Peanut’s Bucket List

June 26, 2017June 26, 2017Leave a comment

Owning a pet is one of life’s greatest joys. The snuggles, the licks, the late-night chats, the antics, and of course, the unconditional love. Our pets provide affection unlike any other. Their devotion is untainted by our mistakes, short-comings, or blundering. For that very reason the prospect of losing that bond is heartbreaking. I’m prepping myself for that loss now.

Peanut has been a part of my life since June 2, 2008 when I adopted him from PAWS Chicago. He had been transferred in from Chicago’s Animal Care & Control, where he had arrived as a stray, emaciated, and with cherry eye in both peepers. PAWS transferred him in, got him neutered, fixed his third eyelids, and popped him onto the adoption floor. I came in the very next day, saw his pitiful little face and the blazing spirit lying under the surface. I fell in love instantly. I brought him home that same day and my life was forever changed.

We’ve spent the last 9 glorious years together. The first two it was just him, my hubby, and the cat. We’d spend hours on the lakefront, just relaxing, reading and strolling. In 2011 we adopted his best friend, Butter, from The Anti-Cruelty Society and the two have been inseparable since. Years later we also adopted a bunny so had quite the motley crew at home. Over the decade he’s tolerated many house guests, including rescued wildlife, street kittens in heat, and countless of fostered shelter dogs and cats. And the biggest adventure of all came in 2015: the new human. He took even that in stride.

Deeply opinionated, always energized, communicative, and prone to mischief, Peanut provided the daily spice of life that always kept us on our toes. He’s now 11 years old and the fire hasn’t dissipated one bit.

Despite his continued zest for life, Peanut has not been feeling well. After many weeks of testing, it was confirmed last week that my sweet senior has prostate cancer. It’s rare in dogs, very aggressive, and there’s no effective treatment. Radiation can extend his life span by a touch, but the stress of the process would negatively impact his quality of life. So the plan is to provide veterinary support in keeping him comfortable for as long as possible. It could be weeks or a months. My vet will be giving me a tighter timeline in the next few days.

I’m saddened by the news in many ways, but am deliberately choosing not to dwell in my despair. Instead, I plan to celebrate each day that we have together. I want to celebrate his fiery spirit so he can go out in true Peanut fashion: With a bang.

So here it is – Peanut’s go-out-in-glory bucket list. It includes some over-the-top adventures as well as more subdued routines that I know will make him smile. My hope is that focusing in on these fun-filled tasks will prevent the sadness from taking hold of our limited time together.

Peanut’s Bucket List

Go on The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Canine Cruise
Go for a car ride with a Starbucks pup cup
Scavenge at the farmer’s market
Hunt down the Fido to Go canine food truck
Take a walk on the beach at sunset
Enjoy a vanilla custard cone from Lickety Split
Eat a mini burger from Hamburger Mary’s
Barbecue at my parents house (steak included!)
Go for a boat ride with grandpa Andrzej
Chew up a Polish kielbasa
Eat a homemade batch of High Hopes pup cupcakes
Get a doggie massage from the Chicago School of Canine Massage
Take a trailer ride by the lake
Eat a Chicago-style hot dog
Celebrate life at our DIY lakefront “Peanut Party”

I’ll be posting updates of our bucket list adventures here on the blog as well as on Instagram. Thank you in advance for your love and support.

Here’s to making this the best summer of Peanut’s life!

Learning to Abide

April 9, 2017April 26, 2017Leave a comment

a·bide

əˈbīd/

verb

1a : to bear patiently : b : to endure without yielding : 2: to wait for : to remain stable or fixed in a state

I am fast approaching the one year anniversary of what would signal the dissolution of my marriage of 10 years. The last 365 days have been both joyful and harrowing, exciting and discouraging, successful and defeating. Yet, through the ups and downs, hilltops and valleys, one constant remains: God.

I came to faith just shy of 18. I’ll have to come back to that story at a later date as it’s a doozy. Fast forward 15 years: I’m 33 and have suddenly become a single mom. Not the way I would have planned things. But you know what? 15 years ago, God knew. He knew that I would become a prodigal shortly after coming to faith. He knew that I’d fall in love, marry an unbeliever, and have a beautiful little boy in my early thirties. He knew that one day I’d wake up in bed, alone, still wearing my wedding ring. He knew.

I, in contrast, am far from knowing much, but this I do know:

God is with me. He always has been, and He always will be. And the thing He wants most from me in this season of life is to abide.

But what does that actually mean? How do we live out a life that waits on God to move? How can we remain steadfast when there’s so much uncertainty, so many questions? How do we endure when faced with the unthinkable?

In these last 12 months I’ve learned that the Lord doesn’t just want a surface-level encounter with us, He wants us to go deeper than we’ve ever been. To have an intimate relationship with us. To achieve this level of closeness we first have to develop spiritual disciplines to create a solid foundation of faith. Praying, studying the Word, and meditating on it. That’s the winning trio right there. When your emotions are overcoming your rationality, when you’re drowning in defeat, when you just don’t feel like getting out of bed, it’s these three things that will reorient your gaze off of yourself, off of your circumstances, and straight onto God.

This is where abiding begins. Leaning into the Lord, everyday, throughout the day, one-on-one.

What do those daily disciplines look like in my life? Here’s a snapshot:

My alarm goes off at 5 a.m. (and/or my cat steps on my face – whichever comes first). I flick on the light. I grab my Bible and I flip to the latter Psalms and, out loud, read a chapter that ascribes praise and glory to the Lord. I then close my Bible and say a prayer of thanksgiving. Then I begin the daily routines of life.

Now, push ahead to the end of the day. August is in bed, the critters are settled in, and I’m washed up and in my pajamas. My phone is now in airplane mode (which drives friends and family crazy – sorry!). I get down on my hands and knees (it’s amazing what a posture of submission can do for a prideful soul) and pray aloud. I confess my sins, my slip-ups, my shortcomings. I acknowledge His awesomeness, His goodness, His God-ness. I thank Him for the blessings of the day. And then I ask. I pray for friends, for family, and of course, for myself. Then I settle under my covers and hop into the verses or book that I’m studying at the time. And then, before putting my Bible aside, I meditate on what I’ve read. And then I pray again.

Phew! That seems like so much when typed out – but when you consider how much of our day is spent eating, texting, talking, typing, driving, what is it to spend 10 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening with our Creator? It’s really a drop in the pail, isn’t it? But it’s these very spiritual disciplines that time and time again reorient me towards the Lord. I start my day out with Him and I end it with Him.

And that, my friends, is how we learn to abide in the Lord. Because when He becomes the center, no matter what happens to you, or who happens to you, you see things through His eyes. You find rest in knowing that He is with you and that He knows your future. So when asked how it is that I’ve gotten through the last year, this is how I now answer, “I learned to abide in the Lord.”

What are some of the spiritual disciplines you’ve developed that help you steer towards God and away from your daily struggles? What does abiding in the Lord mean to you?

The Big T-W-O!

March 18, 2017March 18, 2017Leave a comment

Oh my goodness – when did it happen?! When was I suddenly the mother of a full-fledged toddler?!

This past Valentine’s Day we crossed the milestone. August turned the big T-W-O! My little bundle, my baby boy, is now a floor stomping, bug poking, soil slinging mini man. He’s independent, fiery, curious, and addicted to routines. Thankfully, his tantrums are few, and his appetite is still big, so I’m clinging on to those two baby hold overs for as long as possible. His vocabulary is expanding in an exponential rate as are his physical capabilities. I’m telling you – mini man. Mini man.

To celebrate his passage into this new phase of life I hosted a small shin dig in his honor. As I’m quickly learning with this stage, less is more. Instead of busting out all stops for a big hoopla of a party, I planned an intimate breakfast bash with family, friends, and some of his toddler buddies. “Keep it simple sweetie” – definitely the way to go.

For the decorations I stayed away from a true theme and instead pulled together some basics in a variety of colors and textures. I also fell in love with a gold “Yay” Mylar balloon I found at Target – so threw in a few more metallic elements to bring it all together. Add a few bright floral bouquets and a smattering of wooden animal figurines and wallah! My apartment was birthday party ready!

For the food spread I, again, kept things simple. I filled up a cutting board with a variety of cheeses, including the standard brie and blue, both of which August promptly took whopping bites from. See my Instagram for video proof. I filled several bowls with berries, yogurts and granola, and set out jams and other condiments for spicing things up. Putting my collection of cake stands to work, I piled up mini omelettes, freshly baked mini croissants as well as towers of silver dollar pancakes skewered with berry kabobs. Do you see a pattern yet? Mini, mini, mini. One thing that was full sized was August’s birthday cake: A delightful chocolate ganache that we purchased from Whole Foods which I then topped with fresh cut flowers, a wooden animal figurine, a sparkler, and of course, two candles. For drinks I also kept things minimal and served orange juice, french pressed coffee, and organic milk boxes for the kiddos. The food was definitely a huge hit!

As seems customary at kid parties, I had an activity planned, but in the hub-bub of guests, food, and toddler antics, there was no opportunity to introduce it. Aka, I totally forgot. Oops! I had bought the supplies to have the kids make their very own seed bombs which they could “plant” somewhere in their neighborhood. Since I have the wildflower seeds and peat rarin to go – I may host a spring themed play date to give the littles a chance to get their hands dirty while teaching them some horticulture basics. But I digress.

730 days old. Quite the milestone and so glad we had a chance to properly celebrate. Now to start plans for Easter!

Suddenly Single: Surprisingly Sweet

November 15, 2016November 15, 2016Leave a comment

I’ve been a single mama now for just under 5 months – and you know what? It’s not so bad!

The aftershock of separation aside, I’ve found that there are some surprisingly sweet things about being a single thirty-something adult. This in no way means that being married or in a long-term relationship is bad. I will be the first to tell you that I’d love to have a dapper gent of integrity sweep me off my feet! Having someone to share your life with is a beautiful thing – so I don’t want this post to diminish that. But, in those moments when life sends you a curve ball, and you suddenly find yourself alone, there are some benefits. Here’s my here and now list of what I’m enjoying in this current season of my life.

Setting My Own Bedtime: I am an early riser and konk out pretty quickly once the day is done. My favorite nighttime ritual includes a cup of tea, animal cuddles, conversational prayer, reafing God’s word, and then something leisurely. On those nights when my eyes are too fatigued for extended readimg, a little Mindy Project or Star Trek (re-watching Voyager currently – I love Janeway!) is my night cap. That flow usually puts me in bed by 9 p.m.. Being single means getting there with no guilt. Yay to that!

Dressing My Nest: No surprise here – I love decorating my place! I’m always looking for eco-friendly and stylish ways to update my home. Sometimes that means dumpster diving a new mirror and repainting it to hang in the hallway. At other times it may include completely rearranging a room while August naps. Being single means getting to change things up whenever I want and not having to worry about another person’s tastes. I can arrange the furniture how I want, put up any kind of art I’d like, and can change it all at a moment’s notice with no one to consult but myself. Sounds like a win to me!

Taking Care of Myself: With a toddler on the run, this one may surprise you. But the truth is, being the only adult in the household means I’m the one that makes all of the decisions regarding where we live, how we live, what we eat, when we eat, our activities, sleep schedule, and more! I can choose to keep a weekend plan-free or book us solid with interesting activities. I can fill the fridge with fruits and veggies and don’t have to be tempted with a refined sugar stash. It also means that I can focus on how I’m feeling inside and out. Instead of catering to another adult’s whims, I can journal. Instead of having to stay home with the babe while the partner’s away and plays, I can hire a babysitter, and go out for yoga. Instead of sleeping in I can rouse early, dress the tot and dogs, and take a long stroll along the lake. I can slow down, speed up, and tune out whenever and however I want. Sounds like a gift, no?

Honoring Routine: I am a person who savors ritual. I enjoy routine, no matter how trivial or seemingly insignificant. August and I are very much alike in that way. Now that I’m the only adult, I get to set the stage for our daily schedule, and there’s something so very soothing about that. Saturday mornings are for long walks through the park, Sundays include an indulgent breakfast, church, and a laid back afternoon. Weekdays I’m up at 5, take care of the critters, and hustle August to daycare and myself to work. This is done with a steamy cup of chai in hand. And then weeknights are for dinners with friends, library visits, farmers markets, and all the little things in between. No matter the surprises of the day, we always end it the same way, and at the same time, and there’s such comfort in that.

Adorning Self: This one may seem silly – but it’s the honest truth. When you’re single you only have to look good for one person: yourself. You can glitter up your nails, pop on that red lipstick, and wear a vintage lacey frock with complete abandon. There’s no one you have to impress but yourself, and there’s something (maybe ironically) so incredibly empowering about that. You learn to love yourself, and dress yourself, without compromise.

Rebuilding Identity: After being in a relationship for an extended period of time, you lose the “me” and develop a “we” vernacular that extends well beyond language. And while that’s a beautiful thing when you have two happy, healthy people, it becomes suffocating should one partner neglect the other. One of the more unexpected blessings of sudden singledom has been shedding that “we” persona to establish one of my very own. No longer am I part of a unit, I am my own person, with my own faith, intellect, passions, and purpose. I no longer have to compromise on preferences, tastes, or ethics. I can live a full life with an attitude of gratitude, holding firm to God’s promises, all while keeping negativity at bay. To have the opportunity to start each day afresh, accountable just for yourself, is a beautiful thing indeed. And while there’s a time and place for a “we” life, in some situations, you realize your blessed to simply be by yourself.

Just to be clear – being a single parent definitely presents its challenges (ahem costs and availability of daycare!), and maybe one day I’ll write about those, but for now, I want to focus on what I’m actually enjoying about my newfound independence. I want to savor this season, no matter how unexpected. And who knows! Maybe I won’t be single for long – so I should take advantage of it while I can!

The Real Deal Baby List

September 18, 2016October 4, 2016Leave a comment

19 months! How can it be that it’s been so long since the birth of Augustine?! The last year and a half have flown by, and with that countless of onesies, shoes, and rattles. Edging ever closer to two, I’m now thinking back at all of the good things, and useless things, I acquired in preparation for my little bundle.

When August was first born we were living in a spacious one bedroom, complete with three rescue pets. Fast forward 19 months later. Now the five of us (August, Peanut, Butter, Tomato, and I) live in a vintage 2 bedroom with way more leg room, and yet, we’ve actually down-sized since adding square footage. I’ve found that the adage “less is more” truly is the way to go. Less stuff means less to wash, clean, trip over, and, the most important thing, it means less clutter. So with that context in mind, here are my favorite “I can’t live without you” items that I’d recommend to any urban parent, as well as a few things I’d urge you to leave off your list.

Must-Haves

Sniglar Crib: When looking at cribs I was overwhelmed by the clunkiness of even the most modern of designs. Many people advised against getting a crib – saying to use a pack and play or to co-sleep. But with my brood of critters, and need to keep the design of my space flowing, I decided that a crib it would be. I was hoping to find something sleek, simple, affordable, and small enough to fit into my bedroom alongside my queen size bed and vintage dresser. And then I found it. August’s Singlar crib, from the mother of all square-foot-savvy design houses: Ikea! Not only was it sleek and lovely to gaze upon, the space conscious design allowed me to squeeze it into my bedroom without any problems. It also has that gorgeous sanded beech wood that I knew I could pop some color on in a snap. I can’t praise the design (and value!) of this piece enough. Plus – since it’s Swedish – you don’t have to worry about the materials being comprised of toxic chemicals like flame retardants. Yuck! And once he’s old enough for a bed – this beauty will convert. Can you see just how in love I am with this thing? Go get one or put it on your registry!

A Rocking Chair: This is something I didn’t have, didn’t think I’d need, and now that I do, I wish I had scored it sooner. Having a designated nursing and “let’s get ready for sleep” spot has significantly helped with August’s routine. And the reason I recommend going retro with a rocking chair instead of a glider is that it will take up less space and with all the milk sprays of the early days of nursing, you don’t have to worry about the upholstery soaking up all those wayward liquids, so keep that in mind should you be considering a glider. Our rocking chair was scored second hand from my apartment’s previous inhabitants. I found a cushy pillow and seat cushion to strap on it and it works like a dream. I find that it puts me to sleep just as easily as August!

Vintage Dresser: My vintage dresser is one of my all-time favorite furniture pieces, both pre and post baby. Picked up from a Craigslist add, this classic piece has six sets of drawers, a nice wide surface, and a detachable mirror. Once pregnant I knew that I’d need a place to change the babe, but didn’t want to buy something new. So the dresser it was! Adding a foam changing pad to the top, and emptying the drawers of my stuff to make way for the baby’s, this furniture piece provided the perfect place for flipping diapers, clothes, or just having a coo fest in the mirror. I also love knowing that further down the line, once he’s potty trained, I can reclaim it for use in my own bedroom. So it’s an item that will far outlive the early infant years.

Continue reading →

Suddenly Single

September 11, 2016September 7, 20169 Comments

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Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it?

Six months ago I was minding my own business when WHAM! Something sudden and awful destroyed my marriage. The what, who, hows and whys are something to explore on another day, but suffice it to say, I was shattered. After a decade of (what I thought was) wedded bliss, and almost 14 years of intimate friendship, the man of my dreams descended on a very different, and dark, path. It was the middle of summer, the city was exploding with life, energy, and happiness, and I lay on the floor of my living room sobbing as he walked out the door. I was suddenly single. What’s more, I was suddenly a single mom.

The build up to that moment was three months in the making. I was preparing my heart and soul for what seemed inevitable. The break up to end all break ups. No one expected this. Not even me. And perhaps being caught off guard was in itself a blessing. I was the best wife and friend I could be, and everything seemed peachy keen, so this sudden turn was a complete surprise, but I had a clean conscience, knowing I had truly always offered the best of myself.

But breakups are never easy.

When you spend so much of your life living, loving, and growing with someone, only to find that they were not the person you thought them to be, it is devastating. And what’s worse are the endless questions that build up in your brain. You wonder, “Was it me? Did I do the wrong thing? Get the wrong hair cut? Was I not affectionate enough? Had I made the wrong comment?” But in this kind of scenario, you quickly realize, it’s not about you. It’s about someone else being deeply troubled and lost. You realize that, in God’s grace (yes, grace!), you’ve been given a life raft by being left behind. You were rescued from a sinking ship. Continue reading →

The Bebe: 18 Months & Growing!

September 6, 2016September 7, 2016Leave a comment

This past August marked, ahem, August’s half birthday! I’m convinced that all winter babies are entitled to some kind of mid-year hoopla to celebrate when the season is fair. And that’s exactly what we recently did!

All the parents I know warn of the fleeting nature of the early formative years – so I’ve made it a point to celebrate every milestone possible. First tooth? Celebration! First burp? Party-time! First word? Make it a holiday!

But in all seriousness, each new season, each new phase of development, is better than the last. Being the mama to such a quickly growing chap has been nothing but a delight and blessing. Watching him investigate, explore, and challenge the world around him is a treat. Plopping him down in a field to smell a flower, gather sticks, chase butterflies, and dig in the dirt makes this mama’s heart sing.

That’s why turning 1 1/2 years old was something I couldn’t let off easy. So on a recent summery weekend I planned a day filled with treats and outdoor activities. We had plans to hit the lakefront, stroll the park, play in the sand, eat pizza and frozen custard, and (of course!) sneak in some photos!

Recent nursing school grad, friend, and photographer, Jessica Woodville, has been delighting us with her nature photos for years. Since the birth of her much younger brother Adam she’s also been sharing adorable documentary style portraits of her baby bro. Watching her work develop, I had hoped for an excuse to nab her for an easy-going photo session with August. And what better time than the present, right?! Continue reading →