Are Ghosts Real?

Happy Halloween! Today's prompt is Are Ghosts Real? It felt like I needed to lean into a spooky theme for today since it's Halloween after all! 

It's funny, on the way to swim lessons earlier this week, Graham told me that ghosts are real! He said, they come out of their graves in the cemetery at night. So you have to stay up all night long, after midnight, and go into a cemetary to see them. It's so funny the stories he comes home with from school. He also has a friend who has him convinced that she has a real witch that lives at her house! Ha, kids are so fun! 

Anyway, back to our topic for today, ghosts! 

As I was sitting down to write, a ghost story popped into my head that I thought would be fun to share. Back in high school, I worked at a restaurant that was in an old log cabin in the gold mining town of Dutch Flat called The Monte Vista Inn. I believe the building is from the late 1800's during the height of the gold rush. It was the best job in high school and I have so many amazing memories there. If you're ever heading up to Tahoe and need a place to stop for dinner, I highly recommend it. I especially love it in the wintertime and at Christmas when it's decked out in holiday decor and the huge stone fireplace is roaring in the waiting room. The office and storage rooms are upstairs and I always hated going up to get more napkins or supplies. I would get chills and an eerie sense anytime I went up there. One day when I got to work, the chef at the time told me a story of how she was the only one in the restaurant doing the prep for that evening, and she heard the back screen door slam. She looked up and towards the bar where the door was and saw a white ghostly figure slowly moving from the door to the back stairs that went up the stairs. I can't remember them all now, but everyone had a story from The Vista. 

While we're on the topic of Dutch Flat, my childhood friend also lived there. Her house was literally built on top of a gold mine. In the downstairs room where they had added a bedroom for her older sister, there was a door that appeared to be a closet, but when you opened it, it just looked into A MINE SHAFT. I still can't really believe that, ha! But anytime I spent the night there, I would always have trouble sleeping and be scared some miner ghost was going to come get me! 

So, what do I really think about ghosts? I don't believe in ghosts in the sense I shared above. In a scary, haunting way. But I do believe our souls don't fully leave and there is something greater in the universe. A book I read that actually helped me wrap my head around death and spirituality is The Light Between Us. It's written by a medium who shares her stories and I found it fascinating. And I do believe that those we've lost are still with us in some way. In a more beautiful way, that makes it feel less scary or lonely when we think about losing the ones we love. 

What do you think? Do you believe in ghosts? 

I can't believe it, the challenge is complete! We made it a full 31 days together of blogging. I so appreciate you reading along. I'll be back tomorrow to recap my experience and share a bit about what I plan moving forward with the blog. 

What Am I Waiting For?

Today's blog prompt is What Am I Waiting For? I thought this was an interesting topic to think about, the first thing that came to mind for me was with blogging and creating content online. In some ways, I think I've stopped waiting. I'm finally posting the content I make on Instagram. I am sharing almost every day since being laid off, and I stopped caring what other people are thinking or potentially saying about what I share. But are there still areas I'm holding back? And why?

I shared a bit about what helped me break free from the fear of posting in this post, but I think that my struggle to remain consistent ties in to that same imposter syndrome and fear of failing. I need to remember one of my life lessons from yesterday, and always follow my intuition. I know there is a reason that I feel such a calling to do this. Perhaps I'm still figuring out why, or where this will all lead, but if I don't start then I will never know. I need to remember that my intuition is guiding me this way for a reason. I don't want to have any more regret about not trying, or what if? I have always been able to find excuses easily as to why not. I'm too busy. What will people think? My content isn't as good as xyz. I can't afford all the trendy new things. My house isn't good enough. Etc. The list goes on and on. 

But, when I really think about it. I am unique and that is why people would want to follow along. All my favorite accounts to follow are other women who I feel like I could be friends with in real life. That is what I'd like people to feel about me. I don't have a big fancy house, but I do have a lovely home. I am a regular Mom, with the same struggles as so many others, and sharing that can help us feel less alone. I love where I live and can help other people new to the area, or who just don't know, what wonderful things it has to offer. Especially for young families. As I work to overcome insecurities and work towards being healthy, maybe I can motivate other women going through the same path feel motivated to take time for herself. 

After being laid off, it feels like now is the time to really make an effort with this and figure out how I can use the gift of extra time to pursue this seriously. I know I have to make a plan, be consistent, and keep showing up when it feels like there is no point. I know that if I do all these things, eventually there will be traction. It seems like the universe is telling me it's my time, so I don't want to squander it! 

This blog challenge really helped show me that I can do it, it takes discipline but it can be done if I stick to a plan. So that is what I'm going to do moving forward. I don't want to keep waiting, and talking myself out of pursuing this. I've been doing little by little, and feel the momentum building to keep going. It's so helpful having people in my corner supporting me, and encouraging me to go for it. 

So, in response to today's prompt, I'm not waiting anymore! Thank you so much for joining me and supporting me by reading. I will start posting next week with content I have planned that fits into the categories I shared above. If you ever love a post or think of someone else who might enjoy reading, I'd love for you to share. 

See you back here for the final day of the challenge tomorrow, Day 31!

Life Lessons at 39

Today's prompt is Life Lessons. It also happens to be my 39th birthday today! Amazing that I am starting the last year of my 30's, it's shocking when I think about it. How did we get here, life moves so fast. 

There are so many life lesson's I've learned along the way. In these past few weeks I've been trying to focus on what's important, and make sure I am prioritizing those things above the rest. For today I decided to compile a list of Life's Lessons I've learned, and want to focus on moving into this last year of my 30's. 

- Listen to your intuition, always

- Accept yourself for where you are now

- Spend at least a few minutes outside everyday 

- Take time doing something for yourself that you love

- Speak kindly to yourself/positive affirmations daily 

- Practice gratitude 

- Time is not guaranteed, prioritize family and friends

- Kindness will take you anywhere you need to go

- Travel, seeing the world and different cultures will give new meaning to your life 

- Learn something new

- Stay present 

- Health is everything

- We always have a choice - being kind, how we react, where to go, what to think, who we spend our time with

- Everything is possible (when we put plans into action)

- People will judge you no matter what, so always be your authentic self

- There is beauty in little moments and we need to cherish them

- We get one life, it's up to us to live it

- When in doubt, just take the next small step  

 

A lot of these lessons are a work in progress for me, but I think it's helpful to keep them top of mind. Heading into my 39th year, I especially want to focus on being present and prioritizing my family and cherished friendships. I want to be present for my boys and enjoy these magical moments of their young years. It is already passing so quickly.  

See you back here tomorrow for Day 30! 

A Morning In Tuscany

Our view from the AirBnB in Tuscany in 2016

Views from our time in Tuscany in 2016

Today's blog post prompt was A Morning In Tuscany, one of my most favorite places in the world! I can't believe it's already been 8 years since I've been to Italy, too long if you ask me. 

We're staying in the cutest little hotel in Tuscany this week. It's so charming, old and elegant. It was once a convent that has been redone into a beautiful boutique hotel. No detail remains untouched, but it still feels authentic and adds to the charm. 

Our room has an amazing view of the vineyards in the distance from the balcony off the bedroom, and out the sitting room window there is a view of the pool. We have a fun day planned and I can't wait to explore the neighboring towns. I'm especially looking forward to our cooking class this afternoon! It's always been a favorite activity on my previous trips to Italy. 

We woke up this morning and enjoyed the lovely coffee and pastry tray the hotel delivers each morning. We sat out on the balcony and enjoyed the view and our slow morning, reminiscing on the best parts of the previous day. After we finished our coffee and first bite of breakfast, we got ready for the day. There is a breakfast included each morning at our hotel, so we walked down to the courtyard to enjoy our full breakfast. I must have been Italian in another life, I love a European style breakfast. Fresh baked bread, cheese and prosciutto, yes please! The best detail is the fresh honeycomb, I'm sure we're supposed to only take the fresh honey that has dripped out, but I sneak a chunk of the honeycomb each morning. The courtyard is so dreamy, the perfect place to start our day and enjoy breakfast before the shuttle arrives to pick us up.

The shuttle delivers us from the hotel to our cooking class at Nonna's house up in the hills. It was this tiny, adorable house that was exactly as you imagine someone living off the land in Tuscany would look. The house overlooked the rolling hills, orchard trees, and chickens running around in the driveway. The class was in a stone wine cellar type room we had to walk down steps to get into. We made homemade ravioli and tiramisu for dessert. It was so fun! Everyone in the class was also so kind and friendly. When we were finished, we went up to her home for lunch consisting of the pasta we had made. She had a long table set up in the kitchen that would fit us all. It was so small, with low ceilings but it felt cozy rather than cramped. Lunch was so delicious, in addition to the ravioli she shared many other dishes of her own recipes paired with local wine. It was a delicious lunch I'll never forget! 

One the way home, the hotel shuttle dropped us off at the small neighboring village. We walked around a bit and poked our heads into the shops trying to find a few goodies to bring home for the boys. After we walked off our huge lunch, we decided it was time for an aperitivo. We found a quaint little restaurant that had a few bites out to accompany our drinks. It seemed like the time to order an aperol spritz. We sat and enjoyed a few bites with our drinks as we people watched and relaxed before heading back to the hotel. We didn't want to eat too much, because we were excited for our dinner that evening.

We managed to get a reservation at a restaurant nearby that is known for "mama's cooking." There is no menu, and they have two dinner seatings each night. We were at the later time, so our small afternoon snack we perfect to tide us over. 

The restaurant has a shuttle that picks up patrons at the neighboring hotels. We got on ours to arrive for our 8:00pm dinner. Once we arrived we had the most beautiful view of San Gimignano in the distance. It was a very low fuss, casual, and inviting space. We were brought to our table and the waiter asked if we'd like wine, then returned with a bottle of both the red and white house wine and placed them on the table. Since there was no menu, they started right away with a short story about the history of the restaurant. "You eat what Mama cooks" he told us. The food kept coming, and it was all incredibly delicious. By the time the dessert came, I was so full I could hardly manage, but of course we did have a little. It was one of the best meals we've ever had, and the experience was top notch. The energy and food was unmatched. 

Once we were back in our hotel, so full and exhausted from an amazing day, it was time for bed. Thankfully we had a relaxing day planned tomorrow, before we're off to our next destination in Northern Italy. 

These images are from a cooking class I took in 2010 that I described in this post. It was a magical day with my friend Emilee who I spent 4 weeks in Italy with that August. This explains the poor photo quality.

The breakfast courtyard at our Venetian hotel in 2010

This was fun to write. I took some of my favorite memories from my time in Italy over the years, and layered it into a single, lovely day. Only after I finished writing it did I remember the prompt said morning, but you got a full day instead! I'm excited for the day when I return to Italy! Until then, I'll dream of all my favorite memories from trips past.

Thank you for reading. See you here tomorrow for Day 29! My birthday! 

Doing Things I've Been Avoiding No. 2

Today's prompt was a list. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share more about my plan to do another round of Doing Things I've Been Avoiding. Back in the spring, I did this and shared my progress on Instagram. It was a huge hit! Everyone seemed to love following along and also shared it was inspiring them to tackle those lingering projects around the house. You can watch my previous progress on Instagram starting here, and going for two weeks. 

It was such a rewarding and motivating challenge, so I wanted to do it again! Of course there are still projects I have yet to accomplish, so I have another list of projects to tackle for Round Two. I plan to share again on Instagram and the blog, not only to track my progress but it also holds me accountable. The interesting thing I learned last time was that, the more I did, the more motivated I was to keep going. I think it's similar with blogging. There is a quote that goes something like, "action breeds motivation, not the other way around" which I found to be true!

Here is the list of items that I'm hoping to tackle in my next round of Doing Things I've Been Avoiding! 

1. Hang family gallery wall 
2. Print photos for the frames already up that need replaced 
3. Closet Pt. 1 - clean out my closet and dresser, purge clothes 
4. Closet Pt. 2 - new dresser for Andrew and organize the closet 
5. Primary bathroom, clean out and organize the cabinets 
6. Organize and purge Brothers closet 
7. Organize and purge Graham's closet 
8. Add old photos into albums (I have a ton of old printed photos, so I ordered books for them to be stored in and I just need to sit down and do it)
9. Finish my office! Hang gallery wall, switch plates, touch up ceiling paint, and style shelves
10. Touch up paint on front door around the new lock
11. Style entry table 
12. Finish the rocks in the backyard
13. Plant remaining plants in backyard 
14. Order bark and distribute in backyard 

What do you think, can I do it? Have you ever done a project like this? 

See you back here tomorrow for Day 28! I can't believe the challenge is almost over! 

Today's Mood

Today's prompt for the October Blogging Challenge was, Today's Mood. 

After our big, Pumpkin Carving party last night, my mood today is TIRED! I'm also feeling pretty lazy. Thankfully, with the later bedtimes, the kids actually all slept in. I don't think we got up until 8am. I'm sure that was partially because of the lingering colds as well. 

Graham woke up with a little fever and put himself back to bed for a bit longer. After breakfast and when Graham got back up, we decided we all needed some fresh air. We did a shorter family walk to the Skeleton house to see some spooky decor, then headed back home to play outside before lunch. We didn't get to Charlie's pumpkin last night, and he really wanted to put the candle inside so we got to work on that. Doggy theme of course, he has paw prints and two dog bones on his. We also had to do more work on Jack's Spiderman, we did the eyes last night and then he painted it. But we added the web today. 

After we finished up carving, we came inside for lunch. Jack woke up as grumpy and tired as I was, so he had a meltdown. Even though it was early and they had slept in, he wanted to go to sleep without lunch. They were both in bed and asleep a little before 1pm! I hope all the extra rest gets them back to feeling well! 

During nap, G played a bit and then he's watching a Halloween movie now so I can work on my blog post and rest a little myself. It seems like all of us are feeling the same way today, tired and a bit grumpy. We have another festive day tomorrow with our Neighborhood Halloween Parade, so we're taking it easy today so we are ready for it! 

I hope you're all having a nice day, and feeling a little more rested and cheerful that we are over here! Big festive evenings sure are fun, but they do take it out of us, don't they? Here's a few photos from our fun night (and our carving session today too).

See you back here tomorrow for Day 27! We're almost to the end of this little challenge, October has totally flown by. Thank you so much to those of you who have followed along. 

A Pumpkin Carving Letter

Today's prompt is to write a letter! I had high hopes for doing something fun with this one, but with the week I've had and the party today I feel a bit drained. So, I decided to write a letter to the boys about our annual Pumpkin Carving Party! (Which is today). I figure it may be fun to read years from now, maybe I'll keep it in their boxes or put it in a scrapbook. 

October 25, 2024

Dear Graham, Jack & Charlie, 

Today is the day, pumpkin carving day! It's always one of our most favorite traditions during Halloween Time. This is the first year that I think Jack & Charlie are excited to carve a pumpkin, you have been asking if "today is pumpkin carving day" every day this week. Graham has been worried if the party would happen, since Jack and Charlie have little colds, but we're forging ahead. I'm so glad we started this tradition years ago, it's so fun and low key. We invite our friends over for a big dinner and carving celebration. 

Do you remember this tradition? I hope we kept it up for years to come! We started it back in 2020, and we've continued it every year since. In the past, the Dad's have taken charge with the pumpkin carving portion of the activities. Coco gets very into the creative side and has made so many masterpieces. I think my favorite was Olaf from Frozen! Last year he made a train with several pumpkins required to assemble it.

This year, we've invited our usual group of family friends, as well as a few friends from school. Isaac and his family, as well as Dean's family. It will be a big group! Dad is using the smoker to make pulled pork for tacos, Mom made her usual festive Rice Krispie Treats for dessert. We'll have a coloring table, stickers craft and of course pumpkin carving. Thankfully our backyard is fun for the kids with the play structure and trampoline. Who knows, maybe we'll even end the night with a spooky movie! It's going to be so fun!

Last night we looked at what types of things we would carve. Of course it's no surprise. Graham wants to do a cat. You had the most clever idea to use toothpicks as whiskers! How did you ever think of that? Then Jack wants to do Spiderman, of course! The past few weeks you have worn your Spidey suit every day! And then our little Charlie, doggy obsessed boy! He wants to do a doggy bone! 

A lot of work went in behind the scenes of these parties, and I hope that it was magical for you three. Graham you were so sweet yesterday, commenting on how nice the house looks "getting ready for the party." We love to make holidays and events special. I hope you grow up with so many warm memories of nights like tonight with your friends, family and lots of laughter and fun! I promise I'll always try to do these special things for our family, no matter how old you get!

Love, 

Mom

Here are some photos from pumpkin carving parties of the past four years!

I hope you enjoyed today's post, maybe it gives you a picture of our annual Pumpkin Carving Party! 

See you tomorrow for Day 26!

A Day In The Life

Today's prompt was to share a day in the life. I always love following these types of posts from other bloggers, so I was excited for the opportunity to do one myself. But then when the time came, I was a little nervous. This week has been a bit chaotic, planning our big Halloween weekend with our annual pumpkin carving party tomorrow, and our neighborhood Halloween Parade and party on Sunday. Then of course, Jack came down with a cold Sunday and was home from school for a few days. it sort of threw the week off the rails and I have been in catch up mode, trying to make sure we're all set for the weekend. I have been trying to remind myself that our friends have all been here before, things don't need to be perfect, and everyone will have fun regardless. But it's not as easy as it sounds! Anyway, here is a little taste of what a day looks like for me as a mom of three, currently laid off from her corporate job!

Little did I know when I planned the prompt on this day, it would be a very hectic day that made for an atypical day in the life post. But here we go!

7:00am Get up (so tired after a fun night at Book Club with some wine)

7:30am Take G to school and enjoyed a quick meditation my friend had text that morning on the way home

8:00am Back home and decided to keep Jack and Charlie home. They’ve been fighting colds and coughed overnight. I wanted them to get a good nap today because we have a school party tomorrow, our annual pumpkin carving tomorrow night and the neighborhood Halloween party Sunday. They need good rest so we can do all the festive things! The boys played well in the morning while I made coffee. They built a fun fort!

9:00am - Getting myself organized for the grocery store and having the boys do kinetic sand

9:30am - Show for the kiddos for a few while I clean the kitchen

10:15am - Make banana bread with the boys!

10:30am - Time to play outside while I get the back yard cleaned up a bit for the party.

11:30am - Back since to get our banana bread out of the oven. Jack had a bit of a meltdown, so we’re leaning into the sick day and letting them watch one episode of spidey before lunch.

12:00pm - Lunch time at the counter. We had lunches packed for school so it was easy. I worked on some blog stuff while they ate.

12:30pm - Time to get outside again for a bike ride! We needed some fresh air and the get our energy out before nap time.

 
12:55pm - Jumping our sillies out before nap, enjoying time outside on this beautiful day!

1:00pm - Stories and getting down for naptime, they were ready and fell asleep quickly.

1:20pm - Nap Time

1:30pm - I finally sat down to eat myself, I was starving and forgot to take a picture but I had leftovers. Another winning Caroline Chambers recipe from the other night, a rice and bean skillet. Here is my post with a few other recipes I've tried in her new book.

1:45pm - Now I have about 2 hours to do everything on my to do list that will actually take about 6 hours, I’ll let you know how that works out, ha!

2:00pm - I moved the plants on the back patio that had been in a corner on drip since we were out of town over summer and I was too lazy to move them. I forgot to take a photo but they look pretty cute now, all freshened up.

3:00pm - I went through the toy bins in the living room because it’s been overflowing, I wanted them organized before our party so there was less mess.

4:00pm - I got the boys up, they’d been talking in their room since 3:30 but I was trying to get things done.

4:15pm - Back outside. Time for a little walk! We walked a loop around the neighborhood and dropped off the shoes we're donating and a bag of candy to the woman who organizes our neighborhood Halloween parade that is on Sunday.

Admiring our decorations when we got home from our walk!

5:00pm - Came home and went in the backyard to clean up for the party. We cleaned the cushions and tables that were dusty. They boys were a big help wiping things down. We also tidying up all the toys.

6:00om - Andrew and Graham got home from Costco and brought pizza for dinner, so glad I didn't have to cook or clean on this crazy day!

6:15pm - I helped G finish homework and Andrew started getting the boys ready for bed.

6:45pm - I switched with Andrew to tuck the boys in, Graham was done with homework so he got himself ready for bed as well. I sang to him and then it was lights out by around 7pm.

7:20pm - I left for store, again! There are always so many last minute things. I needed to make the Rice Krispie Treats tonight, so I had to get the supplies I forgot the other day.

8:20pm - I got home from the store and unloaded everything. Decided to go up and shower and get comfy before coming back down to finish preparing for the party.

9:45pm - I finished making the Rice Krispie Treats, they're always a favorite. I love making them festive for Halloween! Now it's time to do the remaining prep for tomorrow.

10:30pm - I finished laying everything out for tomorrow, then I made the ranch dip to go with the veggie tray.

11:00pm - I am upstairs now and finishing writing this post. I am SO tired and ready for bed. I hardly sat down all day, my feet hurt! I'm excited for the party tomorrow. Mostly everything got done and I know we'll have a great time.

I don't have much time to get ready tomorrow because we have a party at the twins' school tomorrow at 11am. I'm excited to see their crazy hat parade! I'm glad I was able to get mostly ready today. 

Thanks for following along. Maybe I'll do this again on a "normal" day, ha!

See you back here tomorrow for Day 25!