Confessions of a Mother

Confessions of a Mother

Being a mommy is hard. A lot harder then I thought it would be.

I always knew that I wanted to be a mom...eventually.

For those who do not know me, I was blessed with the news of my first child

shortly after my 22nd birthday. I know I know some of you are thinking "why so young?"

Life as you know it doesn't always goes as planned, surprise right?

and I was faced with a surprise that changed my life forever.

As a new 22 year old mom, I was in for a world of surprises.

My life went from all night bar hopping,

to all night feedings and diaper changes.

I went from date nights out with my fiance

to " it's your turn" while we lay on the couch exhausted.

Parenthood my friends, it's just not easy....

Here I am sitting before you,

one hubby, three daughters,

 and 5 1/2 years later and let me tell you it's still as confusing as day one.

Being a mother is a catch 22.

On one hand you feel like you can never do anything right, that you fall short,

and you are the most horrible person in the world when your child needs to "cry it out" (which I am having to do right now so my daughter sleeps in her bed, awful feeling!)

But on the other hand, you as a mother have the MOST important job and superpower in the world.

What other job can you watch the magic of their childhood happen through their eyes?

Make boo-boos all better, just from your kiss?

Where you hear "Watch me Mama!" and "I love you, Mama"?

Experience the joy in your child's eyes when you walk into the room, and they are just happy that you are there?

You are the most important and influential person in another human beings life, 

and there is no job my friend that can top that.

No CEO, no celebrity, no McDreamy doctor, nothing!

So tonight my fellow mothers, I raise my glass to you

 (which may or may not be a well deserved glass of wine).

Through all the diaper changes, sleepless nights, potty training,

tantrums, and "no no nos" 

You ARE doing it right!

You ARE enough!

And as long as you offer all the love you have to your child,

YOU will NEVER fall short...

Love,   

A tired Mommy

*Photo Credit: Marier Photography

What is Your favorite part about being a Mom?

A letter to myself on my wedding day

Oh Anniversaries...

This month Hubby and I are coming up on 5 years of marriage,

and while that's no where near a great accomplishment as many couples,

for us... it's our first big "milestone" anniversary.

We have accomplished a lot in our first few years of marriage. 

Five years has seemed to get flown by in a blink of an eye.

With my anniversary coming up in a few weeks, 

I am taking a moment to reflect back to where hubby and started this whole crazy journey together. 

..Our Wedding...

Would I have changed anything?

Was it worth all the worry and sleepless nights?

 I have to wonder if I wrote a letter to my "bride-to be" self,

what would I say?

*cough cough* So brides-to-be listen up, 

this is my heart-felt advice to you

A Letter to Myself on My Wedding Day

Dear Beautiful Bride, 

As you are about to embark on what you believe to be 

the most important day of your life,

 I want you to know that it's ok to breathe and I promise that everything will be alright.

Don't worry about how you will look in pictures.

...Your husband still thinks you look beautiful

(even FIVE years later).

Don't worry if the church isn't decorated perfectly.

... You didn't even notice them as you walked towards your groom.

Don't worry about finding those perfect shoes for under the dress.

... You kicked them off as soon as you got to the reception.

Don't worry about the rain in the weather forecast.

... The sun was shining for pictures and your young hopeless romantic guests had fun 

dancing in the rain.

Don't worry about if the favors are placed perfectly on the table.

....I promise they were happily eaten.

The seating arrangement that you lost many nights sleep over.

.... Your guests will comment for years how much fun they had.

Don't worry about creating the "perfect" play list for the DJ.

...Everyone danced the night away.

This day in your life is important. 

It's magical.

It's filled with love. 

But my dear bride,

 I promise this isn't the most important day of your life. 

Back then, I thought it was and I know you are feel it now.

Leave your worries at the door

and enjoy your day.

Just remember that the "most important" day of your life

is yet to come..

...Its creating your first home together,

and sharing laughs while painting the bathroom.

...It's burning that dinner,

that you tried so hard to impress him with.

..It's sitting on the toilet,

seeing that little stick turn pink.

... It's holding your child for the first time, 

and realizing that nothing else now matters.

... Its the first night home as a new family,

and your husband asks you to dance right there in the middle of the living room.

...It's being so angry with your spouse,

that you can't help but laugh at each other
because you can't remember why you were fighting in the first place.

..It's the "I love you's" 

and watching your family grow.

So my dear bride...

Enjoy your day and have it be worry free.

Don't stress out about the small things, family or friends...

 This day is for YOU..

It's a START of a beautiful journey,

and remember no matter what goes wrong...

... the "Best Day of your Life"...

... is still yet to come...

What advice would you give, if you could write a letter to yourself
on your wedding day?

Recipe: Whole wheat penne with mushroom and artichokes

So recently I have been on a hunt for new recipes

to switch up our "normal" rotation of meals. 

Winter can be so gloomy, so what better than a nice pesto pasta.

Usually in the summer I make homemade pesto,

since we have a bundance of fresh basil on hand.

But since its winter,

and I failed to grow basil inside this year,

store bought pesto had to do.

I found this recipe from the Flat Belly Diet Cookbook.

(I admitt, I changed a few things slightly. I can't seem to just leave a recipe alone!)

I really liked this recipe,

because most of the ingredients I usually have on hand

or are easily accessible in our local grocery store.

As a mother of two small children,

quick and easy is a MUST.

What you need:

6 oz whole wheat penne pasta

3 Tbs evoo (olive oil)

8 oz sliced mushrooms

1 small sweet or red onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large tomato, chopped

1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and slightly chopped

1/4 c. pesto

5 tsp. grated parmesan cheese (for topping)

salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: In a large pot, bring water to boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions.

Drain and toss with 2 tbs evoo.

Step 2: Heat 1 tbs evoo in large nonstick pan on med-high heat. Saute mushrooms and onion for about 6 minutes until juices start to carmelize.

Step 3: Add garlic and artichokes, saute 1 minute. Add tomatoes and cook until softened.

Step 4: Add pasta and pesto. Toss to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Serves 4

Enjoy!

Recipe: Homemade Buns

So I have been on a kick lately of trying my hand at baking fresh bread.

Ive tried whole wheat bread and olive oregano bread

in my bread maker,

but this what my first try at hamburger buns in the oven.

I tried two different recipes that I found..

...a long version and a short version.

Definitely the winner was the short version.

I found this recipe on Taste of Home.

What you need:

2 Tbs active dry yeast

1 cup  + 2 Tbs warm water

1/3 cup veg. oil

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp salt

3- 3 1/2 cups flour

(I used 2 c. white flour and 1 1/4 c. wheat flour)

In a stand mixer ( or larger bowl) mix water and yeast together until dissolved.

Add in the oil and sugar, then let rest for 5 minutes.

Add in the egg and salt.

(If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and turn to speed 2)

Slowly add in flour while kneading.

Knead until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes.

(if kneading by hand, use a floured surface)

Divide dough into 12 round balls and place on a greased baking sheet.

Cover. Let rest and rise for 10 minutes.

Bake at 425 degrees for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool on wire racks and enjoy!

I loaded up these homemade buns with BBQ pulled pork.

YUMMY!

Slow and Steady

I wanted to give a little update on one of my new years resolutions

to eat a healthier, more natural, and less processed diet.

Eating organic is nice, but its not a huge concern for me right now.

I knew it wasn't realistic at this point for us to do

a complete 180 on our diet,

But my goal instead was to make simple baby steps in the right direction.

..and that I feel we have achieved

and we are on the right track.

- We now eat WAY more whole and multi grains.

- I try to make more homemade meals.

 -I started prepping and freezing meals,

so I always have a healthier options to cook

or place in my beloved slow-cooker.

- We now eat a salad almost every night with dinner

- More fruits and veggies

Don't get me wrong, we still enjoy sweets here and there,

or have good ol' comfort food

(I am from Minnesota after all, haha)

But I feel better overall of what I eat and what I feed my family.

Plus, losing that baby weight doesn't hurt either :)

Living Homemade: Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

This was my first attempt at baking cookies with whole wheat flour.
 I was a little nervous about baking with it, in fear that it would be "grainy", but they turned out great! I couldn't even tell the difference from  plain white flour.

What you need:
2 c. 100 % white whole wheat flour
(I got mine at Trader Joe's, its great for pastries)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. softened butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla extract
 2 eggs
 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips
 (I used milk and white chocolate)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Combine flour, salt and baking soda in small bowl, and set aside.
Combine brown sugar, white sugar, softened butter, and vanilla. Beat well until creamy. 
Add eggs and beat well.
Add dry ingredients slowly to wet mixture. Mix well.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop mixture, in rounded teaspoonfuls onto a non-greased cookie sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes. (makes roughly 24 cookies)

Blessings

What is it about watching a baby sleep,

that makes you reflect on your life?

I sit here awake in my living room,

with nothing but the sound of my daughter sleeping

in her bouncy chair next to me. 

Her face reflects her innocence

and with one glance,

I am reminded how blessed I am

to be a mom..

..to be her mom..

My life is no longer about me.

It's not about my wants,

or my needs.

My life is now about my daughters.

and know what?

I wouldn't have it any other way.

I feel so blessed

to be able to hold their hands

and help guide them

to whom they will become.

God has given me

the greatest gift

.. and for that I am truly thankful..

My girls will grow up

so fast.

 I may lose countless hours of sleep.

But when I look over at her,

 she is sound asleep and dreaming.

I know that it is worth it.

These are the little moments

I will cherish forever.