A rainbow party for the big two-year-old!

This is a little late...well, a few months late. But I never get any down time with a wild two-year-old! I absolutely loved Mackena's second birthday party theme! I discovered rainbow parties on pinterest. And I knew it would be perfect. Mackena loves bright colors. I enjoy planning birthday parties...so I had tons of fun with this one. The day went so well. Mackena had a blast and received so many amazing gifts.

yummy marshmallows!

of course, we had to have a rainbow cake, too!

I can't believe how fast my little one is growing up! Time slow down!!

One year ago today..

Mackena was six months old and meeting her Daddy for the very first time. Nine long months apart. Deployments are incredibly tough; but homecomings are simply amazing.

I wanna be crunchy...

Well, sorta. I have crunchy mama (aka all-natural) tendencies. I am not as cool and crunchy as tons of you mamas out there that go the distance, and I don't claim to be. I want to treat the earth well. My daughter, along with her generation (and future generations), deserve a healthy planet. I try to use things that are chemical-free and safe. I'm trying to find fresher, healthier alternatives, and cut out the processed garbage we eat every day .
Breastfeeding is green! I am still nursing a wild, rambunctious 17-month-old. Never did I think I would breastfeed for as long as I have. And I'm so thankful I made that decision and stuck with it.
We try to buy organic! The area we're in doesn't have much to offer, but we get what we can.
I recently made the decision to start cloth diapering and I'm SO excited!

Love these diapers!

I know, I used disposables for 17 months; I regret that. Recently, I discovered this wide world of cloth! Cloth diapers, cloth wipes, cloth breast pads, cloth "paper" towels...all of these amazing ways to be eco-friendly and save money. We will cloth diaper our future babies from the start.
Now I'm cleaning my house with vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Definitely been missing out. I will never buy all of those expensive cleaners again!
And my faaaavorite solution for teething...

Mackena's amber teething necklace.

I am constantly asking my husband for a composter, a clothesline, a garden and a chicken coop in the back yard. :) It's pretty clear that he thinks I'm a little crazy.
I'm not perfect. Occasionally I eat meat; sometimes I shave my legs ;) I had to have a c-section and wasn't able to have a beautiful birthing experience; due to some health problems I've had. Of course, there's so much more I could do. And I'm in the process of learning and doing my research. I'm always open to other's advice. A lot of this is still new to me. Okay, I think I have rambled enough.

EASY slow cooker baked potato soup.

There's nothing like a bowl of hot soup to warm you up in the winter. This is my favorite potato soup recipe because it tastes delicious and it's super easy. Enjoy!!


Ingredients: 

• 2 cans sliced potatoes (drained)
• 2 cans cream of potato soup
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1-1/2 cups mild shredded cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes:

• bacon pieces (you can make your own and crumble. I always use the Hormel real bacon pieces)
• chives (dried or fresh)
• shredded cheese

Directions:

• Mix everything together in your slow cooker.
• Cook on high for about 2 hours, until it begins to boil, stirring occasionally.
• Stir until well blended and serve.
• Top with your choice of garnishes.

Yields about 8 servings.

Breastfeeding... from my perspective.

There are several things that I am very passionate about. My family, animals, cancer research, people’s rights, football, and BREASTFEEDING! Breastfeeding is extremely important to me.

I am incredibly proud to say that I am a currently nursing a 14-month-old toddler. It has been a journey, to say the least. My daughter nurses on demand… probably about 6 times per day and once, occasionally twice during the night. And I’m perfectly fine with that.

I went into breastfeeding with little information. I wish I would have primed myself a little more… I had all of the gear I needed and then some, just not all of the knowledge or support. It didn’t matter. I was DETERMINED I would breastfeed my baby! I wanted to provide her with the best nutrition possible… milk that was uniquely designed for her teeny tiny tummy. How hard could it be?

Talk about frustration! Breastfeeding was tremendously difficult. (Not to be mistaken for impossible!) The first day was a breeze. Mackena latched on perfectly the entire day! I was thrilled! And then the second day came, and she wouldn’t cooperate. The colostrum wouldn’t come immediately, so she would become frustrated, unlatch, and scream. This went on for two days. It was a nightmare. I was concerned she wasn’t going to nurse. Ever. And that wasn’t an option. I had a lovely, experienced nurse from the nursery come to my room and help me. She solved my crisis. Thank goodness!!! I had more bumps along my breastfeeding road. When Mac was around two weeks, I developed a horrible case of mastitis. Ouch!! That is when a pump came in handy! There were a few issues throughout the first six months. Me- ALWAYS worrying about my supply. I had times where she went through growth spurts and I thought she was starving. I remember sitting and crying because I thought I could not nourish my own child! Those few times, I would run out and buy formula to supplement, and then I would beat myself up for days. But I now know that’s okay. I hate to admit it, but my daughter had formula maybe five times, and I’m not proud of it, but I’m human, I’m not perfect. I didn’t give up. And that is my advice to all other mommies out there who choose to breastfeed. 

One thing that helped me through was the support of my amazing husband. He was on a deployment and halfway around the world, but he always had the right words when I was at my wits’ end. He always encouraged me to breastfeed. My family however, wasn’t very supportive. I’m originally from a small town, and breastfeeding is something that just isn’t talked about. In fact, I had family members act weird towards me, push formula on me, and even say the way I was feeding my child was “gross”. It didn’t stop me. So I never nursed around them, or just didn’t spend much time around them all together. Their loss! I know what I am doing for my child is best. And that’s enough to keep me going. :)

I now love breastfeeding. I love the bond between Mackena and me. This is how I see it, I lost my mother to breast cancer. Numerous studies show that women who breastfeed are more protected against breast and ovarian cancer... so if I can be more protected and live a long life and see my daughter grow up, sign me up!! I am saddened by all of the mommies who don't even offer their babies the breast. Or they do and give up within the first three weeks. There are soooooo many benefits for your baby AND you!!! It really is worth it. Also, think of ALL the money you will save because you won't be buying infant formula.

Don't give up!!! Breast milk makes SUPERRR healthy babies! :)

What a wonderful year it has been!

(...Except for my hubby being on an 8.5 month deployment and meeting Mackena when she was over 6 months old!!!)
Our big girl is a year old now! (Well, she'll be 14 months in a week! I'm a little late with this post!) I cannot BELIEVE how fast this past year has gone by! And Mackena has grown into this amazing little person, FULL of personality! She's starting to walk, she's loud and giggly... she loves to talk and scream, and she has the chubbiest cheeks! She always has a smile on her face... and she loves giving kisses. She's an angel. And I still can't believe God blessed me with such a beautiful little girl. She makes my life sooo complete. I cherish every second I get to spend with her.
Charles wanted to make Mackena a slide show for her very first birthday party. From my pregnancy, to the day she turned one! Every time I watch it, I cry. I still can't believe she's a toddler! Seems like just yesterday she was brand new. Charles and I love her more than words. She is truly our world.

Mackena Grace

November 9, 2010  10:14am
7 lb 5 oz   19 3/4"

6 days old.

3 months old.

6 months old.

9 months old.

One year!!!

Life is short, unexpected and full of ups and downs!!! So live it to the fullest. Never settle for less than you deserve. And always, shoot for the stars. Nothing is out of your reach. You're life is just beginning!!! 

three years ago today...

December 7, 2008 was the worst day of my life thus far.

I can remember every second of that day and it plays continuously in my head like a movie.

I want to say that time makes things easier... but this I have found, is not true.

December 7, 2008 was a day that changed my entire life. 

I lost my best friend.

I lost half of my heart.

I lost myself.

December 7, 2008 feels like it was just yesterday... but seems so long ago.

I'm lost without you.

I need you.

I miss you.

December 7, 2008, I lost my Mama. My amazing Mama.

She was the person that loved me unconditionally.

She knew me like no one in this world.

On December 7, 2008, I had to say goodbye to her. 

There isn't a day that goes by, that I'm not thinking of her.

I'm full of so many emotions, especially on this day.

My heart aches.

If only I could have one more day with her.... 

My angel

I know you're in heaven, watching over me. Over your granddaughter. Over the entire family.

I dream about you often. And sometimes feel you close by.

I am thankful to have so many wonderful memories with you.

I love you so much, Mama. I miss you every second of every day.

Forever loved and forever missed.