raisingprincessarriors

A speedy variation on #TacoTuesday this week! ⠀ ⠀ When I was prepping meals on Sunday, I discovered I only had 2 tortilla shells. Knowing Luke’s and the girls love for cheesy chips, I dug through our pantry to find tortilla chips. ⠀ ⠀ I threw 2 chicken breasts in the crockpot with salsa and taco seasoning to cook while I was at work. When I got home I layered tortilla chips and shredded cheese on a sheet pan and broiled it until the cheese was melted. Luke and Charley had theirs with chicken, salsa, and ranch, while Frankie, Kori, and I added onion and peppers, rice, and black beans. With having the peppers and onions still frozen from my CSA share and stocking up on the rest of toppings when they were on sale, I fed the 5 of us for under $10! ⠀ ⠀ Quick, easy, cheap, and filling, plus as bonus, Luke was able to eat it one handed in the tractor.⠀ ⠀ What is your favorite nacho topping? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #mealplan #foodallergy #mealprepideas #mealprepsundays #yumyumyum #workingmomsrock #busymomlifestyle #momhack #lifehack #gardenfood #budgetfriendly #budgethacks #budgetmeals #monthlymealplanning #menuplanning #nourishingfood #foodprepping #prepyourfood #planyourlife #happyplannergirl #mealplanning #mealpreplife #mealpreptips #mealprepandchill #illinoisblogger #midwestbloggers #0415mamas

Messy hair, pajamas all day, and dreaming of being where the people are! Just kidding on that last part... #QuarantineLife is Frankie’s jam! Staying home and snacking all day is her 2nd favorite thing ever.⠀ ⠀ Frankie felt Quattro move for the first time 2 weeks ago. Now every time we snuggle in bed, she asks if the baby is awake. Most nights she falls asleep with her hand on my stomach just waiting to feel a kick. She asks daily if it’s Sunday yet, “Cuz my birthday is Sunday and then it’s the baby’s birthday.” ⠀ ⠀ She is full of funny mix ups right now and my 2 favorites are “panpakes” (pancakes) and “tippy tot” (teeter totter.)⠀ ⠀ Does your toddler have any great mixups?⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #motherhood #momlifeisthebestlife #momlifebelike #maternalmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #thisjoyfulmoment #mamasgirl #girlmomlife #meanmom #extendedbreastfeeding #timeoutfromlife #mywholeheart❤️ #postpartumdepression #mendingmotherhood #makingovermotherhood #selflesslove #mentalhealthmatters #myhonestmotherhood #motherhooduprising #girlmomma #mamasofinstagram #letthembekids #toddlerisms #toddlergram #middlechildsyndrome #4yearold #preschoollife #0414mamas

It was a no good, terrible, horrible rotten day. ⠀ ⠀ We didn’t get dressed in our Easter best. Most of us didn’t even get out of our jammies. The Easter Bunny skipped our house and we had zero traditions. ⠀ ⠀ Yesterday was a tough day for me as a mother. The girls are starting to act out in the changes in their routine. I discovered Charley had our sitters daughter do her school work. Frankie decided to color on the walls. Kori got mad at Frankie and bit her hard enough to bruise. Charley and Frankie dumped EVERY.SINGLE.TOY out in the toy room right before rest time. I threatened, cajoled, and even resorted to bribery to no avail to get them to clean up. It took Luke coming home and having pity on them to even make a dent in the mess.⠀ ⠀ Life isn’t always what you see on these little squares on Instagram. It’s hard. It’s messy. Sometimes we make brownies and eat half the pan while locked in the bathroom crying. ⠀ ⠀ How do you handle those no good, terrible, horrible, rotten days? ⠀ ⠀ #princesswarrior #warriorprincess #strongwomenraisestrongwomen #strongwomenlifteachotherup #sistersquad #motherdaughter #motherhoodrising #girlhood #strengthinmotherhood #momofgirls #girlmomma #girlmoms #honestmotherhood #momentsinmotherhood #motherhoodintheraw #discoverunder5k #raisethemright #myhonestmotherhood #anxietyhelp #sisterlylove #travelmama #toddlerhoodisfun #sassypants #girlmomlife #mygirltribe #strongwilledchild #trainupachild #0413mamas⠀

I broke quarantine rule 15: thou shall not cut thy own hair!⠀ ⠀ I was starting to get desperate before the shelter in place rule was announced but couldn’t find the time to get my hair cut. THEN all the YouTube tutorials started showing up. After years of cutting my mom and sisters’ hair and clipping sheep and goat, I decided to just go for it. ⠀ ⠀ It’s even and all though its a pretty blunt cut and could use some layers, I’ll take it! I looks and feels so much healthier. ⠀ ⠀ Now I’m debating getting some rose gold or copper color from @overtonecolor 😬🧑🏻‍🎤👩🏻‍🎤⠀ ⠀ Have you something on a crazy whim this past month?? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #beautyguru #getreadywithme #diditforthegram #everydaymakeuplook #everydaymakeuproutine #drugstorebeauty #lorealmakeup #beccacosmetics #urbandecaynaked #morningroutines #blueeyedbeauty #blondeblogger #beauty #beachywaves #freshfaced #dailymakeup #makeupislife #fashionable #amazonfashion #followunder5k #girlmomlife #momlife❤️ #mommylifestyle #momof3girls #homestylist #motherhoodintheraw #momlifebelike #quarentine2020

This sweet girl has made lemonade out of lemons celebrating her birthday during a time of social distancing and is celebrating at the sitters with unicorn cupcakes and an Easter Egg hunt! ⠀ ⠀ I don’t know how the past 5 years have flown by so quickly. I don’t think there’s ever been a person more destined to be the oldest sibling than Charlotte SuzAnne. A natural born leader, yet tender hearted and loving, often stepping in as a temporary mama 💕 a stubborn streak a mile wide. She takes after her daddy with her mathematical mind and after her mama with her love of dresses and all things pretty. She’s the perfect mix of rough and tough and pretty in pink. ⠀ ⠀ Happy 6th birthday, Charley Sue! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #kindergarten #learntoread #kindergartenteacher #sass #childhoodeveryday #childhoodthroughinstagram #motherdaughterlove #homeworktime #thisjoyfulmoment #motherhoodintheraw #fashionistastyle #everymothercounts #toddlerfashionista #thelittlethingsinlife #mymotherhood #everymomentcounts #momitforward #momentsinmotherhood #uniteinmotherhood #acupofmotherhood #mommemes #mommylifestyle #happybirthday🎂 #6yearsold #loveyourself #0410mamas #happybirthdaybaby #birthdaywishes

T-2 hours until the 20 week anatomy scan for baby Quattro! ⠀ ⠀ It is still up in the air as to whether or not we will find out the gender. Luke made me promise to bring him a sealed envelope with the results from the scan. ⠀ ⠀ For those of you who don’t know, with Frankie - I found out the gender by myself, and Luke let it slip to his family after I told him. They were the only ones to know until birth. With Kori, I was the only one who knew until the very end. So chances are, even if we do know - we won’t announce. ⠀ ⠀ Do you do a gender reveal, let the news out spread organically, or are you team green? ⠀ ⠀ #pregnancyannouncement #pregnantandperfect #pregnancylife #pregnancyjourney #fourkids #fourkidsandcrazy #pregnancyproblems #morningsickness #girlmomlife #everymother #myhonestmotherhood #barefootandpregnant #bumpdate #bellybump #babynest #teampink #teamblue #teamgreen #littleduck #20weeks #letterboard #letterboardquotes #firsttrimester #spillthetea #momof4 ⠀

There’s something special about a third child. (I’m not saying that because I’m a third kid, too 😂)⠀ ⠀ She’s our little sunshine. She has us all whipped: from Charley holding her hand every car ride and rubbing her head, to Frankie fetching whatever snack she wants, and Daddy caving at her sweet side. That’s just at home too! She runs the show at the sitters and I get lots of SnapChats of the crazy things she and Bo (the sitters 4 year old son) have done. ⠀ ⠀ You can find her by following her little voice because she never stops talking, she loves to play peek-a-boo, dumping cereal everywhere, and is happiest with a sucker or a package of fruit snacks. Little Lou reminds me every day to live life to the fullest! ⠀ ⠀ Where are you in the birth order? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #farmlifeisthebestlife #countrylivingforever #farmlifestyle #farmhouse #farmwifelife #farmgirl #farmerslife #farmer #farming #fallwinter #lifeinthecountry #countryliving #farmhouseproblems #farmwife #farmhouseliving #countrykids #imagination #1000hoursoutside #simplejoy #mudpuddles #splashsplash #farmkids #girlslikeyou #outdoorplay #outdoorlifestyle #livelifeoutdoors #playoutside #0408mamas

Random fact: I have a severe aversion to pork when I’m pregnant. ⠀ ⠀ @chrissyteigen’s Literally Stovetop Pork Chops was the first time I have been able to tolerate any pork besides bacon this pregnancy. They were so good Frankie (who would rather have all the veggies) ate 3 servings! ⠀ ⠀ Are you trying any new recipes during the quarantine? I’m up for any good recipes to use up some of the pork we have in our freezer. ⠀ ⠀ #mealplan #foodallergy #mealprepideas #mealprepsundays #yumyumyum #workingmomsrock #busymomlifestyle #momhack #lifehack #gardenfood #budgetfriendly #budgethacks #budgetmeals #monthlymealplanning #menuplanning #nourishingfood #foodprepping #prepyourfood #planyourlife #happyplannergirl #mealplanning #mealpreplife #mealpreptips #mealprepandchill #illinoisblogger #midwestbloggers #0407mamas⠀ ⠀

“There is is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” - Rachel Carson ⠀ ⠀ Snake cakes, Gator rides, sunshine, and all the fresh air made for the perfect weekend. Everywhere I looked, I saw signs of spring. Budding trees, tulip and hyacinth sprouts, forsythia bushes, greening grass, and even robins building nests. Every one of those small signs reminded me that there is life after seasons of cold and darkness. It reminds me to wait, be patient, the storm will pass. ⠀ ⠀ We have so much hope... we just have to remember to look for it. ⠀ ⠀ Where are you finding hope?⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #maternalmentalhealth #momlife #mentalhealthmatters #suicideprevention #makingovermotherhood #girlmomlife #depressionawareness #workingmomlife #postpartumrealtalk #wordsofencouragement #silencetheshame #mentalheath #mentalhealthwarrior #anxietywarrior #overcominganxiety #mentalhealthstigma #honestmomconfessions #postpartumdepression #realmomtalk #warriormom #postpartumanxietyawareness #postpartumanxiety #ppd #ppa #perinatalmentalhealth #mamatribe #0406mamas

Life was so much simpler when you could splash your troubles away in a mud puddle. (These puddles were glorious as they were left by loaded semi tire ruts at the grain bin site.) ⠀ This time is reminding me so much of my childhood. I have fond memories of building ramps to jump our bikes, creating mud slides in our front yard, marathon hide and seek games, dropping fireworks down the chimney or shooting them off the roof, mudding the 4 wheelers down the back roads. ⠀ ⠀ I was always the instigator of the terrible ideas and for some reason I never got in trouble for them. 🤭🤭 I’ve always had a knack for talking my way out of situations. ⠀ ⠀ What is one of your favorite childhood memories? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #farmlifeisthebestlife #countrylivingforever #farmlifestyle #farmhouse #farmwifelife #farmgirl #farmerslife #farmer #farming #fallwinter #lifeinthecountry #countryliving #farmhouseproblems #farmwife #farmhouseliving #countrykids #imagination #1000hoursoutside #simplejoy #mudpuddles #splashsplash #farmkids #girlslikeyou #outdoorplay #outdoorlifestyle #livelifeoutdoors #playoutside #0405mamas ⠀

Where is the first place you are going when shelter in place is lifted? I will be heading to my favorite chiropractor for a desperately needed adjustment. (Rita, you better save a time slot for me on May 1st!) ⠀ ⠀ 19 week update:⠀ - bending over is started to get difficult as my fundal height is now a good inch past my belly button. ⠀ - baby kicks are felt mostly on my lower right side and we are very close to the girls being able to feel them too⠀ - craving: chocolate milk, fresh cucumbers, fruit, and anything sweet (donuts, cookies, cake, pie... gimme) ⠀ - long past being able to button my prepregnancy jeans but loving my Blanqi gear! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #pregnancyannouncement #pregnantandperfect #pregnancylife #pregnancyjourney #fourkids #fourkidsandcrazy #pregnancyproblems #morningsickness #girlmomlife #everymother #myhonestmotherhood #barefootandpregnant #bumpdate #bellybump #babynest #teampink #teamblue #teamgreen #littleduck #19weeks #letterboard #letterboardquotes #secondtrimester #spillthetea #momof4

I have a crew of little girls prepped and ready for diaper changes come September! ⠀ ⠀ We are currently grieving the changes that this crazy time has brought. Charley won’t get her birthday party at school like she’s been dreaming of for months, Tuesday night dance class now take place in our kitchen via Zoom, and we are all trying to find our places in our new routine. ⠀ ⠀ I am thankful that Kori gets to spend every day now with her big sisters - especially Charley as they have quite the bond. I’m thankful for a daycare provider who is a good friend and loves my kids probably more than me. 😬💕 I’m thankful to be living in this era of technology where video chat and texts happen constantly. I’m thankful to be relearning how to just be still and be present. ⠀ ⠀ Have you made changes in the last few weeks to your daily routine? How are your kids adjusting? ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #motherhoodrising #motherslove #mothercare #motheranddaughter #workingmom #ppdfree #ppd #ppa #mentalwellness #momhelpsmoms #instamom #realmomlife #realmomtalk #mommythings #motherhoodunited #blessedmother #mentalhealthisimportant #lovemytribe #mamasofinstagram #hotmama #workingmama #pregnancystyle #bumpdate #thesmallthings #gratefulness #diaperchange #babydolls #0330mamas

No expired meats were used in the making of this pizza. (If you know, you know. #tigerking) ⠀ ⠀ With shelter in place still in effect in Illinois, our normal Friday night takeout pizza turned into homemade pizza. Luke’s favorite pizza is @caseys chicken bacon ranch and I mastered a knock off version years ago when we were on a tight budget. ⠀ ⠀ But the best part of this pizza is the crust which I make using my own momma’s recipe:⠀ 1 c warm water⠀ 1/2 tbs dry activated yeast⠀ 1 tbs sugar⠀ Mix and let sit until foamy. ⠀ ⠀ In mixing bowl, combine:⠀ 2 1/2 c flour⠀ 1 tsp salt ⠀ 2 tbs oil⠀ Yeast mixture⠀ ⠀ Knead until smooth. Some additional flour may be needed if dough is still sticky. Let rest for a minimum of 15 minutes. I make mine the day before. Depending on how you like your crust this can make 1-2 large pizzas. ⠀ thin and crispy - 2 pizzas⠀ thicker and chewy - 1 pizza ⠀ ⠀ Roll out and add your favorite toppings. Bake for 15-17 minutes at 425°F or until cheese is melted and bubbly. ⠀ ⠀ What is your favorite pizza topping?⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #mealprepideas #yumyumyum #momhack #budgetfriendly #shopyourshelf #nourishingfood #prepyourfood #mealplanning #mealpreplife #mealpreptips #mealprepandchill #thankfulness #workingmomlife #momhacks #comfortfoods #familymeal #debtisdumb #groceryhaul #groceryshopping #menuplan #mealprepping #pizzanight #pizzapie #pizzahomemade #pizzaday #pizzaandamovie #familytraditions #0328mamas

Baby kicks, chocolate milk, and green grass are all things that have brought me joy this week. ⠀ ⠀ I’ve been struggling the last few days and even cried to Luke last night that I’m beyond ready to go back to “normal life.” This afternoon I made a physically conscious effort to change my attitude. ⠀ ⠀ I was reminded of @annvoskamp ’s 1000 Gifts. “When thanks to God becomes a habit — so joy in God becomes your life.” She has a Joy Dare printable for every day of the year and I’m planning on hanging them on my bathroom mirror as a reminder. ⠀ ⠀ What are 3 joys in your life today?⠀ ⠀ #sundayfaith #christian #mybeautifulbroken #wonderfullyredeemed #beautyinbrokenness #worship #godisfaithful #faithoverfear #faithfulgod #whoiam #testimonyoffaith #testimony #speakyourtruth #faithfulness #weaknessismysuperpower #thebrokenway #bethegift #faithquotes #faithblogger #faithjourney #myhonestmotherhood #graceupongrace #shereadstruth #momtruths #0326mamas

The best part about my birthday this year? Social distancing! ⠀ ⠀ I thought for my birthday I would share a few fun facts about me. (I tried to come up with 29 and failed 😹)⠀ ⠀ 1. I graduated from college with a 4 year degree when I was 20. ⠀ ⠀ 2. I can move my eyes independently from each other.⠀ ⠀ 3. My biggest scars came from “farm accidents” - I accidentally stabbed myself in the leg with a pitch fork, the middle finger on my right hand has its own personality from when I got it slammed in a tractor door when I was 2, and I have a scar on my left check from a literal run-in with our red heeler. ⠀ ⠀ 4. I’m naturally introverted and suck at small talk in most situations. ⠀ ⠀ 5. I prefer practical gifts and love me some new socks. ⠀ ⠀ 6. I had my class A CDL license at one point, but gave it up when we moved to Illinois. ⠀ ⠀ 7. I was homeschooled from kindergarten through high school graduation. ⠀ ⠀ 8. I’m the queen of memes, GIFS, and inappropriate humor. ⠀ ⠀ 9. My favorite food ever is a good steak cooked rare.⠀(Luke always overcooks them!) ⠀ 10. I love to camp and hike, but Luke doesn’t... so I haven’t camped since 2015. ⠀ ⠀ What’s a fun fact about yourself?⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #happybirthday #29yearsyoung #motherhoodrising #motherslove #mothercare #motheranddaughter #workingmom #ppdfree #ppd #ppa #mentalwellness #momhelpsmoms #instamom #realmomlife #realmomtalk #mommythings #motherhoodunited #blessedmother #mentalhealthisimportant #lovemytribe #mamasofinstagram #hotmama #workingmama #unpopularopinion #hotbutton #pregnancystyle #bumpdate #0324mamas