those tough times, we are still struggling with changing our diets and eating properly. I think what you said works so well for those that are taking baby steps as well as those that might be struggling.
And your daughter is adorable! 🙂
ani
July 30, 2010 at 11:59 AMStephanie, than you so much for that! How encouraging! Keep up your great work. You are a tremendous blessing to us all.
Chantelle
July 30, 2010 at 12:28 PMReally appreciate your honesty. Been trying to be more transparent on my blog as well! God bless.
Shannon
July 30, 2010 at 5:54 PMAbby is so sweet, love the smile with the missing tooth:) Great video/post, important information and reminder. We are building into our daily diet smoothies which I also add flax oil, fiber, etc. I would like to try out Bubbies sometime, love pickels.
Debbie
July 31, 2010 at 6:38 AMThanks so much! It’s been a busy time for us too. We’ve also been taking supplements and eating Bubbies pickles. Yesterday I decided to make 3 types of beans so if nothing else I would have those on hand for meals. As far as compromising we’ve been eating a lot more real hot dogs on store bought whole wheat buns and always have just done eggs and toast for breakfast ; )
Doodlebug's Mommy
July 31, 2010 at 6:54 AMCan I just say that I really want to be your friend in real life?! Thank you for doing this and being real with us. We are taking baby steps as a family to move toward more real foods and sometimes it is so so hard to keep up. We make a lot of migas with free range eggs. 🙂 I’m sure my husband is probably sick of it, but it is yummy and nutritious and sometimes it is the best I can do… and that’s okay. Thanks again! Your blog is definitely my all time favorite.
Sonya Hemmings
July 31, 2010 at 7:25 AMGreat encouragement, Stephanie, to all of us who are trying to do it all—sometimes with success, and sometimes not!
Bella
July 31, 2010 at 8:54 AMI tend to chuckle at this post…not in a laughing at you way but in a “hahahaha…almost nutty way” because I feel like we have been in this season for way too long. My husband took a new job in February of this year and moved to the new location while the kiddos and I stayed behind until school was finished (and my daughter graduated high school….other completely different season!). It seemed with all our activities, not to mention Dad being out of town during the week, we slipped into the eating out/eating poorly routine. I have really struggled with getting back in the groove since we finalized our move. I am still battling menu planning, grocery shopping and follow through! LOL I used to be the Mom that cooked dinner at home each night and we all ate together and even had great leftovers for lunches and such….now, I am that “other” Mom LOLOLOL. So, I have enjoyed reading your blog and trying to get some motivation to get back on track!
Kylie
July 31, 2010 at 10:27 PMThank you so much, Stephanie! We’ve been in this season lately too, but I am starting to find more time to make more wholesome meals and snacks. I laughed out loud when you mentioned your husband.. mine says the same thing. “There’s nothing to eat!” even the day after I go shopping because I just buy ingredients to make things from scratch. I’m going to go through your Nutritional Foundations series now -thanks again!
Lynette
August 1, 2010 at 12:48 PMThank you!
I broke my wrist a few months ago, and have had to adjust some of my expectations of myself. Your ideas are a great reminder of still making good choices in the midst of real life and busyness.
Jessica
August 1, 2010 at 3:48 PMThanks for this post! What I appreciated most was the reminder to “serve my family with joy.” I sometimes find myself shooing them out of the kitchen while I’m baking and cooking FOR THEM! Lately, even if dinner isn’t something spectacular, I’ve been trying to add the little extra touches to let them know that feeding them isn’t the awful chore that I sometimes make it out to be. I need to be reminded that having these people in my life is such a gift and taking care of them, a privilege.
Krissy
August 1, 2010 at 9:03 PMReally great post! It is easy to get down and feel like your failing when you can’t get everything done you would like to.
THANK YOU!!!
Stephanie
August 1, 2010 at 9:29 PMThank you for this post. I don’t take joy that you are struggling, but I am incouraged that I am not alone. Your blog has been a blessing to me. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Katie
August 2, 2010 at 5:39 AMHi, I have never commented here before but have been a silent follower, and I bought your book “real food on a real budget” and love it. I hope you are doing okay through your stressfull time. I wanted to thank you for this post. I have been in this stressfull time for a while and it is nice to know not everyone is perfect and always has home baked bread etc. on the table. My husband was recently diagnosed with celiac disease, and my son has food allergies to eggs and soy, so learning to cook to meet their needs has been difficult! Anyway, I really enjoy your blog and god bless you!
Jaime
August 2, 2010 at 11:06 AMThank you so much for this post. My husband was diagnosed with a chronic illness a few months ago, and I’ve been struggling to keep my head above water. I’ve dealt with a lot of guilt since I’ve been using some convenience foods, and even getting take out once a week or so. Your honesty and openness was exactly what I needed today to remind me that I don’t have to do everything or try to be a superwoman. I just have to do the best I can and let all of the guilt go.
elaine
August 2, 2010 at 12:30 PMThank you for such a sweet video visit! I can’t imagine how busy your life is – so for you to take just a couple of minutes and send a video was such a treat. I completely agree with you – life is busy and hectic and there is no such thing as “perfect” (although I can drive myself crazy trying to attain it). Excellent info! Thanks and God Bless!!
Maria @ Upstate Cali Kitchen Adventures
August 20, 2010 at 8:52 AMGreat post! I can definitely relate to that season. I find myself totally gung-ho to do all kinds of cooking about once a week, but what I get done in that day doesn’t sustain the whole family for the whole week. Just editing the shopping list to account for not having time/energy to do so much from scratch is overwhelming. Oh well, this too shall pass. Glad we are all in it together!
Christina
September 23, 2010 at 12:36 PMI am SOOOOOO grateful for this post of yours!!! It has been sitting in my email inbox for so long, I almost forgot to read it, but I am SOOOO glad that I finally got around to it.
My family and I are in the process of adopting two 8 year old girls and it has been SO taxing. We have had them in our home (along with our own 4 biological children) for a month and a half now, and I am constantly feeling SWAMPED with all of the turmoil that has accompanied them. That feeling of “I can’t get it all done” has been almost crippling for me. I am not commenting to complain, but to verbally appreciate you for this post.
I will be looking into some of your favorite products today! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!! I hope your season of busyness is coming to an end soon 🙂
Jessica
January 6, 2011 at 11:27 AMOh my the definition of health…I am not there. Thanks for the realness. We all need to hear it. We are all human!
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
January 6, 2011 at 2:55 PM@Jessica, Many of us aren’t there, Jessica. We are all human, and we do any of this only through God’s grace!
Meghan
August 8, 2011 at 4:20 AMThis made me feel so much better. I am 6 months pregnant with our third child, and during the first trimester, I struggled so much with preparing food and teaching home school lessons (even just staying awake was a struggle!:) It helps to know that even natural living bloggers struggle with this during their first trimester!
Congratulations on this new addition to your family!!
Elena
August 8, 2011 at 4:32 AMThank you for keeping it real! I so appreciate it! :o) Hope you’re feeling better…
caroline
August 8, 2011 at 5:44 AMI can’t seem to find the video that accompanies this post, is it here?
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM@caroline, It wasn’t working, but now it is. Sorry about that!
Jennifer
August 8, 2011 at 6:11 AMI can’t see the video either??
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 9, 2011 at 1:59 PM@Jennifer, It’s fixed!
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama
August 8, 2011 at 7:13 AMWe are so there right now….
I stocked up on sourdough bread, raw cheese, frozen veggies and fruit, and pastured meats. These days my kids are lucky to get some fruit, veggies, cheese and meat on a plate and call it a meal. They eat too much bread. But at least I have tons of stock and fresh foods around, even if we don’t “do something” with them, right?
It’s survival at times, until you can regain equilibrium. My husband’s still dealing with detox and his own health issues and now we have a new baby, It’s not easy to keep up with everything. We do what we can.
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 9, 2011 at 1:59 PM@Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama, Yep, we do what we can. I totally think that basic foods on a plate is a meal. It doesn’t have to be fancy so long as it’s real food, right?
Sue Seamon
August 8, 2011 at 8:06 AMThanks for this post. I have been cooking, eating, and cleaning healthy for over 8 years. But we all go through bottom out periods where it is a struggle to eat well. People need to know this and not get down on themselves when it happens. i love your site. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and time. Congrats!! on the news I have been through this 8 times..keep on keeping on. As the Lord says “children are a blessing” it is so true.
Nola
August 8, 2011 at 10:17 AMIts funny…sometimes I think this is THE season it seems…its like I keep thinking this season is going to end and it doesn’t. Not to be depressing, but it does seem that way sometimes! We just get through one challenge to face another. I’m working on being content even in that.
I’m trying my best to eat well and I am thankful when I can, but its discouraging to just have it come back up sometimes…trusting that my good diet before pregnancy will help me and the baby and doing the best I can with the here and now. I am thankful for a bumper crop of bush beans which thankfully for me don’t cause sick feelings!
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 9, 2011 at 1:58 PM@Nola, I know, sometimes it seems like it’s always this season for me, too. At least, that’s how I feel when I’m in the midst of it. I do think it’s a challenge to learn to be content no matter which season, which situations we are facing. I think it’s partly the Lord’s way of teaching us that we are always entirely dependant on His strength, that our own is never enough.
I definitely think that a good pre-baby diet makes a big difference. Our diet was pretty good before I got pregnant and in the first couple of weeks, so I just hope that between the good foods that I still manage to eat and the few supplements I’m taking (cod liver oil, floradix iron and herbs, pregnancy nutrient tea sometimes) that I get a few of the extras I’m missing.
I cant’ wait for beans! We just got home from vacation yesterday and were thrilled to see our first baby beans (finally!) that should be ready by the end of this week. 🙂
Nola
August 9, 2011 at 4:32 PM@Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home, Yes I am also learning that sometimes we need to realize that what we want isn’t what God’s plans are. We are looking at a bunch of situations that are like that…I keep thinking “umm this isn’t what I had planned/wanted!” (not the baby, we are happy about that!) but God is showing me that there are still blessings in even the things that I didn’t want to deal with. It will be interesting to continue to count my blessings even in these things.
What pregnancy nutrient tea do you drink? Where do you get it? Its been something I thought of but have no idea anything more about it.
I’m thankful for this sick feeling though since it usually means that the baby is still doing well. I can’t wait to feel him/her move! 4-8 more weeks.
Janet
August 8, 2011 at 1:21 PMCan’t see any video, Stephanie. Is the link down?(I would love to see a little girl being real-tapping Mom on the arm)
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 9, 2011 at 1:51 PM@Janet, It’s fixed now!
Cheryn
August 8, 2011 at 1:34 PMWell, it seems I am among the few who have no idea where to find this much appreciated video. I loved the text part of this blog, but would really like to watch the video! Hope someone can help us clueless ones out soon 🙂 Thanks!!
[email protected]
August 8, 2011 at 2:00 PMThank you for being so real! I remember your similar post earlier this year (Journey to BurnOut?), and it really ministered to me! I pray this season ends soon for you as you enter your second trimester, but thanks for letting us see that you aren’t “super woman”–and that nobody is!
Katherine
August 8, 2011 at 4:03 PMI’m using Firefox. Is that why I can’t see the video?
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 9, 2011 at 1:50 PM@Katherine, Nope, it’s because the code disappeared from the post, but it’s been fixed and you should be able to see it now. Sorry about that!
Andra
August 9, 2011 at 8:53 AMHi, Stephanie!
I have been in your shoes for the past 4 months! They are not fun shoes! Hang in there! I have to admit that I have NOT done a good job AT ALL with the food aspect. We’ve been eating a lot more processed foods lately, and I haven’t been eating nearly the veggies I need because they often make me feel sick. I had hyperemesis pretty badly with this pregnancy. It was so debilitating for a while, that I had to stay in bed and do pretty much nothing. So, my dear hubby had to pick up so much slack (which he did with a wonderful attitude)! Needless to say, even though I’m just starting my 3rd trimester, our meals are still not back up to where they need to be, and my 5-year-old still doesn’t get near the outdoor exercise he needs. On top of the pregnancy, we are getting ready to move across the country in about a month, my husband will be starting his very first career job after half a lifetime of being in school, and as soon as we move, I am starting home schooling for the very first time (and then the baby will come about a month later)!! We’ve been so stressed around here! Also, very soon after we move (we will be staying with family until we find a place to live), we’ll have to move again into our own place! This is A LOT, but I know the Lord will not put anything on us that we can’t handle. So, with much prayer and preparation, here we go!
Thanks so much for your post. It helps me to know I’m not alone, and there IS a way I can still keep the physical health of my family a priority. I recently did make my first bone broth, thanks to you, and I made our FAVORITE soup with it (Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana)! It was absolutely delicious, and I’m sure a lot more nutritious than it would’ve been in the restaurant. I can’t imagine trying to keep up with a blog in the midst of your craziness, but I’m sure glad you do! You are such an encouragement to us all! (I’m sure we would all understand if you needed to take a break from blogging, however, so no pressure!) Hang in there, Stephanie, and thanks for the advice! 🙂
Andra
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 9, 2011 at 1:49 PM@Andra, Well, I was taking a break this past week, on vacation at the beach with posts going up automatically. It was great and much-needed! 🙂
Sounds like you definitely have a lot going on. Hopefully after the baby arrives and the move is finished, you will find that you are able to get back into more of a regular routine. But sometimes we just seem to have seasons that are hard, and I really think it’s ok to just do the best you can. Blessings on you and your family!
Jill
August 9, 2011 at 9:25 AMI know you have used the Green Magma Plus powder. Have you ever heard of Absolute Greens from AlignLife? Would you consider Absolute Greens to be of good quality like the Green Magma Plus powder?
Jill
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 9, 2011 at 1:47 PM@Jill, I’m sorry, but I’m not familiar with Absolute Greens. Maybe another reader has a better idea?
Emily
August 9, 2011 at 10:18 AMYou gotta eat what you can keep down when you’re pregnant. I ate as healthy as I could in those days, but a lot of the food was stuff I usually wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole .
Shiloh
August 9, 2011 at 12:02 PMWhere is the video? I could not find it?
Thanks!!
Shiloh’s mother
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 9, 2011 at 1:46 PM@Shiloh, I’m sorry, sometimes videos are finicky. I had it all set up to go while I was on vacation, but for some reason I had to put the video back in manually this afternoon. So it is there now! 🙂
Sarah M
August 10, 2011 at 5:53 PMThis was a great video. I so appreciate the openness and sincerity that was shown. I really think we are our own hardest critics, but this is such a great reminder–we all can use a little grace, huh? 😉
Congrats on your pregnancy, also. I have been out of town and just read it tonight so I’m a bit behind. May your baby be blessed!
Sarah M
Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home
August 11, 2011 at 8:47 AM@Sarah M, Thanks, Sarah! 🙂
Debbie Summers
August 12, 2011 at 8:00 AMStephanie – Take a deep breath and do the best that you can and God will do the rest.