My Sweet Emersyn Leigh

Emersyn Leigh-

Rule follower from the very beginning- born on her exact due date... how can she possibly be FIVE today.

She was the baby that didn't need child proofing, the timid toddler that didn't walk till 16 months, and now the little girl that melts my heart on the daily.  She is a rule follower- almost to a fault.
At her birthday breakfast she asked if the cinnamon roll on her plate was healthy- because if it wasn't then she would eat it last since it is more of a treat.

She is always wanting to please those around her.  After her birthday party, she asked how she did with her manners and if I thought she was polite and kind to all her friends- YES my sweet girl!!!!!

'Let's just chat' she will often say- this is normally in the car or at bedtime.  It is within these chats that I see her growing, worrying, learning, and becoming her own little person.  She will ask simple questions- like how words are spelled, or how something works in the world and then she will ask the hard questions- ones that deal with Heaven and faith.  I listen and answer the best I can-  trying to see how her little brain is working.

The other night she expressed that she didn't want grandma to have white hair- when I asked why- she explained it was because white hair meant you were close to going to Heaven and she didn't want to be without grandma.

She is timid in new settings, especially when she doesn't know the expectations or rules set for her.  However, when she does feel comfortable the joy and silliness spills out.  Her all time favorite thing to do is ACT.  We spend countless hours role playing every single movie or show- she is always the princess or queen and I am always the villain.  There have been days where I plead to just be mommy for a minute- but I always end up as Ursula the Sea Witch or Mother Gothel.

She is my teacher....
In the morning, if we are having a rough start (normally a clothing battle) and we are getting frustrated and beginning to yell- she will stop and say, "Let's just hug and start over."

"Mom could you move Rowyn from that sharp corner, it's just making me nervous."  These are the phrases I hear from her about her little sister.  She is Rowyn's keeper, her guardian.  I over hear her saying, "No, no sweetie don't touch that."  "Come on darling let's play." "Oh honey, what's wrong?"  She is so caring and thoughtful and simply put- exactly what I always knew she would be as a sister.

There are days we are having the deepest of conversations when I want to cry because she seems so old....
then she asks , "Mama, could you please do me a favorite?" - she means, a favor.  I don't want to correct her because I selfishly love those small glimpses that remind me she is still my sweet little girl and every day is a true blessing.

So as she said her prayers tonight, adding at the very end "Oh and God, thank you for letting me turn five."  I echo that thankfulness.  Thank you Lord, for five healthy and happy years with this little girl- thank you for allowing me to be her mama and guide me in all the years to come- may I not fail her, as she deserves the best.

Top 3 Health/Wellness Buys of 2017

I am always on the look out for healthy items to add to my daily/weekly routine.  I look at blogs, YouTube videos, instagram accounts, and local health stores for items that would be worth buying and using regularly.
This year I have found 3 items that I use just about DAILY and plan to purchase OVER AND OVER!!  So I had to share!!!

#1 Kodiak Protein Pancake Mix

I think I first heard about these from a blogger.  I can't even remember.  I have been making my own healthy pancakes for years using protein powder, banana, oats, etc., but I am the only one in house that will eat them.  So I thought these might just be something I could make for everyone.  I was skeptical- because let's face it lots of 'healthy' products just aren't that great tasting.  I bought a package, which I found at our local Kroger, and made some pancakes for Emersyn... wait for reaction...
"Mom, these are better than the restaurant we go to!"
BOOM!!!!
I tasted them myself and holy cow they ARE actually good!!!  So let's chat facts and why they are so darn healthy.
You can make 4 small pancakes or 1 large waffle for only 190 calories, ONLY 2g of fat, 30 carbs, 5g fiber, and a whopping 14g of PROTEIN!!!  Can you even believe that!!!??
I normally can not have whey protein at all- but this is made of a protein blend and I have found that my stomach can handle this just fine! Yipppee!
So after finding this amazing product- I went out told my mom, sister, sister in law, brother in law, shit everyone I could :) and they all now use it!! So now I'm telling you all!! This is worth a try!

We use this mix a few times a week.  I make both girls pancakes on Friday mornings when Eme has no school.  Emersyn doesn't like syrup (not sure what's wrong with her) so I drop a few dark chocolate chips into hers and Rowyn just eats them plain.  I love making mine into a waffle and adding peanut butter and fresh fruit.
We love breakfast for dinner at our house so this is a perfect addition with our omelets.  Simple healthy meal!!!

You can use the mix for pancakes, muffins, waffles- the list goes on!!!  okay I could go on and on about how much I love this stuff but onward...

Product # 2 BCAAs

Back in March, I started a program to help lose my baby weight and on that program we were instructed to drink BCAAs.  Of course I had no clue what this was or why I was drinking it at the beginning, but I quickly felt a difference in my body.  So naturally, I shared with the hubby, we became a bit more educated on the benefits, and now we both drink this DAILY!!

Do your own in-depth research if you are interested in learning more facts- I'm going to keep this super simple because I am NO EXPERT!

What does BCAA stand for?
Branch Chain Amino Acids

What do they do for our bodies? 
 Saves Muscle while burning Fat
 Suppresses Appetite
 Gives you Energy
 Reduces Belly Fat
 Boosts Immunity
 Reduces Muscle Soreness

for more detailed information on each of these visit this super helpful website http://www.crockpotempire.com/bcaas-saving-muscle-while-burning-fat/

Okay- so YES PLEASE to all of those benefits.  I workout in the mornings, and I do so on a fasted stomach.  Gasp- I know!!! How do I have the energy to workout with no breakfast?! Easy, my body is use to it now.  I wake up, drink a cup of coffee, take my BCAAs in a water bottle with me to the gym and drink during workout.  It gives me energy to power through all types of workouts (lifting, HIIT, cardio, etc.)  Then I will drink another half serving throughout the day at some point with about 20oz of water in my YETI.   For my husband, it has helped with cutting out soda.  He will drink a large cup of water with BCAAs every morning and at night!

We buy ours off Amazon because you can select from lots of flavors but in a pinch I have purchase from Kroger.  I'm telling you I drink it daily and can tell a difference on days I don't.

Product #3 Collagen Peptides

What the what??  That's what I was thinking when this dang product kept popping up in ALL my health instagram feeds.  So I had to do some research to see what all the fuss was about.  Let's just say I liked what I learned... 

Sleep quality: Better cognitive function, a sounder sleep cycle and and less daytime drowsiness according to clinical studies shown here

Bone & joint health: Glycine speeds up wound healing and helps loosen up stiff joints

Weight loss: For every 2 scoops of collagen, you will ingest about 18 grams of protein. Try adding a few scoops to your morning coffee or drink to feel more satiated

Digestive aid: Aids in soothing and healing the digestive tract, as well as helping to repair the mucous lining. In addition, collagen helps to digest the protein and fat found in food, which leads to the body being able to digest them more easily!

Skin health: Ensures elasticity and regeneration of the skin. The amino acids that are found in collagen have been linked to anti-aging. A study in 2014 showed that women who took collagen peptides regularly for eight weeks saw a 20% reduction in wrinkle

Above info and more in-depth information can be found at the following website: http://themovementmenu.com/collagen-benefits-and-recipes/

I personally add 1 scoop of collagen to my morning coffee and 1 scoop to my afternoon match or green tea!  It really helps curb my appetite! 

OKAY!!! There you have it- MY TOP 3 MUST HAVES FOR 2017!!!

I would love to hear what your 'health' items are that you can't live without! I am always on the hunt for a good protein powder that doesn't leave me bloated, and I am really looking for the right supplements/vitamins right now for my body.

Here's to our healthiest year of all!

New Year Resolutions

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I have the resolution to get back to blogging! Why? Because I enjoy it and want to make time for it again!! I would love to hear from you all in the comments about what you would like to see more of on the blog.... kids, decorating, house, health, food, workouts, fashion...

Right now I have resolutions on the brain:

I think health/wellness is an area that is most likely on every resolution list in some shape or form.  I know it is certainly on mine and in more than one way.
I have struggled with stomach issues for as long as I can remember.  I've seen many doctors, gone through many tests, and tried many different 'diets'.  Have I found the exact answer to all my gut problems? No.  The gut is a tricky thing.  So for me, this new year will be about selecting foods to fuel me and make me FEEL good.  It is not about a diet that will help lose fast weight- we all know those don't last.  So it is planning meals and snacks that are based around REAL foods.  And taking the right supplements to support my gut.
So resolution #1- CLEAN eating 90% of the time!!! TRACK meals in My Fitness Pal App to stay accountable.
On top of eating clean, I plan to stick with my intermittent fasting at least 5 days a week.  I can share more on intermittent fasting later if there is an interest in this! I love it and how it makes me feel.

Resolution #2- WORKOUT!! This one is actually easy for me.  I really enjoy working out!  The feeling of getting in a good sweat is simply necessary for me!  So my goals are more specific than just to workout.  I am looking for programs or guides that keep me accountable and motivated.  I plan to follow these guides throughout the year.  (Right now I am doing a 4 week- macro guided cut)
My goals are not weight based but strength based. ex. 25 regular push ups- 5 pull ups -etc.- these numbers might change as the year goes?!

Resolution #3- take care of my GUT!!  That may sound strange but gut health, I have learned, can be the cause for so many other health related issues.  With such stomach issues, I am making it a priority to find supplements/vitamins that can help stay healthy.

I would love to hear from you all!!! what are your health and wellness goals??  what would you like to hear more about- recipes/daily eating, intermittent fasting, workout plans, macro counting, etc.?

Tell me your favorites!! your fav recipes, workouts, programs to follow, supplements you love, etc.

Exciting News!!!!

ok who thinks I'm preggers....

well- so sorry to disappoint! We are all good as a family of 4 right now ;)

BUT...... the exciting news is....

I will be back IN STORE  at the West Elm at Keystone Mall doing LIVE watercolor portraits this weekend!!!! December 2nd 10-4
I am super excited to bring some of my most recent prints to sell- because I can't get my act together and get them posted on my etsy shop!  I will also have a very limited amount of new Christmas cards and other greeting cards.

On top of selling prints, I will be in store from 10am-4pm snapping pictures of shoppers and creating their custom family portraits!  What a perfect time to dress up your sweet kiddos and/or whole family, stop in at West Elm, I'll take a picture and get to drawing/painting while you shop or even visit Santa!  (If you can't wait for picture to be completed, it will be mailed free of charge!)

You are welcome to submit a family picture early and I will have it pre-drawn and will paint in store- just email it to me at jlmmoments@gmail.com.

Pricing:
1 person- $25 - each additional person $15

You can even use your painted picture as your Christmas card, as past clients have done.

Grab your sweet kiddos and visit me at KEYSTONE MALL- WEST ELM- SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND 10-4!!!!!

Home Tour Part 1

(of course my wreath fell for this pic)

After about 9 months of building, we finally moved into our home and it has now been about 2 years here.  With each passing month, we are filling this house with memories that will last a lifetime- just as I imagined! (welcoming Rowyn to our family, family dinners, endless pool parties out back, etc.)  This labor of love is finally truly becoming our HOME- in every sense of the word.
My talented design sister, Jessica Marhoefer, had a photographer visit the house to capture a few of the design details, and this house will never be so clean again so thought I better blog it!

PART 1: Main living space-  I wanted an open, airy feel.  A clean, simple design that was classic and timeless.  I added shiplap to a few main walls to prevent toddler finger marks and scuffs.

 I was originally against a tv above the fireplace.  Now having it there... it does make the most sense.  I had to have a gallery wall, because I love displaying family pictures.  The large cabinets on either side of the built-ins are great for toy storage.

Butler's Pantry that leads into the formal dining room.  Many homes now don't have formal dining spaces.  I really wanted one- I had the idea of having family dinners and holidays spent there.  I will say in nearly 2 years this table has not been sat at yet... soooo I might rethink that if I were to ever do this building thing again.  But I sure do love the pretty wallpaper in there- still need curtains.

 That is just a little peak at the main living space of our home.  The first floor also has a mudroom, play room, my husband's office and my office- I'll share those next!

If you have any questions on the source of anything you see- just ask, I'd be happy guide you in the right direction.

As I finish posting these pictures and look around, I realize I need to CLEAN!!!

Jumping Out of My Comfort Zone

The last time I jumped out of my comfort zone completely was when I stepped away from teaching.  It was one of the scariest decisions I had ever made.  Being a teacher was part of who I was, and if that was taken away, then who would I be.

After a full year home and away from teaching, I am slowly redefining who I am.  That within itself has been a process.  I'm a mom, a wife, an artist but I still wanted more.  That is when I jumped WAY out of my comfort zone again and signed up to be a Rodan and Fields Consultant.

Here's my story...

I had just had my first child and turned 30 all within 2 months, and suddenly my skin looked different to me- not as bright, healthy, and youthful.  I started to notice sun spots, wrinkles, and simply the lack of an even skin tone.  I wanted to find something that would be a fix for all this and even though at that point I had heard of Rodan and Fields I still explored just about every other outlet first.  I watched countless YouTube gurus and their makeup/skin care routines and tried products they recommended, all of which were expensive and not connected or working together in any way.  I then went to a facialist and was willing to try whatever she recommended.  After nearly a year of spending WAY TOO much money on random products that were not giving me any results, I finally decided to give Rodan and Fields a chance.

I joined in on a facebook conversation about the products and decided with a 60 money back guarantee and amazing results from so many it was worth a chance.  I started using the Reverse Regimen and immediately loved the way it felt on my skin.  I could tell the quality of product I had been using didn’t compare.  After Reverse, I used the Redefine in my early pregnancy and because my skin went crazy during my second pregnancy I used Unblemish.  All regimens have been amazing, and I will continue using them as my skin’s needs change.  

That is when I started looking more at the business side of R+F.  I was impressed that it was started by the highly respectable and innovative doctors behind Proactive.  They started initially selling in Nordstrom stores and were #1 in sales.  However, they had a different vision in getting their products to customers (men and women).  Their business model allows consultants to build their own amazing business while getting their products to others.  They saw the value of word of mouth. I like that this is non-party based, I don’t have to keep a stock of product, I could make money simply by sharing a product that I saw was working, and I also got a discount on my own product. 

Rodan + Fields is a skincare line that is truly changing skin and changing lives.

Feel free to visit my website to take the Solution Tool Quiz to see what products might be best for you.  Then contact me and lets chat!! jlmmoments@gmail.com

Welcoming a Sister

It was no secret that I found myself feeling very nervous about adding another little lady to our family of 3.  It was not that I worried about not being able to love another baby as much as Emersyn- it revolved more about me being scared.  I had become so comfortable with the routine and way of life that Eme and I had, and I found myself being terrified of what a new baby would do to that.  Emersyn was my little lady, my sweet girl, my best friend and I never wanted her to feel any different about our relationship when the baby came.

Emersyn has always been a deep thinker, a worrier in a sense.  During my pregnancy, Emersyn once said to me at bedtime, "I'm scared mommy."  I asked what she was scared of...thinking maybe the dark or sleeping alone because daddy was traveling but that wasn't at all what was in her little mind.  She replied, "I'm scared to be a big sister,  I don't know if I will be good or what big sisters do."  She is 3 people!!!!!!  And if that doesn't just break your heart.  There she sat, my sweet, sweet girl worrying about this transition just as much as I was.  From that moment on we had tons of chats about how we were going to be a team and how she would be able to be an amazing big sister.

As the day grew closer, I felt pretty confident that her main emotion towards having a new sister was excitement.

Then Rowyn Mae arrived,,, Emersyn came to visit.  She was quiet but wanted to come and snuggle Ro and me.  She gave her kisses and rubbed her little head.  Then it was time for her to leave with my mom (where she was going to stay for a few days).  She didn't want to leave. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and asked if she could just stay with her mama.

There it was- a glimpse of her realizing things had changed... and my heart broke a little.

The first day home Emersyn woke up in the middle of the night crying and wanting me to sleep with her... tough to do when I have a new born nursing every 2-3 hours.  The next day she was a bit of a handful.  So we had a little chat that night in bed, and I asked her how she was feeling about having Rowyn home with us because I noticed she wasn't acting like her normal self.  She teared up and said, "I'm sorry mommy, I'm just not use to all of this."  In my hormonal, exhausted state, I started crying with her and said, "I know, I'm not use to all of this either.  We have to work together as a family."

With Emersyn being a bit older (almost 4) I focused on her being a big helper and being able to play independently when the baby came.  I never prepared myself for her ability to truly express how she felt about all this change.  The real kicker came a few days later as Eme and I were in her playroom.  She was tinkering with her princess dolls and she overheard me call Rowyn 'my sweet girl'.  (This has always been what I call Eme)  She immediately stopped playing, looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "I thought I was your sweet girl."  OH SHIT!!  I tried to explain that she still was and would always be and that I loved her and Rowyn both.  Her response, "But she just got here."  There you have it- a 3 year old's point of view- how could you love her as much as me, she only just got here!

That's the funny thing about becoming a parent.  It is the only love that truly is felt so instantaneously down to your very soul.

I am happy to say Rowyn Mae has stolen our hearts.  And Emersyn is stealing kisses, singing to her, watching over her, and falling beautifully into her big sister role.  Just the other day Emersyn looked at me and said, "I love you so much mommy and I love Rowyn too.  I'm glad she's in our family"