- i'm happy -

Yes, I've had a rough couple of weeks lately. Yes, I've been stressed out. But you know what? Every time I look around, I am amazed at what I have, and it grounds me. I'm healthy, my family is healthy. We have a roof over our heads (and a decently nice one at that). We have jobs. I have a smart, bright, super cute daughter and a husband that tries his hardest to give me everything I want and more. I have some amazing friends, and the best mom ever. The rest of my family are all so loving as well! We all have stresses in our lives, and I know there are thousands of people out there that would trade my stresses for their's in a heartbeat. People with no jobs, health problems, love problems.

I have a life, that at times, can be pretty stressful. But when I look at my daughter, and look at my husband, they remind me of why I sometimes run myself ragged. It's worth it. I really do love my life. I always have the occasional venting sessions or pity parties, but you know what? I'm happy. I'm really, really happy!

- a lollipop -

My little one had her first lollipop over the weekend! 

This was a big step for me! I try not to give her too much sugar, especially candy. I firmly believe that it is up to the parents to teach their kids healthy eating habits, and this starts even at this young age. I'm not going to say that Matt and I are the absolute best eaters, but we definitely try to make a conscious effort (well, I do...and Matt just gets stuck eating whatever I cook!) I know how horrible processed foods and sugar are for your body. So I really try not to feed Ellie a lot of that stuff. When we are at home, she very rarely gets processed, boxed dinners or other microwave meals. Even the chicken and fish nuggets that she loves so much are 100% chicken or fish, with no processing or additives (more expensive?...yes...better for her?...yes!).

And when it comes to sugar, she already gets so much of it in the ridiculous blueberry flavored milk that she insists on drinking 3 times a day (and I only cave and give it to her because it is almost the only calcium she will take all day). So we also try to avoid giving her a lot more sugar in our house as well. Now, I do not want to end up being that mean mom that doesn't allow her to eat anything fun as she grows older, but I also think that, right now, she is too young to even know about all of those sugary treats and snacks out there. So there is really no reason to go out buy tons of that stuff for her when she will just as readily eat a piece of fruit, or a "not as tasty", but much healthier, sugar free cookie (which she absolutely loves, btw, so don't feel too bad for her!) And she does get plenty of treats, we don't deprive her...I just don't make it a point to keep our pantry stocked with cookies, and chocolate, and other sugary, packaged snacks.

However, this past Sunday, we went over to a friend's house and all the kids were eating lollipops. So, I unwrapped one for her and let her go for it. She liked it...but didn't love it (thank God!). She had more fun rubbing the sticky, messy lollipop all over her face, and my legs!

Her nose and the rest of her face was a big sticky mess after this!

Oh Ellie, you melt my heart!

Thanks for all of your patience with my lack of posts lately. I am slowly, but surely decompressing and destressing, and I will be back in the blogging saddle soon!

- exhausted -

I'm exhausted...just physically and mentally exhausted right now. Work is crazy right now. My to do list on my desk is seriously out of control and so overwhelming. And then when I get home, I immediately have to switch into "mommy mode" and start Ellie's evening routine. And I have to find time to cook dinner. Oh, and laundry, let's not forget about the laundry that never goes away...and dinner dishes, and maybe picking up the house a little, or finishing work I didn't get done during the day. And the whole time I am doing all of this, my brain is going 100 mph thinking of everything else I need to be doing. I am finding it so hard to just stop and catch my breath during the week.

Lately, by the time Ellie goes to bed, I haven't even had the time or energy to have a little "me time" to do the things I enjoy doing, let alone spending any time with the hubby. Last night I crawled into bed at 8:15! I'm seriously exhausted!

I could really use a recharge right now, but until then, I'll just keep plugging along and hopefully I'll find some extra energy somewhere! And when I do, I have a huge list of blog posts to finish and post for all of you lovelies! Stay tuned...

- quick recipe of the week -

Back to the weekly grind...it's Monday again! But that also means another wonderful recipe from a darling blogger, Denise. I love reading Denise's blog, that girl Denise, and I think you will too! She's beautiful inside and out, and that is so evident in her posts! Denise is a sarcastic, witty, 24 year old mommy whose world just recently did a 180 in every aspect of her life. Her blog is her journal through the whole process. The up's, the down's, the good, and the bad. Juggling a divorce, raising her son, being thrown back into school, working, a never-ending custody battle and having to deal with that battle 1,200 miles away. Her life is definitely a challenge right now, but she is keeping her head up and a smile on her face! She loves featuring other bloggers on her blog so definitely head over there and check it out!

(Image credit Denise)

The recipe Denise is sharing is a very simple, quick little dish that would be a great "plan B" dinner. You know, we all have those days when you don't have much time to cook, or you forgot to thaw out some meat and you are desperate for a "plan B"...well, here's your solution! This dinner is simple, easy, and inexpensive!

Ramen Egg & Ham 
One package Top Ramen
2 eggs
ham

Slice the ham into tiny squares. Boil the Top Ramen, and while it is cooking, scramble the eggs. When the ramen is finished cooking, strain all of the water. Mix the noodles and eggs together, stirring consistently to the noodles don't dry out. Mix in the ham and ramen seasoning and stir until the seasoning is spread throughout.

(Image credit Denise)

(Image credit Denise)

Printable Recipe 

Seriously, how cute is she? I promise you will love her! So go stop by her blog and get to know her better! And have a wonderful Monday!

- end of summer fun -

Kids are going back to school, fall decorations are being displayed in the stores, people are already planning for the holidays...yup, summer has just about packed all of her bags and is saying her goodbyes. I will hold on for as long as I can...I refuse to make this goodbye an easy one! I even planned a last minute girl's trip this weekend for Lisa (my good friend), my mom, and myself (and the kiddos of course) to squeeze a little more fun out of summer! But soon, we will have nothing left but memories of this summer...all in all, great memories, with just a few bumps along the way. We had some rough times financially this summer that we weren't expecting to have to navigate our way through, but we persevered...although at times, not very gracefully. And we also made some wonderful family memories! This might have been one of my favorite summers ever!

On a seperate note, we have definitely hit our terrible two's around here! As one of my absolutely favorite blogger friends called it, this is undoubtedly a "beautiful, ugly stage" we are at with Ellie. On one hand, it is amazing to see her learn and develop every day. Her language skills constantly blow us away, and it's so much fun to watch her little personality blossom. But there is also the flip side. The tantrums, the frustrations, the constant use of the word "no". She tests my patience and gets me laughing hysterically all within five minutes. It definitely is beautiful and ugly all at once, but such an important phase for all of us. She is learning boundaries, and we are learning to set those boundaries. And when this stage is over, we will look back at it all with smiles on our faces, and joy in our hearts...hopefully! Ha ha ha!

- quick recipe of the week -

Hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend! Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day, to me, has always marked the very early beginnings of fall. And even though it still looks and feels very much like summer around here, I am starting to see Halloween costumes for sale, and fall decorations lining the shelves at the stores. Fall is quickly approaching! And what better way to welcome fall, than with a yummy recipe for chili! Mmmmm, one of my favorite dishes when we are camped around the TV watching football games!

Meet Amy, from Tangled Up in You. 

(Image credit Amy)

 Amy is a wife to an amazing husband, new mommy to an almost 5 month old, and a 3rd grade teacher. She loves every single one of those 3 titles! Her and her husband love to travel, but that will be put on hold for a while now that they have their sweet baby girl. In her spare time, Amy likes to attempt some crafting and photography. She started back to work last month after a 4 month maternity leave. It was the one of the hardest things she has ever had to do, but they are slowly getting into a routine in this new chapter of their life. Motherhood has been the most amazing journey she has ever embarked on, and she just loves waking up every day to see what new adventures her precious baby, Aubrey will take them on. (And let me tell you, Aubrey is an absolute cutie!)

30 Minute Taco Chili 
1 lb lean ground beef (ground chicken or turkey also work)
1 medium onion
1 package of Taco Seasoning
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch Salad dressing dry mix
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of pinto beans with jalapenos
1 can of sweet corn (drained)
1 can of stewed Mexican style tomatoes

In a large pot, brown the ground beef and chopped onion. Then drain off the excess fat. Add the taco seasoning mix and ranch dressing dry mix  to the ground beef. Stir in the  kidney beans, pinto beans, tomatoes, and corn. Cover and let simmer on medium to medium high for about 20 minutes.

(Image credit Amy)

Printable Recipe

Thank you so much Amy! It looks amazing! I can't wait to try this recipe out at the first football party we host! Don't forget to go visit Amy's blog and say hi! She's an absolute sweetheart, with a gorgeous baby girl!

- the importance of having a professional family photographer -

I remember when my hubby bought me my DSLR camera...he casually made the comment "Oh, this will mean we don't have to pay to get pictures done anymore"...NOPE! Not true at all! It doesn't matter how good I become at photography, I will always have a professional photographer take our family pictures. I could never put a price on the amazing photos we have had professionally taken of Ellie since she was born.

The key to loving your professional pictures? Find a talented, creative, and incredible photographer. One who can truly capture you and your family being you!

I stumbled upon Nina, our awesome, stupendous, super sweet photographer when Ellie was almost 6 months old. I immediately fell in love with her work, and booked a 6, 9, and 12 month shoot for Ellie. After the first shoot, I fell in love with Nina. She was so, so patient with Ellie. And she took the most beautiful pictures! I remember after Ellie started walking, we had another shoot for her 18 month pictures. I was so nervous because Ellie was not cooperative and would not sit still for the camera...she just wanted to walk around everywhere! Again, Nina was the most patient person ever. After almost 2 hours, I was positive she only got a few good ones...WRONG! She took almost 150 perfect shots that truly captured Ellie and her personality. The older Ellie gets, the more I realize that I need someone who can truly capture Ellie, just as she is. Nina can do this! I also find it so nice to actually be in some of the pictures, rather than just behind the camera!

Over the past year and a half, Nina and I have become great friends, so photo shoots are even more fun. She allows me to be creative, and bring my ideas to the shoot. She is always up for trying anything!

But her work says it all. Here are some shots from our latest photo shoot...

 

(Image copyrighted by Nina S.)

(Image copyrighted by Nina S.)

(Image copyrighted by Nina S.)

(Image copyrighted by Nina S.)

(Image copyrighted by Nina S.)

One other really ingenious thing that Nina offers to anyone, no matter where you live, is "custom editing"...what is custom editing you might ask? Well, basically, she will professionally edit any picture that you have taken. Those dark, underexposed photos of your darling child that are just lacking that sparkle and color pop....that super cute picture of your baby that would totally be frame worthy if there weren't so many toys and clutter in the background...Yup, Nina can transform those pictures into beautiful, professionally edited shots! She definitely knows what she's doing both behind the camera and also behind the editing software.

Nina is the perfect addition to my photography obsession. She is my photography mentor, and she not only takes the most wonderful family pictures of us, but she also helps and encourages me with my own photography ambitions.

We are so lucky and very blessed that we found Nina! I encourage you to search for your own professional photographer if you haven't already found one. They will be able to capture memories of your and your family that you can never replace. It doesn't matter if you just started playing around with your own fancy camera, or if you are an accomplished photographer...everyone needs an outsider who can truly capture your family as a family, even if it's just once a year or so. I mean, do you really want to have to push the timer button and then run into place anytime you want a picture of all of you together? And how else could I ever get shots like this one below, if it wasn't for an amazing, talented professional photographer...

(Image copyrighted by Nina S.)

I mean seriously, look at this little character! She knows how to work the camera already!

P.S.- If you are interested in getting some custom editing done on any of your photographs, feel free to shoot me an email! I'll get you all hooked up with Nina so she can work her magic on your pictures to make them look gorgeous!