Friday Thoughts
Hey, friends!
How is the fall treating you??
It’s time for a quick Friday Thoughts check-in. We’ve got everything from memes to mental health today.
I love these posts because of everything you share in the comments. They’re my favorite. YOU are my favorite(s).
1. Two memes to sum up my existence right now.
That koala bear meme. Please tell me I’m not the only parent that can relate with that one.
And also, the reason I feel like a permanently exhausted pigeon is almost certainly because of the second item in today’s Friday Thoughts lineup.
2. Piglets, piglets, piglets.
If you follow my faux farm account on Instagram, you’ll know that our kunekune pig momma, Olivia, had a litter of piglets 2 1/2 weeks ago. And oh my gosh, they are the cutest things ever. But they are also so much work!
The original plan was to time the litter birth for when the kids were home from school in the summer, but the best laid plans didn’t account for the pigs taking forever to “get the job done” if you know what I mean.
So. I’ve been largely responsible for the piglets while the kids are at school. And to say these little zoomie rascals are more than I bargained for is an understatement.
We lost one in the first few days to a birth defect, another one has struggled to thrive so I’m constantly trying to keep her eating and growing, and they’re so adorable, that, yes, I spend a lot of time sitting out in the pig hut watching them play, because I can’t tear myself away. #pigsoverpeople
Three of the kids invested their savings in the adult kunekune pigs in the hopes of making their investment back by selling piglets. So, here we are. It’s been an adventure!
If you go to the PIGLETS highlights on Instagram, you’ll see all the antics from the last few weeks. Warning: turns out, piglet content is highly addictive.
3. My Friend Maria
I want to tell you about someone really amazing. My friend, Maria.
Earlier this year, Brian came home from work and asked if I still had the reading book I used when our kids were learning how to read. When I asked him why, he said a sweet lady he works with (Maria) had come to his office asking if he had any resources or places that could help her because she didn’t know how to read.
He explained that Maria is one of the most hard working employees at the plant, that she raised five kids as a single mom, and that she is also smart, kind, quiet, and a caretaker of others. Her life has been challenging in ways he and I will never be able to fully understand.
I pulled out my old reading lesson book for Brian to take to work…and immediately felt this strong desire to help Maria learn to read, even though she and I didn’t know each other yet.
After Brian helped arrange things at work, Maria and I started getting together every morning (4X a week) back in May to do reading lessons together. I doubted I’d be a very good teacher, but it turns out, this rather old-fashioned book is just as effective teaching adults to read as it is teaching kids to read!
Of course, the main reason for success is because of Maria’s heart. Her determination. Her unfailing willingness to keep trying. She persevered even after years of being told by many, many people that she was stupid because she couldn’t read and that she’d never be able to learn.
Over the last five months, Maria and I started out each lesson together talking about life and family and stresses and food and teenagers and everything in between…and…eventually we got to the reading part. 🙂
I legitimately have tears in my eyes as I’m typing this, because Maria has become such a dear friend and inspiration to me.
She’s taught me that it’s never too late to learn something new or try something hard (especially learning to read in English when your first language is Spanish). She’s taught me it’s ok to cry (she has the kindest heart in the entire world).
She’s taught me that in an era of fiery personalities, divisive opinions, and front and center merit for being “the best,” there’s a quiet, steady power in working hard every day to make your way in a world that most likely won’t ever notice, or reward, you.
And she’s definitely taught me to be more grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in life that too often I take for granted.
The first day that Maria read her first “real” word (it was ‘mat’), she stopped, shook her head, and with absolute awe in her voice kept repeating: wow, wow, wow. She couldn’t believe she was reading. (I was biting my lip HARD under my mask to keep myself from bawling that day.) Now, she’s reading full stories with dialogue and plots and characters. She told me that she feels like a whole new world has been opened to her now that she can read.
She just finished this book about brave Clara Barton. But to me, Maria is the bravest of all. She has defied circumstances stacked against her that would spell devastation for most of us, and she has done so with integrity, kindness, and endless, endless hard work. I’m so grateful to know her.
4. Halloween (cough, hater)
Are you a Halloween lover or hater?
I’m in the hater camp. I’m sorry if that causes some of you shock, dismay, disappointment, and horror. I just don’t find many redeemable qualities in this holiday. I’m a Verified Halloween Scrooge.
Except for, sometimes, the food. Like, the cutesy monster cookie type food.
Some years, we’ll decorate these fun little spooky houses (or a kit from Trader Joe’s or Costco). And if I’m really on my A-game, on Halloween night we’ll do dinner in a pumpkin or these mummy dogs.
Do you have any fun Halloween food traditions?
{P.S. Before anyone gets really worried, yes, my kids go trick-or-treating, but the process of finding a costume around here is…very much a create-your-own type situation.}
5. I’ve Gotta Know
Someone told me recently you can tell a lot about a person whether they wear crocs in public or not.
So. I have to know. Do you??
I do. Unashamedly. My kids have had crocs for years. I’ve had no real strong opinion about them. Earlier this year, they got me a pair for Mother’s Day.
And.
I wear them constantly. I hope we can still be friends.
Tell me your deep, dark thoughts about crocs. This is a judgment free zone.
6. Believe it or Not
This second son of mine is turning 16 a week from today. Many of you have been around since he was just four years old. (INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE.)
He’s evolved into a hilarious, witty, smart, hard-working young man who loves to take selfies on my phone during church while I’m painfully playing my way through the hymns on the organ.
I have a few ideas up my sleeve for his birthday but I can’t type them out here, because I know from regular comments left on my blog that he and his friends often read here during math class (ahem, BOYS, get back to work!).
Please share any of your sweet sixteen birthday ideas below!
7. Catch Up and Struggles
Catching up from the last Friday Thought’s post:
- Thank you for all the planner recommendations! I seriously spent hours researching different planners for next year. I’m not sure what I’ll settle on yet, but you definitely gave me some great ideas. You’re the best. (Some of the most common recommendations were Passion Planners, Emily Ley planners, Golden Coil, Planner Pads, Erin Condren, In the Leafy Treetops, bullet journals/planners, Plum Paper, Jordan Page productivity planners and a few others!)
- Also, we started watching Crash Landing on You on Netflix like hundreds of you suggested. 🙂 My boys didn’t stick around long, but Brian and I have liked it a lot. It’s quirky and funny and unique. Highly recommend!
I don’t talk about my personal struggles much on here, but for me, 2021 has been a hard year. I know I’m not alone. It’s been a difficult couple of years for the entire world! For me, 2021 has been filled with difficulties and stresses and challenges and heartache that have kind of rocked my foundation on a lot of levels.
I deleted these paragraphs a million times because I don’t want this to be a call for attention or a sympathy plea. Mostly, I just want to acknowledge that sometimes online and social media posts do a really good job of masking real life and real challenges. But I feel like it is important to acknowledge that life (and mental health) rarely fit into a neat, pretty little box.
If you’ve had a hard year (or years), just know that you aren’t alone. I’m slowly and stubbornly learning that it’s ok to admit I’m not ok. That’s a monumental step for me. And after getting awkwardly ghosted by a therapist earlier this year, I’m finally brave enough (I think!) to try again so I can get some help sorting through the chaos in my brain and bolster some puny coping skills.
Thanks for being here. I say that a lot, but I really, really mean it.
I am certainly grateful for all of you that allow me to be very, very human even when society seems to prize and reward unsustainable and misleading perfection. I’m so grateful YOU are real and beautifully imperfect, too.
Love your guts.
I totally feel the pigeon meme. That is me, but because I stay up to chat with my night owl husband and teenagers and then have a teething 16 month that sometimes keeps me up at night and/or gets me up early. I’m trying to soak in all of the people while they are still all here!! I’ve just resigned myself to always feeling tired. I can sleep after I die. The piglets are super cute to die for though. Definitely worth losing sleep over.
Why is it so much harder to give gifts when kids get older? I’m afraid I am not much help with the sweet sixteen. Something he may not appreciate now, but definitely later might be a hand-written letter that expresses all the things that are sometimes harder to get out. Also, what is his love language? Focus on that, maybe.
Your story about Maria had me choked up and feeling so grateful from the beginning. What an amazing experience for you both. These kinds of stories fill my heart with hope. You are a rock star. And along those lines, I love how real you are on here. It endears you to me more. I hope you can find something that clicks for you with counseling and the rest of what you are working for. It is definitely a day in, day out battle. It is definitely easier by being open and sharing these hard realities with others. So thank you. We can all gain someone sharing.
And I am definitely in the Halloween hate club. My kids love it so much that I try. But I would rather focus it around all the best food than the trick or treating or candy, so yeah. Let’s move on to the other holidays which feel so much better in my heart.
You are a light! Thank you for taking the time to share your life.
“I totally feel the pigeon meme. That is me, but because I stay up to chat with my night owl husband … then have a teething 16 month that sometimes keeps me up at night and/or gets me up early. … And I am definitely in the Halloween hate club. My kids love it so much that I try. But I would rather focus it around all the best food than the trick or treating or candy, so yeah. Let’s move on to the other holidays which feel so much better in my heart. ”
This is me! Change 16 months to 22 months, and I would have thought I wrote it. Always nice to know there are others out there dealing with the same things. Here’s wishes that teething passes quickly, and the excitement that Nov. 1st is just around the corner 🙂
I love that your husband is the kind of person that Maria thought of and could go to when needing help. I think that really shows his character.
While I don’t love the overabundance of junk food or the scary gory part of Halloween, I do live the friendliness and neighborliness of Halloween. At least here in Arizona where the weather is great it is the perfect time to get out and get to know the neighbors. Everyone sits out in their driveway and the parents get to chat as they take their kids around. We have gotten to know so many people on Halloween. Also, what a great holiday that people buy bags of candy to give away to strangers with no expectation of anything in return.
I feel you with the pigeon meme! I have 5 kids 1.5-11. between the 1.5 and 4 year old, sleep is never great. Add in running everyone else around and my baby decided overnight not to nap anymore; it’s rough. I’d so love to eat healthy and exercise and lose some of this baby weight- as well as stay on top of mom/wife/homemaker life- but right now, I’m just in survival mode. I’m trying to be ok with doing what I can and letting go of the rest.
I also acknowledge that there are many positive and wonderful things in my life. I’m truly blessed.
Thanks for being willing to share your thoughts and feelings. Social media/websites and such can mask so many struggles. It’s helpful for all of us to see the humanity of others and that life is hard for all of us in different ways.
Last note, definitely in Halloween hater camp over here! I hate the fear aspect, the morbid displays people think are ok to put up in their front yard for children to see, and managing hordes of candy afterwards. November 1st is one of the happiest days of the year 🙂 We do, however LOVE pumpkin carving (like detailed ones that take hours and use carving tools outside carving kits). It’s kind of an obsession, and definitely the highlight of the season!
Mel –
This post just made me love you even more. I’ve been around since your second son was 4 – where does the time go?!? My kids are also in their teenage years (13 & 15) and it just blows my mind all the time.
Maria – this made me just cry over my toast in all the best way. You both changed each other and shared an experience that just cracked you open to love and community even more. She is an absolute treasure and please let her know love and light is being sent from Indiana.
Crocs – I broke my foot, wicked bad about four years ago and have never been able to be comfortable on hardwood floors without some padding. Enter the croc. Ugly, deliciously soft on your foot bed and a back strap to catch the heal. I own 2 outdoor pairs and 1 indoor pair. I have a deep obsession for always finding the best shoe for my feet.
Your piglets are adorable and I love watching the reels.
I love Halloween. But don’t do any type of food that is cool/cute. I make chili and cornbread for our family and the kids hit the neighborhood while we pass out the candy. This year I crafted monstera leaves to be a house plant.
And thanks for sharing that this has been a hard year. I think admitting your hards also make others recognize their hards are normal. We are all living the same cycles at different times in different ways. This year was medium for me in levels of hardness, I feel like I have been doing the work on myself these past few years and am seeing some personal growth.
You have had a lot of heartbreak this year and sifting through grief and trauma while addressing all the life stuff that is demanded on a daily basis, well it is hard to breath sometimes. Much less alone, feel all the feelings. You are doing amazing – showing up and sharing. You’re a gift.
Side note – Have you ever listened to the podcast, We Can Do Hard Things?
I have found it to be delightful. Wanted to share.
And recently watched – Same Kind Of Different As Me on the Netflix and it just was great. You may like it.
Lots of love to you and your lovely family!!
Your coping skills are not puny. LOOK AT YOUR LIFE!
Thanks for sharing your highs and lows, Mel.
Crocs – I cannot wear them due to plantar fasciitis. Vionic brand of shoes is all I wear because they are made to treat this condition and honestly, hurting feet ruins my day. Plus crocs are ugly. 🙂
Halloween – when my girls were trick or treating age, it was a complete pain. Costumes be d@mned. One year I even sewed a mouse costume in polar fleece because we live in freaking Minnesota. The only thing I liked about it was carving pumpkins because 1) I like candles and 2) the roasted seeds are the bomb.
2021 – I was doing pretty good until I got covid and yes, I took all precautions and got the vaccine because it was preached. No offense, but until you’ve had it, you don’t have a clue. Me included! It has affected my mental health so I am now getting some support. There is no shame in that, Mel.
Other than that, I am looking forward to the day when I have enough energy to make a fall favorite, apple crisp.
Hugs to you and give a couple smooches to those piglets. They are mighty adorable!
Love your Friday Thoughts posts! They help me refocus and smile and feel “normal” for not being normal in a wonderful, non-judgmental way!
Maria – absolutely precious!! If only the world was full of more people like her, willing to work quietly behind the scenes. I’m a homeschooling mom of four….no one is ever going to write a book about me, my college alma mater doesn’t want to feature me in the quarterly updates, and I don’t even have a blog. Yet, my goal is to be known as Maria is known: for quiet tenacity, perseverance, and integrity.
Crocs – I have huge feet. Size 11 wide. I also have primary lymphedema. So, Crocs are a no for me. I need something with excellent fit and appropriate tightness. I.e. New Balance cross trainers. But, some of my favorite people in the world wear them – and I wholeheartedly support!
Halloween – ugh. I didn’t like it as a little girl. Demand people give me candy or else I’ll play a trick on them? How rude! (Yes, I was that kind of four year old.) Celebrate ugliness and evil? There’s enough of it in every day life! (Yes, I was that kind of teenager.) Walpurgisnacht?! Nope, not going near Halloween now! (Yes, I was the weird German major in college.) So…..we don’t observe Halloween. However, we eat October Treats all throughout the month (candy corns) which is highly unusual for this Mama to hand out candy willy nilly throughout the day! And we have a fun German theme dinner on the 31st and discuss Martin Luther. My kids love open face sandwiches, sauerkraut, rye bread, and Apfelschorle! And then we enjoy a bag of candy for dessert. Haha!
Piglets – we absolutely love seeing the baby pigs at the State Fair. We are also the family that doesn’t even have a dog. (My youngest thinks she will need therapy later for being denied a basic necessity of life….) I’m impressed at all you do!
Idea for Next Post – how do you stay so fit?!? If I made all your goodies all the time like you must do for the blog……it just wouldn’t be pretty. We eat homemade, fairly healthy balanced meals every night and
desserts are only once a week in this house – and I still struggle with my weight! What is your secret? 🙂
Big hugs to you!!!!
MEL. Lots of therapists have red flags so here are some i have noticed: you do NOT want a therapist that will talk about themselves during the session, (like a few examples here and there are fine but constant stories…no). You also do not want one one that will agree with you most of the time or one that doesnt try to ween you off. There has to be a goal of you being independent and commitments set for you to report back on each week. Therein lies the growth and healing. Just want to help you avoid some of my very wasted time and money. Sigh. Good luck and you can do this! 🙂
Also YES I WEAR CROCS IN PUBLIC AND THEY CAME WITH BLINGY FLOWERS when i bought them. White crocs and rose gold flower charms. The Radiant Clog is the name i think. I love them. Croc lovers, unite!
I am a HUGE advocate for therapy and taking care of your mental health. Do it! So important! If you broke your arm/leg, etc you wouldn’t think twice about going to the doctor, getting medicine to help and physical therapy. Mental health should not be any different–speaking from a mom of 4 that all have had mental health issues–see the therapist, talk to your doctor and get some meds if needed, get enough sleep. exercise and good diet. They all are so important! Love you Mel! You are amazing!!! Love your teaching Maria to read! That is amazing!
Mel, You have a heart of gold and I wish I could be your neighbor. I could use a really great neighbor right now. Thank you for helping Maria. What a beautiful gift you’ve been to each other. Thanks for taking time to do that. I’ve been struggling with anxiety lately too. I finally found an amazing therapist for my teenager. I hope you find someone too. I should probably find one for myself. Sending a big hug! Life is a lot, sometimes.
I love your last line “Life is a lot, sometimes.” It’s so TRUE! What a simple way to sum up how hard it is to get through each day. I want a T-shirt now with that line on it.
Mel, we have so much in common but it appears Crocs and Halloween are not among them! Boo. But 2020 and 2021 have been incredibly hard for me too, making me face the reality that I needed counseling (again) and a good anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication. It takes time to find the right counselor and/or medication. I am finally using a NP of Psychiatry and she’s great. They specialize in how you are feeling. (Meridian Advanced Psychiatry)
I hope you find the right tools to help you through these troubled times. It’s ok to not always be ok.
Mel, I love your recipes and these posts. I also loved chatting at the cross country meet. I don’t have a lot to add, but I am a Halloween hater. I seriously hate everything about it. I do take my kids trick or treating, but they piece their costumes together from the hand me downs in the dress up bin. I rarely plan a festive meal and I loathe dealing with all of the candy they bring home.
It has been a hard year. I find myself spending most afternoons just sitting in silence while my little one naps. I feel like I’m healing from the trauma of non stop noise and needs from my kids for the last year and a half. I should also seek out a counselor, but haven’t yet. I hope you are able to find someone who is a good fit for you.
“I find myself spending most afternoons just sitting in silence while my little one naps. I feel like I’m healing from the trauma of non stop noise and needs from my kids for the last year and a half.”
YES. Stephanie I don’t know you but YES. I can SO relate. It’s been rough!!!
Mel, you are a good, good human. Thank you for being you, consistently.
My favorite part of this whole post and maybe of anything that I’ve read lately is this (from the Maria section): “there’s a quiet, steady power in working hard every day to make your way in a world that most likely won’t ever notice, or reward, you.” My mom is an immigrant with an amazing story of tenacity and hard work who didn’t face such challenges as Maria, although arriving here at age 17 alone with $200 in hand and no English or driving skills is significantly challenging. But my mom quickly learned to read and speak English and thus had many opportunities. I see a the same hero in Maria as I do in my mom. Thanks for sharing. And as for 2021, oh boy. All I will say, is that I’m right there with you. What a year. Harder in some respects than 2020.
Mel – I am grateful for your recipes, your Friday thoughts and your perspective.
I’m actually going to follow up on your January 2021 post. You mentioned getting rashes from all natural deodorants and many of your readers agreed. I’ve had that struggle as well and actually needed to give up trying for over 3 years because of the rashes. Your post inspired me to try again.
I saw an ad (probably somewhere on social media) for Lume deodorant. It was created by a Minnesota doctor and she left out the main ingredient in all natural deodorants that cause rashes, baking soda. I ordered 5 sample tubes, but was still hesitant given how badly I had broken out in the past. Finally, in mid-August I bit the bullet and gave the first tube a try. It has been 2 months now and NO RASH. I highly recommend giving Lume a try. I have been so pleased.
2021 has not been an easy year. I think so many people are struggling and don’t feel comfortable talking about it. Your honesty is appreciated. Thank you.
Agreed! I use Lume because it works. I also use Little Seed Farm deodorants because there is no baking soda in their formulas, and they smell amazing. The activated charcoal is my fav scent I love them!! Small goat farm, check them out. Plus NO PLASTIC.
Love Lume!!!! Both myself and my teenagers use it and we love it!
I love these posts! Halloween… I keep it low key, because I like the snack packs of candy but that’s it. Crocs… nope! I have narrow feet, and just walk right out of them. Piglets… enjoying your stories on IG! And I love that you are being brave and honest about your struggles with mental health this year. Praying you find the help you’re looking for.
Oh my goodness, all you wonderful souls, I have read all of your comments and just want to say thank you for taking the time to comment and share and just BE HERE. I appreciate you more than you know. Thanks for the recommendations and tips and just everything that you shared. I love that there are so many Halloween fans! And so many just like me. Haha. I love that so many of you were like “no, way, not crocs, not ever” but also could care less if others wear them. And big shoutout to all my crocs wearers out there. Thank you for sharing your hearts and being vulnerable in the experiences you offered. Anyway, I just appreciate you. All of you.
Thank you for keeping it real, Mel. My 2021 started off poorly and it has only gone downhill. But I keep the song from Annie in my head—maybe the sun will come out tomorrow.
The very best ahead to you and your family. They sound like good kids, just kids. And Maria—what a treasure. I can learn much from her.
Piglets! – I am so glad I follow your Faux Farm. I love the piglets and look for them daily. Thanks for giving me a daily smile.
Maria – I love that you gave of your time and helped her out. She will never forget your help.
Halloween – Hater – I have never been into dressing up, but I have been required to lately. My costumes are always meh… I am hoping that I can skip this year.
Crocs – I have never tried them and no one in my family wears them. Right now I hate all shoes. Been wearing insoles that a doctor recommended and I feel like I am walking on rocks. As my daughter says ‘You have sensitive feet’… Maybe I should try Crocs.
The last few years have been rough for everyone, but for different reasons. I am so looking forward to 2022 and hoping it is a better year. I am working on boundaries, productivity, etc.
I’m struggling with a planner, but I think that is because I realize I need a custom planner – bullet journal so I can dump everything on my to do/ wish list, calendar to keep track of events, etc, etc.
Our number one recipe is the Garlic Alfredo Sauce. There is currently some in the fridge.
I have been using your blog practically daily for years and haven’t commented much, but wanted to say thank you for it! You have often helped me feel like a rockstar in the kitchen. 😉 Thank you for this post, your Friday thoughts are often some of my favorites. First of all, pigs?! You truly are my hero now. I also have five kids and have been holding out on getting a dog, and they never let me hear the end of it. I don’t want ANOTHER living thing to take care of, so you’re officially even more my hero. Lastly, thank you for your transparency. We can probably all relate to heartache and life struggles, and I mean it when I say I will be praying for you. May you feel God’s presence in the midst of your struggle in a new and fresh way. His light always overcomes the darkness. Blessings!
I’m definitely a Halloween Hater. I buy a bag of candy at Costco and my kids get to eat it. Done.
My son’s 16th birthday was a few months ago. He wanted a big bonfire on the beach and s’mores, playing games with the family, and hamburgers to eat. I made him a chocolate peppermint cake. It was an easy birthday, and he was happy.
Maria – I love that you follow your heart and give so generously of your time and energy. Truly Christlike!
Halloween – Hater – definitely. I love candy, but that does not make up for the stress of costumes, ha-ha! I’m glad my kids are getting older and can do more of that on their own.
Crocs – As I get older I have decided that comfort is key. I don’t care what I look like, as long as I am comfortable. I wear socks with sandals because it works for me; you wear crocs and enjoy 🙂
Mental Health – so important to take care of yourself mentally. Good luck finding the right therapist for you!
Thank you for sharing you AND your recipes. Love your guts!
“Normal is a setting on the washer” Remember that one? Also “I’m ok you’re ok we’re all … Let’s just say “NOT” at the end of that one. Have myself had crushing heartaches that still hurt a lot. Still I see others horrendous struggles and I become ashamed for feeling down. Growing being the necessary challenge that it is less we stagnate or deny our weaknesses. Means a lot of wake-up calls. The plus is we get wiser, stronger, and we run to the Shepherd more! So glad to hear of your selfless gift of time to help Maria! Sounds like her success and sweetness is your reward. Sending you a hug we all can sure use more of those<3 Olivia's piglets are adorable ;0
“Normal is a setting on the washer.” I love that and am going to use it all the time now!
Thank you for sharing about your friend Maria, what an inspiration!
I have such fond memories of my mom and I planning costumes together which she would usually make and I do enjoy doing that with my kids also. (Well most of the time I enjoy sewing them, but there has been times at 1 am I have wondered why I spend more time making the costumes than they will actually spend wearing them.) We do have a fun tradition we stole from my niece and her husband. We do spaghetti for dinner and a drink with dry ice. The fun part is no one gets regular plates, utensils, or cups. We pick random things to eat on and with – pan lids, whisks, tongs, measuring spoons, etc. It’s dinner and entertainment all in one.
Also, this is off topic, but I started following Lift and Love because of you and am grateful for you sharing their account. I also thought the video you did for them was really perfect. Your message was so good and your love for everyone was so evident.
Loved every word! I love relating in all of our similar and different struggles. Thanks for making the world better in all your many ways.
Thank you for sharing Mel! I loved reading this whole post….you seem like such an amazing person. A relatable, kind, thoughtful, brave person. I appreciated your words on mental health, it’s something that so many struggle with. Thanks for bringing more awareness. ❤️❤️❤️
16 year old birthdays….
For our son- We treated him to an Escape Room. We live in a pretty small town so he, his dad, and a few friends made a day of it by driving to Phoenix and having dinner after. It was a hit.
For our daughter- We secretly set up to have a close friend who lives out of town, and that she rarely gets to see, stay with us for a few days. That was “the best”, according to our daughter.
Looking forward to hearing what you decide to do! Sounds like he’s a great kid.
These are really helpful ideas!
I’m a soon to be an 80 years old woman. It’s just my husband and me – and our little rescue terrier. 😉 You are like a breath of fresh air… You’re warm and welcoming and I so enjoy reading little tidbits about you, your family and life with the farm animals. Your stories bring joy to my heart… 🙂
Your story about Maria and helping her learn to read was awesome and brought a tear to my eyes. A big warm hug and thank you for sharing a snippet of your life.
do you have a recipe for the chocolate dessert with eyes ?
I love your Friday thoughts so much. Thanks for sharing.
I’m a Halloween hater. 1000%. It doesn’t help that three of my kids have birthdays within a week of Halloween and it’s hard to want to whip up a cake when candy is coming out of their ears already. My oldest turns 16 the day after Halloween this year and all he wants is money so I’m lost as to how to make it special. ♀️
You’re a highlight of the internet, Mel. Love your guts! (PS- I’m not a fan of the Jordan Page planner- I find mine physically too huge to manage and I’m annoyed filling in the times for the blocks every day. I wouldn’t buy it again.)
Mel,
Ok so first of all, your son who is turning 16 is Brien’s twin.
I don’t own a pair of crocks so therefor I can’t wear them in public but don’t judge who do.
As I tell by seniors in my Sunday School class almost every week, stop comparing yourselves to others, whether it’s in spiritual ways to secular ways. We are all awesome in our own ways and should stay in our own lane and stop looking at other’s achievements. I tell them there will always be someone more handsome /pretty, there will always be someone who makes more money than you, there always be someone who you think has a better job than you so just be YOUR best self and achieve your own goals. And same goes for spiritual growth, Heavenly Father doesn’t compare us to anyone, nor should we. He is happy as long as we’re on His path no matter where we are on that path.
Your willingness to help Maria read with ALL that you already have on your plate is the sweetest, kindest and one of the most charitable acts of service I’ve known. You’re a rock star Mel I’m so many ways an I hope there are many days where you know that !
And I’m so glad you’re finally watching Crash Lansing on You. Because if that shoe my husband will only watch Kdramas now!
Crash Landing on You was our introduction to k-dramas as well! Oo, have you seen I Am Not a Robot? We loved that one.
Strong Woman Bong Soon was also pretty good, and we’ve just started Welcome to Waikiki and it is absolutely hilarious so far!
Mel,
What an inspiration you are! The story about Maria made me cry and want to do more to help others. You are making the world a better place. I’m a dietitian, cooking teacher, mom and food lover and your website is the first place I go for everything. You’re the whole package. I live in Meridian and keep hoping I’ll run into you at Trader Joe’s one of these days, even if you are wearing crocs. Continue to fight the fight, we need Mel her recipes and her goodness in our lives.
Mel, thank you for being real and sharing bits of your real life here. It makes me feel more normal, which is good, because sometimes the Internet has too many perfect pictures if you know what I mean.
I LOVED loved loved your story about Maria. She is definitely one of the many many unsung heroes in our world that don’t get nearly enough credit.
I usually love Halloween but am feeling a little more scroogish about it this year haha.
Crocs: real talk… I think they are hideous and tacky and I’ve never owned a pair hahaha. But, I’m also one of those weird people that firmly believe leggings are NOT pants and I think they’re tacky and not flattering on anyone either, so feel free to judge me haha.
You’re awesome and your recipes are awesome!!
Leanne said it all. Especially the observation on leggings – I’m also one of those weird people!! I’ve tried on Crocs, they were soooo uncomfortable!
I was thinking about Maria’s story while I made dinner, and a song popped into my head that I haven’t heard in years. It is a country song that is so similar to Maria’s story that I thought I need to share it with you. It’s called Billy Can’t Read by Paul Overstreet.
Here is a link if you want to listen to it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s43Cgg8nQso&ab_channel=GuitarNewby
Thank you for all you do!
Thank you for your thoughts! You are amazing. You inspire me every time I read these posts. Thank you for taking the time to put down in words all the things that are on our minds but never say…
Our favorite Halloween meal is chili and scones. My boys who are 21 & 18 wear crocs all the time, I think I need a pair too.
Greetings to you and yours! You are a caring, loveable sweetheart.
I so love reading the emails you write like this. When I was 16 yrs old, my parents were already divorced, I had a birthday party when I was 12, then no more anything. I know your children know how lucky they are. And if you want to wear Crocs, you go girl. Take care…
Maybe Crocs are just what I need now, huh? Thanks for your many kindnesses and the three delicious soups. I loved the story of Maria! You are an amazing lady that I love and admire. Your boys are near perfect, but Camryn definitely is!!
Hang in there friend. Love your guts. Thanks for sharing and being vulnerable. ❤️
Haha- hate Halloween too- the costumes, the post-H candy debacle (let them go for it for two days? buy it from them? Throw a few pieces away every day? Ugh hate it) I’m inspired by both you and Maria- and my heart thoroughly enjoyed reading her story…mostly it feels troubled these days when I read…thank you for offering a light. It has been hard here too and I find comfort in knowing it’s not just me…thank you so much Mel, love your guts back❤️
I also am forced to painfully make my way through the hymns on the organ. It is torture—I’d rather do almost anything than that! Thanks for being real! Love everything you do!
Halloween- Love it! More so when my kids were small but I still love the decorations, parties etc. I collect Lemax spookytown houses and enjoy putting up my display every year.
Crocs- I do have a pair I wear for gardening but would never wear them out, but I won’t judge anyone that does LOL
Maria- You are a true and wonderful friend and she is an inspiration to all of us, how brave she was to ask for help, incredible lady!
Mental health- I think everyone has struggled this last year, its been so hard on all levels, I work in the health field and have seen people just break down, heartbreaking. I try to eat healthy (mostly), exercise, get enough sleep which has helped along with chocolate and the occasional iced coffee!
16th Birthday- I remember having 6 friends over for a cookout then we all went to a movie, after out for sundaes at Farrells then back home for a sleepover, a lot of fun. Not sure it would be exciting for a 16 yr old boy though LOL
Mel, you are the best, so sincere, honest, brave, considerate, witty, flexible and just the kind of friend everyone wants to have. Thank you for your huge heart of gold. I have been following you for years. Love your recipes, but love who are are, so genuine and sincere. This photo reminds me of the old snap shot Saturday days. God Bless you, Mel. You are a great person.
Getting a therapist was the best decision I made for myself in 2020. Go Mel! It is hard and intimidating. Your faux farm account is the best. Love your cute piggies and your donkeys and all the posts. It’s soothing and simple (although I know far from simple for you). Grateful for you and your sharing heart. Maria sounds like an amazing woman and I definitely cried reading about her. ❤️
Mel, you are amazing! I love your food and your real life posts. Thanks for sharing and putting yourself out there for Maria and all of us here.
As for Crocs I love the pair of women’s swiftwater Crocs I own and wear them all the time. My daughter’s each have a pair too. I’m a big believer in wearing what makes you comfortable.
I’m not a huge Halloween fan either. I get into it for the kids. Last year we came up with a new plan because of COVID and the kids are asking to do it again this year. We bought the Disney game Villainous and dressed up as the villains we each played (simple costumes that involved hats, wigs, coats etc) and we bought bags of our favorite candy and just played and ate and switched costumes when we started a new round of the game. It was a hit and they just came out with a new expansion I might have to get and get accessories to go with it.
Wishing you the best with your journey for healing.
Britney
Oh my goodness, Mel, reading about Maria made me emotional. What an incredible woman. And YOU for taking the time to teach her are just as incredible. I know you’re not looking for the credit, but that’s part of what makes you so wonderful. The piglets are darling and I’ve enjoyed watching you love them on Instagram. I have no crocs, but I would never think less or more of someone if they wore them in public! Your boys are growing so big and handsome. And thank you for being real and open with your mental health struggles. I don’t think there’s a person on earth with perfect physical health, and of course nobody with perfect mental health. We all need help from time to time. I wish help was more accessible! I never want anyone to struggle, but it sure makes a person relatable. Sending you love.
I used to be a Halloween hater. I don’t like scary stuff. But my kids love Halloween. I have more Halloween decorations than Christmas now. We decorate the house – kid level scary. We love truck or treating. We have the pumpkin shaped pizza from Papa Murphy’s with root beer every year on Halloween. Oh we also go to the pumpkin patch every October.
I just got my first pair of Crocs a couple days ago. I wear them as house shoes (due to feet issues I can’t walk barefoot). I will admit I think they are ugly as all get out but pretty comfy, but I will never wear them out of the house!
I love your openness about your feelings and mental health issues. Your example makes it easier for others to own up to their problems. I realized I was quite depressed during the isolation that came from Co-vid regulations and quarantines and didn’t recognize it until getting back to some normalcy.
I love Halloween, mostly for the fall colors, pumpkins, and food. None of the scary stuff though. Thanks for the delicious recipes and the cute pig stories!
Oh Mel – I love you! I used to come for all the recipes, now I come for the Friday thoughts! I have quite enjoyed following along with the arrival of your new piglets – I never knew I was a pig person until now! And most importantly – I love my Crocs and wear them all the time. I think I’ve reached the age that I literally don’t care what people think of my shoes! Thanks for sharing all areas of your life – not just the recipes! 🙂
Hi Mel, was thinking about you this week. A friend found out he had skin cancer on the side of his nose. Exactly like you! Now he has a dime sized hole there.
Anyways, one of our mutual friends does investigation of consumer products. She did one on chemical and mineral sunscreens for 2021, with the help of a nurse. . She explains which are bad, which are good. And why.
I thought you might like to see it. I’m now more informed. Will stay away from the nano technology! https://www.mamavation.com/beauty/best-non-toxic-sunscreens.htmlhttps://www.mamavation.com/beauty/best-non-toxic-sunscreens.html