Tag: Motherhood

In My Bleacher Mom Era

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 3 Comments

I’m currently in my bleacher years as a mom and honestly? I never want it to end.

As stressful as it is paying those monthly youth sports bills, making sure you have all the right gear, the correct dance attire, making sure you have your schedule down for the week, the team group chats going off constantly and driving you nuts with the crazy questions, it’s all so worth it.

Looking at our calendars sometimes I think are we doing too much? Are we too busy? Can we handle it all?

But then it’s time to sit in the stands while they look for you and wave and their whole face lights up and all those worries go away. I love watching them show up and do their best. Learn and listen and find friendships, that’s what it’s all about.

Sitting there watching them do their thing is so worth the rushed dinners, the late nights, early mornings, car full of random equipment bags, blankets, never ending snack bags.

I myself even learn so much from this journey. Teaching myself how to put each piece of equipment on right so I can teach them, tie the cleats and the skate’s tight enough, make sure the ponytail is intact. Learn the plays and the rules. Help practice the dance moves.

It may be stressful right now while in the thick of it all but I know one day it’s not going to be this chaotic and I know when that day comes I am going to miss it all.

The noise and the rush to get ready and out the door, the uniforms hanging to dry, the glitter that spills sometimes from dance recitals, the dirty cleats, the stinky hockey gear, the wins and celebrations, the loses, the bravery of getting out there and trying.

One day the fields, the rinks and the stage won’t have a player with my last name anymore and that breaks my heart to think about.

There are some things I regret in life and still some yet to come but, showing up for them and watching them on the field, on the ice, on the stage is never going to be one of them.

So I am embracing my bleacher mom era, their childhood. Yes, I may be tired most days but I am so lucky.

Lucky to have front row seats to memories that will last a lifetime. To cheer them on from my bleacher seat.

To soak it all in because one day, I’ll want to be back to being in this era of life more than anything.

This will be the good ole’ days.

So to all my fellow bleacher mama’s,

CHEERS!

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!

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.

Hello September. Back to School & Fall Sports.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 2 Comments

And just like that it is back to school time.

How was your Summer!? Ours was amazing filled with lots of trips, swimming and family and friend time.

Anyone else feeling a bit rusty at the early mornings and lunch packing or is it just me??

I feel like in the Summer it’s easy to get up early but even though I am an adult and work full time, when the school season starts I still find it harder to get up just like when I was attending school 😆

It’s so bittersweet. Every new school year just reminds you of how much your little’s are growing.

My son started first grade yesterday and although my daughter is still at home, the fact that she is starting pre school next Fall is just unbelievable.

Weren’t they both just in diapers toddling around and keeping me up all hours of the night!? I remember starting this blog and all I had was my little man, just figuring out motherhood together. Now they have sassy little comebacks and Lego’s and Barbie’s galore strewn across the floors.

Ok, cue the tears!

With September, I am saying bye to long Summer slow days and mornings and starting to fill my calendar with sports practices and school field trips again.

My son is starting his first year of hockey and my little girly is on her 2nd year of dance starting up as well.

As much as I do love a non busy day, sometimes I strive in the chaos with figuring out the kids schedules and how they work into my work schedule.

Adulting is being excited for new calendars and pretty pens and markers to use!

My friend and I have been gushing about our excitement for organizing and keeping schedules in check.

Also, my TBR list is growing outrageously now that it is September. I am so so excited about so many of my upcoming reads, let me know if you would like a post on that! Plus, share the book you are most excited to read this Fall!

Ok, enough of the rambling. I am mainly trying to say that I hope you and all of your kiddo’s have the best and the safest new school year! Wishing you all of the luck and just know we will all navigate this together!

We’ve got this mama’s!

Michigan Getaway Spot: Frankenmuth.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 12 Comments

One of my favorite things? Mini weekend getaways, especially when they are close to home.

We kicked off Summer vacation heading to Frankenmuth in our home state Michigan and it was a BLAST! Not only does it have the cutest downtown and the best shopping plaza but it has two fun waterpark hotels and we stayed at one of them, Bavarian Inn where they have the Bavarian Blast Waterpark.

I swear my kids are little fishes and would swim every single day if they could. I can’t blame them though, I was the same way when I was younger and still love swimming every chance I get.

We spent 6 hours total in the waterpark area on Saturday and there was plenty to keep them busy thankfully. You honestly didn’t even have to leave the water area. They had drinks, bars, and food all conveniently located in the waterpark.

That wasn’t the only hit though, their arcade area was massive and it was so fun getting dried off, comfy clothes on and spending the evening playing games, getting pizza, ice cream and hanging out. I think my husband may have had just as much fun or more in the arcade area. The best part was when our five-year-old made two hole in ones while we were playing putt putt and beat us all.

We spent Friday waiting for our room and Sunday after we checked out exploring the downtown and shopping area’s. The kids loved the big hills they had and were rolling down them, again made me think of my childhood. Nothing like a good hill roll.

They have so many shops to browse in and I of course had to make a pit stop into Charlin’s Book Nook because is there anything better than a coffee and browsing a used book store? I love those, you can tell how much a book has been read and loved.

It was such a perfect weekend getaway for us and we can’t wait to go back!

If you are visiting Michigan or even live here and have never been, you should. It has so much for everyone and it’s a great vacation spot for all.

Mama’s: Welcome to The Chaos of “Maycember.”

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 6 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I am scrambling more and more looking at my May calendar than I do in December! Talk about total May madness.

My oldest is in Kindergarten so this is my first full year with all the school activities so I never really understood the meaning behind Maycember until this year. He brought home his May calendar from school about a week ago and I never knew there could be so many days that have things going on! Brings back so many memories though especially seeing field day on the calendar. But all the end of the year parties, teacher appreciation week, performances, field trips, spirit type week days.

I defiantly feel the pressure of trying to keep everything straight. Especially when you throw in all the extra activities for both kids. Ball games, dance recital, birthday parties, Mother’s day, Memorial day weekend, trying to be in two places at once at times.

The feeling of an endless to-do list is real.

And we wonder why it’s so easy to get burnt out as a mom?

The part keeping me going though? It’s just a season.

It will pass and I will look back and I’m sure wish I could do it all over again because secretly the chaos is fun. I love being busy with my kids. I love supporting them and cheering them on and being there for as much as I can and showing the people who deserve it how much we appreciate them.

But that isn’t saying that all of it isn’t overwhelming because it is.

To help break up the chaos a little I’ve started writing everything down.

Prioritizing and making lists on what to get each week for the week coming up.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I fortunately have a wonderful support system and have family to help when my husband and I can’t be in two places at once.

Push things that aren’t pivotal that month to later in the next month to help loosen the up load of things to do.

And most importantly give yourself grace, remember you are doing the best you can and no matter what, you are doing a wonderful job!

I am here rooting you all! We’ve got this.

Bring on Maycember!

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 😃

The Moment Grief Hits You.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 13 Comments

Grief is really hard..

I feel like you can have days of feeling absolutely fine and then all of a sudden it’s the middle of the day or it’s time for bed and something just stops you in your tracks. Like tonight.

Tonight for me it was a stuffed animal oddly enough. Max from secret life of pets. A phase of characters my son went through of course and everything my kids love, Gigi always had to get for them. 

Giving was definitely her love language. 

I know in a way it’s a comfort to be surrounded by so many things bought or personalized from her to cherish but it dosent stop the pain of missing what really matters. Her. 

Her sweet soft voice that always brought comfort. Chatting with her. Telling her something funny or cute the kids did that day or complaining when they are being a little too stubborn.

Gosh, just asking a simple question because usually mom always seems to have an answer. 

Losing a parent is an indescribable feeling. One that a lot of time doesn’t even seem like it’s real besides in those little moments that bring you back to reality. 

Those moments when you are reminded of the loss, the anger of wondering why they had to be taken from you. When you can’t physically be comforted or talk to them like you desperately want to. 

It’s painful. 

I know it’s always said that time will heal all things and I’m sure it does. But when you’re in the thick of your grief it’s hard to imagine, I don’t think it will ever fully heal. 

And that’s ok. 

The memories in time won’t make it so painful but will be comforting.

Comforting to know that at least you have all the beautiful memories.

Even though it will never replace the love you felt when they were here with you. 

So tonight I’ll tuck Max in with my daughter who dragged him out of the basket and I’ll tell her all about how Gigi loved watching that movie with us and how she knows it’s bringing us comfort. 

Because that’s the best thing you can do in your grief, is keep their memory alive.

Please, hold your loved ones tight.

I miss you mom❤️