Blonde Story Short

Let’s start off by making sure you know there’s a rando kid right behind my head screaming because she has to wear a life vest. I mean, no judging her mom at all because we’ve all been there, like 15 minutes ago, but maybe she can go just a little further away from my beach blanket??? Instead of being rude (outwardly) I offer Mom, who is now definitely right behind me, a bribing tool from our big 'ol bag. I can’t imagine this suggestion being taken as anything but helpful being that these cookies don’t even contain gluten. You’re welcome.  I even level with her by throwing out a “we totally hit Fred Meyer on the way!” Lord knows I'm not trying to make her feel even worse by downplaying the amount of goodies she may have on hand. Also, if you don’t know about Freddy’s well, you are missing this reference completely. Note: I think it's important to say...even if someone's kid is annoying (because they totally are sometimes) be as kind and sensitive to their parent as

As we prepare for a 100+ degree day (only the 3rd this summer if you're at all interested in keeping up on Idaho's weather, it's been mild) Bailey and I go back and forth between front and back yard, watering, putting away everything that I don't want to get faded by super intense sun, and covering up our beloved *tramp. *trampoline- if you didn't know because you don't live in Boise. We also have something called "fry sauce," and little flags you hold when crossing streets on foot. Bailey follows me around the huge circle as I strap down the tarp along the edges and sternly tells me "NO." Covering the tramp means we are done jumping for the day.  I can see how this is mind blowing to my 2 year old since the day has barely begun. I mean, she hasn't even demanded her first snack yet. I gave the girls their chance to get all the jumping in before 10am, before it hits 90 and creeps up from there. Mama won't be jumping in today's g

If I had the laptop open and my kids occupied during the 2-3 hour period first thing in the morning when the coffee has kicked in...boy could I do some WRITING. On a typical day like today, this crucial and productive block of time is spent cleaning up breakfast, then getting three of us ready and out the door to head somewhere like the gym, mom's group, a playdate or preschool. The ideas (some entertaining, at least to me) fly! Once the morning activity is over and we've rushed home for lunch and a certain two year old's nap, there's a chance Mama can sit and get some things down "on paper." Like many mothers before me, and clever memes, the struggle is real when deciding how that precious block of nap/quiet time should be spent. The options are endless, but not. I could catch up on housework and pick up toys that will be on the floor again before the day is done....or attempt something creative that feels a tad more self-care-ish/life giving...I could pro

Camping is a real THING here in Boise, likely because of the ability to drive as little as an hour and a half and land somewhere stunning. While we dabbled in the hobby as Californians, we weren’t totally into it until moving here- at least I wasn’t. Did you ever go camping as a child? Remember how the adults were always doing a bunch of stuff… and sometimes stubbing their toe while making up the beds?”  Welp, we’re the adults now. The preparation and work that goes into camping is extensive.   I’m referring to camping with kids, obviously.   Everything one could ever do in life is 94% easier without children, that’s a super solid figure of course. If you don’t agree- let’s talk (and you can tell me ALL the secrets). I’d like to think that the hub and I, and I suppose the kids too, have gotten into a pretty good rhythm with all the ins and outs (and whathaveyou’s) when it comes to our camping routine.   That doesn’t mean special words don’t get dropped from time to time- I

Title appears basic I know.  But it seemed more appropriate to me than "I've completely lost my …." Yea. This week is really building on itself with each day more germy and crazy-making than the last.  The Winter cold/bug/whatever you call the thing our children get and pass on that Doctors can't do a thing about, has gone from GONE two weeks ago to BACK with a vengeance and through a 4 year old, Mommy, Daddy and nearly-2-year-old (who we still call "the baby"). Mamas have no shortage of stories, sometimes rants, to share on a daily basis- but trust me when you add the sickness layer to the already chaotic scene of raising tiny, crazy humans...watch out. I'm  holding it all together practically speaking. The laundry is completely done (which never happens- I'm talking all 6 hampers around the house empty including the one that only houses "things to get bleached," numerous dishes continue to be unloaded and loaded (cooking every me

This morning I sit in our play room (also known as our gym and office) facilitating "Recess" for Marshall. Anyone else just feel like...Why Paw Patrol Why? All the reds and yellows...taking. over. my world. I have to say it is the cutest that my 4 year old loves playing school even if it's with those pesky dogs. I'm into it. This room is revamped often to ensure functionality and keep it at its "Best self" so within the last week I made two changes/additions that I think are kinda brilliant. Side plug for "Mommy time" and the importance of sweating: Since the new year I've been committed to working out first thing in the morning, ok after coffee and QT with husband, and my energy level (and mental state)...I mean, WOW. The anxiety of fitting in a workout  later  while everyone is awake and needy is GONE. It's Fantastic.  Most pro moms figured this one out when they first had babies...hence I started this month. This late morning/early af

Apparently my last post was in 2017.  My first post (ever) was in 2008 so...Longevity? Yes.  Consistency? Not so much. Since I started writing here, the WORLD, including my little world, has transformed in so many ways.  If you're picturing me sitting at our front door yelling "Get off my lawn!" you're not too far off from where I sit philosophically, spiritually, politically (yuk) and in all the other -ally ways. Is it weird that regardless of my refusal to conform to today's world as a "young" 30's person, I still consider myself (and my husband) super cool? I haven't lost my passion for writing, sharing and attempting to lighten the mood, but have found myself a tad intimidated or maybe even confused as to when and how to do it these days...as for the when, I'll just say one word- KIDS.  That should explain why that's an issue.  For the HOW- I wonder...do I have to be all-in  *influencer style?...not just writing (does anyone e