not everything needs a theme

The art of themed foods is not quite in my wheel well. I love food. I love to eat it, enjoy it, take pictures of it. BUT themed foods and foods I have to make into other things??? I am out. 

I see these cute videos on my Facebook reels of people twisting cinnamon rolls into Easter bunnies. There are donuts assembled together to look like snowmen. Don't even get me started on charcuterie boards. I can eat meat and cheese in rows and stacks. Don't waste your time making it pretty on my account! 

We needed a green food for a St. Patrick's Day themed potluck. Someone already took cookies. Pinwheels with spinach/herb tortillas was taken, so I took fruit. Lots of fruit is green! However... in March in the midwest fresh fruit isn't always fresh or reasonably priced. This ended up being more frustrating than I thought. 

Green grapes were astronomical. It annoyed me to get purple, but purple it was. Honey dew and pears were nowhere to be found. I only had to feed so many, so I wasn't about to hit a specialty food store. Our local Aldi was going to do it. 

Kiwi, green apples, and watermelon worked. The grapes were included just because. In the future, I will stick with a salad 🤣 Also, in the future, please be mindful of themes! Goodness gracious. Eating should be easy!!! 

teaching your kid the art of balance

We do things most of the time when we see something fun coming up. I am always down for an Icehogs game, an art exhibit, or a local event. We love to support local! Give me a themed festival or specialty day and I am all yours! This last year was a learning experience for all of us.

We suffered loss in ways we never thought. We had to pause, reflect, mourn, and grow. It was a lot. The take away was to always have the cake and eat it, too, BUT remember to rest. When we GO GO GO I burn out. Then the going isn't as fun. So we tried something new this winter. We hibernated.

We intentionally cleared a 4-5 week stretch on our weekend calendar. No bands, no big dinners or parties, no festivals or pub crawls. It was a fire in the fireplace, maybe a sleepover, and good food with games and movies. We ignored the need to scroll and see what everyone was up to. We hunkered down and enjoyed each other. 

We needed that. Our kid even noticed and enjoyed that. We didn't say no to everything! She still got Parent Night Out, sleepovers, practice, school events, etc. But Saturdays and Sundays were reserved for home. She found solice snuggling in a Snuggie Friday nights with the dog. She enjoyed heading to the gym and indoor farmer's market Saturday mornings. 

We all made it work. The hibernation phase is officially unlocked. We are back to some fun! We have the big D.C. trip under our belt and now we can wait for the weather to warm up for the fun things that brings. No one missed out. No one was deprived. We just paused and reset to learn to enjoy all things, big and small, enjoy each other and just be grateful.

an 8th grade rite of passage is upon us

It is time for the 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip! After first our little lady wasn't sure she wanted to go. Then we talked about flying with her friends, staying in a hotel with her friends, seeing America's history, and the fact that 31 years later I still remember MY trip. After that, she was IN! It is so crazy that we have an 8th grader.

She is measured for a cap and gown for 8th grade graduation. That happened in PE class a month or so ago. We are enrolled in high school. Freshman orientation is over. The 8th grade graduation party has been planned by the 8th grade class parent volunteers. We even got on the graduating class's Facebook page for the high school.

I can NOT. I just can't. If you saw me dabbing tears at the freshman orientation, that was NOT an illusion. I am so excited for my babe to go on this D.C. trip. I was the one telling her to go! And now? I am not dropping her at the school because I will cry. No doubt in my mind. My husband will take her to the bus drop off and get the mandatory pictures since I have to be at work. Then she will be spared mama's waterworks. 

We created this amazing little human. She was a snuggly little baby that ate everything, drank everything, and (after 4 weeks) she slept like a lamb. Then there was the cute toddler with 9,000 questions, whisps of baby hair, and nonstop energy. Bump forward to the grade schooler who learned empathy, a love of crafting, gymnastics, and Star Wars. She loved to dress herself and cried when the big kids made fun of her looks. And now we have this long legged, long haired sassy, yet kind, goofy, snuggly 8th grader.

Don't blink. Time is a thief! She still loves my hugs (at home only). We still do mother-daughter days, outings and trips. She's my boo thang, my diva, my sidekick. But she isn't my baby any more except for in my head.

Tomorrow she takes her first flight without us. She will be on a traditional adventure. All the middle schools in this area have done this trip for over 30 years. She is going to love it! She will soak it up, ask questions, take pictures, buy souvenirs and becomes a part of history. And me? I will patiently wait for me check in texts, pictures at night, and just hope everything is perfect for her. 

Ignore me for being sappy and sentimental. When you go all over running errands for your kid to fly with 3 ounce bottles, cash AND gift cards, and all the other things in between, it makes you pause. I am grateful. We are lucky. We are blessed. 

Fingers crossed for a seamless trip for all our local 8th graders! Here's to hoping everyone has fun and plays nice. It looks like the weather will be warm and dry. I am sending thoughts, hugs, and wine for the moms patiently waiting at home by their phones to hear from their babies 😀 Stay strong mamas (and dads, too!).

for the love of a quick road trip

We had the opportunity to travel and see family this weekend. We had good road conditions, safe travels and lots of laughs. Getting there took some planning, but it was easy. Overall, it was absolutely worth the drive to see family and have some fun. And the best part is always hanging out at the hotel after a day of fun.

We got to soak in the hotel hot tub that was clean and updated. There were no splashing children, no loud music, no crowds of people. It was great. It was just our family soaking and chatting, relaxing and catching up. Then we played a rousing game of catch with a rubber duck someone found by the pool. Who knew the little things would bring such relaxation and joy?

There were road trip snacks and card games each night with a movie on in the background. When you have kids and pets, it feels like you pack a small Uhaul, but we had all the right things and everyone was able to unwind and be comfortable. Last night we had wine in hotel cups as we caught up on the day's events in our cozy pjs. Those kind of nights just make you pause to be grateful for opportunities to celebrate family, unwind, slow down and just relax. Every day brings adventures when you have kids and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the hotel fun through the kid's eyes this weekend. 

For those of you that road trip with the kids AND the pets, bravo! For those that don't, I see you and I get it. I personally will never turn down a hotel hot tub. I will pack, prepare and plan like a champion for a chance to leave our house and try some new spot. And what could be better than room drinks with laughter and fun??? 

not another virus...

"Mom, is norovirus real?"

"Yep. Make sure you do NOT share water bottles right now. Wash your hands a lot and stay hydrated."

"Is this another virus I should be afraid of? I am sick of viruses."

And... sigh... 

The Coronavirus hit this house differently than others. We laid low, followed the rules and began doing grocery pick-up. We had digital play dates, craft days, and lots of walks outside. We did okay because we stayed the course and followed the news. No one knew what it was or what to expect, but when you have a kid with asthma, you definitely listen to medical advice and stay the course.

We did fine until my kid realized she was the only one of her friends who didn't live with their siblings. And then, water works galore. I would let her use my phone to call whoever she wanted and it became clear that all of her friends were paired up with one other (similar in age) sibling. This became a frequent topic of discussion. I couldn't get her to understand that she had us and it wasn't the end of the world to play or craft with your mom instead of someone else.

I am not worried about illness or viruses. I know that things happen and kids get sick. However, I will NEVER forget those 2 weeks that she hit her low and we worked harder to make her smile. I think of this often when I hear the word "virus". It just makes me sad that she had to feel that way. And now she is worried about a new virus... sigh...

Stay away germs! Please, just stay away! 

farewell old traditions, hello teen Christmas years!

This year christmas break feels a little bit different. It will continue to do this, I am sure, as my kid grows up and becomes her own person. We took down the Advent calendar because she has aged out of it. We talked about not having to go sing carols. We move the elf when little kids are coming over, but even the elf is just a traditional formality.

Stockings are still hung. Presents are wrapped with bright labels and bows. There are a few things I refuse to give up yet: walking the lights at Sinnissippi gardens, a full blown pj day with movies and snacks, and baking. The rest just doesn't bring all the feels like it used to. We have already checked off all 3 of my non negotiable winter break fun activities, so we are on the right track.

Yesterday we sat in our pjs most of the day and read books, played games, made Chex Mix, and binged Netflix. I changed from pjs to jeans for a few hours so we could head out for some indoor mini putt, but then it was right back home to fresh pjs and more lazy fun. The rest was appreciated and welcomed. Since we live so close to town, a walk to DeeDee's coffee shop for cocoa is always an easy way to support local and get some fresh air. Two little kids I know got a Grinch themed cocoa with a smile in town.

Then we pulled out the games we insist on keeping, yet never play. Sometimes, the slow lazy days are the best ones. I have some fresh snowmen in my yard, a stack of games on the table for down time, and a list of baking to get to. That sounds like a good time, if I do say so myself. Breaking away from what we knew to explore the older, more mature holiday options is actually quite nice. And I have a second set of eyes, hands, and wrapping partner now.

As weird as it is to not force her to smile next to Santa or throw glitter and oatmeal in the yard for those dang reindeer, now we are content knowing she got her turn and it's time to share that love with the younger kids. We have enough Littles in our life that we are okay with it. I will take my cocoa/pj/game day any day of the week knowing it means I am with my family and we will laugh, play, and enjoy the time together. Time for newer and better traditions. It's finally time to just sit back and watch the fun unfold naturally instead of forcing smiles, forcing myself out of bed to move the dang elf, and forcing what we "have" to do instead of what we GET to do.

Bring on the games and cocoa. Bring on the pjs. Bring on the family fun days. Farewell glitter. Farewell elf. Farewell stress of trying to make it all perfect. True perfection lies in happiness and I am a very happy, very content mama.

the unexpected sleepover

Right before I am ready to go out to dinner with friends, my kid pulled out a last minute sleepover at a friend's. Yay! Go for it! We love the friendships that she has. But, seriously? 10 minutes before I leave?

I do dinner and it is a lovely combo of mom friends, laughter, nachos, and margaritas. Just sitting around the table with like-minded women sharing stories is a good night out. I was 8 whole minutes from my house in leggings. Party animal, I know ;) Sometimes that is all it takes. It is definitely the little things that count.

When I got home, I just sat. I played on my phone. I crafted. I caught up on true crime. I didn't do "nothing". I relaxed! 

We had a lovely day of Meijer and walking around a local tree farm with family. Today's theme was easy relaxation. No need to ruin it with real pants and expectations! I have to remind myself that just like me reminding my kid to take it easy and enjoy some downtime, I should do the same. It's not doing nothing. 

It's resting and recharging. It is important for your body, your mind, and sometimes your mindset. Fun one night, early night the next. That's how we roll.

pumpkin time has arrived

Tis the season for the baking to begin! We have already started trying out some new recipes for all of the upcoming holiday events. It is amazing what you can do with a basic can of pumpkin. I enjoy baking and my mini-me enjoys trying everything I bake. Let the baking showdown start.

We attempted a pumpkin roll, but I overfilled it. It ended up goozing cream cheese frosting everywhere. Despite this, it was gone in 3 days. Next time, less cream cheese. Lucky for me, no one I live with cares how nice the pumpkin roll looks!

Next up was pumpkin bars. These were perfectly perfect in every way. My favorite part is garnishing powdered sugar on the top like a gentle snowfall. It tastes good AND looks good. These are quick and easy for everyone and can hold walnuts or coconut if you like the extra.

Dog treats with pure pumpkin are an easy way to share treats with dogs. That is an easy crafternoon for a kid. If you buy a dog bone cookie cutter, then the dog treats are the cutest gifts ever. We got our cookie cutter at a Hallmark store. Just keep them stored like a normal baked good and you are good to go.

Add pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin bread to the list. Then you have a complete list of pumpkin baked goods for a fun holiday season. It is our favorite time of year- Baking time!

trying to embrace the traditions

There are certain things that we are outgrowing in this household. We have a very well stocked craft room, for example, that no longer sees as much love. Gone are the days of junk journals, scrapbooks, coloring, sewing, and all things girly. It's okay, for now. Aging brings progressing and my little teenager has progressed into a lovely child who crafts less and wants to hang out more.

Gone also are a lot of the cutesy holiday traditions. We have not colored Easter eggs, painted them, or decorated them in at least 2 years. We still have egg hunts, but it's the decorative plastic eggs or the ones filled with fun directly from her Easter basket. That's okay, too. That one always confused me. How did we get from the true meaning of Easter to a bunny to egg hiding? 

No longer do elves hide on shelves for us, either. We do get him out from time to time and hide him from each other. She now enjoys hiding our elf before smaller children come over, so they can laugh at whatever shenanigans our elf is up to. Passing on the joy is part of the fun. We enjoy that part now. 

On to Halloween. Our little town hosts a Main Street trick-or-treat complete with a party and we outgrew that about 2 years ago. Now she trick-or-treats with friends and I pick her up with just enough time to spare to watch her trick-or-treat at 2 amazingly decorated houses on our street before it ends. This one hit me in all the feels. For 3 years now she has gone to a friend's and years 1 and 2, mom and dad trailed behind at a safe distance. Last year they walked the neighborhood alone. 

Halloween has never been my favorite. I appreciate the costumes and decor, but ehhh. Not my thing. I enjoy creating my daughter's costumes and for a while, she would let me go as her matching pair. That was the best. We were Ariel and Irsula. We were Gamora and Groot. We were Alice and the white Rabbit. We were Wonder Woman and Super Woman.

Now that is gone, too. So no matching costumes, trick-or-treats, and no party. Even the pumpkins got the shaft! Last year's pumpkin sat on the porch until it rotted because it was supposed to get painted and never was. Same with the year before. It has been almost 3 years since she willingly carved a pumpkin.

Insert: younger cousins! They wanted pumpkins, they went and got them. She actually enjoyed carving this pumpkin until it came to the goo part in the middle. She says EW to the goo. But she created a design and carved it all by herself. So not all is lost in the land of wonderment and childhood. I have hope yet 😀

we paused to rest and it was great!

I came home last night just tired. Not exhausted, not emotional, just tired. There has been a lot thrown on my plate this last month and it caught up to me. I had no intention of doing anything or going anywhere. Wine and Hulu were on my mind when I walked through the door.

I went upstairs to check on my child and at close to 5pm, she was in bed with her head down. That is very unusual. I asked what was going on. She said she was sore from practice (legs and tailbone take a beating on a trampoline) and she just felt tired. I asked what she wanted to do and she looked shocked. "Wait, I get to decide if I go to practice?" I told her only she can read her body, so she decided to take a night at home and recoup.

We all stayed home and ate leftovers. No practice. No errands. No chores (except for that one load of laundry I couldn't ignore). Hulu, Netflix, and snacks were aplenty. And you know what? It was okay! 

Nothing bad happened. We didn't miss a thing. No one got scorned, shunned or judged. We just took a rest. And that is okay! Teaching kids to know the difference between skipping a practice and taking a rest when it's feeling like too much is monumental. Adults earned the right to rest, but at the rate our children are going, don't discount their downtime, too. 

Taking time to disconnect was a good idea

This summer was all about unplugging. We disconnected in a major way and our family is probably better off for it. It wasn't intentional to start, but it ended up that way. No one was hurt. Nothing went wrong, but DANG, people get super annoyed when you don't respond right away to certain things! 

Our new campground is a black hole. Finding a signal is like finding cheap gas. It's there, but you have to work for it! We originally opted for the internet package so we would have the comfort of home and people could work remotely. Then we realized NO. Camping is about relaxing, connecting, hiking, biking, swimming, enjoying. It's not about textathons and gaming and reels. 

What did that mean for us? It meant having signal in 3 or 4 places on our campsite. It meant me riding my bike to the store if I truly needed to make a call. Or wandering the campsite with my arms outstretched to find the money spot where the signal worked. And we were Okay with that! 

The kids watched DVDs at night to unwind. We listened to a local classic rock station all summer that kept us entertained. We had real conversations and made real eye contact. Our kids took up fishing and had photo shoots to fill their time, instead of catching up with texts from home. No one ignored the conversation with the glow of the cell phone in their hands. The kids were able to use old school walkie talkies for communication. 

We did play on our phones. I can't lie. Early in the morning I would drag my camp chair and coffee to just the right spot and play on my phone while everyone woke up. We streamed movies or shows on occasion. The kids would take their phones when they left for photos, but also to grab a signal. I would catch up on calls, texts, posts when we got home and unpacked. It was a lovely way to unwind after we got home.

In hindsight, I wouldn't change a thing. We could've paid for the internet package, but I am glad we didn't. No one felt ignored by shows, calls or scrolling. We connected and bonded in a way that isn't possible when we are tied down to our devices. It was wonderful. We needed rest. The rest wasn't from our life being hectic and overwhelming. The rest was feeling tied to devices and hitting nonstop speeds trying to live and do all the things.

Give yourself permission to rest, whatever that looks like, before it's too late!