I am rich.

As I'm sitting here, bawling my eyes out after reading this story...once again I am reminded of how rich I am. Rich with life, blessings, love and laughter. Rich with necessities and life adventures. Rich in not having to struggle to find money to buy my child diapers or keep food on the table. Rich with God's love and presence. Rich with decent health. Rich with opportunities to grow and change without restrictions. Just RICH.

When you hear the word rich, you think of money, right? Well, I am asking you to NOT. Stop and think about what makes you rich....

You're pretty rich, aren't you?

I'll leave you here with this.

Why I Love It Here {Western Kansas}

There's something different about this place and I enjoy it very much. The atmosphere, the people, the way of life...it's just nice. Maybe I like it so much because I'm not from here? Maybe because I've lived in the city so I have that point of view as well. Either way, I want to share why I love Western Kansas so much!

 

 

 

 

 

Do these even need captions? Seriously. I think the land here is naturally beautiful. Yes, of course, I love city lights but being able to see this scenery by day and the bright stars by night is pretty awesome.

 

 

One with the land. It is so neat to see crops being grown around my house and watch this place get busy when it's harvest time. The oil industry also keeps our area busy - most of the time.

People know your name. So, I guess this can sometimes be bad especially for people up to no good, but honestly, it's kind of cool when you randomly meet people and they ask your name and realize they know your family.

I don't have to dress to impress. It is very laid back here. People are way too busy outside, sweating like nobody's business to even worry about slapping their face on. My husband loves me and says that I'm beautiful without "that stuff on my face", but I love not having to wear "that stuff" to run errands. I'm sure I could do this anywhere but here, it is not expected and I'm down with that!

 

Events are a big deal. We are not close to any big event venues so we don't get too excited about huge concert tours but when the County Fair or Old Settlers Reunion is going on...now that we get excited about!...It's the little things.

Small town USA. When we lived in town, I worked at a local fuel/automotive shop. It is sort of like one of those you see in the movies. The old men gather in the mornings with a cup of coffee, talking about equipment or plans for the day. Did you know that places around here still have tabs? AND they take checks too! I couldn't believe it when my husband said, just write it down or tell them to put it on my tab, when we grabbed food at the shop or bar. I guess it's ok because everyone knows where we live (and knows our family). Another good thing about living in a rural area is that when you are in need, there is usually someone who can help you out. I am still trying to get used to borrowing things from people for just a bottle of booze, a meal or a hand shake - knowing that you'll return the favor one day.

What do you love about where you live? Is it similar to Western Kansas?

To My Hero, With All My Heart...Happy Father's Day!

I hit the jackpot when I found my husband. You know what one of the first things he did for me that really got me? The first morning we spent together, he brought me a cup of coffee with creamer while I was getting ready. No one had ever done that for me before. I know you're probably thinking, "wow, that didn't take much." But if you knew where I had been before, this was HUGE. I felt loved, completely, with that one cup of coffee. It's the little things, people!

He truly is a wonderful man and it is even difficult to put into words describing the way that I feel about him. I've been broken and lonely, not appreciated, used but then he showed me the opposite. Immediately, I knew he would be my forever man.

It didn't take long for us to want to stop the 6.5 hours drives on the weekends to see each other. After 6 months of living together we got engaged and 10 days later...became HUSBAND & WIFE. When you know, you know. It was a quick ceremony at the lake that we now live by. We held a reception 8 months later and decided that we wanted to start a family.

It wasn't long until I saw two pink lines! Me telling him wasn't all planned out and nicely done as other couples. I seriously just shook the test in his face with happiness before running off to work for the day. We couldn't believe it and were very excited, nervous, scared, anxious...all of the feelings! With the way that he was a husband to me, I knew he would be a great father. So I really had no worries.

Finally in June 2014, our little man was born! It was amazing to see what we had made together. Life is such a miracle! Also, I never had to change a diaper in the hospital...daddy did that!

My husband works a lot and it is so I can stay home with our son. Daycare wasn't really an option where we live and deep down inside I knew I wanted to raise my children. So, I've gotten to stay home and watch our son grow up and do his firsts, which is truly a blessing. I'm not going to lie, my days lately have been very "trying." I am currently pregnant with baby #2 and my hormones are sometimes off the wall. Dealing with a whiny, teething, needy, temper tantrum throwing toddler isn't exactly peachy.

Luckily, I have a spouse who comes home every night and helps me. Unless there's yard work or rare occasions that he is outside or gone. I don't know if I could do it without him and I hope that I never have to find out. He works all day, comes home and sometimes even cooks when I don't feel like it, gives our son his bath, spends time with him and gives me a break! All without ever complaining. He never makes me feel selfish or bad for wanting/needing to go to town to get a fish sandwich that I crave or just to get out for sanity. I am very grateful for that. He still does little things that makes me feel loved, such as that first cup of coffee. I love him more every day.

So to my hero, my husband...thank you and Happy Father's Day!

Defeated.



Is there a button that turns your frown upside down? I could use one of those. [Today has been one of those ugly cry days.]

Hi. I'm Kelley, mom to a 1 year old who is very strong willed and needy, lately. Wife to a man I like to clean and cook for but don't always live up to. Things I like to do for myself? Shop (in which I'm limited to - thanks money for not growing on trees!), everything Scentsy (recently became a consultant), go out and do things (sometimes restricting due to child and/or money still not growing on trees), help others, have a clean house, make good food, bake cookies for loved ones, make my son laugh...the list could go on and on.

Even though I know it is not physically, emotionally or mentally possible to complete all of the wonderful things I have listed in my head on a daily basis, I still strive to and end up disappointed. To be honest, the last couple of days, my main focus is to let go of all of the "mundane house tasks" and enjoy time with my son but I still feel defeated. Yes, maybe being 5 months pregnant, tired, achy all over, emotional and over-analyzing everything that everyone else is doing doesn't help my situation. I just want to make my son happy and he is in a phase where that is not always possible, no matter how much time I spend with him. I take it personally, which totally sucks. I know he's not, not enjoying things, on purpose but it still hurts. Also, I am in a stage of wanting/needing a good friend to hang out with that has a kid or maybe if I could clone my sister, it would make my life a little less lonely.

So, I think I'm just going to take him out to the park at the lake. Maybe grab some food before hand and have a little picnic (or a chase him around while trying to shove food in his mouth and mine at the same time thing). And turn this frown around myself. Seriously though, if you have one of those buttons...name your price! ;)

My New Fun Thing!!

Hey there! I wanted to share with you that I've joined Scentsy Fragrance! I am literally addicted to the stuff so I decided to sell it. Honestly, another reason for selling it was to have something for myself, something that I enjoy and can do to take my mind out of "mommy mode". There are so many great products available and they make me happy so I would like to share that joy with you :)

My website is www.knuttle.scentsy.us if you ever want to check everything out!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

For so many people, rain is a great thing. And to an extent, it is. But too much of it, can be a bad thing for those of us that depend on dirt roads to make a living. I am sure the farmers are ecstatic that their crops are getting the much deserved drink they need to grow healthy. But for the oil field workers - in particular, the tanker truck drivers - it is not good at all.

Our house is located a little over a mile off of the nearest highway. If my husband can get to the highway that's great but then he has to worry about getting into leases to load and unload the oil. The roads to the leases are dirt, not necessarily well maintained and all it takes is one or two good rains to make it impossible to get in and out of. It's been raining for forever days.

The time my son and I get with my husband is wonderful but our bank account is depleting. I'm not going to lie that I am a little worried but I am trying to have faith that everything will go back to normal. This makes me realize how uneasy it must be for farmers to have to depend on the weather to ensure a good season or not. I am not a fan!

Luckily, we are not completely confined to the house. We have 4 wheel drive vehicles that get us to where we need to go with a little sweat from gripping the wheel as we slip and slide. So until it dries up and everyone starts talking about the drought again, I am using this time to catch up on family time, school work and preparing for upcoming events that are sure to be fun.

Have you been effected by the weather?

Mom, I Love You Because...

There are so many reasons why I love you. First of all, because you gave me life. Second of all, you are just awesome and thirdly, you've turned into a best friend that always has my back. You have helped me get over insecurities and fears, look more positively at situations and help me laugh at silly little things that has me in knots.

You don't get the credit you deserve all of the time so I wanted to take the time to do so. Especially after watching sweet segments of the Today Show stars with their mothers and thinking "I should do that for mine."

 

There you are, supporting me with something I enjoyed...like always. You are looking hot in your 90's attire! 

Love my Mom, Maw Maw and Grandma.

Here's to all of the fun times we've had and to the times we have ahead! Thanks for all that you've done and will do. I love you! Happy Mother's Day!

 

Help! I've Been Bitten!

So, sometime in the past couple of months, my son decided that I must be really good to sink his 4 teeth into because it seems like that's all he wants to do now! And it freaking hurts! This also goes along with pulling my hair, slapping me in the face & chest and using me as his personal human jungle gym. My guess is that you've dealt with some of this too?

I need your help. I could use your suggestions on if and what I can do something to get the biting to stop. My son is now 11 months old, is it too early to "punish" him? What did you do to make your child stop? Or do I just let this ride out because it's just a thing?

In the meantime, I will try my best to enjoy the daily beat up I get because it means that my son can move and shake. I am glad that he is growing like he is and I'd rather get bitten than him not be able to do these things. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Sisterhood Tag!

Happy Friday Friends! It's been a quick week at our house and I'm sure that this weekend will go by just as fast! I am attending the Red Barn Outdoor Market with my aunt-in-law tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited! There are going to be SO many awesome vendors and things to look at, I am going to be in sensory overload! If you would like to check it out, here's the facebook event page.

I was tagged, along with other bloggers, by my SIL/BFF MakeMeUpMia in the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award! She gave us some questions to answer then I will tag 10 bloggers with 10 questions of my own...let's keep it going :)

1. What made you start your blog?
I started my blog years ago for more of a journal but I got more serious with it last year when I joined up with the Rural Housewives. I loved what they were doing and felt that it would a perfect outlet for me while I made the transition to stay-at-home mom. I enjoy the connection that I have with other bloggers and readers since I am, literally, in the middle of nowhere and don't get that interaction like I did when I lived in the city.

2. Current favorite song, you know, the one that you crank up in the car?

Oh geez, I love music! So this one is hard for me to pick...I would say that the one song I always turn up in the car (if little man isn't with me) is Fade Away by Breaking Benjamin.

3. If you could only pick 1 beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Hmmm...and not have to worry about sugar affecting my body? Pepsi.

Enjoy my favorite throwback commercial with my favorite lady!

4. Dream job & why?

I currently have my dream job as a stay-at-home mom. I do, however, have a new aspiration...creating custom Kansas jewelry! We'll see if it happens!

5. You have 1 totally free YOU day, what would your day consist of?
Traveling somewhere new, shopping, spa and fancy food!

6. Favorite trip you've ever been on?
My husband and I joke that we had our "honeymoon" before we got married. We took a cruise to the Caribbean and really enjoyed it! It was my first real tropical trip and it was with the man that I love...pure bliss!

7. You had a million dollars handed to you, first thing you do? 
Pay off debt!

8. Tell me something you love about yourself. 
I can get along with all types of people and enjoy many things in life.

9. What store do you shop at most (non grocery)?
Online - Amazon (hands down the best for living in the country)
In-store - Hobby Lobby or Bath & Body Works

10. Favorite recipe & make sure you share ;)
Chocolate Chips Cookies! Here's the recipe from their website. I substitute butter with regular Crisco and add a 1/4 tsp of water while mixing. I also line foil on the pan with Crisco. These were my grandma's secrets so you are privileged to get the scoop ;)

I tag the following blogger friends:
Alex | Blog Mom, Blog!
Jenny | Prairie Californian
Kira | The Fell Bunch
Jessie | Snapshots of a Kansas Farm
Erin | Trial & Erin
Kerry | I Married A Milkman
JoAnn | Music Sparks
Diana | In The Heart of Kansas
Amanda | The Procrastinating Mommy
Nancy | Bead Charmer Girl

Here are your questions! No pressure to do this, just thought it would be neat to hear from you :)
1. What do you like most about blogging?
2. If you could eat anything all of the time, what would it be?
3. You are with your 18 year old self, what do you say?
4. Are you a get dressed up and go out to eat or dinner at home type of gal?
5. If you got $1000 to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
6. Where's your favorite place to be and why?
7. Book or Movie?
8. What is your favorite talent?
9. Spring Storms or Winter Storms?
10. Challenges you face daily?

If you decide to participate, please tweet me @kelleynuttle

Have a great weekend!

What The Heck Am I Doing?

There are days (a lot of days) where I ask myself this question. "What the heck am I doing?" I am sure that many moms have asked themselves this very same question. Whether it's while you are up for the fourth time in the middle of the night or chasing a baby around the house just to put a freaking shirt on them, you think WTH.

I am not particularly the most patient person so I find myself in tears when my son chooses to not go with my flow after countless attempts otherwise. And he just looks at me like...WTH. Notice the theme? I have no idea what I'm doing or why. I don't know why I try to dress my son into clothes that no one is going to see but my husband and I while he has perfectly clean pajamas on. The struggle is not worth it. I think I have finally realized that! I don't know why I compare my mothering skills to others when quite frankly, it's our life not theirs. I don't know why I let "advice" from family members, who believe they know it all, bother me. I don't know why I pick up all of my sons toys for them to just get thrown all over the floor again. I don't know why my son feels like he needs to throw a fit because I want to change his diaper, put him somewhere safe while I take care of business or set him down after holding him until my arms want to fall off.

I get so upset sometimes because I feel like I'm not the best mother that I could be. I have all of these grand ideas of what I want to accomplish as a mother and a wife but some days I get nowhere close. The dirty floors, the dishes piled in the kitchen, the laundry (and toys) all over the floor, the nice dinner I should've started already...all the things that I worry over that I really shouldn't. But then, I see my son's gap toothed smile and rethink things.

You know, things aren't so bad and shouldn't be so overanalized. Life is too short for that.

If you're that mother who thinks, "what the heck am I doing?" You are not alone! You are doing just fine. Being a mother isn't always easy but it is worth it. Stay strong my friends! (And maybe indulge in a glass of wine...or two.)

Smoky Hills Public Television Presents - SID the SCIENCE KID! [PLUS GIVEAWAY!!]

Hello friends! I wanted to share this awesome (FREE) event that you and your children can enjoy at The Central Mall in Salina, KS on Saturday, March 28th from Noon to 2:00 PM. It is being presented by Smoky Hills Public Television. The kids can participate in fun experiments, take pictures with SID and watch the SID the SCIENCE KID Movie!

  

In part of this great event, I've got a SID the SCIENCE KID Encyclopedia of Discovery DVD to give away to one lucky winner! Please enter below and good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

  

Want more fun, science experiments to try at home? Check these out!

 



Routine or Not?

We all have that thing. That thing that we rely on for our sanity, our routine, something that helps our day go. Mine is coffee (with plenty of that frou-frou stuff). After being diagnosed with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) I was bummed that coffee was on the no-no list. So I slowly reduced how much I was drinking every day. With that being said...I still drink it!

Anyway, here's the deal. Coffee peps me up for my day raising my son, studying, housework, errands or whatever else we have planned. I can make do without it but choose not to. I am sort of a sucker for routine. I have a way that I do things (from loading the dishwasher to cooking things a certain way) and I enjoy sticking with it. When my plans get messed up, I get ridiculously upset which I am not proud of. I feel horrible after reacting to a situation that doesn't go the way that I plan. Since being with my husband, who is not as big of a planner like I am, I've had to adapt. I am slowly getting better.

Routine isn't always bad. I believe routine is good when it comes to children. I was struggling with my son's sleep patterns around 6 months old. Finally one of my best friends suggested that I establish a routine and stick to it so I can get some good sleep. It worked! So now, I struggle with being "that mom" that wants to be home at a certain time so my son can get his bath, pjs on, stories read, bottle time and in bed that he is accustomed to. You win some, you lose some!

Do you have a routine that you stick to? Have you had to "let go" of your planning way? I would love to hear!

Dear Husband...

Thank you for being my best friend, my hero and the best father to our son. Thank you for being strong in many different ways. Thank you for treating me right. Thank you for working hard to provide for your family, selflessly. Thank you for loving me even when I am not lovable. Thank you for making life fun and always an adventure. Thank you for being honest even if it hurts. Thank you for making my day better just by being around. Thank you for showing affection even if it's just a butt slap. Thank you for eating food that I burn and pretending that you actually like it. Thank you for being YOU.

I am so lucky to have you! Happy 2 year anniversary! I love you!

What I Miss Most [About Living In The City]

I can go on and on about my love for living in the country but I have to admit that I miss some things in the city. It’s been a little over two years since I moved to Kansas. I moved from Owasso, Oklahoma which is about 20 miles from Tulsa. It was a booming city when I moved there and still is. Even Garth Brooks calls it home! When I would drive to work before I was living in Owasso, I would drive by Garth’s “house – aka fence line” hoping to see him or Trisha along the way. I don’t know how, but I think everyone else ran into him at the grocery store or a restaurant but me! Oh well…

While I was living there and dreaming of moving to Kansas I got pretty fed up with the traffic and rude people. I knew I would miss the shopping and food options and honestly, I still do. I also miss the events and services available there. Here in Western Kansas there aren’t a lot of things going on and when there is, there aren’t multiple occurrences to fit your schedule (or your husband's). I guess that’s what makes the city though. Plenty of things to do and people to see. I never ran out of options if I wanted to go do something. Plus, new things were available there that you have to wait for here. The one plus side of that is that by the time it makes it here, it’s been proven to be good. Right?

No matter what, out of material things or service options, I miss my friends that I had to go do the things with, the most. When I moved, I left my best friends and siblings which SUCKS. But I gained a husband, son and extended family that I love. It’s a much simpler life here and I am not going to complain about that because I highly enjoy SIMPLE. Now more than ever. Bringing up a child in a rural setting is what I’ve always wanted and I get to do that so that makes missing the city easier to deal with.

Have you moved from the city to a rural area? If so, what do you miss most about the city?

Food Love - Easy Chicken Tacos

 

This is one of the easiest meals that I make. All you need is a crockpot and a few ingredients! This recipes makes about 4 servings.

What you'll need:

- Sliced Pepper & Yellow Onion: 1 of each. I use a green pepper but I'm sure that others will work great. I like them sliced in this recipe but you can definitely dice them. If you really want to save time then buy a bag of frozen diced peppers and onions!

- Rotel: 1 Can

- Cheese: 1/2 block of velveeta (if I have it on hand) - if not I use whatever cheese I have in the fridge. Cheddar or Colby Jack works just as well!

- Chicken Tenderloins: 4 - 6 (I put them in frozen)

- Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle a little on top of everything else. My mom gave me an awesome homemade recipe! See it here: Homemade Taco Seasoning

I put everything in the crockpot in that order and let it cook on low for 3 and 1/2 hours. Stirring occasionally. The chicken should break apart/shred easily.

Other ingredients needed (if preferred):
- Tortillas or taco shells
- Sour Cream
- Shredded Cheese
- Shredded Lettuce

Food Love - Homemade Taco Seasoning

I got this recipe from my mom who is a wonderful cook so I knew I would enjoy it! I highly recommend making your own instead of buying it from the store! This recipe made enough to use in a few dishes.

• 1 tbsp. Chili Powder
• 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/4 tsp. Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp. Paprika
• 1&1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Black Pepper

Cheers To A New Year

Happy New Year! I hope your 2015 will be everything that you hope for! I woke up with a NyQuil hangover. I partied really hard with my eyes closed last night! :) Little man and I have been sick for about a week now. With that being said, I have made a few goals for this year and I'm looking forward to achieving them. It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it.

At this time, I want to say THANK YOU all for being here and reading my posts. I appreciate all of your support and hope to bring you more stories and things that I love, in the new year!

Remember to spread a little more love (or a lot) this year and that we are all in this life together...Happy 2015!

- Kelley Nicole