New Address

HI Friends! I have moved....please find me at my new space here.  I am so excited for a new webspace all my own and the ability for new content and growing room down the road.   I hope you can join me!

The Best White Bean Chili Evah

Sometimes you come across a recipe that is SO GOOD...while you are eating you ask the cook for the recipe please and every now and again they are able to share it with you.  Eight years ago I was in Arkansas celebrating the 30th birthday of a good friend. My friend Kelly hosted five of us who came from out of town and she served up a chili that was so tasty...I had to ask her for the recipe...and she was so kind to share.  I have since made this chili at least once a month and changed it up a bit to make it my own and to suit the protein that I had on hand. The coolest thing about recipes from friends is every time I make one...I think of the friend that gave it to me and the time I spent with them.

Now that Summer is coming to an end...Tis the season for soups, stews, chilis, homemade breads and all the fall goodness that happens in the kitchen. I have made this with rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, smoked turkey and smoked pork. My favorite is with smoked pork.

Smoked Pork and White Bean Chili

Ingredients 

1TBSP olive oil

1 medium onion chopped

3 cloves garlic pressed or minced

2 heaping tsp dried oregano

1 TBSP ground cumin

1 heaping tsp powdered ginger

4 cups chicken broth

1 bay leaf

2 cups cooked protein of your choice

2 cans white beans (drained)

2 jalapeno peppers, minced or 4 oz can chopped green chiles

2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese

salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings

Additional Cheese

Cilantro, finely chopped 

Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Grape Tomatoes quartered

Avocado, sliced or chopped

Sliced Jalapeños

Tortilla Chips

Cooking Instructions

Heat olive oil in large dutch oven or soup pot. 

Add onion and saute over medium heat until softened. 

Add garlic, oregano, cumin and ginger. Cook stirring for one minute. 

Add broth and bay leaf. 

Cook uncovered over medium heat until somewhat reduced (5-8 minutes). 

Add chicken, beans and jalapenos. Simmer uncovered for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Over low heat add a little cheese at a time, stirring until melted. Add pepper. Taste and add salt as needed. Cook five additional minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve with toppings at the table.

Five on Friday V5

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School starts Monday. I am so ready to have my boys (particularly Ren) back on a schedule. We are enjoying the last days of our summer with a day outside...exploring, chalk drawing, rock cooking, swing swinging, trampoline jumping, bike riding, bubble blowing...all.the.things...except the water hose...I can't do the water hose today. Much to my boys dismay. The wet clothes, wet feet, dirt becomes mud. I.just.can't today.  I am grateful for the weather today slightly overcast, nice breeze, 75 Degrees of perfection. I will take it. I wish all the days were like today.

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There is a Christmas Market for local vendors on the 5th of November and I am planning on having a table of handmade items to sell, Relaxin' Pants (Pajama pants), handmade jewelry, lap quilts, baby burp cloths, ToDo/Done pockets and really any other handmade items I can crank out before the 3rd week of October.  With homeschooling and all the things that schedule brings I am hoping that committing to host a table (and paying for it) will force me to do some much needed crafting (I need to exercise those craft-cells in my brain) and it will give me some sense of accomplishment...you know something started and finished..a rarity in day-to-day #MomLife.

three

Speaking of cooler weather...it's almost time for fall! I know..I know it's like AlmostFall is the new buzz word around here. Aside from the cooler weather, school routines, soups, stews and yummy breads, nearly empty places for field trips and outings....it's the clothes (I know you thought I was going to say Pumpkin Spice Latte or something like that...I'm a big Yuck for those...potpourri in your mouth...no thank you). The layers, the leggings (Oh.my.goodness. the LuLaRoe (and yes, click and that link and join my sister Grace's page....let her know you came from this post) Legging love I have), the lightweight cardigans and jackets...all the fall clothes things...I cannot wait!

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Freezer Meals....I have busted my kitchen cooking self this week getting 10 yummy freezer meals done and in the freezer ready for the busyness that is our school schedule. Do you have a tried and true recipe that you would share with me? I will be posting in the coming weeks the recipes that I used. My current plans are to prep 10 freezer meals a month (unless I find we need more). Saving me time and money and making sure we are filling our bellies with whole food dishes. 

five

I will be moving to a new space soon and hope you all will like the new layout and features that will be available. When I started blogging again I was so excited to share my thoughts, glimpses of our days and carve out a little space here that could be my own. And then I became overwhelmed and stressed about it all..it's funny how life and projects work that way sometimes.  I'd love to know what you are interested in reading from me. Finding my voice, my purpose in blogging is still a work in progress and I am interested to see where this journey is going to lead. 

"Mama! What Are We Doing Tomorrow?"

One of the most asked questions in my home, even from the little two year old, is "What are we doing tomorrow?" Being a homeschooling family staying at home, a lot, as a family (except their dad who is at work) is something that we just do.  However, my kids do not like to stay at home. They want to go and see and do and explore and play with friends and just.not.be.at.home.  So I have quickly learned to gather my resources and find all.the.things.

Some of the things that I have found in my area are:
Horseback Riding Lessons
Swimming Lessons
Art Class
Martial Arts
Writing Workshops
Nature Centers
Conservation & Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers
Zoo Classes for Homeschoolers
Homeschool Groups
Friend Groups
Local Parks
Local Trails
Library (our local Children's Librarian is an Angel for this homeschool mom)
Tennis Lessons
Local Church Children's Activities
Roller Skating
Ice Skating
Museums
Aquariums
Indoor Pools
Indoor Play Places....

And really the list could go on and on. Some of these activities are only for the school age kids, others we can all go and enjoy a day/activity out of the house.

We are a part of a local group of homeschoolers who meet a couple times a month for activities such as gym days, field trips, "class parties" (Christmas, Valentines, etc), Spelling Bees, Science and History Fairs and a Mom's Encouragement Night (which is very important!). Calling the local library,   searching through Facebook for homeschool groups and talking to other homeschool moms is where I have found all.the.things. We start our school year next Monday and we already have weekly horseback riding lessons, a monthly writing workshop, weekly art classes, bi-weekly Martial Arts lessons and three field trips on the calendar.

I have found for me, and my family, that the balance of getting out and doing, exploring, having extra classes or just playing in the local creek; coupled with the book-work of sitting at the table is one of the joys of homeschooling. Taking the time to listen to these explorers of mine and answer the call of their restless hearts to get out and see and play has so much value; this is how they learn, about themselves and about the world around them.

Albert Einstein said " Play is the highest form of research."
Play on my explorers...play on...and I'll do my part to find all.the.things.

Zucchini for Days

This year we ordered all our garden vegetable seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and our zucchini is almost producing more than I can keep up with. I have at least 2 gallon ziplock freezer bags full of shredded zucchini with a second batch shredded in the fridge waiting on me to bag. Zucchini Fritters, Zucchini Bread, Stir Fry Zucchini, Zucchini Alfredo, Zucchini Lasagna, Stuffed Zucchini...the list goes on and on.

The Lungo Bianco Squash  (a light green/white sweet zucchini from Italy) is a delicious and versatile zucchini that my whole family loves. Stuffed Zucchini is one of my husband's favorite ways to eat zucchini for dinner and he always appreciates the extras for lunch. 

Stuffed Zucchini with Fire Roasted Tomatoes,

 Rice and Mozzarella Cheese

Ingredients

Zucchini (2)

Fire Roasted Tomatoes (1 Can)

Cooked Rice (measured 1/2 cup dry)

Tastefully Simple's Garlic Garlic Seasoning

Mozzarella Cheese

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (not pictured)

Preheat your oven to 425 Degrees F

Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop seeds out leaving a boat like shape

Sprinkle Zucchini with Olive oil and a decent shake of Garlic Garlic Seasoning

Place on baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes

Combine the cooked rice, fire roasted tomatoes, one tablespoon of Garlic Garlic Seasoning and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese in a bowl.

Take the roasted zucchini out of the oven (the flesh should be cooked and browning slightly) and stuff with the rice and tomato mixture topping with more shredded cheese. Place the zucchini back in the oven and let cook until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve with crusty bread and a nice white wine or smoked sausage and a glass of cold milk.

Do you have a favorite zucchini recipe? 

SaveSave

Simple Chore Checks for Kids

We start up school in just 10 days. With that comes a need for better organization and more family teamwork when it comes to getting all.the.stuff done around the house. I wanted to use a method that would allow the kids to be responsible for their chores without using up another wall space in my great room (my living room, dining room, kitchen and entry way are all one big room) and without me nagging them all.the.time.

My kids are ages seven, four and two and there are chores and personal hygiene responsibilities that they can take care of own their own (the two year old with assistance).  Ren, the 7 year old, has brushing his teeth twice a day, making his bed, putting his dirty laundry in the basket and clean laundry away, a 10 minute toy pick-up, feeding our chickens and gathering eggs. He also has 3 Mom's Choice chores that will include: wiping down the bathroom, vacuuming the carpets and helping with the dishes.

Sam is four,  his responsibilities are: brushing his teeth twice a day, making his bed,  a 10 minute toy pick-up, putting his dirty laundry in the basket and clean laundry away  and feeding Austin. He also has two Mom's Choice chores that will include: gathering the bathroom trash, setting and clearing the table, dusting and window washing.

Alexandria is two and while there are no chores she is able to do independently just yet; I did not want her to feel left out.  She has brushing her teeth twice a day, picking up toys and one Mom's choice which will include dusting and putting away the clean kids dishes. 

I bought a fabulous multi-color pack of felt squares from Target and thought that making a simple two pocket magnet pouch that we could hang on the fridge would keep these Chore Checks at their reach without taking up a lot of space. Each of the kids picked out their own color combinations and I just happened to have corresponding thread, craft sticks and lots of sharpies to complete this project.
I folded one of the felt squares down and sewed it to the other felt square.  I attached magnetic tape to  the four back corners of the square and added the craft sticks with their chore/responsibility. One pocket holds the Chore Checks that need to be accomplished and when they are done they can move them to the other pocket. Having two pockets enables me to just glance at the fridge to see if they have completed their Checks for the day before screen time or other extra activities.

Do you have chores for your kids to do daily? I would love to hear how you keep them responsible for their day!

Ren & Sam TKBTB Vol 4

This month's The Kids Behind the Blog (TKBTB) questions are all about summer ending and school starting up! I love TKBTB series...asking my boys questions about particular subjects always gives me insight into their thoughts and their likes and/or dislikes. 

Ren, 7 years 5 months

1. What was your favorite thing you did over the summer? Play with my cousins and fishing with Dad.
2. What's your favorite topic to learn about at school? Science and Science Experiments because we get to dissect stuff.
3. Who is your best friend from school? Vince and Jacob
4. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Veterinarian...YOU know that already!
5. What is your least favorite thing about school? Handwriting, because you have to write a bunch of words.

Sam, 4 years new

1. What was your favorite thing you did over the summer? Summer is my birthday, playing in the pool and fishing with Daddy.
2. What's your favorite topic to learn about at school? Playtime and playing with toys.
3. Who is your best friend from school? Oliver and Alexandria
4. What do you want to be when you grow up? A Ninja Turtle, because they fight with swords.
5. What is your least favorite thing about school? Cleaning up, it is never any fun.

These boys both adore fishing with their dad! If there is any love list for my boys the top of the list is fishing! Homeschool is going to be fun this year...smirk...all the playing, cleaning up, science experiments (we have not dissected anything yet...I'll have to get on that!) and writing...all.the.writing. Sam just started Martial Arts classes and is obsessed with all things ninjas and swords right now...I have a feeling he is going to go further than his big brother in belt rank over time.

September's TKBTB questions are:

1. What is your favorite sport? Why?
2. If someone gave you a million dollars what would you buy?
3. Tell me 3 things that kids do better than mommies and daddies. 
4. What is your favorite thing to do in the fall?
5. Share with me 3 things you like about yourself.

Haircuts and Growing Boys

It been quite a while since my boys have received haircuts.  I considered letting their hair grow out for a while and taking them to the barber to have a proper trim done.  They however had different plans and kept reminding me that their hair was getting too long and they wanted a cut.  With a military dad who keeps a bald super short haircut; they just want a cut like daddy.

What never ceases to amaze me is the transformation that happens with a haircut.  Ren and Sam seem to grow a couple inches right before my very eyes in the before and after of haircuts.

The cowlicks this lil guy has are the.best. I'm sure his teenage (did I just think that say that?) hair styles are going to be something to behold.



Ren has the best hair and my favorite cut on him a longer one with a nice trim around the ears.  He however likes his hair short (and used the trimmers to give himself a cut when he was still 3, to be like Daddy).
Ren is quick to remind me that he is half way to 8, then 9, then 10, then 11 and soon 13..."you can't stop me Mama, I'm just gonna keep growing up!"

Be still my mama heart, these boys just keep growing and this morning it seems they have shot up. I'm grateful for them and the joys of being their mama I just wish they would slow.it.down.

Five on Friday V4

one

It is always so interesting to me when a group of mamas get together and start talking about their kids and what works for them. The passion that we women have about our babies and what is right for us and our families is inspiring. Following my instincts in mama-hood has been one of the most rewarding things for me and at the same time listening to, observing and talking to mamas gives me lots of tools for my mama-belt.  Hey Mama, Yes you reading this.....listen and believe in your instinct, you know your kids best. You know what is best....and when you don't because sometimes you won't...it's always good to have a group of mamas that get together and talk with open hearts.

two

We are a homeschool family and any homeschool mama will tell you that housework and homeschooling are at odds with each other all.the.time. Phrases like "lower your standards" and "just let it go" really don't work for me. The messes give me stresses and that is not good for anyone in my home. Recently, on one of the homeschool forums that I am on, a couple mamas gave some really practical advice about how to keep the house up and I am so grateful that she spoke up. I am finishing up The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo and am ready to take on the project of my home and all the spaces. Purging and minimizing to keep only what we really need and what brings us joy is my summer plan.  I am writing out my goals for this today and will have a space/room/category each week until August to take on.  If you are a minimalist and have practical advice on home keeping I'd love to hear it!

three

We live in Ohio and I LOVE the all.the.parks around here! We could visit a new park every week and still not visit them all.  Having little kids that need to get out and discover, run and play, enjoy free time with friends and I get down time (mostly) too...really it's a win-win! Thanks Ohio!!!

four

I'm dreaming of this...toes in the sand, sunrise walks on the beach. Days of listening to the surf and relaxing.  We don't have a beach trip planned for this year...but a girl can dream.

five

Pretty much...my life all.summed.up.

Wordless Wednesday V2

For more of our days...follow me on Instagram

Hope & A Crib

Ed and I started trying for a baby one year after we were married.  After trying for a year we met with a fertility specialist only to be diagnosed with unexplained infertility.  I was then put on a variety  of medications and shots and underwent a few very painful procedures. During this initial year of trying to conceive my sister sent me the crib and changing table that her children had outgrown.  I was grateful for the furniture and excited about the day that that small bed would be filled with my own children. Little did we know it would take us over five years to finally conceive. During that five year span we moved to three different duty stations (one being overseas) and the baby furniture moved with us. In each house it was stored in an extra room or large closet waiting the day that we would bring a little one home. The crib became a symbol of hope and heartache for me. Walking into the room where it was stored or opening the closet and seeing it, would bring me to my knees  somedays.  Going to a doctor after enduring shots, emotions caught up in a hormonal mess and the frustration of my own body "not working the way it should" and be told that the next appointment should be one of listening to a heartbeat and "everything is looking great you should be pregnant next time I see you"...to nothing...time and time and time again, is heartbreaking.

I still kept the crib though. I had a hope. I tied a knot on the string that I was clinging to and held on with all my might. I had dear friends who prayed with, cried with and hoped for me.  And then it happened. The two lines showed on the stick, we were having a baby...The joy of that hope fulfilled was indescribable. And now, three times over that crib has held my sleeping babies. Three different mobiles have hung over the bed, three different blankets and colors sets have adorned the sides of that crib.

This weekend I dismantled it, I cleaned the last set of crib sheets and wiped down the rails. As I was working on it I cried, I thought of the hope that felt so heavy and almost unbearable to me at times. I thought of my friends who answered my calls when I couldn't face the day on my own and invited me to sit on their couch and they mourned with and prayed with me.  I thought of my husband who stood beside me through the long years of infertility, he cried with me and hoped with me and was strength for me.  I thought of God's faithfulness and the hope that he had given me.  And while I know that we are done with babies for our family, I still mourn the ending of these chapters.

I packed the crib and changing table into my car on Saturday and dropped them off at a friends house.  A friend who adopted a baby girl...to give her a life full of hope and the promises of Christ.

Infertility is a part of my story. Moving an unused crib from duty station to duty station is a part of my story. I hope if you are experiencing infertility that you reach out to friends and hold tight to your hope string, let them comfort you when you mourn and let them pray with you.  I am certain that my story would have held more heartache if I had not opened myself and my hurts to trusted friends.

Bloglovin'

Follow my blog with Bloglovin .... I've just discovered  Bloglovin' and am excited to have a place to read and visit blogs that I follow (I know it's been around a while but I am a busy mama).  And there is a Bloglovin' App....and I triple heart useful apps! I hope you find me on there and follow me and my handsful of life!

I'm trying out something new and adding Bloglovin'. I hope you add me to your reading list!

Ren & Sam TKBTB V3

Do you ever feel like when you are talking to one of the guys in your life they are just not listening or fishing for an answer that will get them off the hook so they can go and do whatever it is that they were doing? That's my experience for The Kids Beyond The Blog Q&A with Ren and Sam this month.  I don't know how they know "the guy answers" maybe it's in their DNA.

Ren- my lil PeaPie is growing up!

1. What is something I always say to you? Yes and I love you.
2. What makes Mama happy? (Looking around) When I leave you alone and I'm playing electronics. That makes you happy and me happy. Can I play on the iPad now? (Guy Answer)
3. How do I make you laugh? By doing silly things when you check for eggs.
4. What do you enjoy doing with me? Going out on dates and getting ice cream.
5. What is my favorite thing to do? When you do your stuff for MOPS...I don't know...what is it really though?

Sam- So-So-Silly Sam

1. What is something I always so to you? Not to turn on electronics. (Guy Answer)
2. What makes Mama happy? When I give you kisses and I'm not whining. (Yes...not whining Sam...at least I now know that he knows...and I LOVE his kisses!)
3. How do I make you laugh? When you are doing funny things. (Guy Answer)
4. What do you enjoy doing with me? Going to the bowling ball place. (Guy Answer)
5. What is my favorite thing to do? I don't know...play on your laptop?

June's questions are all about their Daddy in honor of Father's Day...I can't wait to hear what they have to say!

Weeds

This past Sunday afternoon was a perfect weather day.  The skies were just overcast enough and it was cool and inviting outside, all day.  I have been eyeing my backyard flower beds and staring down the weeds that just seem to grow faster than anything else.  I grabbed my gloves and headed outside to enjoy the day.  My Ren came outside after a while to see what he could help me with why I was not inside and then promptly went back inside to get me his Weeds book. "Here Mama, read this so you know what is a weed and what is not."

This kid never ceases to amaze me. I asked him to look through the book and find the names for some of the weeds we have.  He was walking around flipping through the book and matching the pictures to weeds.  Isn't that the way it is sometimes? We need someone else to point out the weeds in our lives. The character in our heart that needs to be refined. For me, mama-hood is just that; my weed identifier.  Here I am thinking that I am doing ok with my heart, my life, my character and then...up pops a weed: an attitude, anger, resentment, frustration, yelling...all the things and all the ways I do not want to be.  I have to sit and pray and ask the Lord to pull these things out of me and fill the space with the Holy Spirit. I wish it was just that easy.....one pull and done. But it's not, the roots are crazy deep and wind every which way. Sometimes we don't identify the weed and it is allowed to grow and spread it's seed.

The good thing is that God is faithful. He searches our hearts and he knows us (Psalm 139) and he loves us with an unfailing love (Zephaniah 3:17).  Even when we have weeds growing too fast in the garden of our life; he is there. I am forever learning to let God garden my heart. For him to search me and know my heart. To be more like Jesus in all that I do; that's my goal. 

Linking up with Stephanie and these Tuesday Talk Hosts...

Ren & Sam TKBTB V2

Month two of talking with my boys for The Kids Behind The Blog Series.  I love these posts.  My boys are seriously so funny and deadpan honest about what they say.  Sam always begins every answer with UH...and Ren stops to think for a bit before he gives me an answer.  I made sure to ask them separately so they wouldn't be tempted to answer the same.  This months questions are:

1. What is your favorite thing to do with your friends?
2. Who is your favorite person?
3. When playing outside, what does your ideal sunny day plans look like?
4. What do you like to do when it's raining? (Since April showers bring May flowers)
5. If you could plant a garden of anything, what would you plant?

Ren-newly 7 years old!

1. What is your favorite thing to do with your friends? I do a lot with my friends, so I don't really know...play video games, go exploring, jump on the trampoline. He does do a lot with his friends...playing outside and exploring is what he usually does if the weather is nice. We don't have video games at our house but he does play with friends.
2. Who is your favorite person? You....You're my Mama! Be still my Mama-heart!
3. When playing outside, what does your ideal sunny day plans look like? Playing on the slip-n-slide, spraying water at my friends and grill hot dogs and roast marshmallows. Ever the jokester...Ren really will spray down his friends. We bought a slip-n-slide last summer and I know I will have to buy one when the weather warms up for sure! 
4. What do you like to do when it's raining? (Since April showers bring May flowers) I like to go outside and play in the mud. Once I come inside and get clean I would watch movies or shows. This kids has been known to take mud baths and dirt baths...it was a Yes Day!
5. If you could plant a garden of anything, what would you plant? Lollypops and all kinds of candy and corn.  Thank goodness Lollypops and candy does not grow in a garden...I would be in all kinds of trouble!

Sam-four months shy of three

1. What is your favorite thing to do with your friends? UH....Build Train Tracks. The tracks this kids has going on...thank goodness we have a big basement playroom.
2. Who is your favorite person? UH...Mema! This is my Mama and I know she is going to love reading this! Hi Mama... We Love you!
3. When playing outside, what does your ideal sunny day plans look like? UH....I would swing, slide and have picnic pizza. Picnic Pizza at the Swing & Slide (Playdate coming soon)!
4. What do you like to do when it's raining? (Since April showers bring May flowers) UH..... Put on my jacket and rain boots and jump in the water. Pretty much, this.every.time.
5. If you could plant a garden of anything, what would you plant? UH.....Salad and broccoli and carrots and spicy peppers. Who is this old man? Sam's nickname is Pop...this so fits him and his love of all foods...except spicy peppers...he does not eat those.

Be sure to check out all the Kids Behind The Blog!

Yes Days & the Magic of Childhood

When I remember days of my childhood I am certain that the sharpest memories are the days my Mama said YES to my sisters and I. Yes to playing in the mud, Yes to making caramel popcorn balls, Yes to lining the room with sheets from wall to wall for individual tents for my sisters and I, Yes to changing rooms (beds and everything) and roommates in the house, Yes to playing in the rain, Yes to decorating our room space how we wanted (oh the thumbtack holes that were in the walls and ceilings)...all these fun and fabulous memories of mine wrapped up in Yes Days and  Yes Moments. As a mother to my own wild things I see her Yes Days from a different perspective now. The extra work she had to do those days was plenty  (hello EIGHT girls) but the pay off was giggly, happy girls and every mama knows that nothing beats happy.  

We do Yes Days at my house and they are by far my favorite days; even though they usually mean more laundry (always more laundry).  A Yes Day is a day (or a hour or two) in which you say YES to whatever it is that your kids want: ice cream for breakfast- YES, a pillow fort involving every blanket, pillow, chair, sheet in the house- YES, wearing that shirt that mama can’t stand and they love- YES, playing in that rain/mud puddle- YES, a bubble bath in the middle of the day- YES, wearing those fairy wings or a full on superhero costume to the grocery and running errands- YES…etc, etc, etc.  My boys love Yes Days. They never know when they are going to happen (they don’t know that’s what I call them either) and I’m sure that Yes Days are going to be the magical glitter in their childhood memories, just like they are in mine.

Yes Days aren’t just for kids, they are for Mamas (and Daddies) too. A little afternoon nap instead of folding the laundry- YES, leaving the house an hour before GNO or other obligations to walk around a store of choice alone- YES (this is my yes of choice btw and I say yes for this every chance I get), staying up past when you should for a good book- YES, a long hot bath while catching up on your favorite show- YES, … etc, etc, etc.  Doing a little something that speaks life to you and brings you joy are important; they make me a better mama and I bet they will make you one too. I'd love to hear about your Yes Days, I'll bet you have them even if you don't give them a name.  Look for #Yesdays on my Instagram account...you will know if we are having one and what shananigans my wild things are up to!