Girl Scouts

I took the job as Support Leader (because lets be real, Katie does all the heavy lifting) - I shop, I show up, I do crowd control.

I took it begrudgingly, because my KK needed to meet kids at her new school.

And I met a wonderful momma who makes me happy to know her - and I had my heart expand with the love of 5 other little girls in addition to my own.

Who knew that a little service would bring so much love.

Time to Get Started

My crazy Just Between Friends insanity is back - bigger and better than ever.

Still 24 hours of work in 2 days.

But up from the 250 people dropping off when I thought it was "busy" to now over 550 registered. I think we hit about 495 in the end. It was still insane.

And when I thought 50,000 items was a lot for our sale - this time, we hit about 172,000.

You wanna talk insane? Come hang out with me at a JBF sale.

And enjoy the ride!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

From one incrementally Irish girl from this side of the street - to yours - may the luck of the Irish be with you.
And, as always, a huge thanks to our hostess for making it a fun event, complete with corned beef, green food, green beer and basketball. Love it!!

Dinner

Some days just require a lot of flame for dinner. We are so grateful we have such amazing neighbors to be able to do this with. And I have to admit, it’s been more than 10 years since I’ve been able to go, so it’s kind of fun to watch my kids enjoy something I still like so much. New foods in a fun way!

School Carnvial

My kids have such a passion for carnival games - and our school has a passion for creating an amazing event for the kiddos. We went last year, to try out our new school. Timid, shy, wondering where anything is....and now, like they own the place, taking charge and leading us around in a flurry....
to win 900 tokens as fast as possible to secure (another) stuffed animal for Bubs (he did miss out on the Nerf gun by a few minutes) and a Lego Friends set for KK.

This is a win win win, if ever it existed.

Crazy Hair Day

"Mom, it's crazy hair day!"

It's 7:30am. We have to be downstairs in 15 minutes. And I am not prepared for this.

I brainstorm - I come up with funny little pony tails for Bubs. "Momma, they are going to make fun of me..." and his eyes start leaking with the panic that he might have to go school like this.

Ooops, ok. Plan B. Baby Powder.

Who am I kidding, I don't have baby powder any more.

Ok, nothing blue or sprayable or...(I didn't think of the Halloween bucket until it was too late)...

Wait! Cornstarch and hairspray!

And bam, mom saves the day. Save tears for bigger things, fix the stuff you can.

I'll be better prepared next year.

Or not. Sometimes necessity is the mother of invention.

How We Roll

When we're at the grocery store. We find real estate and we camp out in the book section.

There are worse habits to have.

New Ride

Momma got a "new to me" ride this week - and it was great and all.

Until I slapped my first ever bumper sticker on my new ride...and BAM, it's perfect.

My sweet husband did all the work...and voila, I'm still swagger wagoning it in style.

Cinnamon Sugar Toast

There are days in which I miss my grandma so very much. On the days when I do - I like to do something to remember her by - and today, I introduced my kids to cinnamon sugar toast - which was my favorite as a kid.

Still is.

And guess what, it's theirs now, too.

Ahhhh.

My Beast of a Husband

The man does not stop! Now he's on to building me a new storage room in the basement. We have a wonderful (large) home and it comes with about 180 square feet of storage.

Which ain't even close to cuttin' it.

So - he's off with his saw and hooking this little buttercup up!

Stay tuned for more details.

She Gets Me

Does my BFF know me or what?!

My Mini Mouse

Shrek the Musical

Off we went to the Sparta Community Theater production of Shrek the Musical, where one of the 3 Little Pigs was none other than my Mother Advisor and dear friend. That girl has some talent - and some pipes!

So proud to support local theater, have a girls afternoon out and enjoy a show!

Readers

Just a little reading time. At least they aren't killing each other!

Related?

Think they're related?! :)

She's Back

My BFF is back - and all is right with the world. I am just a happier person when she's here.

King of the Mountain

Always a hill to climb, always another adventure to be had.

Even at 8am.

Valentines

To my favorite Valentines....I am so glad I got a chance to come to school today and see your love of others. You are a joy to parent - even on the tough days. Hoping you feel loved all the days.

Auction Night

Part of a new school is new adult responsibilities - including the auction for the school. We're so grateful we had some friends to go with - and a chance to get out on a date night. I really do like this guy.

Church

 Hubs isn't feeling well, the kids are so tired, I've slept more propped up than flat the last two nights. We're tuckered out - the snow is swirling like crazy - and the germs from the flu are rampant.

So we opted for church - live streamed. At home, in our bed. With a box of tissues and some hand sanitizer. And when the kiddos wanted to watch church, too - and they talked on giving and being generous - we considered this day to be a win.

Bathroom Reno

It's done! He did it - and he's amazing. To the sub floor and to the studs - he ripped it out and put it all back together. The man is a beast...and I'm on to find him another project!

Raise Them

In a world of #MeToo where sexual harassment is rampant. In a world where assault is daily news.

How do you stop it? How do you push back the ocean?

You teach a generation differently, that’s how. You start with respect and dignity. You continue with kindness and empathy. 

And sometimes you start with dancing. 

Teaching

So if I want a clean house AND want to hold down four part-time jobs, it’s time for the little doodles to pitch in more. Starting with the floors.

Every night little dudes. 

Because you live here. 

Bobcat

This little man earned his Bobcat badge tonight. I have a feeling he is a little bit proud. I am too!! Way to go!!

JBF Conference in San Diego

Hard to believe it’s time for another JBF national conference. So thrilled I keep getting asked to come back.