Blogging is over, right? I mean done-zo, dead, totally lame?! I think it was probably always lame, I mean kind of. Maybe it was never cool. But there was a time when everyone was into blogs. At one point it seemed like everyone I knew had a blog and wrote about their kids and their cute family adventures, their amazing dinners and their fabulous craft projects & homes. I think in some sense maybe it was a forum to be seen, another form of social media. The most important thing for me is that I have always tried to be real and true in this space. I haven't written here in over a year, until last weekend. Being home all day, alone with 3 kids and trying to balance it all has put a lot of things in perspective for me.
When the pandemic started, I wasn't on board with staying at home. I wasn't convinced this thing could be as bad as the media was saying. I staunchly resisted the idea of stay at home orders. I chose to be a work-out-of-the-home mom for a reason; I had tried to be a stay-at-home mom at one point and I was not good at it. I think that is really where the resistance came from. I couldn't imagine having to be an at-home mom, who managed school, all the things that make-up a home and figure out bringing my outside job in.
Writing here in some aspects saved me. It kept me company during lonely years and was a way for me to journal the young years of my kids. But more importantly it kept me writing, like one long course in personal essay writing. As the kids got bigger and our lives got busier I did not prioritize writing. I found every excuse to not keep it up.
I have missed writing. I'm not worried about how many people see this and I am past the desire to maybe have the "right" person see my cute family adventures or the projects and recipes I threw on here. I miss the genuine journaling aspect. I love to write.
You know what else I really love...lists!
My real gift to this world is bossiness. I am known for telling you exactly what you should do, how to do it and I will give all the ways I think you should say something. I like being in charge. My obsessions come fast and deep and I have a weird need to know everything about a subject I have fixated on.
Writing has been great for me.
It has not always been so great. I have had my share of red pens rewriting everything I wrote down on a piece of paper. I grew up with a mom who was not only and English major, and an attorney, but she had a genuine gift of writing. She rewrote almost every high school paper I ever wrote...and college. She shaped my writing, taught me how to have a voice and effectively argue a point. I learned fast that bold is for stupid people and "that" is an unnecessary word.
Every time I think about stepping away from writing something big happens in my world. In this instance something big is happening to the whole world. I have come back to the piece about journaling. I think putting pen to paper and writing what we are going through in The Nook, my feelings, my fears and our experience through this whole thing will be priceless for our family history.
I might run out of things to say, but for now I have things that will need be remembered years down the road. Now is now, all we have is today. And today we are in a unique situation that down the road I want to be able to look back on and remember. Moments are fleeting, all we have is our memories...and if you know anything about us...those are even fleeting.
xo - jess
Monday, April 27, 2020
Sunday, April 19, 2020
Just Do It
We are heading into our 4th week of at-home school and our work-from-home order. Lately I've been in a rut. By "lately" I mean since I started having kids, but especially sine the stay-at-home orders went into effect. I have fallen into a bad habit of planning and not doing. For the last four weeks I have made countless to do lists for the following:
Organizing: I look through countless organization ideas on blogs and on Pinterest, I have task lists 10-miles long for each room in this house, and I have spent thousands of dollars on organization bins, labels, etc. I just can't make myself actually organize this house.
Cooking: Anyone who knows me knows I love to cook. I enjoy it and I feel like I'm decently good at it. However, since we have all been home I spend countless hours creating a big mess in my kitchen on what seems like 100+ meals a day. Cooking has become a chore and hasn't been fun lately. I feel bad that I haven't been making super healthy dinners for my family so I made a menu for this week and plan to stick to it.
Reading: I LOVE to read. I LOVE to read actual books, a book with pages that I get to turn, a book with a real book mark (mine is a St. Francis of Asisi prayer card from my Nonna's funeral). I have a bucket list of books I'd like to read before I die...or even by the end of the year. I feel like staying at home would be the perfect excuse to just sit and read...but I just can't bring myself to pick up Gone With the Wind and just read.
Blogging: I love reading blogs (I know they are kind of out of style) but I love reading the blogs that I have read for years, ones that inspire me to want to be a Pinterest Mom and have a beautiful, organized house. I know, I know, every year I say I'm going to be consistent and write here and use this forum to journal our lives. Well, I decided I need to make it less about the kids and more about my thoughts and my forum to journal my journey. So, I'm revamping this space, hoping it will inspire me to stop just planning all of the things I want to do and take a little advice from Nike and JUST DO IT!
xo - jess
Organizing: I look through countless organization ideas on blogs and on Pinterest, I have task lists 10-miles long for each room in this house, and I have spent thousands of dollars on organization bins, labels, etc. I just can't make myself actually organize this house.
Cooking: Anyone who knows me knows I love to cook. I enjoy it and I feel like I'm decently good at it. However, since we have all been home I spend countless hours creating a big mess in my kitchen on what seems like 100+ meals a day. Cooking has become a chore and hasn't been fun lately. I feel bad that I haven't been making super healthy dinners for my family so I made a menu for this week and plan to stick to it.
Reading: I LOVE to read. I LOVE to read actual books, a book with pages that I get to turn, a book with a real book mark (mine is a St. Francis of Asisi prayer card from my Nonna's funeral). I have a bucket list of books I'd like to read before I die...or even by the end of the year. I feel like staying at home would be the perfect excuse to just sit and read...but I just can't bring myself to pick up Gone With the Wind and just read.
Blogging: I love reading blogs (I know they are kind of out of style) but I love reading the blogs that I have read for years, ones that inspire me to want to be a Pinterest Mom and have a beautiful, organized house. I know, I know, every year I say I'm going to be consistent and write here and use this forum to journal our lives. Well, I decided I need to make it less about the kids and more about my thoughts and my forum to journal my journey. So, I'm revamping this space, hoping it will inspire me to stop just planning all of the things I want to do and take a little advice from Nike and JUST DO IT!
xo - jess
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
First Place Second Day
Daxton had his kindergarten assessment today which I was able to have the afternoon off to take him and meet his potential teacher *fingers crossed* I could hardly wait for the big kids to get out of school today and meet them outside the kindergarten playground. Being typical boys the recap of their second day of school was 2.5 seconds long.
After a big hug and asking if they had homework Dax and I presented them with their very sweet and elaborate after school snack of cupcakes and green apples.
Both boys reported they had a perfect day and that they already LOVE their teachers and classes. Both had PE today which seemed like a good break in the day to work off some first week of school energy.
We had back to school night for 5th grade and I think we all agreed that Ethan definitely wants to go back tomorrow. Carter really seems to love Mrs. H and 2nd grade so far!! As for Dax it was reported that he did very well on his assessment though I heard him several times tell her he didn't know what sound a specific letter made which I knew was just not accurate...but I think that kid already understands there needs to be room for improvement!
It definitely was a first place second day of school!!
xoxo - j
After a big hug and asking if they had homework Dax and I presented them with their very sweet and elaborate after school snack of cupcakes and green apples.
Both boys reported they had a perfect day and that they already LOVE their teachers and classes. Both had PE today which seemed like a good break in the day to work off some first week of school energy.
We had back to school night for 5th grade and I think we all agreed that Ethan definitely wants to go back tomorrow. Carter really seems to love Mrs. H and 2nd grade so far!! As for Dax it was reported that he did very well on his assessment though I heard him several times tell her he didn't know what sound a specific letter made which I knew was just not accurate...but I think that kid already understands there needs to be room for improvement!
It definitely was a first place second day of school!!
xoxo - j
First Day of School 2019
Well they are all settled in to their new classes and I feel like a little piece of my heart is being left at the school up the street. *ugly cry face*
Carter and Ethan both jumped right out of bed, hopped into the shower and got themselves all ready for the day. They were extra snuggley and huggy - I do wonder how many more days like this I'll have...where they won't be too proud or grown up to seek us out when they are scared or lonely or just need a little extra love.
We had out traditional pancake breakfast and had the pleasure of Dad being off of work this week to join us for this momentous occasion. They were all laughs and smiles as we gave them first day pep talks - remember the rules, don't talk out of turn, be respectful - most importantly I think we told them they are smart and will do a great job a million times.
Before we knew it, it was time to head off to school. After much begging and pleading Ethan let us walk him to class "just for today" because you know it was our last first day of elementary school with him. I mean I feel like it's my right as his mother to get one last first day of school hug and kiss and walk to the classroom door. Both of them knew exactly where they were going and what to do with their backpacks and lunchboxes...I was blinking back tears the whole time trying to not make a scene.
They had a great first day and I'm positive that they are both more than ready for 5th and 2nd grade. Just one more week and Daxton will start kindergarten!
xoxo - j
Carter and Ethan both jumped right out of bed, hopped into the shower and got themselves all ready for the day. They were extra snuggley and huggy - I do wonder how many more days like this I'll have...where they won't be too proud or grown up to seek us out when they are scared or lonely or just need a little extra love.
We had out traditional pancake breakfast and had the pleasure of Dad being off of work this week to join us for this momentous occasion. They were all laughs and smiles as we gave them first day pep talks - remember the rules, don't talk out of turn, be respectful - most importantly I think we told them they are smart and will do a great job a million times.
Before we knew it, it was time to head off to school. After much begging and pleading Ethan let us walk him to class "just for today" because you know it was our last first day of elementary school with him. I mean I feel like it's my right as his mother to get one last first day of school hug and kiss and walk to the classroom door. Both of them knew exactly where they were going and what to do with their backpacks and lunchboxes...I was blinking back tears the whole time trying to not make a scene.
They had a great first day and I'm positive that they are both more than ready for 5th and 2nd grade. Just one more week and Daxton will start kindergarten!
xoxo - j
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Christmas Traditions
One of my favorite childhood decorations is one I made in 3rd grade, a paper garland of Christmas lights. I think I fell in love with holiday countdowns that year, after careful consideration on whether or not to recreate the paper strand of lights for the Nook I decided a traditional looped paper garland was in store for the boys. Olaf is an amazing mind reader and brought all the supplies from the North Pole for us.
We had so much fun looking at all the cute Christmas themed strips of paper Olaf brought us. Carter and Ethan did such an amazing job creating their garlands, I helped Dax with his. And in the end the trees look amazing with the 23 loops signifying how many days until the big man arrives!
We hope everyone had a fabulous day!!
xoxo - j
We had so much fun looking at all the cute Christmas themed strips of paper Olaf brought us. Carter and Ethan did such an amazing job creating their garlands, I helped Dax with his. And in the end the trees look amazing with the 23 loops signifying how many days until the big man arrives!
We hope everyone had a fabulous day!!
xoxo - j
He's Baaacccckkkk!!!
Our friendly family scout elf, Olaf, is back for the 2018 holiday season! Hooray!! He flew in last night and worked his little elfin fingers to the bone preparing our 6th annual Snowflake Breakfast!
The pipsqueaks could not believe their eyes when they came down the hall expecting a quick breakfast before our first event of the day. We turned on the light and low and behold Olaf was perched atop three tiers of breakfast confections on a Christmas themed table.
A gentle reminder not to touch was largely targeted at the youngest pipsqueak! Alternating looks of confusion and pure excitement lit up those sweet faces.
While we ate, I did the honor of reading Olaf's book for the first time of the season. There was lots of banter about what Olaf has up his sleeve this holiday season as well as whether or not Olaf hibernates during the summer. A rare and memorable breakfast all together for sure!!
We had a full day of Santaland at the kid's school first thing and then Olaf brought us tickets to ride the Candycane Express in Virginia City (more to come on that later). It was a day full of holiday cheer.
The decorations are mostly up and Olaf has arrived...Christmas has now OFFICIALLY commenced in the Nook!!
xoxo - j
The pipsqueaks could not believe their eyes when they came down the hall expecting a quick breakfast before our first event of the day. We turned on the light and low and behold Olaf was perched atop three tiers of breakfast confections on a Christmas themed table.
A gentle reminder not to touch was largely targeted at the youngest pipsqueak! Alternating looks of confusion and pure excitement lit up those sweet faces.
While we ate, I did the honor of reading Olaf's book for the first time of the season. There was lots of banter about what Olaf has up his sleeve this holiday season as well as whether or not Olaf hibernates during the summer. A rare and memorable breakfast all together for sure!!
We had a full day of Santaland at the kid's school first thing and then Olaf brought us tickets to ride the Candycane Express in Virginia City (more to come on that later). It was a day full of holiday cheer.
The decorations are mostly up and Olaf has arrived...Christmas has now OFFICIALLY commenced in the Nook!!
xoxo - j
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Hodge Podge Wednesday
We may have kicked off Christmas, but there are still two days left of November, two whole days before our actual Christmas shenanigans kick off in these parts. Ethan, Carter, Dax and I gathered 'round the little red table to enjoy the remnants of the Thanksgiving leftovers and enjoy the first ever screening of A Christmas Story.
I love days like these - coming home after a long day at work/school and just being able to relax and enjoy each other's company. This all started when we noticed one of the houses by the school has a Ralphie in a bunny suit in the window and the kids had no point of reference to what that was, they just though it was creepy and weird...I thought it was hilarious and maybe a little creepy. Overall I think the pipsqueaks really enjoyed it and thus it will be added to our extensive must-watch Christmas movie list.
After the boys were all snuggled in their beds, Trevor and I had our annual date-night Christmas Vacation screening. Hands down my favorite Christmas movie of all time.
It's been a memorable week of family fun so far!!
xoxo - j
I love days like these - coming home after a long day at work/school and just being able to relax and enjoy each other's company. This all started when we noticed one of the houses by the school has a Ralphie in a bunny suit in the window and the kids had no point of reference to what that was, they just though it was creepy and weird...I thought it was hilarious and maybe a little creepy. Overall I think the pipsqueaks really enjoyed it and thus it will be added to our extensive must-watch Christmas movie list.
After the boys were all snuggled in their beds, Trevor and I had our annual date-night Christmas Vacation screening. Hands down my favorite Christmas movie of all time.
It's been a memorable week of family fun so far!!
xoxo - j
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Ten-Seven-Four
Today I held tight to my bright, precocious, somewhat silly and extremely strong-willed children. As the years pass I try to ingrain in my memory the sheer essence of them. Their long eyelashes, their quirky little dimples, their wiry frames, baby teeth, their unbounded energy, innocent compassion and theatrical antics. They are certainly something else, and I love them with all my heart!
Mini pancakes and waffles seemed fitting for this overcast Tuesday morning. We all talked about what the day held in store for us and I let a little cat out of the bag that I had surprise waiting again tonight after school!
The big boys played their requisite pre-school video game and chatted about what could possibly be in store for tonight, I mean we had already seen Santa and our scout elf hasn't arrived yet, so what could it even be?!
These are the faces of three very intrigued children waiting on baited breath and looking forward to an amazing day at school.
After a fab day of school we wrapped up our day at Chuck E. Cheese, the hopping Tuesday night party locale of choice!
And last but not least, we wrapped up our day with a couple of very tuckered out boys...one would monkey around all night if I let him. There is no better end to a Tuesday than the sweet faces of a sleeping 10 year old.
This is Ten - Seven - and - Four! I love you boys to infinity and beyond!!
xoxo - j
Mini pancakes and waffles seemed fitting for this overcast Tuesday morning. We all talked about what the day held in store for us and I let a little cat out of the bag that I had surprise waiting again tonight after school!
The big boys played their requisite pre-school video game and chatted about what could possibly be in store for tonight, I mean we had already seen Santa and our scout elf hasn't arrived yet, so what could it even be?!
These are the faces of three very intrigued children waiting on baited breath and looking forward to an amazing day at school.
After a fab day of school we wrapped up our day at Chuck E. Cheese, the hopping Tuesday night party locale of choice!
And last but not least, we wrapped up our day with a couple of very tuckered out boys...one would monkey around all night if I let him. There is no better end to a Tuesday than the sweet faces of a sleeping 10 year old.
This is Ten - Seven - and - Four! I love you boys to infinity and beyond!!
xoxo - j
Monday, November 26, 2018
Commencing The Nook Christmas 2018
Cue the sounds of the season and haul out the red and green, it's officially time for The Nook Christmas 2018 to begin.
Our first stop, Santa's Workshop at Meadowood. We checked our lists twice before paying a visit to the jolly old elf himself for a few memorable minutes of pure animated holiday chatter and the requisite photo taking.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas lean your ear this way...don't you tell a single sole what I'm about to say...
Ethan wants a Red Sox Wold Series hat; Carter wants Michael Jackson everything and Daxton wants a Power Wheels police car...
After whispering our most desired wishes to the big man, we had to snap a photo behind the gigantic tree before heading home for an evening of giggles and the start of all the Christmas magic this season has to offer.
It is THE most wonderful time of the year!!
xoxo - j
Our first stop, Santa's Workshop at Meadowood. We checked our lists twice before paying a visit to the jolly old elf himself for a few memorable minutes of pure animated holiday chatter and the requisite photo taking.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas lean your ear this way...don't you tell a single sole what I'm about to say...
Ethan wants a Red Sox Wold Series hat; Carter wants Michael Jackson everything and Daxton wants a Power Wheels police car...
After whispering our most desired wishes to the big man, we had to snap a photo behind the gigantic tree before heading home for an evening of giggles and the start of all the Christmas magic this season has to offer.
It is THE most wonderful time of the year!!
xoxo - j
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Thankful
Thanksgiving is three days past and our weekend was bursting with blessings. Of all the countdowns we do around these parts, writing out our thankful leaves each day leading up to Thanksgiving is by far one of my favorites. We've put away our Thankful Tree, but today I am so thankful for our family and the bonds we have with each other. I am so thankful we got to be a part of a very special girl's baptism day, it was such a special moment and one I will cherish forever.
After spending our morning at SCF and being part of such a special moment for their cousin the boys were chalk full of questions about being baptized and we talked at great length about whether or not they would want to be baptized. I think these are questions I will pass along to my very good friend and their Sunday School/Kids Club teacher!! Congratulations Isabella, we are so proud of you and love you so so much!!
Thankful today & every day!!
xoxo - j
After spending our morning at SCF and being part of such a special moment for their cousin the boys were chalk full of questions about being baptized and we talked at great length about whether or not they would want to be baptized. I think these are questions I will pass along to my very good friend and their Sunday School/Kids Club teacher!! Congratulations Isabella, we are so proud of you and love you so so much!!
Thankful today & every day!!
xoxo - j
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Thanksgiving Break Fun
The kids have been out of school since Wednesday, and though I had to work the full day before Thanksgiving I have spent the majority of our holiday weekend making sure it was NON-STOP fun around these parts!
We saw Ralph Wrecks the Internet and ate the appropriate amount of popcorn and candy!!
We Youtubed and Fortnite-d...even the littlest little got involved!
And last but not least we hosted Team Brunch before the State Semi-Final game. Manogue vs. Arbor View was certainly a nail-biter, but after a hard fought game Manogue came away victorious!! Las Vegas here we come!!
Before the weekend is over we still have a baptism and a live nativity to attend. Not to mention packing up fall decor and pulling down Christmas!!!! I LOVE HOLIDAYS!!
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to you and yours!!
xoxo - j
We saw Ralph Wrecks the Internet and ate the appropriate amount of popcorn and candy!!
We Youtubed and Fortnite-d...even the littlest little got involved!
And last but not least we hosted Team Brunch before the State Semi-Final game. Manogue vs. Arbor View was certainly a nail-biter, but after a hard fought game Manogue came away victorious!! Las Vegas here we come!!
Before the weekend is over we still have a baptism and a live nativity to attend. Not to mention packing up fall decor and pulling down Christmas!!!! I LOVE HOLIDAYS!!
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to you and yours!!
xoxo - j
Monday, August 6, 2018
First Day of School 2018
The much anticipated first day of school went off without a hitch! As soon as the alarm buzzed I was down the hall, gently waking the boys for their first day of the new school year. Not two seconds later I had three boys bounding down the hall excitedly chattering about what their first days in the Lions Pre-K, Mrs. B & Mr. C's 1st Grade and Mrs. M's 4th Grade had in store for them this school year. Good heavens!!! (I was picturing notes home that my kids just couldn't stop talking and who could these irresponsible parents be?!)
All dressed with faces washed, teeth brushed, hair combed and chores done in record time it was finally time for breakfast. It's tradition in The Nook to have pancakes and chocolate milk for the first day of school each year. Our little students were all smiles!
Afterwards we headed out to start our morning rounds of dropping off the littlest pipsqueak first and working our way back to the elementary school. We got to Lion & Lamb and Dax, to my tearful wave and "I love you" bounded off with one of his little friends and didn't even look back. My heart actually hurt at this point!
So what does any crazy first day of school mom do?! Why, I relied on the other two to be a little sad I was dropping them off at their first day of course! No such luck, and in reality I'm glad my kids love to go to school and were excited for today. I was able to help Carter and Ethan both find their seats in the classrooms, unpack their back packs and plant one more kiss on their sweet little faces. I'm SO glad I did that!! Behold the faces of pure bliss...
Though we are 5 years in to this whole school thing the first day of school is always a day of new beginnings for us. The smartest, funniest kids I know get to embrace a new experience. I am SO unabashedly proud of my boys for bravely and happily heading off to another great year of school. And we are all eager to do it again tomorrow!!
Sweet dreams are in order in The Nook tonight!
xoxo - j
All dressed with faces washed, teeth brushed, hair combed and chores done in record time it was finally time for breakfast. It's tradition in The Nook to have pancakes and chocolate milk for the first day of school each year. Our little students were all smiles!
Afterwards we headed out to start our morning rounds of dropping off the littlest pipsqueak first and working our way back to the elementary school. We got to Lion & Lamb and Dax, to my tearful wave and "I love you" bounded off with one of his little friends and didn't even look back. My heart actually hurt at this point!
So what does any crazy first day of school mom do?! Why, I relied on the other two to be a little sad I was dropping them off at their first day of course! No such luck, and in reality I'm glad my kids love to go to school and were excited for today. I was able to help Carter and Ethan both find their seats in the classrooms, unpack their back packs and plant one more kiss on their sweet little faces. I'm SO glad I did that!! Behold the faces of pure bliss...
Though we are 5 years in to this whole school thing the first day of school is always a day of new beginnings for us. The smartest, funniest kids I know get to embrace a new experience. I am SO unabashedly proud of my boys for bravely and happily heading off to another great year of school. And we are all eager to do it again tomorrow!!
Sweet dreams are in order in The Nook tonight!
xoxo - j
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Silly Bio
- The Bradshaw Nook
- I am a full time mom and wife, who also happens to have a full time job outside of the home. I love coming up with creative family time and date night ideas, i love baking, shopping, crafting and transforming our house into our own special nook. I have 3 amazing boys and a wonderful husband who completely balances me out and puts up with all my crazy ideas!