Blonde Story Short

Just go reheat that coffee for GOODNESS sake! Me reminding myself to try to enjoy life a little. This is a rough time. And I could start a post with those three sentences any Friday of the year, but particularly right now...this is a rough time. The struggle (sometimes TOTAL struggle, depending on the hour and minute) of staying home is of MINOR importance during a time like this, during any time really.  Let's get REAL, for most of us, life is good.  Really good. There are families suffering right now, and not just the elderly members of them. I won't go off on how frustrating it is to hear people lessen the severity of this because it's "just affecting older people." That's 1. Incorrect and 2. Unbelievably disrespectful *If you're lucky enough to have a Grandma or Grandpa still, or anyone in your life that's old enough to be considered "old" be thankful, then CALL them and check in. NOW. The current swing of Social Media o...

The two babes and I have been home with colds all week.  Leading up to the Monday morning cough, sore throat and runny nose, we had cautiously stayed in all weekend for other reasons...Protective husband did the Costco and grocery store run to stock up (before the massive raid on toilet paper) and we kept our kiddos clean and at home. If you're reading this post at a later date, we're in the midst of the Corona Virus frenzy at the moment. Our household lands somewhere in between "The world is going to end" and "We're going to do whatever we want because this is all a sham." And that's my summary of the extremes I see on social media.  With all that, I've been home for seven (7!) days straight. Whenever I'm forced to stay in with the kids for any length of time (because I refuse to be the mom in the Chik Fil-A play area with a snot dripping kid. Yuck) I end up feeling a lot of emotions. Some include but aren't even close to being limit...

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 fr...

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...

I wish I were writing this about a stranger I encountered in a crowded parking lot, while us Idahoans stock up on diapers and meat during this hideous winter. Unfortunately that is not the case and instead I write about myself, a seriously crazy person. I've been pregnant before, quite a few times actually (see previous posts) but never while raising a two year old...while raising teenagers? yes.  That's probably even more confusing (maybe reading a series of older posts will clear that one up?)  Well, this is a completely different game. I think I'm a pretty reasonable and easy-going lady, ya know, in life.  My husband and I played a little Super Mario Bros last night so...basically I'm awesome. Or at least I have the potential to be. Boy oh boy though, do I have my moments these days. Simply put, I feel as though there is a volcanic   rage inside of me, building throughout the day ( some days, not all) and I'm not quite sure where it is going to erupt a...

Life is weird. If you took the time to read my story about having my sweet Charlotte Grace then you know that a small part of that journey was miscarrying three months prior to getting pregnant with her. I never thought that would happen in my life. I mean, why would it? Now it's happened twice . A week really can make all the difference.  Today I'm full of energy and feeling alive .  A week ago...let's just say that was NOT the case. Grieving always makes me stop and evaluate, and of course having had a loss like this before, makes me consider the differences between life then and now. My husband said it best: Having had a healthy, perfect baby is like already having a million bucks.  Sure, another million would be great but can you really truly mourn when you already have a million bucks running around your house!? Other factors contribute to the ability to bounce back quicker this time around...I'm home full time with my little one so I don't have ...

For some reason I have a really hard time getting on board with whatever everyone else is into. "Everyone" being relative and loosely based on social media and a whole lotta moms.  I'm not trying to be controversial or stubborn. When (I should say IF) I do finally agree with the rest of the world that something is legit, it tends to be 3-5 years later. Ya know, once the hype has worn off and all the early adopters have proven a product or idea's longevity. If this means anything to you, I bought "Rainbows" after three years of being a college student...at Point LOMA! If that proves nothing, sorry for the lame example. All this to say, sometimes there is hope for me even if I really hold out. Even so, I really don't see my opinion changing about milk and target. What? Yes. Let's take them one at a time. I love milk. Real milk. Coconuts, almonds and soy do not really make milk. Everyone knows that right? It is always shocking when friends find ou...

 With a toddler keeping me busy, it seems that some of the only times I get to sit down and write are during Bachelor season…how odd. What I'd like to do is simply post a link to an SNL sketch called "Bland Man." It's pretty well done. Instead I'll break it down. Obviously Ben is tall, dark and handsome…some might say. I do have to admit though, that bland may be an adequate forth word to describe him. Has the guy said one funny thing yet? And feeding Becca a maraschino cherry does not count as funny.  One would only be privy to that outtake if they watched "The Bachelor Live," airing right after the show. Why do I watch it  every week? It pretty much sucks every time but I just can't turn the TV off immediately after that rose ceremony. Perhaps it's because I think Chris Harrison is actually the most intelligent "character" of them all. There is no doubt this guy is strategic enough to carry out a full blown cash grab. Good for yo...

Charlotte and I took our first Mommy-Lotti trip, to North Carolina. I spent the entire week prior packing during nap times so that I felt as prepared as possible for two 9-hour days of travel and a week away from home (also to satisfy some freakish compulsion to be organized and in control of things that intimidate me). If Delta didn't think an overstuffed diaper bag, bulging *CK hobo and a baby carrier (fit for Everest should we chose to climb it someday) were appropriate for the allotted carry-on allowance, well...they had another thing coming.  *Become a mom and kiss wearing your favorite purses goodbye, unless you can stuff some blankets and bottles in them and take them on a flight. Booya. The first leg, to Minneapolis, went better than expected. The subtle motion of the plane taking off was enough to rock my little pook to sleep for almost the entire flight. Her awake time was spent snacking on puffs (best baby time waster ever) and being entertained by whatever...