Coffee Makes the World Go ‘Round

When you have a baby, everyone gets busy telling you to take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water. Get lots of rest. Take it easy. Try to eat healthy. Get started exercising as soon as the doctor says you can. 

Good advice. Sound advice. Hard to follow advice. 

I drink water like it’s going out of style, and still had to go to the doctor to get an IV. 

Rest?? What’s rest? You can’t get any rest between a two year old and a newborn. They don’t nap in sync. 

Take it easy ... I don’t understand. I just spent nine months uncomfortable with less and less mobility. I have things to do now, people! 

I do try to eat healthy. I do. But have you ever had a craving? Mine is suddenly dark chocolate—something I don’t even like usually. But not just any dark chocolate. Frozen dark chocolate. I want it so crunchy I risk breaking a tooth. 

And ah, exercise. The mom bod. No one wants that. I don’t want that. But how, pray tell, do you have the energy to work out if you’re doing all the things and not getting any rest and constantly distracted by an undying need for frozen dark chocolate? 

Where do you turn? Who do you go to? What is there that can alleviate these stresses? 

Coffee is the answer to all the things. 

Coffee in your morning smoothie. Coffee in your coffee. 

Espresso in your (dark) chocolate chip cookies. 

All of the coffee. 

It’s really starting to make sense to me why my childhood buddy drank his coffee so black we couldn’t go shooting afterward because he was shaking so badly. We got problems. 

This has been a public service announcement. Or maybe a health warning. 

Gifs from Google

A Little Miss

Hi guys!

Sorry about the impromptu hiatus last week. But I’ve got a good reason. 

I would like to introduce Loraina Fable, born right on her due date. 

We had planned to try a VBAC this time around, but things didn’t turn out that way and we ended up doing another C-section. This time was considerably better than with Henry though, as I was able to be awake during the procedure and interact with her right after she was born. Recovery has been much better also. 

We’re all home and happy now, and big brother is absolutely thrilled (though he’s a little put off that mommy can’t rough house or drive him to the store because a doctor cut a hole in her tummy).

Little miss Lorie is a doll, and we’re so blessed to have her. 

Needless to say, I haven’t done much besides change diapers, feed kids, and try to sleep. I’ve got several new books screaming at me, and I can’t wait to dive into them (feeding a baby gives a perfect opportunity to read) but I’ve been fighting migraines caused by the spinal anesthesia and focusing on a page is a no-go. I’m hoping those wear off soon though and I can soak in some good reading and maybe get some more work done on The Queens Three. 

For anyone wondering, Jarod chose Loraina based on Lori from the Lonesome Dove movie, and I picked Fable because it loosely means story. 

Obviously I would love a daughter named story. It was as close as I could get to a literary name without picking an actual book character. (Although Lonesome Dove was a book first, and I hear the protagonist in Adrienne Young’s next book is named Fable. So that’s a win.) 

The plan now is to get back to blogging weekly like I’m supposed to. I shall try. 

What have you been up to? Would you name a child after a book character? 

The State of the Realms

Hello everyone! 

Still no baby, just in case you’re one of the people who keeps asking me. I promise, I will announce when she is born. I will not be waiting weeks to mention it. 

In a random burst of inspiration (nesting hormones?) I’ve been madly revising The Mad Hatter. 

I’m actually pretty much certain it’s the nesting hormones driving this effort. Which is a double edged sword. On the one hand, its spurred me to add multiple new chapters and beef up the word count, working my way to the halfway point in about five days. 

On the flip side of that though, there have been multiple times where I was just about to dive into a new scene when suddenly I was struck by an inescapable need to wash all of the baby clothes and fold and put them all away. Now. 

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. 

Things are progressing nicely though. In the most exciting news, it received a new title. The Mad Hatter is now The Queens Three. 

Which brings me to the next notable change: Bunny and the Queen of Ravens now each have their own points of view in the story. 

It’s been super fun and super difficult to dive into each of their personalities and give them distinct voices and reveal more of what makes them tick. It’s not perfect, but I’ve gotten some good feedback and can’t wait to flesh them out even more. 

It’s really fun getting to spend more time in the fae realm (which needs a real name) through them. 

Molly’s boyfriend, Matt, got a new name. He’s currently Brett. There were too many M names running around the place. I’m not sure Brett is the winner though, so it might change again before I’m through. 

The word count is creeping up. Not quite where I want it, but it’s definitely improving. 

One thing that’s been a relief (and worrisome) is I haven’t found any major plot holes or useless threads. A few clarifications and tweaks yes. But gigantic glaring issues? No. It’s rather strange. 

But then again, it comes with the territory. 

One Baby To Rule Them All

Hey guys! 

Do you ever get into one of those ruts where you want to accomplish SO MUCH that you actually don’t accomplish much at all?

That’s kind of my life right now. I just have this weird feeling of urgency. Like I need to get everything done right this instant. But in the last week or so my body has also decided it’s actually pregnant. I’m kind of at baby girl’s mercy, and I just have zero energy. 

Basically, all I want to accomplish is edit Mad Hatter perfectly in one fell swoop, slap out the entire draft of Viking, read like eighteen books, clean the house, make all the decor,  listen to my music, get some sleep, and eat all the snacks. 

What I’ve actually done is not read a single book in months (except a smidge of beta reading, which was very fun), not touched the Viking document at all, ate a few snacks and then puked them back up, listened to Barney sing the same stinking song over and over, and have a Hobbit and Lord of the Rings marathon, thereby ruining any chance of sleep. 

Can we talk for a second about the awesomeness of Viggo Mortensen? The man is a phenomenal actor, that’s all there is to it. 

One thing I did manage to accomplish though is reaching the halfway point—maybe a smidge over—of my Mad Hatter edits, in three days. Which is kind of terrifying me, because it feels way too easy, and I’m liking how it’s turning out, so I’m absolutely convinced that I missed something horrifically obvious. Probably due to lack of sleep. 

Really kinda sorta ready for baby girl to arrive. Not that it will help much in the sleep department. But I should be able to move a bit better.

Sorry for the ramble. One does not simply blog while pregnant and sleep deprived. 

Hello New Year

Happy 2020!

I wanted to have a prolific post for the new year. Or even a lighthearted one full story of Roaring 20s references. 

But the sad fact of the matter is I’ve hardly slept since before Christmas, I feel like a half dead dog who’s been run over by a semi truck and run through a meat grinder (twice) and I just don’t have that poetic and witty post in me. 

I just read through last year’s first post and it could almost exactly be used for this year as well. 

We’ve got 15” of snow, we’ve had the usual Christmas gatherings. 

But some things are totally new. We’re in a new house and I’m loving it. Our new baby will be joining us in just a few weeks. Life is good. 

Yes, there’s been stress, but there had also been growth. It’s been a wild ride of a year. I’m excited to see what this new year brings. 

I’ve got a few goals, but I don’t know that I’d call them resolutions. I haven’t been writing this past month, and I want to get back to it. Blood and Dust is out on query again, and I’m hoping to revise Mad Hatter and Bad Boy in the meantime. If I’m really ambitious maybe I’ll even draft the Viking story, but we’ll see. 

I want to get some more things set up and decorated with the house, and I want to enjoy this new season of motherhood. 

I want to learn (again, because it never seems to stick) to be happy and content. To give the reins to God and not be so determined to fight my own battles. Or create them. 

So here’s to 2020. Let’s do it. 

Hello December

Hi guys! 

Wow, it’s already December, and boy am I excited for it. November was nice. A bit cold. A mite stressful. But nice. 

What went on:

My dad, and middle sister both had birthdays, which we ended up celebrating on Thanksgiving. 

For Thanksgiving we went to my parents’ house, along with my grandma. The food was great, and it was really relaxing. My sister used to be an avid farm toy collector when she was little, so we let He to get some of the toys out...Im not sure who was more excited about it. 

My dad and I attempted to go pick up my oven, but when we got there the store had closed. Which was a real bummer, but what do ya do? 

It snowed somewhere above ten inches. The first day it was easy to measure, but after that it alternated snowing and raining so the snow technically melted, but then turned to ice. So yesterday was the first time since before thanksgiving that my car has been able to leave the garage. 

We attempted to do a little deer hunting, but didn’t get anything. Hardly even saw anything, actually. 

I set up my Christmas tree. Because I can. It was technically after Thanksgiving though. 

Henry spent the entire month sledding and playing with legos. My living room is a bit of a minefield. Watch your step. 

I got 90% of my Christmas shopping done on Black Friday. Online. Because going out on Black Friday is ridiculous. I only need to get a couple little things for some gift exchanges. I’ve never been done this early and I’m not sure what to do with myself. So I just check the package tracking way too often. 

What’s coming up: 

This weekend my church is having their ladies Christmas party. That’s usually pretty fun. 

Next weekend my mom, sisters, and I are taking a girls trip (plus one Henry) to go see Pioneer Woman in Oklahoma. 

We’re moving!! Things are falling into place with the house we’ve been working on, so hopefully we’ll be moved in within the next couple weeks. Cue the panic as I look at all the stuff I need to pack. I’m really excited though. More space, nicer house that’s going to be way better for my allergies, etc. I can’t wait to get it all set up and decorated. Although that’ll probably be after Christmas. 

Christmas! Obviously, can’t miss that. I think we’ll probably be at my parents’ house for that too. Although we’ll also have extended family get togethers with my mom’s side, dad’s side, and Jarod’s side of the family. 

Baby prep. I’m told it’s time to start packing a hospital bag, and things like that. Which is absolutely crazy. Can’t wait for baby girl to get here. Also can’t wait to decide on a name for baby girl. 

How was your November? Do you have anything fun coming up in December? 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Merry Christmas!

I mean...Happy Thanksgiving!

We got snow last night. Lots of it. And the forecast is calling for more over the next three days. 

Henry thinks it’s about the best thing ever ... oh to be young and innocent. I guess I’d think it’s great too if my only interaction with snow was sledding and making it into ice cream. 

The store got my oven in yesterday, so I’m really hoping we can get to town to bring it home. I really want my oven guys. Crock pots are great, and electric griddled are pleasant, but your girl needs some baked goods. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving after all. 

I hope you all have a great holiday. Or just a great day—looking at you, Canadians ;) Weather permitting, I’ll be stuffing myself with food at my parents’ house. 

Do you have any fun holiday plans? 

Say Cheese!

Hi guys!

I love pictures. It’s just a fact. 

Which is weird, because I also hate pictures. Also fact. 

How you say?

Let me explain. 

I love milestone pictures. Engagement, maternity, newborn. I gobble those up, and love finding time to have our own done. 

But I detest those pictures that happen at family reunions when six different people line your family up and all take pictures at the same time. Then we get these “cute” pictures where each member of the family is looking a different direction because everyone was saying “look over here! Smile.” It’s a mess. 

PSA: If you’re at an event and see a professional photographer taking pictures, back away. Do not jump in there with your phone and say “here, let me grab one too.” You want a picture? Wait until the photographer is done. Better yet, wait for them to make the images available later and download your own. I can’t tell you how many wedding pictures I have where half the wedding party is looking somewhere other than the photographer because of people snapping their own pics. Just don’t do it. 

Anyway. End rant. 

This past Saturday was 70°. It was beautiful out. So we arranged to have family/maternity pictures taken Sunday evening. 

Cue the 30° weather. 

I’m pretty sure my whole family was mad at me. No, you cannot wear big winter coats for family pictures. Layer up underneath your nice clothes and smile. 

It’s becoming a family tradition that someone goes without sleep right before picture day. For our engagement pictures, Jarod accidentally locked himself out of his house and ended up sleeping in the barn. This time, Henry was up all night with growing pains. So we were sort of zombies, and Henry wasn’t very smiley. 

However, the photographer was awesome and captured great shots despite the cold grouches before her. 

Here’s a couple of the preview pictures she uploaded last night. 

I just love them so much, and I can’t wait to see the rest. 

Phot credit goes to Morgan Curlo of 56 County Line Photography. 

What about you? Do you love taking pictures? Do you find yourself reaching for a camera to document every major moment in your life? Or are you more of a Sherlock Holmes? 

Hello October

Hello everyone! 

I can’t believe it’s already October. I thought I was so ready for fall, but it’s 48° outside. Two days ago it was 90°. I can’t handle changes that drastic. Especially when I have nothing to wear! 

I’m not a sweatpants kind of person. I think I own one pair. But I’m also in a weird stage where maternity jeans don’t fit well enough to stay up, and my regular jeans are too tight to wear. 

I think I’m going to start a petition to make all maternity jeans have belt loops. I’ll wear a belt low on my waist if it means I don’t have to hike my jeans up every thirty seconds. Also, they need pockets. 

Anyway, enough of wardrobe lamentations. On to the actual blog post. 

We found out we are having a girl! Beyond excited about that. Everything has been checking out good and healthy, and we’re neck deep in the struggle of choosing a name. Apparently I’m a modern gal who married an old soul. Our name tastes are so different. He’s also got to deal with my writer side, and endure all the weird literary names I come up with. 

Canning. Lots of canning. Tomatoes, apples, you name it. My house has been a sticky, delicious smelling dungeon all month. They’re talking we might have record snows this year. Gotta stock up on salsa and jelly if we’re going to survive. 

We chopped silage and Henry and I got to be the cook crew. Casseroles and cookies and Gatorade, oh my! 

It’s one of my favorite and most stressful times of the year. 

Henry has been loving having a friend over every day to play. I love it too, except for the weekends when Henry asks where Lige is every ten minutes. 

My sisters, Henry, and I went Junk Jaunting, which is like state wide garage sales. Henry made out like a bandit, with new tractors and a spring horse, and I found a few treasures for the house we’ll be moving into sometime this winter. (The bear did not come home with us.)

We watched lots of Husker football. We laughed, we cried. It was intense. 

October started off raining. And it hasn’t stopped yet. I so want to get outside and hang Halloween decorations, because as fun as Christmas is, I firmly believe the other holidays should be enjoyed first—looking at you, Hobby Lobby. 

We did start on decorating inside the house. I’ll save the really insane decor for closer to the week of Halloween. My mother in law will be staying with us during that time, so she’ll get to appreciate the full extent of my weirdness. 

Weather permitting, there should be more harvesting and cooking this month. Cooking for the harvesters is a little more low key than for choppers, since they eat in the tractor to harvest. Sandwiches and chips are a staple, though I try to mix it up with runzas and sliders. 

I’ll be hitting the third trimester, which is exciting and horrifying. It seems like this pregnancy has gone so fast. I don’t have anything ready. 

I got a bunch of awesome books last month and I’m hoping to read some of them. 

Last month I revised Blood and Dust like crazy, and I’m currently forty pages away from the end. That number will fluctuate as I cut and add scenes, but I’m getting close. I plan to have it done this month, and rewrite the synopsis, etc, to start querying and pitching in November. 

Speaking of November, October may or may not be a prep month for nanowrimo. Though I’ll for sure be a nano rebel if I do participate and work on editing Bad Boy or Mad Hatter instead of writing a whole new draft. I’m not super inspired on any of my new ideas currently, so I need to get those old ones done before they go too long and stagnate in the swamp of unfinished stories. 

How is your fall going? Do you love fall? Hate it? Love it but need a slower transition into the cold weather? I’d love to hear.