Too much Monday not enough coffee

We Listen and We don't judge

Sometimes, scrolling through Facebook feels like wandering into a room full of plot twists you didn’t see coming. You start thinking, “Wow, there are a lot more idiots in the world then I originally thought.

A Gift Should Stay

As someone that had a degree in child development I want to do a PSA announcement on behalf of the kids of divorced parents/grandparents. 

A gift is generally considered a symbol of love, but if you buy a gift for a kid but it has to stay at your house, it’s not a gift. (And you should be ashamed off your self.) This impacts self-esteem making them feel like they are not deserving of the new things and can give them anxiety about future gift-giving situations. If you gift it… they can take it home.  Period!

This happens to several kids this time of year and it’s long lasting!

It happened to one of my kids and I saw the repercussions of it for years!  

Don’t be a jerk!

The Polar Express was full of Magic!

 We hopped aboard the Polar Express and had an absolute blast! Now, as much as I’d love to present the entire crew in one picture, wrangling a family of 21 is like trying to teach cats choreography. Matthew and Cole? Not pictured here because they were off exploring the vending tents... Once were were aboard our traint, The Northern Lights, we found out seats and we the show got under way! We got hot chocolate and a cookie, several of the kids got to turn the page as they told the story, and Joanie and Sammi got to walk the cart and sign with the performers. I had the microphone in my face a few times to say Ho HO HO! and Merry Christmas. We all got beautiful Mugs to take home and a beautiful authentic bell that we could all hear! But the best thing of all was when they choose Danny to carry the present up to the main character. WE never thought Danny would do it, but he was a pro!

Once we boarded 1st class tickets on The Northern Lights, we found our seats and the magic began—literally. Cue the hot chocolate and cookie parade! It was like a Hallmark movie, except with fewer commercial breaks and more sugar. Several kids got to help “turn the page” while the story unfolded, which, let's be honest, felt like they were auditioning for Broadway. Meanwhile, Joanie and Sammi lived their best lives, signing and performing alongside the cast like budding thespians.

And yours truly? Well, I had a microphone thrust in my face multiple times to belt out “Ho Ho Ho!” and “Merry Christmas!”—clearly, they saw my untapped potential as Santa's understudy.

Then came the grand finale. We all got to keep beautiful mugs (anniversary additions) and an authentic bell, which we could actually hear. Believe me, I tried shaking it next to everyone's ear just to test. BUT...... the best moment of all? Watching Danny strut his stuff as he carried the present to the lead character. We thought he’d freeze up—maybe drop the gift, maybe cry—but nope! Danny nailed it like a seasoned pro. I'm not saying we should retire as his entourage, but I’m also not, not saying it.

I am rushing around with tons to do today before the staff party.  

Dennis: is there anything I can do to help you today?

Me: oh that’s sweet of you to ask!🥰

{He admends} Dennis: something easy…..

Me: 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

#marriagegoals

Goodbye Yellowstone

 

My mother use to say: you are who you hang out with.  Man if this P Diddy shit doesn’t hit that nail on the head I don’t know what does!! Moral of the story: listen to your momma

The whirlwind that is December

Christmas is in full swing, and let's face it—it seems to start earlier every year. But honestly? Thank goodness, because one month just isn’t enough to cram in the avalanche of festive fun. The calendar is already spilling over with everything from gift exchanges to choir shows, baking marathons to the never-ending wrapping of oddly shaped presents.

We still have Santa’s visit to look forward to, along with a mug exchange, and an ornament swap, class parties with book exchanges, pajama day, ugly sweater day, staff parties with games and prizes, a magical Christmas train ride on the Polar Express, a Christmas Eve bash—not to mention glorious Christmas dinner.

Oh, and in the midst of this yuletide chaos, we’re celebrating not one, but two birthdays! The family patriarch will (happily) get his moment in the spotlight, while a newer member of the family gets to get more presents after Christmas!

It’s chaos sprinkled with joy, wrapped in laughter, and tied with a bow of exhaustion—but isn’t that what makes this season magical? Here's to the whirlwind that is December!

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What you missed while you were busy “exploring life choices”

1. 
   The world moved on without you. People learned three new dances for TikTok, discovered a new non-dairy milk substitute (potato milk is apparently a thing now), and somehow decided cargo pants are back in style. Yes, cargo pants.
2. Your plants didn’t. They’re officially auditioning for the role of “decorative twigs.” Bravo, truly. Strong performance.
3. The rest of us mastered the art of “replying to emails within five business days” because adulthood, it turns out, is mostly a reality TV show where you pretend you have it all together. Fact check: none of us do.

But don’t worry, there’s still time to catch up. Just... maybe start with the plants. They’ve been through enough.

Forget the Homes on Pinterest.... Just take care of yours!

Have we forgotten how to create a home that feels like… home? Hear me out—not an attack, just a gentle nudge and a pinch of nostalgia.

Back in the day (think hand-me-down couches and wicker furniture), our homes weren’t just places to crash; they were sanctuaries. Even with mismatched decor and impossibly busy schedules, keeping it clean and cozy was a thing. I’m talking about that magical balance of personal pride and pure survival—the kind of space where chaos stops at the front door.

When I look back on my own "scientific research" (aka binge-watching old home movies), one thing sticks out: no matter how tight money was or how hectic life became, the homes I lived in carried a sense of care. Chaos didn’t have a foothold because it wasn’t allowed to. Why? Because there’s something about walking into a clean space that says, “Life is messy, but I’ve got this.”

Now, I’ll admit times have changed. Women are conquering workforces, juggling responsibilities, and frankly, nobody is out here vacuuming in heels or ironing curtains (thank heavens, right?). But life’s not so fast-paced or evolved that we can’t pause to take pride in our homes—messy kids, demanding jobs, and all.

And speaking of messes, let's have some real talk. If you live with another functioning adult who refuses to help keep things in order? Evict them. Kidding (kind of). But seriously—cleanliness should be a team sport. A Swiffer isn’t magical, and you can’t out-organize someone else’s mess with hope alone.

Because here's the deal, keeping a clean house isn’t about appearances—it’s about feeling good. A tidy space offers something intangible yet deeply impactful. It’s walking into a room and feeling calm instead of overwhelmed. It’s knowing that whether it’s your child’s friend, their mom, or, heaven forbid, your mother-in-law, your home reflects care—not chaos.

It’s not about perfection—this isn’t a makeover show with sudden before-and-after magic. It's about consistency. You vacuum today, tomorrow, and oh yes, next week. Think of it as a workout—skip too many sessions, and things start falling apart. And sure, your house may not promise six-pack abs, but it will promise a slice of peace in a world that’s often anything but.

At the heart of it, this isn’t just about the adults in the home. It’s about what we’re showing our kids. It’s teaching them that chaos doesn’t have to be their norm. That respect for their environment creates a sense of stability, pride, and yes—a little joy.

Take pride in your space. Not for the mom next door or the surprise visitor, but for yourself and your family. Because everyone deserves a place that feels like home—a clean, loving sanctuary where you can breathe, laugh, and live fully.

Bottoms Up!

 I found it wonderfully ironic that we sat at a table with four kids, and the only person to spill their drink was Pop. The humor of the moment doubled the next day—there we were, gathered on the lobby floor of the Oklahoma convention center, and Pop managed to up the ante by spilling a bottle of water right under his butt!

Lolly Got Roasted

My grandkid absolutely roasted me today, and honestly, it was hilarious. We were out at a restaurant in Midtown for a family dinner when my grandkid decided to become a stand-up comedian. The conversation had turned to cars—specifically Matthew’s shiny new ride. Naturally, that spiraled into everyone dreaming out loud about their ideal car. When it was my turn, I said I’d love another Expedition (my personal favorite, for the record). But I added that I’d want the third row, because, I do a lot of stuff with the grandkids....

Cue Wakely, interrupting mid-sentence, with maximum dramatic flair, “NOT ME!” I just blinked at her, trying to process the burn, before sputtering out, “Uh, you live TWO hours away ya dork!” (And yes, the capitals were necessary—you have to get the tone right here). Everyone laughed and Wakely smirked at me... Actually smirked!

The funniest part? When Wakely does visit, that’s exactly when I need the extra row! She always wants to do things with all her girl cousins. Guess she’s just keeping me honest, even from two hours down the road!

Gypsy & the Beast

Being married is hard work! Trust me, I know—I’ve been doing it for 30 years, and sometimes I’m just done. (Seriously, where’s my gold medal?) Don’t get me wrong, I love my husband, but I’m a free-spirited gypsy soul at heart. I thrive on quiet moments alone, spontaneous adventures, and creative whims. And nothing kills the vibe faster than feeling like I have to operate under someone else’s “laws.”

Dictatorship? Not in this house!

Every now and then, I have to (lovingly) remind my husband of that. I’ll say something like, “Hey babe, just a heads-up—I’m not building an empire here, I’m painting with watercolors and making up song lyrics in my head. So, maybe don’t stifle the creative flow, okay??”

Marriage is about compromise, but I draw the line at losing my spark. And sure, some days it’s frustrating, but other days, it’s just flat-out hilarious. After all, who knew a gypsy heart and a rule-follower could make it work for three decades—mostly laughing, occasionally eye-rolling, and sometimes hiding in completely different rooms?

But hey, that’s the beauty of love—it’s messy, hilarious, and just a little exhausting. Cheers to 30 years of figuring it out, one gypsy-soul tantrum at a time.

Is That Me Now?

If social media platforms had family roles, it would definitely be the slightly unhinged aunt who brings chaos to Thanksgiving dinner.

I scroll through my feed, see familiar faces, and suddenly think, Whoa, that’s my classmate?! They look like they could’ve been my parents in high school! Then it hits me like a poorly filtered selfie—I’m the same age as them.

GASP! If they look like my parents did back then… does that mean I do too? NO. Surely not. I’m still in my 20s… right?

RIGHT?!

Afraid not! Reality sets in.... One would think being the Grandmother of 11 kids would keep me in the know.... Sigh* I feel portrayed.

So now, I’ve made the executive decision to avoid mirrors for the remainder of the day—solely to protect my fragile sanity. Thanks a lot, Facebook. You win this round. 🙃

Growing Older, One Ache at a Time (With a Side of Humor)

If you’re anything like me, life can feel a little heavier some days. But here’s the thing—keep moving. That’s the secret, right? Most of us aren't thriving in some perfectly curated life; we're navigating the twists and turns, stumbling and standing, one step at a time.

There are moments, though, when life reminds you that you’re not made of rubber anymore—like when your shoulder aches and doesn’t bounce back as quickly as it used to. Or when a little trip leaves you hurting in places you didn’t even touch on the way down (seriously, how is that even fair?). Suddenly, grabbing that seatbelt to strap on takes a yoga pose you don't possess, and finding a simple word or a friend's name feels like chasing squirls.

Of course, your body has been your constant companion through every moment of life—every mistake, every celebration, every “I’ll take better care of myself tomorrow.” It's carried you through years of late-night snacks, questionable food choices, and plenty of moments where you knew better but just didn’t care. And now? Now it’s asking for a little love and attention, maybe a bit begrudgingly.

You might think, “Why bother now? It’s too late to start over.” But here’s the truth—it’s never too late to start showing your body some kindness. You can’t undo the years, but you can work with what you have. You can stretch more, hydrate better, savor the meals you eat, and slow down when you need to. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about learning to care for the body that’s been caring for you all these years, even when you didn’t realize it.

And sure, life’s aches and pains are reminders that we’re not invincible, but they’re also proof that we’ve lived and loved, and yes, maybe overindulged more times than we can count.

So here’s to moving forward, even when it’s a little slower… because every step is still progress. Be kind to yourself—you’ve been through a lot. And hopefully, you’ve still got so much left ahead.

I Almost DIED!

Dennis and I were in the kitchen—a seemingly innocent scene that quickly turned into a tragic comedy starring yours truly. I was putting the groceries away while Dennis had taken it upon himself to wash the stove grills. Lovely, right? Except, of course, I needed the grills to cook because, you can’t just plop a pan directly on the burners.

Dennis, being the helpful soul he is, was busy reassembling the stove when I turned to stow more food away. What he forgot to mention (or realize) was that he’d left the dishwasher door wide open, like some low-lying booby trap stationed directly behind me. Arms full of groceries, I pivoted—and immediately tumbled over the unseen culprit.

Now, pause for a moment. Can we talk about how falling suddenly happens in slow motion once you hit a certain age? There I was, toppling forward, brain firing off two thoughts simultaneously:

1. Is this how it ends?
2. Dear God, please don’t let me impale myself on anything sharp sticking out of the dishwasher.

Before I even fully grasped what had happened, I found myself mid-contortion over the dishwasher door, grappling for balance like some off-balance ballerina. Somehow—miraculously—I didn’t completely hit the floor, but my shins and arms weren’t as lucky. My shin took the brunt of the battle, while my knee staged its own protest, and my poor pecs and underarms have been loudly complaining for days. I’m pretty sure I’ve unlocked some elite level of pain where even bruises feel betrayed by my choices.

Now, here’s the clincher. I turned around to confront Dennis, expecting, I don’t know, maybe an ounce of concern? Instead, he looked at the scene of the crime and casually remarked, “Well, there goes the dishwasher.” Then, as if realizing this probably wasn’t the right opening line, he quickly tacked on, “Are you okay, honey?”

You learn a lot about your place in the world during a crisis. Turns out, I’m somewhere below the dishwasher. My ego? It's still recovering.

Bah Humbug

It’s December 3rd, and I’ve officially put up five Christmas trees. That’s right—five. Do I enjoy it? Absolutely not. Picture Scrooge tangled in tinsel, muttering under his breath about “holiday spirit.” That’s me.

Now, technically, I didn’t need to put up three trees in my own home. But one of them is tiny and takes about 30 minutes to put up, so it doesn’t really count… right? Honestly, I should just keep that one and banish the others. But no, I’ve got two 9-foot and two 10-foot behemoths demanding my attention, because apparently, I hate free time.

And it's not as if they stay up all year or even 2 months! Nope, a few short weeks of twinkly glory, and then the looming responsibility of packing them back up until next year. It’s like having an overly demanding houseguest who leaves glitter in every corner.

Anyway, if I’m going to suffer through this, my trees are going to be packed with stuff. No delicate hanging ornaments here—oh no. I stuff them to the brim, like they’re auditioning to be the world’s most over-the-top parade float.

Five trees, too much stuffing, and questionable life choices. Merry Christmas, I guess! 🎄

Real Friends Bring You Chocolate

 Listen, I get it—friendship is all about give and take. But let's be real here… I want chocolate. Non-negotiable. If you’re going to hang with me, this is just the cost of doing business. I even told one of my friends I needed a bathtub filled with chocolate so I could swim in it—bask in it, and drown in it if necessary, you know, really commit to the sugar high— (what a way to go, right?). Her response? She got creative and gave it her own spin. And no, it wasn’t a Jacuzzi filled with molten fudge, but hey, I’ll give her points for effort. I felt like Willy Wonka minus the questionable child labor practices.

Here’s the thing—I have some seriously cool friends. Some bring me charcuterie boards (bless them), others show up with donuts, homemade goodies, or the holy grail, coffee. One time, someone even gifted me an actual garden of Crunch bars. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Except for one tragic flaw—they didn’t grow back. I mean, what’s the point of a Crunch bar garden that doesn’t replenish itself? Ugh. Life is tough.

All I’m saying is, surround yourself with people who not only get your obsession with chocolate but are willing to support your habit. These are the people who will make life sweeter—literally and figuratively. Cheers to them, the heroes of my sweet tooth and my soul!

Job Hunting

A rite of passage, a test of patience, and apparently, a battlefield for entitlement these days. Listen, I don’t mean to sound like the grumpy neighbor yelling at kids to get off their lawn, but here’s the deal—you can’t waltz into the professional world with a mindset that screams, “I’m owed something just for showing up.”

Sure, your parents may have indulged your whims and told you that you were destined for greatness simply for existing. And hey, that’s sweet. But unfortunately, they’re not the ones cutting you a paycheck. Business owners? Employers? They’re not here for the “I-deserve-this” song and dance. They’re here for employees who bring value, show up on time, and—brace yourself—put in the effort.

If you're reading this from your parents' basement, hazily scrolling between a Netflix binge and a socially acceptable time to snack again, consider this your wake-up call. The good news? There’s a world of opportunity out there for those willing to step up, own their hustle, and shift gears out of entitlement mode.

We’re not saying you can’t dream big or want better—absolutely, go for it! Just don’t forget that, at some point, you’re going to have to work for it.