A not at all comprehensive list of things currently in my Mom Van
I should be horrified by the current contents of my mini van. But really, right now: I’m just…
I should be horrified by the current contents of my mini van. But really, right now: I’m just impressed. I mommed hard with two kids in a Honda Civic for 3.5 years before we fell for the siren call of the mini van.
“Look at all that cargo space!” I exclaimed to the salesman when I discovered the winning van. We’re really putting it to the test at the moment.
Here’s a not at all comprehensive list of things currently in my Mom Van:
stroller wagon
scooter
balance bike
bike with training wheels
tricycle (borrowed from a friend for the kid who has mastered the balance bike but needs to learn how to pedal the bike with training wheels)
a blue helmet with dinosaur stickers on it
a pink unicorn helmet that my daughter refuses to take off once it’s on
picnic blanket and towels
two extra kid outfits
hair brush
my Tired Moms Social Club hat (for when the hair brush doesn’t save me)
first aid kit
somewhere between 12 and 47 backup diapers (just in case!)
two leaves that my son discovered and needed to add to his collection
three water bottles
a pair of kid shoes
emesis bags (for the barfer in the family)
emergency bars
sun hats and several kinds of sunscreen
cord that connects my phone so I can listen to the Armchair podcast… or, let’s face it: probably Kidz Bop
my Kindle for reading while kids play at the park…. hahahaha wow, I’m such an optimist
Should probably take some me time this weekend to clean out and vacuum the car…
Recent Posts
Note: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I recommend only products I genuinely like. Thank you so much.
Summer so far: salads, splash pads, and…
We’re almost to the halfway mark of our summer break from preschool. Which both feels like a miracle and a blur. Some days have…
We’re almost to the halfway mark of our summer break from preschool. Which both feels like a miracle and a blur. Some days have crawled on one episode of Paw Patrol at a time. But mostly, we’ve been soaking up the sunshine and playing outside, meeting friends for playdates at the park, and having adventure days near and far. And in between that, I’m trying to squeeze in a few hours here and there with completing projects for my part-time job.
How has your summer been so far? Any big adventures? Highs and lows? What have you been eating and drinking?
One of my favorite things to eat this summer has been some variation of the salad shown above. Our strawberry plants really showed off the whole month of June, gifting us the sweetest, deepest red berries you can imagine. We were picking about a pint a day. My kids are berry monsters, so most were grabbed by them out of the basket and eaten standing right over the patch. Of the ones that made it inside, some were tossed with lettuce from the backyard, whatever nuts that I had on hand, bacon, a cheese (usually blue or goat), a diced apple, apple cider vinegar, and a tiny sprinkle of this lemon zest salt.
Isn’t he a beaut? My son brought home some tiny sunflower plants from preschool months ago. They slowly, slowly grew in our backyard until suddenly one day, their blooms started opening. The cheerful yellow sunflowers make me smile every time I see them. My grandsunflowers!
How do you beat the heat? This article and the comments — always the best part! — has a lot of good ideas on how to keep cool. Is this my sign to finally order these linen pants (in olive) that I’ve been eying for a while?
This video makes me want to plant peonies all over our backyard.
Made me laugh.
My next craft project?
And a quote that I loved: “Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields...Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.” by Mary Oliver.
Recent Posts
Note: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I recommend only products I genuinely like. Thank you so much.
What’s new with you?
How are you? This month has somehow both zoomed by and plodded along in equal measure. Something really exciting happened earlier this month when…
How are you? This month has somehow both zoomed by and plodded along in equal measure. Something really exciting happened earlier this month when…
We took our first airplane ride with two children under the age of 4. And while there were certainly some moments of white knuckling and utter exhaustion and frustration, I think that overall the trip went much more smoothly than I had imagined. I did a lot of prep that I think helped, and I’ll try to write a post on it soon.
It was a lot of fun seeing my family and watching my children play with the same toys that I did as a kid at my Mammaw’s house. We had beautiful weather and lots of good company that made up for the lack of sleep!
Here are a few other things that have been on my mind lately, if you’d like to know:
We came home after our trip to discover that our refrigerator had broken. It was not quite the warm greeting we’d hoped for. After trying a few fixes, we went ahead and ordered a replacement. But that meant spending almost two weeks eating from the freezer and keeping our refrigerated items in a cooler. I’m so thankful to have our new fridge and to be getting back to some normalcy, including our weekly family movie night and Friday night pizza.
I recently finished You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith and I couldn’t read it fast enough, staying up late and waking up early to breeze through pages while my children were still sleeping. Some stories were so heart wrenching that they took my breath away, but I would say even so that it’s still a very hopeful book. I’ve put a few more of the author’s writings on hold through the library. | ThriftBooks link
Another great read that I recently finished is I’m Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan. As someone who is an extroverted introvert, I found a lot of the author’s antics relatable. It was an easy, pleasant read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. | ThriftBooks link
This one is for all of my busty pals: I think I’ve found my new breast friend. This bra is affordable, supportive, and — dare I say? — makes me feel kind of perky! I would recommend trying on in person if you can as I should be an XL according to the chart, but found that a L fit me best. I’m adding this item to cart so that I’ll be notified when it goes on sale and then I’ll stock up.
I enjoyed some solo time out of the house this morning and went to my favorite place: the library, of course. And I was dismayed when I arrived at my usual spot to find my favorite table missing. In its place was a seed library! My initial disappointment quickly turned into excitement as I took a peek at the seeds on offer. I wish I had known this last week before I bought seeds for our garden! Even so, I was able to find a different varieties of beets and chard. What a fun discovery! Public libraries truly are a gift.
I thought that this article was interesting.
This reel is eerily accurate. What’s the weather like where you’re at? Seen any blue birds lately?
Have a fantastic weekend!
Note: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I recommend only products I genuinely like. Thank you so much.
Recent Posts
Advice for when you feel like you’re failing at motherhood
Can we talk about finding beauty in the mess of things for a second? We all know that the internet can be an awful place. But I’ve also found so many wonderful things there, too…
Can we talk about finding beauty in the mess of things for a second? We all know that the internet can be an awful place. But I’ve also found so many wonderful things there, too…
For one, my IRL mom friends. We met on a local Zoom parenting group when I was a first time mom. And these cute shoes that I just ordered. But I also love the community of friends that I’ve found on Instagram of all places. We don’t know each other in the sense that we can grab a coffee at our favorite shop and complain about the weather and lack of fences around local playgrounds for little kids — city planners: WHY?? — but so much of life is the same no matter where you live.
And part of that is finding a way to get through the day as a mom when you feel like you just cannot any more. One of my Instagram pals recently shared this wisdom when I asked about surviving that hour before dinner that I thought was particularly helpful, and I’d pass it along to you:
“I have to say, as a mom of four who is now through this phase, it’s just hard, but it will end… I was so drained by nap time, I needed a break! It was a hard time, and looking back I would have done some things differently, but I’m also thinking of those things with the capacity that I have that I didn’t have at the time. We’re all doing the best with what we know and have capacity for. Hang in there, momma! This too shall pass!”
Isn’t that the kindest? Here are a few other things that warmed my heart this week. In case you could use some perking up, too.
We borrowed a sweet book called Bear with Me from the library this week. And I couldn’t help but notice that the mom (above) is a total fox. Usually in children’s books, the mom looks tired and haggard and like she’s two seconds away from the smoke detector is going off because dinner is burnt.
This article about Edith Ceccarelli turning 116 years old was truly delightful. What a life worth celebrating!
I finished Demon Copperhead a few days ago, and I’m going to be chewing on this one for a while. The writing was something to behold. I was hooked from the first sentence! It was sad and truthful and uplifting somehow all at the same time. It made me want to check out more of Barbara Kingsolver’s books because it was a masterpiece. A few chapters were a little slower going for me, but still 10/10. No notes.
This home makeover has me rethinking neutrals and being so scared of a color beyond blue. Wall papered ceilings! Pink armchairs! Who am I even these days?
This made me laugh so hard. And got me to thinking what props would I use? Maybe my Kitchen Aid mixing bowl? haha
This week’s book recs from Instagram are: Bride, The Unbreakable Code, The Friendship Study, None of This is True, Iron Flame, The Body Keeps the Score, and America Fantastica.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Note: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I recommend only products I genuinely like. Thank you so much.
Recent Posts
Do you have a family ritual to welcome the weekend?
When Dino Boy was younger, we had matching family pajamas (known here forward as fam jams) that we used to wear one night a week. Life and another kid later, that fun habit has fallen by the wayside. The other day, we were discussing bringing back a fun way to welcome in the weekend and we decided to…
When Dino Boy was younger, we had matching family pajamas (known here forward as fam jams) that we used to wear one night a week. Life and another kid later, that fun habit has fallen by the wayside. The other day, we were discussing bringing back a fun way to welcome in the weekend and we decided to…
A picnic during the sunny days of summer.
Bring back the fam jam night! But better.
By having a fun picnic dinner and movie night. We’ll put down a blanket on the playroom floor. Get the kids set up with tray tables. And sit down on the couch behind them with our dinners.
I’m so excited! Do you have a special way that you welcome in the weekend? Sounds a lot nicer than collapsing into a heap!
Our meal plan for the next week
I meal plan most often on Wednesdays. It’s when the ads for our local grocery stores come out so I can check out what’s on sale on that day and it seems to work a little better for our weekly rhythm. I make a loose plan for the next seven days, usually sticking with it about 90% of the time.
Thursday: Hot dogs (regular and Seattle dog-style with cream cheese and caramelized onions), french fries (frozen), and fruit — this is fam jam night so an easy dinner
Friday: Homemade pizza (sans sauce for kids) and salad
Saturday: Sushi burrito night
Sunday: Ham (from the freezer — was on sale a few weeks ago) with scalloped potatoes (this makes slicing the potatoes a breeze and it’s easy to clean), fruit, and sautéed greens
*I usually try to make a larger meal this night to allow for leftovers for lunch and meat to incorporate in meals the rest of the week
Monday: Ham and grilled cheese, tomato soup, and fruit
Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner: quesadillas, bacon, and fruit
Wednesday: Slow cooker ham soup (I usually wing it, but will be similar to this recipe) with cornbread and salad
Notes for this week’s meals: I wasn’t super excited by what I saw in the sales flyers this week, so decided to pull from the freezer.
If you’re looking for other dinner inspo, I ask my pals on the Instagram what they’re having for dinner on Wednesdays. A few of their yummy dinner ideas: sheet pan meal, leftovers (always the best!), and ground pork stir fry and noodles.
What are you having for dinner? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Note: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I recommend only products I genuinely like. Thank you so much.
How are you surviving that hour before dinner with your kids?
How are you surviving that hour before dinner if you have young kids? I have a nearly 2 year old and a 3.5 year old. That hour before dinner can feel like a lifetime. A while back, I was talking to a friend’s mother-in-law about how chaotic that time can feel and she told me that they used to call it…
How are you surviving that hour before dinner if you have young kids? I have a nearly 2 year old and a 3.5 year old. That hour before dinner can feel like a lifetime. A while back, I was talking to a friend’s mother-in-law about how chaotic that time can feel and she told me that they used to call it…
Leftovers transformed into a yummy is-there-lettuce-in-there? salad the next day.
Hell hour.
That feels about right most days. One or both kids screaming. My husband on his way home or trying to get in the door. My patience is at the lowest point in the day usually.
It doesn’t take the stress away, but even just hearing someone else — whose kids are grown and now trying to survive that time themselves — somehow made me feel better.
Any tips? Right now, I’m relying mostly on Playdoh, occasional graham cracker bribery, and — most often — television to get dinner made and on the table.
Our meal plan for the next week
I meal plan most often on Wednesdays. It’s when the ads for our local grocery stores come out so I can check out what’s on sale on that day and it seems to work a little better for our weekly rhythm. I make a loose plan for the next seven days, usually sticking with it about 90% of the time.
Thursday: Homemade pizzas (sans sauce for the kids)
Friday: Takeout
Saturday: Sushi burrito night
Sunday: Pork loin roast (trying this recipe) with scalloped potatoes, fruit, and sautéed greens
*I usually try to make a larger meal this night to allow for leftovers for lunch and meat to incorporate in meals the rest of the week
Monday: Paninis with leftover pork loin roast or lunch meat and cheese and tomato soup and fruit
Tuesday: Swirly twirly soy sauce noodles (I like the hand cut ones from Trader Joe’s) with veggies and leftover pork loin and fruit
Wednesday: Trader Joe’s mezze platter with dolma, naan and hummus, veggies, and fruit
*Mezze platter sounds much nicer than saying mama is over cooking this week, so please enjoy this food some kind person at Trader Joe’s prepared
Notes for this week’s meals: I wasn’t feeling super wowed with either grocery store sale options this week, but Safeway has a $10 off $50 coupon for there. I’m going to get the pork loin from there and a few other things to hit the minimum. Then — oh darn! — do our big grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s. We’re out of the swirly twirly noodles that my kids really inhale from there. And I’ll pick up fun items for the mezze platter to have a baked in easy dinner night.
If you’re looking for other dinner inspo, I ask my pals on the Instagram what they’re having for dinner on Wednesdays. A few of their yummy dinner ideas: crispy chicken ranch tacos, ham pasta bake, Costco mac & cheese, salad mix, and chicken.
What are you having for dinner? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
The “Mom Math” of playdate planning
How to calculate the mom math to make it to a zoo playdate on time…
As we enjoy day 1000 without preschool due to this ice storm, I am very much looking forward to weather nice enough to plan zoo playdates. Even if it involves some serious mom math.
Five TV shows for couples
It’s the dreaded question that no coupled person wants to ask… or answer. What do you want to…
It’s the dreaded question that no coupled person wants to ask… or answer. What do you want to watch tonight?
My husband and I don’t always see eye-to-eye when it comes to shows we want to binge. He tends to enjoy more action/crime shows and sci-fi. My tastes are comedies, reality television, or baking/home improvement shows.
But here are five couple-friendly television shows that we more than agree on — and actually enjoy together!
The Rings of Power + Lord of the Rings movies
We totally nerded out and watched The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and then watched all of the movies in order. This was so much fun because we only watched them on weekend nights after the kids were asleep and we had yummy snacks and really made it an event. It would usually take us an entire weekend (sometimes two!) to make it through a movie.
Watch The Rings of Power on: Amazon
Life in Pieces
Perhaps it was because we watched this show in the sleep deprived early days with our first kid, but I have never laughed so hard during a show. I still cackle thinking about a few situations that happened — including the post delivery one in the trailer above. This show is delightfully funny and heartwarming.
Watch Life in Pieces on Hulu
This Old House
Is there anything more soothing or delightful than watching master craftspeople renovate beautiful old homes? We like to watch this show on relaxing weekend mornings. My husband always learns a new tidbit, and I just enjoy seeing the transformations. Plus, the accents are lovely.
Jack Ryan
While this action series is a little bit more in my husband’s territory, it was a show that I actually enjoyed and looked forward to watching. I have to admit that Jim Halpert’s transformation to spy hottie threw me for a loop throughout the first season.
Watch Jack Ryan on Amazon
Escape to the Chateau
A family with two young children escape to France and buy an estate that needs some TLC. What could go wrong? This show is more up my alley, but has also captured my husband’s attention.
Watch Escape to the Chateau on Peacock
What are your favorite shows to watch as a couple?
Four family-friendly make ahead breakfasts for Christmas morning
In my Christmas morning fantasy, the kids sleep in and I wake up to a quiet house, our home is magically clean, the coffee is waiting for me on the counter, and…
In my Christmas morning fantasy, the kids sleep in and I wake up to a quiet house, our home is magically clean, the coffee is waiting for me on the counter, and something delicious is cooking away in the oven. I’m a momtimist, but even I know that’s out of the realm of possibilities! So instead, I’m going to plan ahead so I can enjoy Christmas morning — and maybe a mimosa — too.
Is there anything more delightful than a fluffy, crispy waffle? This recipe is my personal favorite. It can be whipped up in a few minutes and made immediately, but the magic really happens if you let the dough rest overnight in the refrigerator. I can make these four at a time in my favorite griddle with the dishwasher-safe plates for a total of 12 waffles. I use this scoop to get the perfect amount of batter in each pocket. My kids love these with chocolate chips added in. I like to use mini chips and stir it into the dough for more even distribution. The leftover waffles reheat great in the toaster!
Want something a little more decadent than waffles? These cinnamon rolls are so yummy and turn out great every time. I make these ahead overnight, but they can also be made now and frozen. Please note that these need to rise on the counter for an hour or two before baking, so these might be better for a brunch if you’re not an early riser! I like to add about a teaspoon of lemon juice plus the zest of a lemon to the icing to get if it a little something extra. So yummy!
Speaking of decadent, this French toast casserole is so yummy, crunchy, and sweet. Make it the night before and let the oven preheat while you enjoy your coffee! If you make this is in a glass pan, don’t forget to set it on the counter for about 30 minutes so it can come to room temp. Otherwise, it might explode. Don’t ask me how I know that!
Want the ultimate easy make ahead breakfast for Christmas morning? These zucchini and chocolate chip muffins are so deliciously moist. Best of all, they freeze and defrost beautifully! Make them now and just set them out the night before to come to room temp. I prefer to use mini chocolate chips, but otherwise follow this recipe with no notes. If you make this baked bacon ahead of time, you can warm it up in the microwave a few minutes before serving. A zero mess breakfast? Now, that’s a Christmas miracle!
What do you like to serve for special holiday mornings?
Pin for later!
Recent Posts
A last minute classroom Halloween treat
I’m crafty, but also a little last minute. Here’s my day before Halloween classroom treat panic project…
I’m crafty, but also a little last minute. Here’s my day before Halloween classroom treat panic project.
What you need:
This free printable
Glue or tape
Mini Play-Doh (same day delivery where I’m at from Amazon and in stock at Freddy’s and Target) or candy
Card stock
Optional:
How to:
Print out PDF onto yardstick and then cut out along the dotted line.
Write your kiddo’s name on the line.
Glue or tape mini Play-Doh or a piece of candy on the O’s or just stick them in a treat bag.
Pat yourself on the back and then take a piece of leftover candy for yourself. That’s it!
Note: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I recommend only products I genuinely like. Thank you so much.
Pin for later!
