Tomorrow is my birthday! But not just any birthday, my 30th birthday. 🤩
I am still trying to get my head around it but on the eve of my 30th birthday and as I say goodbye to my 20s, I’d like to reflect on some important things I’ve learned.
So without further adieu and in no particular order, here are 30 things I’ve learned in 30 years.
Always save room for dessert.
Don’t play games with people. Be honest and earnest.
Hand written notes, letters, and cards are incredibly meaningful and you should write them often.
You don’t have to explain yourself to strangers on the internet nor do you have to prove anything to them.
No one has the right to your time, your body, your energy, or your skills.
Replace your toothbrush every three months and floss every day.
Advocate for yourself/your children to doctors. You know your body and your children better than anyone. Trust your gut.
At minimum, have a signature meal you can whip up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Always keep a special beverage on hand for celebrations.
Carry a reusable water bottle around with you.
Keep reading for the rest of the list.
Read MoreThis past Sunday, we Baptized our sweet Theophilus into the Church. It was a joyous day and we were surrounded by those in our parish.
When we first moved to Alameda, I struggled to find community and connection. I was so used to making friends through a shared experience of school that forming friendships outside of that environment was new and challenging. But we have since formed a wonderful young families community through our church. We started with park meet-ups after Mass where we’d share coffee and treats and then it evolved to a full-blown Young Families Ministry where we celebrate the liturgical seasons and life events.
This past Sunday was no different! Our dear friends Claire and James honored us with being Theo’s Godparents. It was an extra special day because Claire and James’s newest wee one month old babe was also getting Baptized. Father George celebrated Mass and Baptized our children and it was a completely Holy and wholly beautiful experience. We had only done private Baptisms before so this one with the Church was some thing wonderful.
Read MoreIt’s Saturday afternoon and two out of three kids are napping, the sun is shining, and I am feeling content. It’s amazing because, this week was one of the busiest weeks for us in a while and I feel like I’ve been running on overdrive. But sitting here at my quiet kitchen table thinking back on this week, well I’m finally exhaling. My family has been my solace through the chaos of work and home life balance (whatever balance means anyway). I’m just grateful.
Now before I wax too sappy, here are some updates from this week.
1. Emma had her last day of preschool on Thursday. She started at this school when she was almost two and a half. And now, at five years old and fewer than two months from the start of kindergarten, she said goodbye to her first teachers and those whom shared the in the gift of raising her. I am grateful for the tremendous love and care she experienced there. I am emotional as we said goodbye but we still have Henry there and Theo will start in October. It takes a village, and I have loved this one.
Read MoreHello summer! Yesterday was the first day of summer and the weather was beautiful and the sun was shining.
I’d also like to say congratulations to my amazing parents who celebrate 34 years of marriage today. Thank you for showing me an example of the Sacrament of Marriage. I love you both.
1. We are trying to iron out the kinks for our summer plans. I still have work but Emma is transitioning from pre-school to Kindergarten and we’ll be having some brief travels and grandparent time. Emma will be getting to spend several weeks with Paul’s parents then mine. Henry will get to have some time away from us for the first time, so all I have to say is, good luck to my parents on that one. Cause he’s one big daddy’s boy.
Read MoreBefore having children, I used to think that preschool graduations were silly and unnecessary. Now that I have children, I’m like GIVE ME ALL THE ADORABLE KIDS IN CAPS AND GOWNS AND GIVE THEM TO ME NOW. Emma’s preschool graduation was yesterday afternoon and it was adorable, heart-warming, and moving. My sweet baby girl is heading to kindergarten soon and I am a ball of mushy emotions.
Emma carried the American flag during the processional and helped lead the pledge of allegiance. Her class sang a song, said a poem, and did a dance. Each student also said what they wanted to be when they grew up and they got little awards and diplomas. I was beaming with pride and gratitude. She has been exceptionally cared for and nurtured by her teachers at her school. They have taught her more than I could have wished and I know she is prepared for kindergarten.
(Read on for the photos and videos portion, you don’t want to miss it.)
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