Life isn't about having a perfect one. It's about finding the humor in the mess of it! I'm here to let you know you're not alone, and we're all just trying to figure it out. I love you!
I ran out of coffee. I realized it this morning when I was about to make some, and I am due for a trip to the grocery store, but – join me for a bit while I share some things and try to get the motivation to start today.
Baseball season is over for now.
This was Elijah’s first year playing on an actual team, and he loved it.
He had some moments where he’d say he sucks, and I would have to remind him that this is his first year, and every practice – every game – he got better. He started batting balls across the field and making home runs. He started learning when to run and when to stay on a base, and so much more.
He did fantastic this season and gave it his best.
I wasn’t happy that he wasn’t given a turn to pitch because I feel like that’s where his talent is. He’s great at pitching in my opinion, but with this being his first time on a team, I didn’t want to cause any issues and ask the coaches to give him a chance. I thought maybe they would, and I feel like every kid should have had a chance to play every position, so they learn each one and get better at them.
I’m not a coach – so I let them do their thing and just sat back to cheer my little dude on – whatever he was playing on the field.
He was upset because they kept putting him in the outfield, but I told him that during the summer, we’d practice more, and next year if we’re still here – he’d go and shows them his new skills, and maybe someone else will be in the outfield and he’ll be one of their best pitchers or he’ll be on a base. Plus, he’s not the only one I’ve seen in the outfield. There were a few kids out there on repeat.
Still, I am grateful.
I am grateful for the coaches who taught him every new skill he learned and is getting better with, and that they ran to his side to guide him and train him.
I am grateful for his teammates who all cheered each other on, including my son when he was at bat, or running the bases.
These young boys always had each other’s backs and even encouraged each other when one of them would strike out. Their last game the night before last – all the boys were singing, “Let’s go, Elijah! Let’s go!”, over and over. It was the cutest thing.
I am grateful for the Baseball moms and dads who had kids on the team for years now and took me under their wing as the new baseball mom. I fully enjoyed sitting on the bleachers with them every game – talking, laughing, and having some of the funniest or best conversations with them. We always found each other at games, joked around and enjoyed cheering each other’s boys on.
I am grateful for the baseball moms I didn’t talk to, that still cheered for my kid as much as they cheered for theirs every time that he was up to bat or running bases, and I did my best once I became comfortable – to cheer on their boys as well.
I am grateful that Elijah had this opportunity to play for this team, and I am grateful for the group photo he has of all of them, so that even if we move next year and he doesn’t play for this team again – he has the memories of them.
I am going to miss this.
I was joking with a good friend of mine (Ashley) that I am NOT sad it is ending, but as soon as we came home from the last game the night before last, I won’t lie – I was a little bit sad. This is now just good memories. Good times. Ashley was laughing at me and told me, “See! That’s how I feel sometimes. It’s bitter-sweet when it all ends”. She’s in Arkansas and her boys play as well.
I am not going to miss the last-minute scheduling changes, the traveling to other parts of Minnesota for games, the double-headers, sitting in the heat and rain, rushing to get to the field on time for practices, but – I am going to miss these boys getting together to play and watching them all do their thing.
We were supposed to have a double-header today. Today was supposed to be the last game in another part of Minnesota, but for some reason, that was canceled.
I had to laugh when one of the moms I always hung out with at games – said that she is so happy they canceled the Friday game. I told her, “I knnnnnoooooowwwwww! I can’t say I was disappointed, either!”. When another dad showed up for the game the night before last, we were talking about baseball coming to an end, and he smiled and said, “And we have no game on Friday”. He was just as happy, as we laughed and shared that we were kind of happy as well. I had to laugh even more when one of the female coaches and I were talking after the game was over, and she shared that she was happy there was no game Friday. I told her that I wanted to say that, but she said it for me, and she shared that she loves baseball, but at some point – she’s just over it. 🤣
Still, like Ashley said – it is bitter-sweet.
These boys played in all kinds of weather, gave it their all, cheered each other on, encouraged each other, helped one another, and it’s all over now until next year.
A lot of these boys have been playing together since they were much younger on the T-ball teams, so the fact that this was Elijah’s first year, and they welcomed him with open arms – makes me happy. ❤️
We won the last game, and the boys followed the coaches across the way to the Football field – where they had a water balloon fight.
We stopped at the store and brought donuts for the team, so after – they enjoyed those, and helped clean up the field before they left.
As I was standing by the bleachers talking to a few parents about different things, the main coach came over, and we were talking about Baseball and Elijah practicing during the rest of the summer, and about the next season.
He was trying to talk Elijah into joining Football, but my son was uninterested in that. I love Football, so I wanted him to give it a try, but I wasn’t going to force him.
The main coach’s son ran off somewhere and came back with the bat that Elijah has been using all season.
He handed it to Elijah and told him he could keep it. 😊🧢⚾ It was such a sweet moment, and I thought that was so awesome.
During the beginning of the season when I brought the uniform Elijah needed for baseball and got everything together to make sure he had what he needed, I had asked one of the female coaches if he needs his own bat. I planned to go buy him one. I just didn’t want to spend the money if he decided he didn’t like baseball and didn’t want to continue it next year, so I was grateful when she told me no, and said they had more than enough bats there – that he could use.
When I found out how much he enjoyed playing and wanted to return to it next season, I did plan to buy him a bat and I probably still will buy him one he can pick out and enjoy, but I loved when the coach’s son gave him this one that he has now.
To me, it’s a sweet reminder of this entire season, and the experience he had, and I hope he cherishes that bat for the rest of his life, and remembers when he was 9, and started this sport.
No matter where we are next season, and who he plays for or what team – I hope he continues his love for the game and continues to make memories with it as he gets better, and goes on to maybe middle school ball, high school ball, and beyond.
I wish I could say he’s going to play with them again next year, but we’re looking to move, so I can’t say for sure.
Baseball season has ended, and again – it’s bitter-sweet, but I’m grateful for everything.
To my little Elijah – if you see this one day when you get older –
So, now what do we do?
Now that there’s no more schedules, game changes, last minute snack runs, washing his uniform over and over, rushing to the field, etc. – we enjoy the rest of the Summer.
It’s beautiful outside, and I hear we’re supposed to get thunderstorms later. (I love those!)
Listen. If you’re getting sick of hearing Baseball talk, you can click the X above and skip all of this, but if not – then let’s talk about it.
My little dude (Elijah) had a game the night before last and last night.
The game the night before last, he did amazing.
It was an away game at another school.
The other team was winning.
So, when Elijah was up to bat, and he cracked the ball half way across the field, and ran – parents and his team on our side all cheered, and we were all so excited! 😊
He smiled when he got to 1st base, and I smiled because I knew he was happy and proud. He always says he sucks, but I always remind him this is his first year playing on a team and not just for fun, so he’s not going to be perfect.
I don’t expect him to be perfect.
This isn’t the major leagues!
I’m not one of those moms who take it seriously.
I want my kid to go out there, give it his best and still have fun / enjoy it.
Nobody is coming to recruit your kid to their team for college or professional ball right now. If you’re one of the moms or dads who lose her mind over your kid not making a good play, or decision on the field, calm down! If you’re one of those moms or dads, have a beer or something after – but don’t take it out on your kid!
I understand that some parents feel like they’re preparing their kids for continuing this sport well on into high school and beyond but worry about all that when they’re teenagers in high school – or beyond.
My son said yesterday – that one of the coaches yelled at his kid in the dugout – in front of the team – because he was goofing off on the field.
My son said the kid cried – in front of the team. He was hurt. He was embarrassed. I don’t blame the kid.
And let me tell you…..
The game the night before last – when my son ran to 2nd base, some mom from the other team started screaming at one of the kids on the field, “You could have caught that! What are you doing? Pay attention!”. She was angry that my son hit 2nd base and the player chasing the ball – didn’t catch it before my son hit 2nd.
Calm down, homegirl! You’ll survive! 👀
Your team might lose, but you’ll survive. (I say that with humor), but damn. I can’t understand for the life of me – why parents take this so seriously when these kids are young and should just be enjoying themselves out there.
I don’t believe in putting all that stress and pressure on kids to be perfect in a sport, as long as they’re trying and giving it their all. 🩵
I’m NOT okay when I hear a parent, coach or someone who should be encouraging a kid – going off on them, making nasty comments, making them cry over a sport, or putting them down.
If I would have heard the coach yelling at his kid over the game and saw the kid crying, I would have said something – because that’s unnecessary!!!
What if I yell at you, sir? What if I embarrass you in front of all these parents, other coaches, and your team?
I asked my son if that same coach had ever yelled at him, and he said no.
Maybe I should start hanging out by the dugout and listening.
Anyway – the first game the night before last was beautiful.
My son made it back to the home plate, and the cheers for him were wild and so awesome. 💕
When he entered the dugout – his team wrapped him in a group hug, jumped up and down, patted his back and they all tapped the top of his helmet……more like banging on it – he says, but it was the cutest thing.
Everyone was so happy.
Another boy after him scored and we ended up winning.
Take that – Ms. Serious mom from the other team!
I wanted to look at her and be like:
VICTORY DANCE!
Again, I’m just being funny, but stop taking your kids games seriously if they’re 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Give them a break and you should just be having fun as well, and be happy that they’re not in the streets causing trouble and getting arrested.
So, we won the night before, and last night – we lost.
And – that’s okay!
Last night though……
Ooooooohhhhhhh …..last night though ……
There was this mom standing behind me by the bleachers. She had her kids with her, and one of them (a boy about my son’s age or a little older) – knew half of our team, so he was cheering on everyone who was playing from our team.
We played another team from our school, (different age group), so they all knew each other.
My son was in the outfield at one point, and the ball rarely flies out there, so my son (although he should) doesn’t always stay ready when he’s out there.
We did have a talk about it last night before the game and when the ball did fly past him, he quickly ran to grab it, turned to see what was happening, so he knew where to throw it – and this mom quietly told her son (as the other teams players hit the bases and were safe), “Oh my God! If he would have ran a little faster, he could have gotten it and got them out. He let it go right by him”. She kept going and going with other things she was saying, and my ears were open!
I can hear perfectly, so when her son asked who she was talking about, she mentioned, The outfielder. He should have…..”, and she kept going.
Her own son had to tell her, “He didn’t know the ball was going to fly past him. It’s not his fault! He ran as soon as he saw it. Don’t blame him”.
I tried, and God knows it. I really tried to keep my mouth shut, but my daughter was with me and I loudly said, “Speak up! The outfielder is mine!”.
She still kept going and started calling him “The little one” – and trying to be a little quieter, but I was right there. I could still hear her from where we were standing, so my daughter made me laugh when she took off one of her slides, and handed it to me. 😁
If I’m being honest, all I could think of – was that scene in the great movie (The Blind Side) – where Leigh Anne Tuohy goes off on the man in the stands behind her – who keeps talking about her adopted son.
I don’t know if she didn’t hear me or didn’t care when I said the Outfielder is mine, but obviously – she had a problem and this is what I’m talking about.
Parents. Coaches. Whoever you are. JUST LET THEM HAVE FUN AND BE HAPPY THEY’RE TRYING!
It drives me crazy when someone talks down to or talks about a child and what they could have done better in a sport, rather than just encouraging them and helping them get better.
I absolutely love the coaches and parents who yell, “That’s okay! You’re doing great. Better luck next time. You got this! Shake it off, it’s okay! Nice try!”.
My son ran up to me after the game yesterday and said they lost. I told him it’s okay, and reminded him of the win the night before.
He said he didn’t do good because he didn’t hit any of the balls. I told him not many of our kids did yesterday. They played an older team I believe and that older team was really good.
I told my son not every day is going to be a win. Not every day is going to be cracking the balls across the field like he did the night before, and that’s normal. I told him he tried his best, and he played a good game. 🩵
That’s how it should be!
This coach that yelled at his kid in front of everyone yesterday – told him they were going to have a talk when they got home.
Kids don’t need that crap.
Show up and shut up if you don’t have anything nice to say.
They don’t need to feel like failures, or that the parent / coaches aren’t proud. They don’t need “talks”….unless they’re encouraging. They don’t need to walk into that field in the next game – scared or worried that if they do something wrong, the parent or coach is going to flip.
Show up and Shut up!
When we encourage these kids in sports, they’ll know they can make mistakes, have bad days, bad games, and still know that we love them and we’re proud and that there’s no negativity if they don’t do their best on certain days.
I really wish I would have heard that coach yelling at putting his kid down yesterday – because yes, I would have said something! His kid or not…it’s never okay.
For the love of the game, if I EVER hear him yell at MY kid – Jesus, take the wheel!
It’s a game! These kids are young. Colleges and the big leagues aren’t coming to their games to scout them right now, so chill out!
****
In other news, I was planning a cute 18th birthday for my youngest daughter (who turns 18 next month), and I mentioned to a few of her friends that I’d be having something for her.
I said I’d let them know.
I mean – 18 is a huge milestone that has to be celebrated, right?
My daughter messaged me while I was out this week, and she asked why I told some of her friends that she was having an 18th birthday.
She was NOT happy about it and said she doesn’t want a party. She made it so clear, and she said there’s a few places she wants to go on her birthday but absolutely does not want a party.
Last year for her 17th, we went wherever she wanted to go, and I got her a Sash and crown to wear, but this year – upon not wanting a party, she also told me she doesn’t want a sash and crown.
I told her it’s her 18th, and that’s huge.
Still, I guess I have to respect her wishes, right?
It sucks when kids get older and start clearly stating what they want and don’t want, and no matter what you want to do for them, give them or how you think things should go – you have to honor their wishes sometimes and go with the flow.
I want her to be happy on her 18th, and the places she wants to go – are simple, so that’s what we’re doing for her birthday.
I guess it’s easier on me as well because it’s less money than a big party, and it’s less stressful from not having to plan a big party, so I should be thrilled that she doesn’t want one.
I can’t believe I’ll have another adult child next month, and then – there’s only 8 more years until my little dude turns 18, as he’ll be 10 in November.
Time needs to slow the hell down.
My daughter is turning into her own person now, and she’s finding who she is and figuring out what she wants to do with her life. She’s becoming more independent, and she’s so ready to get a job and have her own money.
I am so proud of her!
She has also learned how to play around with ChatGPT, so apparently, we went to Puerto-Rico, and I have a boyfriend now. 🤣
The trip we never took.
The boyfriend that doesn’t exist.
LOL.
She makes me giggle when she creates and sends me these fun photos, and I joked with her yesterday that now I kind of want to find a boyfriend and travel to Puerto-Rico. ❤️🤔❤️
My darlings.
I hope you have a beautiful day.
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In response to today’s WP writing prompt – NAPS! 🤣❤️
I’m old. I know.
Once you pass 40, a nap becomes a beautiful thing.
When I was younger, I HATED naps.
My (Yia-Yia) grandma and my (Papa) grandpa used to make my brother and I take naps when we came home from school every day. They used to babysit until our parents got home from work, and we had to nap for at least an hour. They had a love seat couch and a regular one, so we’d pick our couches, lay down and proceed to make each other laugh, instead of napping.
If Papa heard us talking and laughing, he’d stand by the little area between the living room and kitchen and bang his cane on the counter.
We tried to shut up and go to sleep when we heard that, but one of us would always start laughing again, causing the other to start laughing. Eventually, we’d fall asleep.
As I got older, I no longer felt like I needed a nap, so my grandparents would tell me just to lay down and wait until my brother fell asleep, and I could get back up. That’s what I did for a year or so – before he pretended to be asleep one day and realized I was getting up and not napping anymore.
He finally told my grandparents he didn’t want to nap, and they no longer made us, but for the time they did – we hated those forced naps.
I remember him confronting them and yelling, “If she doesn’t have to take a nap, neither do I”. They didn’t even fight with him about it. They agreed.
Now that I’m 44, Naps have become a beautiful thing.
If I’ve had a long morning or woke up early – and have the time to nap during the day, I’m doing it!
It’s doesn’t happen often. I’m usually super busy with work, the kids, and just making sure everything gets paid or done, but the moments that I can actually take a time out and nap – it’s lovely. I love naps, now. Especially on a dark, cloudy, stormy day.
…………..
Now that we have that out of the way, today is a Baseball Day.
My little dude has a game not too far away.
We were supposed to have a Double-header last night, but it was storming most of the day, and the other team’s field was under water.
I can’t say I was disappointed because I wasn’t looking forward to that long drive, but they rescheduled for the 2nd week in July, so we still have to make that drive.
When I signed Elijah up for Baseball, I didn’t realize it was traveling Baseball, but I’ve done this before with my older son when he played Basketball. We used to have to travel to Wisconsin – sometimes for all day games. It’s not a big deal. It’s just a lot of time and gas.
I love watching Elijah play, and it gets him away from the video games, so I’m still going to travel to wherever they play, and yes – I’m still going to whine about it, but I know he loves the game, and he loves his coaches and team, so it’s all worth it. ⚾🧢
I have nothing for you today.
I shall go get my day started and maybe take a small nap. lol.
Seriously, love you all and whoever may come across this – I hope you have a fantastic day.
I had to laugh when we got there and two of the other teams’ boys were playing for us – because some of our boys couldn’t make it.
I can’t even imagine how tough that is feeling like you have some kind of obligation to help the opposing team because you’re playing for them to substitute the boys that are missing from that team but also feeling a dedication and loyalty to your own team that you’re playing against for the day.
One of the boys from the other team – that was playing for our team – kept getting home runs, and my older son and I joked that he’s not going to be allowed in their locker room later. His team is going to turn their backs on him, but – in all honesty – they showed so much good sportsmanship, love, respect, and encouragement to each other. 😊
It was the cutest thing when one of our boys hurt his knee, and both teams that were on the field – took a knee to show him respect and love. They stayed that way until they knew he was okay.
At one point, my little dude was batting, and he got hit in the jaw with the baseball.
I knew he was hurt and as much as I wanted to run out there, make sure he was okay and give him the biggest hug, I just stood up and stayed by the stands because his coach ran over to him and I knew his coach had his back. If he was really hurt, his coach would pull him out, but after standing with him for a few minutes and everyone watching to make sure he was okay, my little dude shook it off and ran to first base.
I did a huge sigh of relief because no parent wants to see another kid get hurt, let alone our own.
He is just fine today, and while it was probably a shock to get hit like that, it’s the Baseball life and he’s not the only one who has ever been hit by a baseball in the game. A few weeks ago, one of the other boys took a hit to the eye. (Thankfully, he was just fine).
The coach was awesome and kept checking on my Elijah.
At another point, I wanted to run onto the field and yell, “HE’S SAFE!”.
I didn’t want to be THAT mom, and I’m usually pretty quiet and chill at games, but this one time yesterday – I almost caved with the pressure. ha.
The coach from the other team tried to say that my son was OUT – when he hit 3rd base, because he swore up and down his player caught the ball and tagged my son out, when this boy didn’t even tap the base or my son if and when he caught the ball. I didn’t see exactly how it all went down, but I know my son was safe, so when this other coach tried to run him off the field, there was no way I was having that.
He tried to argue with one of our volunteer coaches (who is also amazing) and she wasn’t having it! She held it down on that field yesterday, and while my son ran off the field because he thought he was out, she called him back in and told him to take his place back on 3rd – as it should be!
After the game, I walked up to that mom / woman and told her how happy I was that she stood her ground and defended Elijah. She told me what happened, and I was more than happy that he was able to take his spot back where he belonged and made his home run.
I have a good friend named Ashley. Ashley is a Baseball mom as well, and she always jokes about how she’s the loudest mom at games, so if the other coach or someone makes a foul call – she’s screaming and calling them out on it.
I didn’t want to be like Ashley and get crazy and loud, but I almost became Ashley and almost got crazy and loud during that little foul call he tried to play against my kid. 🤔🤣⚾
I was a good girl though and let the other coach handle it.
Besides that……….
Every game we play – someone gets to choose who gets the “Player of the Game” baseball.
I was so happy and proud when my son received one for the 1st game in the double-header.
The coach shared how much he’s improved since he first started, how he really tries, and how proud he is of him, so …. my Elijah was given his very first “Player of the game” baseball, and we will be finding a case for it, and cherishing it forever.
❤️
🙂
As I was driving home last night from the game, I looked back and Elijah had his eyes closed.
He was so tired.
I smiled and wondered if and when we move closer to Illinois like we’ve been wanting to, are we going to miss this? Are we going to miss the no traffic jams going to and from further games? Are we going to miss his entire team that he played with and could continue to play with if we stayed here and just made this home forever? Are we going to miss the quietness of the country life? Are we going to miss the baseball crew he loves and knows? The coaches? The excitement of it all?
Yes, he could play for other teams wherever we move, but I don’t know if it will feel the same.
I think part of us will miss this little town life, but part of us will also be happy to be back to what and who we know in the place we came from.
Home is where the money, better opportunities, better career choices, friends, family and everything close is, but here in Minnesota – where we are now – we’ve gotten to know some amazing people, some amazing kids, and it’s peaceful.
My older son and I were talking about this last night as I drove home.
I’ve thought about trying to buy a house out here, but we also know that our hearts are not happy here.
I was once told that this little town is a place you either move to when you have tons of money and just want to sit back and relax from now on, or a place you retire to – and I don’t disagree.
Still, driving home last night – I wondered if we’d miss all this “boring” and “quiet” stuff when and if we moved back. My son joked that we should move back to Illinois, save a ton of money, and then move right back here, and I laughed and told him that’s not how it works.
Anyway, we had a good game yesterday, and while I’m not sure who won both games yet, the ride to another part of Minnesota was beautiful and peaceful, the games were awesome, and we got home safely, Thank God!
In other news…………
I’m a bit excited right now because I just heard that Ice Cube and Nia Long are reuniting for a new movie (ARE THEY GONE YET?).
If you’ve never heard of the other two movies or have never seen them, you’re going to have to!
I absolutely love – love – love them both.
In the first movie (ARE WE THERE YET?) Nick (played by Ice Cube) owns his own business and when he happens to look outside and sees the beautiful Suzanne standing there, he feels like he’s fallen in love almost immediately.
He quickly finds out she has two young kids, and that stops him in his tracks. Nick doesn’t like or want kids, so he feels like Suzanne is off limits now.
One night, he sees her on the side of the road with a broken-down car – in the rain, and while his mind and his imagination tell him to keep going, his heart won’t let him.
He ends up getting into the middle of Suzanne’s dramas, life, and involved with the kids in ways he never saw coming, but eventually – he realizes he wouldn’t have it any other way. 😊
(Photo taken from the Pinion) site.
In the second movie – (ARE WE DONE YET?) – I don’t want to give away spoilers if you haven’t seen it and may want to, but let’s just say that’s a whole set of other dramas, headaches, and craziness.
Both movies are awesome, so go check them out.
When I heard the new one is happening, I was thrilled because I’m pretty sure now that the kids are older, it’s still going to be great and probably even more hilarious than the first two.
I’m looking forward to it. I’ve read a bit about it, but I can’t wait.
My darlings. I wish I had other things to discuss, but my life is pretty chill right now, (or, shall I say – anything but chill, but I’m not going to get into the headaches of my life right now). ha.
I poured a cup of Coffee this morning and finished watching the new documentary (Maternal Instinct) on Netflix.
All I have to say is – WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT????????????
First of all, this woman (Taylor) sees this man (Wade) at the Rodeo in 2019 – and started communicating on social media and then quickly dating because she thought he was so adorable and had to be with him? Okay. That’s understandable! That’s a cute story, right?
Then – she comes up with this story about how evil her mother is, how her mother is trying to cut her out of a bunch of money she’s supposed to inherit, she doesn’t know the lengths her mother will go to – to make her life hell, so she suggests to (Wade) that she moves in with him to get further away from her mother?
Um – what?!
And – after only a little time of dating – not even really knowing each other much – he’s okay with letting her move in?
She’s buying him all this stuff. New car. New place, and he’s letting her.
You can’t convince me that he wasn’t in it for the money!
You can’t convince me he didn’t like her spoiling him, buying him things and doing whatever she could to keep him with her, including – um excuse me – faking a pregnancy?!!!!!!!!!!!
This woman (Taylor) literally went as far as to faking a pregnancy to keep this man, and she probably knew and felt like he didn’t really love her the way she thought he was going to or wanted him to, but a baby – that would fix everything, right?
I mean – I guess ……………
Enter Reagan.
This woman (Taylor) became friends with the beautiful (Reagan) when she was the photographer at Reagan’s wedding.
They became close friends, and Reagan trusted Taylor.
Reagan gets pregnant, has a great husband and a great life, and this woman (Taylor) is jealous of that. She wants that. She wants that life, but her boyfriend (Wade) acts like he doesn’t want to be with her and hasn’t once told her that he loves her – despite them being together for a while at that point. Despite them living together at that point because she technically forced her way into his home by making him feel like she was in danger from her own mother. (Who did nothing wrong by the way!)
So, Taylor goes on to to tell Wade she’s pregnant.
She does research and prints out fake ultrasound photos, orders a fake pregnancy belly to wear, goes on to stop allowing Wade to see her naked, sleeping in other places away from him, and spending hours in the bathroom, so he doesn’t see that she’s lying.
Months go by and she doesn’t look pregnant, but she has a fake gender reveal, has doctor appointments for baby checks, but doesn’t allow Wade to go in with her or has excuses why he can’t be there, and continues to lie and try to fool people.
Everyone is starting to suspect and tells Wade she’s crazy. She’s lying. She’s not pregnant. People are starting to do their own research and talk to people who know Taylor – including her own mother who confirms Taylor had a full Hysterectomy and can’t get pregnant but is too scared to say anything to Wade because she is afraid Taylor will keep her daughter away from her mother.
Taylor has excuses and reasons for everything when she’s confronted, and Wade’s mother and best friend try to talk reasoning to him and convince him Taylor is lying – but he doesn’t want to hear it.
Nothing in this documentary made sense, especially – him not confronting her himself and trying to find out if she’s really pregnant or not. You don’t love this girl. You only “care about her” from what he eventually admitted to his mother, but you’re going to continue to allow her to live in your house, lie to you, and not try to find out if she’s pregnant or not – because if she’s not and she’s been lying to you – it makes too much sense to use that as an excuse to break up with her and ask her to leave, right?
I do feel like hearing that her family has a lot of money, and she may be inheriting a lot of it soon – that man was putting up with her and her possible lies – because as he said in the beginning of this documentary – if that’s true – “he’d be set”. I think we all heard that part.
I’ve seen so many people talking about how he was just in it for the money, and I can’t say I disagree.
She lied and said her family was wealthy and she was getting some of that money.
I mean, she did buy him a ridiculously expensive truck, and all. So, why wouldn’t he want more where that came from? Someone else said he grew up poor, and it’s hard to say no to money when you grew up with none of it, so that makes sense as well.
I don’t think he’s just this innocent country boy who was caught in the middle of her lies.
I think he knew damn good and well that she wasn’t pregnant, (or at least suspected it) – and he just went with it and didn’t check – because at the end of the day – he could play victim. Maybe he was – just a little bit, but at the same time – I just find it wild that he didn’t ask more questions, find out for sure if there was a baby or not, check her search history, or demand to be in that doctor’s office with her during the “pre-natal” visits.
I watched this whole thing, and my heart broke for Reagan and that baby.
They’re the real innocent victims in this whole thing, and it shows you can’t trust everybody.
Reagan trusted Taylor. Reagan at one point – was the only one who seemed to give her the benefit of doubt and was there for her when everyone else was against her, and Reagan unfortunately – lost her life because of it. 💔
(Photo taken from Bates-Rolf Funeral home site)
I do NOT own this photo, and just had to share where it came from to avoid any legal stuff, but isn’t she beautiful?
My daughter and I both watched this documentary and we both agreed this (Taylor) chick – was insane.
So, if you’ve seen it, you’ll know that after she searched all kinds of crazy things – including videos on C-sections because she was getting desperate after being pregnant for 10 months (eye roll), and needed a baby to present to Wade, she went to Reagan’s house, killed her and cut the baby out.
You know that she tried driving to the hospital and had the baby in the front with her – not breathing, as she was pulled over and tried to play the baby off as hers, and claim she just had it.
You should have seen my face while watching this damn documentary.
I felt like screaming at the T.V:
“THEY CAN TELL YOU DIDN’T HAVE THAT CHILD, YOU IDIOT!!!!!”.
I mean – medical professionals are smart enough to know when you did and didn’t give birth, right? 🤣🤔 I couldn’t believe she really thought that trying to pass it off as her just having this baby in the car – was really going to work.
On top of that – she calls Wade to tell him she just had the baby and they were headed to the hospital – after using a fake number with another phone – to send him four hours away to sell hogs to someone who wasn’t even interested – that she had talked to about these hogs – weeks before that.
This chick is wild.
I know Mental health is a serious thing, but this chick took it to the next level!
This is why you have to be so careful who you associate with and trust.
People like her make it hard to trust anyone these days.
This whole story blew my mind and had me wanting to knock Wade upside the head myself and ask him what his real deal was! Did you stay for the money? Did you not suspect – at all – even for a moment of sanity – that she wasn’t pregnant? Come on now!!!!
Reagan’s mother – 0h my goodness!
I can’t even imagine what Reagan’s mother is going through after walking into that murder scene that day and having to SEE her daughter that way.
For this mother to have that image of walking into her daughter’s house and finding her – in her head the rest of her life – my heart is so broken for her.
She didn’t only lose a daughter, but also a grandchild, and she is one of the real victims in this whole thing as well.
People keep asking if I’ve seen it because those who know me – know I love a good movie and documentary – and these are my thoughts on the whole thing. Yes, I’ve seen it. No, I don’t believe Wade had no idea she wasn’t pregnant – even the slightest hint at least – and Taylor is now on death row.
My youngest daughter and I watched the documentary – (The Crash) – not too long ago, and we thought MacKenzie was insane, but I think Taylor has her beat in that department.
The other victims in this whole thing – Taylor’s mother – who had no idea she was making her look like the bad guy and anyone else involved that slowly drifted away from Taylor because they knew she was crazy. Wade’s family and friends who tried to warn him and had Wade cut them off because of it – those are the real victims.
I can say that even Wade deserves real love despite everything, and I hope he finds someone he does really love – with or without money, and that he can trust someone after all of this.
I hope Taylor’s mother and everyone who fell victim to her lies and deception – and especially the family and friends / husband of Reagan – find some kind of peace in all of this, and that this never happens to anyone else.
WATCH WHO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH. Not everyone has your best interest at heart, and some people can destroy your life in just a few short months. Do your own research and if people are trying to warn you about someone – believe them!
Most of the time – they’re right. Trust your instincts and do your own research.
That’s my point of view and opinions on this whole crazy case.
To Reagan and baby B. – sending big hugs and lots of love to Heaven and may you both – forever be remembered. 😔
To everyone else……
I have a two-hour drive later for a doubleheader baseball game for my little dude in a few hours.
Some of the moms were wondering how the boys would find time to eat, or what they would eat during the games, and I loved that the coach and his wife said they’d be bringing hotdogs, buns and some other things for the boys to eat while they’re playing both games, and other moms decided to chip in.
One said she was bringing fruit.
One said she was bringing a cooler full of Gatorade.
I said I’d bring chips. (Because they go perfectly with hotdogs). 😁I ended up getting two boxes of chips to bring.
Other moms and dads are bringing other things, and I love that we’re all chipping in for our boys who are going to have a long day.
I’m pretty sure Elijah will knock out on the way home tonight.
When I signed him up for Baseball, I didn’t know there was traveling involved, but – it is what it is and he’s having so much fun, so I don’t really mind.
My little dude had his second game last night for the team he plays on.
They played against another school.
Last week, they won their first game and last night – they won their second. ❤️
We traveled almost an hour away to get to that school, and it was a good game.
The coach from the other team drove me crazy because he wouldn’t just let the kids have fun. He had to keep screaming at his team and he sounded like he was getting aggravated because our team kept scoring. These poor kids couldn’t concentrate on the game because they were hearing him all up in their ears.
I couldn’t concentrate on the game because he kept screaming plays at his team while they were on the field.
I felt like walking up to him and telling him:
I’m just being funny, but I seriously wanted to go tell him to let his team play and that nobody wants to hear him screaming every second.
He was calling his teams names so much, they didn’t know if they should look at the ball or look at him.
I love our coaches!
Our coaches were peaceful and quietly give our boys advice and then backed off and let them do their thing – while encouraging them and cheering them on.
Our coaches know the boys have to concentrate and to leave them be when they’re on the field.
The boys know what they’re doing and if they don’t, the coaches will jump in and simply let them know what to do. Other than that, our coaches are calm, respectful, and know it’s just a game – win or lose.
I think after we were able to get many homeruns, he finally gave up and finally stopped screaming onto the field.
Still, our boys won. They did a great job. They worked so well together, and I was proud of my son because while he is still learning to bat a little better, the coaches did an amazing job at getting him to at least know when and how to bat. He was able to hit the ball and get to 1st base, and beyond.
I saw him smile on 1st base and it made me smile as a mother. He was proud of himself, and he had every right to be! 😊
I love that the boys on our team cheer each other on. I love that the other parents cheer each other’s kids on.
I will say that I feel so bad because I don’t know all of their kid’s names. I know a few of the kids on the team from being in classes with my son over the years, but I don’t know them all, so when other parents are cheering for the boys at bat – or out in the field – I just go with the flow and listen for who they’re cheering for.
I still feel a little out of place.
I’m not from here, and I don’t know all of the parents.
I’ve gotten to know a few great ones, and I’m so grateful that they’ve been so friendly and welcoming, so supportive and kind, but it still feels a little awkward to be around a bunch of people who grew up knowing each other, or who have been friends forever since they’ve all lived in this little town forever, and I just came here years ago.
Either way, Elijah is loving this and I’m going to keep driving him wherever he needs to go for games, and keep showing up to all of his games, rain or shine. Knowing everyone or not.
Feeling out of place or not.
I miss home.
I miss my people.
I miss my friends.
I miss my family.
I miss familiar places.
It’s been hard adjusting to life in this little town, and I’m always so blessed when someone I meet out here – acts like I’ve been here forever, and treats me like I’m one of them, so I thank them for that.
I think getting out and being around other moms and dads has been good for me because ever since my oldest passed, I haven’t wanted to be around anyone. I admit – I’ve isolated myself and have thrown myself into work and have avoided making new friends, meeting new people or going out – as much as possible, and I need to get back to living life.
I’ve had a few good laughs with the other baseball moms and dads and having great conversations while watching our kids play – has done something good for my soul. ❤️
I’m happy I got Elijah involved with baseball and on the team, and that he’s loved it and has thrived on it.
Remember when I said I volunteered to clean bathrooms and take out the garbage after two games because parents were asked to sign up to volunteer for something? I got out of that 2nd bathroom cleaning sign up because it stormed yesterday, and most teams were cancelling their games, so the main coaches’ wife messaged me – saying I didn’t have to do the 2nd clean up yesterday like I was supposed to. Like I signed up for.
Yay for that – because if you also remember if you read my last post – I had to scoop out (with many napkins) – Sunflower seeds from a urinal the 1st clean up I did.
Our next game is a long drive away, but that’s not until next Monday, so I have time to relax a bit.
I remember doing traveling Basketball and Football with my older son, so the traveling thing is nothing new to me when it comes to sports.
I think this Baseball thing is good for both my little dude and me.
In other news………………
I’m a little jealous right now that Illinois is getting storms, and it’s sunny and clear here.
I love a good storm!
Did I mention I miss home?
Part of my goals for the next two months involve taking on a 2nd job, getting my daughter’s bunny the surgery it needs, paying off some bills and a good chuck of my car, and saving to move closer to home.
Part of me thought of making our little town home, and just buying a house here.
I’d love for my son to continue to play on this great team and grow up playing with the same boys he’s playing ball with now, but I know my other kids and myself – could never fully be happy here.
It’s a tough situation and tough choices need to be made, but I believe wherever we move – my son will thrive in baseball, and I want that “happily ever after” wherever we are. Just my kids and I. I want us all to be happy.
I hate decisions when it comes to knowing what’s best and what our hearts really want.
I love to write because sometimes – if someone is going through something, or having a bad day, I can share something that might make them laugh or help them a bit.
If I can make someone even smile or put them in a better mood, I’m all for it.
So, let me tell you about the cutie with a badge that got me yesterday morning.
CUTIE WITH A BADGE:
I was out and about and coming off of a country dirt road. I was stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn left and waiting for cars going back and forth – to pass, so I could make my turn.
This cop turned onto the same country dirt road I was about to turn off of and when I looked straight at him, I saw he was looking straight at me.
Dammit. Sometimes – that eye contact isn’t always a good thing. (I say that with humor).
Whenever you have a cop’s attention, it’s probably for a reason – other than your makeup and hair being on point. ha.
I looked in my rearview when he passed by, and I saw him make a slow U-turn, so I already knew I was about to be stopped.
I made my left turn and pulled over before he even turned on his lights.
Of course, he made the same left turn and flipped his lights on – pulling behind me on the side of the road.
He comes over to the window and tells me he wanted to stop me to see if I knew that my front license plate sticker was missing, and he couldn’t read my license plate in the front.
He laughed when I told him, “I was wondering what I did wrong. I was just sitting there waiting to turn!”. I admitted I knew about the license plate. I have no idea how it happened, but I’m guessing last year when we had some hurricane-winds come through and damage a lot of things. It was already peeling a bit, so that probably finished it off, and because the back plate is still there, and no cops really say anything about it – I just left it alone.
I don’t plan on keeping my car much longer anyway. I do plan to trade it in or sell it cheap one day soon, so I’m trying not to put a bunch of money into it, either. I want a family SUV.
Anyway, cutie with a badge asks if I have my license and insurance on me and he’ll get me on my way.
My license? At home on my desk. 🤔I was honest and told him I left it at home, but I’d give him all of my information.
He took a look at the insurance and without even asking my information – told me he’d be right back and he was just going to make sure my license was valid. I’m guessing he looked me up by the plate information in the back?! So, he comes back – tells me it’s valid, and then says, “Hey! By any chance, do you happen to know a Daniel S******?”. I looked at him confused, and told him no.
Whoever this Daniel is – he better not be saying he’s associated with me. (lol)
The cop laughed and told me he is looking for him.
I told cutie with a badge that I’m originally from Chicago, moved here in 2020 – and just kind of …………………………………..
He finished my sentence for me when he smiled and said, “Mind your own business and stay to yourself?”.
Sir! At this point – just write down your number because you’re already finishing my sentences. You seem to know me so well. 😁
He sent me on my way and told me to have a great day, but I did feel like telling him not to let people he stops – know that he’s looking for this Daniel guy because whoever really does know this Daniel guy – can lie about it and then go tell this Daniel guy this cop is looking for him – which will make this Daniel guy go into hiding if he’s not already. Maybe he’s looking for Daniel because he’s missing.
Not sure.
Either way, Cutie with a badge let me go – and said he just wanted to know if I knew about my license plate.
It’s my car. I sure do.
…………………………………………………
MY BIRTHDAY:
Every year for my birthday, the kids and I go see a movie, order pizza and have a cake.
I wanted to do something different this year and maybe do a themed birthday for myself.
I came across a TikTok post a few weeks ago – that showed old toys and characters from cartoons, and Rainbow Brite was one of the characters they showed. When I was little, I loved her! I had so many things of Rainbow Brite and I carried that doll around to most places I went. (If you don’t know who she is – Google her).
I decided I wanted a Rainbow Brite themed birthday this year.
I was going to buy the RB costume from Amazon and wear it all damn day long for fun. I wanted to be crazy, wild, creative on my birthday – no matter where I went or what we did this year, and if people looked at me weird or funny, I’d proudly and in a silly, playful way announce, “It’s my birthday! I get to do what I want and dress how I want!”.
Hell, maybe some people would take it as a photo Opp and post it to their socials for fun – because why not?! There are other fun people in the world who get a good laugh out of the crazy, wild fun people like me doing the most random things just because.
I decided to ditch the costume. I felt like that was a little too much, but I still wanted to do something with that theme, so I decided to order a Rainbow Brite cake at least – instead of having the boring, basic Walmart cakes we get for my birthday every year. I also do plan to order a colorful, fun, bright and crazy wig and take some cute, fun photos – because again – why not?!
So, I called a local bakery nearby and asked them if they could make a Rainbow Brite cake for me.
You should have seen my face when the young lady who answered the phone – asked me, “Rainbow Brite? What is that? Is that a character or a show or something?” 🤔
Seriously?????
Is – she – so – for – real – right – now??????
I looked at my older son who was sitting next to me when I was on the phone with the bakery, and I explained to her – who RB is. I told her she’s from the 80’s and 90’s. The bakery girl told me to send her over a photo of what I wanted and said they could do it if it’s not copy written.
When I hung up the phone – I sent her the photo of what I want on the cake.
I also sent her one of just a plain rainbow if she can’t do this one – and I’d order some RB cake toppers myself because Amazon has almost everything, right?
When I sent the photos over to the bakery, I mentioned to my son that I can’t believe she didn’t know who Rainbow Brite is, and he laughed – telling me, “It’s because you’re old!”.
OLD AND FABULOUS, DARLING!
What I don’t want to do this year for my birthday – is go see another movie.
I may just take the kids to the park – and grill. Maybe do some fishing. Maybe head to a totally different area and get lost somewhere to change the scenery.
I just want to have fun. Forget everything for one day and do something amazing this year for my birthday.
It’s coming up in 9 days, and I have to figure out what I want to do, but I know that I don’t want to go see a movie, and I don’t want to be home. So, we’ll see.
BASEBALL GAME:
My little dude had his first baseball game yesterday against another school’s team.
It was a home game, and we won.
He didn’t play much.
He was mostly center field and batted once, but he’s just really learning the game and his coach is amazing at teaching it.
My kiddo throws beautifully. He catches beautifully, but he’s just learning to bat, and run bases, etc.
He’s loved baseball forever now, but I feel bad because I’ve only taught him catching and pitching, and never really thought of batting and bases, since we’ve only played for fun.
Now that he’s on a team, of course he needs to get better and practice batting, bases, and the basics of the game, so I’m happy he has the coach he has and the other volunteer coaches, because they’re excellent with him.
Still, what matters – is that he has fun, he learns, and he gets better with time.
He’s not the only kid who is just learning the real game and that’s okay.
They all encourage each other, work as a team, and help one another.
So, we won yesterday and tomorrow – we play a different school.
It’s so exciting to see him be a part of something, and to finally – really – learn the sport he has been interested in for a while now.
Parents were told to sign up to volunteer for a few things, and for some reason, I decided to sign up to clean up the bathrooms and take out the trash when the games are over. It only has to be done twice, but – I’m wondering if any other parents volunteered for cleanup duty, or if it was just my goofy self.
In all honesty, I thought – how bad could a bathroom be after a kid’s game, but – WHICH ONE OF YOU LITTLE BOOGERS PUT SUNFLOWER SEEDS IN THE URINAL????????????????? 🤔🤣 The fact that I had to get a napkin and dig them out – was not right!
I’m a mom, so it didn’t really bother me, and nothing grosses me out or surprises me anymore, but still – I’m curious as to which kid decided that would be funny!
My loves.
I wish I had more to write, but for now – I’m out of here.
You may remember me from “grabadrinkandsitwithme”, but I had to start over since I couldn’t get into that site for some reason and had to contact WP support.
If you followed me there – join me here.
Subscribe for updates, or if you use WP – hit that follow button and I’ll follow you right back. 😊
That being said – I’m not happy I lost everything over there but let me catch you up on everything that’s been going on since the last time I wrote on the old blog and now. Also, if you just found me by accident and have no idea who I am, feel free to learn and get to know me.
I promise – I’m awesome and friendly – most of the time. ha. (Usually after Coffee). lol.
Parenting and graduation: 🎓
My youngest daughter is about to graduation high school, and we’ve been so busy doing all of the last-minute things needed before graduation.
She has been amazing at kept her grades up. In fact, she’s been on the honor roll much of the time she’s been in high school, and all of Senior year. She has all of her credits in all of her other classes, and she’s about to get her last one needed – in her English class.
I’m so proud of her and so amazed at the same time – because she could have dropped all of her other classes if she wanted to, and just went to school for 50 minutes a day for her English class she needed this last credit in, but she has still gone to school all day long – for classes she doesn’t even need anymore – including a Psychology class she picked up for fun. She has said she needs something to do during the day or she’ll go crazy, and I giggled at that, but I am so happy that she’s dedicated to her education and wants to stay busy with school.
She graduates this coming Friday and it’s so bitter-sweet.
She has come such a long way, and it’s hard to believe that when we moved to Minnesota in 2020 – she was just starting 7th grade here, and now – she’s a Senior and about to leave the school, her friends she’s made here, and all her favorite teachers, but – we will forever remember all the funny and wild memories, all the people who made her time at this school special, and those who helped her so much. 💕
PROM:
A few weeks ago – she and her friends attended prom.
The very last school dance ever for these Seniors. The very last Prom they will ever go to.
I was a little nervous because she picked out a dress that she loved, and the woman at the shop we got it from – listed the alterations that needed to be made and guaranteed us that it would be ready by 3 PM on the Friday before Prom. Prom was the following day – Saturday, so when my son used my car to run his own errands and I was at work, I asked him to swing by the shop and pick up the dress at 3 – and then come get me from work.
When he came to pick me up, he walked inside and told me, “So, about the dress – it’s not ready, and the lady is working on a blue dress right now. She has other customers in there and one that called while I was there – mad because their dresses aren’t done, either. She said she was going to stay late tonight and finish Kailani’s dress and she would call you when it’s ready”.
I panicked.
I called her and she told me the same thing she told my son. She would stay late and finish it and call me when it’s finished.
We got my daughter’s Winter formal dress a few months ago – from the same lady, and we had no problems with it or her, so I trusted her – but at the same time, if the dress wasn’t ready that same day, I had to work Saturday and I wasn’t sure it would be ready or I could pick it up on time for prom later Saturday evening. So, when I picked up the kids from school on that Friday, I dropped off my oldest and youngest son at home, took my daughter with me and we went to the dress shop to wait for her dress.
When we got there, the lady once again said she would call me when it’s ready, and she said she already called her husband and son and told them not to wait up for her for dinner because she needed to work late to get some dresses ready. I politely told her we’d sit and wait, and there was no rush, but we wanted to make sure it was done that same day.
We were there for twenty minutes sitting by the fitting rooms – when she stopped working on my daughter’s dress and told us she needed to call her husband and son and let them know she was going to be late coming home.
My daughter and I gave each other a:
look…
Didn’t she say she already did that?
We didn’t say anything to her, and she was amazing at getting the dress done quickly while we were there, having my daughter try it on, and we were able to take it home that same night.
The next issue after panicking because the dress wasn’t ready – was my daughter complaining on the way home about finding shapewear. I call her “Mousey” because she’s so little and she has the perfect figure, but she thinks she has a tummy on her. She hates her stomach and she wanted to find something that made her stomach look flatter.
I thought she was crazy because the dress already looked great on her, but you can’t argue with a teenage girl who has her mind set on something. So, I went to Walmart that Friday night and picked up a shapewear piece that goes over the stomach to make it look flatter, and she tried it on when we got home.
She hated it and said it didn’t fit her right. 🤔 She then said she wasn’t going to prom if she didn’t get some kind of shapewear. She told me to ask the woman upstairs that I’m friends with. I did – and I prayed silently that she saved me from this nightmare of Shapewear for my teenager who didn’t even need it.
I joked with my daughter and told her that the $360 I paid for the dress and all the stress it gave me – says she absolutely was going to prom – with or without the shapewear!
The woman upstairs is a lifesaver! I was not driving 30 minutes and miles and miles back to Walmart, so when the woman upstairs laughed about the dilemma I was in, and told me she has one she a piece she only wore once and didn’t like – that my daughter could have – I was forever grateful when my daughter went upstairs to get it, and she loved the way it fit!
You know what she also did?
She put the shapewear I brought her from Walmart OVER the one the woman upstairs gave her – to flatten her stomach even more.
Make it make sense!!!!!!!
I just looked at her with both shapewears on and said:
Pick and choose your battles, right?!
We went to the lake, so I can grab a few photos of my daughter down there, and then to the school, so I could grab some photos with her and her friends there – the Saturday of prom.
Before prom started, the school had the GRAND MARCH – where parents and people in the community could come see students in their dresses and tuxes, see them walk across a stage, and take photos.
Students who had a date – walked the stage with their dates, and those who didn’t – were able to walk with a friend of their choice.
My daughter walked with her good friend, Pey.
I loved when the announcer shared parents’ names with everyone – who was walking the stage as they walked – and said, “The son of” – “The daughter of” – (parent’s names).
My kiddos dress. ❤️
The Grand March was beautiful, and everyone looked so nice.
The theme was PARIS.
They had the high school gym set up so beautifully.
😊
After the Grand March, I took as many photos as I could – along with all the other parents, etc. and I left once they started setting up for the prom participants to have dinner before prom started.
Prom ended at 11:30 PM that night and the after-prom party started.
The school held the afterparty to keep students safe and off the roads, and I was so happy Kailani decided to attend it as well. She changed out of her dress into regular clothes to be comfortable, and called me to let me know to pick her up at 2:30 AM because she was learning to gamble.
She said she was playing Roulette and wanted to go to a casino now when she turns 18.
I joked and told her, “I think I’ll come get you now. What is the school teaching you guys?!”.
I was so glad she had a great time, and she even won a Legos set that she built as soon as she came home.
Prom went well.
We also had Senior Tea this past week.
The Seniors tried on their caps and gowns, and they were able to invite a (+1) to join them in the high school gym to take photos of them in their caps and gowns with friends, with a 2026 graduation light up sign, have cake and coffee / punch, and just enjoy the last week of our seniors being there.
When I arrived, I didn’t see my daughter or any of her friends, but the principal said they were doing handprints and would be right out. When I finally saw her and her good friend Pey walk out of the office in their caps and gowns, I had to wipe away the tears.
Her friend Pey came running over to me and made me laugh when she reached out her arms and told me, “Nooooooo mom! Don’t cry!”. For the longest – years and years – many of the kids at the high school have called me “MOM”. They’ve all become my adopted children, and I’ve gotten to know them and some of their families as well.
No matter where they go in life, what path they all take – I hope they know I’ll always be “mom” and they can always reach out to me if they need anything. 😔
It’s so hard to believe this will all be over on Friday.
No more late-night studying and homework.
No more dances and pep fests that my daughter loved so much.
No more funny moments with friends and coming out of school telling me anything and everything that happened during the day.
No more field trips.
No more Football games my daughter never missed.
This Friday – it all comes to an end, and she will be heading off to college classes to become an EMT, and start many new friendships, new memories and a new path. I guess there will be College Football games, late night studying and homework, and all the above – huh?!
So, we’ve been going crazy getting ready for the end of high school, and graduation and trying to figure out where she goes from here.
Our schedule has absolutely been crazy busy lately, but I wouldn’t change it for the world because I know when it’s all over in a few days, I’m going to miss it!
This coming Saturday – We’ll be leaving to Chicago pretty early in the morning because a month ago – I surprised her with tickets to see Romeo Santos and Prince Royce. (Two of her favorite Spanish singers).
I planned to use that money to allow myself to see Cardi B. when she was on her (Am I the drama) tour – but instead, decided to skip that and use the money on my daughter as an early graduation gift – when I found out she wanted to see them.
She was so excited, and I can’t wait to head home for a few days – for this event and just to get away from Minnesota for a bit.
BASEBALL:
On top of running around for everything related to prom weeks ago, Senior tea last week and now graduation – I’ve also been running around for Baseball.
My little dude loves Baseball, and while we’ve only played for fun, and I’ve taught him a thing or two about the game – he’s never played on a professional or school team, so when he said he wanted to join school baseball this summer – I was all for it.
The principal was amazing at making sure he was able to get onto the team.
The crossing guard / Librarian stopped me a few weeks ago and asked if I was able to have J – add me too the group text for baseball families. I said I had no idea there was one, and she said she would talk to him to get me added.
He’s not only the Police chief in our small town, but he’s also the Baseball coach, so I was grateful she made sure she got me added to the group text chat.
He added me and messaged me separately from the group chat – telling me what the schedules were looking like for practices and games, and what Elijah would need for practices. He was also awesome enough to ask if Elijah needed cleats.
I planned to buy him some, but if Elijah went to his first and second practices and decided he didn’t like it and didn’t want to play on the team – then we would have brand new cleats he was never going to use again, so I took the coach up on the offer to grab a pair he had – that didn’t fit his son – who is also on the team.
I was grateful for that, and now that Elijah gets excited for practices and loves them, and I know he loves Baseball for sure – I can eventually go grab him a brand-new pair of cleats.
I also have to thank Chase and Jen at Dunham sports – because they were so awesome helping me pick out the protective cups for down below, Elijah’s baseball pants that fit him well, and a belt that goes with it. Chase grabbed some and told me he’d have them ready for me when we got there, and Jen was the one who ran back and forth to find other things we needed, so I’m grateful for everyone who made this all possible for Elijah to get started.
He loves it!
It also takes him off his video games for a while and gets him outdoors, so I’m happy with it.
I joked that this means I’m going to have to actually socialize in this small town, and I made a funny “ewww” comment as I talked to another mom who volunteers with practices. She laughed and promised me all the parents with kids in baseball – are usually normal and nice.
So, when I moved out here in 2020, I learned fast that gossip spreads like wildfires in this little town, everyone knows everyone and everyone is in each other’s business, so I kept to myself – except for interacting with those I worked with, and a few good friends I have made out here that I’ve grown to love and trust dearly. Other than that – I really have tried to make more friends here, but every time I think I’ve made some great new friends, I’ve been dragged into drama, or I’ve found out that they were crazy, so again – I’ve kept to myself for the most part.
The first mother I talked to that was at the first baseball practice we attended last week – absolutely agreed with me that it’s hard to trust anyone in this little town, but again – she said those moms and dads with kids on the team – are great! 😊 I have to thank her as well because she was amazing with helping out and teaching Elijah the ropes – along with the coach – who taught him a lot – at the first practice.
What I love – is that the coach guaranteed me that there will be NO bullying or boys putting each other down on his team, and he believes in uplifting each other, supporting each other and being there for one another. He made sure all the boys on his team know that they WILL be nice and help each other.
I think Elijah will do just fine, and I’m happy he has this opportunity to play on a team.
If you want to giggle – with the coach also being the Police chief out here – he stopped me a few weeks ago for turning into the wrong lane because I was so tired, and not paying attention, but all my stuff was legit – so he just warned me and we had a good laugh about it. When he asked what I was doing and I innocently said, “I haven’t had my coffee yet” – I think he knew it was an honest mistake – as I did switch over to the correct lane before he stopped me. So, the first day of baseball practice – I walked up to him to get the cleats and properly introduce myself, but I stopped mid-sentence and told him, “Never mind! You know who I am”. 🤣
Anyway –
I’m excited to travel to different areas for games, and to watch my kiddo play other teams from different areas.
My car is about to be loaded with snacks, drinks, baseball stuff, etc. My schedules are about to be so full – of work, games, practices, college stuff my daughter, and many other things, but again – I wouldn’t have it any other way. My schedule is usually always busy anyway, but it’s just about to get a little shake-up with many different and new things.
It keeps me busy and keeps my mind off other things I’d rather not think about.
WORK:
I’m still at the same place I’ve been at for many months now and I absolutely love my people.
Is my job dangerous and wild? It can be on some days.
Do I get paid a lot? Hell no.
Still, it’s so worth it and the tenants in the facility I work in – make it worth it.
I have days where I’m stressed out and there’s tenants arguing on one side, or a fight breaking out on another side that we have to run and stop – or – some of my tenants are dragging themselves in drunk off their asses and we have to assist them. There are some who have mental issues and we have to deal with mental breakdowns or trying to calm someone down when they’re highly agitated and pissed off, but I think every day being different – also makes it fun and interesting.
I’ve picked up extra shifts lately, and plan to slow down for the summer.
I want to live life and not just work all of the time.
I want to spend much of the summer with my kids and not at work.
I plan to create a schedule that allows me to work early mornings or late nights – maybe both – so I can spend summer days doing fun things with the kiddos.
And in the meantime – I love and enjoy my job.
While the pay could be better – while the leadership could be better – I don’t mind my co-workers. My job is crazy – wild – busy – and keeps me on my toes. I need that.
Our tenants in the facility are funny, fun, wild, crazy, silly, playful, and even when they’re angry, and have us running around dealing with all of their (sometimes) nonsense – I love them all dearly and I’ve grown close to many of them. 😊
MOVING:
Eventually, we’d like to move to a suburb of IL. or close to the border of IL / WI.
We want to move closer to family and friends again. Places we’re familiar with and we know.
Where we don’t have to travel miles and miles or hours and hours to have fun or go to stores that we love. Where we don’t have to wait months to get into the doctors or dentists.
I do not miss the traffic in a big city, and our country roads here are amazing, but other than that – there’s nothing for us here in Minnesota.
We’ve lived here for so long – because I wanted my daughter to finish school here and now that she’s done soon, we’re ready to go.
So, I’m trying to possibly get out of here before the summer is over, but we’ll see what happens.
I’ve already started packing things we don’t use or need out right now, and I’ll continue with the hopes that I can save enough to get the hell gone. I have a love / hate relationship with this state, and whenever I’m in IL. I don’t think about Minnesota at all.
Not to mention that there’s better career opportunities back home, and I’m ready to go somewhere – where I can actually use my college degrees with many options.
I’m lost. I’m not going to lie.
I’m so damn lost in Minnesota.
It’s not home. It was supposed to be, but after my oldest passed (the reason we moved here to begin with) – it could never be home.
I want to go home, and that involves a good amount of money, and a lot of planning.
One day.
FITNESS:
When I lost my oldest kiddo, I went into a deep depression.
I won’t get into that too much right now, but I didn’t even want to get out of bed most days.
That depression lasted for the last few years. I lost her in 2021.
I started drinking, and eating fast food like crazy.
The pain was real, and I didn’t feel like doing much – let alone cooking healthy foods, so while I functioned – went to work, paid bills, etc. I used fast food as a way to come home and not have to do anything once I was in the house and could shut the world out all those years.
That means I’ve gained some weight, and while I was so active and loved working on while I lived in Chicago, and my oldest was still alive, that all stopped when I moved to Minnesota and she was killed. So, in 2026 – I promised myself when the clock hit midnight in 2025 turning in 2026 – that I would drag my ass out of this little funky depression I’ve been in for so many years, and finally learn how to live again.
I would learn how to be happy again.
I would learn to love life again.
That means – working out, eating healthier, and getting back to being “fit” like I was when I first moved to Minnesota.
That time isn’t right now.
It’s coming, but – not yet.
I’m headed to IL. this weekend to celebrate my youngest daughter’s graduation, and take her to a concert she wants to go to (as I’ve mentioned) – and that means food. IL. has so many authentic Latin, Greek, Italian, etc. places with some amazing food that we just can’t find out here, so – I can’t do the whole fitness thing this week / weekend. I love my authentic foods and the variety of places in IL. way too much to try to eat healthy on a trip out there.🤣
However, when I come back to Minnesota – game on! Watch how I transform this body back into the active beauty I once was. lol.
Seriously, I do plan to get my fitness routine going and really stick to it this time and maybe by December – I will allow myself some junk food because hello – CHRISTMAS COOKIES! ha.
Seriously, I just want to live, truly laugh and smile again, and find my happiness all over.
LIFE:
I don’t have much of a life these days.
I’m always working, or running around for one of the kids and their events, sports, etc. or I’m just at home enjoying a nice quiet evening with movies whenever I get the chance.
I promised myself that this year – I’d meet new people, make new friends, and go out more.
It’s almost June and all I’ve done is run errands constantly and work as much as I can.
I do need to enjoy summer and sneak some kind of fun in there or have some kind of life here. I know. I know!
I wish I had other updates for you, but right now – this is all that’s going on.
My life isn’t even close to being “together”, but each day brings something new, crazy, interesting or fun – so I can’t complain.
Again, hit that follow and I’ll follow you right back, or subscribe by email for updates. ❤️
I hope all of you continue to follow me here and have the best summer possible!
My little dude is bugging me to set the pool up outside, so he can enjoy the warm weather for a while before I have to get ready for work later tonight.
