My Everday featuring ... Kelli Trontel

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story. 

I am a Southern California girl, who spent two years in Phoenix, Arizona [yes, to sing full time in a honky tonk bar & wait tables at my uncles restaurant that he owned with rocker Alice Cooper!] after graduating from Azusa Pacific University. In 2003 I moved to Nashville, Tennessee where I pursued music, but ultimately ended up falling in love with photography. I met my husband, while living in Music City USA, who just so happened to be from Montana. As we seriously considered starting our own family, we felt that being near family was important. In 2010, we moved across country to Whitefish, Montana where we now own and operate a Frozen Yogurt + Coffee cafe, The Red Caboose. More of our story can be seen on HGTV House Hunters....seriously! On July 6, 2012 we welcomed our sweet baby boy, Ezra into our world....our lives have been forever changed. Our hearts are full. 

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]? 

There's nothing sweeter than sharing a nap with Ezra in the middle of the day. In order to do this- I must turn away from the iPhone, computer and any other distraction....these are the moments I live for. Our babies aren't babies forever so I want to soak these pieces of the day in, whenever I can.

[#3] Name three Instagram MOMS who inspire you. 

@smileandwave / @herwelshness / @enjoycupcakes

[#4] What challenges have you faced in balancing motherhood and your passion for creativity?

Quieting the voices in my head that tell me that I will be missing out if I don't keep up. What I try and balance most is being 100% all in for my family, while pursuing those creative things that I am passionate about. I want Ezra to see his momma being obedient to what the Lord has called me to do. My number one priority is family- being a wife and a mom. I want him to see me passionately pursuing things, but in excellence and the secret to doing things in excellence is balance. I don't want my family to get the short end of the stick. Time management, which has never been a strength of mine MUST be now. No excuses. When you get that right- everything falls into place. My sweet friends handmade a collection of arrows for Ezra's nursery at my baby shower- I think of the huge responsibility we have has mothers each time I glance over to that wall.

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth." Psalm 127:3

[#5] What are your staple go-to pieces from your closet this month?

Sorel Boots....gotta keep my feet warm this winter!
[left to right:: Caribou, Joan of Arctic & Cate the Great]

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?

Our Living Room. I love the big widows that display the beauty that is Montana. It's almost impossible to sit on the couch and not stop and notice the beauty outdoors. What a blessing it is to sit in this room and nurse Ezra- so peaceful. Whether the trees are changing colors or covered in snow- it's a magnificent site! Very inspiring.

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.
This photo ended up on Instagram afterall, but not right away. The reason? Well, Im not wearing make-up, my hair is a hot mess, dirty burp rag and there's people in the background who I don't even know. However, I love this moment...this look...between Ezra and I. This was taken by a friend at our cafe.....and this really depicts my life. It's a blessing to be able to bring my baby to work with me and raise him up in such a fun & creative environment. When I posted this on Instagram, Vanessa sent me a text and said this was by far her favorite photo that she had seen of Ezra and I. As I continued to look at this photo....I realized that Ezra's love for me doesn't depend on my appearance or what I perceive to be perfection. He just needs his momma....and that's me!

Be sure and follow @kellitrontel on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms