Learning to take chaos as a blessing.

Is a little chaos actually good for us?

    Today’s WP writing prompt – made me laugh as I thought about the exhausting, crazy and chaotic, endless-cycle of Amy’s daily routine in the great and hilarious movie (Bad Moms).

If you’ve never seen it, you should! (Don’t forget to watch A BAD MOMS Christmas) after Bad moms.

Both of them are not movies for kids, so wait until your kids are in bed, and pour youurself a glass of wine. Enjoy!

You definitely have to have a sense of humor and not easily be offended to watch both movies, but I love them. 😁

The amazing actress (Mila Kunis) plays a married mom (Amy). She eventually finds out her husband is enjoying his alone time with an online cam model, and (Amy) kicks him out of their home, as she then has to navigate life as a semi-single mother doing everything on her own, while she’s about to go through a divorce as well.

In the scene where she’s describing her never-ending chaos, she says:

That’s me.

That is totally me, and I’m non-stop on the go – all the time.

Even when I think I can sleep-in or relax, one of my kids tells me there’s something to do, or they have to go somewhere, or something needs to be done.

Chaos should have been my middle name.

Between work, rushing around picking up dinner, getting home to make dinner, getting my little dude ready for Baseball practice or Baseball games, cleaning the house, getting laundry done, paying bills, feeding the animals and making sure they have clean liter, and water, trying to get my daughter into a good EMS/Medic program, filling out applications for her, picking up extra shifts at work, keeping up with family and friends, calls I have to make to people who left me messages, grocery shopping, vet visits, and so many other things…………………………………………………………..

Chaos is totally a thing here.

Did that whole list I wrote out non-stop – make your head spin? It makes mine do loops.

Let’s add on unexpected bills I sometimes get and forget about, jury duty that I’m all of a sudden summoned to, car repairs that need to be done, bed-time routines, waking up early to have at least 30 minutes to myself in silence with a hot cup of coffee I’m probably going to forget about and have to heat up 3 times before I actually get to drink it anyway, and other things I have going on and I’m dealing with – it’s a lot.

It’s a whole lot!

Still, I love being a mom. I love working. I love making money. I love the running around. I love the crazy, wild, chaos.

I can’t say I love unexpected curve balls life throws at me, or the 20 million other things I have to do daily, errands I have to run, or new things that keep popping up that keep me on my toes, but as much as I feel like I’m going to lose my mind – I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Life is crazy chaotic right now, but it keeps me busy, doesn’t let me slack off much, and doesn’t give me time to be down and depressed.

Sometimes, the chaos is so crazy and good – that while I have problems sleeping – there’s some nights my eyes close before my head even hits the pillow because I’m so tired from running around all day and being so busy. There are times I’m so tired, that my sleep problems aren’t an issue and I knock out right on the couch when I sit down to relax for a moment.

So, to answer this question – a little (or, even a lot for some of us) of chaos – IS good for us.

It keeps us busy and keeps our minds off of the things we don’t want to think about.

It helps us sleep at night if we’re so busy, we’re exhausted at the end of the day.

It can actually help keep us focused on the things we really need to get done and prioritize.

Sometimes, chaos can keep us motivated and make us want to do other things we’ve been slacking on.

So, yes – chaos is good for us, and if you have chaos in your life right now, take it as a blessing.

Who wants to be bored all the time, and have NOTHING going on?

So, cheers to Chaos. 🍻I think we all have a little bit inside of us and around us, and it’s a beautiful thing.

🍷Shel🍷

Happy 4th of July, darlings!

Daily writing prompt
What’s a lesson you’ve learned recently that shifted your perspective?

To answer today’s WP writing prompt – it would absolutely be the lesson of cherishing every great moment and every person you love while they’re still here.

Today is the 4th of July, and I used to take that for granted many years ago.

My oldest daughter was still alive.

My mom and dad were still alive.

My brother and his ex-wife were still together.

I was an auntie to two.

I still lived in Illinois.

4th of Julys used to look a lot different.

For the last few 4ths – everything was different.

My oldest was killed in a car crash with her girlfriend in 2021. She was the passenger.

My dad passed in 2023 from Cancer. My mom passed in 2024 from – what we can only assume was a heart attack, because no autopsy was done. She passed in an assisted living facility. We knew it was probably coming, but we didn’t know it would be that soon. She had just celebrated her 70th birthday. With my dad, he was in hospice for a while, so we knew for sure that death was coming.

My brother and his now ex-wife have since divorced, obviously.

My nephews live with their mother, and I’m now an auntie to three – however, I don’t get to see my niece. My brother’s now ex-fiancé – (a different woman) – wants nothing to do with my brother, so she has decided that includes his family. My niece’s family that she should know. I even sent her a huge box full of adorable baby stuff I picked out when my niece was first born, and a special gift for her, but I got nothing.

I’d love to spend the 4th with her.

My kids and I also now live in Minnesota.

So many things have absolutely changed from the 4th of July traditions I was used to.

We always went to my brother’s place for the 4th, and his wife (now ex) would always make sure I had a drink in my hand when I arrived. lol. My brother and I would joke around. She’d yell at him and tell him to leave me alone, and I’d threaten to kick his ass after I finished my drink. He’d make more jokes, and life was good back then.

My kids would be sitting around the table eating every snack in sight. Chips and dip. My mom’s famous Vegetable pizza, and whatever else was laid out for everyone.

My brother would be grilling, and my older son would be next to him helping or watching over the grill.

My mom and dad would argue about something every 4th of July, and we’d always giggle because it would be something so stupid, but I miss even that. 🤣 They’d both be aggravated with each other, and my dad would say, “Okay, okay!”, and end the fight – letting my mother have the last word, and my mother would look at me and say, “He loves to aggravate me!”. By the end of the night, they’d be sitting next to each other acting like nothing ever happened. ALMOST EVERY 4TH OF JULY!

My nephews would be in the kiddie pool or running around getting into mischief with my little dude, and my youngest daughter chased them around here and there.

We’d take selfies and photos with each other, and of the food.

We poured more drinks.

We joked around and shared so much laughter.

We recalled so many funny “Remember when’s”………..(memories), and we enjoyed each other’s company.

My brother would run in and get the fireworks as soon as dusk arrived, and we’d watch him blow them off in the alley, joking that the fire trucks needed to be on standby.

Once we watched him blow off his fireworks and then watched the fireworks that were lighting up the sky around us, we’d play music (usually country or oldies), sit and talk, laugh, and enjoy the night as it got later and later, and nobody wanted to say goodbye.

We had dessert, more drinks, and more fun.

I miss those days, and that’s how we spent many 4th of Julys.

That’s not something that will ever happen again with all of us there, and it sucks – but life has to go on right?

One lesson I have learned recently that shifted my perspective – is to love everyone so much while they are alive, take so many photos, tell them you love them, cherish them, take the time to look around and cherish each and every moment – because one day – they will be just memories that you wish you could relive one last time at least.

I smiled today as I thought of the past 4th of July’s and how much love, fun, laughter and good times we had.

I thought of the time my brother sat on the tailgate of his pickup truck one 4th, and I told him the burgers were going to burn – as he was jamming out to country music and drinking, and he told me he was going to make my burger extra dark and crispy to shut me up.

I thought of the time my brother sent me a photo of a big piece of wood he super glued wires and different fireworks to and asked what I thought would happen if he set the fireworks off like that. I laughed so much and told him I was going to take bets amongst our friends to see who would arrive first – the fire department, the ambulance or the police.

I thought about the 4th that my oldest kiddo and I got into this huge argument over something goofy, and at the end of the night, I asked if she wanted to go for a ride and have cake, and she laughed and said, “Hell yeah I do!”. She was 18 or 19 at that time I believe. Even those memories are funny now and I miss them.

I thought about many different things from past 4th of Julys that I could never get back, and memories of times that are long gone now, so please – take all the photos you need to with loved ones, cherish good moments before they become memories, and never take them or the people you love for granted because one day, you’re going to wish they were still here and those moments weren’t just memories.

I also love the memories of the 4th of July’s I’d stop by my best friend’s house.

Her mom would make Jello shots. They’d have the music on, and her dad grilled.

Thankfully, if I did go back to Illinois, I could still make more memories on the 4th will all of them.

Her family is like a 2nd family to me, and I know I’m always welcomed there. ❤️

My aunt and Uncle’s house – has become a new tradition on the 4th as well out in Illinois.

We’ve been there the last few 4ths, and I’ve been so grateful they’ve welcomed us into their home because the 4th is always a lot more fun ln a pool watching the fireworks above or hanging out with family.

So, even if we can’t do the old traditions anymore because some people that we love are gone now, and others moved on with their lives – we’ve created new ones and kept other old traditions alive as well on the 4th.

Unfortunately, we’re stuck in Minnesota this year, and nothing really happens in our little town.

The last few years, we’ve had a “no burn ban”, which also included fireworks, so we couldn’t shoot any off out here, but we haven’t heard of anything like that this year. Plus, we’ve had plenty of rain, so I got some Sparklers for the kids, some little pop-it’s for Elijah, and Frankie got a few of the spinning, colorful fireworks.

Nothing crazy because we still want to play it safe.

I made burgers for dinner and got some freeze pops I know my little dude loves, and cupcakes my youngest daughter enjoys.

You know the 4th wouldn’t be the 4th without S’mores! So, I had to get some stuff to make those as well.

My daughter LOVES S’mores!

One thing I truly am missing this 4th – is how the fireworks in Illinois always start weeks before the 4th, and on the 4th – they can start as early as 4 AM – and we’ll hear huge M-80’s being blown off. They can go all the way until 4 AM the next morning, and sometimes – for days after.

Out here in our little town, we hear none of that, and it’s dead. It’s so boring out here, so I’m a little sad tonight that I’m not back home in Illinois, but – it is what it is.

The night is almost over and I wish I was at my best friend’s house or my aunt and uncle’s waiting for the fireworks to begin as we chat, enjoy dinner together, and a few drinks with my aunt (me and her anyway), I have to make the best of being stuck out here and so far from everything and everyone I love out there.

Please – no drinking and driving tonight.

In many bigger cities and states – buses and trains are free tonight from what I’m hearing. Check your local transit center / site.

In many bigger cities and states, Uber and Lyft are offering discouts and vouchers tonight.

Or – if you can’t do any of those and you’re in a smaller area, many police officers who aren’t busy – will sometimes pick you up and safely get you home.

NO EXCUSES!

I love you all, and as the dusk approaches and the fireworks begin – keep having fun, keep enjoying the night, and stay safe. ❤️

I saw a post earlier from one of my good friends – who posted:

“Make sure you put a boot in someone’s ass today in honor of Toby Keith”.

I loved that and it made me smile, so in honor of one of my favorite country singers – T.K. ……………………(Rest in peace and this one is for you and America tonight). 😁

All my love:

❤️Shel❤️

Baseball, an 18th, a trip to Puerto-Rico, and a new Boyfriend. :) (Or – na?)

Good morning!

     My home is clean.

I’m showered and ready to start the day.

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.

If you’re coming across this – don’t forget to subscribe to get updates by email or hit that follow buttons and I’ll follow back.

🍵Shel🍵

Naps and baseball.

Daily writing prompt
What do you love now, that you hated when you were younger?

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.

❤️Shel❤️

My parents once told me…………

What’s something you used to believe as a kid that seems ridiculous now?

   My parents used to tell me if I turned on the lights in the car while they were driving, the police would pull them over. 👀😁

Of course, that sounds ridiculous now and I’ve turned the lights on in my car while driving. Cops don’t care. My own kids have turned the lights on in the car while I’m driving, and the cops don’t care. That is in fact – a MYTH.

I’ve never been pulled over for it, and I don’t even think that’s a thing, but my parents really had me believing that when I was younger. (lol)

…………..

Let’s talk about my youngest daughter, though!

That little spoiled girl.

When she graduated high school a few weeks ago, she had the option to either have a graduation party, or go see two Latin singers she absolutely loves (Romeo Santos and Prince Royce) in concert – out in Chicago.

She picked the concert in Chicago.

When we came back to Minnesota, she saw that all her friends were having graduation parties, so she made a comment about it and I felt like she really did want one. We talked about it, and while I refused to spend hundreds on a big party because she already made her choice, I was more than willing to have a graduation (get-together) for her with just a few of her close friends.

She was more than happy with that idea, so I’ve been running around like a chicken with my head cut off – planning that and getting everything together for it.

                           That was today.

I got off work, went and grabbed a few pizzas for her and her friends, went to pick up one of her friends because she’s on the route I take home, and the rest of my daughter’s friends had their parents drop them off. One of them drove herself.

We got the cake, the decorations, plates, chips, dip, pop, napkins, etc. yesterday, so that was all ready for today because I refused to rush around after work.

My daughter was excited about it, and even though she had a choice and picked the concert, I didn’t want her to feel left out of a graduation party, or at least something fun with her friends, so I caved!

I told them they could have the entire living room, dining room and kitchen to themselves and do whatever. (Watch movies, play games, play PS5, and so on) – and I wouldn’t bother them.

I promised my little dude we’d take our pizza into his room and watch movies, just him and I. He loved that idea, and that’s what we did. 😊 I invited my older son to join us, but he was on his PS5 in his own room.

Here’s one thing I learned a long time ago. (Years ago actually)…….

When teenage girls get together – they are crazy, wild and loud. They laugh a little too loud. They have no filters and say the craziest things. They scream and joke around a little too loudly. They make a hell of a lot of noise, and they are all hyper and goofy, so I didn’t expect anything other than that today, and that’s exactly what I got. 😂

They blasted the music, and I smiled and giggled a bit as I listened to them all singing different songs together.

Yes, they were so loud, but I didn’t mind.

I know my daughter had the best time and I’m so happy I was able to do this for her.

I wanted to take so many cute photos, but I also just wanted to leave her and her friends alone, so my little dude and I – stayed in his room watching movies and we let the girls have their fun.

My kitchen is a mess from cake and pizza.

The girls are now just relaxing in the living room – as I write this.

I hope and think that they are finally calming down from the hyper day they’ve had, and all the fun.

I’m so grateful she has some great friends in her life.

One of her friends was dropped off by the parents, and they came inside for a bit to chat.

I was more than grateful when the mom suggested I let her husband fix my car because it needs a lot of work, the brakes and rotors done and a few other things, and I haven’t been able to find a mechanic who I actually trust and who actually knows what they’re doing. So, I’ll take my car over there one day and allow him to fix it all if he can.

The little get-together for my daughter was a success.

The girls are still enjoying this.

The night is coming to an end, and I will be driving two of the girls home, probably coming back and enjoying a glass of wine in silence, and getting to bed early – as I work in the morning.

I have nothing else going on tonight, and I hope all of you have a beautiful one.

Love you.

😊Shel😊

Player of the game, and a 3rd movie Sequel.

So, my little dude had a game last night.

A double-header.

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.

❤️Shel❤️

If I could tell my 20-year-old self – something, The “D” word hits one of my favorite couples, and a rained-out baseball game.

Daily writing prompt
What is something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?

“Baby, go to college and start a career now. If you wait, life is going to kick your ass!”.

Today’s WP writing prompt asked. I’m answering.

I know they say that no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to go back to school, but I will also add to that – that it’s a lot harder if you’re older.

If you’re in your 20’s – Do it while you’re young! Go to college NOW!

I was raising a kid when I was 20, and I was still partying and living my best life, so I wasn’t thinking about college.

I wanted to go.

I knew I should go to college right then and there.

Well, I did go for a little bit, but not the way I should have been.

I enrolled for Psychology because at the time – that’s what I thought I wanted to do, but I dropped those classes because then I thought I wanted to be a nurse, so I took up CNA classes at first, and planned to get my LPN license. I left those classes because Massage therapy sounded nice, but I wasn’t interested in the fact that we had to get completely naked in class, and work on each other (because that’s part of Massage therapy) in real life. Of course, we were all covered by thin sheets, but still.

I left those classes, and when I finally figured out what I really wanted to do – I should have just gone to college, stuck with it, finished and got into my career young.

I always knew what I wanted to be or do from the time I was 15, (Probation officer) so it wasn’t like I was still “trying to figure it out”. Or was I? Maybe I was just trying to make sure before I enrolled in classes again.

When I finally knew for sure……………….

I just didn’t feel like I had time for that because when was I going to spend time with my kid, or have time to party? I was making the wrong choices and felt like I had all the time in the world for college, and “I’ll go one day”. That was my mind-set and I wish it wasn’t back then, but the reality is – even though I am now 43, and graduated college with two Criminal Justice degrees, it was so much harder to balance work, kids, bills, and life in general when I did finally go to college at the age of 39.

I graduated with my associate degree in 2023, and my BA degree in 2025, and I am so proud of that.

It is proof that no matter how old you are, you can still go back to school and do something with yourself, but – it is so much harder as you get older and have to balance different things, meet school papers and projects deadlines, and so on.

If I had a chance to tell my 20-year-old self – something – it would be not to wait. To go to college while you’re 20 and only have one kid. While you’re not working crazy hours and overtime and paying all these bills, and losing your damn mind trying to survive in your 40’s.

I am still so proud of all the men and women who do the same thing.

Raise kids, pay bills, work their asses off and are my age – just now going to college to better their lives.

I will also say that as we get older – even if we graduate college and have the best GPA’s and degrees, it’s not enough to get the career you want because now you’re a lot older, and people our ages are looking forward to only working the next 20-something years and living the rest of our lives having fun, retired and happy – not just trying to start the career you wanted to start many years ago while you were younger, and didn’t get your ass into college right away.

It is hard going to college when you’re older.

It is hard finding a position in a career you want when you’re older.

I do suggest if you’re in your teens or 20’s and you’re reading this – you plan to go to college right after high school and get the career you want while you’re still young enough to do so.

As for me, I sadly live in an area / small town – where there isn’t many or any opportunities to be in the career I want, so, I will be moving somewhere bigger and better in the next few months to a year and making sure I make this happen for myself, but don’t wait to go to college and think you can be what you want to be later, because sometimes – that doesn’t happen, it may be too late, and you just need to motivate yourself to do it now.

Hell, even if you’re in your 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and still thinking about college and wish you could – you SHOULD!

It’s never too late. It just becomes a little harder, but if I did it, why not you?

SO, I’d just tell my 20-year-old self to enroll, finish now, and become what you’ve always wanted to become.

Don’t wait.

Besides that……………..

I think by now – we all went to bed last night or woke up this morning to the shocking and sad news that:

(Image taken from TMZ)

I was scrolling Facebook last night, and I scrolled past a TMZ post reporting it, and we all know that TMZ doesn’t report it – if it’s not facts, right? They are my “go-to” when I want to check sources and make sure the news I hear is real.

I was so heartbroken to hear this because what the hell?

Jelly and Bunnie seemed like they were so happy.

They seemed like the perfect couple.

I just read Bunnie’s new book about how they were healing together after everything that happened in their past with each other and as individuals.

I heard a few months ago, Bunnie was doing treatments to try to get pregnant and have their baby.

So, this came out of nowhere for everyone, and I think the entire world is feeling this.

I’m not a huge Jelly roll fan, but him as a person and all the good things that he has done for others – makes him an amazing person, and we all know I absolutely adore and love Bunnie XO. She’s real, raw and doesn’t care what people think. She inspires others to not care what people think, and she has done so much good for others as well.

So, to hear that he filed for this divorce, but also hearing that it was a mutual agreement, it’s sad, but it is what it is.

It just proves that when others see another couple looking all cuddled up and happy, all cute and think that they are “the perfect couple”, we never know what goes on behind closed doors, or what struggles their marriage is having.

A married couple could look so happy and perfect outdoors around people, go home together, and be miserable. The wife is unhappy and truly wants a divorce, but they have kids, assets, a business, or whatever else they own together, so it will be tough and expensive to get out of the marriage, or the husband feels that way. Maybe both – but not all “happy and perfect” marriages, are the way they seem and Jelly and Bunnie proved that.

Someone in our family – or our friend groups can seem like they have the healthiest, best marriage and in reality, when the couple is home alone – they’re doing nothing but fighting, or not speaking to each other and not sleeping in the same bed anymore.

We never know the reality of what couples DON’T want us to see, so – we think and see what they portray, and that’s how it is now with Bunnie and Jelly. He filed in May, and nobody knew anything until they just announced it and news channels reported it.

Bunnie was with Jelly when he had nothing. She helped him financially, emotionally and mentally when he was going through some of his darkest times, and she helped raised his daughter, and he did a lot of things for her as well, so I’m hoping they remain good friends, continue to be there for each other, and get to live their individual happy lives now – apart. 💔

NOBODY SAW THIS ONE COMING, but that’s life.

******

Baseball:

We drove an hour 1/2 away to another part of Minnesota last night for the double-header our team was supposed to play, but while GPS showed at first it was 2-hours, it was about an hour and some minutes or so.

We got their and my kids were speechless at how beautiful and huge this other school was.

They have their own ICE arena, and my kids joked that if those kids ever came to our little town, they’d want to turn around go back to their little town.

Anyway, it was cold.

The weather called for storms, and it was lightening with rumbles of thunder way off in the distance, but we all knew it was going to eventually get us.

The coaches kept an eye on the weather, and there were talks about either waiting it out for the 2nd game, or rescheduling. As we sat on the bleachers, the clouds got lower, darker, and weather apps were saying, “Take shelter now”. That part of Minnesota has seen a few tornados, and I just told my kids to be ready to run to the car, open it and start it up, and I’d grab Elijah (my little dude), and I’d run to the car as well.

I wanted to make sure they were safe, while I made sure my little dude was safe – if anything major happened, but – thankfully, it just started pouring right after we won our first game against this school, and the boys all ran into the dugout to eat hotdogs, and whatever else the moms and dads brought.

We brought the chips, and I felt like I should have gotten something healthy, but I was so happy to hear that almost every kid on the team dug into the chips, and they were good with it. 😁

My little dude came running over to me and told me the coach said he could leave because they probably weren’t playing the 2nd game. I walked over to the coach to make sure – because sometimes, my little dude likes to play around too much, but he was right.

Our Coach and the coach from the other team were talking about how it wasn’t supposed to stop raining until later, and they were talking about rescheduling. The other coach mentioned how if the boys went back onto the field, they’d be cold, wet and miserable and I was glad he made that call.

So, we were able to leave and get home earlier than we expected, and it was nice to not have to drive late on dark, country roads. We drove while it was still light outside and got home safely by the grace of God!

The boys have an hour-long practice today.

I had to laugh when we were leaving the field yesterday, walking to the car and my daughter ran past me.

She yelled, “Go! Go! Run! I stole a box of the chips we brought!”.

She was running, so I thought she was serious. I yelled her name and told her to get back by me, but she stopped running, laughed and said she was just joking. She smiled and said, “If I were to steal anything – it wouldn’t be a box of chips!”. She was raised right, and she knows better, so I’m not worried about her stealing anything, but I did think she took the box of chips – maybe thinking they were done with it.

I had brought two boxes, and she said she grabbed a bag, and one of the coaches told her all the boys already had chips, and they were done, so she was able to take that box home.

All-in-all, the boys had fun yesterday before the wind picked up and it started raining.

There were no tornados.

We got home safe.

I was up early this morning, and this mama hasn’t had coffee yet, so I love you all and hope you have a blessed day if you run across this!

❤️Shel❤️

Baseball.

Good morning honey bunches!

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.

Let me go get my day started.

Love you!

😊Shel😊

Hawaiian Roller Coster Ride.

Daily writing prompt
What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?

WP asked. I’m going to answer.

Ready?

Yep.

The song that can always put me in a better / good mood when I’m having a bad day, feel overwhelmed or just going through something – is LILO & STITCHES’ (Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride).

I remember one time – having the most stressful day at work, coming home and pouring a glass of wine, putting this song on and dancing around my kitchen like nobody was watching (because I thought the kids were asleep) lol.

My daughter came out of her room watching me and laughing. I tried to get her to dance with me, but she just laughed and looked at me like I was insane.

I loved that moment and still remember it clearly.

That was the moment I realized that – this song makes everything better – no matter what I’m dealing with or going through.

I love the LILO & STITCH movies, and I loved this song the moment I heard it and still do.

It’s just a whole beautiful and fun vibe!!!

I blast it when I’m driving sometimes and dance in my seat as people next to me in different cars or behind / in front of me – are watching and smiling. I don’t care. I’m going to always jam out to this song. 😊

Next time you’re having a bad day, feeling low, or just dealing with a lot – throw on this song, think of me and maybe it will make you smile – as you dance in your seat or around the kitchen.

The above version is from the human version of the movie.

The cartoon version is below.

Both are great!

Aa always, I love you!

And now – time for some Coffee, and good morning!

❤️Shel❤️

A funny cop story, my birthday theme, and Baseball – (Sunflower seeds in the Urinal).

Good morning darlings!

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.

😊Shel😊