Five things I love…

With Valentine’s Day being a big focus during the month of February, we have been talking quite a bit about love, friendship and kindness at preschool. Focusing on these aspects of the holiday instead of the flowers, chocolate and wine (although greatly appreciated) helps to include all age groups into the joy that can be shared on February 14th. Teaching young ones the importance of expressing their feelings to others is so very important – and this is a great time of year to encourage this type of communication. Each year with my three year olds I do an activity that involves answering five questions. Basically, we talk about if you love something it is very special to you, something you would choose over everything else, something you treat especially well and something that can always make you smile. After we talk about these characteristics, I pull the children individually over to a quiet spot and ask them questions about specific things they love. I need to ask individually, because if we did this in a group, the first answer I received would be repeated 17 more times. At the age of 3, these tiny ones often have trouble talking about their preferences, and need help answering questions like this – although certain children had multiple answers for each question- which I happily accepted (you can love three foods, go ahead!) I let them know that I was going to ask them 5 questions and I would write down what they told me on a bright pink piece of paper that would be sent home for their parents to read. I asked about what they loved – 1. food 2. friend 3. place 4. family member 5. toy

FOOD– I personally thought this would be any easy one to answer, but it gave many of my little friends a great pause. I ended up with many different answers, but the most common two answers surprised me – broccoli and carrots (well look at you, healthy eaters – look at YOU!). The list also included crowd favorites such as strawberries, grapes, watermelon, chicken nuggets and bacon and eggies. One of my friends immediately shouted “CAVACADO TOAST” – I agreed that I also loved avacado toast!

FRIENDS– It was fun to hear how this one was answered as the concept of friends is still a bit blurry in preschool. I loved hearing them name classmates, cousins and siblings as friends that they loved. It was also fun for them to tell me a name and then hear how they knew this individual, “Bennett, you know, I play at his house”, or “Gus, he lives by my Grandma”. Friendships develop and mature with age, but my 3s all had answer for a friend that they loved.

PLACE– Having raised four children of my own who all had favorite places to go, I was anxious to hear what my tiny ones would name as their favorite place to go. Some of them were obvious and I completely agreed – Disney, the trampoline park, “that donut place” (more details, please!). Others made me laugh : Costco, Target, Kroger. Some were extremely specific “Glass City Metroparks (yes, Ma’am!) and “the Library Downtown”. I loved hearing about “The pizza place downtown” and now I need a name and address so I can try this pizza for myself!

FAMILY– This one was the easiest for them – I no sooner asked the question and they had an immediate reply. Nine of my 18 responded right away with “Mommy”. An additional three said “Mommy and Daddy” and the rest of the answers were siblings, cousins, and Grandparents. Their smiles were big as they shared with me their response and I could FEEL the love!

TOY – This was a no brainer. Each of my babes had an answer right away and most of them weren’t a surprise, because if you love something YOU TALK ABOUT IT. I was told about the usual suspects, Spiderman, Paw Patrol, The Ninja Turtles and The Hulk. Two little girls gushed about the unicorns they ALWAYS played with ,and one went on and on (and on) about her doll house that Santa brought her last Christmas. Other mentions included a dump truck, a blue car, and an Elsa dress and cape. I truly loved hearing about their most favorite toy because it gives me a bit more insight on their overall personality.

Even though the snow and ice kept us at home today and not at school for our Valentine’s Day party – it’s all good. When you are three, you don’t know the day of the week or the date on the calendar – so we can have a party any day! These bright pink sheets full of favorites will be sent home on Tuesday and will hopefully be enjoyed by the parents just as much as I enjoyed compiling the information.

Just for fun – I thought I would share MY favorites with you…

FOOD – Potatoes! Seriously – fries, chips, hashbrowns OH MY! This is a hill I will die on – sorry, not sorry 🙂

Friend – Steve, my husband – I call him my Prince for a reason. He is thoughtful, funny, loyal and the hardest working man I know. He loves me completely and doesn’t make me tuck in my crazy – win/win!

Place – Our lake house, Geneva Landing. When I arrive my blood pressure immediately lowers and we have created so many amazing memories there already. The fridge is always stocked with our favorite food and drinks and I will always treasure this amazing house by the water.

Family – My fab four. The 4 children we have created have made me proud, anxious, hopeful and exhausted and I wouldn’t trade a second of my time with our family to do anything else. They are generous, hilarious, intelligent and compassionate – I will sing their praises until my last days.

Toy – My Iphone. I love it more than I probably should. I have it with me all of the time and it helps me spell, stay organized, communicate with friends, figure out how much to tip the waiter, and calculate how much 30% off my jeans will save me!

So there you have it – more than you probably ever wanted to know about me. Now it’s YOUR turn! Please share your list of 5 favorites with me. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Today is the day!

I gave a lot of thought to choosing my word this year. I knew that the next 12 months would be bringing some major changes to our family dynamics, including two of our daughters getting married almost exactly 4 months apart. As someone with a type A personality, it is very easy for me to get caught up in planning, preparing, changing details, and nailing down specifics. It’s all too common for me to be in a situation or with a friend or loved one and have my mind creating a list of the next errands that need to be done, items that need to be returned, or ingredients that need to be purchased. I don’t want to miss the excitement and joy that we are in the thick of because I am focusing on the things that still need to be done – let’s face it, no matter how far ahead you plan, there will ALWAYS still be things that need to be done. I don’t want to be distracted with what is yet to be, I want to be completely present with the task at hand. I won’t be getting this time back, and if my mind is elsewhere, even the memories of these events will be a bit skewed. God, please help me to focus on TODAY, and celebrate both the magic and the mundane of the next 24 hours!

I also struggle with perhaps filling my days a bit too much. How much can I get done today? How many items can be checked off of my list? I am a big fan of lists and making sure I have a plan for each day or event. As a Mom of four young children, I realized that my productive days wouldn’t look quite the same, as my schedule was no longer my own. I started writing a “Have done list” instead of a “To do list”. This helped me to feel proud of all that I had accomplished each day while still feeding, bathing, napping, diapering and loving on my littles. The pressure was off as I added items to the list AFTER they were completed (*paid a bill *did a load of towels *did my bible study) instead of a looming list of chores and errands calling my name. I was still getting things done, but at my own pace and one that allowed my family to be my priority. There are certainly days that I need to ask myself what would benefit me more, being productive or getting some rest. I need to become more aware of how these busy days and schedules affect my mental state. As much as I love to get things done – I’m also a huge advocate for a nap on the couch with the dog. Balance – it’s all about balance – and what works for me today.

Every day is different, even if we think we know how things are going to play out. Some days seem to last forever, and some are over before you know it. Some days bring a tsunami of emotions and some days are absolutely uneventful and a big 24 hours of B-O-R-I-N-G. I am going to try to take each day as it comes and accept the highs and lows that arrive along with each new sunrise. I will do my best to thank God for every day as I pray each night. One of my favorite quotes is ” Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day”. I’m not going to sugar coat what life throws my way – if it’s a craptastic day, ok then. Tomorrow is a new day. Being able to enjoy each day also requires me to let go of the malarkey that has recently happened – to keep moving forward. God has reminded us in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. Today. We should be focusing on today – and that is my goal in 2025. Praying for your strength as you chase whatever you are running after this year . May we all find a wonderful mix of adventure and peace wrapped up with a sparkly bow of gratitude. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Change…

“Change is the only constant in life” – Heraclitus

I’ll be the first to admit that change has never been my favorite. I love consistency, the familiar. I love to know what is coming so that I can be prepared. I love to know that I’ve handled something successfully before and can (hopefully) do it yet again. But in my almost 29 years of being a wife and over 26 years of parenting, I have found that change is one of the most common parts of life. If our family manages to do something twice in a row without any differences in the experience – call the presses! I have learned to be flexible in my approach and it has definitely benefited all of us. That being said, our family has a lot of changes coming in the next year. Am I ready? Can one ever really be “ready”?!

We have two daughters that will be getting married in 2025 -one in June and one in October. We are having fun planning two very different events and it’s been exciting to say the least. But as we schedule the Bridal Shower and pick out centerpieces for the big day, reality settles in. These two daughters will not be coming “home” for Christmas next year. Yes, they will visit for hours at a time, but they won’t be living at home anymore. This Christmas, for several reasons, was the “last” as we know it, since next year only one of our four children will actually wake up at our house next year on Christmas morning. Santa will only have one stocking to fill, as new spouses will now have that responsibility. We will have to find a new time to open presents together, since the time we have always done this in the past no longer works. We will have to consult the schedules of two more families in addition to the 9 schedules we are currently working around to fit everything in. We will no longer have the entire family at every event. Things are changing and we will need to be open to it. “But, we’ve always done it that way!” must not be uttered. The first few holidays will be a learning experience for sure.

Although it does make me a bit anxious, I am also excited to see the new traditions we will undoubtedly create. They will not be REQUIRED to happen on December 24th or 25th. They can change time and location from year to year. We can have a full meal, or just drinks and desserts. We can exchange with everyone or draw names. We can wear our fanciest holiday clothes or our pajamas. The main idea is that these changes are discussed and agreed upon by the majority. Everyone has an opinion and expectations and it’s necessary to feel heard and understood. No, not everyone will get their way. No, not everyone will be happy with the date chosen or restaurant we are meeting at, or time the event will begin. But we all must understand that the holidays are for being TOGETHER and that means flexibility and possibly having pasta instead of tacos and buying a White Elephant gift instead of exchanging gift cards. Hugging your Mom and drinking a Cranberry Margarita while reminiscing about the time the cats knocked the tree down – now THAT’S CHRISTMAS. I pray that as each holiday arrives we are together, healthy and happy – that’s my wish for my family and yours – even with all of the changes!

*Christmas Fun *

Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas festivities begin before the turkey is digested (if it hasn’t started before that!). A friend asked me last year for a list of activities that might be fun for her family. I thought I’d share my list with all of you. Remember, it’s not fun if it’s forced, so only choose to do what looks awesome to you and your family.  It truly is the MOST wonderful time of the year 🙂

Look at holiday lights together – Walk through your neighborhood or jump in your car and tour around town … have some hot chocolate too (never hurts).

Attend a tree lighting – They are everywhere (library, shopping centers, town halls) the first week of December – usually free and some have carolers and other festive fun included.

Go see a Nutcracker performance – There’s nothing like this play to get you in the spirit- and many local dance schools put this particular show on during December.

Attend a Holiday Concert – Ask your local elementary, Jr. High or High School about the date of their shows – nothing better (and free!).

Kristkringl Markets – A German tradition that is becoming popular here (finally!). Outdoor markets that offer food, crafts and other merchandise for sale and often have lights and firepits and all kinds of fa, la, la related activities.

Frankenmuth – Take a short road trip up north and visit the cutest German inspired town – and don’t forget to go to Bronner’s – the biggest Christmas shop around, Zender’s, the yummiest restaurant in town, and all the cutesy shops in town. 

Cookie decorating – Go old school and bake up a bunch of sugar cookies and prepare to be cleaning up sprinkles and frosting for an hour after the event (but it’s ALWAYS worth it!).

Visit the Christmas Story House in Cleveland – Time for another road trip – and you will LOVE the opportunity to tour the house and museum of the infamous movie. Pictures we took while there – Steve under the sink where Randy used to hide, and me on the phone calling about the bad word that Ralphie just said 

 Ornament making – choose a simple design from the TRILLION available on Pinterest and order supplies from Amazon and either have friends over or beg your family to stick around and join you for some hot gluing fun (add food and drinks for good measure!).

Visit a tree farm – Even if you have a fake tree at home, tree farms are awesome to visit. They often have fun weekends planned that include sleigh rides and pictures with Santa, too!

Movie marathon – Block off an entire day in December, ask each family member their favorite holiday movie and get ready to partake in some couch potato heaven as you watch EVERY SINGLE. MOVIE. Pjs are required and friends can be invited as well, (and provide food – lots and lots of food!).

Baking Day – Choose a few desserts (fudge, cookies, candies) and spend the day in the kitchen together creating trays or boxes or baggies of sweets for loved ones on your list!

Tree decorating party – What might seem like a chore when you have so many other things begging for your attention can be turned into fun if you have a bunch of friends/family included and have everyone bring a snack to share. It’s awesome to reminisce over the ornaments and share their meanings while getting this task done – you’ll have a blast!

Ice skating – Many towns are now offering seasonal outdoor ice skating. They have lights hung up and pump in music, and you forget how much pain you’ll be in tomorrow as you inch your way around the rink laughing and swearing you’ll never do this again … unless you actually are good at it – then do some tricks for everyone and enjoy the applause!

Create a hot chocolate bar – throw together a basket of some hot chocolate packets and make sure to have some marshmallows, peppermint sticks, sprinkles and spray whip in the fridge – we aren’t amateurs, here….

Tour the Manor House – Enjoy the decorations that change every year in this beautiful historical home- and it’s free!

Go to the Lights at the Zoo – Grab your Zoo Membership or take out a small loan before heading to our amazing zoo for their lights display. They have an awesome tree lighting ceremony in November and the weather is typically pretty mild – a great way to begin your holiday season!

Live Nativity Scenes – Many churches offer these and it’s a neat reminder about what this season is all about 

Gingerbread house decorating – Grab a pre-made one for goodness sakes, and have fun decorating it – make it more fun for teens and their friends by making it a contest with prizes for the craziest, most colorful, etc… house. 

Attend craft shows – Support some local crafters and hit those craft shows that start popping up in November – shop local and cross people off of your gift list – win/win!

MIS drive through light experience – Stay in your car and drive through this awesome display of lights – a fun alternative to driving around your own neighborhood!

Bedford Blizzardfest – Enjoy some festive fun sponsored by our local businesses – I hope they can continue this awesome event!

Holiday parades – Most towns offer a holiday parade that is fun and free and a great way to get outside and enjoy the start of the season.

Host a Wrap & Write – I started a tradition years ago that my friends would all come over and bring their gifts and a dish to pass, and we would wrap gifts together all night (lots of laughter and drinks included). We all got to catch up and see what we bought for our kids, husbands, etc…. It’s beyond fun and everyone leaves feeling so accomplished and happy! Some friends would bring their Christmas cards to address or a holiday craft they were working on – it was the best; I haven’t done it in years – may have to start it back up!

Make holiday shrinky dinks – Yes – they are still a thing! Check out Amazon (of course!) and enjoy a night of old school fun creating and baking those amazing plastic do dads!

Visit Castle Noel – Another road trip, this one to Medina, Ohio. I haven’t been yet- but it’s on my list – find them on Facebook – listed as “America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction” (Reservations required). Yes, please!

Name that tune – Christmas Version – Free and fun and something you can do with little to no preparation. Grab your phone and everyone chooses a list of 10 holiday songs, create a playlist and see how fast you can recognize them. ***Bonus points… who sings it?!***

Polar express – Local train stations are now “hosting” the Polar Express train as it stops in towns across the country. I have not done this yet either, but I think it would be fun with children to see it arrive all lit up – and of course there are options to ride it as well 

Tobaggon Run at Pokagon State Park – Head to Indiana and enjoy their toboggan run. We haven’t gone yet but it sounds like a super fun outdoor winter activity!

Caroling – Feeling brave? Grab a group of people, print out a few Christmas songs, and head out to bring some (off-key?) holiday cheer to your neighbor’s doorstep!

Time to go!

I have always loved to travel. My parents always encouraged us to be curious and explore new places. In the days before internet, my Mom would go to the library and research vacation options, spending hours on the phone learning about new locations and trip possibilities for our family of four. We camped in our VW van and visited Cedar Point, King’s Island and Sea World. We went to the World’s Fair, Washington D.C. and an unforgettable 2 week trip out West. As a grown woman, I still remember these trips fondly, and speak of them to my own children often. These times were memory making at it’s finest and fueled my desire to travel with my own family in the future.

We didn’t wait long hitting the road once we started having children. We took yearly trips to Florida in the mini van – I could write a book about all the lessons we learned with babies and toddlers on the open road! As they grew, I created bags of activities for them including clipboards that they could color on, and cookie sheets they could use with magnets. I read chapter books out loud and we searched for specific things out the windows to help the time pass – red cars, tall buildings, etc. We stopped at rest stops and had races to get the wiggles out, and grabbed ice cream to boost morale when the road seemed endless. Some of our favorite family memories happened on those excursions. We laugh harder every time a story is remembered.

At this point, we are still traveling. We returned yesterday from two days of hiking at one of our favorite State Parks in Ohio. It was just the two of us, and we are truly enjoying the opportunities to just get up and GO. Two to three day trips are becoming my favorite. It’s the perfect amount of time to sneak away from reality without breaking the bank or creating a mountain of “catch up” upon your return. We love the fall and find that it is perfect for these trips. The colors of the leaves, falling temperatures, and need for some rest before the busy holiday season can almost guarantee a memorable trip. Planning a fun getaway doesn’t require lots of money or time, just a desire to explore and an idea of what sounds “good” to you – sight seeing, tours, adventure, or a stack of book and hours to enjoy them.

In the end, I highly recommend getting in the car and taking off. It doesn’t have to be far away. The next town over could offer more fun than you ever imagined. Fill your tank, grab some snacks, type the address into your map app and hit it! There are ALWAYS new places to go – and there’s also something to be said for going to a favorite location over and over (and over). Pack a bag and have it at the ready so you have no excuses when a fun opportunity arises. A change of scenery is good for the soul. Choose a location and go explore!

Goodbye, September

Well, we made it. Years ago, I wrote a blog titled September is the new December. The idea still rings true and this month has yet again worn me OUT. September includes the chaos of ending summer with the whirlwind of beginning a new season of school and life in general. In our house, we were simultaneously washing the last load of towels from the lake while moving two daughters into their home away from homes at college. It included buying school supplies and filling in every calendar square with mandatory meeting dates for clubs and new organizations. It was a messy month filled with goodbyes and new beginnings and it was draining both physically and emotionally. But we did it! Tomorrow brings a new month (one of my FAVORITES) and I am here for it!

Changing the decor at home is one of my favorite things as well. I have three 50 gallon tubs specifically for the months of September, October and November. In September I slowly begin to bring out more muted tones and a bit of marigold, orange and brown. I have a few signs about Autumn and a few pumpkins, scarecrows, and squirrels scattered about the house. Cinnamon and apple scented candles are lit and things get a bit more cozy. Once October arrives, I bring more Halloween decor into the mix -black cats, jack-o-lanterns and cute ghosts join the pumpkins on the mantle. Candy is brought out on the island and pictures of all 4 of my children on their first Halloween sitting in or next to a pumpkin are displayed. In November we switch out the jack-o-lanterns for turkeys and Pilgrims and signs expressing the value of gratitude. The house feels different and more festive, and even though I don’t have children here anymore that notice and enjoy the changes – I love it so I will keep decorating as each new season arrives.

I have always loved living in an area that has four seasons. As each new season begins – I am ready and excited for all of the changes in weather and activities that it brings. I think that is perhaps one of the secrets to life. Be ready for the changes that are coming. Look forward to the differences that are inevitable in your schedule and focus on your favorite parts of each new month or time frame. The seasons prove to us over and over that nothings lasts forever and that taking each new day as it comes is the best strategy for peace. I hope that you enjoy your Autumn – no matter what that looks like for you. Cheers to falling leaves and hot coffee, a book and a blanket on a rainy day!

Home is where your heart is…

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a wife and a Mom. I’ve always loved the idea of creating a space that was welcoming to others. As a newlywed, I had so much fun setting up our home and establishing traditions with my new husband. Within a few years, our home began to fill with children – four children in almost exactly seven years. I had daily opportunities as a stay at home Mom to set the tone and schedule while creating an environment that helped to make my children feel loved and secure, and that my husband wanted to return to after work. Now, despite my best efforts, this didn’t always work out, and by evening I was counting down the minutes until bedtime and the chance to try again in the morning. Lost retainers, broken washing machines and sickness can easily throw a wrench into any thought of a calm and peaceful household. And that’s life, some of our best memories are from times in the past when things were a bit out of control. Home was still a place that we all felt comfortable and knew we could be ourselves.

We never really had a chore system in which each child had designated chores. I basically just voiced what needed attention and someone took care of it. Sometimes after me mentioning it 37 times, sometimes immediately. We were a typical family that found a rhythm of order among the clutter and chaos of life and knew what had to be done each day, even if we didn’t want to do it. The children grew and realized that our house was not cleaned by fairies in the middle of the night as they slept. They began to take ownership and responsibility for their environment and knew they wouldn’t be allowed to ask a friend over if their space looked like “a pit” as I used to say. They looked forward to inviting friend to sleep over and to having cook outs with family.

Time passed and these crazy kids each eventually headed away to college. Some stayed close and some went a bit farther, but regardless of their new location, they were no longer “home”. Their rooms were empty, no one sat at their chairs during dinner, and their absence was felt by all of us, including the pets. When our oldest left for college, I had the idea of creating a keepsake for him that would remind him of home and the fact that he could always return – and we’d be there with open arms. I found a company that made bracelets with any coordinates engraved in them. I added the coordinates of our home address as a reminder that he had a home full of people that loved him. Each child that left got a similar bracelet, and our youngest birdie just left the nest last week and received her bracelet on move in day.

Our home is much quieter these days. But I know we will continue filling it with love and laughter for many years to come. It’s difficult to keep a house running and presentable with a family of six (or a family of any size, for that matter). There were many days when I wanted to throw in the proverbial towel. But I am so glad that I focused on our family and the times that we shared together under one roof – the good times and the bad, because we needed both to create the bonds that now exist. I pray that our children will also make their home life a priority and cherish the time they spend in their future homes as well.

It’s late July…

It’s late July, and I can literally feel summer slipping through my fingers. With every back to school ad, my grip loosens a bit more and acceptance wins out. As much as I love summer, and my morning coffee on the patio and weekends at the lake with family, cold drinks, and loud music, autumn also brings many of my favorite things. The mixed emotions of the changing season are as common as the cooling temperatures. Jumping back-and-forth between the anxious thoughts of beginning again and the calming peace of familiarity – August is coming, whether we are ready or not.

I heard that July is the Sunday of summer for teachers. And boy can I relate. As an educator, September has always felt more like the new year than January. And now it’s August, as a teacher in Ohio that is back in the building the first week of the month as we begin preparing for our students. This year, on top of the classroom work and planning, we are also packing our youngest as she anticipates leaving the nest and heading to college. So many lists, online orders, and packages stacked in a pile as they arrive. My mind refuses to rest, even when my schedule allows me the downtime. So much to arrange, organize and purchase. Having taught more than seven years and also prepared her three older siblings for college, my brain should know by now that it will all get done – and if it doesn’t, it’s OK. It should know that if something is on back order, it will eventually arrive. And if a bookshelf doesn’t work in one area of the room, it can always be moved. But the limited time and the excess of heat and emotions don’t allow this logic. Feeling overwhelmed, is entirely too common as we attempt to ease into these new experiences and living arrangements.

Having taught before and having sent children to college and the past does not negate the possible negative emotions that sneak in as we become weary and oversensitive during these stressful times. By all means, you’re allowed to be emotional. You’re feeling all of these emotions because you are invested – these events are important to you. You want to be successful, you want to be prepared. You want your daughter to feel like she can handle all that will be brand new to her. I am saying a prayer now for all of us in the same boat. Maybe you have a different job but understand the pressure and timeless restraints of which I am writing. Maybe you are saying goodbye to a child that is saying hello to a new adventure. I pray for peace for our hearts and rest for our bodies and minds. We can do this. It may not be pretty at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep moving forward, each day will bring more comfort and confidence.

Moving forward-

We are closing another chapter in our family book in a few months. We recently celebrated the graduation of our youngest child. Over 20 years in the same school district (whew!). A party was in order, and we hosted well over 100 people on a 92 degree day. We had picture boards, a slushie machine, food to feed an army and lots and lots of cold water available. For all 4 children, I created a memory clothesline. Through the years, I set aside shirts or outfits that were favorites of the child, or something that was just iconic. After collecting the clothes, I would look through my scrapbook albums and pull a picture with them wearing the outfit. For child #4 I actually found all of the pictures this past winter on one of my snow days. I knew how busy it got before each party – so I knew getting it out of the way would be quite helpful. Preparing for a graduation party forces you to travel the road of Kindergarten through Senior year as pictures and mementos are prepared to be displayed. I also hang up every portrait from year one to eighteen and scrapbook pages from the first day of school young fives until Senior year. Now that’s a lot of memories to process – and with child #4 it about broke me.

As the children have grown, I have often struggled with looking back and wishing things were different. Maybe I wish I had handled a situation better, changed my reaction to a problem or just simply wanting the chance to be with my children at a younger age again. Who doesn’t miss the scent of a newborn, the sound of a squeaky toddler’s voice or the feel of a squishy child’s hug? I look at pictures of my four when they were all in elementary school or younger and remember the days when we only did what I planned and it was so very different than the hectic high school days of friends, sports, volunteering and jobs. I have to remind myself that each chapter definitely had its’ ups and downs and that it’s easy to romanticize an age once we are through it. I absolutely love looking through my scrapbooks and remembering all of the years of memories that our family has created. I suggest taking as many pictures as possible. You will never regret being able to revisit an event from the past – pictures transport you immediately back to the event – what a treasure.

Moving forward, as we now begin to cross off needed items for our daughter’s dorm room, we are eagerly anticipating memories yet to be made. What does the next five years have in store for our family? Our house will be quieter as the nest has emptied. Our time together will no longer be daily , but more scheduled. Our relationships will need to be more intentional. I know it may be a difficult year, as change is often uncomfortable, but I also know that we will find many positives in this new chapter we are beginning. Cheers to the future, and all of the joy it will bring!

Plants, flowers & shrubs – oh my!

I have loved flowers and gardens for as long as I can remember. My Grandma Rita had a beautiful backyard that she maintained meticulously and I have vivid memories of the sights and smells from many, many years ago. In addition to many different kinds of flowers that bloomed at various points in the summer, she had several pretty statues in her yard, and they added to the peacefulness – welcoming you in and inviting you to stay for awhile. She also had a small deck that allowed her access to the backyard – her sanctuary – from her bedroom. She would sit out there for hours with a good book. All of this made an impression on me.

My Mom also took great pride in making her outdoor spaces pretty and inviting. We had an amazing front porch on the house in which I grew up. It had comfy seating, complete with a swing on the opposite end that was my absolute favorite. My Mom always had pots of flowers and plants on the porch and each season she added appropriate decor- red, white and blue items in the summer, pumpkins and mums in the autumn, and Christmas lights when the snow began to fall. Our backyard was also well thought out with pops of color and flowering bushes strategically placed, since space was limited because of the pool – another blog post entirely! Through the years, my Mom’s love for gardening has only increased and her her yard now, though at a different house, is stunning, picturesque, charming, and all the other positive aesthetic words that you can imagine! Each time I’m there I find myself wandering to the backyard, often taking pictures before I leave.

I enjoy creating similar spaces in and around my own home now as an adult. The fun begins every year around Mother’s Day when I go to the garden shops for the first time. It is then that I choose what flowers to plant around my mailbox – typically marigolds – the sunny yellow always makes me smile. Next I choose what kind of hanging plants I want – I love the VERY FULL planters that have lots of trailing blooms. Then I’m sneaky and bring them home, take off the hangers and set them into my pots – done! Some years, I choose a color scheme and buy only a few colors of flowers, say reds and pinks. Other years I buy anything and everything. I love having smaller pots with greenery and flowers on the patio and also within the landscaping among the perennials that come alive every year and remind me why I love the summer months so much. I also truly love that a plant or flower is a common end of the year gift to thank a teacher. I will always be happy to receive a plant – any day of the year 🙂

During Covid, when the world was forced into isolation and spending more time at home, many people started new hobbies. Making bread, painting, knitting and doing puzzles – pictures of my friends doing these things were all over my socials! I started collecting plants for inside the house at this point. I don’t think I had even one before March of 2020, and now I have around 25 -and there’s always room for more! I have added small tables and wall shelves specifically to hold and display these beauties and I truly believe they make our home even more inviting and comfortable. Indoors and out, I enjoy nature and its’ colors, textures and shapes. My Grandma and Mom have shared their passion and I hope to share it with my children as well. I’m already planning another trip to buy more flowers soon – who wants to go with me?