WIWW, Take 10

So, I am officially a What-I-Wore Wednesday failure.  It sort of bums me out. 

The good news is that I've been pairing all sorts of new things together and feel like I've stepped up my game in regards to what I'm wearing. 

The bad news is that I never, ever, ever, find time to snap a picture.  I blame this on the fact that I'm really focused on working out so oftentimes, I'm not dressed in the morning when my photog (aka Hannah) leaves.  If I'm being perfectly honest, I'm often not dressed when my photog returns home from school but that's another story for another day.  Bottom line:  most of my days include my wearing yoga pants and a sweatshirt.  But when I do get dressed, I'm pretty cute. 

Really.

In other news, I bought a three-barrel jumbo waver and am in love. (Here's where I would post a picture but I'm at school today and the district blocks all pictures.  Even ones of a three-barrel jumbo waver.)  I didn't splurge on an expensive one because I wasn't sure how I would like it but I love what it's doing to my hair.  Lots of body, lots of messy waves, I love it.  And Sienna's hair, who up until now has refused to hold any type of curl, looks gorgeous.  It's making our mornings a bit long as I wave my way through three heads but we all love it. 

One more thing...I did Bikram yoga last night for the first time and nearly died.  I think my body is still laying in that room sweating to death.  I felt fantastic when it was over but it may have been the longest 90 minutes of my life.  And the smells?  I'm still bothered by the smell of that room. Fifty people doing yoga in a 103 degree room does not make for the cleanest smelling place.  You know the smell of birth?  It was kind of like that, times 50.  Sick. to. the. nast. 

Off to teach the minds of 5th graders.  Happy Wednesday kids. 

Pausing, Take 1

This morning I headed outside to run and had taken about two steps when I remembered the forecast for the day:  winds up to 50 mph.  It was already howling out there so I came back in to re-group.  Wanting to work on stretching my legs as I've recently identified shin splints as the culprit behind my calf pain, I decided to head to the mall to walk.  

Now, this is something I used to do fairly regularly.  I used to load up my stroller, stock my purse full of snacks, grab a few books and toys and pray that whatever toddler I was pushing around would let me get some exercise in.  But this morning, all I had to grab was my phone, some earplugs, and my water bottle. 

That's it.  

As I started lapping the mall, I noticed a slew of mothers there who were walking the path I walked not that long ago.  There were the moms that had brought their kids to the play area bright and early in hopes of letting them get some energy out.  There were the moms who pushed around newborns, bundled tightly in their strollers, with the hopes of working off some of that remaining baby weight.  There were moms who were meeting other moms for coffee and the chance to have adult conversation.  And as I walked, I remember being a mom at each of those stages.  I remember bribing my kids with playtime at the Thomas track in Barnes & Noble.  I remember stopping every few feet to pick up the sippy cup that had been thrown to the ground.  Again.  I remember feeling overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, and desperate from some semblance of my pre-baby body back.  I remember it all and it struck me that although it's only been a few years, it seems a lifetime ago.  

My days now are full of completely different things.  I can run my errands alone.  I can meet up with girlfriends for a meal at someplace other than the McDonald's playland.  I can listen to my own music in the car because I'm often in there alone.  I can take the time to do something I enjoy without interruption.  It's freeing, this new life I'm living.  It's something I remember longing for.  And I love it.  

But. 

The reminders I saw this morning tugged at my heart a little more than I would have expected.  And while I don't long to return to those days, I'm grateful for the reminder to enjoy each stage, each day, each question and request and argument because before I know it, I'll be longing for this stage too. 

Stuff I Meant To Post Last Year But Forgot, Part 2

I spent an insane amount of time last night dinking around on this little space of mine.  I've been itching for a new look for awhile and with the help of these guys, I managed to gussy her up a bit.  You like?

Don't tell me if you don't. 

Or do.  I can handle it.  

After she was all prettied up, I started looking for something to post about which led me to my pictures folder.  Where I quickly realized that I forgot to post about a million different things that  happened last year.   Which made me panic in a what-am-I-doing-here sort of way.  Which made me start thinking about how to go back and include all the stuff I left.  Which gave me a headache.  

So.

Instead, I'm going to treat you to a the abbreviated version of The Stuff I Forgot For No Reason At All Other Than I'm The Mother Of Four Children. 

Luckily, you get the picture version.  

Austin was the cutest little balloon traveler for Halloween.  Those pictures were awesome.  I think I deleted them.  I sort of hate myself for that but at least I have this gem, taken a good week after Halloween.  That balloon refused to die and Austin (and the others) had a blast playing with it.  He loved his costume.  For about five houses.  I loved carrying that thing around for the hour that followed.  Totally worth it.  

Hannah and Jared have birthdays only a day apart so for Sunday dinner this year, we celebrated together.  That picture slays me for obvious reasons.  Hannah and the guns?  Priceless.  I'm happy to report that that cake, made by Lindsay, weighed approximately 18 pounds which quickly made their way onto my butt.  It was amazing.  

Did I mention that we hosted Thanksgiving for 20?  Well, we did.   I loved it and already can't wait until next year. My makeshift table worked as I hoped and the food was delish. 

 My girls participated in a play at school thanks to Missoula Children's Theatre.  This year's performance was The Wiz of the West, a take on The Wizard of Oz with a western twist and they loved every minute.  Hannah was cast as part of the Munch Kin (get it?) and Sienna was the cutest tarantula around.   Their good buddy Nadia was cast as The Wiz herself and this picture says it all. 

Man I love those two. 

 

That's more like it.  Nadia, Hannah and Megan, the three Musketeers playing The Wiz, a Munch, and a Buzzard.  

I know that didn't mean anything to any of you, except the Grandmas, but I feel better.  I mean, if I can't brag about my cute kids, what's the point in blogging?  

Happy Weekend friends.  We've got visitors coming to town and we can hardly wait!

This Woman's Work

Today I'm a working mom. 

Working to take care of a Squish who woke with a nasty stomach last night and is spending her day curled up on the couch.   Tending to some chores that have been neglected for a bit too long.  Reading the same SkippyJon Jones book to one silly little man who laughs at the same places every time.  Making plans for an upcoming party I'm helping to throw.  Working my body into a healthier state despite the freezing temps outside or the fact that my muscles have yet to forgive Jillian for what she did to me yesterday.  Figuring out what to make for dinner that will leave everyone happy.  And satisfied.  Planning the upcoming weekend with some very special visitors.  Keeping myself busy by making yet another scarf that I will wear far too often.  Making arrangements to move an event I'm passionate about to an even better location.  Emailing those that have the answers I need and praying it all works out. 

None of it is all that  important.  Most of it could be done by someone else.  But this is the stuff of my Thursday and I want to remember how it feels to be a woman who does when I get bogged down and forget my purpose.  Because even though it doesn't seem like I'm doing all that much, I am. 

Today I'm a working mom.  And it sort of rocks. 

Stuff I Didn't Post Last Year But Really Meant To, Part I

One of my unofficial goals this year is to post more recipes here.  I'm pretty much always in the kitchen whipping something up and I've really made an effort to try new things.  Most of them have been successful; some have not but that's part of the fun for me.  I have a few rules when trying a new recipe:  I always try to make it exactly as it's written so that I can give it an honest critique.  Most of the time I do but every so often, I get the best of myself and start adding in whatever I think is missing.  I will credit where I find these new recipes and let you know when I've monkeyed around with it.  Deal?    

I know this is a really horrible thing to post at the beginning of the year, when everyone is acutely aware of what they're eating (and how much they ate over the holidays) but this little recipe is worth it. You don't have to make it now but you really should file it away for something special.  Valentine's Day perhaps? I'm sure your sweetie will love it. 

I found this gem off Pinterest (are you following me yet?) and made it exactly as it's written.  It is insanely rich and I never say that, but it is.  The first time I made it I served it for a friend's birthday and almost everyone left half of theirs.  It was just too much. But they also agreed that it was delish and worth having again.  

Individual Peanut Butter Pies 

For the crust

16 Oreo cookies
4 T unsalted butter, melted

For the filling

1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup creamy-style peanut butter
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 t vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Place the Oreo cookies into the bowl of a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and melted butter and stir.
2. Evenly divide the crumbs between your individual serving dishes and press into the bottoms of the dishes to form a crust layer.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or in a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Transfer whipped cream to a small bowl and place it into the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the filling.
3. Place cream cheese and peanut butter the mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until smooth. Reduce speed to low and gradually add in confectioners' sugar until well combined. Add in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla and beat on medium speed until mixture is creamy and smooth. Take care to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Stir in 1/3 of the whipped cream into the filling mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the remaining whipped cream until well blended until no streaks remain.
3. Evenly pipe or spoon the filling into individual serving dishes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and chocolate curls.

And they're pretty, which is always a good thing.

My next recipe will be more appropriate for what we're all starting to think about it (swimsuit season is just around the corner!) but I had to start off big.  And nothing is bigger than this.  Enjoy!  And report back if you try it, ok? 

Let The Games Begin

So it's a new year.  I haven't even blogged about Christmas (which was tremendous) and here it is a new stinking year.  

I don't mean it like that.  Not a stinking year.  This poor girl has only been around for a few measly hours and I've already branded her with a bad rep.  (I've decided that the year 2012 is a girl, in case your wondering.  I don't know why I feel like everything has to be assigned a gender.  I just do.  And this year was born a bouncing baby girl.) 

Anyway, the new year is here and I'm tickled.  Two-thousand and eleven was a fine year, really, he was, (yep, he was a boy last year) and I was lucky enough to do some pretty incredible things.  Like this.  And that.    But 2011 also brought hardships and tragedy to so many people around me, people I love and who I watched struggle, really and truly struggle, and for that, well, I'm glad to see him take a hike.

And don't you just love a new year?  I know it's just the turn of a calendar page but there really is a freshness and newness that comes round every January 1st.  And I sort of love that.  We've been deep cleaning and re-organizing and making goals and checking things off our lists and all of it, every little bit of it, feels incredibly good.  Now that my kids are older we can do a lot of this goal-setting together and I love watching them make a plan.  Set a goal.  Figure out a way to get it done.  I think we could all use a blank slate in one way or another and this pretty little lady, Ms. 2012, is just the girl to set us off right.  

For the past few years, I've participated in the one-word challenge of finding a word to focus on for the year.  I love reading what others have chosen and as I've thought about it for the last several days, one word has surfaced again and again and although it's nothing fancy, it's just the thing for me.  

My goal for this year (or one of them at least) is to follow this simple counsel and change the way I do things.  

In 2012, I plan to pause. 

Take note of what's going on around me.  

Enjoy the moment that has presented itself.  

Put down the mop.  

Pick up the book and pull a child onto my lap.  

Stop working so hard at preparing for an event that I'm too exhausted to enjoy.  

Go to the park more.

Let the dishes stay in the sink. 

Forget that multi-tasking was ever invented and just live, in whatever moment I'm having.  

I know it's not profound.  I know it won't move mountains or alter the universe.  But I'm hoping that it will remind me to focus on the truly important stuff.  My kids are growing up.  I have a middle-schooler!  And I might be missing it because I'm too wrapped up in the stuff of our life.  The details and decisions and to-do's.  And while it's necessary and important in it's own way, it's nothing compared to reading a book with Sienna.  Or teaching Hannah how to scramble eggs.  Or playing soccer in the backyard with Austin.  Or having a conversation with Spence at the table.  Those moments are fleeting and I know that if I don't slow down, and pause for just a minute, I'll miss them.   

So welcome, 2012.  I can feel all the goodness you have in store for my family and I'm already grateful.  I can't wait to see what you bring and I'm anxious to pause and take it all in.  

2011 word.

2010 word.