First Day of High School!

He’s been going to football conditioning and then regular season football practice (and fine arts class) all summer, but today is his actual first day of high school! We bought some last minute supplies at Target and setup a robust carpool.

“Are you excited?” the Target checker asked. He had the teenaged excitement vibe going on. “No. I shouldn’t have even asked,” she answered her own question with a laugh. “He’s excited about the school he’s attending!” I added with pep to remind the Firstborn of this fairly robust investment we’re making to turn him into a decent human. On the way out, he said to me, “Mom, I’m excited about the high school I’m going to but not the fact that I have to go to school.” “Would you rather stay home and be dumb?” I replied. “I would rather stay home and be SMART.” We  both did the side eye to each other; and I snorted. Good times. 🎉

Read More

Best Laid Plans

Started with DH working from home and was so excited for a productive day! Quickly we realized the dishwasher and laundry machine were dead with all the underwear wet and in the wash machine. So, off to the laundromat I went! 

Meanwhile, I researched whether the machines were salvageable or totaled. They were both totaled. This was part of a painful 55 minute chat with Best Buy’s AI:

Following that, was a 4 hour search for the best value appliances. Considerations were warranties, consumer reviews, price and whether installation and haul away were included, and delivery timeline. It was beneficial that DH was home so I could run each metric by him and get his feedback. We settled on a Maytag dishwasher and a Samsung wash machine through Costco, though Best Buy was our go-to for years. I wish we could have purchased a Miele, but by the time we added the cheapest model actually available, installation, and haul away, it was double the cost of the other dishwashers. Still, we would have bitten the bullet because all the reviews claimed they last twice as long as the rest, were it not for the measly 1-year warranty which is no better than the cheaper brands. If it’s really that great, then back it with a 2-year warranty!

Afterward, the Eldest went to carpool and DH completed his work in time for me to start mine. 😅 I worked only 2 hours but call that a win and am so grateful I can work on my timeline. The kids needed some TLC. So I made brownies and folded laundry and prepared for the first day of high school tomorrow! Half of the kids had evening activities. It’s so hard to pivot, but we did! After evening activities, DH worked out in the garage and inspired me to do a BTN (better than nothing) workout in the back yard. When I was convalescing after Sol’s birth, DH kept his word to me. I’d asked him when we were engaged to not make fun of me if I put on weight but rather to ask me to go for a walk with him. He walked with me back and forth across our back yard as soon as I was cleared to exercise. I remember feeling confident in my ability to get it all back while simply walking in my own yard. Tonight while jogging the same, I was reminded that something is always better than nothing and it can be the thread to big gains!

Read More

Wild Rivers

“Mom, I faced my fears! Are you proud of me?!” These kids amaze me with their fearlessness. They do encourage each other!

 

A sibling on either side stopped this one from hanging over the rail.

Read More

Avoiding Summer Stagnation

It’s hot for us; and we’ve grown tired of our usual hangouts. So we are trying new things to stay engaged and motivated these last few days of summer break.

We found this great plateau park, which overlooks the ocean and has a perpetual breeze, bathrooms, shade, and activities for all ages.

 

Read More

Boys’ Camp No. 4

The Engineer completed his third boys’ camp, the fourth for our family. 

He won awards for soccer, gaga ball and nation ball. He scored 15 goals in 2 soccer games.

 

Read More

Fifth’s First Lost Tooth

“Look what happened when Dad was brushing my teeth!”

“Can you die if you swallow a tooth?”

“Was I the youngest one in the family to lose a tooth?”

I did not commit that last one to memory, but they were all between 6 and 7 with the Engineer losing his first tooth on his 6th birthday itself.

 

Read More

Hair Day!

We finally found a salon I’m happy with! Danny is not cheap; but I go only twice per year. Sweet Pea uses the less expensive stylist, who is competent. I prefer working with male stylists because they tend to be better about singular focus. We normally don’t have to talk about his drama and he just gives me a good haircut after an adequate consultation re: long and short term goals. He is helping me with my hair loss, which he admitted was more of an “inside out” project. He never pushes products on me, just does his job.

Read More