Did you know that maternal mental health disorders, like depression, are the number 1 complication from childbirth and one of the leading causes of maternal death?

Did you know 1 in 5 mothers will suffer from a maternal mental health disorder and that less than 15% will seek out and sustain treatment options?

Did you know that there are more new cases of mothers suffering from maternal depression each year than women diagnosed with breast cancer?

Is your mind blown yet?

April 29th to May 3rd is Maternal Mental Health Week.  Organizations like The Blue Dot Project and Postpartum Support International are working together to help break the stigma behind maternal mental health disorders.  This year I am joining in to help spread awareness and rally behind women that silently suffer, because I've been there.

In 2013, I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with Postpartum Anxiety.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with Postpartum Anxiety, again.

Being honest and open with my anxiety struggles is my way of bringing light to maternal mental health disorders.  I have anxiety, it does not define me.

To read about my anxiety struggles, click here.

For more information on Maternal Mental Health Disorders - click here.
For more information on Maternal Mental Health Week - click here.

LOCAL FRIENDS - follow Build Your Village Douglas County for more local information.  They have lots of great events planned for this week to celebrate MMHW, including a Climb Out of the Darkness walk on Saturday morning.  I'll be there, will you?

Did you know that maternal mental health disorders, like depression, are the number 1 complication from childbirth and one of the leading...

All photos courtesy of Trina Baker Photography

Back in February, I wrote about attending my first ever blog related event in Kansas City.  It was such a success and I had so much fun that I left with all these ideas about bringing the fun to Lawrence in a  special and unique way.  I had already launched my side project, LFK Lady Boss Project with the idea of getting lady bosses, of all kinds, together to network and truly enjoy time together.  But I left with a renewed sense of what I wanted to do.

All photos courtesy of Trina Baker Photography

A week and a half ago, I hosted my first LFK Lady Boss Project Networking Night Out.

All photos courtesy of Trina Baker Photography

It was a two hour networking gathering hosted downtown that had over 50 lady bosses of all kinds in attendance.  I had one of the sweetest Lawrence business owners offer up her boutique, KB & Co, with not much to go off of except my dreams.  A local wedding and event planner, Fashioned Events, stepped up to help me with the details.  And finally, a photographer, Trina Baker Photography, volunteered to fill the position of photographing the entire night.  Without these three the night would not have been near as successful.

All photos courtesy of Trina Baker Photography

Then I had some people volunteer to donate some sweets (McLain's Market, April's Sweet Treats, and BellaRoca Cakes) and over 25 other lady bosses donated amazing giveaways.  Trina set up a photo booth.  There was shopping.  There was cookies, cake pops and macaroons.  And there was so many amazing ladies gathered together under one roof.

All photos courtesy of Trina Baker Photography

It has been a few days since I showed people what I hoped to do here in Lawrence.  I have had great feedback and I have already embarked on planning the next Networking Night Out.  Going to ride this way of success and keep it going.  More than anything I want to do what I am so passionate about.  I want to give back.  Lawrence, Kansas is a one of a kind community where everyone comes together to lift each other up and do what we can for each other.  I will never stop being thankful that our life brought us here.

All photos courtesy of Trina Baker Photography

For more information about future events and to follow along with my side project, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@lfkladybossproject).

If you have any questions about hosting your own event in your community, feel free to e-mail me!

All photos courtesy of Trina Baker Photography Back in February, I wrote about attending my first ever blog related event in Kansas Cit...

All photo credit goes to Taylor @Photo KC

It has been a minute.  A minute filled with wayyyyyyy too many snow days and off days as well as sick days.  Spring is going to be such a welcome season this year, way more than usual.  I am sitting here looking out at another pile of snow, from another snow storm, because we obviously didn't have enough already.  It doesn't bother me though because today I am scrolling through beautiful pictures from my first ever blog event last weekend.

Y'all, I've been blogging since 2010 but decided that this year was the year I grow this space from the personal scrapbook of years past to a higher level of blog status.  Whatever that may be.  So I saw an event pop up in Kansas City that looked like a great place to get the ball rolling on making that growth happen.

All photo credit goes to Taylor @Photo KC

The women behind this event, Sierra and Taylor, had a vision of getting KC ladies together for some photos, shopping and special treats, plus networking at the cutest venue ever, Market Studio.  It went off without a hitch.  The KC Lady Gang is an impressive group of women with all sorts of talents and creative goals and I am here for it.    To know these women in person is something else.  I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this event.

All photo credit goes to Taylor @Photo KC

But can we just be real for a second?

This was SO far out of my comfort zone.  The ladies that attended this event have beautiful, carefully put together Instagrams and blogs.  They have loads of followers and an overall purpose for their channels.  They are killing their social media game and it is downright intimidating.  To put myself out there in every awkward way was definitely out of the norm for me.

Would I do it again though?

Yes! I walked in knowing nobody and walked out knowing so many talented people that are local to me.  That's a win all around.

All photo credit goes to Taylor @Photo KC

So my three take aways from attending my first blog event.

1. DO it.  Go out of your bubble and do it.  Start small and then the bigger ones will be easier to jump to later.

2. Be yourself.  I may not be the blogger that knows how to pose or the blogger with a unique theme, but I can without a doubt say that I was myself.  Which I am totally okay with that.

3. Don't overthink it.  I signed up and didn't think about it first.  I picked out an outfit I was comfortable in.  I didn't stress day of.  I went in with a relaxed mindset, and it really worked out in my favor.

All photo credit goes to Taylor @Photo KC

So much so, I am in the very early stages of planning a networking event with similar aspects for Lawrence lady bosses through my new endeavor LFK Lady Boss Project.

Have you attended a blog related event?
If so, how was it?!

All photo credit goes to Taylor  @Photo KC It has been a minute.  A minute filled with wayyyyyyy too many snow days and off days as wel...

I've been doing this mom thing here in Lawrence for three winters now.  On days like today when the temperature is a brisk -1, most everyone is hunkering down and staying in as even school was cancelled.  First thing this morning I rearranged a well child check up so we can truly just stay home today.  This winter just keeps on going with low temperatures and bold wind chills.  Outside play is next to impossible.  So what is a mom to do?

Here are our 5 favorite indoor activities.

1. Go to the library.  Our little town is blessed with one of the best libraries in the country.  They have story time for the littles multiple times a week and when there isn't story time, they have a train table, block table, puppet theater, reading nooks, computers and oh yeah, ALL the books you could want.  More information - Lawrence Public Library.

2. Visit The Toy Store.  My kids favorite store downtown is The Toy Store.  We could easily waste an hour just looking around and playing with the toys on display.  Aside from the obvious entertainment, they also have regular events for the children to attend including a story time and drum circle.  It is so diverse, last summer we made stepping stones for our front yard at one of their events.  More information - The Toy Store.

3. Attend open gym at the Sports Pavilion or East Lawrence Recreation Complex. Another thing our town has been blessed with is many recreation centers and the mother ship, the Sports Pavilion.  They frequently host open gym sessions at this massive rec center where the gymnastics equipment is open to toddler parents (and youth) for a small fee. Grace has LOVED her gymnastics classes at East Lawrence and it is a great way to burn some energy. More information - City of Lawrence Parks and Rec.

4. Spend an afternoon at LOL indoor playground. If you are looking for a great place to meet up with friends or make new ones, LOL Family Zone downtown is a great option.  We haven't been since I gave birth to Emily, but both girls love the indoor playground, giant trampoline bubble and all the make believe toys you could want.  It costs to get in the door, but you can easily spend hours inside.  Especially since they also have food!  Just remember to wash your hands when you leave! More information - LOL Family Zone.

5. See the animals at Pet World Experience.  This place is like a little zoo within our little town.  I had heard great things but it took us forever to actually visit.  If your kid loves animals they will love this family run pet store.  You can even feed the animals if you arrive at the right time... making this a good way to spend the cold afternoons when the local zoos are closed. More information - Pet World Experience.

In the winter months we tend to stay home, just because it is easier.  With three children, three coats, and three times the amount of winter gear required to stay warm... it just isn't worth it.  But Emily is becoming mobile and sometimes a break from chasing her around the house is just needed.

What is your favorite indoor activity in your town?

I've been doing this mom thing here in Lawrence for three winters now.  On days like today when the temperature is a brisk -1, most ...

I know fall has not officially started.  But the minute school starts and the temperature drops below 75 I am all in for all things fall.  Of course, the weather was feeling like fall around these parts and then the last couple of days it has been 80 degrees and muggy.  Because Kansas.

Most of you know I grew up in a Kansas City suburb.  Lived there the first 20 years of my life before leaving my bubble in favor of the Army's needs.  When that adventure ended I knew I wanted to return to Kansas... and well, here we are.

Kansas is my absolute favorite in the fall.
Here are my top 5 favorite things to do in the fall in eastern Kansas...

1. Visit the sunflower fields. We aren't the sunflower state just because.  The rolling fields of sunflowers are absolutely amazing.  Several local farmers have opened their fields to the public and one year they even had to shut down the roads around Grinter's Sunflower Farm because the traffic was overwhelming the small country roads.  Now we have small town festivals that coincide with the blooming of the sunflowers and they make for the best social media pictures.  My top three favorite sunflower destinations - Grinter's Sunflower Farm | Gieringers Orchard | Our local gem, Hunsinger Farms (923 E 1450 Road, south of Lawrence).
2. Hit up an apple orchard, pumpkin patch and corn maze.  This has been my number one fall activity since I had Grace 4 years ago. Most of the local farms open in the fall include hay rides, photo opps, games, playgrounds and special snacks that make for a solid afternoon of fun.  Last year we made it out to Pendleton's Country Market late in the season, as a storm was rolling in and got one on one time with the farmer to feed some animals and had almost the entire farm to ourselves.  It doesn't get more Kansas than that.  Another favorite? Cider Hill Family Orchard.

3. Deanna Rose. I rave about this place because if you have kids and haven't been here, you are absolutely missing out.  In the fall the entire farmstead is converted to fall activities that are included in one super LOW ticket price.  It is my favorite place to meet up with friends and enjoy the nice weather.  Grace loves to ride on the ponies and we all love feeding the goats.  Definitely a hidden Overland Park gem.

4. Tailgate at Arrowhead before a football game. We love our teams here in Kansas City.  But more than anything we love barbecue and we love tailgating.  Gates open hours and hours before the game starts and people gather in the parking lot to play games, eat, drink and make memories with friends and family.  Hands down this is the one fall activity I think every Kansas Citian should experience as one point in their life.

5. Take a walk down Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. Fall is the perfect time of year to walk down Mass St and take it all in.  The boutiques, the people, the food, all of it.  We love our downtown and our girls are often sad when we have to cut a walk down Mass St short.  There is no shortage of cute stores, street performers and the food... don't even get me started.  There is seriously something for everyone on Mass St.

I know fall has not officially started.  But the minute school starts and the temperature drops below 75 I am all in for all things fall....

The other day I was on one of the Army wife pages for Fort Campbell.  Somebody had just gotten orders to Fort Riley and they were very upset.  KANSAS - who wants to be stationed in Kansas?!

Y'all, it legit breaks my heart just a bit when I see posts like this.  I swear to you Kansas is NOT the worst place you could get orders too. Not even close.  And surprisingly in all my glorious years of being in this military lifestyle I've heard more positive reviews of Fort Riley than negative ones.  Nobody WANTS to go there (unless you are from Kansas), but everyone seems to hate leaving there.

(For full disclosure, Fort Riley is not the only military post in Kansas - Fort Leavenworth and McConnell Air Force Base are both also found in this great state.)

Here are the top five reasons I miss Kansas when I leave.

1. My friends and family.  Obviously I'm from there, and a good chunk of my friends and family are still there.  This will not apply to everyone.  But if you get stationed there you should pick up some friends along the way that will make leaving just a little bit harder.

2. The landscape.  Kansas is relatively flat.  But believe it or not Fort Riley actually sits in a set of hills called the Flint Hills.  So driving across Kansas is not always being able to see for miles and miles.  Some will still say driving interstate 70 across the state of Kansas is the most boring drive ever (my husband!).... but I wholeheartedly disagree.  I mean... THIS is Kansas...

(Also, if you are currently in Kansas... RUNNNNNN to a sunflower field while they are in bloom.  You will NOT regret it.)

3. All of the kid friendly things to do.  Each time we go back I try and squeeze in an activity we don't get to do elsewhere.  Last fall our trip to Kansas right after we moved included a trip to the apple orchard (our closest one here is a drive..) and a trip to Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in Olathe.  My sister worked for MWR at Fort Riley and they were CONSTANTLY putting on family friendly festivals and events.  So if you actively try and find the things, you will not be bored.

4. The bbq.  Please don't argue with me over who has the best bbq in the nation.  Kansas City does.  End of story.  My favorite is Joe's Kansas City (formerly known as Oklahoma Joe's).  Fun fact, I used to skip classes at the local community college with friends and go eat what we referred to as "crack fries" (you can't eat just one..).  Hands down the best way to skip a class.

5. Kansas people are the best.  Take last weekend when a mom was loading her baby into the car at a suburban KC Walmart (one 6 miles from my parents house..).  Two individuals approached her from behind and hit her over the head.  A good samaritan stepped in to help her and ended up getting shot three times, his cheek, arm and chest.  A second good samaritan stepped in and exercised his second amendment rights and shot one of the suspects, killing him.  The second suspect got away but was later arrested.  That's two good samaritans stepping in to help a mom and baby they did not know, ultimately probably saving her life.  If that isn't proof that Kansas people are the best - you are crazy.

So if you've got orders to Kansas - or want orders to Kansas... know that I full heartedly believe it is the bees knees.  Kansas will forever be my home.  It will forever hold a large chunk of my heart.  And I'm proud to say I'm a Kansas princess (Jason Aldean song reference...).

Have you been stationed in Kansas?  What would you add to this list?


always,
amanda

The other day I was on one of the Army wife pages for Fort Campbell.  Somebody had just gotten orders to Fort Riley and they were very u...

Last Thursday the girls and I left for Kansas.  We had a family wedding to attend and Rob had Army stuff going on that prevented him from joining us.  OKAY - NO BIGGIE.  Said the naive mama of two.


We were off to a great start with hardly any sleep after Grace had a fever most of the night before.  Molars maybe?  Who knows.  The day just kept getting better as the eight hour drive turned into ELEVEN.  Mama was Done.  With a capital D.  We resorted to disgusting McDonald's playgrounds to try and get through the drive and lots of nursing/diaper changing stops.  After all my children thought it was highly entertaining to go back and forth on who was crying.  It was lovely.

Eventually we got to my parents house in time to sleep essentially.  SO we slept.  Friday morning we were headed out to western Kansas where the wedding was.  Another five hour drive.  After loading everything up to include children and my sister.  We pulled out of the driveway and my truck was like nope, nope, nope.  I'm done.  Long story short it put itself in limp mode which means it was trying to protect itself because it thought there was something wrong but didn't know what.  So we pull back in the driveway and swap everything to my dad's truck with the intent of fixing mine when I got back into town the next week.

So we break a sweat swapping car seats.  Because heaven forbid those suckers are easy to install.  Also, my dad's truck is pre-2004.... aka no easy clips in the seat.  And an hour later we are on the road.  For real this time.  We make great time since there is someone with me to shove the binky in the open crying mouth.  Hallelujah.  We even had time to stop and get lunch with Allison, who moved to the middle of Kansas thanks to her husband and his rising career.


We make it in time for the rehearsal and dinner and stuff.  They had spaghetti, salad and bread.  Genius.  AND GOOD. And easy.  I think?


After a long night it was finally Satur-yay and wedding day!  Being family we had an early report time for five thousand pictures.  Obviously.  The things you do for those you love.  The wedding itself was a full Catholic ceremony which means we parked the minions in the very back row of church.  Nap time being replaced with church was a recipe for restless kids.  But they didn't do too bad... it was the heat.  Amazing, gorgeous, old church = non existent air conditioner.  It was rough!

That was followed with dinner and a dance.  They do this ridiculously long dance called the wedding march.  I really don't think anybody else does it.  But my parents were married at the same church and had their reception at the same church hall... and THEY did it too.  I've heard about it my whole life.  I made the mistake of doing this dance with Brooke in my arms.  Somebody should have warned me I needed to work out!  Goodness sakes.  So you dance around and at the end you form a circle around the couple and they do their first dance.  Insert all of the awe moments here.

I thought we were going to lose my kids to sleep before the dance started... but once the lights dimmed and the tables were pushed to the side for the dance, my two year old had wayyy more pep in her step.  Girlfriend was having a blast.  We made it until about 9 before we headed out.  JUST in time as the rain came.  With a vengeance.  The rest of the family came home soaked.


Sunday we walked over to my grandparents farm to see the animals and my uncles new shop.  Unfortunately the cows were out in the pasture and the hogs had escaped their enclosure.  So the animal part was a bust.  BUT Grace got to see lots and lots of tractors which made for a very happy girl.


We decided after that we would go over to the church to visit my grandparents grave.  It's only 3 miles over to the church... but guess whose truck was acting funny?  If you are keeping track... this is the SECOND truck I've driven to go down within a weekend.  Dad takes over and drives us out to the field.  Remember it rained last night.  So it was muddy.  My dad doesn't think four wheel drive is necessary... and it was a disaster.  At this point my anxiety is basically through the roof.  Somehow we get back to my uncles house and it is determined the truck isn't going to work for me to drive back.  After capping off the evening with some bubbles and another storm it was sleep for all.

So we move the car seats again.  To my mom's car.  Monday morning we load up... mom, the girls and I in her car.  And my sister and dad in the truck.  Unfortunately I had to scrap my plans to spend several days at Allison's house on the way home as all the vehicles decided to crap out on me.  Luckily we were able to see each other, although briefly, on Friday.  But STILL.  This trip just keeps getting better.

We get back to KC with all vehicles still rolling only to discover that magically my truck is out of limp mode and acting normal.  Like what?  You little shit who didn't want to drive anymore!  Dad takes it to get scanned anyway and a couple of codes come up.  We aren't actually sure if there is an issue or not so I decide not to drive it much.  Which leaves the girls and I at my parents all day Tuesday while the family worked.

That night we HAD to go get Jose Peppers.  If you are from KC, you know what this is.  If you are visiting KC, GO.  And get the queso and thank me later.  Anyway... so my vehicle is the only one that can fit all of us.  Of course.  Which means something else breaks.  Now 4 of the trucks 6 vents are blowing out HOT air instead of cool air.  LOVELY.  Again, it just keeps getting better!

Wednesday my dad has a sick day because after spending a weekend in western Kansas we all feel like death thanks to our allergies and sinuses being completely jacked to hell and back.  Dad attempts to fix the air issue.  But falls one bolt short.  The dealership wants $300.  Which means my husband can of course fix it cheaper.  It's a $30 part after all.  He's in Tennessee though...

Nobody wants to deal with warm air when it's 90 degrees outside.  So when my girl, Kara, comes over that evening she graciously drives our madness around.  ANOTHER car seat swap later... and we are headed to dinner and the most gorgeous sunflower field Kansas could ever produce.  It is the sunflower state and for good reason.  I'm pretty sure heaven looks something like this.

We took probably 500 pictures between 5 phones and 3 cameras.  So worth it.  The night isn't complete without a stop to a good Target.  After Kara leaves and the car seats are installed in my truck again... I try everything to get a certain 5 month old to sleep.  Just a few minutes shy of midnight she crashes, with my motivation.  I finally crawl into bed at like 1.

Only to be greeted by a 4:45 AM wake up call.  Time to head back to Tennessee.  Luckily the morning starts with 3 hours of sleeping babies but lots and lots of rain.  We just can't catch a break.  The ride is mostly smooth until after St. Louis when we leave behind the 70 degree weather for the 90 degree weather and those 2 vents can't make up for the other 4 vents anymore.  Time to strip the babies down and just haul ass.  By the time we pull in our driveway in Tennessee I am praising Jesus that is over with.

I swear to all things holy I will never ever ever go on a road trip without my husband again.



always,
amanda
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(warning picture overload ahead...) Last Thursday the girls and I left for Kansas.  We had a family wedding to attend and Rob had Army st...

OKAYYYY---I'm finishing vacation wrap up TODAY.  Ready?! Set, go.

On Wednesday we pulled out of Missouri headed for Kansas and my parents.  Wednesday happened to be my dad's birthday and so for the first time in years we were home to celebrate with him.  After getting into town we did the mad dash to drop stuff off and then meet my mom at her work for lunch.  Of course she had to show Grace off to all her co-workers.. with the parents trailing behind... which I guess happens when you have kids.  You are no longer priority?  Just kidding.  I know without us that sweet girl would not exist..

After lunch we got my car washed on the way to see my best friend and her boy.  He's two months younger than Grace and I wish so badly we lived closer so that I could spend countless hours chit chatting with her and they could spend countless hours playing.  But since that is not happening any time soon we settle for the time we can get.  It is always worth it.


Then it was off to celebrate my dad's birthday at the best Mexican restaurant in town, Jose Peppers.  I could eat the queso everyday and nobody else was complaining about the margaritas.


Thursday we went with Allison and Harrison to the Deanna Rose Petting Zoo.  This was on our Fall bucket list and I am SO glad we got to go when we did.  The weather was great and it was not too terribly crowded.  Considering you can get in for free Monday-Thursday it was absolutely worth it.  We fed ducks and Rob took the kids into the goat pen where I was shocked to see Grace have zero fear and march right up and feed them like they were dogs.  After walking everything we paid the extra few dollars to take the kids on a hay ride... when in Kansas during the fall, right?


We got lunch after and then it was home for naps.  Before heading out again to meet my sweet friends and parents for dinner at Oklahoma Joes.  Another must for us.  (Fun fact, in college we called the fries crack fries because you can't eat just one.)  After a quick catch up, babies started melting down so we called it a day.

Friday was an errand day.  Rob ended up buying a new truck while we were in Kansas City.  So he spent much of the day busy with that.  Grace and I ran some errands and went to the park that I went to growing up.  It is always such a crazy feeling to take your babies to some place you frequented when you were basically a baby yourself.  After spending the evening with my parents we crashed early.


Saturday we woke up and Aunt Erin was in town!  Which Grace LOVED.  We immediately headed out first thing to go to Cider Hill Family Orchard to pick apples and pumpkins.  They were packed.  We hoofed it out to the apple trees and Rob and dad immediately got down to business.  Who knew picking apples was such a serious affair?!  Eventually Grace got into it too and we managed to fill a 16 lb bag full of apples.  The pumpkin picking was next and the selection was certainly interesting.  We decided to just get some gourds and a little pumpkin for Grace.  Then we waited in line basically forever to pay and get some cider slushie and popcorn.  The crowds kind of sucked, but it was an overall fun family outing.


We headed to lunch after and then took off for a great adventure at Ikea.  Rob is SO lucky we don't have one closer to us.  We walked out with $100 in random stuff... but it was all needed, obviously.  We stopped at a few more stores before heading home.  We had dinner in that evening as everyone was super tired.

Sunday we went to Mass.  Which ended up being Rob standing in the back trying to keep an antsy Grace calm.  She did good until we got about halfway through... we are working on it.  After Mass we went home for tacos and cleaning of the house.  We had some company over that evening - our family friends and their three kids, Grace's honorary great-grandparents and another one of my best friends, Kara.  It was a great time catching up, eating a lot and enjoying all the great company.


Unfortunately though, all good things come to an end.  We headed out bright and early Monday for a long journey back home to a relatively new place.  Regardless, I am so so glad we were able to get away and see everyone.  I had not seen my sister since last Christmas, aka the last time we were home.  So it was 100% worth it, worth every minute.


always,
amanda

OKAYYYY---I'm finishing vacation wrap up TODAY.  Ready?! Set, go. On Wednesday we pulled out of Missouri headed for Kansas and my pare...