I think this is silly but just fun – I’ve started entering sweepstakes. Do I think I’m going to be a big winner and have a ton of prizes on my doorstep? Nope, but I’m multitasking in the evenings; entering while I watch a show while I’m waiting for the kiddos to come home. I feel like it’s easy, free, entertainment and I’m actually enjoying the trip around the internet. I found a really cool place to get bags that I’d never heard of before (didn’t buy one because maybe I’ll win one!) and I think it’s fun to see the different products being offered. I do find some of them asking for a ridiculous about of time or energy, I skip those. Also skip the “big” ones with only one grand prize because a billion people have entered and the odds are so not in my favor.

We shall see what comes of it…but I’m guessing Christmas this year may have some random stuff that everyone never knew they always wanted. 🙂

Over the last 5 years or so, we have been browsing the housing market trying to find something that would allow for us to share a space with my parents. After many, many open houses and home tours and the support of an amazing friend and realtor (Terri Kaminski), we finally found a house that checked the boxes. In a huge leap of faith, my parents sold their home and moved forward with the sale. There were quite a few renovations that had to happen in order for my parents to have their own private space within the house but the rest was a perfect shared space for our families and also finished basement for us to use for our family. They now have a beautiful, quiet, “wing” of the house that is ADA compliant.

I have to admit, we all had our worries about how this would work out because anytime you blend two families under the same roof there can be tension. We are open with communication and have a solid relationship, so that’s helpful and we have made it work well! I’m happy I can make healthy meals and sit down for family dinner each night. Discussions get a bit overwhelming for my folks – welcome to my world and life with 3 teen boys. I’m truly taking in each morning coffee with my mom, especially on then weekends where we can just relax and chat. I could use a bit less Jeopardy and oldies music tv in my life, but there is plenty of room to go find something else to do. We introduced them to Ted Lasso and now Welcome to Wrexham and my mom is loving them both and my dad tolerates it. Seeing the kids interact with Nana and Papa and just having this time has truly been the best and I think it is such a gift. I remember our trips to visit grandparents in Tacoma about once a month, this will be an experience and connection our kids will never forget. I wish we could have done it earlier.

It’s not all perfection, don’t get me wrong, it’s a lot of work also. Dee has been a rockstar and thankfully loves working out in the yard (there’s a LOT of it!). She also painted the entire exterior of the house this summer. For me, there is self-inflicted pressure to always have a plan for meals to be on time and be sure my folks everything they need. On top for working long hours and managing 4 kiddos, it’s just more. No complaints and wouldn’t change a thing, just more.

So that’s where we are at! New home, new housemates and a full heart.

I found a car! After searching and searching and basically having every time I drove around town be “research” for what cars would be options for me and daily internet searches, I found one that works. It’s funny because it’s not at all my dream car but it checks all the boxes. A local woman was selling and it was super affordable, low miles, small and spunky and will hold my paddle boards. You ready for the reveal? It’s a Kia Soul.

Now, apparently, everyone feels some sort of way about the Soul. I did also and would never have thought it would be what I’m driving now but after so many years of minivan life I’m kinda of digging this one. Two of my kids are embarrassed, 1 likes it and Erin thinks it’s the best car we have ever had. I actually don’t have strong feelings about what I drive (clearly after so many minivan years) but I think it’s funny that people feel so strongly about this car. So keep yours eyes peeled for me in my boxy little rig.

I’m looking forward to making it fun and mine!

The past few months have been filled with emails, phone calls, school visits and many talks about college. The choices are many but when you add in the sports aspect, it becomes an entirely new process. Not only does the student have to want the school, meet their requirements and be accepted but they also have to have the coach want them. Then comes the question of whether they can afford it. As a parent, I will never say I wished I had taken my degree and gone and made a ton of money doing something different than what I did. I love my job and it’s allowed me to be at home with the kids but it also didn’t allow for us to save for their college education. Let me tell you, it really hurts to not be able to provide that. A LOT. It feels like our actions and choices are limiting their possibilities. Where we live, so many kids don’t have to think twice about where they want to go to school, they apply to 10 places and their folks sign the check.

Here we are and as exciting as it is to see the interest and possibilities and seeing doors and pathways open up, it’s also really hard for this mama to be seeing the days I have w my kids at this daily life with them getting fewer and fewer. I will 100% support wherever life takes them, whether it’s across the country or an hour away, but I’d love for the perfect fit place to be closer. We shall see. Thankful for technology where I can live stream games that are far from home.

I’m not sure about everyone else but for me there seems to be such urgency about everything college related and it’s stressing me out. The FAFSA forms opened up on Oct 1 and here we are Oct 3 working on it and it feels like we are so far behind already. Carlos has applied (and been accepted!) to a couple of school already but now we wait to see what aid he gets and if it’s even in the cards. Even more stressful! I’m usually not one to be running this revved up. I’m all trying to have Carlos in the driver’s seat (as much as possible) as this is ultimately his decision and be there to support and guide and I think that adds more stress to me as well. It’s a huge decision and one he has to make but I also don’t want to see him 4 year down the line with $80k in debt. Finding the balance is so hard.

Off to help with the FAFSA forms here…wish me luck and any tips on making this process easier!

We have had a minivan for quite some time now and our workhorse daily driver is in the shop with $2600 in repairs needed to be back on the road again. With almost 200k miles on it and not a high resale value it may be time to say goodbye.

I’ve been tempted to get something new. I’ve NEVER had a new car and there are some that are reasonable and I that I like but they take my just out of my comfort zone in monthly payments and we drive cars until the bitter end so leasing doesn’t make sense. My top pick is a Hyundai Venue (SUPER cute and fun) and they are about $24,000 new.

Logical me is now looking at used cars. I’m not pressured to get something today but I’d really love to not be driving my folk’s mobility van and get into sometime more fuel efficient and FUN. I think I may be looking for a unicorn but maybe y’all can throw out ideas or tell me why you love the car you drive. Here’s what I want: 4 door, automatic, under 80k miles, not white or brown or orange or yellow, sporty, fun to drive, $15k or less and able to add a roof rack for my paddle boards. Models I have found that meet my criteria: Mazda3, Kia Soul, Mini Cooper, Subaru Impreza, Nissan Versa.

Does this car exist? Maybe? Also struggling to find the time to actually get out to drive any cars w my work schedule and weekend kid activities. Went w Erin last night and got to sit in a sweet Mazda3 that I kinda love and want but couldn’t drive it since it was too late. Also, what’s been your best car buying experience? Private party? Dealer? How did you finance? Dealer? Bank? So many questions…it’s been a long time since I’ve not just bought from a friend. Anyone want to come haggle w salesmen w me? Not my forte.

Crazy it’s been a couple years since my last blog post.  What has happened….well, a PANDEMIC!  

    Who would have thought.  Not too long after my post about snow days and family time, there we were having complete family time in quarantine.   Regular life came to an abrupt stop.  All of the sudden there was no in person school, no sports, no theater, no work…there we were having to stay 6 feet apart from everyone no knowing if being outside around people was ok or even social distancing w a mask was ok.  It was hard not going to stores or seeing friends and especially not hugging my parents (except through a plastic shower curtain – and man, that felt so good after not hugging them for so long).  I’m not going to lie, I’m conflicted on many levels because there were so many people sick and struggling but I felt like it was truly a gift in many ways for us.  The memories are coming up on FB now and I can actually say we made the most of it.  

What’s new in the last couple years?  

We moved from our little place downtown and in with my parents.  It’s great, we’ve been looking for a house that would work for us all for many, many years and found the perfect one.  My folks moved in first and we waited until the remodel was done (created a private bedroom/office/living space for them that is ADA compliant for my dad.  I am loving the family dinners each night and having a cup of coffee with my mom in the mornings.  Everything seems to run smoothly and I know it’s the best experience for everyone.  There’s just something special about getting this time with my parents and I’m soaking it all in and I know the kids are also.  I feel quite blessed that it all worked out.  We are finally feeling settled.  Moving isn’t fun AT ALL.  My OCD makes me crazy and living w moving boxes/clutter all over the place really got to me.

Dee and I are busy with projects around the house – well, mostly I have a vision, make the to-do lists and buy the stuff that needs to be installed and Dee does the actual work to make my vision a reality.  I did build some outdoor furniture the other day…  She’s been working tirelessly on painting the exterior of the house and it is stunning.  She will be so happy when that project is done!

As for the kids….Levi earn his Eagle Scout, is a graduate and is now working full time as an electrician apprentice and learning the trade.  He enjoying it and comes home excited about what new thing he did almost every day.  He’s finding ways to balance work and fun and it’s pretty weird to have him leave before everyone else in the mornings to work instead of heading to school.  I’m so proud of his hard work and trying something new.  I think he’s going to like it and I’d be happy to have an electrician in the family.

Carlos is starting his senior year at BHS.  He’s commuting over to Bellevue 3x per week for soccer training (plus traveling all over for games) and still has soccer as a major passion.  He was the top goal scorer for his high school team – they went to state this year!  He worked for Clark Construction all summer in their internship program and loved it and is now interested in flipping houses.  He’s hoping to get a roster spot on a college team next year and work toward a business degree.

Trey is a Junior at Hyla High and made the Varsity Ultimate Frisbee Team at BHS.  He absolutely loves ultimate and is making some great friends and having a blast.  He’s also working at Starbucks and enjoying that.  He got to go to the Bahamas on a school trip last year and hopes to return at some point to intern there.  What an experience!

Erin is now a middle schooler – gasp!  Where does the time go?  It’s crazy that we had someone at Island School for the last 13 years and now that era is over.  She was nervous to start a new school, but she loves it.  Lots of her Island School friends are also at Hyla so it made the transition a bit easier.  She is an avid reader, always a book or two or three in hand.  She’s also gotten into bike riding around the new neighborhood and she can’t wait for spring softball to start.

That’s a wrap!  Now I won’t have to write a Christmas letter.  😂

I hate to come back to the blogging world with a rant and I truly hope this can come across not making people upset with me.  It’s intention is not to judge, I just really don’t get it.

The thing is, I am loving this bonus time with my kids.  The snow days, for me, are a time I get that to just BE with my family.  I’m still working, but there is no school pressure, practices have been cancelled, there’s nothing extra to do and nowhere we have to go.  Dinners have been kicked up a notch and we have been able to relax and enjoy our mini staycation.

Here’s my rant…as I scroll through social media, I see post after post with parents loathing these snow days and wanting the kids back in school.  I get it on some level, with them home and without routine there tends to be kid drama and “boredom” and believe me we have it here, too.  Siblings getting one each other’s (and my) nerves and a bit of cabin fever is kicking in.  I find it so sad, though, to see these posts over and over again.  How must the kids feel to know the parents would rather have them in school? Is it a joke or just frustrating to have the routine messed up?  I don’t mind the snow, but hate the icy roads but it has nothing to do with the kids not in school.  It’s the same with the end of summer, first day of school posts.  What gives?

This time we have with our kids is so limited.  Blink once and they are off starting a life of their own.  That’s what makes me sad, knowing that one day my relationship with them will be missing the daily interaction we have now so I’m holding on tight to every moment I get.  They don’t always want to hang w me, and I get that and that’s pretty normal, but when they do I try to take it in.

     About a year and a half ago I was feeling pretty fat and unhappy so I decided that I was going to try the Keto diet to lose weight and feel better.  I’m all for a quick and easy solution and I started it with that intention.  Let me tell you, it’s a bear and in no way easy.  It was totally NOT something I could sustain for a long period of time but I knew I could manage doing it for awhile to kick start my journey.  I lost about 35 pounds really quickly on just diet alone.  I wasn’t sure whether that speed of weight loss was good for me or not but it didn’t feel right.  I also know that losing weight so quickly can cause hair loss and fragile nails and for someone with baby fine hair that just can’t happen.  I decided to intentionally slow down my weight loss and switch to a low carb diet rather than continue with Keto.
     The weight loss came to a screeching stall, but I was ok with that.  I continued to eat low carb (splurge at times when I want to – I believe you have to enjoy life!) and slowly kept losing.  When we were getting ready to move I went completely crazy and all we ate were foods of convenience.  Yum but oh man did I feel gross.  I gained a few pounds but after we got settled, I started to work on losing those and getting serious about my body and how I want to feel.
   Here’s the part about the Apple rings…I bought an Apple Watch for cheap thanks to FB Marketplace and a lady who’s boyfriend tried to convert her to Apple when she’s an android girl.  Not only does it remind me to breathe and be still, the Activity Rings are a visual reminder to me about my goals for the day.  The inside ring is if I stand up each hour.  There are days when nap time makes that impossible, but I’m ok w that.  The middle ring is the exercise ring, it closes when I reach 30 minutes of elevated activity.  The outside ring is my overall movement ring.  So, the coolest part about the rings is that I am connected to a dear friend, Kate. I get notified when she works out and inspires me to get up and get moving.  We send each other atta girls and it feels good to be held accountable and know someone else is working hard right along with me.
    My goal for the month of September was to walk/exercise 3-4 days/week.  For my first month, I feel like I was off to a pretty good start.  I am now up to walking 2-3 miles per day and it feels great.  Rain or shine I make it a priority to get out and walk.  Sometimes I’m pushing a stroller, walking with friends, carrying a baby on my back or doing a solo walk with great music.  There are days when I really wished I wasn’t walking and sometimes doesn’t even feel good after I’m done.  Those are the days I’m most proud of.  I want you all to hold me accountable.  I want this change for me.  I know won’t ever be a supermodel or be skinny, but I’m happy to be fueling my body with good food and working it to be healthy.
   As I was walking today, I was wondering what people think when they see me.  I can’t really see people’s faces while they drive by (crazy but true – sorry if you’ve waved and I haven’t waved back) and I smile and say Hi to those I pass but really don’t have an idea of how I look to others. In my mind, it’s like the movie “Brittany Runs a Marathon” or “I Feel Pretty” and I’ll always be the big boned girl who maybe shouldn’t be wearing the spandex yoga pants.  For the most part, I don’t really care what everyone thinks.  My workout clothes are comfortable and have pockets where I need them and cover the essentials.  Still, I want to not embarrass my kids.  So far, they haven’t asked me to change.  You can say “they should be proud you are out there, yadda yadda yadda” but we all know that teenagers are a prickly group and a parent’s fashion faux pax can be incredibly tragic.  I try to respect that.
    I also think back to this guy who I used to see every single day riding his bike on the highway.  He was really overweight but he was there and getting it done.  No judgement from me, just admiration.  As time went on, he got faster and I could tell he was losing weight.  I always wanted to roll down the window and yell something encouraging and let him know what an inspiration he was but seemed a bit stalker/creepy.  Are people seeing me like him?  Watching the work and seeing a change?  Just seeing a big girl on a stroll?
    Here’s to hard work paying off and having 1 mile stretch to 3 miles and many more.  I have talked w a friend about a half marathon…maybe that’s in the future, would be a pretty good goal.

 I’ve been asked what we do to keep things running smoothly with so many kids so here’s a little peek into our daily routine.   It’s all about the prep, people!
    Meals are planned and shopped for on the weekends.  Kids help once a week with making dinner (one has asked to help each day to learn more cooking skills – will happily oblige and see how long that lasts)
   For lunches, we make pb&js in bulk and put them in the freezer (they thaw by lunch time and keep the rest of the of the lunch cold).  Veggies are cut and put in snack bags in a bin in the fridge along with yogurts and string cheese so they can be easily grabbed and thrown in a lunchbox.  We have one requesting salads, so we grilled up chicken breasts and have the salad fixings chopped and ready to grab.
   Chores are done each morning by all but one kid, who an evening job.  Part of our back to school shopping trip was a family meeting about what everyone wanted to do each day so everyone is feeling ok with what they have and our house stays pretty clean.
     Laundry is one a schedule – everyone has their day to get it done.  If they start it, I switch it over during the day and then they come home and fold and put it away.
    We have two kids (the ones who tend to take longer to get up and rolling in the mornings) so they take showers in the evening.  Everyone makes their lunches the night before and puts them in the fridge.
   Preps makes the difference, it truly helps things run much more smoothly.  Not lying, it’s not always rainbows and unicorns and our people wake up crabby and ornery just like anyone else’s but the expectations are set, and for the most part it all goes down pretty easily.
   Hope this helps someone, somewhere out just a little!  It’s all pretty easy when you make a plan.
 

I always get a little down this time of year – change is upon us.  Starts with the evenings and a little cool breeze sneaking in to remind us that summer is coming to an end.
  For me, it makes me sad.  I absolutely LOVE having my kids at home.  There are times I have wanted to pull them from school and teach them myself, but I believe they need the social interaction that school provides and time to develop their friendships and establish their peer groups.  I know if I did keep them home, it would be more about what I wanted rather than what I think is best for them.
  What confuses me is the number of people who celebrate the return to school.  There’s no judgement  here, just have a hard time understanding it.  The back to school pics of the parents partying as the bus pulls away, that I don’t understand.  I’m not home weeping, believe me my day is full with work and I’m busy until they come home but there is a piece of me that truly misses them.
It’s a double edged sword, though.  I will miss the ease of summer, but welcome the routine of school.    
   I am using the start of school for a new beginning, to get the family more organized and back into our routines.  This summer has been different for us since the majority of it was spent getting ready to move, moving and getting settled into the new place.  In that chaos, we lost the part where the kids were doing daily chores, helping cook dinners, getting to bed at a reasonable time, limits on screen time and having family housecleaning night.  These will work their way back into our schedule next week. Life will start feeling structured and normal again and the laziness of summer will fade.