Tag: Life Blog

I Am Most Definitely An Autumn.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 7 Comments

It really is here again, Autumn. Oh it makes me so happy just writing that.

The crisp cool mornings, I truly feel more alive when I am not sweating every time I step outside. The fact that it is the season of long walks in leggings and a sweatshirt is more than enough to have me feeling giddy.

Fall to me is like a hug. My favorite sweatshirts come out, pretty decor goes up, a warm cup of coffee makes you feel all fuzzy inside and my favorite cozy blankets and best of all? My reading gets all the more fun. AND!? Yes, there’s more. Gilmore Girls goes on in the background.

The kids and I were outside this week and I glanced up and noticed our tree’s changing. I know it happens every year but it just takes my breath away every time. Anyone else? Nature truly is beautiful and I am so happy I live in a place where I experience all the season’s.

What are your Fall plans?

I’ve been thinking of mine and I really want to try to make it to all the small festivals around here for the kids and even for myself. Make lots of cozy delicious crock pot recipes. There is also a book event in October that I am extremely looking forward to.

Anything you are excited to read?

I have a lot of romantasy and regular fantasy on my list for the cooler weather, plus some thriller’s as well and of course have to throw in a couple cutesy reads. My big one I think I am going to start though later in the season and attempt to read is the Zodiac Academy series. I am so nervous about it but I think it will be worth it in the end! Has any one read it? Let me know!

I just hope we all have a lovely new season. I know life can be overwhelming at times, but I just hope you know you are never alone and just try to enjoy the little moments as much as you can. When you are walking, look up and enjoy the beauty around you. When you are at home, crack open a book you’ve been wanting to read lately and make yourself a nice warm drink. Enjoy the presence of your loved ones. Enjoy all the joys your kids bring you. Just enjoy it all.

Let me know what you are most looking forward to for the Fall season, I’d love to chat with you! As always, thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me.

The Joy’s of Potty Training & Spring Sports.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 18 Comments

How are you feeling momma’s? Anyone else feel the busy season of life brewing up? For some reason whenever Spring comes along, the older my kids get the more I just feel straight up busy. Defiantly a good busy though because I am desperate for that warmer weather and sunshine!

I’m looking at my May calendar and thinking how there is not a free weekend in it. Baseball opening day, dance recital weekends, school plays, birthday’s, Friend gatherings.

My kids are currently 5 and 3 and one of my favorite things has been having them try sports to see what they like and don’t like. So far my 5 year old son is loving baseball and if you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up his answer is to play for the Detroit Tigers. He’s taking a real liking to learning how to play hockey as well which is exciting and he just told me the other day he also wants to practice golf with daddy this Summer plus he tells me all about his playground adventures of playing basketball with his friends.

To say we may have our hands full with this one…

My 3 year old daughter is currently in dance which is so adorable to watch but lately she has been kicking balls around and wanting to play soccer. We are taking the Summer off of dance and our area has a fun rec program for her age that teaches tball, soccer and basketball so I am thinking that will be her activity for the warmer weather. She’s also begging to get out on the ice like her brother.

I never was much of a sports player but my husband was and I can tell he is just thriving in the newly developed sports era the kids are growing into. Which good for him, I have absolutely no problem being the on the sidelines and bleacher mom just ready with snacks after the games.

Speaking of my 3 year old, I can’t believe we are going to be a pull up free house soon. I honestly could not see the day ever coming and although it is bittersweet I would be lying if I said I wasn’t also excited about it.

Potty training my son was rough, lots of crying both him and I and frustration so when it was time for round two with my daughter and she started to show the same “I’m not doing it” attitude I was so nervous.

But….she took to it well after the first few times and we are on a good track and my relief is HUGE.

For a reward for doing so well these couple of weeks her grandma spoiled her and took her to get her nails painted which she has been asking to go with her to a nail appointment for a while and they turned out so cute! Fingers crossed it stays a positive experience for us all.

I am wishing you mama’s all the luck to you that are in your busy sports mom era, potty training era, newborn era, just mom era in general. We are all in this together the excitement, the tiredness, the hard parts. You are defiantly not alone.

May your coffee stay strong and the sunshine stay shining!

Kids don’t need more “stuff”. They need outdoors & adventure.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 24 Comments

There’s something about being cooped up all Winter and then a sunny Spring day comes along and you just think “it’s all alright” 

We had a Sunny Spring day here in Michigan last week and the kids and I took total advantage! 

Growing up my parents always had trails in their backyard, back then they were pretty wooded and used a lot for four wheeling which we would do but now it’s a lot more cleared so it works so well for walks and adventures in the sun. 

My favorite part was listening to my kids get excited about finding deer tracks but then thinking “is it a Bigfoot!?” Or finding big sewer drains and thinking “I wonder if ninja turtles are down there”

I love imagination 🥺 I think it’s just the best thing ever and I make sure I can bring it out as much as I can. 

Days like this one just put in perspective how much you need outdoor time. Especially as a child, the best memories are made and it helps them reset so much. Get that pent up energy out. Unplug and plug back in!

Although if you live in Michigan or a state like it, Spring can still be chilly and very rainy but that shouldn’t stop the fun and the excitement that the warmer weather is coming.

Here’s our 5 favorite activities in the Spring to get outside even if it’s just for 30 minutes or so. 

Bike riding 

Hikes/trail walking

Bubbles/Chalk 

Park Play Date 

Scavenger hunts

Cheers to all the sunny days coming our way! ☀️ Let’s take full advantage of them and spend as much time outside as we can 😃

Morning Coffee Chats, Life Lately.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ Leave a comment

I can’t believe it’s already time to start saying Happy Holiday’s! Like where in the world did this year go!? 

My family and I have had so much fun celebrating Halloween, the kids were Batman and a witch and the joy on their faces when they run around trick or treating is just precious. Halloween has always been one of my favorites but holidays in general are just my jam, especially as a mom. 

We are fully ready to dive into the holiday season though and I’d be lying if I said my tree wasn’t up already because it is and I love it. Just like they say, turkey tastes just as good with your Christmas tree up 😜🎄

This year has been a tough one on and off though but especially these last few weeks actually but I’m faithful and hopeful it will all be ok in the end. You can only pray about the things you cannot control and that’s what I’ve been doing. 

I’m really just ready to take a step back and relax this winter with my family. It’s been a big wake up call and one I wish I never would have gotten but family really is all that matters and the time you get to spend together is such a gift! It really, really is. 

I feel like we worry too much about the things that don’t matter the most and I am definitely guilty of it. 

My anxiety definitely gets in the way.

So let’s slow down, read those books you’ve had on your tbr for a while.

Watch those movies and shows that make you happy and relax.

Spend time with your family and loved ones.

Have game nights and date nights.

Just decompress.

That’s my goal the last two months of this year and I hope it’s yours too! (Last two months, so crazy!)

Thank you for letting me chat, sometimes I just come here to write because it helps get things out you want to say and do so I’m thankful for my readers ❤️

Dandelion Days.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 6 Comments

Some of my best memories of childhood are walking around picking dandelions as you go adventure outside just knowing it’s going to be the best day.

Spending a whole day outside getting dirty, swimming and being with family are my fondest memories and it’s what I strive for my children’s childhood.

Especially now.

So when my 4-year-old son came up to me while we were playing in the backyard after I was home from a long day at work and handed me a handpicked dandelion just for me I was so happy.

And then when my 2-year-old daughter followed suit and soon I was blessed with a bouquet of dandelions my heart burst.

So of course we had to make a wish on some of our dandelions, pick them apart and keep a couple as well.

As the days are becoming warmer and Summer finally is almost upon us I strive for dirt filled finger and toenails, chasing butterflies, bug hunting, riding bikes for hours, a day full of swimming.

There’s something so magical about a young learning mind. Creating fond memories for them that they will think back on when they are older just like me reminiscing on a dandelion.

So next time you see a dandelion, I hope you don’t get annoyed about the weed in your perfectly green lawn and think of it instead of happier Summer days spent soaking in the warmth that the world has to offer.

Peel apart the petals, make a wish and a perfect time to make some memories with your littles because it’s ones they will always remember.

It’s a gift.

To The First Time Preschool Mama.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 9 Comments

I’m struggling with the fact that I have a preschooler.

Where did the time go?

You were just a little rolly polly baby asleep in my arms yesterday, I swear.

Time is such a thief.

Even at a young age, you try to give your child all the tools they will need to succeed in any new adventure in life.

When the time comes to use the tools though, it’s both exciting and scary.

I feel like a tiny part of your innosence will be chipped away as we enter school age, even if it is preschool.

Yet, I want you to flourish and meet new friends and learn all you can at the same time.

Bring me home all the fun crafts you do each day to display, I hope I see a big smile at the end of each day and hear nothing but re-telling of fun things that happened while you were at school.

I know drop off’s will be hard and pick up’s will be exciting and it’s all apart of growing up for both you and me.

I swear, being a mom is the biggest emotional rollercoaster there is.

But just know mama’s, your baby will be fine.

I’m here to convince both you and myself.

Trust the teacher’s.

Trust that you raised a brave, smart and fun little one who will be nothing but great and kind.

And know it’s ok to cry, just hold it in until after drop off as to not scare them.

Know that they are ready, they have all the tool’s you’ve given them.

I know the hardest part will be getting yourself ready though.

I know how hard it is to let them grow, and even harder to let them go just a tiny bit.

Let’s get through the first week of preschool together mama’s!

We’ve got this and know as always, we are in this together.

Love,

A preschool mama.

Summer Bucket List Ideas For You & The Kids!

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 19 Comments

Warmer weather is finally here!!

There is just something about Summertime with your kids.

The days are longer and you just feel a sense of freedom for them and yourself. No more cold cooped up days.

Making the most of Summer matters so much for us moms. Anyone else feel the same?

It’s just such a great time to make special memories and just slow down. Soak it all in, take a breath of fresh air.

I feel like moods are lifted everywhere.

The sunshine and warmth just does wonders for everyone.

I thought it would be fun to come up with a bucket list for my family to check off this Summer.

Beach day

Fair Day

Zoo Day

Exploring your town

Slushy run

Summer sports

Park day and picnic

Long naps

Camping

Swimming

Outdoor movies

S’mores by the fire

Splash pad

Long walk

Bubbles

Baseball game

Outdoor concert

Ride bikes

Boat ride

Wilderness exploring

Watch a sunset and sunrise

Painting outside

Firework shows

Summer parades

Star gazing

Road trips

Putt putt

Cookout

Ice cream date

Lemonade stand

Make our own popsicles

Water gun/ water balloon fight

Dance in the rain

Read in a hammock

I am just so excited for Summer with the kids and my husband! Definitely checking off as much as I can on the Summer bucket list and adding as we go!

What’s on your bucket list this Summer?

Any exciting plans?

Get outside as much as you can and just enjoy every moment.

Slow down, take it all in and soak it all up 🙂

Enjoy those dirty little barefoot feet running around.

6 Ways To Help Change Your Mindset.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 26 Comments

Happy and successful life.

Isn’t that what we all strive for?

I think if you asked anyone though, they would all have something different to say about what happiness and success means to them.

For me? Happiness is a slow Saturday morning with my family. Breakfast, coffee with my husband and a morning routine that went as smooth as a babies bottom. Success would be living simply but being able to provide for my family everything they need and be able to give as much as I can to those in need.

Everyday life though, It can defiantly take a toll on how your mind perceives things. One thing I don’t like is negative thoughts! I like a clear, free, happy mindset and it’s defiantly hard to accomplish but it’s one thing I take pride in having.

I try to do little tasks that help get me there and I am even trying to incorporate new ones this year to help keep my mindset positive even more. I am here to share with you 6 ways to help change your daily mindset to be your best self each day.

Positive Morning Routine.

I am starting off with one I am still working on. Mainly I am just not a morning person. I have found though that your morning really does set the tone for the whole day.

Create a relaxing morning routine that helps bring positivity to those early wake up’s. Make your favorite breakfast, sip your coffee slowly. Plan out your day.

Or even make this into your evening routine if you need to.

Do A Weekly Or Daily Brain Dump.

These help so much. Get out your favorite notebook and write down all your thoughts or things you need to do or want to do. Sometimes my mind gets so boggled with ideas and I love putting pen to paper and jotting them all down.

It does not have to be pretty, it’s just a way to help you get things off your mind and put into perspective what you want to accomplish. I love brain dumps.

Get Outside.

Need to clear your mind? I always say the best way to do it is to get outside. Fresh air is just so good for you.

I love a long walk to help alleviate stress or negative thoughts.

I love getting outside and playing with my kids, it feels freeing for myself and for them I am sure. Fresh air is a wonderful cure of a mindset that needs some clearing.

Less Is More.

Another work in progress for me is decluttering. I never realized what a toll clutter can take on you.

It creates so much stress, always having to pick up things or move things or organize things. It takes up so much time and energy.

I am going through one room in the house whenever I get the chance and it has felt so freeing creating a less is more atmosphere in my home.

Find A Hobby You Enjoy.

This is a big one. I love hobby’s. They are such an outlet to a more positive mind.

Find something you enjoy doing and use it as a way to be happy.

I love reading, writing and doing fun DIY crafts with my kids. They make me happy and I always feel better after finishing a good book, writing up a storm or making something fun with my kids.

Find something you love.

Erase The Negativity.

Remove negative things from your life. It may be hard sometimes but it’s worth it.

Listen to positive Podcasts, life yourself up with encouraging words.

Give yourself the strength to end the negativity and bring only positive into your life.

I think this is something we could all work on as human beings in general.

Your mindset is so important and I hope this has helped you find something to help make you happy!

If you have your own ways to stay positive and keep the joy flowing in your life please share them below with us all!

I wish someone would have told me..

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 16 Comments

Do you ever remember the rejection you felt when you were younger and someone didn’t want to play with you or sit with you or even just talk to you?

It was the worst getting your feelings hurt or feeling left out at recess or not having a partner for a fun activity.

I think about that way more often now that I have children.

I wish someone would have told me to make sure you play with them whenever you are asked. That advice is actually worth getting.

When I’m busy and feel like I have so much to do and a little voice comes up behind me and says “mommy, will you play with me?”

A far too usual reply ends up being “in a minute, let me just finish this really quick”

Sometimes do you even look behind you at the little face so eagerly waiting for you to be done when you are busy with your tasks? I’ll be honest, not always.

I feel like we think because they are so little, they won’t understand. But trust me, they do.

A bad day or a sad day could easily be cured by simply sitting down on the floor with your children.

Let them take the wheel, trust me their imaginations are enough to sweep you up into their worlds.

Sit on the ground and be present.

Let them bring you things, let them dance around you and zoom across the living room.

The laundry can wait to be folded and put away.

The dishes can stay dirty for a little while longer.

The floors don’t need to be swept right this minute.

The housework never goes anywhere, but these little moments with your children do.

Give them your attention.

Let them make you laugh and be silly.

You need it just as much as they need it.

My favorite is when my son tells me he had the best day ever with me when all we did was play for a little while or went out and about as a family.

So the next time you hear that little voice come up behind you asking you to play or to talk or to sit with them.

Make sure you do.

Play with them, it matters more than you know.

Dear Coaches Wife. An Open Letter To You.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 6 Comments

Dear Coaches Wife,

I see you.

What a lonely but rewarding title it is to be a coaches wife.

The other day I got really frustrated. In all dramatic glory, sometimes it feels like the game is a mistress.

There will be days when the only proof of your husbands existence in your house will be his things scattered about.

There will be weekends alone with the kids when there’s a tournament and two days a week where your dinners will be late because of practice.

Sometimes you will be far down in the priority list.

It’s definitely a complex relationship with the game. It’s a love/hate relationship.

But in all the negative, there’s also so much positive.

The nights when it’s you two alone and all he needs is a listening ear.

The pride you feel when you watch him doing what he’s truly passionate about.

The way those kids look up to him.

The people you meet along the way, the friendships made and the feeling of a different type of “family” with the team.

The way family time is so much more special when you have the time together.

The trust built up in your relationship.

Knowing you are strong enough to handle it all. The housework, the kids.

God made you a coaches wife for a reason.

No matter how alone or the sacrifices being made, know it’s to make his dreams come true.

To help those kids learn the best they can.

Know that you are a coaches wife and you should be proud.

So the next time you see a coaches wife, probably standing off to the side or in the middle of the parents on the bench, give them a smile.

It’s a tough title and it’s needed more than you know.

Love,

A travel hockey coaches wife.