On The Blog: 3 Questions to Answer Before Saying "Yes" I've said this before, but I've thought it so many times recently that I must reiterate it again... I really, REALLY enjoy middle-aged kids! No diapers, no sippy cups, no strollers or heavy car seats to lug around, no nap schedules to work around, no bathroom messes or constant clothing changes. Yet also no late nights, no dating struggles, no phones or social media, no teen drivers to worry about, no grades to stress about, no college visits or career choices. Some days are easier than others -- but middle-aged kids are just fun! They are much easier than babies and toddlers... and, I suspect, easier than teens too. 😉 Middle-aged kids are still fully "under our wings" of authority, but independent enough to make choices, have opinions, learn individualized skills, develop relationships, and grow into their own unique personalities. All while I get to watch! 🥰 We can head out for a hike with only 5 minutes' notice because everyone gets their own gear on and knows what they need to do before leaving the house. We can go out to eat without packing 800 extras and praying that no one has a meltdown while waiting for our food. We can do a full-house or full-yard pickup in mere minutes because they have the skills and abilities to help out around the house (even if positive attitudes aren't always in abundance!) We can look forward to bedtime as an opportunity for one-on-one with each child, instead of dreading the long evening hours of rocking and feeding or dealing with protesting toddlers. We can have rational and meaningful conversations -- and they can actually teach us new things! We're all around the table every morning and evening and all under one roof every night. Our opinions still matter significantly to them, they still ask permission for almost everything, we still have a huge influence over friends, hobbies, extracurriculars, books, movies, etc. And... they can take a decent picture of Mom and Dad (even if they are short enough to get that awkward double-chin angle!!) Parenting 4 middle-aged kiddos is a fun place to be -- I'm certainly glad to be here watching their days and lives unfold. NOTE: if you have (or will have) middle-aged kids, I LOVE this book! Simple Food. THIS is the Thanksgiving dessert you must make. My self-named "Double High Pumpkin Pie" was a new recipe I tried in 2021, and it's probably my favorite pumpkin recipe to date. It's SO easy -- in fact, you could even use this recipe to quickly "doctor up" a Costco pumpkin pie! Try my recipe --> Double High Pumpkin Pie Organized Home. Have you ever held onto an item you don't currently need, use, or want simply because you MIGHT need it again "someday"? Yeah, I know the feeling! This type of clutter can quickly overtake your home (and life)... so let me help you deal with it once and for all! Learn more --> How to finally let go of what-if-I-need-it clutter. Intentional Living. Wisely stewarding our time is a skill we can learn and improve on. If you struggle to say "no" out of guilt, I challenge you to answer a few questions before agreeing to future requests for your time — you might just save your sanity! Keep reading --> 3 questions to answer before saying "yes" In other news... Weekly Meal Plan: a few more fall meals for you!
Hair extensions! On my word -- I tried hair extensions last week. Definitely a NO, but still fun to see what I could look like once my hair finally grows out! I nonchalantly "surprised" Dave when he walked in the door after school -- he said he thought I was Nora for a split second. 🤣 Skittles taste test: I've read that all Skittles have the same exact flavor profile -- just with different colors and scents. So, theoretically, if you eat a Skittle with your eyes closed and your nose plugged, you can't tell what the flavor is. I didn't believe it until I tried it this week... I have exceptional taste buds, and I couldn't tell what "flavor" I was eating until I unplugged my nose. Try it with your kids -- it's fun! Clutter-free gift idea: I'm forever a fan of clutter-free gifts that can be used up... which is why I give Bend Soap products for LOTS of gifts over the holiday season. They are perfect for teachers and coaches, grandparents who have everything, friends or coworkers who you want to treat to a little something special without breaking the bank, etc. Read about why I originally started using Bend Soap products... or just take my word for it! They smell great, they are amazing for sensitive skin, and they're made on a family farm right here in the U.S.A! The holiday scents just launched (aff. link) over the weekend -- so grab yours now and cross a bunch of gifts off your list! Only 2 weeks until Thanksgiving break (I'll be back next week with several tips to simplify holiday meal prep and entertaining!) In the meantime, I'd love to hear what you think about saying "yes" and/or overcommitment! Blessings, Andrea |
0 Komentar untuk "3 questions that might save your sanity (+ middle-age kids are so fun!)"