Family

I recently made the decision to shift my focus at home from cake decorating (which I have grown to love) to 100% family.  As much as I will miss expressing myself through cake and icing, I'm so happy with the decision that has been made.  
I have had many people ask me the reason for stepping aside from cakes and there really are several.  But the main reason is that my family deserves all of me, not what I have left at the end of the day.  I heard a poem the other day and it's so fitting to my situation.  I'm sure many of you have been there too so I hope you enjoy it.  It's simply called "Family"

Family

I ran into a stranger as he passed by, "Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said good-bye.

But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way." He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

Becoming Apparel

This post is kind of a continuation on the thoughts of my last post.  Seeing as it's almost bathing suit season (how many ladies just shuddered? haha), I thought I would give a different spin on what most people think of as a horrible, self-esteem plummeting, awful experience - a.k.a. buying and wearing swimwear!

Now I have much experience in the area of hating bathing suits.  Ladies - be honest - how many of us have at some point or another (or still do!) wore a huge t-shirt and shorts as a "bathing suit" to avoid actually wearing anything spandex or revealing?  I know I have!  I've wore everything from a bikini (yes I do not want to go back to that memory hahaha), tankini, bathing suit with a skirt, and everything in between.  And not one of them did I like or feel good in.  Let's face it - bathing suits are nothing but immodest, unflattering pieces of "clothes" that most people feel they don't have a choice in  wearing because it's either that or forgo swimming ever again.  

Now this is something I have never been able to figure out - if a girl was walking down the street in nothing but her underwear and bra, she would be super embarrassed and people would wonder what on earth was wrong with her that she would even consider doing that.  But lets just do a little teleporting here for a minute and change the street to the beach - all of a sudden we don't call it a bra and underwear; we call it a "bikini" and it's totally fine and accepted.  The same with a tankini or one-piece: would you go walking around the mall wearing a tank top and your underwear?  Of course not!  Is it any wonder why most women feel completely uncomfortable on the beach in traditional swimwear?  I personally have always felt so uncovered and naked in a bathing suit and I secretly hope no one sees me as I make a mad dash to the water and then back again to my towel.    

So with that being said, I decided to do a little looking around for "alternatives" to bathing suits.  I won't lie - there are some very, um, interesting options to say the least  :)  But I was very pleasantly surprised to find something called a "swim dress" by Becoming Apparel (the name of my post).  The tag line on their website is "Modest, feminine, body-covering".  Now THAT'S what I'm talking about.  Being able to go to the beach and feel feminine yet covered.   So I bought one :)  And I love it.  It's so comfortable, flattering and dries really quickly.

There's a few different options but I love how they all look like a pretty sundress.  I got the one in the picture above in black and the black is definitely slimming!  There's also really cute ones for little girls that I got for Ella as well.  

This is what the homepage of the online store www.becomingapparel.com says:
"Becoming Apparel is excited to bring to you our all original Swimdresses.  The design and develoment of the swimdresses came out of a need for modest, body-covering swimwear that is also elegant, feminine and sophisticated.

For years I looked for something like this and never found it so I took the challenge myself.  Becoming Apparel is a dynamic company ready to change styles and colors to meet your needs.  I know that my swimdresses have put me "back into the water," as they have many other women around the world who thought their swimming days were over, because they refused to wear a swimsuit ever again.  I always say that, "I wouldn't be caught dead in a traditonal skimpy swimsuit, even the ones with skirts showed my 58 year old flab and cellulite.  That is why the Becoming Apparel swimdress covers below the knee or can even be pulled down below the calf in some cases if you desire.

We also have a travel dress out of the same durable, colorfast, wrinkle resistant nylon/lycra that is so versatile it can be worn many ways and lengths."

I encourage you, if you're like me and hated anything to do with bathing suits, to give this one a try.  Check out the website as there's lots of great information, testimonials and a video demonstrating how practical and great the swimdress is.  

Go ahead and REALLY enjoy the beach this year!

Fortunately it was raining today.......

Not something you hear many people say they're happy about unless they're gardeners who want the rain.  But today I was glad it was raining.  Let me explain why.

It seems that in springtime, people are getting anxious to get the summer clothes out in hopes for warmer weather.  It always happens that even when it's only a few degrees above zero, if it's sunny, you see people in their shorts and t-shirts.  But has anyone else noticed that as soon as the temperature increases, the clothing on many women DECREASES?  It's become a real noticeable thing for me in the past couple years.  It seems that less clothes is the trend and younger and younger girls are embracing this idea.  I can't even go into Walmart without thinking there should be an "R" rated sign on the door warning us of what we might see if we choose to go in.  Shorts are getting shorter, skirts are right up there too....shirts are getting tighter and lower cut, not to mention more see-through.  Why is it that even 10-15 years ago, if a movie or tv show had people in it wearing these types of clothes, it was deemed "not suitable for children" but now it's the children that are wearing those things.  

I feel so bad for women who feel that they need to dress in a provocative way.  As a woman who has been there, it all comes down to how much attention we get when we dress that way.  Some may say "I feel good when I dress this way" or "I look good in this so why not wear it?".  But if we're honest, it's about how much attention we're getting.  Men look, and we like it.  But is that what our self worth boils down to?  We should be looking to attract the attention of our husbands and if there is no husband, then we just need to be dressing in a way that doesn't cause anyone to have any kind of impure thoughts about us.  Because how would we feel if we were on the other end of it and someone else was dressing in a way to attract attention - and got the attention of our spouse/boyfriend, etc.  I personally don't want to cause anyone to give me attention that is meant for their significant other.

  

This is a quote I read on a blog recently "So then, think for a moment about messages clothes give… we all know it when a woman who is wearing immodest or suggestive clothing walks into a room.  The eyes of all are on her… she may or may not acknowledge it, but she knows it.  And if we were sincere, we would all admit to liking the admiration of  others.  But when that admiration causes  someone to stumble, it is wrong.  Again, our attire must not provoke lust in a man.  Men see things differently than we do and what might not be offensive in our eyes is probably provocative in a man’s eyes." 

So that's why I'm glad it was raining today....because people tend to be a little more "covered up" on days like today :)

What to do.....

To wean or not to wean….that is the question.  I’ve been debating what to do for a couple of weeks now.  I’ve always been (and still am) an advocate of nursing your baby for as long as possible.  I am also part of the “demand nursing” club so I’ve found that it makes weaning harder on everyone involved because it’s such a comfort thing.  And to be honest, it’s so convenient, there’s not a whole lot of effort involved and it works every time.  So I think that’s the part that’s holding me back.  I don’t want to give up the reliability of it.

This time around, it seems that I’m just tired - not physically tired....more emotionally tired I guess.  Maybe it’s because I’ve either been pregnant or nursing at some point every year for the last 6 years.  Or maybe it’s because nursing has never been easy for me due to a supply issue and I have to take mega doses of Fenugreek to even be able to nurse.  I figured it out the other day and I was kind of shocked – I’ve taken over 4300 Fenugreek  capsules in the last year just so I can nurse….yes, that really does say 4300 :)

Fenugreek has definitely been a lifesaver for me in terms of being able to breastfeed instead of formula feed.  And I am eager to tell anyone who will listen that it really does work!  I take 12 capsules a day and 1 bottle will usually last me 8 days.  At a cost of between $7.49-$10.00 a bottle, that’s definitely much more easy on the wallet (and on the baby!) than formula!

I also haven’t slept through the night in a couple of years and part of me says that if I wean and get rid of probably the only reason she’s getting up, I’ll be able to not have to get up twice every night.  Don't get me wrong - I have never been one to mind getting up to nurse my sweet babies but when it gets to a point that they're waking not because they're hungry but just waking to nurse out of comfort, then that's where I start getting wore out.  Then another part of me says that nursing is such an easy way to comfort when she’s teething and I’m at a loss to know what to do with a teething baby in the middle of the night who’s mouth hurts and just wants something to make it feel better.  

And then the one final part of me says “this is it…it’s the last time you’ll probably ever nurse”….not sure if I’m ready for that to come to an end.

Ah, decisions, decisions…..

The wonderful world of sprouts!

Something that we have started doing in the last few months is growing our own sprouts.  When sprouted, seeds give off more energy in the form of enzymes, vitamins and minerals.  Also, during sprouting, the starch is changed to simple sugars which makes them very easily digested.  Sprouting increases vitamin content many times over and also develops chlorophyll.  All these are great reasons to incorporate sprouts into our diet but one of my favorite reasons for sprouting my own seeds instead of just buying them at the store is COST.  

For the same price, you can buy one plastic container of alfalfa sprouts OR you can sprout 40-50 cups yourself!  Another benefit to doing it yourself is the variety of seeds that you're able to sprout.  We've tried alfalfa, buckwheat, lentil, clover, radish, mung beans, chick peas, sunflower and a great "sandwich booster" mix which is a combination of canola, clover and a couple of others.  
If you're wondering how to sprout, wonder no more!  All you need is:

A large mouth mason jar

 

A sprouting screen (available from www.rawnutrition.ca or your local health food store)

OR you can use an old nylon stocking or cheesecloth.

The Method:

1. Soak seeds for 10-12 hours, changing the water once.  
2. Drain water from jar through the sprouter (or nylon/cheesecloth) top
3. Fill the car with cold tap water and "rinse" seeds.  
4. Drain water through the screen.
5. Turn jar angled downward in a shallow container or on a dish draining rack.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 at least twice per day, more if the weather is hot.
7. Depending on the seeds, sprouting time will vary from 1-7 days.  Alfalfa, for example is 5-7 days and lentils are 1-2 days. 

I add these delicious sprouts to everything - salads, sandwiches, stir fries - whatever you can think of!  And if you are really interested in sprouting, you can get all kinds of special sprouting equipment and accessories.  Check out www.rawnutrition.ca for an amazing supply of seeds, sprouters and many more things! 

Let me know if you try sprouting and how you like it :)

Childhood is such a short season

I have been trying to think of what I should write for my first "official" blog post :)  I read something today on my Facebook news feed that I really loved and it inspired me to write more:

"Isn't it strange how opposite our culture is to the example Christ set? He said "let the children come to me" and yet our society continually looks for ways to get the children out of our way. Set the tone by enjoying every child that crosses your path today and in this way you will also be following Christ's example"

 As a parent in my early 30's who homeschools, I often run into this kind of attitude in many parents.  The conversation usually goes like this:

"You homeschool your kids?  Wow....I couldn't do that.  I think I'd go crazy if I had to be around my kids ALL DAY."

I'm sorry....what??  Is it really that big of an undertaking to WANT to be around the children that God has blessed me with and actually enjoy it?  It shouldn't be - but apparently it is.  

Don't get me wrong - there are definitely some days that are trying and most days usually have an element of frustration that comes along with it.  But I would never trade it for a quiet house, "me time" that so many mothers feel is necessary to their sanity (that's a whole other post! lol), or anything else in the world.  I'm so saddened when I hear parents speak so negatively about their kids - about how they can't wait for "this phase" or "that phase" to be over.  They're always going to be going through something - why waste those precious moments wishing it would be over?  Why not spend your time enjoying the benefits of those stages - because there are many.  You just have to look for them - or maybe more accurately, WANT to look for them.   It's so much easier to see the negative, isn't it?  How many times has someone pointed out to us the one thing that we forgot to do instead of seeing the 10 things that we ALWAYS do?  How did that make you feel?  Now imagine how that makes our children feel.  And they hear us talking about them - even the littlest of ones know when they're being talked about.

"Troubles may invade [the home], but these are the lot of humanity. Let patience, gratitude, and love keep sunshine in the heart though the day may be ever so cloudy.  The home may be plain, but it can always be a place where cheerful words are spoken and kindly deeds are done, where courtesy and love are abiding guests.  Administer the rules of the home in wisdom and love, not with a rod of iron. Children will respond with willing obedience to the rule of love. Commend your children whenever you can."

My challenge to you today is to ENJOY your children.  Pay them compliments; tell them how much you appreciate them; let them be kids.  Realize that childhood is such a short season and we need to take hold of those moments NOW....not later, not when we have enough money, not when the kids aren't tired or grumpy, not when your favorite TV show is over, not after you've answered all your emails, not when the weather is sunny....NOW.  You won't regret it - I promise :)

Welcome everyone!  After much consideration, I have decided to dive into the world of blogging....so here I am!
I have always enjoyed trying new things, learning about them and then sharing my experiences with others so I thought what better way to do that than with a blog.  I'm not a writer by any means but I definitely find I get my thoughts out much better when they're written down and I can reference my points and not forget to include things this way!  
So where to start....well I'm passionate about many things - first and foremost God and faith.  Secondly my family.  And then I have multiple other interests including cake decorating, food allergies, healthy eating, cooking, baking, homeschooling, playing the piano, natural alternatives to medicine.....the list goes on!  So that's why I thought I would describe my blog as being about "food, faith and everything in between!"
The name "More Costly than Rubies" comes from a passage in Proverbs 31:10-31about a virtuous woman:

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her          maidens.
 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

 I pray that I will be able to find myself within the lines of this passage and that with God's help, to my husband and children, I will be More Costly than Rubies.
I look forward to posting more of my thoughts, ideas, recipes, cake creations and whatever else I come across and I hope you'll follow me in my new blogging journey.

 -Stephanie