Friday Thoughts
January. WHAT A MONTH. What a month.
How are you? That question has depth. I really would love to know: how are you??
It’s been a while since my last Friday Thoughts post, and considering they are some of my favorite posts (simply based on everything you guys share with me in the comments), I knew I wanted (needed?) to get one up today.
It might be just past midnight on Friday night but we’re still calling this a Friday Thoughts post! 🙂
1. New Year’s Resolutions
Yeah, yeah, I know it’s basically February, but how are those new year’s resolutions going?
Confession: I don’t set them. I learned years ago that I hated new year’s resolutions because they just made me feel guilt, pressure, and failure. I like goal-setting, but I don’t like the pressure of setting all.the.goals on January 1.
I started out this year young and full of hope. I was going to finally write a cookbook! And tackle several other projects (blog and not-blog related).
I was days away from signing a contract for a cookbook when January really hit. It’s hard to sum everything up, but let’s just say that 2022 hasn’t been the greatest start to a year in the history of ever for me and my family.
Unexpected illnesses. Unexpected job losses. Unexpected commitments. Unexpected reasons to take deep breaths and also look for blessings. Unexpected deep-reaching, soul-searching (and soul-sucking) challenges at every level, it seems.
So, I’ve had to regroup a little and really believe in the words: there is a time and season for everything. And right now, right in this moment of January 28, my time and season is to just make it through. And I can do that.
How is 2022 going for you? I REALLY WANT TO KNOW.
2. Microblading
Very unimportant question here, and yet I’d really love to know. Eyebrow microblading? Have you done it? Do you recommend it?
I have a history of thyroid disease (I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Disease and thyroid cancer in 2008; I had surgery, radiation, and have had a lot of struggles regulating my thyroid hormones since then).
Among the many (!!) areas of life it affects is my eyebrows. That might sound strange, but thyroid + eyebrow thinning or hair loss is really common. And it’s frustrating and annoying.
My poor little eyebrows have gotten worse in the last year and I’m considering microblading but I’m skeered.
My sister has had it done (she has many of the same thyroid issues I do), and hers look natural and amazing, but I’m nervous, because I just know I’m going to end up looking like Bert from Sesame Street (no offense, Bert, you’re my favorite).
Thoughts? Advice? Pros and Cons?
Any other eyebrow tips? I don’t wear a lot of makeup so trying to pencil in eyebrows with some kind of “tool” has me more nervous than microblading, tbh.
3. Things I’m Loving
This gurgle pot {aff. link} my mom gave me for Christmas. It is honestly the most clever and fun gift. My kids have never drunk (drank?) so much water in their lives. The pot gurgles as you pour, and that gluggety-glug sound apparently never gets old. So fun. I have a white one but there are some color variations online (here and on Amazon if you search “gurgle pot”).
These sugar cookies. They are next level delicious. I have made them probably eight times in the last two weeks for various events, and they just never get old. A sweet friend told me last week that when she eats one it is like taking a bite out of a fluffy cloud and a rainbow at the same time. So. I made an Instagram reel dedicated to that.
This sweet and sour licorice. {aff. link} I posted on Instagram about it last fall. But I’m still over here, four months later, inhaling bag after bag. Sweet and sour candy is my fave. And these little nubbins of licorice with their sweet and sour coating are just downright amazing. I buy 12 bags at a time on Amazon and occasionally share.
4. Winner of a Christmas Gift
While we are on the subject of winning items…this year for Christmas I decided to give each of the kids a 3-month subscription box. It was hands down the unexpected big hit of Christmas. Turns out, my kids get giddy at getting a package in the mail with their name on it (instead of the daily Amazon prime delivery updates all addressed to, ahem, me).
- Ramen noodle box for Jackson (17)
- SnackSack for Walker (16)
- Breakfast Club box for Cade (14)
- Eureka Crate (from Kiwi Co) for Ty (13)
- Doodle Crate (from Kiwi Co) for Camryn (9)
We’ve only gotten through one month but every single one has been a hit and perfect for the kid who got it.
The snack box has been SO fun and unique (and yummy!).
I’ll admit one of the ramen flavors in J’s box had me side-eyeing (but he loved it).
The Kiwi crates kept the kids busy for hours, and Cade, the resident chef around here, was thrilled about his make-your-own breakfast (although I should have thought this one through because I think there might be coffee in most of the boxes – we don’t drink coffee, although it’s one of my favorite smells ever, so it looks like he’ll be gifting the coffee to a few of his favorite teachers at school).
PS: the other big hit of Christmas was the homemade puzzle boxes Brian made each of the kids and the Comfy they each got on Christmas Eve. We’ve had to have a few talks about where and when it’s appropriate to where said Comfys. As in, not church.
5. Wordle
I almost don’t even dare ask, but have you gotten on the wordle train yet?
We are recent converts (it took me one day to become obsessed – I love word games). While we aren’t “those people” (haha) sharing our stats on social media…and actually since my teens don’t have social media…we are keeping the sharing to a family group text.
I have a feeling it’s about to get very competitive. 🙂
6. Wrestling + Volleyball
We are a wrestling family. And this time of year is busy, busy with high school wrestling.
All three of my high schoolers are wrestling. It’s the best of times (I love watching them, even if I cringe a lot and sometimes, even after 12 years of being a wrestling mom, still shout things like “rip his arms off!!” despite them telling me that is NOT helpful wrestling advice and could I please just watch quietly or stick with half nelson encouragements?) and the worst of times (this season has been plagued with injuries and a lot a lot of stinky wrestling gear).
Don’t worry, they’re much more excited than their facial expressions show in this photo. (Sidenote: teenage boys and photos, amiright?)
In case you follow wrestling and care (it’s ok if you don’t), we have a 98-pounder, 145-pounder, and 120-pounder.
It brings back memories of these years when they were much younger and had no qualms about running around our 950-square foot house in northern Minnesota in their singlets all.day.long. Oh wait, they still do. Again: TEENAGE BOYS, AMIRIGHT??
And while we’re on the subject of nostalgic wrestling pictures (this is my blog, and I guess I’m going down a wrestling rabbit hole today and no one can stop me), this is one of my favorite pictures of all time a few years ago when all four of the boys were wrestling in the club season. I think I’ll put this on my phone as my desktop to remind me that on the hard days of parenting and life, there have been a lot of great times, too.
In other news, little sis is playing volleyball for the first time and loving it! It’s a new experience for all of us (don’t worry, I keep my mouth shut and haven’t yelled the same alarming phrases as I do at wrestling tournies), and it has been so much fun.
AND she gets to be on the same team as her cousin who happens to have her exact same birthday so in the language of 9-year old girls: ohmygoshthisisthebestthingeverrrrr!!!! and I concur: it is the best thing ever.
7. Losing Friends
In the midst of everything January has brought to us, good and bad, we lost our incredibly dear friend, next door neighbor, and adopted grandmother this week. 💔
You’ve seen her here on the blog (on this cake post) and here on this Friday Thoughts post talking about her son, Jared, who was fighting a battle with early onset Alzheimers disease (and who passed away last fall).
Carol has been an integral part of our lives for the last 7 1/2 years since we’ve lived here.
Her loss was sudden and unexpected. I’m sitting here looking through teary, glazed eyes trying to write this. It doesn’t seem real yet. And it doesn’t seem fair.
Carol was the wisest and kindest of women. Over the years, she became a treasured friend and confidante. I will miss her tremendously (so will all of us, particularly Cam, who walked over and sat on Carol’s back deck several times a week to talk with her about kittens and school and how to deal with pestering brothers).
Her family meant everything to her. 12 children. Over 70 grandchildren. And 10+ great grandchildren.
I hope I can be like her as I grow up. She was remarkable and we will miss her fiercely.
8. Fill in the Blank
How would you finish this?
I WISH ________________________________
I think I’d go with:
I wish I could have the self-control to freaking go to bed before midnight.
And.
I wish I could take away the pain and injustices in this world for those I love.
This was a long Friday Thoughts post. If you made it to the end…well, like I always say, you deserve a prize. A cookie. 12 1/2 cookies! I appreciate you. So very much.
Hugs ❤️❤️
Love your thoughts posts!! So sorry for the loss of your dear friend. Life can really suck! I’m glad you’re able to see the blessings amidst the pain. Sending hugs and prayers to you. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss of your friend. And I’m so impressed you’re a wrestling mom! January is never easy. Right now in Oregon our state just made masks permanent for kids in schools. I Am part of a group that’s been fighting since august 2020 to first get our kids in school and to now get masks off our kids. It’s so discouraging, there is real harm being done. I see preschoolers who have really never seen people without a mask. Social/emotional development hurting. My heart hurts for all these kids who are living in so much fear. Oregon is a different world. So while this is not huge on the scheme of other things it takes up my time and emotional energy as we fight to try to return normalcy to our kids.
Oh my gosh, What a list of thoughts. My heart goes out to you as I have experienced like so many others suffered a lot of heartache over the last few months. The thing that stands out is the loss of a dear childhood friend.
You are in my prayers.
I’ve had microblading done, and love it. My vote is yes, get it done!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
Hi Mel-
As always, thank you so much for sharing. Really love and appreciate all of your comments as I’ve visited this space for over a decade.
I’m so sorry to hear about your neighbor passing away and all the struggles your family has had this past month. Mortality can just be rough and we have to lean in to those feelings and sit in grief for a while till we’re able to find a way through. I hope you are all able to find peace during the process, even if it’s not immediate.
For eyebrows, I recently did semi-permanent tattoos and it was the best decision ever. It looks extremely natural, but you can choose the look you want of course. This was recommended to me over microblading because they last longer (up to 5 years) and therefore your body has more time to recover between sessions and less scar tissue build up because microblading has to be repeated more often (usually 6 mos- 1 year). It’s at least worth looking into the differences. I think you’ll love the result. My preference is a very natural look and I love how convenient this makes my make-up (or not) routine—especially as a working mom of 5 myself. Take pictures of eyebrows you love and find someone with a good reputation.
I wish for patience with and strength for myself as I go through struggles—patience to not try to skip to the end of the hard thing and the strength to become a better person because of it.
I wish for more love towards those who have different experiences and views on life than I do, and the desire to try to understand their views with a willingness to change my own as I learn from them.
Thank you again for all your thoughts- this is so much more than a food blog.
Really feeling this right now. We’re also dealing with a really hard January and a devastating unexpected loss. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Check out these posts about microblading…
https://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2021/11/i-got-my-eyebrows-microbladed-part-1/
https://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/2022/01/i-got-my-eyebrows-microbladed-part-2/
My name is Melanie too and I’m about to have my 4th boy any day now. I loved seeing your 4 boys all together. So fun! I enjoy your posts so much! So sorry about the loss of your friend. So challenging to navigate those raw emotions.
What is a homemade puzzle box? It sounds amazing!
Loss is so hard. My heart goes out to you. We have a Grandma Barb who is like your Carol, what a treasure! Mom ups and downs. Those ups really help erase (mostly) the downs! Those cookies are happening. I wish we could all just show love and BE love! Myself Included, it’s a process. I’ll happily await your cookbook when it’s the season. You are wise to be sure.
I love you, Mel. I’m so sorry about Carol – you’ve experienced a lot of loss in the past year or so (thinking of Holli.) Thanks for sharing with us. ❤
I love that you pay the organ at church. I just got that calling and I’m feeling too young for it (it seems like only elderly ladies ever played the organ.) I find comfort knowing you play, too.
Your boys are fiercely handsome. I am sure they have a slew of young ladies after them. You have a beautiful family.
I wish… I could be more patient with myself as I lose pregnancy weight from a baby born a month ago. On a related note, I wish I could use a little more self control with the Hershey’s Hugs in my pantry.
I think you are an incredible human! I am grateful for the way you feed my soul and family with your posts. So sorry about losing your friend and neighbor. I am glad January is coming to an end. It has been a rough start to the year
Microblading— do it! I’m in my early sixties and did it last year because I only have half- brows. I don’t like makeup either but it’s the best thing I ever did for myself. Find a highly recommended person and do it!
I love your Friday thoughts posts. So sorry about the loss of your dear friend
Oh thank you for this Mel. I appreciate your adorable face hiding in the closet, your beautiful behbehs, the honest vulnerability of the pain of your losses and, always, your recipes.
Wordle: YES. Check out Crossgrams too. It won’t help with going to sleep before midnight though.
And sour licorice?? WHAAAT??!!
Please take good care friend
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful model for how to live a good life, let kindness and love be the currency of your life. If you go outside right now, scrape the snow aside and throw down poppy seeds, they will bloom for her in the spring. Find a memorial that will bring your family peace. Much love to you.
Oh, and DO THE COOKBOOK. Your recipes are the recipes my family lives by. From the white bean chili (which I’ve won awards with) to your korean beef (which brought my culinary skills to godlike status to my son), your recipes have become classics in my household and made my dinners legendary. Thank you. A thousand times, do it. You are the very best.
Mel. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Carol, on top of all the other serious difficulties of January. May you find comfort and strength in one another and in your faith. As you mentioned, you will make it through. It’s the seasons of loss and pain and just plain hard that make all the other seasons shine brighter. (I have a lot more to say about that but am reminding myself that this is meant to be a comment.) : )
I just want to add one more thing while I’m here. I’m not sure exactly how long I’ve been following you but I think you lived in MN (where I live) when I first found your blog. And I’m so grateful. You are my go to for all things baking and cooking. Period. And I’ve recommended you to many others through the years. And it’s not just your recipes, even though I know I can rely on them every time. It’s you. You’re real and relatable and are a gem of a person. Thank you for all you do and all you share.
All that being said, today I’m going to be making Sesame Thai Chicken Dip for the second time (oh my gosh people – make this and eat it!) as well as the Cinnamon Roll Blondie Bars (but gluten free for my daughter) to share with my loves. My daughter is a week overdue with my first grandbaby and will be induced tomorrow night. So we’re gathering one more time before we’re blessed with a brand new baby to love and to hold.
May your February give you time and space for recovering and healing and regrouping. And may there be no new griefs, issues, or unhappy surprises. All the best to you and your family.
I am so sorry you lost your neighbor. There seems to be so much loss lately. Not sure if it is the internet, our age, or what, but it seems there is loss at every turn. My sister in-law’s mom died unexpectedly two days ago. It has been a year since I lost my dad. The reality of mortality just feels so heavy. But I always say, our pain is our gift, because that pain only exists where there is love. And that really is what life is about. Sorry this month has been hard. Sending love. Bri
I have loved your Friday thoughts. I had my cup of tea with me and it was like sitting down with a friend as I read. Thank you for that!
I am so sorry about the sudden loss of Carol. My sister-in-law died in her sleep last weekend and I am still processing that. We were not close, she was a difficult person, but as I watched the most incredible sunset that night, I felt a peace and forgiveness for both of us that I cannot express. What a gift. And for the first time in many, many years, I could remember all the good times and fun we had way back when and that was the best! God is good.
As for resolutions, I don’t set them either. But last year I thought I would try something. Every week of the year (I kept a notebook to keep track), I sent out a handwritten note to someone. Real mail is still the best and I love sending it as much as I love receiving it. I ended up sending way more than 52 weeks’ worth of notes and it was a delight. I have started back up this year. It is a way to bring some love into someone’s day and couldn’t we all use some extra love?
My kids are all adults now, but I loved their sports and band days. From boys volleyball, to track and cross country, to marching band, to girls volleyball and basketball, I yelled like a crazy mom! So much fun! I fully support your yelling! Even if ripping someone’s arms off isn’t helpful advice, your kids hear you hollering and they know you are engaged and loving them. They will remember that always! <3
Kellie, I am sobbing, reading your comment. Such sweet thoughts. Thanks for sharing! You have a good soul!
Ohh, you are so sweet. Thank you, Erica! I’ve no doubt you have a good soul, too! <3
I’m so sorry for your loss. The people that touch us like that are the hardest to lose.
I live in North Carolina and when it snows here, everything shuts down…for days! It’s annoying for those of us who grew up in places like Utah. It’s just different here. Anyway, it’s snowed three weekends in a row! School gets canceled and activities get cancelled. We had a very important event for my son get canceled this weekend. It’s rescheduled for next week but I will be out of town. So disappointed! Plus the whole family has been sick with some flu-like virus the last two weeks. January is sooo long!
You posted something about the game Chronology so I spontaneously bought it and it has been the best! Thanks for that.
You should know, you are a great influence on the world. Thanks for putting good stuff out into the universe. I hope good things come back to you. We use many of your recipes and I can always trust that when I try a new recipe of yours, it will be good.
Thanks for this post. January has felt loooong to me too. My husband passed away in September and it feels like I’m moving through quicksand. Parenting a teenager alone is daunting. I wish I felt more confidence and clarity in all the decisions I now make alone.
Cooking for my family is something I can do in spite of my foggy brain. We tried 3 new “Mel recipes” this week and loved them all. I’m so thankful for your delicious food, positive emails and honesty about real life (it’s hard!)
I love Wordl (but I’ve never posted about it on social media and I’ve unfollowed so many people lately that I didn’t realize that was a thing), I’ve never tried micro blading (but I’m intrigued) and subscription boxes are a great idea! Thanks Mel, for being a bright spot in a dark world.
I’m so sorry for your own loss and pray that you’ll find comfort and guidance as you navigate this beautiful, messy life.
First, I’m so sorry about the loss of your sweet friend! You’ve had so much of that the past several months it really doesn’t seem fair and makes me hurt for you! And you mentioned unexpected job loss too? Again, I’m so sorry!
Second, eyebrows. Nope, I’ve never microbladed but my eyebrows got so thin, seemingly overnight last year (which makes me wonder if I need to get my thyroid checked- that’s for that bit of advice) but like you, I don’t wear a lot of makeup. I feel like if it takes even 1 second over 5 minutes to put on makeup it’s too long. I was terrified of the thought of penciling in eyebrows but I made it a New Years resolution to learn to do it (yes, I am a New Year’s goal setter) and found “Precisely my brow pencil” at ulta and it is SO EASY! Seriously, if I, who has worn the exact same makeup style for 25 years and would be totally lost if they ever discontinued my colors, can do learn to do it you can totally do it!
Third, a snack box subscription is a great idea! I’ve been trying to come up with something fun for Porter’s birthday. Seriously, what do you get a nearly 18 year old that is leaving on his mission right after graduation besides white shirts and a journal? He would love the snack idea, I’m absolutely doing that!
Fourth, wresting. In high school I did stats for our wrestling team and those tournaments make for some long Saturday’s! Way to go for supporting them! The pictures of your little boys in their singlets though and the one of you with them are so cute and would totally make it worth it!
Thanks for everything Mel! As you say, love your guts!
Mel –
Thanks for being you and being raw. I started following you for recipes not too long ago but your courage to speak up about LGBTQ+ got my attention and I’m so glad I now read your blog posts.
Made those rainbow cloud cookies and – wowza! I’m going to make more today to mail to my mom who recently got over Covid and has an impressive sweet tooth and affinity for sugar cookies.
Thanks for being so real about January being hard. Our little fam seems to be doing okay, but so many have a hard time during this part of the year and I appreciate people who don’t try to sugar coat life and make those who have trials feel like they are isolated in that experience. It’s hard for all of us right now. I STRUGGLE with how our country has seemed to dive into this ability to treat others with different beliefs/opinions like less than. Not everyone of course. But you know… reading the headlines can be rough.
Again, thanks for putting yourself out there, for making us weigh the flour and for being a little light on the gram. I’m so sorry for your losses. I hope that the pain eases and is joined by a feeling of peace.
Cheers to February!
Mel, second reply to you today as I just read the recipe for the cookies. My 95-year-old mother still lives on her own (we have worked hard to continue to make this happen through Covid) and yesterday I went over for a visit. To my surprise, she had made some sugar cookies and told me about using cream of tartar (which I had never heard of ). When I read your recipe ingredients I thought back to her cookies that were sooooo good – I ate 7 or 8 while I was visiting! Because everything is from memory for her – she couldn’t give me a recipe, but here we are – I can try yours, and I will today. Thanks again and remember if we didn’t feel sadness, then we wouldn’t know joy.
I love your recipes. It’s the first site I go to when I want to search for a recipe. Today is the first time I read the Friday notes. So I was pleased to discover you have a Minnesota connection – we live in Maple Grove – and that you have so many boys – I have 3 (they all play hockey but I get your wrestling rabbit hole – yours is warmer than mine!)
I have crazy thin eyebrows and know nothing about microblading so I’ll look forward to hearing what you learn.
And, finally, we are about to lose my father in law and worried about how my boys will react.
So…all this to say your post touched me today and keep up the great work!
Thank you for sharing you feelings, insights and perspectives on life,family and friends. Jeff Jiles.
Thank you for sharing. This was so uplifting. I’m currently going through tons of testing and treatment etc. For thyroid disease and feel you on the hair loss. I got my eyebrows micro bladed last year and LOVE IT. If you’re ever in Utah, look up @beautybysadie. She is super good at making sure you don’t look like Bert which was one of my big worries too. I did just have them died or henna tattooed first before deciding to fully commit to the micro blading.
Ok wow this got longer. But my husbands family also just lost their grandpa next door. The pic of you and her w a plate of cookies made me cry bc that’s exactly what we’d do with our grandpa next door. He died over Christmas.
And I also can’t handle New Years resolutions. Too much pressure.
Thanks for helping a weary soul feel semi normal. Hang in there Mel. February is almost here!!!!
Eyebrows. Do it. Let them pick the color for you. As long as you have a good recommendation and lots of before and after pics…they will know what they are doing!
My sister picked out a color she thought would be less “stand out.” Against the recommendations of the tech. She ended up with bluish gray eyebrows because she didn’t listen. The tech was able to fix it by putting the color she knew would look good over. I think you’ll love it.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend. That is heartbreaking. Praying for all those that feel that loss.
How are things going? Kind of meh. We finally have a bit of sunshine (Kuna) and I’ll take it happily! I didn’t realize I was a person that needed sun in my life more than I am getting it here!
Also, I have hypothyroidism and have for 30+ years… I just thought my eyebrows were thinning because of age!! Thanks for sharing that tidbit, now I can understand another disadvantage that hypothyroidism brings… and there are many.
I am going to make those cookies! They look amazing.
Hang in there, Mel. You are not alone. I hope everything, and I do mean everything, that is going negatively for you will turn out positive. I know that you know that Heavenly Father is watching over you, and that he knows what you are going through, is there for you, and loves you. He knows the thoughts and intents of your heart. You are an amazing woman, with great strength. And if you don’t feel that strong right now, it’s okay. We all have those times in our lives. You are loved and appreciated by so many.
Take care.
PS I made your chicken pot pie with biscuits this week… SO GOOD!!! Thanks!
I’m so sorry Mel. Life has been so heavy for your family for so long. For my wish, I wish I could take away the impossible things people have to go through. It’s probably good I’m not in charge because everything would be fluffy clouds and rainbows and I guess that’s not good for us?
I heard this quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer at a funeral recently which I thought captured mourning so well.
“There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it.
“At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it.
“It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve—even in pain—the authentic relationship.
“Further more, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation.
But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain.”
I’m so sorry January has been rough. When difficult things come one after another it feels especially hard. This year I joined an online equestrian group who has an awesome planner. It is helping me focus on good things. Like our blizzard in CT today. I prepared yesterday so today I can enjoy watching my 8 month old puppy play with joyous abandon in snow up to her shoulders and my blind deaf 15 year old lift his head to savor the feel of snow on his face while he plows through paths we plow for him. They remind me to give thanks for the little things in life.
I’ll start with my wish.
I wish this current mood of the US wasn’t so polarized.
-I wonder how we will get back to at the very least being more civil.
Secret Time- I’ve been snoozing anyone on my FB who is doing the wordle. Just for 30 days.
We’ve never met, but I’ve been making your recipes for a decade or so since our mutual cousin, Merianne, introduced me to your blog. So we’re practically related. Anyway, January has been a hard year for me, too. (Ha!) Thanks for the encouragement to hang in there. I really related to the wishes thing. It’s absurd to me as an adult to make birthday wishes when I blow out candles, like I wish that I won’t totally screw up my children or I wish that my baby will sleep through the night tonight. It’s just a repeat of what I’m praying for anyway.
Take care!
I almost did subscription boxes for Christmas this year, but got way to lost in the research so thank you for the recommendations!
If you’re ever up for it, I would love a Friday’s Thoughts post on parenting (teens, man!) and if you (or your readers-best comment section ever!) have any thoughts on preparing children for leaving the nest.
My mom and brother died in an accident when I was young, so leaving my extremely mentally ill dad was easy (that may sound harsh but he became the most self absorbed, abusive person and being out of his path is the single best thing I’ve done for myself). However, not having a mom made me overdo it with my kids and now they are afraid to leave me for even one night. We’re all very attached. I know there are “parenting blogs” but I have so much trust in you as a mom because you are so real.
I read all the way to the end. Still crying about your dear friend.
I wish … I had the strength to be what I need to be.
Micro blading… not sure what it is. Time to Google. I have Hashimotos too. I feel best eating low carb. But I seem to fall off the wagon lately more than I’m on. It’s a struggle. Speaking of that, those cookies look very good!
Have a wonderful day. I enjoy your blog. I’ve followed you a long time. I appreciate your transparency. Life isn’t always perfect or even close.
Basically, I love you. You are wonderful and real and I wish I lived next door so I could glean from your goodness more often. Thank you for sharing and letting me laugh with you. And to finish your final question… I wish that I could just enjoy things more often and stress less about them. It comes to pass, not to stay. I wish I could be in the “come to pass” mindset more and soak in the good before it passes and let the bad, well, pass.
Microblading- 100% yes. I did it 5 years ago. Make sure you research and find someone good who you trust. Look at pictures of work they have done, ask about experiences and references. It really makes such a difference.
Got my boys (9 & 6) a graphic novel subscription box for Christmas and they love it.
Woooof. January. I found out my uncle died in a snowmobile accident yesterday. I’m bleary eyed too. Sorry for your loss.
Have you looked into soft tap for your eyebrows? I did it 3 years ago and I love it! No cutting. Inserting color under your skin. (Like a tattoo) I have since done my eyeliner and lipliner. I LOVE IT. it has taken me to a five minute face…..which this mama needs…who also can’t seem to go to bed before midnight! It’s soft and natural looking.
I love you Mel, and your recipes. Forever.
♥️♥️♥️
Oh, I think what I really wish is that we could fast forward the hard times (so we still experience them because I know they are essential for us) and also slow down the good times (because those slip through our fingers.) And maybe, maybe, could I have a peek down the road from time to time so could understand NOW a little better? Is that too much to ask? And I know other people need this, so maybe I wish this for every one of us.
I’m so sad about Carol. So sad. My heart is heavy for you. I was just getting to know how wonderful she is. 🙁
I think your eyebrows look great! Haven’t noticed! But since you DO notice, do all the research and go for it! Okay, easy for me to say. I am decision challenged.
Amen to New Years goals. Even “one word” stresses me out. I struggle with plenty of anxiety so I don’t need to create more. But I’m not trying not to procrastinate things as much. Or at least address the things I’ve already procrastinated. And that’s my latest goal.
January IS the worst. I’m so sorry this is especially hard. Lots and lots of prayers for you, for sneak peeks of the good to come and for comfort/strength along the way.
Mel, your genuine and real posts are my very favorite and I always come away feeling things like “I’m not alone”. Thanks for sharing what you do. I absolutely love that picture of you with your boys; it makes me excited for my kids to get a little older. (Even though it makes me so sad to move on from this phase when I’m doing it so imperfectly.) Thanks for being you!
I love your Friday thoughts posts! Thank you for sharing all the good and the bad.
I love that all of your boys wrestle. In our family we swim, and it is some of the best times, just like your beautiful picture.
So sorry for your loss, it’s hard. Hugs and prayers.
I’m so very sorry to hear the loss of your dear neighbour and friend Mel. We also lost a dear friend suddenly in early January. Her family is devastated and all her friends are in shock, My deepest condolences to you and your family.
On the subject of micro blading, I had it done on my eyebrows and would say it is the best beauty treatment I ever gave myself.
Mel, I love your Friday Thoughts. So full of life! Some happenings that make us smile and some that bring tears. Prayers for your family and for Carols.
Mel, your Friday thoughts are uplifting to read, genuine stuff happening to real people. At a time when there is so much toxic going around, you write about the good. Thank you
❤ I love the crate idea, if you remember put that on your gift list, in case I forget. I just went through thyroid cancer so now I am thinking about my eyebrows. 🙂 I love your posts and appreciate the snippets of life you share.
Those cookies have been a real problem in my life. I literally had to have a stern talk with my family about not teasing when I make them, as addiction is a serious disease. I said it like I was joking but it did basically take me a 12 step process to quit them.
This year is off to a better start for me. Last year I lost or almost lost everything. I thought my life and relationships were SO solid. I’m still in some shock and disbelief but I just can’t dwell there or the pain will ruin me.
I love wrestling and find it to be the most underrated sport. However after years of watching my brothers matches, I’m so happy my kids have chosen basketball and cheerleading. Yay team sports!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Friday thoughts and all you share. Praying your year gets better. Life is so hard!
My heart is breaking for all the rough you’ve had to experience in a short month— and even past years with other losses. Thanks for being willing to share. It helps keep social media real.
Have you read the Happiness project before? Another favorite is a saying from Ralphie at Simply on Purpose “Focus on the good and the good will get better.” I had it made into a sign to put in the center of our home so we remember how to get through the good, the bad and the ugly.
Also, I’m 12 days into healing from microblading. I am a minimalist for makeup things and enjoy the natural look but desired to take the plunge on this one. Totally worth it. I was scared of looking like Bart as well so I found someone who’s work had natural brush strokes. She (and others should as well) measured my bone structure and drew on the strokes based off of this map. So it was natural to me. But researching what strokes you like so the artist can fill in based off your preference is helpful. My advice is has her start off with minimal strokes and then you can always add more strokes if you want at your touch up. Less risky. It is still art. But I’m so glad I did it. The worst part was not hot tubing for 10 days during this cold winter.
Before you cut your eyebrows have you invested 2 months with a product like babe lash for re growth? I started for my eye lashes as I have patches of no eyelashes at all and it is amazing. The product for eyebrows works equally well. Just a thought. Love your blog and your recipes and most of all your caring heart. We only mourn when we are sensitive and feel deeply. It hurts but it also cleanses and purifies our souls. You are amazing Mel and I am happy you are part of my life.
Pam, can you tell me what eyebrow product you used? I tried one and it basically just made the hairs that are there grown longer. It was like having an eyebrow comb over! Thanks
Yep. Things are rough. I am completely burned out. It feels like we’ve had almost nonstop sickness in our home since school started in the Fall. My kids have missed more school this school year than ever before. I don’t think our family has gone all together to church more than 2 weeks in a row at a time for that reason. So, yep. I get it. But… when we do miss church we can watch from home which wasn’t a thing 2 years ago. I don’t like making New Year’s Resolutions but I’m trying goal setting like the Children and Youth and hoping those goals will help me get my priorities right and help me handle things better. I’m not adding extra to my already full plate but I’m trying to manage things better.
I just said to my family yesterday, how funny that after 16 years of kids at home, my baby finally started kindergarten. And yet few have been the days where I haven’t had at least one home. Gratefully it has not often been due to sickness. Mostly exposures and mental health checks because kids living through this pandemic should get some down days.
I LOVE your last sentence!!! That is now my mantra for the year and I’m going to spend some time today deciding how to make that happen!
Good for you, Allie. I hope you are able to find that balance that we all need. I know it will take time so I say to both of us, “Don’t give up.”
I’m a newer follower and have loved your recipes! This post touched my heart ❤️ We’ve had a similar January and even though most of the difficulties and sadness have not been directly in our house it’s so hard to watch friends and family go through loss and sickness. My wish is the same as yours-to lift the burdens from those I love.
Also, thanks for the great ideas for subscription boxes! I’m going to remember that for next year!
Wonderful post. Wrestling, though. Not my thing. I had a kid in wrestling in junior high & just never got into it. I’m sorry you’ve lost your dear neighbor. That’s tough in this month/year/era, to lose a friend so integral to your family. May her memory forever be a blessing.
I’ve been keeping sane by staying home and spending as much time as possible in my sewing room each day, and (weirdly) bingeing Criminal Minds on Netflix. Just started season 12! Finished a quilt! Whatever it takes, right? I’m also reminding myself often that things will get better eventually. Hang in there.