According to L

Deep End of the Pool

2013-06-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

This title isn't a deep metaphor.
It's literally about Liv learning to swim in the deep end of the pool, without any floaty or life jacket.
And it's a small milestone to some, but listen:

This girl is only 4.
And then, she's FOUR. Outloud, without fear or reservation.

Nate and I have a family history with water.
I walked in to the pool one afternoon as a small girl and my parents turned around to find me wide-eyed under water.
Nate's brother drowned days before his 3rd birthday.
Another brother nearly drowned, was in a coma and has never been the same since he woke.
We kinda have a thing about water safety.

So having Liv be comfortable, even in a panic, to buy us a few extra seconds was always a blessing.
This weekend, she took major strides - or strokes - as it were.
She swam between Nate, myself and my mom in the deep end of the pool.
She eventually swam across the pool, maybe about 12 feet.
Then she jumped into the pool and swam to the side.

All of this is fun, but it's crazy for me to watch this little person become a person.
It was like watching her take steps for the first time - that memory is still so vivid in my mind, I can see it now. Chubby little arms and legs working like Frankenstein to move three steps in a row, falling with a smile and giggle into my arms. I squealed myself, and cheered for more, (foolishly) encouraging her to do it again!

So she swam.
She's a swimmer.
She swims.
A little like "What About Bob" but it'll do.

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Tomatillo-Pineapple Salsa

2013-06-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

With the bright sunny weather we're FINALLY experiencing, I thought I'd bring back some of our grilling favorites from last summer.

We are a family of dips, snacks and apps. This salsa fits the bill perfectly.

This is a very easy packet to make, but can be a little putsy when it comes to dicing everything.

Impressed by my knife skills? Don't be. As is the tradition, one year, the hubs got me a gift that is AS SEEN ON TV. One year I got the Vadalia Chop Wizard. It's basically this little press that has perfect squares, designed for easily chopping onion. I use it for peppers too when I'm making a salsa like this one.

Get together the ingredients:

3/4 lb tomatillos (about 10 or so), husked removed and diced
1/2 c diced pineapple
1 scallop, minced
1 jalapeño, mined (more or less to you taste and spice levels)
1 Tbsp olive oil

Toss everything together, put in it's own little shiny, foil packet and grill over medium-high heat for about 12 minutes.

LET IT COOL.

Toss with chopped, fresh cilantro and serve. This is the perfect make-ahead dip/party food because it does take time to cool before you serve it. You could eat it warm, but I personally found it a little odd, probably only because I'm used to salsa being cold, or at very least, room temperature.

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Good Thing, Bad Thing

2013-06-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Another week survived, another round of wins to celebrate and wounds to bandage and baby a bit.

We'll start with the good stuff this week:

This past Sunday was our six-year anniversary. Six years of marriage. Not a huge number to some, but based on the past year or so that we've had, it's a celebration for sure. Life gets hard and marriage isn't always a honeymoon. But we were able to relax for the evening without the kids, chat about nothing and hang out like we "used" to before all that life stuff got in the way. And Game of Thrones was on too, so that was a bonus for sure!

Bad thing.

Avery was interested in potty training and then some little switch flipped in her 2-year old brain and she's back to really having zero interest. I know she's barely two, and the chances of her going to Kindergarten in diapers is pretty slim, but it was just so exciting only to stall out. She has taken her lack of interest into refusing to wear ANYTHING on her butt some mornings. I give you exhibit A.

No diaper. No pull-up. No "big girl undies" that she'll pee right through. So made her play outside on the deck with me while I read my magazine. I think ultimately I won that battle. We'll see about the war.

How was your week??

Be sure to link up and share along! Thanks!

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Hot Mama Workout Playlist

2013-06-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am by no means a "Hot Mama" (yet) but I'm trying.
That's the important thing.
And we all know that exercise can get boring (otherwise people wouldn't struggle to get to the gym, or tie on those tennis shoes!)

I thought I'd put out my playlist for you all to freshen up your own tunes! I've got a mix of old songs (thing basement dancing in college) to newer things (hello Bruno Mars and Macklemore!)

Runaway Baby, Bruno Mars
Call Me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepson
Put the Gun Down, ZZ Ward
Next to Me, Emilie Sande
Single Ladies, Beyonce
Hey Mama, Black Eye Peas
(I Got That) Boom Boom, Britney Spears
Locked Out of Heaven, Bruno Mars
Thnks Fr Th Mmrs, Fall Out Boy
Right Round, Flo Rida
Don't Stop (For Anything), Jonny Lang
SexyBack, Justin Timberlake
Thrift Shop, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Moves Like Jagger, Maroon 5
Get Naked, Method of Meyhem
Maneater, Nelly Furtado
BOB, Outkast
It Wasn't Me, Shaggy
Faded, Soul Decision
Can't Hold Us, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

The joke is that the list is over 2 hours of music, and I NEVER workout for that long. But with a bigger list, all you've gotta do is hit "play, shuffle" and you're off and running! Literally!

If you've got a list or songs that we should have, share them!! I'm always game for something new and fresh to keep my workouts exciting!

Washi Tape Letters

2013-06-12T08:27:00.000-05:00

I have slowly been putting together new things to hang in the girls' room. With the new bunk bed, and fresh paint, we needed some new wall decor. Before, I had each girl's name in large cardboard letters, but I wanted something new to put on the gallery wall I've been planning (for about two months now, but whatever. I'll get there!)

I bring you my washi tape letters. Super simple, really cute and totally customizable to your color pallet.

Snag your letters at your local craft store. You can find washi tape at most craft stores (your Michaels and Joann Fabrics), of a specialty scrapbooking store (like Archivers) or even online (my favorite place to shop is In the Clear.)

Plan out your design and start stretching tape. If your letter has a hole in it, just stretch right over it. You want straight lines and you can trim the excess when you're all done. Washi tape doesn't exactly have industrial-strength stick, so cut your strips long enough to wrap to the sides/back of the letter so you get a good hold. Peeling washi = ugly washi.

When you're all done, grab a cutting mat and Xacto knife and flip your letter over. Time to trim! Remember, error on the side of cutting longer pieces to wrap and stick to the letter to hold the tape securely.

Sit back and admire your work.
(Ignore the unfinished ledge that they're sitting on, there's molding that needs to go back up now that we're done painting, but we're just taking our time. Wanna make sure it's perfect. OR every time we have a kid-free moment, it's during nap time, and the project just so happens to be where the littles are sleeping!)

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Summer...If Only For The Day

2013-06-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

This summer has been slow going, to say the least. I know there are parts of the country that are baking with 100+ degree days, but here in Minnesota, we've had rain and 50s for weeks.

The lack of vitamin D is crippling.
Add to that the wild children who are cooped inside STILL after a long winter, and we're all going a little batty.
But today, the clouds parted ways and we saw that bright, warm, lovely sun for the afternoon.

When we got home today, the girls immediately put on swim suits so we could run around in the yard and play with WATER. Sprinklers and water tables might be the best thing for any summer yard. The simple joy of getting wet and splashed and dumping water can keep my kids busy for hours. Awesome. I got to sit and sweat with a Diet Coke and Candy Crush, and they soaked their hair, and had grass stick to their feet. Classic sign of summer.

What's your favorite thing to do in the summer??

Good Job?

2013-06-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

I want to have a moment where I just vent,
dump,
crab and complain this week.

It was a rough one.

Avery is 2.
She is all of two and just a shit.
I can say that.
I love her.
My world would end if she were gone.
But I actually called her an asshole this week.
Not my proudest moment.

She tests my patience. I already know I have very little patience to spare.
Small children only grate on what I have. After Liv at this age, (and then some) there is very little to speak of.
Refusing to cooperate. To pick up. To listen. To do ANYTHING. Rubs me raw.
Tuesday was my breaking point.
I had one of those moments where I thought: I'm failing.

I'm failing to financially provide, to succeed at this little blogging thing, to succeed at my Etsy shop, to succeed in my efforts to share the cute of Stella & Dot. I'm failing to feel sane at home.
Laundry is piling, floors are dirty, my kids have ketchup on their face from God-know-when.
The husband and I are together, but let's be honest - we have had our days when it has been touch-and-go.

They love me and I love them.
But am I really doing a good job?

It feels like I'm pulled everywhere and can't do it all OK enough.
Who knows - I could be pulled in one solid direction and still fail.
Even better feeling.

Deep down, my rational voice is shouting: You're doing fine.
Probably better than fine.
You're doing great.
But that voice was far away this week. Like way down, hard to hear, buried so deep.
I know my kids love me.
I know my husband loves me.
I should love me too.

High Cotton Style {giveaway}

2013-06-05T07:30:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I've done a giveaway, but here's one that's super unique and fun for any reader, family or home!

I introduced you all to Fletcher from High Cotton Style a few days ago. Super cute blogger, focused on home design, party planning and the occasional yummy-in-my-tummy dish!

Fletcher is offering up her design services and TWO lucky readers are going to win e-design boards from High Cotton Style. They are valued at $50 each and include a custom room design with sources, email consults and help laying out the room. Don't worry - you can totally do a room on a budget- she will even scour Craigslist to find the perfect piece!

Who doesn't have a room they'd love a little help with or maybe a summer party that needs more than a Pinterest board to get accomplished!?

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Thanks, For Making Me Feel...

2013-06-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone - and I mean the "school year," as I now have a-somewhat school-aged child. Liv graduated from Preschool, like that's a real thing, but we all cheered and clapped and took pictures.

After months of Monday night dance classes, we are now at that glorious time of year: dance recital. {read about her first one here} I wasn't nearly as anxious getting ready for this one as I was last year. This was our second time around, after all, I'm nearly a pro. Got the hair, the make-up, the costume, the snacks, we're all set. Checked her in to the "dressing room" with the stage moms and said my good-byes and break-a-legs (thankfully she didn't ask me to explain that one just yet!) I was just praying that this year wouldn't take 4.5 hours like last year (no joke) (and it didn't, thank God!)

Her class was 2nd to dance in the first half act. I got to my seat and was bouncing with excitement. I'd kept my cool back stage, maybe for my nerves more than hers. They walked out and got into "first position" and I could already feel my momma-pride tears start to cloud my vision.

It was just something...
.... thinking about that pink baby I would snuggle with in the afternoons
.... crying over the sleepness nights (her, not me) and then waking for several months to make sure she was still breathing at night
.... the "baby dance moves" we'd go nuts and laugh and cheer for
.... the sassy mouth that made my question my capabilities as an educated, adult woman
.... her wiggle and giggle that can just make me laugh out loud
.... the unconditional love she constantly shows

Here was my baby. Who wasn't a baby. Dancing on stage, no teacher leading the charge, no "big kid" to follow. She was there with her class, no one quite knowing what they should be doing at the same time, and it was absolutely perfect. I complain about the price tag for dancing (keeping in mind my kid is only a "recreational dancer", we have yet to cross the threshold into competitive dance where the time and financial commitments are exponentially higher.) In those two dances, it was worth every penny to watch her and feel her sense of pride when it was all done.

Here's where the real momma-pride kicks in: We were recapping the wonderful weekend we'd had and said again how AWESOME she did at the recital. Instead of just saying "thanks guys" as my polite little girl often does, she says:

Thanks for making me feel like such a good daughter.

Thank you for making me feel like such a good mom.

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Good Thing, Bad Thing

2013-05-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome. The concept of "Good thing, bad thing" isn't new to me. I've been playing this "game" with my girlfriends since I went to college. We'd all get together over breaks and have to play catch-up. It was the perfect opportunity to sum up what's been going on, highs and lows, and stay connected. It stuck, not always to everyone's enjoyment, but it sparked conversation and I know that it kept us all together, even when we were so far apart.

So I bring you: Good Thing, Bad Thing. The idea is that you provide an good and bad thing, in the "relative week." And you bad thing can't be that you have no good thing. It's just not possible.

I'm really excited to see what you all have to share!
To link along, I only ask that you follow my blog and link back in some way.

The game can be played in a few ways ways - a list of contrasting items....

Good thing: Liv finished her first year at preschool.
Bad thing: We still don't know if she'll be in Kindergarten in the fall (her birthday is 17 days too late.) Come Monday, we'll hopefully have a better sense if I need to buy a new pencil box for September.

Good thing: We had an amazing time with my sister's family.
Bad thing: I think I drank 6 bottles of wine and maybe slept for a total of 14 hours in 4 nights. Maybe.

Good thing: I'm trying really, really hard to get into an exercise routine again.
Bad thing: I hate running.

Good thing: Avery is super interested in potty training.
Bad thing: She is a strong-willed toddler with waining interests.

Good thing: I read every night before bed.
Bad thing: I'm usually "reading" Pinterest posts and getting hungry.

Bad thing: I've worked more this week than I have in a long time, including 12-hours on Wednesday.
Good thing: I'm hourly. Nuff said.

Good thing: This has been really fun to write.
Bad thing: This party may fail, and it's just me talking about myself.
Good thing: I write a blog and therefore don't care if it's all about me!

....or another way to play is in story-form...

My bad thing: The weather here has been absolutely dreary. The rain, clouds and chill in the air hardly speaks to the Minnesota summer that we've all been craving. And the kids feel the depression too. They've gotten mere tastes of running around until they're wet with sweat and dirt, only to look sadly through windows at rain clouds. This sucks. I hate this. They run wild, and I get crabby, and they get crabby and it's the perfect storm for tantrums and raised voices. I actually wanted to call-in sick to work, but realized staying home would mean a full-day inside with them, and realized we'd all be happier if I wasn't home.

My good thing: I added more members to my "Headband of the Month" Club. And this isn't a sales pitch, it's a pat on my own back (though if you're interested in the six or twelve month option). Making those silly headbands was a great creative outlet for me and it ebbs and flows, and this week, it's been a good week. I do still burn my fingers on hot glue, but I love knowing that I'm sending out little packages that girls are going to wear and have everyone go "Awwww...." It's just fun.

....or in your own style. The point is to share your week, the highs and lows and not feel guilty for bragging or complaining!

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So What Wednesday

2013-05-29T07:30:00.000-05:00

The holiday weekend has thrown me off to no end. I thought yesterday was Monday, I almost forgot about Wednesday. These are not bad things. I am one day closer to the weekend than I think I am. I this is always a good thing.

This cold weather is really starting to get to me. I know last year's 90s were a fluke, but 50s and rainy for days on end... grates on a person!
I want there to be a "swear jar" for every time I have to say "GIRLS!" You know the voice I'm using here.
I think my brother-in-law is one of the best guys around. He treats my sister like a queen, loves my husband like a brother and even makes dinner.
We've started a tradition of watching Hannibal with my mom. Super f-ed show. Need to watch it in daylight.
Is it just me of does the Food Network only show Chopped and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
I think it's really cute that Liv sensors herself when we're singing Thrift Shop.... this is... totally.... awesome!
We use the paci as a crutch for Avery far more than we should. The Paci Fairy is gonna have to visit, and she's gonna be sad, and I'm gonna be sad, and it's just not going to go well.
I am dreading school being out and kids being loud in the neighborhood at night. Didn't bother me before I had kids with an 8 PM bedtime.
I finally got Nate to agree to let me sell baby things. Me: this means we're good with two. Him: this means the 3rd will get new things. Ugh!

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Pony Bead Suncatchers

2013-05-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

This was a project that Liv and I did one chilly, spring afternoon because we had to crank the oven to high. The affect is perfect for sunny summer days, which is ironic because of the head required to melt these little beauties.

The process is easy, but a little smelly, so be sure to crack a window; you're melting plastic after all. There are a few other posts out there on the process, but I found a few tips to be extra helpful in our project.

We invested $3 in a bag of pony beads from the Dollar Tree, along with 2 muffin tins. I wanted to use something cheap, so if they were destroyed, I wasn't devastated. Oh and a box of 100 tiny washers for about $1.90. Huge investment here.

Tip 1: While laying all the beads to the openings are all facing the same way looks cute and all for a picture like this, it makes ABSOLUTELY no difference in the melting process. It's incredibly frustrating to flip them all the right way. Just dump in an even layer that's fairly flush to the sides of your mold.

Tip 2: Use washers so that you can string up your catchers. Some have suggested drilling a hole, but they're fairly brittle and unless you use tape and a lot of skill, I'm thinking they'll shatter before you'll get your opening.

Tip 3: Have beads surrounding all sides of your washer, but not covering the hole. Duh. The one I did pictured on the bottom left is perfect (final result is the last image in the post)

Tip 4: Crank your oven all the way. Our first round, I tried 400 degrees for 20 minutes and it just seemed to take forever. I turned it all the way up (not to broil, though) and they melted in less than 10. Keep an eye on them, checking every few minutes - you don't want to burn the plastic, just melt it!

When they look like this, you're almost done. Let them cool. Completely.

Give your tin a little ice-cube-tray-twist-and-crack and they'll pop right out. No need to grease the pan or anything.

You'll end up with this cute little disks of color and light!

Have fun!!

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Sponsor Spotlight: High Cotton Style

2013-05-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

I would love to introduce you all to Fletcher from High Cotton Style. Perhaps you've noticed her darling ad space on the left of your screen. Or maybe she's familiar to you because if was her Instagram photos of her Fairy Garden that inspired mine! The girl's creative, no doubt about that!

*** Blog *** Facebook *** Pinterest *** Instagram ***

Fletcher started High Cotton Style as a way to keep all of my design ideas together! After a while, I decided that I LOVED design work- that's how I got started in Interior Design!

She's a clever mama, with an eye for smart, sophisticated style! Her design services reach nationwide, and fit all budgets and styles! I know I'd love a professional eye to take a look at some of the rooms in my house (after they've been thoroughly dusted and all clutter has been shoved into an unsuspecting closet!)

More fun facts about Fletcher
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite subject in high school? Art
If you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life? Thai House Two; Florence, SC
Pajama pants or nightgowns? Nightgowns
Coke of Pepsi? Diet Coke (I love her)
Team Angelina or Jen? Jen
Best guilty pleasures? Wine and pedicures (Really love her)
Guacamole or salsa? Guacamole
Teen Beat Heartthrob? Bobby Flay (no joke)

Loving this girl?? Me too! Stop over and say hello!

And she's even offering up a giveaway, but that's coming soon! Stay tuned!!

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So What Wednesday

2013-05-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

The Wednesday before a long, holiday weekend, I just love it! Our weekend starts Thursday when Nate gets home from work, so today's like my Friday (even though Tuesdays are really my Friday, and Mondays are my Thursday, but whatever!)

I am floored by the support that my "hard truths" got last week on being a SAHM. Missed it? Catch up on the convo {here}.
The worst sound during nap time is the dryer buzzer. EEEEEEE - get up, you should be doing real work. Shut up, dryer.
I put on gym clothes on Thursday. Didn't exactly make it TO the gym, but I feel it was a good effort.
I teared up watching the series finale of The Office. I can't believe it's been on for so long, and now it's done. Kudos to a show for making me feel so connected to fictional characters and people I'll never meet in real life.
I think I would have been OK if this season was the last for Grey's Anatomy. More break-ups, someone might die, but they are in love... we get it... there's drama. (But of course, I'll watch Season 10!)
Liv's last day of preschool is tomorrow. I don't think I'm ready for this year to be over - it means she's getting older, and I know I'm not ready for that!
We also leave to visit my sister for the weekend tomorrow!!!! I should start packing...

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Chalk Dots

2013-05-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Memorial Weekend is coming up fast and furious! Summer is here and the kids are running outside more than ever.

The level of fun we've had outside can be determined by one of the following nighttime bath routines:
* foot bath
* quick shower, skip the hair
* deep soak in a bubble bath

Chalk is a big hit at this house, and hopscotch is usually the go-to game. This "dot" idea is a twist on a classic, but can be used to let their little imaginations run wild.

It's very simple, and no step-by-step is really needed.

Take chalk.
Draw different colored circles on the driveway (or the same color, or different shapes).
Let them go nuts.

Avery instantly went to color in everything - she's working on that whole "staying in the lines" thing.

Liv, a true lover of hopscotch, decided this was a cool new way to play....

Baby sister quickly abandoned her game and followed suit.

I have big plans for this, because it was a such a hit:

Drawing faces
Matching colors
Connecting like colors/shapes
Counting, adding
Water balloon targets - hello!

Like I said, the skies the limit on this idea. Take it and make it your own! Have fun, get dirty! It all washed down the drain anyway!

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Six Truths On Being a SAHM

2013-05-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

It’s been about 10 months since I left my job and decided to stay home with the girls. It was always the plan that I’d work part-time to balance my need to function outside of yoga pants, and the lost corporate salary.

By sharing these truths, I hope to not stand alone for my own sanity, but for the sanity and hope for other moms out there who are either considering or reaffirming the choice for their own family.

Truth 1: Parenting roles get redefined.

Typically, with a two-income household, you have a secondary caregiver during the day, giving you and the hubs equal time and night and on the weekends. You still stand on equal ground with your kids and share the same experiences with them. Once you’re home, that shifts. As the SAHM, you take on a huge role when it comes to keeping the routine and discipline. I have flashbacks to when Liv was a baby and my skin would crawl when Nate would do something (like feed, dress or change her) differently than me. There’s a certain way “we” do things around here, you’re clearly on the outside of that, sir. It’s terribly unfair, and I try really hard not to do it (my success rate is yet to be determined.)

Truth 2: Marriage roles get defined too.

In the same breath as caring for the kids, household duties are also divided. Sure, I’m home and have more time to vacuum and do laundry, but I did not give up my paying job to be a nanny and a maid. I wanted to be a teacher, nurturer, and even, pursue some of my own passions (hello, blog and Etsy.) It may be frustrating for Nate to come home and find things “undone” but anyone who has cared for a child for a 8-10 hour period during daylight can attest, there’s not exactly “down time.” And depending on the true nature of your “staying home” the breadwinner role shifts, opening up the availability for potential overprotection of “my money/your money.” This means you need to talk, constantly. Be honest, constantly. And be open for change, constantly.

Truth 3: The lack of money sucks.

We were not wealthy to begin with, so losing my salary was a definite hit to our reality. Coupons and free-activities become a normal way of life. And that’s OK, but it is a hit to the ego not “keep up with the Jones.” It’s not important to care about what other people have or what they’re doing, but it’s also hard to ignore it. My kids are fed. We have a home and cable. Life is not destitute. But not going on vacations, or buying every little thing – those things are important, but you miss them when they’re gone. The same rules about talking and changing things to find balance needs to be a open topic on the table.

Truth 4: Staying home is lonely.

With that whole “no extra money” thing, it’s a lot of afternoons home, coloring and watching Disney and Pixar movies. Ladies-who-lunch just isn’t a reality. There are a million mom groups out there, but some of those women are downright bitchy. Mom-groups have an air about them, where they are either super welcoming or super clicky. I did not leave high school and gain career success, only to find myself back in the world of drama again. The truth is, I miss my work family. I miss interacting with the same people 5 days a week. I miss some friends that have drifted in the past year. There are certainly more things that I don’t miss that solidify my decision to stay home, but the fact remains that it’s not exactly a social endeavor. Try really hard to find a friend, even if it’s only one. There is another mom out there who is like you, who is lonely like you, who needs a friend, just like you.

Truth 5: Kids are brats, especially when you love them.

A teacher only accepts the peanuts they are paid yearly because they really, really love their job. And they’re good at it – it’s why we trust our children with them. Not everyone is cut out to be with kids full-time all the time, even parents. They are wild and demanding and challenging. They are also loving and smart and funny. The highs and lows are emotionally exhausting. Think to those first few weeks with your little bundle. So much love, so much joy. So many tears, sleepless nights, worries and fears that you were mucking everything up. I’m afraid those highs and lows return once you decide to stay home. Many days will feel like an ultimate failure and the moment dad walks in the door, you tap out to go cry in the bathroom (if you can make it that long.) The good news I have is you were able to survive it once; odds are in your favor you can pull through again.

Truth 6: You don’t get a crown for staying home.

There are no rewards for mom’s that are home with their kids. You don’t get a salary or benefits, but neither do moms who work outside the home either. What I mean to say is staying home is awesome, but it doesn’t make you super special. A mom is a mom. Some want to work. Some have to work. Every single mother HAS to be a mom. Don’t forget that being a mom, in any form, is a blessing and a hardship. It is not for the faint of heart and it will be the best and hardest job you ever have. You will learn to love and sacrifice and laugh and cry like you’ve never imagined possible. The guilt of success or failure escapes none of us, and somehow, our kids miraculous end up unscathed.

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So What Wednesday

2013-05-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

So What Wednesday is here! Happy half-way-to-the-weekend!!

I made it through a field trip to the zoo with 4 and 5-year olds. Nothing wrong with that, just think it deserves a little fanfare.
Super proud to be witness Minnesota history as we became the 12th state in the union to recognize same-sex marriage. Read more on my thoughts {here}
I love that Avery is talking more, but she's learning to talk back from her sister. *thumbs down*
I had to shove TP into my heels on Saturday to keep my shoes from falling off! They're like a 1/2 size too big, but I just love them!
Too often, I've been lying to the kids that something is broken because I don't want to play with the (noisy, obnoxious, LOUD) toy.
I had to watch Monster's Inc. while I was working in my office because Hulu wasn't streaming fast enough to my iPad. (I'm using the word "had" very loosely.)
I dislike baseball so much. I try to get into the American, summer sport, but when watching a game and they show players in the dugout yawning and not paying attention - I know I'm not the only person who's bored to death!
We are seriously regretting the bunk bed for Avery. Freedom to roam + a 2-year old's stubborn personality = a lot of shouting at bedtime.
In my brainstorming for future posts, I've come across: why being a SAHM is harder than a I thought, how I'm trying to be a sexier wife, reasons I need to be a better friend.

How's your week going??

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A Day in History

2013-05-13T10:57:00.000-05:00

update post at end... scroll to bottom to read more...

I don’t know what side of the line you stand on when it comes to gay marriage. I stand on side that supports love, acceptance and respect.

We are a liberal family.

We have gay friends.

We try very hard to respect those who are different from us, simply because the golden rule of: treat others the way you would like to be treated, never gets old. You’re never too old to be kind to a stranger or a friend.

Last week, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted and passed a bill that would make Minnesota the 12^th state in the country to allow gay marriage – civil marriage. That tiny “civil” word still allows for religious communities to decide if they would like to perform such ceremonies. Guess what – everyone should have to go through couples counseling before they walk that aisle, regardless of their genitals, but I digress. Today, the Senate is set to vote. If it passes there, the bill will hit our governor’s desk and he has promised to sign the bill into law. It’s all really exciting. I think this must have been what it was like for my parents to watch Civil Rights. The word of the people is heard – just like our government was designed to do.

I respect that not everyone agrees with gay marriage.

I respect your right to have your own beliefs.

Religion is a choice.

Government is not; it is owned by everyone who is a citizen and needs to be run without a religious veil.

I will not tolerate in any way is certain rules for some and not others based on something like sexuality.

It is absolutely absurd to think that because gay marriage is around, that traditional marriage will be threatened.

Your marriage is yours. Worry about it within the folds of you and your partner.

It’s equally absurd to think that recognizing gay marriage will in fact, make you gay, or your kids gay, or your dog gay.

I think it’s safe to say that gays are not out to “recruit” members. Sadly, there are some straight people out there who don’t recognize that boundary – another double standard that is ridiculous. Don’t change me – but I’m sure going to try to beat it out of you!

There is a chance that today, when the Senate votes, the “nos” will have it, and the bill will stop. Government is the voice of the people, and I would have to respect that the voices were heard; even if it wasn’t the result I was hoping for. I don’t believe that will happen. I believe that good things will happen today, and am excited to have my kids only know that EVERYONE is equal, not just a certain percentage of the population.

What are your thoughts? I'd love to have a healthy discussion - but let's all follow the golden rule of respect m'kay?

updated 8 PM Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Tonight, at 5 PM, our governor signed the bill making same-sex marriage legal. Unions can begin on August 1st. Super awesome!

I did want to share the other side of the coin, as voiced by a good friend of mine, whom I respect very much. Her religious beliefs align with the thought that homosexuality is a sin. I can respect her thoughts, and can openly admit to it once she explained her thoughts and feelings to me in this way:

All men and women are sinners. What their sins are may very, but the simple fact remains that sin exists. While she feels that homosexuality is a sin, she cannot compare that sin as being "worse" than her own. The judgement is not hers to pass - she can only be concerned with her own relationship with God.

I am a firm believer is respect and choice.
If you choose to believe something, it is yours to own, not for you to choose for others.

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Happy Mother's Day

2013-05-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

The day for Mom's (though one is not enough and ususally she does some of the planning, cooking and cleaning!) I had the opportunity to take some photos with just me and my girls in honor of the Hallmark holiday! Time for a photo dump of the cute photos that Aleah with Created by Me Photography snapped at her new, natural-light studio. If you're in Minnesota and in need of some great pics, I highly recommend her!

My darling beasts were tough to get "posed" but that's not always a bad thing. Some of the "out-takes" are just as sweet! I remember being a sweaty mess, worried that my kids were screwing around too much and not being "cute enough." You'd never know it by Aleah's work! All it takes is one shot of 100 to make the wall, right?

Wishing all the moms out there an awesome day! Put your feet up and let the dishes sit for a day! You've earned it!

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Cilantro-Lime Quinoa {with extras}

2013-05-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Last week was the first time I'd tried quinoa. I have heard healthy things - but I've always imagined it as a little blah (as most healthy things are!) I hunted Pinterest to find something that sounds good, and actually tasted good too!

There was a recipe for cilantro-lime quinoa, boasting that it was like the Chipotle-style rice. My interest was peaked, however, I will share that when we made this the first time, it did taste like lime, and cilantro, but NOTHING like Chipotle! The quinoa was fine, but not great. The brightness of the lime and cilantro were awesome, but the texture is something to be desired.

I decided to mix in some extra things and make it my own! I added red pepper and green peas, and it was awesome! I wish I would have added in some of the leftover grilled chicken that was floating around the fridge too. Next time!

1 c quinoa
2 c water (or stock of your choosing)
1/3 c fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
1 red pepper, finely diced
1 c green peas (I used frozen and just tossed them with the hot quinoa to warm through)
salt and pepper, to taste

Bring water to a boil and add in quinoa. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook 20 minutes. Remove to a bowl and fluff with a fork. Toss in all other ingredients and serve immediately.

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So What Wednesday

2013-05-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

We'll see how this week goes. For some reason, I've only able to find crabby pants in my closet (even though I wore a dress yesterday) and have been kinda of a big B. I don't meant to be. I should be super happy - the weather has turned (for now), the sun is shining (for now), I'm getting to the gym (for now)... Maybe be the end of this SO WHAT I'll have a happier outlook... we'll see!

I put a full face of makeup and ton of hair product in for Liv's pictures on Monday and she still hasn't had a bath. Relax, I did wash her face at least!
I got seriously annoyed at work when someone told me that they were going to offer unsolicited grammar advice on my writing. Thanks. BA in English - you, maybe a high school diploma. I got this. {see, I warned you about the crabby pants!}
With warmer days, the girls smell like sunscreen, sweat and dirt. I love that smell.
Nate bought his second suit in his entire life this weekend for a fancy fundraiser we're going to on Saturday. Watch for Instagram pics!!
I love Mad Men, but hate hate hate their previews for "next week." It's like 4 word sound bites from each character that give zero context for next week's episode.
I also love Game of Thrones, but they need to get back to the action! I feel this entire season has been a lot of talking and waiting.... Where's the excitement and cliffhangers that I feel in love with?!
I got more than a little irritated at the hubs for asking what I wanted for Mother's Day. Don't you know me enough by now to make an educated guess?? (And don't worry, I said this to his face, it's not like he's learning this on the blog today!)
Even though I cannot take credit for the idea, I'm super duper excited about how cute the girls' Fairy Gardens turned out! What a clever thing to do and keep them occupied for a few hours!
I'm offering 40% on my ad spots for you lovely readers today! Use: MARKETPLACE and grab yours today!

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Fairy Garden

2013-05-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but Minnesota has had quite a spring. We've had snow storms with thunder, our first 60, 70 and 80 degree days in one weekend, only to have a cold front swoop in and dump 18" of snow on parts of the state, all to fade back to 60 degrees again. It's been nuts.

And it's also been terribly unfair on the wild animals that live in my house, posing as small children - hungry for spring and sun and playing in the dirt. I saw this kids craft on Instagram (Fletcher also posted hers on her blog) It was too cute to not copy here at home. I was going to have the girls paint the $1 birdhouses you can find at Michael's or Joann's, but the addition of a "garden" for your fairy to live in was so clever!

Our fairy garden used:
8" terra cotta pot
styrofoam cube (purchased at Dollar Tree to lighten the pot's weight)
dirt (8 lb bag at Dollar Tree)
unpainted birdhouse
unpainted fencing (found in a 3-pack in the craft wood aisle)
silk flowers (again, crappy spring!)
glass stones for stepping stones (another Dollar Tree score)

With the wet, cold weather, the painting project was a great distraction! Avery even did a great job on her own; I honestly didn't help her do anything, other than flip the house around so she could work on covering the whole thing. Liv, of course, could do everything on her own (thank you very much.)

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Poblano-Corn Salsa

2013-05-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cinco de Mayo is this weekend! Put away that jarred salsa and try this! Please don't be intimidated by the grilled vegetables. To speak my truth (for those who watch The Office) I used thawed, frozen corn because I just don't trust the corn on the cob we have here early May!

The ingredients you'll need to gather up:
2 ears of corn (or about 1/2 bag of the frozen kind, thawed), grilled, kernels cut from cob
2 poblano peppers (they look like bell pepper in color, but are longer and skinner), grilled, seeded and chopped
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 c white onion, chopped
1/2 c cojita cheese (it's a Mexican equivalent of feta, only more moisture and saltier)
1/2 c fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced (to taste)
1 tsp salt (to taste)

If you don't have access to a grill, you could just as easily char your poblano pepper over a gas stove - just lay it right on the flame and WATCH IT. You want it charred, not on fire! Because I used frozen corn, I thawed it and just set it aside. I thought about tossing it in the little basket griller we have, but didn't feel like having another thing to wash.

Mix all ingredients together, cover and refrigerate for an hour (if you can wait that long). To speak my truth, I made this, and the hubs and I immediately dug in.

The poblano has a nice sweet, heat and the onion adds a great crunch. If you've got a potent onion, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for about 15 minutes and drain - helps cut the punch. The cheese - amazing. I'd never put cheese in a salsa before and I don't know why!? The texture and salty tang it adds - so awesome. I found mine in the dairy aisle, near the other specialty Mexican foods, not specialty cheeses or deli.

Enjoy!

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things that bug me (but probably shouldn't)

2013-05-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone has their "thing."
That thing that just makes their skin crawl.
Mine is snapping gum. Blowing bubbles and then sucking it back into your mouth repeatedly to make the "snap snap snap" that grates on my eardrums.
Hate it. Think it's super tacky and trashy.

But there are other random things that I need to vent about, maybe in the hopes that I might cast a net wide enough to find a friend in common, so I don't feel super crazy/picky/bitchy or otherwise!

Stuffed Animals in Car Windows
Seriously, are you 13? You don't need a Beenie Baby hanging from your rear view, or a stupid pack of turtles in the back window of your Corolla. It's a safely hazard and lame.

Bumper Stickers
While we're on the subject of annoying-stuff-in-cars, this is also at the top of the list. Remember the week I told you about the bumper sticker that read "I {heart} My Husband" Isn't this implied. I don't think I need to share this on my vehicle. Does that make me a less loving wife. Yes you love bacon, support that politician, have a kid at that school - WHO CARES?!!?

Kids who talk with Pacifiers
Avery is 100% guilty of this, which is maybe where my annoyance stems. To appease some tantrums, I have allowed this indulgence - kill me now. And then she tries to talk, clenched-teeth, around it and it drives me nuts. At 2, Avery's hard enough to understand to begin with, and clearly, if you're calm enough to talk, you're calm enough to take that stupid thing out of your mouth. I will, however, 100% endorse this over a thumb-sucker. Dealt with that. Can't cut that thing off. You can take away a paci!

Shopping Lurkers
You know these people. You're shopping the sale rack and the moment you look and something and set it down, they swoop in to see what treasure you've abandoned, relinquishing you of any second thoughts you may have. Back up, give a girl some room. There's a certain respect of personal space and if you miss out, you miss out. I promise, the sun will rise tomorrow.

Poor Grammar
Words like "irregardless" or even the misuse of "you" and "I" in a sentence grates on me. Lemme give you a little trick - when explain something between you and someone else, if take out the other person, that's how you know the sentence is correct. Such as: Molly and {XX} ate too much creme brule. Would I say "I ate" or "me ate"? Problem solved!

Mismatched Clothing
Apparently this is a thing this summer. I subscribe the philosophy: busy doesn't go with busy. You can mix patterns and prints, but let's not go crazy. There's a fine line between being stylist and just looking like a homeless person.

What bugs you??? Tell me I'm not alone here!

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So What Wednesday

2013-05-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you're having a wonderful spring. Here, we've gone from snow, to 40 degrees and rain, to 80 and sunny and now back to 40 and rain (threatening a "wintery mix") And not just in a few months, a week. Literally, a week! I've told Nate, if it snows again this year, we're moving. Or seriously considering it. I consider myself pretty hearty when it comes to the cold, and we always manage to survive the long winters - but that's only because there's the promise of lakes, patios, pools and SUN for a portion of the year. This is crazy.

But anyways, enough on that. Time to link with Shannon and say SO WHAT:

I've been a little MIA on the blogging scene lately. Sorry. I promise I think of a lot of funny things and then forget about them but the time I have time to sit down with my computer. Working on a nerdy notebook or something to help with this problem!
I didn't put any sunscreen on the girls this weekend, and we all ended up with pink cheeks.
The new bunk bed arrived this weekend. We have so far avoided falling, being pushed out, or other such monkey business. *knock on wood*
Super duper excited to have Allyssa at Olive & Birch work her magic and make me some of these prints! More wall art for the girls' new room - very excited to have it all finished!
I watch reality TV and picture Joel McHale going nuts in an editing room somewhere writing the perfect joke (or one of his lackeys, but you get the idea!)
After promising myself that I was going to eat healthier this weekend, we grilled hot dogs on Saturday and ate at Red Lobster on Sunday. At least there was a salad involved at RL!
I am writing this post from a pedi chair at work; it's inspiring me to talk nail trends for spring!
I made a poblano-corn salsa tonight, and Nate and I about polished off the entire batch in one sitting. Can't wait to share the recipe with you on Friday, before the Cinco de Mayo weekend!
I have a serious love/hate relationship with Candy Crush. Can I get an AMEN!?

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