Tag: Life Blog

Just A Mom Who Isn’t Ready For Summer To End.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 4 Comments

I swear each Summer goes by faster and faster now that I have children. This Summer though? I feel like this has been the fastest yet. My kids are getting older, even if they are still so young I just feel time being a thief more lately and it’s making my emotions go haywire.

I am not ready to let go of the carefree Summer evenings, the later than normal bed times even though they still wake up early as ever ;), the lazy pool days, slip n slide fun and heading out the door on a random weekday just because. I’m not ready for the ice cream smeared faces out on the back porch to come to an end or the scent of grilling in the air to be done for the season. I’m not ready for bikes and scooters to be used less and less as the chaos of the school season starts.

Summer to me is where I feel like my kids get to be kids the most. Where you really see the childhood magic and imagination light up and it honestly soothes me.

Even though it might be nice for it not to be WWE smackdown in the house on the daily because my kids are in each other’s spaces too much, I still feel not ready for the new school season to start. My oldest is about to conquer 2nd grade and my youngest starts pre-school (don’t mind me crying thinking of this). I swear they were just babies laying on their blankets kicking their chubby little feet around and babbling at me in the Summer sun.

I sure do love watching them thrive though. Taking on each new adventure with confidence and learning independence more and more as they go. I know my son is excited to see his friends again at school and I can tell my daughter is just as excited to make some friends of her own. They are excited for their Fall sports to start up and new activities to try but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t going to miss all the extra time with them.

For now though, I am going to soak up all the Summer day’s we have left and make the most out of the warm weather until the cooler days start. Crossing off more Summer bucket list items and relishing in the days we get together where we don’t have to share each other with school, work or activities.

My biggest hope for all of us as Summer break is coming to an end is that this new school year is a great one and that our kiddo’s thrive and learn and are happy and that we keep our sanity along the way! I don’t know about you but I sure know my coffee intake will be going up, maybe even my wine as well ;).

Cheer’s mama’s!

As Mom’s, We Should Normalize These 5 Things More.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 8 Comments

I’ve been over here thinking a lot lately…

And that means my thoughts hit paper, or in this case my blog 😉

But really, in the midst of the chaos that is life lately, I feel like we forget what normal life can look like. What ordinary motherhood really is…

Not the picture perfect Instagram pictures that we feel like “should” be normal and idolized. Even though I am sooo guilty of scrolling and thinking I should have or do what other’s do.

I am talking about normalizing a fridge full of homemade pictures, little fingerprints and sticky notes for important things you need to remember because if you’re anything like me, everything needs to be written down or it doesn’t exist.

Sipping your non fancy coffee from your coffee maker and sitting down to get some reading done or just enjoying the morning sitting outside.

Leaving the toys and the mess of a fun filled day full of imagination on the floor because let me tell ya, your “me time” is just as important as having an immaculately clean house.

Having plans that just include getting out of the house and getting some fresh air or visiting your local attractions, even just grabbing an icecream cone instead of always needing a big vacation planned.

Enjoying home cooked staple meals because if your kids are anything like mine and mostly live on chicken tenders and cheese pizza every time we visit a restaurant let’s just cook it at home and maybe throw in a family movie after while we are at it.

I feel like we feel we have to constantly rush to the “next big thing” but we don’t. Living in these moments of our children’s childhood is the biggest thing and it’s so normal to feel like you always need to “do more” but you are doing just fine and trust me when I say these are the day’s they will look back on even if it’s the simple things.

Best thing we can do when the scrolling makes you think you always need to do more and the anxiety sets in for what you think is “normal”…

Go ahead and get right off your phone’s.

At least, that’s what I am telling myself these days.

As always, we’ve got this mama’s!

What I’ve Been Reading this Summer.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 2 Comments

This Summer, my goal as an avid reader was to step back and take a break from long series and it’s been so fun to get back into reading a variety of books again.

I have mainly tried to stay within a fun Summer type of feels books but of course I have to dabble in some in depth emotional reads and can’t ever forget about my sport’s romances because if you know, you know.

It’s been the best sitting outside while the kids play and reading in the fresh air and I can’t wait to share with you what I’ve been reading. I myself love going in blind when picking books so I will have the links to them on goodreads but I will just provide what my thoughts were and you can decide what you think! 🙂

Just for the Summer

Such a perfect, cute Summer romance and it had so much depth to it though which is a huge plus. I adored Justin and Emma.

Mayluna

I will never ever forget this story.

My heart. These characters are so special. Evie and Carter. I was so sucked into their lives.

By the end of this book I was sobbing not going to lie.

Devastatingly beautiful is how I would describe this and you need to read it.

Birthday Girl

Oh goodness, talk about a spicy, spicy slow burn. I ate this up and loved every second of it!

The Five-Star Weekend

This was such a great, entertaining, drama filled Summer read. You really feel like you are included on this five-star weekend with the girls and it’s so fun!

Locked In: Season One

I don’t know what kind of crack was put in this book but I absolutely devoured it and could not put it down. What a wild, wild ride. Defiantly a fun read to get lost in.

Next Life Duet

Talk about emotional damage and missed opportunities, my cup of tea! Absolutely loved the ending of this duet.

Skate The Line

I just finished reading this and the way I felt CONSUMED by this book let me tell ya. Single dad hockey romance? Can’t get any better than that. Sooo spicy and fun. I absolutely adore Rhodes and Sunny.

Tattered Tides

Talk about emotional! I loved Willow and Weston. Tattered Tides has such depth but also a good level or spice and I was all about it!

Do any of these catch your eye? Let me know in the comments!


I would also love to know what you’ve been reading this Summer? I love finding a new read so give me some book recommendations below as well. Along with blogging of course, reading is defiantly one of my favorite hobbies, I love escaping to different worlds or just towns all the time and meeting different characters.

Let me know if you want to see more book content! I defiantly could do that for you.

I Am Most Definitely An Autumn.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 8 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.