Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Twenty
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Feeling Crazy Busy? It's Not You, It's May
Mother's Day was perfect! I've discovered through the years that the secret to enjoying a good Mother's Day or birthday or anniversary is to lower your expectations. Ha! One of my sisters and I hosted a breakfast for my mom, then I went shopping and out to lunch with Phil, and then we took the kids out for ice cream instead of feeding them dinner.
I received the cutest cards and school projects from the little guys, a promise for a breakfast date from the college boy, a clean car from the girl, and a gift certificate to an ice cream shop from another. It was a cold and windy day so we decided to postpone a family bike ride to another weekend. Phil bought me a Farmhouse Candle Warmer which is so cute and was very unexpected. The best kind of gift! My dad brought a newspaper with some facts about moms, and these were noteworthy:
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Yeah I'll Tell You What I Want, What I Really Really Want
Sunday is Mother's Day and if you haven't yet bought your mom (or your children's mom) a gift, then I've got you covered! While every mom deserves a nice present, it doesn't have to be something you can buy at the store. As a full-time working mom of seven wonderful children, I can think of many alternative gifts I would prefer over a last-minute order from Amazon.
1) A Nap (This is Definitely Number One)
Moms are tired, ask any mother you know and she'll verify that fact. Tell her to take a nap, light a few candles, turn on a sound machine, and most importantly TAKE THE KIDS AND DOGS OUT OF THE HOUSE. There's nothing more annoying than trying to sleep with a dog barking or a kid yelling from the bathroom asking you to wipe them. Put her phone/watch on sleep mode and her favorite beverage next to her bed. Bonus points if you hang a sign up by the doorbell warning anyone who rings it that they may be causing your future divorce. Kidding, mostly.
2) A Meal (She Doesn't Have to Shop For, Prepare, or Clean Up After)
Going out to eat is fun, but restaurants get busy on Mother's Day, so if you go that route, please make a reservation or call ahead. Personally, I prefer takeout (or home-cooked if you are skilled) set out on nice china. What are you saving that wedding china for anyway? Mom deserves it! Kids can get involved in cooking the meal, since the main goal is that mom doesn't have to, but choking down scrambled eggs speckled with shells is not the stuff mom's dreams are made of. The effort is sweet but the end result needs to be edible. If she had to buy the groceries for, or clean up after said meal, the gift is null and void. Sorry but I consulted with my legal team and they agree.
3) Pampering
This can come in many forms, lucky you! I love a good foot rub with a relaxing lotion. Some moms may prefer to get their nails done, a facial, a massage, a soak in the tub, or a visit to the hair salon. Even a suggestion to go watch a movie or read a new book in peace while you take care of the house and kids would feel luxurious. Just hearing the words "Why don't you go do___________ while I take care of things here" is a gift she'll treasure.
4) A Clean Car (or Kitchen or Bookshelf or Cabinet or Shower)
When my lovely children ask what I want for Mother's Day, I always tell them I absolutely do not want them to spend their hard-earned money on me. And I mean it. However, a clean car is high on my list of Lifestyles I Do Not Have Time For and therefore makes a great gift. Can kids always do the best job cleaning? No. But even if my car gets 50% cleaner, that's a win. Preferably, they can clean my car outside while I am napping inside :)
5) Flowers (But Not The Kind You Are Thinking Of)
I love a good bouquet of flowers like the next mom, but honestly I would prefer a flowering plant that I could have for years to come. I would rather pull into my driveway and see a cute little line of tulips adorning the way then look at tulips in a vase on my counter. A tree planted with help from the kids that will stand the test of time would be another great option. Even a potted plant that stays indoors would be much more appreciated than a bouquet that will die in a week.
6) A Shopping Spree
Well, maybe not as much a spree as just the opportunity to go pick something out for mom and only mom. Does that sound selfish? Well one day a year moms get to be selfish to counteract the other 364 days a year they put themselves last. Give her a gift card to her favorite store (may I suggest Marshalls/TJ Maxx) and then, here's the kicker, tell her to go out and buy herself something. For this introvert, shopping alone on Mother's Day is a real treat, but if she's an extrovert, maybe she can get some mom friends to go with her. Or better yet, she can take her own mother and use your gift while giving the gift of quality time to her own mom.
7) A Family Activity
Sounds simple, but most moms will agree that Mother's Day should be spent with the mother lovers that made them a mom (you know, apart from the napping). If the weather agrees, a nice walk or bike ride is very much appreciated. Family time together, some activity to burn off the Mother's Day treats, and Vitamin D keeps everyone's spirits high. If the weather is not as beautiful as she is, maybe a family board game or movie could scratch her family bonding itch.
8) A Photo
Moms are notoriously annoying about making everybody else get in photos but rarely appear in them. It's usually because they are behind the camera making sure every.memory.gets.recorded.because.time.slows.for.no.mom. So set a timer on your camera and pose for a nice family picture to add to those memories she so diligently records. Or just step behind the camera and take multiple (multiple!) photos of her with the kids while you yell out phrases like "Work it! Gorgeous! You are killing this! Beautiful!".
In the end, know that no matter how you choose to celebrate the moms in your life, she will appreciate the effort. Moms are super like that :)
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Wednesday Wrap Up: Walking Weirdness, Wordle Wins, and Wronged Woes

Tuesday, May 3, 2022
First Communion on the First of May
Friday, April 29, 2022
Friday Faves: Watching ~ Wearing ~ Reading ~ Eating
~ Watching ~
While we were on vacation, Phil and I started watching a new show called Murderville (on Netflix). Have you heard of it?
It stars Will Arnett, whom we loved in Arrested Development, and is a comedy/mystery/improv show. Each episode stars a different celebrity (like Annie Murphy! Ew David!) who plays the detective trainee to Will Arnett as the detective. The cast of the show knows what's going on, but the celebrity does not. They have to improvise their way through the show and also solve the crime at the end. It's hysterical. Some celebrities can not hold a straight face at all. Phil and I were watching it on a phone, sharing airpods, in a hotel room with sleeping little kids trying to stifle our laughs so as not to wake them, which may have escalated the comedy for us. Now we want to go watch the original British version called Murder in Successville if we can figure out how to stream it.
We have also been watching this lovely PBS show, All Creatures Great and Small.
It's based on the true stories of veterinarian Alf Wight, who wrote the books of the same name. It's has beautiful landscapes, wonderful characters, and makes me wonder if there's anything James Herriot can't do. Of course the love stories are right up my alley, as are the costumes and manners of the time, with the accents like a cherry on top. Apparently the only/best/easiest way to figure out what was wrong with farm animals back then was putting one's arm where it doesn't belong, which makes me a bit squeamish every time. I just feel for the poor cows! Other than that, it's a delightfully clean story. Maggie (14) has been watching along too, and now wants to read the series.
~ Wearing ~
Guys, I've been finding clothes on Amazon lately, and if I don't like them, I just return them at Kohl's and get a coupon to shop there so it's practically no bother. I tend to order a few things at a time, in multiple sizes, knowing I'll have to return something. Truly, I detest trying clothes on in a store, so I typically shop and return this way when I shop for myself. My husband and kids are all pretty easily sized and not too picky, thank goodness. Anyway, here are my top three finds lately (click on the image to shop if you want...or not...I'm not the boss of you!) And they all come in LOTS of colors!!
A flattering, fully lined (not see-through) white blouse |
A tummy-hiding beautiful dress for a wedding we are attending in June |
A fun and comfy romper to wear this summer (I wore it at Busch Gardens already!) |
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Spring Break Part Three: From Virginia to Maryland to Massachusetts
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Spring Break Part 2: From Ohio to Pennsylvania to Maryland to Virginia

Sunday, April 24, 2022
Spring Break Part One: From Massachusetts to Maryland to Ohio
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Say it with me..."Awwwwww!" |
Friday, April 15, 2022
The Living Stations of the Cross
Last Friday my kids participated in a living stations of the cross, where they act out each station in shadows. Eamon was Jesus, Maggie was Mary, and Xander was Jesus as a child and a weeping woman. He was not too pleasantly cast in that latter role, but there are no small parts only small actors. Since it is Good Friday I thought you might want to pray your way through these stations, or not! I’m certainly not the judge of you, like Pontius Pilate, I’ll wash my hands of the whole thing and let you be on your way.
I hope your Lent was fruitful and I can’t wait to celebrate Easter with you all soon!!