2025 packed quite a punch, both good and bad, and our heads are still spinning a bit. A death in the family, a divorce, 2 weddings, 2 moves, a job change and empty nest. Our immediate and extended family was kept on its’ toes for 12 months straight and we hope to catch our breath in the new year. As the holidays approached this year, I was unsure what to expect, but I knew I wanted it to be special. Whether we were continuing with traditions of old or starting new ones, I prayed that the memory making would continue- and it did!
This year, the changes began in November, when for the first time we did not have all 4 children around the table. As sad as I was about it, my heart was at peace knowing that my daughter was not alone, but instead being loved up by her new family and getting to show off her new digs in Georgia to her in laws. We instead kept track of each other, as we have since her move in August by texts, calls, letters and facetimes. Our encouragement took on different forms but was always there and she knew it. The tears flowed at times, but the excitement grew as well, knowing she would be home in December!
December arrived and we did most of what we have always done – we attended tree lightings, Christkindl markets, the lights at the zoo and this year I also was blessed to attend an Advent Tea at my school. We changed the dates of several events, but they were still special and helped to bring the Fa La La to a month that attempts to race right past us. Our annual Extended family party that has historically been held the week before Christmas (to insure that all of my college kids were home to celebrate) was changed to December 27th so that our Georgia peaches could be in town to enjoy the family as well. This once again proved that it is not the date on the calendar but the people surrounding you that brings the magic.
As different as this season has been- the nostalgia still remained strong. The same chocolate treats were made and devoured on our dessert trays, the same Christmas cactus was praised as she miraculously bloomed for the holiday as if she had a calendar hidden somewhere, and the same songs made me cry on Christmas Eve. I still dreaded the clean up after it was all over, and still want to keep my tree up until February so I can enjoy her soft light in an otherwise dark room. I’m so very grateful for a season of change that was also filled with the joy of old times. I pray that 2026 brings the same type of balance.
Whelp. It’s not often that I am at a loss for words. Ask my husband, he’ll tell you 🙂 But here I am at the first few lines of the newest chapter in our family book, and I’m at a loss.
On Sunday, our youngest child turned 20. No more teenagers, all four of our children are now adults and learning how to independently find their way in the wild, so to speak. In addition to that milestone, our oldest daughter (one of the two that was recently married) came and took the rest of her belongings to her new home that she now shares with her husband. What the WHAT?!?! Did both of those big things truly have to happen on the same day? Her room is so empty. I may have sat in the middle of it and cried – and by “may have”, I mean I definitely did. Too many emotions. Too much quiet. Too much open space. The emotions running amuck I am used to – but the quiet and clean and empty – no. There are now 3 rooms that sit unoccupied at the moment – although the dog and cat have each claimed a space as their own. The beds remain in hopes of an overnight visit – but the rooms remain unused.
It’s pretty easy to spiral and sit with the photo album and reminisce about the smell of a baby fresh out of the tub, the yells on the sideline of a 3rd grader’s soccer game, or the anticipation on Christmas morning while all four waited (not so patiently) as my Hubby and I filled our coffee mugs before digging into the gifts. Happy memories – so why the water works? Would I really want to relive all of those years – they weren’t all pretty or fun. A lot of it was tiring, frustrating and repetitive. I think the sadness comes when I realize that the chapter of raising young ones is over. Done. And yes, that’s sad. I will never have young children again . BUT – I am absolutely loving the adults that we have raised. And it’s perfectly OK to have sadness, hope, grief and joy in your heart all at once. I rarely experience only one emotion at a time, and I’m pretty sure that is normal. As the children have grown, I have written quite a bit about the many highs and lows we as parents experience. Every new experience from entering Kindergarten to leaving for college forces us to accept that our children are going to someday live on their own and call us less frequently. Sigh.
Don’t get me wrong – my Prince and I are truly finding a lot of joy in our new schedule. We stay up late and try to sleep in. We go out to eat more often – happy hour King and Queen to be certain! We take more trips and don’t have to think about childcare while we are away… but we still have the cat and dog, sooooooooooo… And we are busy thinking about how to use the rooms that are currently available – a new office, perhaps, or should we just let the cat have her own room?! We bought a new Christmas tree, because our adult children had the audacity to move out and take the ornaments that we had purchased for them for just such an occasion. Our 12 foot tree would look pretty bare without all of those bulbs and such, so we downsized a bit (only 11 feet this time!) and are excited to have a new focal point this Christmas. All in all, we are taking it all in stride. Figuring it out one holiday at a time.
Our nest may be “empty”, but that simply means we have space for visitors and a less busy schedule to help or socialize if asked. I have been reminded that as a parent, watching our children leave the house and become independent, happy adults is what we are working towards their entire lives. I just wonder why it’s so hard to watch happen if this has always been the end goal? I am content with our new chapter. Still lots to learn and I am sure sadness will sneak in here and there, but I’m ready for it.
I guess I wasn’t at a loss for words after all! I’m sure that no one is surprised!
We said a difficult good bye last week. We knew it was coming, but that didn’t make it any easier. It was time, and we knew it was for the best. It was time to trade in the mini van and get a smaller vehicle. I mean we have dealt with so much change the last few months, why not?
We purchased our first mini van when we only had one child and he was around one. I remember him in a carseat as we test drove several vehicles and dreamed of the day when every seat would be filled. That happened – we had 3 more children and were often happily transporting their friends as well. It was a noisy crew and the closest I will ever come to being a bus driver, and I miss it already. We did our best to keep it clean, but the obvious french fries and hair ties were often found in between seats, drink spills and marker swipes were inevitable as well. We have had 3 mini vans in the last 26 years and they have served us well.
Many might think that trading in a vehicle is a simple, emotionless process – but I would disagree. Our mini van was named Holly, because who doesn’t name their cars (or is it only us?!). She has SEEN some things. From Christmas lights tours to college move ins, Florida road trips to transporting wedding decor for 2 of our daughters. All 4 of our children learned to drive in this Honda Odyssey, and she is not a little girl – if they could navigate the roads in her, they were good to go! She took all 4 of their belongings to college for us. On the roads that she traveled , she has heard long stories, loud laughter and angry disputes. She saw the children grow from grade school silly gooses to beautiful brides and home owning men. Saying goodbye to this van meant saying goodbye to the possibility of ever driving that many kids around again. As I said, she has witnessed our family evolve, and we are grateful for her – she was reliable and always ready for the next adventure.
I am happy with my new car – a maroon Chevy Trax that I have named Tiny. In comparison, she has some fun bells and whistles not found on Holly and she is a breeze to park in smaller spots. I have hung up my tried and true air freshener that is a photo of our dog Ruby, and purchased new gum and mints to enjoy on the road. She has already gone to the lake with us and driven through her first rain storm – we are making new memories for sure! All in all, this is just an appreciation post for having dependable vehicles and enjoying the big and little aspects of life.
*And lastly, and more importantly, what is the name of YOUR vehicle?!?!?
There is so much talk about “self care” these days. I wholeheartedly agree that it’s vital and extremely important – especially for those who are also taking care of others in addition to themselves. The most difficult part is that at times it seems the only things we are told will help soothe us and our tired minds and bodies seem out of reach or too extravagant/ pricey. A tropical vacation, spa day, new shoes or clothes, for example. I’d like to suggest a few of my simple pleasures that are not going to require refinancing your house to bring a sense of calm and rejuvenation. As a for former Stay at Home Mom of 4 with a husband that travels internationally, I had to be creative when I needed comfort and rest. I hope this list may give you an idea or two of ways that you can promote a sense of serenity in the midst of a chaotic situation or schedule. These are basic things that can help us feel relaxed , bring a smile or allow us to take a small break and find perspective – nothing huge, but highly effective!
This may seem like a silly idea to you – but for me, it’s a must! I always have some type of fun or meaningful screensaver on my phone. Seriously, how many times do we look at our phone during the day? For me, it’s a mood lifter when I see a favorite family pic, scripture verse or holiday graphic when I grab my phone. I even have a pinterest board full of options so I can change it as many times as I’d like. I currently have an adorable pumpkin cartoon as my saver and it always makes me smile when I see it. Free, and I love it! (I will add the picture below so you can enjoy the cuteness, too!)
This a no brainer for me – I love coffee and drink water all day long, too – so it matters what cup I am using… 🙂 I have a few favorite coffee mugs that I have owned for more than 30 years. Yes, sounds crazy, but when I drink from them, whatever I am drinking tastes even better – is that a thing?! I also have several travel mugs that are special to me – whether they bring back memories of the person that gave them to me, or just do a kick a$$ job of keeping my drink cold – using that mug always makes me happy.
Here is another basic idea that can be picked up anytime you are at the grocery store. I absolutely love fresh flowers. Buying a small $8 bouquet of yellow daisies (my fave!) will keep me smiling for days. Don’t wait for someone else to buy you flowers – do it for yourself! Bonus, if your handsome husband walks in with them as a surprise though!
Music – we all know that music has a way of shifting our mood. I have a playlist of my very favorite songs for this reason. I will play it whenever I need a boost – or when I’m exercising, cleaning, knitting – just about anytime. Make yourself a playlist of your faves – fast and slow, old and new … put it all on one list and enjoy!
Lotion and candles – these are both low budget essentials that I keep available all year long. I absolutely LOVE for things to smell good – my favorites are vanilla, cinnamon and maple for candles. My poor husband has been tricked many times as he returns home and expects some delicious baked good on the counter, and is disappointed to see a lit candle on the table instead. Wearing a pretty scent is also a mood lifter for me. At Kroger last week, the cashier told me I smelled like a marshmallow – that made me laugh, I mean, there are worse things I could smell like, right?!
Pillow – think for a minute how long we are in bed each day – at least 6 hours, hopefully more. Now think about your pillow. Do you like it ? How old is it – if you say 30 years old, I will gag. We should all have a clean, supportive pillow that gives us a soft place to lay our heads each night and sleep away the weariness of our days. There are so many great options out there right now – some more expensive then others, but well worth it in my eyes. I have a memory foam pillow that I literally think about during the days and sometimes count the hours until we meet again (thank you, perimenopause!). Going to sleep should bring you a sense of peace and an amazing pillow might help!
Ok friends – please do me a favor and give me some of your basic, affordable ideas that bring you joy. There is never enough joy and calm in the world – I can’t wait to hear YOUR suggestions!
Change is necessary and inevitable. Whether change is viewed as exciting or nerve wracking, chances are, it’s right around the corner. One of the most common forms of change is moving – from one house to another, from an apartment to a house, or from a house to a care facility of some sort. This summer was the summer for changing locations. Two of our four children moved and several other family members changed addresses as well. We helped physically move 3 times and were happy to be there to assist as much as our aging bodies allowed. Though the heat was not preferable, we never had rain on a moving day, and we ran with that victory (or more like barely jogged – it was HOT, remember?).
I was blessed to stay in one house until almost graduating from college. I made memories with my family, neighbors, local businesses owners, our mail lady, and our librarian. It was extremely emotional to learn that my parents were moving. My immediate reaction was tears and grief. It took a bit for me to find the excitement and positivity in this change. These feelings were honest and legitimate after spending over 20 years in one home. Saying goodbye was difficult. My Mom was thoughtful enough to video tape a tour of the house before she began packing and moving furniture. My sister and I were gifted this vhs tape at our first Christmas after the move. So many emotions were felt as we watched my mom walk through our “old” house as she spoke of the many memories created in each room. She understood our deep love for this structure that protected us from the elements as we grew from infancy to adulthood. I am happy to say that the new house that my parents moved into has also provided a warm and happy environment and a is a place that my heart has grown to love, too.
In addition to emotional strain, moving is a huge mental strain as well. Sorting through belongings is a daunting task. Knowing that not everything should be brought along, the decisions must then be made to keep, donate or throw away. Some people have more of a struggle when it’s time to discard things, whether it’s clothing, decor or household items. Others attach emotional feelings depending on when the clothing was worn ( a child’s graduation), how the item was received (a wedding gift!) or who gave the framed picture over the fireplace (Grandma, who is no longer with us). The actual act of taking certain items to the donation place is also something that takes time. Take it from someone that has driven around for months with donations to Goodwill in her trunk – please tell me I’m not alone! Deciding what belongings must go is sometimes the easiest part.
Once in the new environment, another round of organizing and sorting begins. Which room should each item be placed? Where should the pictures be hung? How should the dishes and glasses be stored in the kitchen? What about all of the clothing that was moved? Is there enough storage or does a dresser need to be purchased and (ugh) put together in order to create enough space for everything? What about furniture placement, is there even room for all of your furniture from the old house? All of this on top of the fatigue from actually moving an entire house worth of things can be exhausting. And tempers can flare, or tears can flow, or both. The job does not end as soon as all of the things are moved – it’s actually just beginning.
My husband and I both found that after we helped several people move, we were itching to organize and downsize our own things. I came home and immediately cleaned out a few closets and cabinets. He went as far as looking for a new Ranch style home for us – I told him to slow his roll. No way do I want to have to move all of our belongings anytime soon – Lord, have MERCY. Somehow, we both caught the bug and felt like the winds of change were blowing. With our own children launching from the nest at such a rapid rate, we are enjoying the thought of changing some empty rooms around.in our own home. We are considering changing one room into an office and perhaps making one a guest room – it’s fun to even think about the changes. I guess all change isn’t so bad 🙂 All in all, moving like everything else in life can be a hassle or a great opportunity. It’s all about perspective. Looking for the positive – sometimes it’s harder to see the silver lining – keep looking!
I grew up with a Mom that loved capturing the moment. And it didn’t matter if the moment was a graduation or the cat sitting on top of the refrigerator. Back when it was a bit of a hassle, we took lots and lots of pictures. We took pictures with an actual camera, took the film to the store to be developed, waited a few days and returned to discover that half of the pictures were blurry or close ups with people who had their eyes closed. But somehow, we managed. My Mom’s walls are covered with framed memories and her shelves are filled with albums that help us the recall the furniture we had in the 70’s, our favorite dress that we wore on the first day of kindergarten, and the sleeping bags we got for Christmas. I will never be one to regret taking pictures. My bestie once described my home like “walking through a scrapbook” because of all the pictures displayed. The only drawback of taking pictures at a whim with my iPhone that is always available is that those pictures add up quickly. And, at least for me, they are difficult to get rid of – which is why I had to create a system of sorts to control the amount of pictures on my phone. Another issue that increases my incredibly large amount of pictures is that I am a preschool teacher and take many pictures of my little students that I share with their parents. Inevitably, I don’t delete them, and in a month, I easily have hundreds of pictures from school alone. And yes, I do print my photos, too – but it’s so fun when I’m referring to something and I can pull my phone out and show a picture that gives more detail (look how cute my sleeping dog is, etc… 🙂 ).
This summer, I noticed that I had 30, 728 pictures on my phone. This does not include my videos, and I don’t wish to discuss that at this time, thank you. The main reason I even discovered this photo count is that my phone gently let me know that their was an update, but I didn’t have enough storage for it to load successfully. Well, crap – I was pretty sure that I knew the reason – and once I checked, yep – my photos were a big part of the problem. I knew the way my schedule looked, how my brain worked, and how emotionally attached I was to some of these pictures. That being said, a plan was necessary in order for me to hit my goal of 20, 000 pictures on my camera roll by the time I started back to school – September 2nd, 2025. I would need to be diligent, a bit ruthless and completely committed to eliminating pictures and screenshots. At this point, I am at 22, 222 picures – that means that I have successfully deleted 8, 506 pictures (so far)! If I can do it, anyone can, so I wanted to share my system in case it might be helpful to others that have a similar goal.
I started a page in my notes app. on my phone and typed in how many pictures were on my camera roll and the date. As I found time during the day, I would sit down and set a 30 minute timer. During that time period I would view each picture and determine if I was keeping it or deleting it. Some of the decisions were easy – memes, recipes, screenshots and duplicate photos were deleted without a second thought. The time and effort came in when I had to select the “best” picture out of a series – you know, you hand someone your phone and ask for a picture and they take 8. Unless I had previously marked my favorite – I was required to painstakingly look at each person in the shot to make sure the BEST picture was saved. I also found myself wanting to share some of these photos with others. My camera roll includes pictures from the year 2013 so that is a LOT of memories to pour over – but it can be done! At the end of each day, I would add the picture total and date to my notes page, this helped me to keep track of how close to my goal I was at any given time. Yes, it is tedious, but it is also slightly addicting – I’ll delete 50 more pictures and then start dinner, 100 more pictures and then finish the laundry, etc… I am proud of myself for sticking with this – as it can become quite a chore. I actually allowed myself an 18 day break at one point because I started to dread it. Taking a break did the trick and when I restarted, I was motivated once again.
All of this to say, I’m so glad that I at least started this process. I didn’t think I could do it – which sounds so silly – but it really was a daunting task. Once I had a plan, it was completely do able, and I was able to see daily progress, which always helps. Do you have an obscene amount of pictures on your phone? And let’s be honest, an “obscene number” is subjective – some people would be absolutely horrified to have over 1,000 pictures on their phone. I am going to be much more diligent about deleting pictures every Sunday from now on, so I don’t find myself in this predicament again. Being aware and getting rid of unnecessary pictures or screenshots immediately will also help a great deal. It’s up to you – but if you have the desire – you can take control and do something about it.
Deep breath, we did it. All the bad dreams of the venue closing and showing up in my pajamas did – in fact – NOT come true. The day was truly perfect and a core memory – make that memories – were made. As with all big life events, lessons were learned. Here are some ideas and concepts that I believe should be shared so we can all learn from each other’s experiences. Here goes – in no specific order…
TAKE PICTURES!
If I heard it once I heard it 1000 times “Put your phone down for the day”. Others who have lived through the wedding day of a child advised me not to take pictures during the day. To instead be present and enjoy each moment as it happens. I call BS. Somewhere along the lines, taking pictures got a bad rap. For me, I AM fully in the moment behind the lens, so much that I want it captured forever! I realize the importance of the action or embrace and want a keepsake of the moment. I’m still sad as I realize all of the moments I missed and pictures with people that I don’t have to help me remember this amazing day. I also didn’t wear my watch in order to help me stay in the moment. Although the idea is a good one, I can’t tell you how many times I went to look at my watch and instead saw my beautiful wrist corsage. It was half past a daisy and quarter till a rose all day. So, for the next wedding, which is in three months, as we are blessed for our second daughter to be married in the fall, I will be taking pictures all the live long day with absolutely no regrets!
DON’T CHANGE ANYTHING- Unless it’s crucial, don’t change any plans you have already made on the day before or the day of the big event. These schedules, locations, songs, etc. have been well thought out, and the wedding day is not the day to second-guess anything. Trust your decisions, don’t move the cake table or change the seating arrangements. Relax and know that you have done your best possible planning, now go and enjoy all of the details that will make the day so memorable!
GUESTS – Don’t be surprised when people cancel the day of the wedding or show up without a card or gift. We heard from a few brides that this had happened to them, but we were truly blown away by this one. Letting the host know that you are attending gives them the greenlight to pay for your appetizers, meal, drinks, dessert, and late night snack for the day (money that is not refunded if you decide not to show up). Imagine hosting a meal for 150 people – we’ve all been to the grocery store lately!!! The fact that some people enjoyed a full on celebration of the new bride and groom without even bringing a card Blows. My. Mind. In fact – I can’t write anything more on the topic without getting myself in trouble.
PREPARE A SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY- We had a tentative schedule for the wedding day that was immensely helpful. It included times, but we were not naïve enough to think that certain things would probably take longer than anticipated. We even included a schedule of sorts on the tables for our guests so that they knew what to expect and when to expect it during the hours of the reception. We left out the times of each activity on this schedule because we didn’t want people to be all, “Ooooohhhh- they were supposed to cut the cake seven minutes ago!”. Come on, you know these people! There are so many things to remember and the day flies by at warp speed, so having this schedule and sending it to the bridal party and parents of both the bride and the groom saved the day a few times.
CLEAN UP- Be prepared to tear down, pack up, and transport all of the decor that made your big event so fantastic. Know that you’ll be physically and emotionally exhausted at this point. Have a list of what can be tossed and what must be brought home. Bring containers for these items, and recruit family and friends to stay for a bit and help,if possible. This help is invaluable, and many hands truly make light the work in this situation.
DON’T PLAN ANYTHING FOR THE DAY AFTER THE WEDDING- Trust me on this. You will be looking for the truck that hit you and drug you for a mile. You will be tired, emotional, and in shock – all in a good way. You will need water, a nap, and time to look through the pictures that people are sending you – praise God, because you don’t have any of your own. Take the time to mentally unpack all that happened… reflect. What a day it was! Be proud of your son or daughter! Celebrate, and be grateful for the new life they have with their beloved.
As a Mom of 4, I have always valued the option of shopping online and truly believe I was taking advantage of Amazon well before it became the “new normal” (thanks, Covid). There are a few things that I especially enjoy about ordering online – let’s get into it…
IT’S CONVENIENT – I mean, Come. ON. It doesn’t get any easier. Do you have your phone? Done. You can be on the couch, in your car, or at a soccer game . If your brain reminds you that you need a lightbulb for the lamp in your bedroom, or a birthday gift for your Mother in Law, or a fun new shirt to wear on an upcoming date night – DONE. Anytime, anywhere – no shirt, no shoes – no problem. Pajamas, a glass of wine, and the dog on your lap – perfect! Amazon and Paypal have made it so easy that we don’t even have to stand up and search for our purse anymore – they already know our card numbers – is that a choir of angels singing ? When so much of life is silly and hard – it’s super nice to have something this simple.
THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS – Truly. If we have a need, big or small, we start with Amazon. The nice part is that their prices are usually lower as well due to their high volume of sales. Clothing, beauty supplies, protein coffee, door locks, and cat treats are just a few of our recent deliveries. Going on-line and searching for an item – especially if there is a certain size, color or other specification- is so much easier than driving from store to store and coming up empty handed. I can pretty much guarantee that if you need an item, you can find it on-line now a days.
IT’S FAST- I’m not going to lie – there have been a few times that things have been delivered so quickly that I had no idea what it was until I opened it. Prime has RUINED me for any other company at this point. Wait 5 days for delivery? Excuse me – unacceptable. Two days is IT at this point – heck – overnight is typical… we are SPOILED.
IT’S ENTERTAINING – Again, in all honesty, I will browse on-line shops with absolutely no intention of purchasing a thing. Even adding items to my cart and leaving them there never to return to claim them. I will look at things I will never buy – spend time reading reviews and looking at actual pictures of customers wearing things – knowing full well that I will NEVER buy this item or anything similar for that matter. Why do I do it then, you ask? It’s fun – I love window shopping and this is the opportunity to “shop” without any pressure or salesperson asking if I’m “Finding everything alright?”. I can get ideas for future events or holidays or decor items for the house if we happen to come into a great deal of money. Instead of watching a TV show, I’ll look up special occasion dresses. Instead of going to bed when I’m tired, I’ll compare prices on extra durable rafts for the lake. Good times.
So here is the question. Which do YOU prefer? On-line or in store? There is definitely something to be said for in store shopping – especially since some Targets now have Starbucks in them and the parents of my students are very generous with gift cards! I still like to try on clothes and smell perfume and hold a cup in my hand before I buy it. I am by no means exclusively an on – line shopper. OK- true story – I just had to stop typing to open the door for the Amazon delivery man – hysterical! For what it’s worth, the package was not for me, it was for my daughter who also loves retail therapy! Let me know which you prefer … on-line or in store – I’m curious! May the discounts be forever in your favor and the deals be plentiful!
At this point in my life, I am happily helping to plan two weddings. They are June 6th and October 4th 2025, fast approaching! To be quite honest, I am not doing much. The girls have fabulous ideas of how to make their BIG days special, unique and memorable. I am more of a sounding board – giving ideas and opinions that may or may not be used – which is fine with me! I am watching the planning and taking part in the details that will add joy and sentimentality into the day. As we get closer to each event, I have seen and realized a few differences since planning my own wedding WAY back in 1996 BP (before Pinterest). The internet and social media have also created quite a beast. Here are a few things I have noticed – the good, bad and the ugly.
*GOOD*
I love that the Bridesmaids dresses and all that is involved with them are more relaxed. No longer is it that the bride tells you exactly what dress you will get and requests that you get heels of a certain height dyed to match (do you REMEMBER how we dyed our heels ?!?!?!?). Now, it is much more freestyle. Often, the bride will select a color from a certain dress maker and ask all the Bridesmaids to choose the style that they are most comfortable in, that fits them most comfortably and showcases their body the best. It is also common that the dresses are the same style, but different colors, all blending beautifully. Heck – patterns are even a thing, now – how cool is it? FREEDOM!
Flower preservation! It’s the coolest thing, you guys! These brides are having amazing creations made from their bouquets… wall hangings, serving trays, coasters, jewelry and more! I would have done this in a heartbeat and am so excited for my girls to be able to keep such a special part of their wedding day and be able to enjoy it forever!
The Grand Exit… OK. So fun! The ideas are endless – but include special outfits, music, sparklers, bubbles, photos and more. Leaving to begin your new life together DESERVES a special moment and you can make it as grand or minimal as you’d like. Just one more memory of the day two became one. And a tad more fun then staying and helping to clean up and load the vans with all the hoopla!
Pinterest CAN be your friend. Everything in moderation, that’s the key. As a teacher, Pinterest can be my bestie or the cool girl that has it all. When considering weddings and every single decision that has to be made – social media can jump the fine line of friend or foe in a matter of 5 minutes of scrolling. Finding new and creative ideas is a plus, but determining how much is too much can be stressful… and it’s usually your budget that will make the final decision.
Wedding websites- I would have been all over this as a Bride to Be! You can create them to match your wedding colors and themes, give the background on how you and your future spouse met and what you hope the future will hold, introduce your bridal party, allow guests to RSVP on line (remember having to MAIL YOUR RSVP?!?!) take dance song requests for the reception and SO. MUCH. MORE. It’s an awesome way to communicate details and get everyone excited for the wedding day – color me green!
*THE BAD/UGLY*
Sh!t is expensive these days. Seriously. Even from 3 years ago – the cost increase has been incredible and it’s truly unfortunate how it effects every single aspect of the event. Put your budget following hats on – and get ready – it can be done!!!
Just because we are related… making a guest list is super tricky. Trying to remain at or below a specific number of attendees is actually painful. Should they have a plus one? Have you talked to this cousin in the last 2 years? Do you even have this person’s cell number – if not, how close are you really?! Many people will take offense if not invited – these are typically people that have not planned a wedding in the past. We are doing our absolute best to be respectful while filling the seats with people that are invested and supportive in the lives of the future Bride and Groom. It’s a hot button for sure.
In my mind, this is a plus, but many see the lack of traditional aspects at a reception as a negative. Fewer speeches, no bouquet or garter toss, etc. I love the fact that each event is so unique to each couple nowadays. If a tradition doesn’t hold special meaning to you – don’t include it. Fill your day with what will bring you joy – even if Grandma might be miffed (she’ll get over it). One of my least favorite sentences is “But we’ve always done it that way.” Just because things have been done a certain way in the past doesn’t mean you have to continue down that path – tweak it and make it your own – or eliminate it!
All in all, planning a wedding isn’t for the weak. I’m grateful that i’m just their biggest cheerleader and there for a hug when they hit the wall. Nothing is ever easy – but I know these weddings will be unforgettable and I am blessed to be a part of them, for better or for worse!
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!
word love 