Happy Thursday yall! I’m currently sipping on my Earl Grey and attempting to organize all the post it note reminders I have scribbled things down on and stuck on various surfaces. Consider this post one giant post-it. On my instagram account I have a brief bio which includes the topics I write about: food, family, homeschool, lifestyle, and travel. Basically the major topics of my life right now, not necessarily in their order of importance.
FOOD
I’ve been reminded this week of how powerful food is in regards to how I feel. I’ve been eating kale salads with quinoa, rice cakes topped with avocado and tomato, breakfasts of roasted potatoes and eggs and I just feel good. Dinners have been pretty simple (mom’s spaghetti sauce over cauliflower rice, grilled chicken salads, etc). Even David commented that a big salad for dinner was nice the other night (say whaaa??).
As for the girls, Hailey is still a fantastic eater. Her favorite breakfast is the same as mine- toast, sriracha, avocado, fried egg. Kaitlyn is doing pretty well, though she’d certainly survive off of yogurt and cut fruit alone if I’d let her. She also just isn’t as interested in food as general (how is she my child?) so getting her to focus on a meal is challenge enough.
My CSA starts next week and I think I’m going to do a free 3 month trial at BJ’s too. I’m hoping to combine bulk shopping and CSA for the majority of my stuff and fill in the gaps at the grocery store. Working on a monthly budget completely has reshaped my grocery shopping strategy.
FAMILY
Yesterday was my dad’s birthday! I’m so glad we got to be together last week to celebrate. It’s tough to not be there on actual birthdays, but I have to remind myself I’m not 8 anymore and that’s life.
Speaking of birthdays, Kaitlyn’s is coming up. She will be three and though she is advanced for her age (already acting like a threenager at times!), I’m still in denial and keep telling people she is two (which though true, feels a bit deceptive). She and I are currently in deep talks about birthday cakes, which is bouncing between Ariel (what Hailey had), Frozen (still??), and Maui. Have I mentioned Kaitlyn loves Maui way more than Moana? You should hear her sing “the hair, the bod!” Girl cracks me up daily.
David and I also just celebrated our 8 year anniversary (May 2). We celebrated with flowers, cards, and a viewing of our wedding video. We haven’t watched it since we got it probably and WOW, it’s incredible. Probably the best thing we spent money on!
I’m not too proud to admit I cried. Dustin at Indy Productions knocked it out of the park.
PS- we are both trying not to laugh in that picture above. When put on the spot in front of a camera we are both quite awkward! Great memories though…
HOMESCHOOL
The summer is going to fly by, I just know it, so I need to kick this up into high gear. On the physical preparation front, we are having guys come out today to measure our playroom for new carpet. A big goal of mine this summer is to clear out all the baby stuff and turn it into a bigger kid play space/homeschool room. We’ll get new carpet, cover the walls with maps, animals, and space related decor, get a big table and chairs, and have a place to organize all our supplies/crafts. I know I’m biting off more than I can chew, but fingers crossed.
I bought Math-U-See Primer to start with for math. Flipping through, I think she has a handle on most of the concepts already, but I want to start with success. If we fly through it, then I’ll get Alpha and move on from there.
I think we’ll have an official start date in mid to late August to establish some structure. I’ve started to connect with several other local moms that are embarking on homeschool for the first time, as well as some seasoned veterans (finding my “tribe” if you will). I’m looking forward to this new adventure!
TRAVEL
We had such a great time at Dollywood! As for what’s next, we’ll spend some time in early summer at David’s parents’ house in South Carolina which we are really looking forward to. June brings a bachelorette party in Fort Lauderdale where I’ll be with some of my best college girl friends- can’t wait!
In July I’ll be a bridesmaid in a wedding in Saratoga Springs, NY, (never been to the area so I’m pumped!) then we will head down to Georgia in early August to celebrate my Grandma Betty’s 97th birthday. We’re hoping to squeeze in a family weekend at the beach too, but we’ll see.
LIFESTYLE
Honestly, I use this as a catch all for anything else I want to post about. So let’s talk about May. It’s CRAZY. Birthdays, Mother’s Day Teas at school, Kaitlyn’s birthday party, swim team assessments, recital prep, etc. Everything in our yard is blooming and we are months behind on yard maintenance. David and I have an ongoing joke when we see something else that needs fixing. We just laugh and say add it to the list… We have no clue how long that list actually is at the moment.
But we are happy. Very happy. My days with the girls are wide open, as naps are no longer a thing at our house. That means we can spend three hours at the playground with friends (like we did yesterday) enjoying the incredible weather, all stop off for a bathroom break (no diapers), and grab lunch (no special foods/preparation). After spending 5 years bound by schedules and such, it’s incredibly freeing and exhilarating.
Sometimes I can’t believe that I’m here. This place in life I mean. Married, with two kids. An adult. Like, a legit adult. I think just the past few months I’ve grown a lot in that understanding. I’m getting more comfortable taking charge of situations, making decisions without worrying as much what others will think. I’m understanding that I should never say never because things I’m doing now are things I never would have ever pictured doing (homeschooling?!), so I as far as where life takes me, I’m open to watching it unfold and doing my best to steer it in the direction we are aiming for.
from my instagram stories
Ok, I’ve talked quite enough. I’d love to hear what is going on with you!
Is May an insane month for you too?
What are the highlights of life right now for you in food, family, travel, etc?
What age (if any yet) did you feel like, holy smokes, I’m a legit adult?
JOHN J STATHAS says
Great post. You are so authentic, a wonderful attribute contributing to the trust you evoke in readers. And, thanks for making me feel so loved with your birthday presence.
montessoriishmom says
Love this! I am seriously excited to read about your homeschooling adventures. I never thought about homeschooling, but there’s a possibility we may move to a pretty rural area in the next few years and I’m not so sure about the school situation there, so homeschooling has entered my radar…but I know nothing about it! My son is only 7 months old though, so at least I have some time 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Aw, 7 months!! Such a sweet age. Yes, you do have some time 🙂 I don’t think homeschooling had ever even crossed my mine at that point! Enjoy your sweet baby! <3
Melissa says
May and June are crazy! Part of me is excited about it after hibernating through the New England winter. My oldest (5.5) is playing T ball and swimming, my youngest (15 months) is tagging along past naps or bedtime). We both work outside the house and I’m trying to figure out how dinner works into our new schedule. And next month we are moving! I anticipate we will love these crazy months but just as we feel exhausted by it all, summer will arrive and we will start a new schedule/routine.
Kerry says
Hi Brittany, I love these kinds of posts! I just had my first baby in February and I am excited for all the stages of life to come. I would say I really started to feel like an adult when we had our son, but reading this post makes me think those “newly an adult” feelings will circle around again later. Our May – October will be busy as usual (weddings, bridal showers, baby showers) and I’m so excited to soak it all in with my little family, although we plan to say ‘no’ more than usual to things so that we don’t get into too much chaos. I find your blog super helpful and fun to read as I navigate this phase of life, so thank you for the help and inspiration!
Brittany Dixon says
Congratulations on your first baby!! What a special time <3 And thank you for your kind words and for reading. These comments make my day 🙂
Christina Orso says
i spy a charleston pic!! i always miss it this time of year. hailey’s anchor top is too cute!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes! Charleston. One of the loves of my life. Looks like you are having a blast in Boston though 🙂
Heather says
I was hoping May wouldn’t be insane since we spent most of April gone, but we’ve got dentist appointments, 5 year checkups, Kindergarten Round-Up and it seems like a million things going on. Oh well!
I’m really looking forward to following along with your homeschooling. Even though it isn’t in our cards, I’m still really intrigued by the idea. At the very least, I like the idea of reorganizing the toys and whatnot. I feel like we have so many toys that the kids don’t play with and we could easily get rid of them as they grow older and get more into arts and crafts and learning to write and read.
I don’t know that I ever fully feel like an adult. Ha! I mean, most of the time I do, but there are still those moments where I feel like an impostor.
Emily K says
May and June are busy months for us too. I always look forward to the summer as it seems to mean freedom, even now with a full time job. I am lucky because we have family close by and my girls daycare lets you choose your weeks in the summer, so I am trying to make the girls summer as free and open to exploration as possible. I love hearing about your homeschool journey as it has always spoken to me. My oldest just turned 4 and I love her current Montessori school. It goes to 3rd grade and it is possible we will keep her there until then and then homeschool or head to private school next fall. It seems so stressful to be making these decisions as I want the best for my kids and for them to love learning just as much as they do now, forever. We are also trying to decide if we want to try for a third kid or just be two and through. My youngest is 18 months and I really just want to enjoy them as they are right now. Bleh!
Brittany Dixon says
I was just having a conversation with a friend at the park yesterday about how crazy our education path is nowadays. When we grew up, it was just “go to the school” and now almost every one of my friends is doing something different. Grateful for all the options though, even if it is overwhelming. Sounds like you are in a great place! Do like I plan to and just take it year by year (it lowers my stress on the subject ;))
Erin says
Totally get what you mean with the “I can’t believe I’m here, married with 2 kid.” I often think the same thing. Along with “how did i get so old.”..lol
May is the calm before the storm for us. Some things are wrapping up and we don’t have a lot planned. However, once June hits and the pool opens life gets crazy with swim team practice starting. End of June and all of July is packed with more practices along with Saturday and Monday swim meets. Summer always feels a sprint:)
Monica says
May is totally insane for me too! Everything is jam packed!
I got roped into coaching my 5yo son’s soccer team, so of course work wants me to go on marketing trips – because that’s how it works right? I’m mostly excited about our CSA starting today! I get so antsy for it to start in the spring – today we get ramps, nettles, asparagus, overwintered spinach, and sorrel!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh you must tell me what you are doing with nettles! I’d be so clueless!
And way to go coach- how cool (even if it is a little crazy ;))
Laura says
May is busy for us as well as we finish up with most of our activities for the year. My husband is also going back to work after taking 9 months of parental leave after the birth of our son, so that will an adjustment for both me and the kids! And while I enjoy our busy schedule and definitely enjoy my husband’s company and help during the day, to be truthful, I am looking forward to the slower pace that summer (and solo parenting!) will bring. But we have been so, so fortunate to have had this time together. I am also looking to get our homeschool curriculum in place for the Fall. Looking forward to hearing all about your plans, especially since I have a daughter the same age as Hailey!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh my goodness 9 months of paternal leave?! How incredible! What special time to have together. Good luck with your venture into solo parenting; I’m sure you will rock it! 🙂
Kathy says
Yes, May has always been a crazy month for me too but this May be my last crazy May for a while?? I don’t know. We start out May 1st celebrating m husbands birthday. Then the week after next we have my daughters high school graduation, then the grad party/open house. Daughter #1 has college roommate living with us this summer, we have other guest coming a few more times and then I should be good by mid June to kick my feet up on our new deck–should it ever stop raining!! 🙂 Regardless of the rain, I do love spring!!
Oh, yeah, and years ago I totally learned ‘NEVER SAY NEVER” 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Ah, congrats on the upcoming high school graduation- Exciting times! With two graduates under your belt, you certainly deserve your feet to be kicked up on your new porch 🙂 Enjoy!!
Lindsay @ Hot Mess, Cool Day says
I might not ever feel like the adult? It definitely seems that way! I love posts like this – so real! Homeschooling sounds so intriguing, but it’s not something I see myself doing (although never say never, right?!)
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, yes- never say never! Life can take some crazy turns 😉
Heather Warner says
Would love to know what teaching resources you used before H reached school age. What are you using for K? When I transition to a SAHM my 2 year old will be coming out of 5 day a week full-time preschool and going into a 2 day a week morning only program. I want to make sure we keep learning and she is ready for whatever school choice we make. Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
Great question Heather! Honestly my biggest recommendation is the simplest- read a ton of books and just be present with you child. As you know, they are little sponges and soak everything up, so really we haven’t done a ton of intentional learning. I used the Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons book and occasionally Hailey will do some Reading Eggs activities (web-based program), but otherwise and with Kaitlyn, we count everything, we sing songs, we talk about letter sounds, we play. You will do great!! Just engage and enjoy 🙂
Annie says
I love these posts! It’s fun to see what’s going on in your life and your perspective on everything! Your summer sounds fun! Busy, but super fun. And right now since I’m in the midst of mid day naps, diapers, and scheduling around all that toddler crankiness the idea of NOT dealing with that sounds amazing but so far away (especially since we hope to have more!)
I still have so many days where it hits me and I think holy cow, I am an adult. I’m closer to 30 then 20, I’d rather stay home and sleep then go out for a wild girls night (most of my friends are single and without kids), and I have a human being I’m responsible to raise into a healthy, happy, kind person!
Taryn says
I laughed at your “add it to the list” comment. We are right there along with you. Does anyone ever finish those lists? Because it seems like when we get close that list magically disappears and a new lists shows up with new stuff on it. Ah well. I agree with you though – we are happy and the kids are happy so that’s all that matters. Trying to balance “all.the.work” with family time. Last Saturday my husband and I decided to “quit” at 3pm and took the kids to the movies, and out for dinner and ice cream. It was so surreal driving to the movie theatre with everyone showered and cleaned at 3:30pm on a sunny Saturday. But the kids were so giddy with excitement over the extended family time that we made a decision to do that more often. The yard work can wait (usually) but I want to cherish the days when they both really WANT to hang out with us 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
What an awesome Saturday afternoon! It’s totally worth throwing “supposed to do” things out the window to watch their little faces light up. What a great memory 🙂
And yes, I feel like I am always knocking projects out but turn around and there is a whole new list to tackle. C’est la vie!
Laura says
Great post! I can’t think of the moment I realized I was an adult (mainly because at 38 I’m still in denial) but I do remember the moment I truly realized I was a mom (I know… you’d think the baby being born and all would clue me in to that fact :)). I had just returned to work and was picking my first born up at the daycare when one of the ladies who worked there saw me on her way out and said “oh, your son will be so happy to see you!”. I honestly looked behind me to see who she was talking to before I realized- oh my gosh, she is talking to me and I have a son!!
Work (school) is crazy busy in May with end of the year events, dances, grades, finals, graduation, etc. so I try to keep my home life not so crazy so I don’t feel burned out by the beginning of summer. Love this time of year though!!
Brittany Dixon says
Yes! I remember the first time I said this is my “daughter” and it felt so strange. Kind of like the first time I said “husband.” Life just sneaks up on you, doesn’t it? Good luck with your crazy May!!
amy says
It was really refreshing for me to read that you actually are okay with Kaitlyn dropping her nap. My daughter just turned two so I am hoping we still have some more months of napping, but nice to hear that you are okay with dropping it versus lots of mom’s i hear that are really pissed when that happens!
Brittany Dixon says
Honestly it’s easier without a nap (now at least). Hailey napped until almost 5 so at first I was freaked out by it, but our days are filled with so much fun and they both pass out at 7pm. So enjoy the naps, but don’t fear, the other side of naps is nice too 🙂
Chantal says
Having just had our third and final baby, I can say we are both looking forward to being in that place with older kids!
Tracy says
May….omg….so much! I have 2 high school graduates this month from 2 different schools! My twins go to Catholic high schools, all boys and all girls schools so twice the crazy fun! Plus all the other festivities…I’m ready for vacation to Mexico in June for sure 🙂
Tracy says
And I still kinda freak out about being the adult. How did I become mom to these 4 kids?!? It’s a really important job!! Hope we’re doing it right! Lol
Brittany Dixon says
I subscribe to the philosophy that if we care enough to worry then we’re doing a good enough job 😉
Stephanie Prause says
I just realized this morning that every weekend in May is booked and nearly every weekend in June. How did that happen?!? I’m determined to savor the summer and not let it slip away. Anyway, great post, as always!
Brittany Dixon says
Isn’t it nuts how it fills up?! I’m looking forward to some savoring as well 🙂
Michelle Yocum says
Im probably asking a dumb question, but what is CSA?
Brittany Dixon says
Not a dumb question! It stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It’s when a local farm sells “shares” to its seasonal crops. For example, I found a local organic farm and paid upfront for 18 weeks’ worth of their crops. Each Thursday I’ll pick up a box of fresh produce from their farm. I did one a few years ago and am excited to join one again. I’ll share more about it when it starts!
Katie @ Live Half Full says
I really love these life posts! My son is one and half, so it’s almost like a glimpse into a future phase!
Jen Lutz says
Long time reader, first time posting though. But I couldn’t resist- I live in Saratoga Springs!!!! If you need any recommendations for good eats or fun things to do- let me know!
Jen
Brittany Dixon says
Oh no way!! I’ve heard incredible things about the area and am excited to visit! We’ll even be at the horse race Friday! I think we’ll be booked with wedding related things, but if you have a rec for a good coffee/tea/juice type spot, I’d love it! Thanks!
Jen lutz says
Uncommon Grounds is the best coffee spot in town! The Juice Bar is a few doors down and it’s cold pressed juices and smoothies are great! There’s a tea and honey shop- which has a tasting space for honeys and a sit down tea bar- on the same street (Broadway) which is fun too! The Adelphi Hotel is a super old gorgeous hotel which is being renovated right now but is scheduled to re-open 6/1. Should be stunning. I’d get a drink there too! Enjoy!
Brittany V says
Clearly I’m a little behind in my blog reading…. but ahhh! Saratoga! That’s my neck of the woods!! You’re going to love it!!!!!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh no way!! Yes, I’m so excited about visiting the area!