Easiest Side Ever

For real.

And while I'm sure almost all you have heard of this ingenious way to cook baked potatoes, I had to share anyway....just in case even 1 of you hasn't heard.

We eat a lot of them around here. The girls love them, they're cheap to buy, and they are a healthy option.

It's a win all the way around.

Well, I guess adding some toppings might take the healthy factor down a tad, but a potato without butter DOESN'T MAKE SENSE, right?

So anyway. Pop your potatoes in the crockpot (wrapped and poked with a fork), and let them cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

That's it. It's magical.

It is so great to have a side for dinner that I don't have to prep an hour before. Amen?

Cause, you know, pre-dinner time might also be a crazy time in this neck of the woods.

Just thought I'd share this little idea that has blessed my kitchen :).

Enjoy the weekend!

The Great Compare

Her license plate says "SuperMom".

I'd be lying if I said I didn't roll my eyes sometimes when I drive past it. Ok, all the time.

I sit on the side of the pool with my feet in the water and splash the girls and people watch and soak up the sun. I see her across the way and am again reminded how different our lives are - how she can now relax at the pool, work on her tan, and catch up with the regulars. I remember her from school, I remember that our achievements are very different, and I remember her hurtful comments last year when she caught wind that I was pregnant again.

I also remember that comparing does your heart no good.

I hold my baby close and my head high to prove that I believe in this journey I'm on.

I walk Lincoln up and down the 2 feet and he falls asleep on my shoulder and I remind myself to be proud. I may not have the free time she does, and even though I've run daily for a year, miles logged doesn't repair every little tiny change that came from housing and growing 6 miracles - and even if they did, I'm going to keep my one piece and remember that God and my husband think that modesty is admirable.

Although I constantly remind myself of the truth, comparison always steals my joy.

I rock the babe and spray sunscreen and pass out PB&J's. I brush off the insecurities of the season I'm in and the job I'm doing and the fact that that may be my child throwing a fit.

I may not be that mom, but I'm their mom. 

I hear her and other moms laugh and carry on while I listen to my girls giggle and talk about the diving boards. And I thank Him again - for this season, this process, and these lessons.

The more I thank Him, the more grateful I become.

I get passed by the socialites and passed judgement on and asked if he's my last. I let myself feel like I don't fit in when the only thing I need to be fitting into is His plan for me.

Am I consumed by my job? Sure. But even at the end of the day when the only thing I can whisper when my head hits the pillow is "Lord, give me strength and wisdom.", I still wouldn't trade it for anything.

Embracing where He has you leaves little room for comparison.
  
This isn't a season of loads of R&R or time alone. It is a time of chaos and chattering girls and sweating the small stuff even though they tell you not to. This season is about me being the mom that He created specifically for them, and realizing how green He has made the grass on our side.

Less comparing, and more focusing on these great kiddos. That's the plan :).

(Summer)

The kids officially smell of a mixture of chlorine and sunscreen when they lay their little heads down at night...

 

This pic pretty much sums up our week.

The pool. The sun on our faces. And tired kids at night.

It's been good for everyone :).

Hope you're having a great week!

The Mommy Identity

"I feel like I have nothing."

With tears in my eyes, I heard myself say it to him loud and clear in the middle of a disagreement. It hurt, it was ugly, and it was the opposite of what my soul has been saying over the recent years.

But I continued.

"Sometimes I feel like my whole existence is inside these walls. I just don't know what has happened to me. Didn't I have dreams and goals at one point? I am thankful for this role, but honestly, sometimes....I just feel like I've lost myself in it.

Does anyone even see me anymore?"

Thats the age old question of the mother who's in yoga pants, with her hair tied back, breaking up a fight, and carrying a laundry basket down the stairs while a crying child hangs on her leg.

(Good news, though. Even when we feel lost in motherhood, He still sees us.)

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a mom. I've wanted to grow bundles of joy in my womb and I've wanted to have little arms to hug my neck.

I asked, and He answered, 6 times over.

I will forever feel undeserving of these amazing kiddos, and I will also forever proclaim that they are living proof of His grace in my life. Walking, talking, growing, and snugly grace.

But even though motherhood is nothing short of miraculous, it's easy to feel consumed and burnt out.

You know what God is teaching me, though? It's ok to feel burnt out.

It's ok to feel like you want something for yourself, it's ok to feel like you need a break, and its ok to feel like you might run screaming from your house.

God knew us moms would feel these things, none of those feelings surprise Him like they do us.

My people pleasing instinct is to paint this pretty picture of a life that is always filled with beautiful pictures of the kids and I sharing ice cream cones and braiding each others hair. But that is not real life. Real life is me breaking up arguments over who had the pink headband first, kids crying because we're not buying an icee, floors that need mopped, and a mother that often needs the biggest chill pill YOU'VE EVER SEEN.

Just being honest.

Sometimes I don't like to say all this out loud...cause that makes it real.

After all, what good mom gets burnt out? What good mom admits that she feels totally consumed by the day to day routines? And what good mother admits that some days she just wants to get in the car and drive away??

Hi, my name is Kate, and I'd like to admit those things - along with the fact that I sometimes feel swallowed whole by motherhood.

And while we're admitting things, I sometimes tell my kids that I have to use the restroom when I don't. And then there's those times when I walk at a glacier pace to return my shopping cart to the cart corral after I get my herd in the car. And ok, I'm not really resting my eyes, I am trying to catch a quick nap but I can't because A CHILD KEEPS POKING ME IN THE FACE.

Ahem.

The responsibility of motherhood is heavy - you have to reach a point where you realize it wasn't meant for you to carry alone. He wants to listen and help.

(I'm kinda talking to myself there.)

I think the magic moment is when you see and believe that every season and every journey is part of the bigger plan to make you who He wants you to be.

So ultimately it's not just about the kids, it's about God doing a work in you as well. We are a big part of the picture even though we're often covered up by sweet little loves and buried beneath embarrassing amounts of laundry.

"The days are long, but the years are short." I can't remember where I read that but I know it's true. So I'm taking every seasoned parents advice that "this time will go so fast" - even though it doesn't feel that way some days.

I don't have much "me time", but I do think I'm starting to see myself clearer. And I'm starting to see that motherhood is about me too, that my heart and my passions matter to Him just as much as the kids matter to me.

He's not just our God, but our Father, remember? And a Father cares about His child.

It's all grace. Messy, consuming, but amazing grace. I see now that He's using them to help mold me, as I try to mold them.

Motherhood

It's a wonder.

It's wanting to be the best mom, the fun mom, and the "yes" mom, but not fulfilling that some days.

It's singing lullabies at night, rocking babies to sleep, and kissing them just one more time before you go to bed.

It's putting your needs aside, rearranging your dreams for theirs, and thinking of them before yourself.

It's wanting them to grow up just like me and nothing like me all at the same time.

It's a room full of giggles, a cabinet full of colorful dishes, and little heads full of curls...

It's the house of hard knocks, the calling that can bring the most pain and the most joy, and a job that no college course could've prepped you for.

It's a walk in the park, it's holding those little hands, and seeing yourself in their eyes.

It's a test of your marriage, an option to grow closer together or further apart, and talking late into the night about the how's, the why's, and the when's.

It's being in control, being out of control, and constantly reminding yourself that God is in control.

It's you wanting your way, the husband wanting his, and the children wanting theirs.

It's a marathon.

It's focusing on Him, stepping back from all the nonsense, and giving all you got without distraction.

It's face painting at the fair, snow cones after lunch, and waking up and feeling like they all grew 3 inches overnight.

It's yelling when I shouldn't, feeling frazzled over the small stuff, and mommy guilt as far as the eye can see.

It's feeling tired, feeling consumed, feeling lost, but feeling blessed beyond what you deserve.

It's a journey of grace.

He didn't call us to motherhood to see how we would do, but because He knew we could do it. With His help, of course.

He cares about the day to day, the mundane, and the petty things. He cares about the potty training, the disciplining, and the sweeping of the crumbs.

So all the good, all the bad, and all the ugly is worth it.

Crazy, but worth it.

8 Things I Want You To Know

8 things on your 8th birthday.

And I know that you won't always want or welcome my advice, so I promise to try to refrain from constantly blurting out my opinions as you grow.

I said I'll try, I can't promise anything.

In the newness of this season I have learned a lot. A lot about waiting and listening. A lot about letting go and letting you grow. And a lot about how I try to control things that were never meant to be in my control.

Motherhood is humbling, sweetie. It's a journey of grace, and love, and joy, and pain, and sleepless nights. It's dancing in the rain, and soaking up the small stuff.

And just as I blink and remember my 23yr old belly swollen with your newborn goodness, I also know I'll blink and we'll be ten years from now.

8 things, honey. 8 things that I want you to remember as you grow...

You are unique. Unique among your siblings, and unique among your peers. You won't be any good at being someone else, but you will be great at being you. Embrace the beauty that God created when He knit you together. Inside and out.

Everyone is not doing it. Not everyone is acting that way. Not everyone talks like that. And not everyone thinks its cool. Be a leader.

You are worth it. You are worth that dream you want to chase, that goal you want to reach, and anything else your little heart desires. You are worth waiting for, worth fighting for, and worth the respect of others (especially the boys, my dear). You are worth it because He says so.

Don't be a gossip. You don't want to be that girl. It never ends well. God wants your words to be full of grace.

Focus on your heart, not your appearance. Modesty is admirable. The pressure from our culture can be nasty, be prepared to fight for what you know is true. The state of your heart is more important than your size, or choice in designer clothes - you are more important than a number. And at the end of the day, people want to be with someone who's heart is full of passion and joy...not with someone who only talks about her image or lack there of.

I am your mother, not your friend. This is a hard one for me because I really want you to like me and I know that sometimes you won't. For now though, it's my job to raise you. We'll laugh and talk and shop like girlfriends later. I can't wait.

Show grace. Love people even when they're not your favorite people. Everyone needs Him and you never know what the kid next to you is dealing with. Nothing trumps the grace that He has shown us. It truly is amazing grace, Ella - don't ever let anyone tell you different. Share it with everyone.

I'm here. Anytime you need me. Anytime you need to talk or cry or rejoice, I'm here. I want to know whats happening in your little world. I will wait for you to tell me and I'll try to accept the times that you don't. Just know that I hurt when you hurt, and I rejoice when you rejoice. Tell me all about life, I'll listen.

I love ya, baby.

Yes, you'll always be my baby. And no, I won't call you that in front of your friends anymore.

There is nothing I wouldn't do, no fight I wouldn't fight, and no other earthly love like the one I have for you.  It is unique and mysterious and a gift from Him.

You made me a mother 8 years ago, and ever since it has been a gift to watch you grow into the smart and loving girl that you are.

Happy 8th Birthday, my sweet Ella.

Love,

your mama

A Full Weekend

We had a packed weekend full of celebrations for my Ella girl. More on all that jazz later.

I just had to post these pics real quick of Lincoln and his rock collecting habit...

Yes, I am really entertained by all the new-to-me boyish qualities. Is it obvious?? Bear with me, friends :).

Of all the boy traits, I think the playing in the dirt and picking up rocks will be one of my favorites.

And clearly, it's also his...

Love him :).

The Store With The Kiddos

I ventured to the grocery with the kids in tow today. I had high hopes. And dreams. And ambitions. And a list.

The list is crucial. However, sticking to it is optional.

It was a necessary trip, we needed the basics and few things we just can't do without. Like coffee. Remember when I gave up caffeine? Well, I lost that fight.

As the kiddos grow and become more adventurous, I have started to appreciate my quiet nights when I go to the store after bedtime and wonder the aisles alone. It was easy when I could dish out goldfish or a pacifier, but now there are questions, wants, neeeeeeeds, the touching of all things glass, and incessant talking on a shopping trip.

We're like a traveling slumber party :).

They said my name 29 times in the car during the 11 minute drive. 29 times. I counted. Only a child can do that, it's a quality that is unique to their species.

As much as I love Target, I swear that red bulls eye sends a crazy surge through the kids. It's a conspiracy. The more rowdy they are, the more mindless shopping I will do.

Hence the problem of going in for 8 things and coming out with 30.

I like to think I know them really well, but there are some things about children that will always remain a mystery.

I'll never understand why they have to touch everything, open every freezer door, or why we have to talk (loudly) about tampons from the moment we pass the aisle till the moment we check out. The 8yr old, has SO MANY questions - that I can and will answer when we aren't in the company of the young stock guy who is filling the shelves.

And speaking of shelves, Lincoln is freakishly good at clearing them off from the front of the cart. He'd be unstoppable on the game show Supermarket Sweep. Remember that? Is it odd that I loved it when I was younger? Maybe a little?

Kinley carried a donkey pinata through the whole store. We weren't buying it, but she looked so stinkin' cute carrying it, so I didn't fight it.

Across the way I see a fellow mom lean down and say something through her teeth to a child that is dropping popcorn on the ground and then stepping on it, and I smile and nod. The mom nod, our secret "I understand" notion to each other.

I pass the arts and craft aisle as quickly as possible, as in it's just a red blur as you see my cart zoom by - because the kids looove that aisle. And as much as I would like to pretend that I am that mom who lets her kids pick out craft supplies so we can make happy-best mom ever-craft memories together, I don't. I try to, but it always ends up like this...

These days, I like to stick to activities where I don't have to hose them off in the backyard or mop the kitchen afterwards.

And alas, the cart is full, we are at the back of the store, and someone has to pee. Friends, this is when society takes me out of the running for Mom Of The Year. I bend down to my 3yr old and say,

"If you really don't have to go, and you're just wanting to check out the bathroom (because isn't that always the case??), I'm going to go off the deep end."

To which she replies, "Like the deep end at the pool?? Cool!!"

(sigh, someone please escort me to a room where I can scream freely for a few minutes.)

"Yes, baby, kind of like the pool." Only a child can remind you that your attitude could use a good laugh and some patience. I think God puts those innocent statements in there to remind us how little they are. Always grace, even when they are exhausting.

So I remind myself that He only asks me to do the next thing, and I take a deep breath and carry on with my sweet crew.

And then I quietly pray for some free time to go by myself next time :).

The Men Stick Together

He loves his daddy.

And I love that...

He was making his way out to where Eric is building our new swing set.

Lincoln follows him everywhere. I mean, everywhere.

Me? Jealous? Nah.

It's not like I carried him for 9 months, had swelling in my ankles that could've been in a documentary on Discovery Health, or had major surgery to remove him from my womb.

Ahem.

It's interesting to me that while Lincoln loves me and is attached to me, it seems that he knows Eric is a guy or something. Like there is this unspoken bond. I don't know, I'm new to all that digging in the mud, fixing cars, "man code" thing that is clearly coursing through their veins from a very young age.

It's cute, though. I love my manly men.

Annnyway. We have a handful of excited little girls on our hands about this new swing set. They played in the sprinkler when we weren't at the pool this past weekend while Eric worked on it.

Here's hoping we can finish it soon. And by "we", I mean "Eric" :).

Hope you're all having a great week so far!

(Curls Galore)

Love that girl and all those little curls :).

Unplugged

It's a quiet morning here. The younger kiddos are playing doll house and the little guy is asleep. I am so behind on all things internet that I think my laptop is about to disown me.

None of that matters though.

I hate to admit it, but I've been seeing lately how consumed I can get with so many distractions that are taking time away from my little's. When a 3yr old rushes to bring you your phone because a text or alert just came through, I believe there is an overuse issue.

I felt convicted, and a little embarrassed.

3yr olds have better things to do...

I deleted my Twitter and personal Facebook app on my phone. I left my blog Facebook because, well, it doesn't consume much time and those of you who are there crack me up. For real.

So right now I can only check those personal accounts when I get a chance to open my laptop. I know. It's like being back in the old days.

I had started to wonder what it would be like if I hugged the kids as often as a notification went off on my phone - or if I pulled them close and told them how much I loved them every time I reached for it to check a social network.

I gave it a go, and lets just say that the kids were really confused as to what was happening. They loved it, and I realized how much they needed it. But I think I needed it more.

They get a lot of love, but in todays world, they need all the love and affirmation that they can get at home. The more the better.

I want more time for the kids, more time for writing about our little family, and more time to take pictures...with my actual camera, not my phone.

Not that I won't use any fun networking things, I just need to use it wisely and at appropriate times, you know? If I have to put my hand in my kids face and tell them to wait while I finish an update, it's probably not at a good time.

I never want to forget how Lincoln puts rocks in his little shirt pocket...

 I know it sounds crazy, but you should try it. Every time your phone goes off or you want to check your Facebook feed, hug the kids instead. It is really worth it.

Not to mention the housework. Turns out that it's really not that overwhelming when your face isn't glued to your phone for half of the day.

Like we've all said a million times, they're only little once. They need their mama's attention, and I am determined to give them all that their little hearts need.

I've struggled lately with feeling consumed by them, and feeling like I have nothing to call my own outside these walls. You know, the mommy meltdown. I know some of that came from a lot of distractions. I think when we accept our calling and pour ourselves into His plan that He has set in action, true contentment will follow.

So I'm trying, and I'm needing to find total contentment in His plan for me - and for now, it's with a half dozen kiddos.

All grace. Even the draining times.

So here's to more time squeezing my kids, and less time reading statuses. Sound like a plan?

The Chain Of Events

I put him down...

The worried look sets in...

 

The lips comes out...

 

He confirms to all who will listen that this is the worst moment he's had in 13 months...

 

And then I pick him up and give him whatever his little manly heart desires...

He knows how to work the system. Already.

Oh well, how can I resist that quivering lip??

I Have A Lot Of Feet To Cover...

And I like to cover those sweet toes with the best of the best.

It's been a month since Ella and I flew to the other side of the country to hang out with the folks at Nike. Have I mentioned that we loved every second of it? And that the people and the company and all their products are amazing? I thought so. The video they made of that weekend was SO great to see...
 
Pretty cool, eh?

I have been running for quite some time. And I've been an athlete for even longer than that. In fact, when we walked into the Nike Research Lab I said, "Oh goodness, the smell of the track, I love it.".

It just brings back memories. Good memories. Strong memories.

After we learned so much at Nike about the new Nike Free's, I knew I had to give them a go. I wore them the whole time we were there, and by the end of the trip, I knew they were made for my early morning runs.

Folks, I don't write about things on the 'ol blog unless I'm passionate about it. So hear me when I say that you must try these shoes. They are so light and so flexible, I promise you will thank me - actually, you'll be thanking Nike.

And let me get just a tad girly on you all. The new colors they have out right now are nothing short of fabulous. Mine are so, so bright and I get LOADS of compliments. How great is it that you can have a rockin' pair of running shoes that are super stylish as well?

Train more effectively AND look cute while doing it? Um, yes please. You can find my kicks here.

Our group from that weekend had so many great people...

Ella and I are 3rd from the left :).

Good memories. Great times.

I even put Lincoln in some flexible shoes of his own, and they are hands down the best shoes I've ever had for a new walker. And that says a lot cause I've had a lot of new walkers in my time.

He'll be the star Quarter Back in no time.

So anyway, take my word on these shoes. They are fantastic! Kids Nike FREE Run: If your feet flex, shouldn't your shoes flex too? Must-have flexibility for young feet.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Nike via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Nike”

Boys Are The Opposite Of Girls. It's A Fact.

Sooo...Lincoln broke half of his front tooth off. Yep, cracked that thing right off after he preformed the king of all nose dives.

This boy. Is SO different. Than his sisters.

Today, after he almost knocked himself out by running into the refrigerator, and then insisted on chasing and then picking up bugs outside, I thought I could use a refresher of how different boys are than girls.

And I'm starting to think that the word "different" doesn't even do it justice.

So I went back and read through my field trip experience where I led more than my fair share of 1st grade boys around a museum. It was a good reminder :)...

------------------

I went on a field trip yesterday with Ella's 1st grade class to the Kid's museum. Yep,  with all 26 of them.

I thought if running around the museum wouldn't help labor along, at least the bus rides would. Goodness, I don't think that bus missed one pothole.

Go ahead and add potholes to the list of Things That Make Pregnant Ladies Pee.

I knew the moment I heard Ella and some other little girls singing a cute girly song, while the little boys in the seat behind me were yelling, "my butt is on fire, my butt is on fire!", that I was about to get a close up view at how different the 2 genders are.

(I had to turn and look out the window to try to hide my laughter as the teacher told them to stop yelling that.)

And while you would think it was full of learning about science and solar systems, I got to spend the day with a group of boys who taught me a few things.

1. Boys run, they don't walk. And they don't care about leaving you in the dust even though you're pregnant and waddling.

2. "Get in a straight line" somehow translates to "push each other over and act like you're throwing grenades."

3. While the girls play tea party at the water table, the boys will try to dunk each others heads. Repeatedly.

(note to self - its hard to correct and/or discipline them when you think what they're doing is hilarious as well. Insert parent chaperon fail here.)

4. Pointing at you with the fake gun they made with their hand and making shooting noises is sort of a sign of endearment.

5. They can go to the bathroom alone, unlike the girls in the group who have to go together. And they don't play in front of the mirror while in there. They get their business done, and they get out.

6. At lunch, they just eat. They aren't sitting down to chat with their friends about the 1st half of  their day, they are re-fueling, catching a quick breath, and then moving on. Why chat when you can play?

7. Sweating is just part of who they are, because they never stop moving.

8. They don't really want to ask for help, but when they do, it is so, so sweet.

9. The girls are clearly more interested in them than they are in the girls. They have bigger things on their plates, like saving the universe.

10. Bodily functions are a topic of interest, and apparently are hilarious as well. The more embarrassing, the better.

11. There is no drama with boys like there is with the girls. There is a disagreement, maybe a shove or a "stop it!!!", and then they carry on. It's wonderful.

12.Pregnancy doesn't interest them like it does the little ladies who have a million questions. One little boy summed it up well when he said, "Umm...Ella...I think you're mom is pregnant...or something." I'm pretty sure that was the nice way of saying, "Ella, your mom has put on some weight in the mid-section since the Christmas party."

Goodness, it was a small glimpse at what it's like to spend the day with such rambunctious little spirits.

Made me even more excited to watch our little guy grow.

So what else can you tell me about boys? What else am I in for, friends? :)

They Are...

my handful...

my crew...

my giggle boxes...

my "clean up in aisle 3" offenders...

my entourage...

my little gymnasts...

my reason for saying "don't-make-me-come-up-there"...

my grocery shopping partners...

my reality check...

my challenge to be a better me...

my reason the neighbor kids are always here...

 my shove to seek Him more...

my group that flushes un-flushable things down the toilet...

my gifts...

my reason for sometimes wanting to pull my hair out...

my cuddle bugs...

my joy...

my hardest job...

my wake up call...

my "color on the wall" crew...

my deep breath...

my adventure seekers...

my grace personified...

my sanity...

my sidekicks...

my loves.

And most importantly, they are the ones who call me mama.

Thankful. Blessed. Challenged.

They wear many hats :).

Hope you all had a wonderful Mothers Day!