Joy Among the Pots and Pans

I reactivated my Instagram! Follow me @emfern!

A quick search around Pinterest and Facebook will bring up countless of images, blogs, and posts about how you must cherish  every.single.moment  of being a mother. "You'll miss this!" or "Wait until they are older!" is often the words of advice from very well-meaning parents who are finished with the baby years.  And know what? I usually pass over these posts and images.  Yes. I get it. These years will go to fast. (they already are.) I know I will miss this. I often am sad that they years are flying by, out of my grasp.  Why do I pass over them? Right now can be hard. The lack of sleep is hard. The tantrums are hard. The trying to instill lasting virtues and faith in a toddler is hard. The fact that we will someday miss this stage shouldn't remove that fact that we moms of littles are tired and toiling now. It's like when people tell someone who is suffering from (abc) that their suffering isn't as bad as those suffering from (xyz.) We

--- 1 --- Happy 2 months to my newest little love. I love her so much! I can't believe she is alrady 2 months old! Here is a newborn picture that I adore. Those.Eyes. --- 2 --- Happy St. Valentine's Day! I know many think it's a "made up" holiday courtesy of Hallmark, but as a friend reminded me, it's actually a feast that people still celebrate from the pre-vaticanII calendar. My DH bought me flowers on Thursday, surprising me after I had a really difficult day with the girls. love! --- 3 --- I have finally developed a good routine for DD1's nap time. She now goes down after a few minutes of nursing/cuddles, and then falls asleep on her own, in her bed. This is how DD2 and I spend the quiet 1-2 hours each day. --- 4 --- Yesterday, we had our monthly coffee/playdate at Susanna's. I had to drag DD away at the end of it; she coudl have happily played with the girls all afternoon! I was reminded again of 1) the importance

The crockpot: It is probably the most under-utilized tool in my kitchen.  I know many women swear by their slow cooker to help them prepare healthy and tasty meals each night.  So, I am on an adventure to find some new recipes for my family! Sundays in our house are often most stressful than I would prefer.  Getting the girls dressed, fed, and out the door for Mass is always an ordeal. (as it Mass itself with a 2 year old!) When we get home, we are are usually hungry and tired, so having to cook a big meal often results in 2 grouchy adults. Enter the crockpot!  Last Sunday, I prepared a meal and set it by 6:45AM.  We arrived home to a delicious aroma, and all we had to do was set the table and make rice.  Afterward, M slept easily for her nap and we actually had time for leisure, rather than the crazy rushing-around that often occurs. What I made: 2-3 chicken breasts (whatever I had on hand), unthawed 1/2 plain yogurt 2 Roma tomatoes, purreed in a blender 1 onion, sliced 2

Since leaving Capitol Hill, I have taken a step back from politics and focused on getting settled in Minnesota and establishing a routine of life here.  But it is now a new year, and a new legislative session in both Washington and St. Paul, so I believe it is a good time to get back into policy and politics. Today is the start of the Minnesota Legislative Session, and from what I have read, transportation and education are to be the year's key issues.  I intend to follow my local congressmen and review proposed policies, Stay tuned!   Useful Links to follow: Legislative Schedule Minnesota Catholic Conference Minnesota Politics Blog List of MN Politics Blogs MPR Capitol View

A new year, a new list of books to read!  When I was young, I devoured books, but as a grew and gained more responsibilities, my reading accomplishments diminished.  A few months ago, a good friend and I started an online book club, and began to hold each other accountable for reading and studying again.  This list may be a little ambitious, but they say you will never accomplish your goals if you do not first write them out.  So, here goes! (Note: I have a few more to add, so I will update later!) January: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to C Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen (finished!) The Infancy Narratives - Pope Benedict (Dec 2014 Book club selection) (almost finished!) Only the Lover Sings - Josef Peiper February: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to C Book Club Selection Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen March: Beginner's Guide to HTML Mansfield Park - Jane Austen Book Club Selection April: Beginner'

Wow, so I somehow completely missed blogging during the whole Advent Season, and I am just on the tail-end of the Christmas Season.  Better late than never to post, right? So much as happened!  I successfully survived my last month of pregnancy of waddling around and having no maternity clothes that fit, and we were blessed with the most darling little girl, Baby SweetiePie.  She is still in her sleepy newborn stage, and I just adore watching her and her dark head of hair and cute dimples!  Moreover, little M had taken to her quite nicely, although we are still working on the concept of "gentle touches" and why we shouldn't wake a sleeping baby.  :) It is now a New Year, and I have quite a few goals or resolutions.  That will be another post, but I am looking forward to spending this year growing, learning, and working through the highs and lows of this adventure of life.