on Pinterest-induced feelings of inadequacy.

it's not just Pinterest's fault.  (and you guys know i have fervent love for all things Pinterest) maybe it's your neighbor's expertly manicured lawn.  or your co-worker's perfectly pulled-together work attire.  or your friend's stylishly decorated house.  any number of things can make you doubt yourself and feel like you're not good enough, smart enough, crafty enough, ENOUGH ENOUGH and pretty soon you're on a spiral downward that ends in eating a bunch of moose tracks ice cream on the couch while watching the real housewives of some fair city battle it out (or you could just do this anyway, which is my general approach, whether i'm feeling inadequate or not).  i try not to fall victim to this vicious cycle, and most of the time, i am somewhat successful at this endeavor.  i remind myself periodically (usually when pinning some picture-perfect-every-hair-in-place family photo for "inspiration" on Pinterest) that there's always a back story, and today, i'm here to share that back story with you.

first, allow me to post some Pinterest-inspired gender reveal photos.  (yes, i know this is somewhat cheesy.  i realize that it is a completely inorganic way to reveal the gender of our child to the world... i mean, what? you don't just find yourself in a field at sunset with an antique trunk and a burlap banner that says "it's a boy?!")

the reason i'm sharing these photos is because i'm also going to share the rest of the story.  which is that I WAS FREEZING COLD and STARVING throughout this entire photo shoot.  in fact, i stole some of the fruit snacks i brought to appease jack.  i also wavered between wondering if i would ever feel warm again and having some serious anxiety about the fact that my roots needed to be touched up.  i silently cursed myself for always waiting until the last minute to book hair appointments.  jack was not having any part of this photo shoot business.  he kept running toward traffic that was slowing to gawk at the sight of people shooting photos in a field outside of town.  jack also had several mini meltdowns when asked to cooperate in any fashion.  john and i were losing patience, as we both thought about the money we were spending to capture this perfect moment.  paying to photograph our son's bad behavior just seemed like an exercise in futility.  after all, i can document tantrums pretty effectively at home without spending a dime! 

anyway, the point is: (1) we're having a boy! and (2) this is a PSA to always remember that no matter how perfect a photo shoot may look on your Pinterest board or in someone's Christmas card, there's always a back story.  and it's probably a lot more interesting than the photo.

keepin' it real,

stephanie

fuegerfest recap.

well, another fuegerfest has come and gone.  i have to say it really is one of my favorite events of the year.  i love the build-up, the anticipation, the planning, the execution... and then the best part, greeting all our friends and family as they arrive to celebrate!  of course, not everything goes exactly according to plan and this year, the weather could have been a tad bit more cooperative.  despite record high temperatures for the past few months, mother nature decided to throw a curve ball with some chilly weather.  at least the combination of alcohol, hot cider and "german cheer" kept everyone warm (i think?!)

every year we have to add a little something to keep the party fresh.  this year, a real live german musician,

hammerschlagen (the german striking hammer game), 

and DAS BOOT were all new hits!

the party gets easier and easier every year as i learn better ways to prepare for the festivities.  can you believe that the past three years i spent HOURS upon HOURS chopping onions for the various german recipes, and only this year did it click that i own a frickin' food processor that could eliminate that unnecessary carpal tunnel?  

ladies enjoying the festivities

german lads

my little schnitzel

some other party details:

 the fueger biergarten, 2012

thank you for celebrating another fuegerfest with us!  and before i leave, let me share two things with you:
the first is my favorite fuegerfest dessert recipe: apple strudel cheesecake.  you can find the recipe here.  it's AMAZING and would be a great addition not only to your oktoberfest party, but your thanksgiving table as well.

the second: a gratuitous picture of the wee one in utero:

isn't that profile just the cutest?!  it's really starting to feel real to me now.  only took about 5 months, right?!