Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Living In The Moment

Family life over the past several months (more like year & a half) has been a hectic mix of juggling year # 2 of grad school, two full time jobs, marathon training, church, small group...and oh yes, a little thing called "raising a toddler".  This morning's snowfall was such a gift to wake up to.  With all of the leaves still on our front yard trees, today everything was white and powdery and beautiful with just a hint of gold peeking out.  I love mornings like this because they seem to always bring a sense of serenity and peace to an otherwise hectic world. I could have chosen to moan and groan over this premature winter storm but the smile on my little girl's face when she climbed out of bed this morning and ran to our balcony was enough to make my whole day.


An afternoon of playing in the snow!






 







Living in the moment.  So thankful for making these memories with my little family.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Do You Butter Cream?

Hi Friends,
I've decided to take a break from Little Mountain Momma for a while to focus on writing my book and to spend some extra time with our little family.  Before I go, I wanted to share an update to an older post I did from a few years back.

Tonight we celebrated JB's 30th birthday.
We were married at 20, so in a sense, this birthday seems like a pretty big deal.  We managed to pack a whole lot of living into the past 10 years.  


We've lived in two different states and 5 apartments before finally buying our first home. We've owned 4 vehicles.  We both beat our bodies into submission by running marathons, ha!

We've had...well...way too many pets.  I lost count after the last surprise litter of bunnies.  And we still don't know where that darn Belmont ran off to. 

We created life together 4 times -- two of those babies we have the privilege of raising here and two that we will meet in heaven. 

The past 10 years hasn't looked much like I ever would have pictured but it sure has been an amazing ride.

Tonight we celebrated with chocolate cake and my Grammy's out of this world butter cream frosting recipe.  It's too good not to share it with you.


Grammy's Butter Cream Frosting Recipe 


My grandma's handwritten recipes will always taste best to me.

Recipe
1 egg white
1/2 c. soft margarine
1/2 c. crisco (vegetable oil spread)
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. warm milk (make sure it isn't steaming so as to not curdle your recipe)
1 t. vanilla

Beat egg white till light & foamy 
Add margarine, shortening, sugar, milk & vanilla,
Beat for 8-10 minutes (until desired texture)

* I added a bit of cocoa powder to make a chocolate version but vanilla is wonderful too!

Refrigerate to thicken or until you want to frost your cake.  Or just eat it with a spoon straight from the mixing bowl.  That's probably the best way to do it.


Happy Birthday, my love.  I can hardly wait to see what the next decade holds for our little family. 
 photo signature_zpslh0qvxnv.png
*Edited as of 3/31/16


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

All Things Fall

In light of last week's post, I thought I'd make this post a little more lighthearted.  
Here are my current favorite things for this fall season--


Last month, a friend and I went shopping at the Yankee Candle store and stocked up on seasonal tea light tarts...this new scent Pumpkin Buttercream is my favorite.  It is to die for. Your family will love you just a little more if you burn this in your home this season.

We love French Breakfast Puffs....better known in our family as "Duffins" or "Donut Muffins". 


We discovered this Pioneer Woman recipe last fall and they were a hit with all of our seasonal out of town guests. If you are going to make them I'll tell you that our family's secret ingredient is a 1/2 cup of pumpkin pie filling.  If you try making one new thing this fall MAKE THESE.  

I have Pinterest to thank for this next recipe.  We've made this Glazed Pork twice in the last two weeks.  It is a simple crock pot meal and absolutely delicious.   This meal is also fairly inexpensive because most of the ingredients are staple items you likely already have in your home.  However, if you feel the need to increase your grocery bill by say-- 10 or 15 extra bucks, you can add in the cloves that somehow mysteriously appeared in my parent's version of this recipe.  Love ya, mom ;)


Switching gears entirely-- 
Fall Fashion & Home Decor


My favorite fall fashion piece is this SimplyVera Vera Wang ruched scarf.  It is soft and looks classy and stylish under fall jackets or paired with a leather jacket and cute jeans.  


This is my final year to control what my daughter will be for Halloween.  Next year, I'm certain she'll be  insistent on choosing her own costume and like most stubborn, strong willed toddlers will want to be a princess or, (Lord, help me) some type of themed TV character like Dora or Barney or Sponge Bob.  With that future thought in mind--I'm going ultra creative this year.  Mack will be sporting this peacock getup.  I think it's adorable.  I'm also trying hard to ignore the fact that for weeks I'll be picking multicolored feathers off  my couch and out of my carpet.

I love these bright colors for fall.  Pam, if you're reading this...
I'm coming for your ugly couch pillows. 




I love this mantle.  I've been dying to recreate this look over our own fireplace.  
It may have to wait a few months until I can pull some budget friendly DIY pieces together but eventually I hope to create this look.


And, just for the heck of it ( because I'm on currently on a crochet kick)
Head to over to Hipknitized for a free pattern to make your own coffee cup holder.  I think my heart skipped a beat when I first saw this.  Come on Dad, you know you want one.

I'll leave you with some pictures of one of my favorite places to visit in the fall-- Estes Park, CO.
Last week we took our Seniors here for a scenic drive & a picnic to see the changing colors.  As we drove, I was overcome with memories of our engagement summer here just over 6 years ago.  Memories of snowball fights with our cousins in the middle of July and of our family devouring caramel apples on the side of an Estes Park hill. So much has changed since then-- a lot of life has been lived. Someday soon I hope that JB and I can bring Mack back and create some family memories of our own.



Happy fall everyone!  I hope you are enjoying this season as our family is.





Monday, September 26, 2011

Let's Get Real

A week ago I had coffee with a new friend and was greatly challenged by the conversation that took place.  As we talked and shared about our lives- what they are and what we hope them to be, we somehow got onto the topic of blogging.  She mentioned something that I've been feeling for quite some time.  
Tonight, I'm going to address "mommy bloggers". 

Maybe you've stumbled upon the "mommy blogs".  Not all are bad.  Many can be great.  My friend spoke to me specifically of the "mommy blogs" that aim to be seen as so perfect that the moms that read them come away feeling inadequate.  I laughed when my new friend stated, "I'm not even a mom and I come away feeling inadequate after reading them." 
Can anyone out there relate?  I sure can.   I love to browse blogs.  I love the creativity and ideas that come from them.  What I don't love is the lack of realness that I feel many bloggers out there share (or lack to share).  

I'll be the very first person to admit that I struggle with some real insecurities.  Do I like to share those insecurities?  Heck, no.  I like to look perfect.  I like others to look at me and believe I've got it all together.  But I'm writing tonight to share that (surprise, surprise) - I don't.  

When I began this blog several months ago, I began it for several reasons.  One reason was my love for writing.  I've been told I can be funny and have a good way with words.   Another was because I was desiring to have a part of my life that wasn't strictly "kid related".  As a mom, I struggle to separate the parts of my life that are kid vs. adult.  Blogging about things I am passionate or excited about seemed like a great way to do that.  With that said, these reasons weren't primarily why I began my blog. 

 I began my blog because I wanted to be a voice for women and moms out there who need to know that it is okay to have some imperfections.  I wanted to write something that would be real, open and honest with a journey that doesn't always go as planned.  And, as I talked with my friend, I was challenged and guilt ridden over the fact that maybe just maybe I haven't exactly done what I had set out to do.

Do I think it is wrong to share all of the great parts of life? Not at all.  I find joy in posting about my child's successes, the high points in our life as a family.  I love to post fun things that I've made, recipes that we enjoy together, birthday celebrations for our cat (and kid).  These are good things.  These are the blessings of day to day life.  What I don't like, is when these every day blessings of life seem to overshadow the fact that we are real people who need others to come along and say, "Hey, it's okay to make mistakes."  It's okay that your child isn't sleeping through the night.  It's okay that potty training has been hell.  It's okay that you didn't shower today and you spent half the day eating raw cookie dough while watching Barney with your toddler.  IT IS OKAY.  

And so, If you've stuck with me this long...I'm here to apologize.  I'm deeply sorry if I have made any of my readers feel inadequate (mom or no mom).  Over the course of my journey during the past year, I've come to see that God gives us women in our lives to come along side and walk with us during the good times and the bad.  The problem becomes, when we are so frightened to open up about the bad that the friendship never becomes real.  I'm so tired of that old way of life.  I'm learning to let go of the unrealistic expectations I have of myself and the ones that others may have of me too.  I'm not perfect.  Neither are YOU. So let's get real.

So this is me being honest and real.  Before my daughter came along, I thought I was happy.  My husband and I wanted to try for a baby.  We tried.  We got pregnant right away.  I became pregnant and barefoot (literally- I went barefoot to one of my baby showers).  Then when Mack was a week old, I was hit with postpartum depression.  I suddenly didn't want to be a mom. I didn't like this new baby that had taken over our lives.  Everything that I thought I wanted was gone. Instead, I had this new stranger living in my home- and a not so polite and pleasant one I might add.  And I struggled silently like this for over a year. I struggled with thoughts of suicide and of leaving my family. I was so scared to share with other moms exactly how I was feeling.  I didn't even tell my own mom how I was feeling.  I kept it all hidden and I did myself and everyone around me a disservice.  

Two years later, what I know now is this--postpartum depression is real.  It is painful and sad and can destroy families and friendships.  What I know now is that it can be treated and helped. A lot of what it stems from can be emotionally related things that were never taken care of (pre-pregnancy).  Last October (after moving here to Colorado) I finally hit rock bottom.  I was diagnosed by a doctor as severely depressed and for the first time throughout this whole journey I was put on anti-depressants (sorry Tom Cruise).  I also began to see an amazing therapist who has helped me to come to grips with a lot of issues I was facing (both mom and non-mom related).  And today, I can finally say that, emotionally I am the healthiest I have ever been.  

This journey has brought me to a place where I can better see the benefits of being honest with friends about where I am.  I am learning to ask for help when I need it. I am finally learning to love myself and to value who I am first and foremost as a person but also as a wife and a mother.  Most importantly, I am learning to be real.  I hope that I can share that with all of you as I continue this blog.  If nothing else, I hope that as I am honest with my journey, other women and mom readers out there will be reminded that sometimes, life just isn't cookie cutter.  

With all of that said-- Here are some pictures of the happenings that have taken place lately in my life.



I've been training for the Washington DC marathon and today I completed my first of two 20 mile runs.  Parts of it felt like hell.  Other parts, like the ones in these pictures were just miraculous reminders of how beautiful Colorado is.  For the first time today in a long time, I didn't miss Chicago so much.  That is a milestone friends!


I've started to crochet hats and am considering an ETSY site.  I made this particular hat to more feminize Mackenzie's bright red (rather masculine looking) winter coat.  Who says girls always have to wear pink??

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Where In The World?

My sister Kelsey (check out her blog) leaves tomorrow for Russia
--her first overseas stop with World Race
I'm feeling so many mixed emotions about this.  First, let's just get this out there--I'm insanely jealous.  I love to travel.  I love adventure.  I love new places and new faces. I love my sister.  When I dropped her off at the airport three weeks ago I wanted her to smuggle me in her suitcase and take me with her. In 11 months she will be living and working in Ukraine, Romania, Nepal, India, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Thailand, Cambodia, Asia & Malaysia.  Seriously, who wouldn't want to go with her?  Other emotions I am feeling...excited, thrilled, terrified, anxious and a little sad.  This trip is going to change her life.  
She is going to change lives.  Mostly I'm just incredibly proud.  

I've been wracking my brain, considering different ways that our little family can support Kelsey while she is gone for a year.  There is the obvious (financial) support.  I also put together a prayer list so that every day  she is gone she will have someone from home praying for her.  I love how many of our friends and family jumped on board for that one.  Beyond those two things, I've been trying to figure out how I can explain to our 2-year-old daughter Mack, exactly what her Aunt Kelsey is doing and where she is.  I thought of that old game "Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego" and figured that the best way to get 
Mack involved is to create a visual.  
So, we're making a "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS AUNT KELSEY" 
map/prayer board.
Here are some inspiration ideas I've been loving--

This look from kojodesign


Love the colors on this one from Image Kind
So far, We've ordered a world map and when it comes in we will figure out how to mount it and what route (hahaha) to take.  We'll use pins to mark "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS AUNT KELSEY" and it will hang in our kitchen to update regularly.  


Monday, September 5, 2011

"M" is for "Mack" and "Muffins"

Today "M" and I made  Martha's Banana Muffins.
Because why wouldn't you want to make banana muffins on Labor Day?


Ingredients
  • 4 (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) ripe bananas, plus 1 for garnish (more if making mini muffins)
  • 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole-wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan, regular or mini, with paper liners.
  2. Peel four bananas, and place them in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until mashed, about 1 minute. Add brown sugar, oil, and egg; beat until smooth. Reduce speed to low. Add flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; beat until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla; beat until combined.



    *In our family, we believe everything is better with chocolate chips.  If you want to make them extra special add "chippies" (any kind of chips will do) ...we're using dark chocolate, white chocolate and peanut butter chips.


  3. Fill muffin liners three-quarters full. Slice remaining banana into 1/8-inch-thick rounds; place a slice on each muffin. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 25 minutes for regular muffins and 20 for mini, rotating pan halfway through. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Store, covered, at room temperature.
    Now go make some too!

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Happy September


Happy September from the mountains of Colorado.  Today officially felt like fall.  It was bliss.  I rocked a sweater dress and drank a Pumpkin Spice Latte.  And although I loved today, I would be lying if I said that there wasn't a part of me that was taken back to two years ago.  Back then we had a newborn.  Back then we were living on no sleep and lots of coffee.  Back then school books were a thing of the past.  Back then Chicago was home. I love Colorado and I know that the Lord has used this past year to bring me to a place of total surrender.  I will thank Him everyday for the ways He has allowed me to change and grow since moving out West.  But with that said, Chicago will always have a piece of my heart. The memories of our time there will forever have me reminiscing. 
 Especially when September rolls around.








"This is the time of year you don't want to get tied down.
You want to be outdoors. I love Chicago in September. Perfect
skies. The Cubs losing. Sailboats on the water. Warm, the sun
still hot... with that occasional blast of Arctic wind to remind
you of winter, keep you on your toes. Students coming back,
bookstores full, everybody busy." - Proof (The Play)

Friday, September 2, 2011

Fall Wreath Inspiration


Here's the fall wreath JB & I finished tonight.
I was thinking deep purples and creams but somehow we ended up with a mixture of autumn colors.  And yes, I know that the number 2 is crooked and needs to be fixed.  It's staring at me as I type this.
In short: We found the house numbers at Michael's on clearance.  We used a 40% off coupon making this wreath only $3.00 at JoAnn's.  The flowers I took from work because we have an overabundance of dried flowers that will probably never be used.  After painting several coats onto the house numbers and hot gluing everything, we magically had this wreath.  All for under $5.00. And we love it.  The only thing I don't like is the fact that our house numbers are glaring at us from inside the circle of the wreath.  Just a little weird.




We gleaned our inspiration (thanks to Pinterest) from Teach.Craft.Love.  I loved her wreath ideas as soon as I saw them and I'm excited to make a Christmas one too.  I'm thinking silver door numbers with red flowers and silver bells. Can't wait to try it.  For now though, I'm thrilled that it's FINALLY Fall and I will milk this season for everything that it's worth.

Monday, August 29, 2011

As High As I Can Reach

About a month back, one of my oldest friends Rachelle flew in for a quick visit.  
While browsing some downtown Littleton shops, 
(by downtown I do not mean BIG city downtown--
I mean one tiny little two block street),
we came across this absolutely adorable step stool in a boutique.


Main Street redeemed itself upon finding this one.


 I know...all of my girl friends just gasped and went "Awwww!"  
Am I right?

Now want to guess the price tag on this baby?
Try somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 bucks.

Now, if you know me at all
you know I don't spend that kind of money on just anything.
At least not if I can help it.

Which is when the ideas in my brain began to turn. 
We started snapping pictures.
No, we weren't suppose to. Yes, we were asked to leave.
Shame on them for trying to keep me from stealing the cutest idea alive.
Lucky for me, I had already gotten what I needed.  
Don't worry--I'll give them credit for it when my project is all done.

In the meantime, here are some other step stools that I've come across while on my search for the perfect blank canvas.



I even considered building my own. HA.  
I think we can all just laugh ourselves silly over that one.


Luckily, I found this beauty on craigslist. $15 bucks and it is mine. 


So now I have the goal of turning this...


into something similar to this....


I always have loved a good challenge!