December 13, 2024

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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December 12, 2024

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.

December 11, 2024

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.

December 10, 2024

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!

December 9, 2024

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!