Valentine Craft

Another awesome part about motherhood is the craft making we get to do for daddy.

I’ve never been a huge fan of Valentines Day, but the thought of helping Ezra make a Valentine for Reed, especially the first Valentine…..made my heart all happy. I got all into this year. Maybe a little too much……

Trying to trace an 18 month old hand was HARD WORK! Ezra was not a fan. Totally freaked out. We’re talking about a boy who hates stickers- doesn’t like things sticking to him at all- or holding him down! And what about all those hearts that I cut out by hand using felt, foam and glitter paper?!? I seriously loved every minute of it, but couldn’t help but laugh as I remembered seeing a bag of cut out hearts in the craft isle where I bought all of my supplies! But no, nothing compares to MY hand cut hearts, right?!?

While I was cutting out felt, foam and glitter hearts [as Ezra was napping] something stopped me for a brief second to stop and soak in what I was actually doing. I had waited years to be a momma and here I was…..doing a mom thing. This Valentine craft wasn’t something that I had to do, but something I got to do. Im thankful for that moment….a moment where I can always look back and remind myself, especially on the hard days…..that this job is the highest honor and a precious gift. Go all out….don’t settle….HEART & SOUL.

XOXO

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3.20.14

Erin - Kelli, I just found your blog and it is adorable! I especially love the photos of your sweet boy. I love and cherish my job as a Momma too. It IS such a privilege to do the millions of things for these kids each day ~ even the long days. The sweet gift of motherhood is a blessing from above. Thanks for being such an awesome mom!

Handsome Valentine

This is the second annual Valentine photo session that my neighbor Lindsey and I have collaborated on together. Just us and our boys. I love this tradition that we started……and although it takes a bit of time, planning [and patience], it’s totally worth it. As photographers, we dream up ideas for everybody else….so it’s fun and rewarding to carve out a bit of time and do the same for ourselves. Our set ups are always simple….white wall, a Valentine garland and our little loves. Due to the age of our boys….we’re talking 10-15 minutes max [and a whole lot of peek-a-boo and cookies!]. You can see last years set up here.

Seriously, I’d love to encourage all you mommas out there to get together with a fellow momma friend and just get in photos with your little ones. Believe me….it’s easy to just put it off, but once you do it…..the reward is such a treasure.

Hope you all have a sweet Valentines Day with your loves.
x’s & o’s

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// Here are a few of my favorites of Lindsey and her little guy [with a rad tattoo!]
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2.24.14

Elissa Roberts - Love the monthly downloads and that sweet little felt heart bunting! Thank you for using your gifts to inspire other women, especially this one!

February Desktop + iPhone Download

Did you really think that this series was gone forever and not coming back in 2014? I wouldn’t blame you. It definitely looked like it there for a minute…

I seriously love this monthly series so much….Ashley and I discussed whether or not we would continue this on into 2014 and we both agreed that this series was really special to us and that we wanted to continue to collaborate and create these encouraging downloads for you [and us] each month.

The New Year kicked off and we were [as we should be] busy enjoying the holidays with our families and friends. And all of a sudden….it’s February! Yikes!

Ashley and I were committed to launching our series back up again this month. We really felt a burden to just tell each and every one of you that YOU ARE LOVED and that YOU ARE LOVELY. YOU ARE OF WORTH AND OF VALUE.

There’s so much emphasis put on “Valentines Day” and for some….it’s a hurtful reminder of singleness or loneliness. Whatever your mood may be….I encourage you today to look in the mirror and try really hard to wrap your mind around the way God sees you. His love is so great for you. We are not average, common, run of the mill women. We are set apart. BELIEVE THIS!

I hope you enjoy this months download…and I pray that each time you glance at your phone or your computer screen- that you are reminded of Gods love for you. This is Him saying to you…I love you oh so much. He really does.

As always, please feel free to share this blog post with anyone and everyone! We love seeing this series float around the internet…touching and encouraging lives.

XOXO
-kelli

DESKTOP DOWNLOAD // right click and “use as desktop picture”
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iPhone WALLPAPER
iphone 4

2.14.14

Donuts, Pink & Rodents | Elissa Roberts - […] little Valentine’s Day happy for you… the photograph is from Kelli Trontel, a crazy talented photographer. Every month she puts out a new photograph to download and use as […]

Whitefish Winter Carnival

This past weekend was Winter Carnival here in Whitefish. Its a local tradition with a crazy backstory, but the afternoon parade is a highlight for us. Maybe when Ezra gets a little older, he’ll participate in the penguin plunge, but for now….we’re opting out of jumping in any lake in zero degree weather! It’s also a super busy day for our shop– as all the festivities take place right out front of our door!

Here are a few photos from the day…..and yes, Montana loves their trucks and horses!
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