What a full, happy week.
The biggest Happy Thing is the news our family now consists exclusively of people with two digits in their age category. Indy is TEN!!! I’ll dedicate a whole post next week to discussing all the details of his party which was probably my favourite kid party ever. (If nothing else, it was significantly better than his 8th birthday when he ended up hiding in his closet while his friends were at the table eating cake and telling me it was, and I quote: “The worst birthday party EVER.” Which is obviously what every exhausted mother wants to hear after hosting and feeding a gaggle of rambunctious children for an entire afternoon.)
This party was delightful. Indy is delightful. His pint-sized friends are delightful. I not only survived an afternoon with six extra boys in the house (plus a friend for Belle, strategically invited to avoid even a whiff of sibling angst), I actually had honest-to-goodness fun. Kid parties are not my thing, but this time it was heart-eye emojis for everything. And the cherry Smarties on top of the proverbial cake? Indy is currently hosting his first ever birthday sleepover. As I’m writing this, it’s 10:37 pm on Thursday evening and I may have just walked out – it was suspiciously quiet and I had hoped that meant they were sleeping peacefully – to discover they had raided Indy’s Halloween candy stash. Nothing epitomizes a kid sleepover better than a Twix at 10:30, I suppose…
Aside from birthday celebrations, there were lots of other Happy Things.
SPORTS
Indy had a basketball game last Saturday morning – his first ever. Last year he just had scrimmages, so it was very exciting to watch him play his first inter-league game. Because of how his birthdate falls, he is the second youngest player on this team.
Given the age (and height!) differential and the fact it was his first time playing in this new age category, I was a bit nervous about how he would fare. My concerns were silly. He was the most dominant player on his team – he showed great skill, tremendous confidence, tons of enthusiasm (he was the first kid down the court for defence, and the first kid up the court for offence), and perhaps most wonderfully – he was amazing at passing! Oh, and he was the number one cheerleader when he was on the bench, clapping and congratulating like nobody’s business.
I was never, ever athletic, so I am definitely living vicariously through my kids. It is so much fun to clap and cheer…and to watch your child ridiculously happy.
Belle had her final volleyball competitions of the school season. Things ended on a bit of a low note since they didn’t win enough games to make it to the next round, but she put in a very solid effort and is definitely a much better volleyball player than her mother!
CLEAN ROOMS
One day I had a bit of extra time and did a deep clean of our bedroom and ensuite. I ran our robo-vac, mopped floors, and dusted. It didn’t take a long time, but it made everything feel so much lighter and cleaner.
Last weekend we sent the kids to their rooms for some quiet time (doesn’t happen much anymore!) while I took a nap. By the time I got up, Belle had completely rearranged her room. It looks fabulous. It’s more streamlined and she also cleaned out some excess stuff. It was like walking into a breath of fresh air and it was extra nice because I didn’t have any hand in it.
THRIFTED FOOTWEAR
Belle is keen to receive some fashionable shoes this Christmas. Her mother is less enthused about the price tag. Unfortunately, these aren’t the sort of things I’m likely to happen across at a thrift store. So I called a local consignment shop and they said they had a pair of UGG slippers ($26) in her size. We stopped by on our way home from school one day…but when we got there, they were black (Disquette) and not quite right. Imagine our delight when we found like-new Sketchers at the same shop! FOR TWELVE DOLLARS.
Do they look exactly like the UGG version?
No. But is $12 a lot more palatable than $155 (what they cost new)? YES!
These will be under the tree on Christmas morning!
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
We tend to be too frugal for regular trips to the movies, which has the wonderful upside that whenever we go it feels like an EVENT. And this week the event was more exciting than usual because we bought snacks. We never (well, almost never) buy popcorn. In fact, the kids claimed this was the first time they had ever had movie-theatre popcorn which may just be the truth. It won’t be happening again any time soon – first because of the outrageous expense of movie treats, but also because neither of the kids ate my delicious potato and beef stew supper when we got home because they were full – but it was…so fun.
Also, both kids claim I never read them the picture book version of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I most certainly did, but I’ll let bygones be bygones.
Everyone laughed a lot, and I thought it was a beautiful re-telling of the Christmas story. Highly recommend, especially if you’re already a fan of the book.
BONUS THINGS
- Coffee/tea with Jan. Always a delight to spend time together, and she gifted me some of her wonderful homemade greeting cards!
- Beef stew and baked potatoes (mentioned above). And here’s a bonus Happy Thing: I set it to cook using the automatic timer which I almost never use. It worked like a charm and we arrived home from our movie (also see above) to supper ready to come out of the oven piping hot and delicious. And the house smelled amazing.
- When Indy stayed home sick one day last week, he started to organize the remainder of his Halloween candy and ended up taking much of it out to give to people. Does so and so like such and such? he’d ask me. And then he’d package it up and set it aside for them. *Heart bursting*
- The Great British Baking Show. Over and over this is a Happy Thing for me.
- I went to visit my Soup & Sandwich Friend [for new readers, Soup & Sandwich Friend is a woman in her 80s who calls me the daughter she never had; she usually makes soup and a sandwich for me when I come to visit] while Belle attended a birthday party on Saturday night that was conveniently located 3 minutes from Soup & Sandwich Friend’s house. When I arrived she had a little TV table all set up with a Christmas placement, napkin, and mug for my hot tea. And, as usual, she had the lighthouse guest towel in the bathroom just for me.
- Belle had a birthday party on Saturday (which included time at a rec facility with a pool), had friends over Wednesday and Thursday, has a birthday party today and just got invited to visit some friends in a neighbouring town to bake Christmas cookies tomorrow. My extroverted girl is really getting to exercise those extrovert muscles.
- Coffee with Silk Half-and-Half in my absolute favourite mug.
- Indy’s birthday gift from us – a fish tank. (Bought at a discount price. Of course.) He loves fish, fishing, and anything tangential to the topic. He was so surprised. John captured the big reveal on camera and it was everything we hoped it would be and more. After he got over his shock he came over and gave us each the biggest hug. Tomorrow will involve going to the pet store and picking out his very first pet fish and a castle!
- Choir practice. Pure joy.
- The fact the choir director knew it was Indy’s birthday, had the choir sing Happy Birthday to him, AND brought in mini cupcakes.
- Bedtime.
- Freshly washed PJs.
- The surprise of walking outside and discovering it was warmer than I expected…
- At-home date nights with John.
- Twinkle lights and candles. Yes, I will list these weekly until it is no longer a black abyss outside my windows by 4:30 in the afternoon.
- My parents arrive at their winter rental (a ten-minute walk from our house) IN THREE DAYS.
And that’s a wrap. I feel like I could go on and on listing Happy Things (which is great considering last Friday I wasn’t feeling…so great), but it’s late, I’m exhausted, and tomorrow morning there will be a sleepover breakfast to prepare.
Happy Weekending and see you tomorrow with the results of this week’s giveaway + a fresh giveaway – unfortunately, there is still no movement on the Canada Post strike).
Your turn. Do you have mugs for every season? Do you always get snacks when you go to the movies? Did you enjoy playing sports as a kid; if so, which sport was your favourite? Best birthday party memory ever?
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Coree
Gosh, what a full and lovely week.
Happy Birthday, Indy. Mentally, I thought he and T were closer in age! So exciting about your parents! We’ve not done a ton of cinema trips, I’m not a huge fan. There’s a cheap community centre cinema so tend to go there (£5 tickets) but I keep threatening to bring my own cushion because the seats are so hard. And T went to see wild robot with my dad. But the How to Train Your Dragon live action movie is coming out in June, and we thought we’d splurge and go to the Everyman, which has comfy seats and fancy snacks. I might make a voucher for this and give it as a Christmas present, with a countdown calendar.
It’s gotten very cold here, but no rain, so we’ve had some lovely clear crisp days, and gorgeous star filled nights. I was walking home from the bus the other day with such a clear view of Jupiter. Supposed to be snowing / sleeting tomorrow which might put the kibosh on T’s cyclocross training.
T has a nightmare at 4, and I went in and cuddled him back to sleep (he needs a bigger bed, it’s a squeeze with both of us and the full menagerie of animals), and when I got up to leave, he said “thank you mummy, cuddles make everything better”.
My mum is coming for a few days next week and I’m really excited. We’ve been running on empty and she is such a help. We are going to do a little thanksgiving celebration, and it’s her 66th birthday so we’ll go to our favourite occasion lunch – it doesn’t sound like much, it’s repurposed shipping containers on the cliff (stylish shopping containers, but still…), but it’s got gorgeous views and amazing food.
Elisabeth
Hard seats for a movie are the worst. I’ve been to a few places with leather HEATED recliners and that is the life!
Indy went to see Wild Robot and loved it (it was for his friend’s birthday party which they hosted at the theatre). I’ll watch it eventually since he raved about it. I didn’t know there was a live action of HTTYD coming out. My kids loved that show when they were younger.
It has been nothing but cloud and rain for almost two weeks here. I am getting tired of it. But at least no snow.
I have a very cuddly son, too – it’s just lovely (though I’m sure you could have done without a 4 am wakeup).
Enjoy the time with your mom. Sounds like you have lots of fun things planned.
mbmom11
What a happy week! And fish – what an awesome present. And the light in the tank will add a little more sparkle to the long winter night.
Absolutely not athletic, but my kids play junior high sports with school. Some were good, sone enthusiastic. Much fun. A few of the girls did tennis at high school, and one did soccer on a whim in her senior year. They must get it from my husband.
I dont think we had birthday parties when I was younger- maybe invited neighbor friends over for cake? I don’t think parties were such a production back in prehistoric times of my youth. (We did do sleepovers, but not birthday related. I think? Gosh, it’s been a long time, so I honestly don’t remember.)
Enjoy the weekend!
Elisabeth
Yes! You know that I loved that the tank came with a light. He picked out a fish today and when we came home from his basketball practice tonight he had to go right into his room to check in on his fish.
I had one birthday sleepover and I hated it. Everyone wanted to stay up laughing and talking and we had school the next day. At around midnight I actually broke down in tears and told everyone I NEEDED TO SLEEP. So I was no the most fun sleepover host – ha.
Katie
It is so encouraging to me to read glimpses of life of a mom down the road from me.. makes me happy your kids seem to be coming into their own and enjoying their own hobbies/communities!
I love the 80s version of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”… makes me cry every time- partly the story and partly just the nostalgia for the time period. (Even tho I was a 90s kid, lol). I’m not sure how I feel about a remake!
We’re hosting our first ever kid birthday party in December for my daughter. Honestly, kid birthday parties are NOT big around here.. most people invite extended family only, even in elementary school. So I’m a little nervous no kids will come. But 5 feels like a big number so we wanted to do something big.
Elisabeth
Kid parties are so much more fun (to me) now that the kids are older and much more independent. And it’s so true that they’re slowly becoming more and more “themselves” – making their own decisions, branching out with friendships and activities. It’s the way life is supposed to go, I suppose but it happens slowly until one day you blink and both kids can do most things for themselves!
I never read the full book, only the picture book version, so I don’t have deep ties to the story. So I also don’t know how close it comes to the original book…
Happy Birthday and partying to your daughter!! Hope it’s lots of fun.
Jenny
Hooray- that’s a LOT of happy things! Sounds like a great week. I can’t wait to hear all about Indy’s party!
I was hoping my kids would be athletic so I could live vicariously through them. I WANTED to be an athlete when I was younger, but wasn’t gifted with those genes. But I love watching sports, so I imagined watching my kids play. Hahahahaha. My kids are even less athletic than I was, if possible. I mean at least I tried. Oh well! Maybe my grandchildren will play sports.
You always manage to find the best presents for your kids. Indy will LOVE his new fish! And, I’m already looking forward to your Christmas post, where you describe all the presents. I hope Belle loves the slippers. They’re so cute and yes, $12 is better than $150!
I’ve heard that movie is really good. And yes- snacks at the movie theater are insanely expensive. But, it’s all part of the fun experience.
Elisabeth
Your kids are SUPER TALENTED musicians. I feel like it would be unfair if they were ultra-athletic, too!
I also love watching sports but I’m not coordinated, always on the “sturdier” size of things, and just basically zero athletic prowess. Sigh. I always wished I was sporty…
I loved the movie and definitely want to watch it again next Christmas.
Lindsay
Happy birthday, Indy! Also, Bake Off is giving me so much light these past couple of months. Such a joy!
This may be wild, but we use the same mugs all year long. For coffee, my Mr has a horror one from Universal Studios and I have a Frozen one that’s just the right size. For tea, I have a swirly purple painted one and Lil Momma has a wide Believe mug that she also uses for hot chocolate. Maybe we need to shake things up? Longest mug comment ever? Possibly?
Hot takes: I was the least sporty kid ever and am not a sporty adult. We always have snacks at the movies (but don’t always BUY snacks at the movies), haha!
Elisabeth
I also seem to so quickly forget who wins Bake Off so rewatching seasons for a second (or third time) now and I’m sometimes I’m not at all sure which of the three finalists wins!
I mostly use the same mugs, too!
We used to take our own snacks in, but I got a guilty conscience so we stopped. But wowzers – the prices!!! Insane!
Nicole MacPherson
THE STRIKE THE STRIKE THE STRIKKKKKKKE. It’s killing me!
Anyway.
Happy birthday Indy (woof on the 8th birthday, that sounds…well, I can only imagine). But happiest of birthdays to him and yay for basketball! When Jake was on the high school wrestling team I did not watch him once. He told me parents weren’t allowed “because of Covid” and I believed him, until he slipped up mentioning a teammate’s dad. What? He told me the real reason he didn’t want me there because I might “freak out.” Honestly it’s for the best – have you ever seen wrestling, it’s insane.
Here’s a question: is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever a reboot of the old show from way back when? I remember it as the kids who were kind of poor and in bad circumstances being in the pageant? But this is from the early 80s so it wasn’t exactly, um, well, it wouldn’t probably hold up today. I guess what I’m saying is what is the entire plot synopsis and theme? If you could just give me a transcript of the movie. Just kidding, but I’m curious?
Elisabeth
The strike is terrible. I am getting more nervous as it stretches on. I kinda expected it to be resolved very quickly…but doesn’t look that way. All my Christmas cards and parcels will have to wait. And I can only imagine the backlog when it finally reopens.
It’s kinda sweet what Jake did – though I suppose it was also self-preservation. Having his mom freak out might make his life more difficult too?
That is the general plot line, yup. I feel like it aged…okay? But I’ve never read the original book, never saw the show, and can’t really say how closely it adheres to the actual book?
Kyria @ Travel Spot
You’ve got a good kid there Elisabeth. Well, two of them actually! They are very happy, kind and thoughtful. Happy birthday to Indy; I am so glad he had a fun (and sugar filled) birthday. I am sporty and it warms my heart that both of them are enjoying their sports so much. I found it was a great way to make friends when I was a kid, especially since otherwise where I lived was very isolated. Some of my early sport friends are still great friends to this day!
My happy things include meeting up with my cousin (who grew up with me like a brother) and his family a couple of times in the last couple of weeks and also scheduling another meet up this weekend. It’s nice to be close by. Also he was in the Navy so often was away A LOT, and he recently retired so we are now in the right place, right time and we are taking advantage of it.
Also, although it is raining a lot, every time there is a gap, I am outside, and it is wonderful to have a neighborhood that is fun to walk in, where the weather is not too bad (it snowed on the mountains nearby, but has not yet snowed at sea level).
Elisabeth
Aww. Thanks. Both my kids were asking about you, today, incidentally and wanted me to say Hello <3
They are pretty great kids. They have their moments, but it's been a sweet(ish) spot lately with less fighting. I think a lot of that has to do with how independent they're becoming. Hard to believe next year they'll be in separate schools. And because of their age difference, they'll never be in the same school together again.
It has been raining or drizzly or windy for almost two weeks and I am tired of it! But gold stars for getting out when you can.
Birchie
I don’t think we’ve ever had a “bad” birthday party, but we’ve had two “bad” Christmases, one from each kid. Ah memories.
Yay for acceptably-priced fashion dupes! $155 is…a lot.
Elisabeth
We’ve had quite a few rough Christmases…always because of illness. I’ve had multiple kids throw up on Christmas Eve, fevers are basically a given on Christmas Day and we spent something like 3 out of 4 Christmas Eve’s in a row AT THE EMERGENCY ROOM. Ironically, our best/healthiest Christmas since having kids was the first COVID year.
Mary
We read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever every year as a family (like with grandparents and aunts/uncles and cousins) passing the book between people to all share reading a chapter. This is a tradition from my childhood that has kept on. Honestly, I think there are whole chapters I could almost recite from memory now. Not sure I want to risk seeing the movie and have it be in any way different than the book. But glad to hear you liked the movie.
Elisabeth
What a lovely tradition. I’ve never read the original and feel like I must. I went on to be library to order it in, but because of the postal strike interlibrary loans won’t work…so I’ll have to wait.
Jessica
I loved reading your Happy Things. I have not had a lot of Happy Things this week but reading yours lifted my spirits. I’m hoping to end the week with a lot of Happy Things as we travel to for an early American Thanksgiving celebration with some extended family.
Elisabeth
Thanks, Jessica. I hope the week ahead looks brighter and that you have a truly wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. Hard weeks are hard…but sometimes Happy weeks follow closely on their heels <3
Ally Bean
Do you have mugs for every season? No
Do you always get snacks when you go to the movies? No
Did you enjoy playing sports as a kid? Hell No
Best birthday party memory ever? Girlfriends in high school threw a surprise overnight sleepover party for me. My mom was in on it, but I was totally clueless about it.
Elisabeth
A surprise sleepover. That’s a first to me. Sounds amazing! I bet Belle would love that. I’m tucking this idea away…
Alexandra
That was one incredibly busy week and I love that you have so many happy moments to remember. Meanwhile, we’re hoping to get to go see Wicked sometime in the coming weeks, preferably an afternoon showing as the movie is almost THREE hours long! Will my bladder survive? I know if we went in the evening I’d fall asleep. And who wants to be thrown out for snoring?
As for treats? No. We usually smuggle stuff in and eat once the lights go down, but quietly. I love maltesers.
As for seasonal mugs? Oh, you bet your sweet life I do. I have two sets for winter/Christmas.
Sadly as one of 6 kids I never had a birthday party, at least, not one that I can remember.
Elisabeth
I had no idea Wicked was that long. I’ve never seen the Broadway and never even listened to the music. It sounds like it’s going to be epic (though I’m a bit bummed it’s a “To Be Continued” ending…
We always smuggled in until recently when my conscience attacked me as I walked by the sign that said No outdoor food or drinks.
Ha – love your enthusiasm for holiday mugs.
Alexandra
The movie looks stunning. They really have gone all out, but yeah, longgggg! And only part I of II.
They have the same notices here in our cinemas, but I’ve always ignored it. A friend said it’s unenforceable, but then I guess they couold still kick us out. I don’t know. It’s never happened.
Yep. We do love winter/Christmas in this household. When winter is 7 months long you better love it.
Ernie
This is such an uplifting post. Hooray for finding those shoes (slippers?) at the thrift shop. Does Belle know about them, like did she try them on and will know/still be excited when they are under the tree? I took Curly jean shopping a few nights ago and we found so many pairs that some will be for her Dec 19th bday or Christmas. Reg had a sleepover bday party that I didn’t enjoy, but he sure did. The 8th bday flashback made me cringe. I tried sports as a kid, but I wasn’t great. Our kids are all sporty and I’m definitely enjoying all of their games. So much fun. I remember Belle landing in a different class or something from most of her friends for this school year, so I’m happy to read that she’s connecting so much with friends. We rarely go to the movies, so when we do it is a big treat. When the kids were young, we’d sneak in some treats in our pockets instead of buying the over priced stuff there. Totally on the same movie-going page as you. We have probably treated them to popcorn a few times over the years.
Elisabeth
They are slippers but everyone seems to be wearing them as shoes these days *shrug*
Belle does know about them. She’s at the age where if I buy something that automatically means she’s less likely to like it. Also, since it was a consignment store, I couldn’t return them. And I wanted her to try them on. It’s a bit disappointing, but she has lots of surprises ahead under the tree and this is what happens as you grow up!
Sleepovers aren’t my favourite, but it’s fun every once in a while. This was Indy’s first ever! Another milestone.
Belle is doing a bit better. Thankfully she has such a wonderful group of friends, but it has been tough. That said, is middle school ever easy/fun?
NGS
If I go to the movies (which is super rare in my life) I always get snacks because otherwise it’s not a true movie experience in my life. I like popcorn and a slush and I’m a happy girl, even though it is super likely I’ll fall asleep. I think last time I went to the movies, I brought ear plugs, a blanket, and my own popcorn. LOL.
I certainly do not have mugs for every season. I have one mug I use all year round (it’s a Harry Potter mug and the perfect size and I love it, so let’s not talk about JKR) and we have a set of eight mugs we got when we got married. Our kitchen cupboards do not have room for more than that. Frankly, it surprises me that your minimalist heart has multiple seasonal mugs!
Elisabeth
I have never fallen asleep in a theatre and NEVER would. It costs so much. What an expensive nap. But I know lots of people that fall asleep almost immediately. I don’t get it, but they love it so I suppose it’s a case of them doing them! That said, I DO like to bring a blanket to keep warm.
I don’t actually have many seasonal mugs (that one was at a friend’s house). I have one small Christmas mug, Belle has one someone gave her last year (I’d donate it to a thrift store in a heartbeat – it’s not microwaveable, so basically USELESS – but she loves it). Other than that, I use the same mugs all year round. I definitely don’t have any for Valentines, birthdays, or any other holidays.
SHU
Annabel and I BOTH want those UGGS!! (She has informed me that we can at least still both fit into the kids’ size range so that saves some $).
Elisabeth
Ohhh. Good point. Belle would definitely still fit in kid sizes – she has small feet (unlike me)! Maybe there will be some great Black Friday sales as well?!
Katy @ Practical Walk
I relate the the movie theater! My kids associate getting big buckets of popcorn and super-sized sodas with going to the movies with Grandma and Grandpa, who are willing to splurge on that! 🙂
Elisabeth
I think it’s SO fun to have those sorts of treat memories. I remember a lady from my childhood that always had pink peppermints. My mom always, always, always has homemade cookies for my kids. They love it, and are conditioned to getting one every time they visit which I think is pretty sweet (both emotionally and nutritionally). I think those traditions and special “splurges” make kids feel valued, special, and perhaps also give them a sense of security? Someone out there loves me and wants to spoil me (in a good way)? How lovely…
Lisa's Yarns
I’m glad that Indy had a great birthday party! Yay for hitting double digits for both kids! You are in a new stage of life!
We rarely went to movies when I was a kid but when we did, my mom would sneak snacks in. I don’t go very often with the kids so we do tend to buy popcorn when we go since it’s such a treat to attend. I have never read the best christmas pageant ever, nor did I know this was a movie that is out! I need to read up on it and see if it’s something that Taco would enjoy.
I did not enjoy playing sports as a child. At all. I was terrible!!
Elisabeth
It is a new stage of life and Lisa – IT IS SO MUCH EASIER THAN TODDLERHOOD (or even earlier elementary). I can basically guarantee with 99.9% certainty, you are going to find the next five years get progressively easier in the parenting department.
I wasn’t allowed to go to the movies growing up (conservative Baptist background), so I’ve never been with my parents. They did let me go a few times in high school and I loved it, but went a lot more in college when there were midnight movies for $2 (I didn’t like the late nights, but I loved the price). John also loves movies – a lot more than me!
I would say the Best Christmas Pageant ever is very mild in terms of action. Nothing too scary. I really enjoyed it <3
Sophie
Happy birthday Indy! Both kids in double digits seems like a milestone. Glad the party was a success!
I rarely go to the movies (maybe once per year), and when we do, we go all out on the snacks. Popcorn and malteasers for the win! When I was a teenager I used to sneak in snacks, though. What a rebel.
I’ve never heard of that book, will check it out for Eleanor. Looks like a fun family movie!
Glad there were so many happy things in your week, amid some challenges.
Elisabeth
It was a fun movie for our family! Very much enjoyed.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
So many happy things in one week. I love it.
Happy birthday to Indy. How fun that he was so good in basketball and that he enjoyed it.
How wonderful the kids party was such a success and you had fun too.
I always splurge on popcorn and drinks at the movies. But we rarely go these days. It is so so expensive and with all the streaming services there really is no point in seeing one in the movies because they are out online at the same time.
Elisabeth
It is so expensive…and you’re 100% right. With all the streaming options, there isn’t much need to go out. I suspect movie theatres will really struggle to keep their doors open in this new digital-streaming age…
J
For me the popcorn is the reason to go to the movies. I make it at home and it just doesn’t taste the same.
Happy birthday to Indy! I’m so glad that he had a great time, and that the party went well, all of it.
Those slippers are very cute and very similar to the UGGs. My daughter was SO into UGGs when she was in middle school, I’m surprised they are still a thing I guess. I bought her a cheaper brand a couple of times and they would sort of collapse and look horrible. (These were boots, not slippers.) Then her grandma had a pair she wasn’t wearing, and gave them to Maya, and lo and behold, NO PROBLEMS. I guess you get what you pay for sometimes (though wouldn’t it be great if they were thrifted, so you pay less???)
Elisabeth
I have heard that UGGs “hold up” well. I’ll keep my eye out for UGG brand things at this local consignment store. Their prices can’t be beat!
Michelle G.
I love your list of happy things! You deserve all the happy things! I haven’t been to a movie theater in so long, and suddenly I have a craving for a big bucket of popcorn and a tank of coke! Twizzlers and M & Ms! Those are fun memories.
Elisabeth
I LOVE Twizzlers and get a bag every year for my birthday and Christmas. I eat them basically all by myself and they are amazing.
Stephany
Oh, it’s not a movie for me if I’m not getting movie theater popcorn. Obviously, the movies are a LOT more expensive when you have kids, haha, but for just me, GIMME THAT POPCORN. There’s truly nothing like it.
I have a few different mugs for fall + Christmas, but not for EVERY season. My mug collection would be out of hand if so!
Grateful Kae
Yes, Elisabeth, the key is that you just EAT POPCORN FOR DINNER. That’s what we do. Ha! We never ever plan either dinner out or dinner at home after a movie. Just eat the popcorn! It’s corn, so like, it’s a big bowl of vegetables! 😉 LOL. I don’t think I’ve ever gone to a movie and not had popcorn. It’s a huge part of the experience for me! (We are guilty of just sneaking our own drinks or water bottles in in my purse though, to be honest…but we always at least get popcorn!)
Elisabeth
Lesson learned. I didn’t think we would get two large popcorns (the kids each split with one parent).
A big bowl of vegetables…drowned in artificial fat. Yum. I can hear my arteries clogging as I write this.
Cattis
Happy birthday Indy 🎈🎈
Maria
Happy birthday Indy! What sort of fish did he end up getting? In grad school my office mate and I got two female betas because we were told the females don’t fight. Ha. Ironically we’d named them after two famous polymer chemists who had received the Nobel prize together but were famously known to dislike each other, so perhaps we set our fish up for failure. Two tanks became a necessity. I’ve got fond memories of watching Ziegler and Natta swimming around, and I hope Indy enjoys his fish!
Elisabeth
He got a betta fish (one male). Stay tuned for more details later this weeK!!!
I’m curious where you went to grad school? UNB? I’m assuming you were in Chemistry or an adjacent field!