Life of a Pint-Sized Mama

mama shred update + why Nicholas now says "ha-vy"

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

I'd love to share a little bit about my progress with the Mama Shred!

Four weeks ago, I started a clean-eating and fitness program, and when it began I was totally out of my comfort zone. I hadn't lifted a weight in...ever. I ate sugar several times a day, and was pretty sure I had no self-discipline. In a nutshell, I am not the working out "type."

I'm so excited to say that it has been a hard, but really rewarding month. Have I eaten perfectly "clean"? No. Have I missed a work out or two? Yes. Have I sweated profusely and laid on my carpet feeling like I might die? Many times.

But the things I've learned and the progress I've seen so far have been good enough that I just signed up for a second round of the Mama Shred - and found out that if there is a third round, my mother-in-law is going to pay for it for me. (Thanks Mary!) I still think I might be crazy, but that's ok.

A few things that are motivating me to keep going:

- Receiving weekly meal plans from my trainer has broadened the scope of what my family and I eat, and I love learning new recipes! I hopped on the kale train and I actually kind of like it.

- I've lost 3 lbs. Woot!

- For the first 3 weeks, I ate almost exclusively "clean" (no processed food, no white pasta/rice/grains, no sugar, no fried foods, or alcohol). This was SO HARD. for me. But in three weeks, my very acne-prone skin was completely clear. Week 4, I ate quite a few things I shouldn't have, and my acne is back. So I'm thinking there might be a correlation there :)

- I'm learning self-discipline. I'm learning to say no to foods, to get up earlier in the morning, and push myself. I have a LONG way to go in this though. Pretty much every morning my alarm goes off, I make up excuses for why I should skip my workout and then I pout through my stretching.

- Because Nicholas saw me lifting weights, he learned how to say "heavy." Sounds like "ha-vy!" And now every single time he picks up something that could be remotely heavy for an 18-month-old, he says "ha-vy" in a grunty voice. So that alone makes the working out worth it.

I still have moments every single day that I want to quit. It's a lot to fit into my schedule and I reallllly like chocolate. But this Mama Shred journey is also about my heart, not just my physical body. I'm an emotional eater, so by not allowing myself to go to the ice cream bowl when I'm stressed, maybe now I'll go to God.

So I'm going to keep going. I'm going to give myself grace to "cheat" every once in awhile, and to not freak out that my trusty love handles haven't gone away yet. Someday?

willing.

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:28:00 +0000

This week I've been reading in 1 Peter. (Working through this Bible study, if you're interested!)

And though chapter five is mostly addressing those in church leadership, I felt the Lord also addressing me as a mother. Moms are leaders to the tiny hearts who look to them daily for guidance. We may not have a huge "following," but we've definitely got little eyes watching.

As I read from 1 Peter, I was absolutely struck by this:

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be..." 1 Peter 5:2.

Not because you MUST, but because you are WILLING.

So often I see the shepherding in motherhood as a must.

I am overwhelmed by the responsibilities, and sometimes feel trapped by all that is thrusted upon me to do. Before I've gotten out of bed in the morning, someone else is dictating my schedule with their needs. Discipline, meal-making, cleaning, entertaining, and tantrum-diffusing feel like endless tasks. I don't really have a choice; I must do these things.

But God's Word says that He wants leaders to be willing.

I think this means, then, that God wants us as moms to be willing.
I wonder what willingness would look like?

What would it mean for me to shepherd, to care for Nicholas with willingness?

It might look like many moments of me desperately sprawled out at the feet of Jesus.

My face would probably be on the ground and my eyes would be pouring out tears, because I really like thinking about myself before I think of others. I need to learn from the King who leads His people with humility and with joy. I need Jesus to create a willing heart in me.

It would probably mean me asking God to help me to see the "musts" as opportunities.

When something is an opportunity, instead of begrudged task, willingness comes more easily. The musts would become opportunities to deepen Nicholas and I's relationship, to develop life skills in him, to provide a peaceful home, to show him God's character, to shape the character of a future adult, etc.

It would involve me seeing this shepherding as a means to know Jesus in a deeper way.

I think Biblical leadership (and so Biblical motherhood) was designed for us to have to go deep with God, in order to do it well. Guiding people's hearts towards Jesus means that we have to know Him ourselves and rely on Him like crazy. And though it may not be glamorous at times, it's exciting that my very waking hours of raising a little one are also hours that I can choose to know Jesus more.

And shepherding with willingness would mean that I get to model Jesus' service.

All over the Bible leaders are called to serve. Can you imagine Jesus, the one who the disciples called "Lord", washing His disciples' feet? I can picture Jesus kneeling down, His face next to their mud-caked and dusty feet. He takes off His robe, dips it into a bowl of water, and begins to scrub away the dirt and sweat. He, the one who wrote the stars into the sky and who would later rise from the dead, washing the dirt off the feet of those He led.

As a mom, I get to do that. I get to scrub the breakfast from the pudgy cheeks of the one who calls me "mama." I get to rock him when he's sick, though there are a million things I need to get done around the house. I get to wipe up throw up and scrub poop out of the carpet and wake up way before 6am - and in doing all these things, I get to look like Jesus. What a privilege to look like Him.

In this moment, I want to be willing. I don't think I'm fully there yet - but I'm praying that God will change my heart. I'm beginning to see the freedom and the joy of mothering out of a willing spirit, instead of falling prey to the victim-mentality of the "musts."

Thank you Lord for Nicholas' life; would you help me to shepherd it well. For your glory, and so that he would know you as the Good Shepherd.

Me & Baking, A Grocery Store Confession, And A Recipe {Whole Wheat Raspberry Muffins}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

I've finally come to the conclusion that I am not so great at the whole baking thing.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that this weekend I made muffins. This was my 5th attempt at making muffins in the last few months. The previous four attempts were not successful, so I was really crossing my fingers on this one. Again, baking and I aren't close friends.

Finally, FINALLY I made a batch of muffins that worked out! And more than that, they are pretty yummy. And have no processed sugar (just honey). And they're a fan favorite with the toddlers. So because this is a monumental occasion in my household (me baking and having it turn out), I thought I'd share the recipe with you all! If I can make them, so can you.

A quick confession before we start: I bought raspberries last weekend because Nicholas LOVES them. Then, like the smart mom I am, I let Nicholas hold the container of raspberries while we shopped to keep him happy. About five minutes into our shopping trip, the raspberries were all over the floor. So I put them back into the container, came home and washed them, and prayed that baking them would kill any leftover grocery-store-floor germs. Sorry if that grosses you out - you can use clean berries if you'd like :)

Ok, onto the recipe:

Adapted from The Vegan Mom

Ingredients:

- 2 cups whole wheat flour

- 1 tsp. baking powder

- 1 tsp. baking soda

- 1/4 tsp. salt

- 1 tbsp. cinnamon

- 1 cup milk (I used almond)

- 1/3 cup canola oil (could also use same amount unsweetened applesauce)

- 1 tsp. vanilla

- 1 large banana, mashed

- 1 cup raspberries (see further directions below)

- 1/2 cup honey (or pure maple syrup)

Instructions:

- Pre-heat oven at 375 degrees.

- Mix dry ingredients.

- Add remaining ingredients, except for the raspberries.

- Mix wet & dry ingredients, just until completely mixed through (too much mixing makes for rough muffins).

- In a separate bowl, add just a little bit (1 TBSP or less) of flour to the raspberries and gently combine. This will help the raspberries to not totally fall apart when mixing them into the batter.

- Gently add the raspberries until distributed through the batter. (If there is "extra" flour from mixing with the raspberries, do NOT add to the batter.)

- Scoop batter into greased muffin pan, a little more than halfway.

- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes.

Makes 12-16 muffins, depending how full you fill the muffin pans.

I hope that you enjoy these muffins! They have been a great addition to my usual morning smoothie, or the perfect afternoon snack for Nicholas.

A Little Detour

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

I hope you're having a great Thursday. I'm cleaning my house and getting super excited because Brian's mom is coming to visit tomorrow! Any time Nicholas gets with his grandmas is super special, so we are pumped.

I'm hanging out over at A Royal Daughter today, if you'd like to check it out. Amanda, the lady behind A Royal Daughter, is one of the most inspiring and genuine women I know. I am continually challenged and refreshed through what she writes, and by her strength of character through difficult life circumstances.

And if you don't have time to check out the post, but you do have time to say a prayer, will you pray for Amanda and her husband? She is very open on her blog about her struggle with infertility, and she recently miscarried their first baby. I can't imagine her pain at this loss, and I know that her family would appreciate your prayers.

Thank you, and have a great rest of your day! If you've been looking for a new recipe that's tasty and pretty healthy, come back tomorrow for my latest afternoon snack.

Nicholas is enjoying one of these snacks below. If you're wondering, he's sitting on the carpet that is right below our kitchen sink. For some reason it's his special place in the house to eat snacks or bring a favorite toy. I love my little weirdo.

Where I'm From

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:13:00 +0000

Today the ladies involved with the Influence Network are sharing a bit about where we grew up, and where we currently live! Since the Network is "home" to women from all across the globe, this is a fun way to make the world a little smaller. So here's a bit about where I'm from...

I grew up in in a suburb of Seattle.

There's a beautiful downtown area that's ritzy and full of cute shops and a marina, right on the lake. But I lived a little ways away, in a fairly normal, not-so-ritzy neighborhood. All growing up my schools were full of kids of all nationalities, and I love that. I played soccer with the girls in my neighborhood, frequented the Baskin-Robbins down the road, and had a beautiful view of a plant nursery right behind my backyard. (Until that was replaced with a housing development. Go figure.)

Yes, there was a lot of rain. I have fond memories of walking to school in the rain with my twin brother and splashing in massive mud puddles during soccer games. But the rain also means that it is GREEN. Whenever we visit, I am always comforted and refreshed by seeing lush flowers, blossoming trees, and lots and lots of green. I love the big city Seattle life; but the green of a soccer field and vibrant colors of wildflowers have my heart.

My family currently lives in Montana. We live in a teeny, no stoplight town. We also live next to one of the most breathtaking scenes I've ever encountered. When I drive down to the grocery store or to our local coffee shop, a gigantic lake, borded by snow covered mountains, sits next to the road. It NEVER gets old. Ever.

No editing here, friends. Just pure Montana beauty.

Everyone in our town says hello. The checkers at our grocery store know Nicholas' name, and the local brewery knows our usual order. It's slow, friendly, small-town living. It's a far cry from Seattle's city life, and it's a sweet way of life that I've grown to love.

It's a bitter cold winter, but the summers are GLORIOUS. Beautiful parks on the lake, eating ice cream on the dock, and garage sale-ing at it's best. It may take 25 minutes to get to the nearest town, and the idea of "international cuisine" is a joke; but oh how we've grown to love this little place.

If you want to join the link up, click here. Link-up goes live Wednesday.

What Do We Do All Day? {Activities For A Busy 18-Month-Old Toddler}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 04:23:00 +0000

There are a lot of mornings where I wake up and think, "what are Nicholas and I going to do all day?"

It's easy to fill up my week with running errands or scheduling play-dates, but it's the hours when we're in the house that leave me scratching my head for how to keep Nicholas busy. He himself is very busy - usually sneaking into my bedroom to find my headphones or coloring all over himself with a pen - and these "activities" make it hard for me to get anything done around the house. Someday I'll have him help me with chores, but he's 18-months-old, so we're not quite there yet :)

When we're at home together, my goals are:
- to spend some meaningful time with Nicholas
while also
- giving him independent play time so that I can fold laundry, meal plan, make a phone call, catch up on Instagram (what, I'm being honest), do stuff for our YWAM ministry, etc. And also so that he can learn how to be curious, learn from his own experiences, be independent, etc.

Since I'm ALWAYS on the hunt for activities to keep Nicholas busy & learning, I thought I'd share with you some of my ideas. This will give you a little glimpse into what we do all day :) I'll share a few indoor activities, and some outdoor ones too. Enjoy!

Our current favorite indoor activities:

Find toddler markers here or here. Their tiny (or fat) hands can grip these way better.

I think Nicholas would squeal with happiness over this pop-up-tent. He's Elmo obsessed.

Video calls on Skype & Google chat are both free!

Not pictured: Playing with bubbles (cheap at the dollar store!), wrestling, reading books, chasing each other, stacking blocks, and a little bit of TV time for when I need 20 straight minutes of work time.

Our current favorite outdoor activities:

Find Nicholas' John Deere walker here!

Not pictured: playing in our neighbor's kiddie pool, picking up EVERY rock and stick known to mankind, and saying "hi pupp-uh!" to every dog in the neighborhood.

I also found an article with great ideas for young toddler activities here!

What are your favorite activities to keep your toddler busy, whether you join in or they play independently? I'm ALWAYS open for ideas!

Some affiliate links included.

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I also wanted to give a reminder that the giveaway for Hannah Abbott's "Efficient Homemaking"
e-book ends tonight! Enter to win HERE.

Linking up with Blair @ Wild & Precious!

Less Stress, More Enjoying {And A Giveaway!}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Over the past few years I've realized that I am a walking contradiction. I thrive under structure, I love order, and my heart sings when things are organized well. But I'm also messy, quite forgetful, and have a really hard time coming up with helpful organizational systems. This has left me with piles of paperwork on my kitchen table and years of planners that have been abandoned by October.

This also means that the home "management" types of things that I do as a mom (or just as an adult) make me cringe a little. I'd really just like someone to show me how to take care of my home and all the things that come along with that in an efficient, life-giving way.

Nicholas' version of homemaking

When my friend Hannah told me about an e-book she was writing calling "Efficient Homemaking", my ears perked up. Efficient homemaking. Is that even possible? And does this mean I have to be the perfect housewife? Yes to the possible; no to the perfect. (If you haven't met Hannah, I highly suggest you stop by her blog. She's a talented writer and just had some of her work published in the first issue of the Influence Network magazine. She is also one of the most genuine women I know.)

This is not just another book on cleaning - it's a simple guide for those who want to quickly and efficiently take care of your home, so that you can fully enjoy the people who fill it. I love that Hannah says straight out that her home isn't perfect, and that perfection isn't the goal - instead, the goal is to take care of your home so that you feel comfortable welcoming people inside. I love that. And I love that strategy, hospitality, and grace can go hand in hand.

Here's just a few reasons that when I read "Efficient Homemaking," I was a little bit floored:

1. Hannah doesn't just regurgitate cleaning tips she's head from other people; there is quite a lot of original content and innovative ideas that I'd never heard of before.

2. When I introduced one specific tip that I learned from her book (that I won't spoil so you can read it!), I have had a lot more peace and truly have enjoyed our home more.

3. This book hits WAY more than cleaning - there's information on the heart behind homemaking, strategies for efficiency, home organization, meal planning and grocery shopping, cleaning, and more.

4. The content and ideas shared in this book are for women of all walks of life - single, married, moms, empty nesters, etc. You can have a tiny house (like me) or a mansion, and these tips would be applicable to you.

So because I believe in less stress (WOOH!), because I think Hannah is an incredible woman, and becuase this book seriously rocks, today I'm giving away a free copy! And if you don't win the book, I highly suggest going to Hannah's blog to purchase it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

Giveaway open to all readers. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Winner will be chosen randomly and entries will be verified. The only mandatory entry is to leave a blog post comment. If winner does not claim their prize within 48 hours of being notified, or if winner submitted entries fraudulently, another winner will be chosen. Winner will be notified via whichever social media outlet or email address they used to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.

I also wanted to add that while I don't mind "sponsored posts", this isn't one of them. I believe in Hannah and her book, and I just wanted to share it with you all!

18 Months of Receiving Gift After Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

That semi-cheesy line about parenting being like your heart walking around outside of your body is totally true. My funny, wild, sweet little boy is 18 months old today. There's a grateful, nostalgic lump in my throat as I write those words.

These past 18 months have been filled with immeasurable joy. I truly, truly could never thank God enough for the GIFT that He's given to Brian and I in the form of Nicholas.

I was pretty broken when he was born, and much of my healing came through the cuddles, the sweet coos, and the feeling of soft baby skin. In the past 18 months, my identity has been ripped apart and then re-built on a new, sturdier foundation. My identity though isn't found in being a mother; it's in being a daughter of a gracious, generous Father.

Nicholas, you are my joy. Your adventurous spirit mixed with your people-loving personality is so incredibly fun to watch. You make your Dad and I laugh countless times a day, with your silly words, endless facial expressions, and plain ol' boy-ness.

I cannot wait to continue to watch you grow, learn, and become YOU. You are a fighter, a firecracker, and a sensitive soul - and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I pray that you would know Jesus in a deep, deep way from a very young age. I pray that you would be obedient to Him, because His plans are what will bring you the most LIFE. I pray that I would keep my hands open and let God use you as He wants to, even when that means I sometimes have to let go. I pray that you would impact people in a mighty way, all for the glory of God. I love you sweet boy. You are my treasure.

10 Ways to Rise Out Of A Mommy Funk - Part Two!

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Last Monday I shared the first five of ten ways to rise out of a "mommy funk" - you know, those days when you want to crawl into your bed and have a good cry, and it's only 10am.

You can catch up on the first five here, and without further adieu - the last five ways to rise out of a mommy funk!

I've recently begun turning on worship music during the day. When Nicholas and I are struggling to have a good attitude, I'll turn on Pandora and choose this station. Yes, some of it's cheesy. But the way the atmosphere in our home changes is totally worth the cheese. (And sometimes we listen to non-kid worship music too, but Nicholas ends up clapping and dancing to the kid stuff, and that alone gets me into a better mood.) So turn on some worship music, and watch how your heart, and the atmosphere of your family, changes. (Pandora and Grooveshark are great places to legally listen to music.)

Jessi Connolly, one of the co-founders of the Influence Network and a mom of four, tells women to find things that we can finish. Much of our lives are never ending - the laundry, cooking, cleaning up spills around the house, etc. So Jessi suggests incorporating things into our lives that we can finish. It might be a 20-minute exercise routine in the morning, reading a chapter of a book, or writing a card to someone; no matter what the task it, it feels so good to just get something done. Doing this helps me feel a little bit accomplished on a chaotic day and helps me feel more equipped to face the never-ending-ness.

Parenting is no easy task, and we cannot do it alone. We need to go to the source of truth, encouragement, comfort, and wisdom - Jesus. While your kids are eating a snack or taking a nap, take 10 minutes to read the Bible. The love and truth of Jesus helps to clear away the "shoulds" and guilt of my worst mommy funk days and gives me the perspective that I desperately need. (She Reads Truth has short Bible reading plans that are perfect for busy moms!)

Leave your house. Now. (Ok, maybe it takes a bit more planning than that, but you get the idea.) Whether that means packing up your kids for a Starbucks drive-thru run, or asking your mother-in-law to come over and babysit, sometimes you just gotta get out of the house. Some days this is my saving grace.

I gave myself a little challenge a few months ago: to just sit and watch Nicholas play. I set down my phone, leave the dishes in the sink for a few minutes, and take in all the silliness, spunk, and character that makes up my little boy. It's amazing how, when I take the time to just watch, the hard stuff takes a back seat and is replaced by an overwhelming gratitude at the privilege of being his mama. I challenge YOU to do this a few times a week, and watch what happens.

Ok, I couldn't do just ten. Some of the most chaotic and stressful parts about being a mom are things that we'll actually think are funny in a few years. So why not see the humor in it, right now? Juggling three kids in the cart at Target? An amazing feat that might be worth a laugh. Spending 45 minutes on dinner only to have it burn because your toddler got a toy stuck in your stereo? Kinda funny. So take a deep breath, see the joy that is in being a mama, and laugh.

I truly hope these strategies, so to speak, will help you on the difficult days. Luckily the amazing moments of mommy-hood outweigh the hard ones!
(Read the first five strategies here.)

What are your strategies for those funky mommy days?

Unexpected Transformation {Happy Birthday She Reads Truth!}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 04:20:00 +0000

Well happy Saturday everyone!

I have a little video blog for you today in which I admit that I really suck at reading the Bible. Well, until a few months ago :) And I say some other things too.

Today is She Reads Truth one-year birthday! She Reads Truth is an online ministry that produces Bible studies for women, and it's turned into a pretty cool community. Thousands of women are reading together, finding Jesus through the pages of God's Word. I love that. The practical details of this ministry (and how you can use their awesome tools for reading the Word!) can be found HERE.

Today I'm sharing how God has used She Reads Truth in my life. I truly didn't expect to be changed by downloading a Bible app on my phone and starting a new Bible reading plan - but I have been. In some deep ways. And I'm so grateful.

So here's what God has done, because He's really good and loves having relationship with people, and because the Bible rocks.

Music: Bethel Live "God I Look To You"

If you are a lady, I recommend She Reads Truth.

If you are a mama who barely has time to shower let alone read the Word, try starting with these awesome (and non-cheesy) devotionals.

If you struggle to read your Bible often, I suggest this ministry.

If you want to immerse yourself in truth and be challenged to your core, I say try reading the Bible and use the She Reads Truth devotionals as a tool.

You can read the daily devotionals on their website, or download the YouVersion app on your phone/Kindle. She Reads Truth comes out with new Bible reading plans throughout the year, and it's easy to find them on their website or through the YouVersion app. So it's super easy and right at your clicking fingertips.

Hosea was probably my favorite. It pretty much rocked my heart. So read that :)

Thanks for reading/listening and I hope you have a great weekend!

Find the rest of the video blogs from the She Reads Truth ladies here!

This Is My Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Thu, 30 May 2013 16:10:00 +0000

Sometimes I don't want to write from where I'm actually at.

I'd like to write from where I want to be.

I'd like to write from a future, more mature, self.

I don't want to fully admit, to myself and others, that I am still at the beginning of so many things.

I'd like to think that being a mother for 18 months means I'm an expert.

It doesn't.

I like to think that because I've been married and in Christian ministry for almost five years, that I have all the right attitudes and the best words to say.

I don't.

The truth is, I'm only 25. I carry immature attitudes and I'm still insecure in many areas. Most of the time I have a lot more to learn than I do to share with others.

I recently read this post and it got me thinking about owning this season of my life. Accepting that I have life experience in some areas, but that I'm clueless in others.

And that this reality is ok.

I'm only 25. I don't have to pretend to be wiser in order to feel secure.

My life experience, no matter how insignificant in my own eyes, is an avenue through which God is shaping my character. And that makes it valuable.

There are a lot of women who are further down the road than I am, who are sharing from their seasons. And owning where I am allows me to receive the wisdom and grace that God has given them to share. (Instead of feeling insecure that I'm not there yet.)

When I see God loving and growing me, in the middle of my immaturity, I see that He is more interested in having a solid relationship with me than in me performing perfectly.

So as much as it sometimes pains me, I'll keep writing from this season.
I'll keep sharing, talking, and praying from exactly where I am.
Because this is the season He's given me and He can show His grace through the little that I know.

10 Ways to Rise Out Of A Mommy Funk

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Tue, 28 May 2013 04:07:00 +0000

There are days when motherhood is just plain overwhelming.
Tantrums, messes, tears (sometimes even from the mama).
The days can be long, repetitive, and even lonely.

If you're a mom, you know what I'm talking about. It's not that every day is like this - the amazing moments outweigh the hard ones for sure. But I'd be lying if I said there weren't days and even weeks that make you want to cry and eat a lot of chocolate.

Because I've been here, more often than I'd like to admit, I wanted to share a few of the ways that help me to rise out of a mommy-funk. I hope they offer some practical help. I'll share five of my "strategies" today and the remaining five next week!

Whether it's your spouse, your mother-in-law, a girlfriend, or a mom's group, finding people who are supportive is crucial. These are people who can listen, remind you that you are NORMAL, and to give a little perspective. After all, finding poop smashed into the fiber of your jeans is actually pretty funny...

First: what energizes you? Is there an activity that makes you feel like YOU? Find a way to incorporate some of these things into your life on a somewhat consistent basis. (And if you aren't sure what is life-giving to you, try asking a close friend what they think makes you come alive.) Examples of this for me are spending time with a girlfriend sans toddler, reading a book outside on my lawn, and being able to pray for people one-on-one.

Second: be realistic - you won't be able to do these "life-givers" every moment of every day. Don't set yourself up for failure by planning to finish a craft project, write a song, and go on a date all on the same day. But do make the effort to do these, even if it means getting a sitter or letting your little one watch TV for 30 minutes. You'll feel refreshed and more ready to be a mama.

"The only thing we can count on as moms is change" - Jamie Martin in Mindset for Moms. I have often called my mom in tears, asking for advice on an issue with Nicholas. I worry and Google-search like a mad woman - and then two weeks later he's grown out of that behavior on his own. Having the perspective that this is just a season has truly helped me in my darker moments. I think all moms need a tattoo that says "this too shall pass."

It's easy to see the behaviors/attitudes in our kids that irritate us. But what if we actively looked for the things that we love about them? Ask God to help you see the wonderful attributes in your kids. Write them down or take pictures of these moments. It's hard to be frustrated when I look at a list of all the new words Nicholas is saying and the silly ways that he pronounces them.

Jesus sure was right when He said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. There's something good for our souls when we do something for somebody else, and it takes my eyes off of me. It doesn't have to be huge - just bless someone. Plan to make more dinner than your family will eat and bring the extra to a sick friend. Buy your husband his favorite candy, just because. Find $15 in your budget to give to a family in need. There are plenty of needs even busy moms can meet.

Read the final five HERE!

What helps YOU to rise out of a mommy funk? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Where I Turn {A Little Grace for the Mamas}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Fri, 24 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Last week I needed a little more grace than usual. Brian was out of town for a few days, and not having my "back up" for toddler meltdowns or the throes of bedtime left me a little frazzled.

I'm the mom taking pictures of my smoothie while my toddler throws himself on the ground.

There were moments when I just needed a little extra dose of grace. (Or maybe a big bowl of ice cream, but that's kind of off limits right now, dang it!) I'm grateful to the Lord that He provided a few of these moments for me. I found grace in good chats with my mom, in reading the Bible, in a girls night complete with wine and snacks, and in laughing with fellow moms who could sympathize. These are all places I turn for glimpses of grace; I turn to the Lord and the truth in His Word and to the people who lift me up.

There were also some things I read last week that poured grace all over me. If you need a little boost today, I encourage you to click away. These ladies are places I usually turn when I need some grace from the internets:

- This song. On repeat. With an awkward amount of tears for 6 in the morning and a toddler who is quizzically staring at you with his mouth full of breakfast. (Thanks Naptime Diaries for sharing!)

- What motherhood and "fruit" are, and aren't, about, via Grace Covers Me.

- What your daughter "doesn't need you to say" via Chatting at the Sky. I don't have a daughter, but as a woman this was releasing and grace-filling for me.

- Yay! Someone else has "no idea what they're doing"!!! via Take Heart.

- This lady and this lady, just in general.

- Sometimes it's ok to "just float", via The Mom Diggity. She is ALWAYS a pit-stop for me when I need grace as a mom.

- On fighting alone and admitting weakness, via Homemade Bliss.

- On waiting and our treasure, via A Royal Daughter.

- This daily devotional.

Where do you turn to receive grace? Who/what puts that life back into you when you feel like you're at your frayed, tired end?

I pray for you today that you will be filled with the really big, unlimited grace that is in Jesus.

This post is part of a series. Click the photo below to read more about grace for moms!

Celebrate Life's Little Moments {Pint-Sized Moments Re-Vamped}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Hey friends! I hope you're having a good Tuesday. I want to start by asking you to pray with me for those affected by the major tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. These people need our prayers.

I'm excited to kick off this re-vamp of "Pint-Sized Moments" today, as well as host my first link-up! I'm hoping that this will be an encouragement to you, and act an exercise in gratefulness for me.

Here are some of my "wins" from this week:

1. My mom finding this gem of a letter and sending me a picture.

The letter begins with me telling Carrie Fisher (who played Princess Leia in "Star Wars") that I am a girl. It ends with me asking what it was like to work with Harrison Ford. And signed as her biggest fan.

Just another glimpse of what a Star Wards nerd/Harrison Ford fan I was.

It was a bit of a stressful week and this definitely gave me a boost!

2. This boy doing AWESOME at his first dentist check-up! He cried for just a second and was super brave. I was actually a little emotional about the whole thing, but he was a champ. He picked out a pink toothrbrush and a bouncy ball from the prize drawer. (My child is old enough to pick out prizes at the dentist?!?!)

3. Starting the Mama Shred. This is a BIG victory for me, seeing as my typical forms of exercise are running after Nicholas and scooping ice cream (working on my biceps, right?). I couldn't even finish the first work out, but I'm still alive today. So that's something :)

4. This. Someone learned to sing, and give thumbs up. Content sigh.

So tell me, what are your wins from this past week or month?

I'd love for you to link up below! Just write a blog post about your little victories and moments to be grateful for, and add the link to your post! If you link-up, please link back to this blog post so that others can share in being grateful for these pint-sized moments!

Here's to celebrating the little moments.

On Being Totally Out of My Comfort Zone

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

You guys, I'm starting a fitness and clean eating program today.

(Cue the tears as I throw away my pint of ice cream.)

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you might have seen me posting about the Mama Shred. I'm joining some other moms who want to grow in being healthy, led by an incredibly encouraging coach.

I can unashamedly (but with a little bit of a cringe) admit that I am totally out of my comfort zone.

I am not an exerciser. My face turns beet red and is covered in sweat after ten jumping jacks. I'm comfortable leaving exercise to the people who actually have willpower. I'm comfortable eating whatever I'd like. I'm comfortable eating when I feel stressed. I'm comfortable not challenging myself. (And let's just remember what happened the last time I started "working out.")

But I've felt several little nudges from God over the past few months to challenge myself in the area of health. And to challenge myself in the area of relying on HIM, and not on chocolate. (I know that sounds silly, but it's often true. I find myself turning to a jar of nutella instead of going to my Father who knows and cares about all of my needs. And who won't give me a sugar high afterwards.)

So if I share a picture of me smiling before a work out, know that I'm only doing it so that I don't quit before I start. And if I post a picture of some healthy meal I've made for lunch, it's because putting it out there for people to see will be a small form of accountability. (Although there is an itty bitty part of me that wants you to air-high-five me when I manage to eat that whole plate of salad instead of scarfing down six cookies.)

In all seriousness, I am excited but genuinely nervous. I honestly don't know if I can do this.

Maybe pink workout clothes from the kid's section will help?

:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: ::

Here's a reminder that tomorrow is a "Pint-Sized Moments" link-up! Come share the little victories from your week/month. The point of this link-up is to encourage one another, give glory to God for these sweet moments, and to help give us a greater perspective, especially on our hard days.

More info HERE.

It's Not Much, But This Is What I've Got

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

I often worry that I don't have enough to give.

I sometimes feel like I don't have much capacity to bless other people.

I don't have a lot of time. I don't have much money. I'm not extremely creative.

I look at the "bigger" things that other women are doing; then I look at my one-hour-alone during nap time, or my hands that are typically full of whatever sharp object that I've just wrestled away from Nicholas.

What do I actually possess that could be a blessing?

This past week I had the chance to chat with two friends/mentor ladies in my life, and they both said something similar to me, along the lines of:

When I ask God about what He's placed in my hands, this is what He shows me:

- I have a home, albiet tiny and messy - just invite someone in.

- I have a kitchen table and meal already planned for dinner - just make a place for one more.

- I (currently) have sunshine and a stroller at my disposal - just take my daily walk and be open to the conversations that may happen along the way.

- I have a mound of dishes to wash after Nicholas goes to bed, giving me 20 minutes to just think - use this time to pray for a hurting friend.

- I have an extrovert of a toddler - just take him to the grocery store or to your husband's office and let him light up someone's day.

- I have 5 minutes - write an email to that friend who you just couldn't get out of your head all day.

We have a lot more at our disposal than we think. This isn't about doing more - it's about seeing what God has given us, whether mighty or small, and letting Him use it. We truly never know the depth of how we might serve someone through these tiny offerings.

I'm challenging myself to ask this question.

The Little Victories {Pint-Sized Moments}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:12:00 +0000

If you've read my blog for awhile, you might know that I have shared "Pint-Sized Moments", which were funny/awkward circumstances that come up in my life as a result of being 4'8". Believe me, there is a lot of awkward that comes with being my height, and it was fun to share those things with you.

But as the heart and purpose of my blog has changed a little bit, I've decided to revamp "Pint-Sized Moments" in a new way! And I'd love for you to join me!

I've mentioned previously that some days, you just have to celebrate the little victories.
On particularly frustrating days, it's too easy for me to lose perspective and throw myself a pity party. But when I make the effort to be grateful for and celebrate the little "wins" along the way, it's incredible how my attitude shifts and how much broader my perspective becomes.

Maybe it's been a super long day of running errands with your tantrum-y toddler, but you can't help but swoon over the fact that the he taught himself to throw his arms up and shout "hooray!" whenever he is excited.

Maybe the disheveled state of your attic has been causing you to cringe for months, and you finally found the time (in the form of a babysitter) to clean that puppy up.

Whatever the scenario may be, I want to get better at celebrating these little victories, these rays of sunshine in my days. I don't want the difficulties to cloud my view of the beauty in front of me.

This isn't a time for me to brag; it's a time for me to be grateful while also being real.
This isn't a time for me to fake a perfect life; it's a challenge to open my eyes to the little blessings that God places in my life.
And I hope this is a chance for you to look at your day or your week, and recognize the little joys and victories in you life, no matter how pint-sized (or huge!) they may be.

Next week I'm kicking things off with a Pint-Sized Moments link-up!
Tuesday, May 21st, I'll open up my blog for you to share the pint-sized victories from recent days.
Don't feel pressured to come up with something amazing - just share your real life. The point of sharing with each other is to encourage one another, give glory to God for these sweet moments, and to help give us a greater perspective, especially on our hard days.

(And just so you know, this is open to people of all heights :) And to all non-moms and moms alike.)

Be Careful What You Blog About

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Fri, 10 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

...because you might just have to live it.

On Wednesday I shared about moms being worth more than our to-do's. Which I still believe to be true! Our value and purpose amounts to more than the things we (or don't) accomplish by the end of the day.

I'm pretty sure that Nicholas read this blog post.

On Wednesday afternoon, I was banking on him taking a nap, in order to get a few things done. Our house was a MESS and I am behind on a few personal projects. But after crying in his crib for much longer than normal, there was no nap to be had. So mom and Nicholas (and Elmo, of course) hung out on the couch and did nothing. (Pictured above on the left).

Then yesterday, Nicholas was super tired and in major need of a nap. Though he typically falls asleep best by crying on his own for a few minutes, he cried for quite some time. I went in to check on him and he had a huge bruise on his face from whacking his head on the side of his crib. So I scooped him up and rocked him in the glider in his room. (Pictured above on the right).

2 hours and 45 minutes later, he was still asleep in my arms. This hasn't happened in months. Outside of his door, our little home was a GIGANTIC mess. But for the 2nd day in a row, I had to lay down my ideal to-do list.

So there you have it. Once you write about something, you might be challenged to live it. (And man, did I ever enjoy holding my sweet boy for almost 3 hours. That never happens anymore.)

Over these past two days, I've been just as loved by God. I've been just as much His daughter, just as much as accepted and approved of. Even though my kitchen floors are really, really sticky and my to-do list has been left unchecked.

We Are More Than Our To-Do's {A Little Grace For the Mamas}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

I'm going to say something that seems obvious, but that I have a really hard time actually living:

Mamas - we are not what we do. We are not what we've accomplished at the end of the day.

I happen to give myself a gold star every time I take a shower before 9am or fold my laundry the same day that I washed it. I accomplished something! Wooh! What else can I tackle?

I think it is a great idea to celebrate these little victories. You gotta take what you can get when shepherding little people. But I find myself feeling like I'm only as valuable as how many tasks I finished that day. I'm only doing a good job as a mom/wife/person when I can see what I've accomplished. And that is a skinny little tightrope to try walking on.

As a new mom, I couldn't wait for my husband to arrive home from work. I'd wait at the door with a tiny Nicholas, a list formed in my mind of all the tasks I'd done that day. I so badly wanted Brian to notice that I actually written a blog post and cleaned the kitchen. If he didn't immediately acknowledge my unspoken list, I felt crushed. Didn't he notice all of my hard work?! Yet Brian NEVER expected these things of me - they were all my own expectations of myself. He just likes me as I am, and he was just grateful that I took care of our son all day. (Maybe I should take a cue from him.)

I had put so much emphasis, and so much of my self-worth, in being able to count the good things I'd done. But the problem with that is that motherhood is hard to measure. Life, really, is hard to measure.

Moms - our accomplishments don't define us. What we are able to do/not do is too fleeting and flimsy to be what sustains us along this road of motherhood. It's just not enough, and it usually leaves me feeling discontent and self-obsessed.

Moms - what we actually "do" during the day is almost impossible to quantify. Our day-in, day-out consistencies of loving, serving, and teaching our kiddos may not always be exciting things to check off our list, but they are incredibly important. We are taking care of tiny hearts, and we have a huge part to play in who they are as adults. (Crazy, huh?) And every little act of service is a chance to obey and honor the Lord in this motherhood calling He's given us.

What truly defines us, moms? That God sees us and loves us. That before we even get out of bed to feed the baby, we are loved by Him. That before, during, and after our tasks, we are loved just because we're alive. We are defined by the value God places on our lives, which is a lot seeing as He laid down His life for us, mamas.

You are more than what you do

This post is part of a series. Click the photo below to read more about grace for moms!

Learning While Living A Busy Life {My Favorite Current Resource!}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Tue, 07 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

I'm in a season where time for intentional learning is hard to come by. It's not easy to research how to actually use my DSLR or what are quality methods for exercise, when I'm simultaneously keeping my toddler from doing a belly flop off of our couch. I've wished that I could just audit a class here and there, taught by a reliable source. (And I'm willing to bet than many of you can relate with me, whether you're busy with school, a full-time job, kiddos, etc.)

An incredible resource over the past several months has been the Influence Network, which offers live, one-hour classes every month.

Extremely varied class topics? Check. Experienced, credible teachers? Check. The ability to learn from the comfort of your own home? Check check. And a crazy low price of $10? Super duper check.

Since January I've taken 8 classes with the Influence Network, and I have been blown out of the water every time.

These classes are NOT just for bloggers (or moms). A few past class topics? Public Speaking, DSLR Basics, Tips for Moms of Little Ones, Raising Money for Your Adoption, Photoshop Basics, Studying Your Bible, Sharing the Gospel, Running an Online Shop, Social Media "Bootcamp", Grammar, Loved & Being Loved Through Loss, Nutrition & Fitness...there is something for everyone.

My favorite elements of the classes are:
- The teachers are crazy knowledgeable and love to share their passions
- Live video teaching and detailed powerpoints.
- A Q&A session at the end of class (via a text chat box that only the teacher can see!)
- The ability to chat with all of your classmates (via a text chat box), as a means to ask each other questions, form community, and discuss the lecture.
- Classes are recorded and emailed to you the same night, so if a scheduling conflict comes up or your children need you during the class, you can watch the class later.
- No one can see you, so you can take the class in your sweats or while feeding your baby. Perfect for moms!

I have truly been blessed by the classes I've taken. I've been stretched as a person, learned new skills, been challenged in my faith, encouraged as a mom, and spurred on towards the passions and people in my life. I have grown.

If you have $10, an hour on a week night, and some areas you'd like to grow in, you would be doing yourself a favor to check out the class calendar. I can't wait for the classes I'm taking this month! (The first class is tonight!)

You do not have to be a member of the Influence Network to take a class, though the Premium Membership gives you one free class per month!

Also, I was not asked to write about these classes, nor am I a representative for the Influence Network; I'm just a lady who has been inspired and changed by the classes I've taken, and I couldn't help but share them with you.

The Reason I Write.

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Wed, 01 May 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Every so often I find myself asking the question, why do I blog?

The answer to this question has changed since I began blogging a year and a half ago. I started writing and sharing pictures as a way to chronicle my life as a 4'8" tall mom. In real life, I shock people on a daily basis with how short I am, so I thought I'd do the same thing on the internet :) It was fun to share funny stories and the unique way my life has panned out in regards to be short and a mom. And I met some really sweet women through sharing my life in that way!

But I've also known for a long time (much longer than this blog has been around), that I am short for a reason. I believe that when God wrote the story of my life He knew I'd be 4'8", and not a centimeter taller. He knew that as a full-grown woman I'd stand at the same height as most nine-year-old girls. And I believe He wanted to use this lack, as some might see it, to make a statement:

That we were never meant to measure up.

Perfection is not the goal. The things we lack create space for Jesus to show His faithfulness and power - and when we know that we are lacking, we see that Jesus has all we need. Life and peace is found in Him because we don't have to be "somebody." When we're not striving to measure up to everybody else, we can be honest with each other and with Jesus. And, with all of our issues, our joys, our passions and talents, our doubts, and our inabilities, He embraces us with eager, open arms.

So...that's why I blog. Because I bet there are a lot of women out there who, like me, don't measure up. And because I am really imperfect. I have some dreams, some abilities, some fears, and some issues. I love my family, and I mess up. And I have a lot of hope that Jesus is enough for all the things I lack, and that I'm enough for Him.

I'll never perfectly communicate all of that on this blog, and I certainly not perfectly in my everyday life. But if you're imperfect too, you're welcome here. I'm writing for me and for you.

April for Nicholas and I :: Challenge and Change

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:08:00 +0000

I'm sitting here scratching my head a little bit as I realize that tomorrow is May.

April was full of challenge and full of change. Challenge not in terms of facing adversity, but rather feeling challenged to grow. I saw a few areas in my life where I needed to slow down a little, or pay more attention, or de-clutter. So this month I've been asking the Lord to help me grow - because I cannot do it on my own. I'll probably share more about some of these challenges as May rolls in. And maybe taking on these opportunities for growth will cause me to change, too.

The master of change in our house this month? Sir Nicholas.

Apparently 30 days was all he needed to go from not-so-sure-footed toddler to a full-blown RUNNING, talking boy. He spits out new words everyday (my current favorite is "da-dar" for guitar), he climbs on everything, and has stick-carrying and rock-throwing down pat. I am continually amazed at the spunky, sweet, and silly personality that oozes out of this boy. And his ever independent spirit may have contributed to the challenge part of my month :) I'm learning how to be a mom of a toddler, which comes with SO MANY joys, and some struggles too. But you can't stay mad for too long after a tantrum when your son opens his arms wide and says "mama, up!" He steals my heart every time.

May, I hope I'm ready for your challenges. I'm grateful that the Lord will be with me in these days to come, and I hope to end this next month having grown and changed even more.

How was April for you?

In These Days...

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:00:00 +0000

In these days of finding rocks in my coat pocket, goldfish cracker trails on the floor, and toys in my purse, I am learning to be grateful for things I've never noticed before.

In these days of a toddler taking very short naps, of cooking attempts gone awry, and little hands pulling on my jeans for more attention, I'm learning that I have never really been in control.

In these days of to-do lists that are filled with many more items to-do than items already done, I'm learning that a meaningful life has nothing to do with accomplishments.

In these days of catching up over texts and distraction-filled playdates, I'm learning that friendships have seasons, and that's ok.

In these days of sippy cups, "UP, mama!", and stacking blocks for the 100th time, I'm learning that ever person is incredibly valuable, no matter how much they can do for me.

In these days of once-a-month date nights and quick kisses before work, I'm learning that commitment and believing in each other makes marriage go a long way.

In these days of interrupted prayers, quick flips through my Bible, and podcasts paused but rarely re-started, I'm learning that performance has no place in my relationship with Christ. I'm learning that He is for me, that His presence doesn't depend on my faithfulness, and that He just really, really loves.

What are you learning from the season you're in?

I Don't Know What I'm Doing Either {A Little Grace for the Mamas}

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Do you ever encounter situations as a mom where you think to yourself, "I have no clue what to do right now"?

I do. All the time.

The first time Nicholas threw a temper tantrum, I was absolutely confounded. I just stood back and stared as he threw himself onto the ground and screamed. Though my mind was frantically searching for some secret mom wisdom of how to handle this, nothing came. I felt like a bit of a failure, because aren't moms just supposed to know?

Maybe it's just me, but I often watch other moms and think, "how did she know how to handle that? I sure wouldn't know!" I see women coming up with creative activities to entertain their toddlers or using discipline tactics that actually work, and I wonder how they are so capable (when I don't feel like I am so much). I marvel at their flawless bedtime routines, then scoff at my ability to turn on Blue's Clues.

But you know what I've realized lately after talking to many of my friends who are moms?
Most of us don't really know what we're doing.

Most of us are troubleshooting, hoping that at least one of our continued attempts will be the right one for our child. Most moms are using a combination of trial and error, praying for wisdom, and asking other moms (or Google) what they would do in a given situation.

And those awesome tactics we see other moms employ? Most of them are born out of sheer desperation Not boundless wisdom and motherhood perfection.

So to myself, and to any other mamas out there: let's embrace the motherhood standard of imperfection. Let's let our utter cluelessness be an opportunity to go to God for help and to learn humility. And let's trust that God made us the best mommies for our children; our kids want us, mistakes and all.

This post is part of a series. Click the photo below to read more about grace for moms!

The Girl Behind the Blog - Your Non-Blogging Passion

noreply@blogger.com (Mackenzie @ Life of a Pint-Sized Mama) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:01:00 +0000

It's the Girl Behind the Blog link-up day, yahoo! Another video full of exaggerated facial expressions is coming at ya. I am super excited and honored to co-host with Ashley today as we talk about our passions outside of the blogging world.

I shared a teeny bit yesterday about how I love to see people live out their passions. Whether they're all about music, or being a mama, or interior design, or running a soup kitchen - I get pumped seeing people doing what they love. It inspires me to embrace and live out what God has put inside of me.

I blog because writing has always been a part of my life. I've jotted down stories in little notebooks since 2nd grade, and I secretly love writing essays (nerd). So I blog because it's one of my passions.

But if you're a blogger (or a human), you probably know that people are multifaceted. There's more to blogger's than just their blogs!

So today let's awkwardly stare into our cameras and share about what we love to do, other than blogging ;) If you've never made a "vlog", I encourage you to join us! Just grab a button in the prompt for this month's topic, make sure to follow Ashley, and put the link to your blog post in the link list below my video. I can't wait to watch your videos and see another side of you! (The prompt questions for your video can be found here.)

Music: JJ Heller "Grow"Chelsea's amazing blog with tasty recipes can be found here.

(Now go link up below!)