all the fun things to do from home!

When they started to close everything up again, we ran over to the library. Yes, we are those people! They have books, puzzles to borrow, movies, take n make craft kits. What more could a girl ask for? It's a one stop shop for all your boredom and hobby needs.

I grabbed 2 puzzles that my family could do together. This Marvel puzzle looked really cool because we love all the characters and it is so bright and colorful. I put it on the kitchen table because the leaf is in, so we can eat at one end and puzzle on the other. I figured it would take some time but we are always in the kitchen, so it would get done sooner than later. Fast forward to one week later...

This puzzle is taunting me because it's not done yet. Even my 9 year old is starting to look at the puzzle with disdain. She asked how she could help and I said DO THE PUZZLE! We were down to about 100 pieces yesterday out of 1,000. And we had family coming over for dinner and fun. That same family would probably want to sit at the table! 

It took us all day, but by the time family arrived, we were down to 20 or so pieces. They were able to help us finish it and I got some pictures to prove that I am either really crazy or really motivated. This puzzle was fun and challenging, but OH MAN! I may need a puzzle break before we start the next one! Feel free to borrow puzzles from the library, get an audiobook to listen to, or even checkout some music. You never know what you might find!

it's not about what we don't have...

We are coming up on my favorite weekend of the year. It trumps my birthday weekend AND my anniversary weekend! It's truly THAT good. Unfortunately, this year will look extremely different. Lighted Christmas parade weekend means family, fun, and laughter. Each year it gets a bit bigger and more meaningful.

Rockton's lighted Christmas parade is the best. They turned it into a whole weekend of shenanigans for adults and kids alike. Friday night they light the trees in the park and for the last few years, they tacked on an ugly Christmas sweater pub crawl. Saturday is fulled with breakfast with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, craft fairs, photos with Santa, letters to Santa, and walking around town.

The night time is the piece de la resistance! A lighted Christmas parade where you stake your table at the American Legion and fill up on hot chocolate and snacks before bundling up to head outside for the parade. Everyone knows where our corner is. The kids load up on candy and laughter. Friends travel in from out of town specifically for the occasion.

Sunday is unwind day where you head to Settler's Park to see more sights and get your mug for the hot chocolate crawl with the kids. Maybe you hit up a final craft fair or head to a local church to watch a movie projected on a big wall. You are grateful. Your belly is full. Your heart is hopeful that Santa saw your letter and knows you've been good.

So, about this year... the new word at our house is "wallow." We heard it in a movie and my daughter is using every opportunity to say it when it fits. I wallowed for the loss of my favorite weekend. Yes, I did. I am not even ashamed to say it. BUT, my town being the best EVER made a new plan. 

We will purchase luminaries to light up our sidewalks in lieu of the parade. I even decorated the front door with lights. We may even try a horse drawn carriage ride. Santa's letter will get dropped off. We will embrace what we do have, not what we don't. We will praise the efforts of our town and only momentarily wallow. 

I have hot chocolate, love in my heart, and a healthy family. That's all I need right now. There can be shenanigans. There will be laughter. And we will bundle up to see the painted windows and luminarias instead of the parade. We will make it work because that's what this year has been about.

we waited so patiently for this!

When you realize a new movie hits on Wednesday, you're up and ready to watch it with the sunsrise! As expected, Netflix hit it out of the park! The story continues and we just loved it. I am so grateful the magic is still in this house. We believe!

The fact that Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have been together since my childhood is amazing. Their love and patience for one another just makes this movie more meaningful and special. They both look amazing for their age (whether or not they had work done is not the point). I only hope to have that kind of relationship that continues to grow in love and respect as I age. One of their kids made an appearance in the series and that makes it even more special.

I hope my family always has the magic. I hope we always believe! And if not, hopefully we can continue the tradition of watching Christmas movies with hot chocolate in our bellies and joy in our hearts. My family may not make movies together. We certainly haven't been together over 30 years (yet!). We certainly do have love, patience and respect. And, most importantly, WE BELIEVE!

rad American women

Our girl scout troop is looking at strong female leaders right now. I borrowed this book from a friend to share with them. It was awesome to see all their little eyes light up as we read about athletes, politicians, authors, and so on. My little one loved this book so much that she asked to read it INSTEAD OF WATCHING TV! She kept asking me who some of these great women are and was shocked that I hadn't heard of all of them.

When we promote great women, hopefully we are helping create great women. This book sparked so many conversations and opened so many curiosities. We now have it on our Christmas wishlist! It is an alphabetical list of women to know from all possible fields and walks of life. A short, easy read with bright colors and pictures.

I am trying to raise a rad American woman. I want her to see no limits and want to explore all her potential, just like the ladies in this book. I want her to question things and find her own solutions. I want her to be a leader, a friend, and kind. I want her to make a difference. I want her to be polite, but not get walked on. I want her to be unique and dress as crazy as she wants knowing other women will lift her up if anyone tries to scuff up her crown. 

This post is for all the rad lady hustlers making their way through and for all the mini hustlers who are kicking butt at remote learning, smiling through constant changes, and learning new ways to be awesome. 

it's time to get ignorant

Let me start by saying that Becoming Minimalist is one of the best sites I follow. It's most definitely not about getting rid of all your things and living some indie existence. It is about getting rid of mental clutter and stress as well. As we approach the holiday seasons in the year of the Covid, and it also happens be a voting year, I am constantly trying to avoid news, conversations, or situations that are stress inducing. Some days this is easier than others. At home I have the ability to turn off the news or turn down the radio. It's not like that everywhere else.

I have confirmed plans for the holidays that are reasonable and safe with only family, yet lots of fun and love. You do you, but I will be home with a small group of close family. I am okay with that. My child is okay with that. We want to stay safe and celebrate. That is manageable. It will definitely look different: no parade, no hot chocolate walk, no packing the house full of extended family. That is okay, though. For this year, it will have to be.

I do not plan to keep up with it all. I just can't. Even in an normal year, there are things we avoid and places we don't go. Why trudge through the mall when it's always packed and stressful when there's breakfast with Santa and Santa at the Christmas party? Even as I think about this, there will be a drive through breakfast with Santa and most definitely no Christmas party. We will make that work. It will be okay.

The focus this year is on love and togetherness. We choose safety and reason. I have to focus on myself, my family, and our needs. I don't need the biggest, fastest, bestest whatever is happening or whatever item is the hottest. I just want to sip hot chocolate in front of my fireplace and binge Netflix, play games, have a laugh, and avoid stress by realizing I don't need to be a part of it.

Fingers crossed! Let's all get ignorant ;)

you can't stop us now!

Some weeks feel long. Some weeks feel short. We are like the little engines that could right now. "I think I can, I think I can!" We managed another Covid filled holiday with minimal disruption and lots of laughter. I am so grateful for the creativity and patience of those around us who were willing and patient to adjust their regular routines and plans so kids could safely have Halloween.

The name of the game right now is stay one step ahead and get creative! Work offers new ways to go to meetings, relay information, be successful. Then there are the extra curriculars. Did you pack a mask? A smile? A snack? A positive attitude? Hand sanitizer? Staying creative and informed just makes my life so much easier.

Working out in my free time, jumping ahead on my holiday charity project, decluttering, reading, all of these are keeping me afloat, sane, and on target to be the best I can be daily. My little minion is picking up on the clues and has started reading more. She is currently loving a new video game we got her. She is asking how she can help or what she can do without being asked. We are a (fairly) well-oiled machine most days. 

Today I would like to thank my local library allowing my daughter calm down time. I would like to thank my crockpot for cooking my dinner while I work all day. I would like to thank The Biggest Loser game for making me do squats, burpees, and other things I normally loathe to get my energies out. I would like to thank grocery pick up services for saving us time and stress.

Tis the season for thanks, gratitude and love. Even though some days I want to mic drop and just be done, I can't stop. I won't stop. I will relax. I will be grateful. I will be hardworking. I will lead by example. And I will make sure that my mini me sees all the cool things this world has to offer through video chats and scripted playdates, crafts and down time, instead of living in fear and loathing of the dreaded Covid...

passing the torch

When the state gives you an entire day off to vote, you plan to vote early and make the most of your day! We decided to ride our bikes to go rock the vote, then come back for a day of fun. Why bother with Netflix and chill. Maybe a girly spa day? Nope.

We rearranged the den for maximum fun and that's where we shall begin. What started with: vote, read a little, get some lunch has become: do it ALL. She even wrote it in order of fun. THEN she went back and labelled. This is a girl after my own heart! The labelling and details are reminiscent of my own life. Neat and orderly (on paper, at least!) with lists everywhere.

"Do we have to vote, though? We have so much fun planned." Uh, yes! We do! I told her it is our patriotic duty to vote. For women, this is important. Susan B Anthony would be so proud :) 

We can have fun afterwards. Clearly, my morning has been laid out for me. I plan to pass the torch for my little go-getter organizer. She, too, loves making lists and organizing. I need to pass the torch tomorrow and show her that we can work and play and make a difference all in one morning!

it's almost time...

I pick up my kid from school last week and she says, "Do you know what the kids at school are talking about?" Oh, geez. If that's not a loaded statement, I don't know what is! I went through the list in my head and decided that this may not be that bad. Then again...

She said the kids are talking about Santa and the stuff that comes with that. I asked her what she thought about all of it. She said that it cannot be true because she has heard bells and laughter on Christmas eve. She says that she has even stayed up late and saw glimpses of red. I said, "Okay then. Maybe they're just messing with you." 

So she is questioning things. She is nine, almost ten. The timing is right. I just want one more magical Christmas with the milk and cookies, the letter, the breakfast with Santa pictures and all the innocence and cuteness. Once it's over, it is over. 

I remember figuring it out and telling my aunt. I remember the exact conversation we had. Thirty years later, I remember listening to her gentle explanation and figuring it all out. I was either nine or ten. I am not ready! I just cannot mentally prepare myself for this!

Each passing day is a day closer to her first job, dates, prom, graduation, college, wedding, babies, growing up. Nope. Nope. Nope. If you need me, I will be holed up in my house with everything locked down until December 26th! In the words of Clark W. Griswold, "We're gonna have the hap hap happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap danced with Danny F-ing Kaye!"

It's fine. We're going to be fine. It's just fine. Every mom experiences this. I am just not ready yet. Did I mention I'm fine?

kitchen fun

We had a rainy day and needed to do something fun. The best part of these moments is that I don't need to look far for fun entertainment. We have science kits, weaving kits, inventor kits, sewing kits, bracelet making kits, you name it. On this particular day, I looked into the big pile of stuff that doesn't get used as much. We settled on the Big Bag of Science Fun.

There were so many ideas in the book that we didn't even know where to start. Whoever came up with these things deserves a huge bonus check! The directions are easy to read and understand. There are mini lessons about what types of science you are using. There are pictures and fun facts.

One of the experiments was one we used to do a lot when she was younger. It's even easier than baking soda and vinegar explosions (it smells better, too). You fill a pan or bowl with corn starch. Slowly add warm water until the consistancy feels like honey. Your fingers will get stuck like it's quicksand. Then the more you play with it, the more it drips. 

Voila. Homemade quicksand. Cheap and easy with no smells. It wipes up easy, too. For a 9 year old that is in love with science, this was the experiment that lastest the longest with the most smiles. I have to remember that sometimes the little things are the big things for little people. Fun is not about specific items. Sometimes it's about seeing what you have and working with that. 

another mom panic moment

I am hoping that everyone has had that particular moment of panic. You don't have to be a mom to have the moment where you think you missed something! This morning we were on our A game: hot breakfast, packed mask, good mood. Check, check, check. It was going so well! I was even checking out the side window to keep an eye out in case the bus came early.

It's simple. We get up a little earlier than needed and that's what works. Now we have time for braids, extra breakfast, whining, whatever ;) The bus comes across the street from our driveway so I can look out the window and see everything. I win.

We get outside and notice no neighbors waiting. Well... we were only 4 minutes early. They recommend 5 minutes. I know! Pure chaos! So then the doubt sets in. Are we early? Are we late? Where is everyone? I ran back in to check the time. Nope. We are on time... I have time to drive her to school, but she likes her routine and I don't want to mess with that. 

Right as I am about to check the bus app, our favorite driver rolls down the road. Why does this make me panic? If she missed the bus, it would've been our fault. Yet, it would've been okay. We all would've been to work and school on time. Can I just breathe for a second and realize that it's okay to not be perfect before 8am?!

I know that how a kid starts their morning changes their whole day and their whole mindset so we keep it happy and light. No need to tick off the bus driver or teacher because we had a tough morning. It is okay. It will always be okay. I just need to chill out and realize I got this and my best is the best that anyone is going to get. And to think, I freaked out about a bus... 

 

figuring out how to do it all

Every once in awhile, my cup starts to empty. It's okay. It's expected. Most days I know when to take a step back or when to soldier on. Some days, I forget and go full force. This leads to mental chaos and some negative repercussions. 

This last week has been A WEEK. I was overwhelmed and feeling pulled and stretched in too many directions. I had a moment or two and may have turned off my phone indefinitely. I definitely had some afternoon wine (that is wine in a fancy glass drank before it is socially acceptable to do so!). It got better, though.

I have this perception of myself that I cannot falter, cannot lose it, cannot have a moment. I don't know why, but I do. I fully enforce a woman's right to be a bad ass, a lazy ass, or a crazy ass. Whatever works for you. I just don't always follow my own rules.

I saw this picture and realized it was a right place, right time thing. I needed to see this. It reminds me to take a deep breath and roll with it. Emails can wait. Texts can wait. If I need to sit for 5 minutes and deep breathe, it is okay. The world will not stop turning. People can carry on without me if needed.

The nice thing is that I decided to order takeout because I just didn't want to cook. I wanted to get takeout and chill out with my kid and play with slime. So I look like fun mom because we got subs and sodas. I got cool mom points because we had more time to play with slime. I was good mom because I was able to relax and enjoy something fun and stress relieving while spending some QT with my cutie and she was none the wiser.

Don't forget to keep your cups full during these stressful times! Do whatever you need to do. We will wait for you :)