Friday Thoughts
Happy Friday!
This summer has been weird. It’s a new phase of life for us where my boys still at home are mostly working and my 13-year old is busy playing tennis/volleyball, selling cookie dough, helping around the house and property (including bottle-feeding three calves), and reading in all her spare moments.
What that means is that basically no one is around to go to the community pool with me in the afternoons or do arts and crafts or fill out homemade chore charts. 😉
Gone are the summers of the past (flashback ⬇️ going to the zoo with my kids 8 years ago). It’s bittersweet. 😢
Questions for You
- If you have children, do your kids/teens have summer jobs? Full-time? Part-time?
- My teenagers tell me a lot that they’re the only ones their age who have full-time jobs in the summer. While that isn’t entirely true (one of my sons works with his best friend, for instance), it does seem like a lot of teens in our area don’t work during the summer. It leaves me with a lot of questions. Do you have the answers? 😜 I’m asking these questions in good faith – meaning, I’m not being critical of other schedules/families. I’m genuinely curious!
- Namely, who is paying for all their “stuff”?? We pay for our teens’ car insurance, half of their monthly gas, school sports fees (and reasonable gear, if required), and phone, but otherwise, they pay for all of their own social activities, clothes, remainder of their gas, eating out, and anything else they want to spend money on (which is a lot or a little, depending on the kid 😆). They also save 50% of their earnings for future (college, church missions if they choose to go, etc).
- Whether or not your kids work, do you require summer chores around the house/yard? Daily? Weekly? What does that look like at your house?
- My teenagers tell me a lot that they’re the only ones their age who have full-time jobs in the summer. While that isn’t entirely true (one of my sons works with his best friend, for instance), it does seem like a lot of teens in our area don’t work during the summer. It leaves me with a lot of questions. Do you have the answers? 😜 I’m asking these questions in good faith – meaning, I’m not being critical of other schedules/families. I’m genuinely curious!
I’m fascinated by how other families manage life, so thanks for chiming in on this!
Things I’m Loving
- September travel plans. After years (decades??) of talking about it, I’m actually following through on a lifelong dream and going to Switzerland in September (with my mom, sister and cousin)!!!!! My sweet grandma (my mom’s mom) was born and raised there, so it holds a special place in our family’s history and hearts. I’m excited (and nervous! I’m such a homebody…traveling is way outside of my comfort zone). 💗
- This crepe maker. I even did an Instagram video about it. Not all kitchen gadgets are created equal (as in, most of them are overrated) but this one is worth it. I absolutely hated cooking crepes before I got this. Here’s my go-to crepe recipe.
- These two card games. Flip7 and Trio. Both of them are fast and easy to learn, and so, so fun to play. They’re out full-time on our table right now, because we are playing them so often. What are your favorite games right now?
- This puzzle. I like to keep a puzzle up all the time during the summer. I find that my kids will stop and work on it for a few minutes here and there, which is an opportune time to casually chat and connect with them. It also means I stay up way too late most nights. Puzzles are addicting!
- My evening walks. For the last month or so, I’ve made an intentional effort to get out of the house in the evening and take a walk. It’s been a really beautiful thing for my emotional and mental well-being to just walk for fun and to enjoy being outside. It’s not for exercise, not to count steps. Sometimes I walk fast, sometimes I walk slow. Sometimes someone comes with me, most of the time I go alone (some nights I ride my “grandma” bike instead of walk!). I usually pop in an audiobook, and I just love it. Apparently evening sunlight is good for you? So I guess I’ll take that as a bonus, too.
Things I’m Not Loving
- The tragic floods in Texas and New Mexico. I’ve been sick and heartbroken seeing the news accounts of the devastation, particularly in Texas at the girls’ camp, Camp Mystic. I sent my own daughter off to camp this week and couldn’t help saying an extra prayer (ok, lots of extra prayers) for her safety and also for those living in the midst of loss and grief right now. I donated to Convoy of Hope, a very reputable organization on the ground in Texas right now. Of course, it doesn’t feel like enough, but it made me not feel so helpless. I read a quote on social media this week that said something like “Do for one person what you wish you could do for everyone.” I suppose in moments of helplessness, all I can really do is lift where I stand. I’m trying to be better at that. 🤍
All of my other complaints ⬇️⬇️ seem awfully trite after talking about the devastating floods. So please take the rest of these bulleted points with a grain of salt and a roll of the eyes.
- Not sleeping well. I’m trying a BedJet (not sponsored, I bought it myself) to see if I can sleep better/cooler at night. No opinion yet, it’s only been a few nights. Have you tried one? Thoughts? I’m also trying for consistent morning/evening sunlight. Honestly, I’d give my right arm for a good night’s sleep right now (anyone else feeling this??). 😴
- Failed recipes. I usually recipe test for a full day each week to get recipes just right to post. This last week, I kid you not, I made six recipes, and most of them were pretty much unsalvageable failures (brussels sprouts salad, new brownie recipe THAT HAS SO MUCH PROMISE, icy lime drink). I had a little pity party for wasted ingredients and what felt like wasted time. Onward and upward! I shall persevere (especially with that dang brownie recipe).
- The heat. Oh my gosh, I’m dying. Give me cool, mountain air and crisp, fall weather any day of the week. I am not a summer girl.
- The pressure to be skinny. I feel like the influx of easy-access weight loss meds has exponentially increased the pressure to be super thin, fast (and has destroyed a lot of the work of body positivity/body neutrality over the last few years). My thick, athletic thighs and booty are definitely not “on trend” these days, but I sure do appreciate them! They take me on walks, they help me lift heavy weights, and they give me lots of cushioning for k-drama watching and puzzle doing. 💪🏼😍 I will go to my grave talking about how my body is an instrument not an ornament and how I appreciate it for what it can do for me. This is a message I want my sons and my daughter (and myself) to hear loud and clear, over and over.
If you are an every day, any age woman like me who is doing their best to keep their head above water (and drink enough water 😆), exercise for health and strength, and eat a well-balanced diet, just know that YOU ARE DOING ENOUGH. Even if you aren’t doing all of those things, if you are trying, whatever that looks like, you are doing enough. We are so much more than what our bodies look like. 😘
EDITED TO ADD: I am by no means making a comment or directing an opinion toward anyone taking GLP-1s/weight-loss meds – I’m grateful for the reminder in the comments that those meds have been a game-changer for some of you for overall health and personal recovery. 💗
If you saw the salad I posted on Instagram the other day, it’s coming to the blog Monday! The ONE recipe that actually worked…and IT IS AMAZING!
(Also, we loved having my oldest son, Jackson, home for a few days over the 4th! 💙)
I love reading and listening to other’s opinions…so please feel free to share yours below in the comments! ⬇️
Quick Note 7/12/25: Thank you to all of those who have commented below! Truly. This might be one of my favorite Friday Thoughts discussions to date! Some of you have expressed how vulnerable they feel by sharing, and I just want all of you to know that your thoughts and opinions and life experiences are welcome here even if they are different from others. I have LOVED reading all of the comments (still working my way through them, tbh, because I’m wanting to read each one carefully and thoroughly!). It is the best discussion below! So many helpful and insightful comments. THANK YOU!
Please be careful taking the weight loss med injections. My husband has had great success with one. He’s not diabetic. I am diabetic and started a different med aimed at Diabetics. I made it to week 5 and then developed retinal edema and retinal occlusions—twice. Basically a vein near the optic nerve swells and leaches lymph fluid and blood. Retinal bleeding is terrifying. I immediately went off the med, can never take any med in this family of drugs and now see a retinal specialist every month who gives me a shot in that eye. I have lost vision in that eye which may never return. And the medicine is mainly to forestall any future bleeds. This is meant as a cautionary tale. As my pharmacist told me—-not causation but definitely correlation. Had not had any type of problem related to this ever.
Hi Mel. Not sure what you mean by full time work. Our son has had a part-time job since he was 15. He’s 17 now. Last year he worked two jobs because he was saving for something. That was all him. This year he is interning 2 days a week for no money and has two part time job. He’s still not working a full work week which I’m fine with. He’s also studying to take the SAT. We have a 13 year old. She is babysitting a couple afternoons a week, but nothing regular. She is saving to pay for half of getting her hair highlighted before school starts. We don’t have them do much around the house other than pick up after themselves. They are already busy enough. I feel like the year is so busy that I don’t want the summer to be crazy. My son loves to cook so he’ll cook for himself if he’s not into what we are having for dinner or if he wants more protein. He’ll also cook for us, but again it’s nothing we make him do. The money they both make they use how they want. Also, I agree with HRT. If you’ve been on it a couple months maybe your dosage needs to be adjusted. Also, I’ve switched to a woman’s health doctor who is NAMS certified. That’s extra training and a test to be certified by North American Menopause Society. Good luck. Feel better and enjoy your summer.
Hi! A comment on the sleep. I’ve always been a so-so sleeper, but in my late 30’s (the last 3-4 years) it got really bad. I’d sleep maybe 4 hours then be awake for the rest of the night. Then I’d be wound up and not able to relax the next night and so on and so forth. It was terrible. I finally went and saw a naturopath (totally out of my element) and she ordered a bunch of labs and one thing she found was that I have active EBV (epstein-barr virus). Most people have had that virus and many suffer effects from it being reactivated – two of which are sleep and immunity problems (I had both). So over the last year and half we’ve tried different supplements and found a combination that has gotten me back to a so-so sleeper ha. But that’s a lot better than it was! All that to say, if you can’t find something among these awesome comments that helps, might be worth stepping out of the norm and seeing a good naturopath.
Hi Mel, sorry I arrived so late to the discussion party, but summertime has away with shifting priorities and making the days seem endless, don’t you agree?
You asked about summer jobs and teens. My daughter worked every summer; mostly as a tutor, dog walking and house sitting. My husband and I paid for her “stuff” while she was in high school and throughout college. She worked as an intern during grad school and after college, she joined the Peace Corps. Admittedly, we encouraged her to save as much as she could while still living at home knowing full well that she would eventually move out and be responsible for her own bills. This worked for us, she continues to be responsible, a hard worker and pays her own way as an adult. We often joke about her telling us “let me struggle” because she has, but we know she’s resourceful and resilient, plus we have made it clear that we will help (not enable) when she needs us to.
I don’t know how applicable my experience is for your situation, but it is nice to share with other parents because we can all learn from each other.
Glad you are enjoying the evening walks, I enjoy early morning walks myself.
Cannot wait for a good, refreshing salad recipe.
Thanks for sharing a slice of your life with us and may the rest of summer bring you all joy.
I was having trouble sleeping among many other things related to peri-menopause. I started HRT. I do the estrogen patch and take a progesterone pill. I was taking the progesterone in the morning but I was still having sleep issues so my doctor told me to take it at night. It has really helped me. I don’t have hot flashes, I’m not as impatient and moody and I sleep well. Good luck with all the things! And yes, the whole skinny thing…ugh. My goal is to just be healthy so that I can take care of myself when I’m older. I love how willing you are to be real and share your talent of cooking! Thanks, Mel!
Hi Mel! I love your Friday Thoughts posts. It’s like receiving a letter in the mail from a good friend. Remember those days, when we got letters in the mail? Ahhhh…good times! I have read ALL of your Friday Thoughts posts but have never replied. As I read them I am thinking in my head of all my replies, yet I never actually pull the trigger…not sure why. But then I saw your EDIT to this post saying that you read each reply, and that meant a lot to me, so I felt it was time! You’re my favorite food blogger – your recipes always work and are always delicious, so thank you for all your hard work. I have three grown kids (29, 27, 24) and while I communicate with them all the time there is always a feeling of ‘missing them’. Raising kids is a funny thing; if you do you job right then they leave you, HAH! My husband and I have jumped into the empty nest stage of life with gusto (either laugh or cry, right?) and we ski, mountain bike ride, camp, hike, etc. Staying active in whatever form works for you is the magic pill. I love that you are getting out and walking. I swear that fresh air will keep you healthy. And movement is life. Walk & breathe. My husband and I both recently lost a bit of weight this year, just so we could feel better while doing all our activities. It was no fun counting the calories, but it has put a bit more of a spring in our steps. It was necessary for us, and so we are happy we did it. It wasn’t about vanity, but about feeling good about ourselves.
As we get older (he is 60 and I am 55) we both struggle with sleeping through the night sometimes. If we are lucky, we’ll both be awake at the same time and we can have a sweet 3am chat!
I’ve been a loyal reader of yours for over 10 years, and from what I have seen and read, you have done an amazing job with your sweet family. Be kind to yourself because whatever you have been doing up until now is clearly working for you!
Love to you from B.C, Canada, Mel xoxo
Loved your post Mel! I have struggled to fall asleep my whole life. The best remedy for me has been to buy a cheap earphone headband on Amazon. They are meant for exercise, but I use them for sleeping! I turn on my audio book and generally fall asleep within 30 minutes. And if not, then at least I am enjoying myself listening to my book! I often wake up in the middle of the night as well. So I just turn my book back on. Haha! (Also PSA, Emma Lion is coming to audio book soon so YAY!) I hope you find something that works for you! Thanks for the updates and all the hard work on the recipes!
Trazedone. For me, it’s the only thing that worked. But I struggled for years and years trying everything. Just a small dose of 50 mg at night. People can go up to 200, just depends. Non-addictive and I’ve never built up a tolerance. My gratitude for this medication holds no bounds.
Oh my goodness, I squealed when I read that you’re going to Switzerland in September!! I know you’ve been wanting to do that for a long time. Most beautiful place I’ve ever visited. What areas are you going to? I’m SO happy for you!!
And booooo on not being able to sleep…that is so hard. I’m sorry! No great ideas there, just a lot of empathy.
We do not need any more games, but every time you recommend one I feel like it becomes a must have. Haha! I always trust your game recommendations.
Always love your Friday thoughts post….your honesty and realness is refreshing.
Can’t wait for your trip and hope you’ll share details and pics of it when you get home if you’re up for it!
I know there’s no perfect solution, but he best thing I have found for insomnia is stretching. If I can’t sleep, I spend about ten minutes doing stretches for my legs, back, and arms. Most of the time, I am able to sleep afterwards. It’s something to try at least!
You and I are in a similar stage. Kids work: 18 year old as a CNA at assisted nursing and home health assistant. 14 year old helps me clean an Airbnb so we love that occasional but not life encompassing job. A younger son splits firewood and sells it, and sells water softener salt with delivery to our neighborhood. My older sons did landscaping work for the local university and worked for a company that did the inflatable yard toys in the summer. Summer work is a must for us but we love the balance with them working just part time.
Sleep…I hear ya. Good luck to both of us! Thanks for your thoughts and recipes. Enjoy Switzerland and then post your itinerary for us please!
Hey Mel! As always, I loved your Friday Thoughts post! ❤️ My twin boys (19) have worked since they were 15. They pay for their own gas, insurance, take out, clothes, and fun things. I’ll help them for “big clothes” purchases like back to school, etc., and give them an “insurance break” for their Birthday month and Christmas. But, for the most part, they are quite independent. They stopped playing school sports when they were 16 so they have the time to work more and have more money. My daughter is 16 and will be getting her first job when the Marching Band season ends. She’ll be taking 3 AP classes this year so I’m not sure how many hours she’ll be able to fit in. I think each child and family are different depending on sports, classes they take, etc… We had many discussions about playing sports with our boys but there wasn’t anything they absolutely loved so we were okay with them working more. And, they’ve made a great group of friends through work as well so it’s worked out. My daughter just started driving and loves to go so she is doing things around the house to make money for gas.
In regards to chores, our kids are responsible for their rooms, bathrooms and laundry. I don’t make them help with weekly chores around the house and sometimes I wonder if I should have them help more. I’m pretty disorganized when it comes to that and I’ve always found it hard to keep on track. But, they will be able to take care of themselves and their home when they move out so I think it will be okay. And, they’ll always help without complaint so that’s good 😅
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! I’m trying in so many areas and that’s what counts!
Thank you for being you. You are a beautiful person inside and out and I love you to the moon and back! Enjoy your walks and I hope you start sleeping better. I’m right there with you! Oh! Make sure you’re getting enough Magnesium. I take BioOptimizer Magnesium Breakthrough and it helps. 🤗
When I was younger, I worked my whole summer to pay for my car, sports camp, clothes, and fun. I learned so much. My husband was a child actor so he spent summers playing with his friends (also known as getting paid to act). Our children have not had full time jobs and I worry about what they will face when they get out into the “real world.” My husband tells them their job is to do well in school and be active in church. We have a difference of opinion in parenting but so far our kids have turned out well. I hope it continues.
I so agree with you on the be skinny now comments. None of these “weight loss” tricks/meds/diets are real life. Real life is an extra pound for chocolate chip cookies, caramel popcorn and slushies. It is taking a moment to consider that margarine was made to fatten turkey (they refused to eat it) repurposed to help the investors not loose money. Butter forever!!! My husband is the sweetest. If I say anything he tells me that in classical art the women are all full figured, including the hips and butt. We are so much more than what we look like. We are children of a loving God who wants us to learn to accept ourselves as we are and work from there. I love your thoughts. I feel like if we lived closer we could be best friends. I so appreciate you and your recipes and your fun blog. If anyone asks me what’s for dinner I tell them to check Mel’s Kitchen.
What puzzle board do you have? If you could send the link please. I have been debating buying one and your post has convinced me.
We have this one! https://amzn.to/3GHoSen
Thank you for the wonderful post.
First, my one remaining child who is home for the summer (is a 19yo college student) works at a restaurant in the summer. He loves it, so it’s not really work for him!
He has to do chores – clean his room and all upstairs bathrooms, take the trash and clean his upstairs living area
He also makes dinner 1 night a week for us.
As for the sleeping, I’ll read thru the comments for ideas because I’m in the same boat. I’m 53 and I think it’s hormones. I’m in t r midst of trying HRT to get that situated, but no luck yet.
And being skinny- I’m so glad you said something. I e always been athletic- bigger thighs and shoulders (!) so I hear ya! I just keep working out and moving and being thankful that my body is working!
Love your blog. You don’t know how many meals of yours my family loves!💚
I love that your son makes dinner one night a week! I might institute that plan. Lots of recommendations on HRT in the comment thread as well as various supplements. Lots of interesting insight and advice! Keep moving! That’s what I’m doing, and I love that so many of us are in the same boat.
Hi Mel, thank you so much for this Friday thoughts!
Kids working: I do think that there is something to be said about the magic of summer breaks. Riding bikes or walking just for something to do and getting creative with the boredom I believe, is part of that short and fleeting period called childhood. Playing too many video games? Sure. staying up late and sleeping late? Count me in! Of course we need to find balance in it all but, they will be working year round soon enough and there are truly only a few summers where other than chores and family expectations, they are responsibility free.
My kids are all now in different stages of their 20’s and during the summer had different levels of employment. We established early that their main job was to do well in school and help around the house, so a job was not expected of them. We had them do chores and they could make a little (and I do mean a little) money for doing additional jobs around the house and yard. This was enough for them to go to the pool with friends, grab a shaved ice once in a while or save up to go to the carnival. We live in a neighborhood so no land or animals. As they got into their teens, we expected them to pay for dates, entertainment and eating out but we covered gas (within reason) car insurance (everyone drove an old beat up family car) family activities and $100 towards school clothes each year. As they got older they realized $100 doesn’t buy what it did when they were little especially if they wanted name brands. I like how this made them decide if brand names were worth the price.
We never made them get jobs but they eventually gravitated to it. My oldest played sports which made a regular summer job hard but he moved hand pipe and stacked hay for his grandparents. He did it for free because he loved the work 🤷🏻♀️but his grandpa always slipped him some money for the effort. He used that to pay for sports camps and player packs.
Where we live, there are cherry orchards and the kids here have the opportunity to “work cherries.” It is basically a two week commitment for them where they work 10-12 hour shifts in a factory that processes cherries 24/7 during the harvest season. It’s intense work but it provides them with a fair amount of money. One of my kids worked the grave shift because it was cooler in the factory at night. This was really good for those that chose to do it.
Sleep: I’m here for the comments 😴 Due to a strong family history of cancer, my Dr’s have said HRT is off the table for me 😞
Switzerland: I will be living vicariously through you! 🇨🇭
Puzzles: I ❤️ a good puzzle! 🧩
Movement: I am working on this one, chronic illness keeps me on the sidelines much of the time, but I love the idea of walking for enjoyment and I am here for it! I too am an “instrument not ornament”believer but sometimes I forget that so thanks for the reminder!
Hi, Wendy! Thanks so much for your detailed comment about how you’ve managed things with your kids! I am loving all the different perspectives. So fascinating and helpful!
You are truly amazing!! Do that vacation and have a wonderful time! We love your recipes and enjoy your emails and your sweet, growing family! Thank you for being you and all the work you do to feed us your recipes.
Sheree
Arizona 🥵
Thank you so much, Sheree!
Have you heard about first sleep and second sleep? If not … Apparently there have been a number of cultures and times when people slept for a few hours, were awake for a couple of hours, then slept again. The awake hours were usually spent in quiet activities or sex. It seems that this pattern was completely normal and didn’t cause any problems. The modern ideal of sleeping for seven or eight hours straight through is not necessarily a good goal.
So, perhaps rather than thinking that broken sleep is a problem, it could be accommodated. (Granted, this is not the same as waking up every few minutes.)
Starting many years ago, I had trouble sleeping after I had been on a lot of business trips from Colorado to the east coast. Finally I started listening to audiobooks to fall asleep, and if I wake up, I restart the audiobook. It gives me something to occupy my mind, and I relax. I still do this.
I generally listen to a book that I’ve already read, so that I don’t worry about missing any of the plot. I can pop into the book anywhere and pick up the thread.
I share a bed with my husband, and he has gotten to love listening to the story also. He often asks me what the story will be. I choose books that both of us will enjoy, and quite often, before we fall asleep, the book will prompt a discussion that we wouldn’t have had otherwise. It’s really quite a relationship-strengthening activity.
Interesting perspective, Margaret. Thank you for sharing!! I love the idea of sharing a book with your husband. I think Brian and I would both enjoy that!
This is the first time I’ve read your “thoughts” section.
I like it, very down to earth.
My grounding go to is the Serenity Prayer.
It keeps in the Now and encourages action in the right direction.
Worry is useless.
Thanks, Sally! I also love that prayer. Thanks for sharing.
We don’t need another card game, I repeat to myself a hundred times, but Mel recommended it… We don’t need another card game…adds trio to Amazon cart.
Hahahaha, this made me laugh out loud. #sorrynotsorry
Im doing the same thing in my head. Hahaha!
Thank you, thank you for your words always!! You are so relatable! And you always have such a great perspective and openness to others ideas.
I know there are tons of ideas on sleep here. I haven’t read through all of them, but one thing that I keep coming back to is cherries. There’s been quite a bit of research on cherries improving sleep cycles My son started drinking tart cherry juice at bedtime a few weeks ago, and it has really helped him. I like to do my cherries in a smoothie at night, and I just do the sweet ones. But they make a huge difference. When I don’t get my cherries in at night, I sleep so much worse. Kiwis and pistachios also have natural melatonin in them.
And I think other people have talked about supplements and stuff. I just gotta say that some vitamin and mineral supplements have wrecked my sleep through the years, so I have needed to proceed with caution. Ironically, vitamin D supplements, which are extremely popular right now, ended up messing up my son‘s sleep for a couple months, before I figured out that it was that. Apparently, for some people it can make their calcium and magnesium levels out of balance, and then it’s harder to relax. I can’t take high doses of vitamin D either. Best wishes with it all!
And I absolutely loved your statements about your body. True wisdom!
I love the work you’re doing!You’re amazing!! Xox
Thanks for the insight about cherries, Ann Marie! Someone else mentioned they slept better after going off all their supplements. I’m at the point I think I’ll go ground zero and work up, starting with nothing. Thank you!
Impressive handstand on the counter!
Our children have all worked while in school and save half for their futures. They pay for gas and food and video games (one just bought a new computer). I think it gives them confidence and great interpersonal skills while preparing them for more in adulthood. It also gives us more to talk about. We use your chore chart wheel from years ago, and they help clean and do their own laundry all year long.
We live in the Deep South and it is crazy hot, but we still walk twice a day. That and getting away from the phone and tv helps me sleep well in my dark, cold cave of a bedroom. Raising teens while dealing with menopause has been awful for my sleep. After being scared of hormone replacement for years, I tried it and feel soooo much better. I am losing the 10 pounds I gained, getting my blood pressure and cholesterol down, and can shut my brain off.
Thanks for the link to Convoy of Hope.
You are a planner so you already know that it will be cold and rainy in Switzerland, but you will have a wonderful time.
Do you have any other puzzle recommendations?
That chore chart wheel is still going strong in our house, Sheila! Glad it’s been helpful for you, too! So, so happy HRT has helped you. I’m trying it, too, but it’s only been a few months and I think I need more time to see results. We love all the White Mountan and Ravensberger puzzles. Such great quality!
Have you tried wooden puzzles? They’re so fun! Each actual piece is shaped like an object. They are spendy but worth it. We’ve purchased a couple from Mosaic Puzzles – especially love the outdoor themed. https://www.mosaicpuzzles.co/collections/the-great-outdoors
We did get some wood puzzles a while back and have loved them. I haven’t heard of this company but I’ll check them out!
Love your Friday thoughts posts, Mel. My kids are very active in sports which makes it tricky to find a summer job. But, my 16 yo son was hired at a golf course to do grounds crew work and is loving it! He is super motivated to work hard (which is interesting since he doesn’t feel the same at home ;)), has already earned a couple of bonuses for being a hard worker, and loves the paycheck even more. Even bought himself an old fishing boat to fix up over the summer with his first few paychecks. My 13 yo daughter loves to bake, and I’ve been encouraging her to consider a bakery/farm stand. She thinks that would take the fun out of it though, so we’ll see. We just got both of them debit cards which has them involved in more financial discussions. It’s teaching them to be more cognizant of spending and saving. I didn’t have a job till I was in 11th grade. But, my mom always made us help with lots of chores. When my kids are around and not away at their activities, I write up a daily list of what needs to be done, and they get to pick what they want to work on (dishes, laundry, pets, yardwork, etc.). I have a sheet up on our fridge for the summer that encourages THINK (CREATE), WORK, MOVE, PLAY. We consider baking/cooking part of the THINK bucket and use your recipes for lots of that inspiration!
Sleep in midlife…HRT made a big difference for me. I just started it this year after turning 50 and can honestly say I sleep well again. I also take magnesium glycinate religiously at night. I, too, am a big fan of letting my body/mind see the sunrise and sunset. It makes sense that our bodies would do better letting Mother Nature remind that it’s time to wake up and it’s time to retire for the evening.
Thank you so much for continuing to put yourself out there and share your thoughts and family life. You are so relatable, and I appreciate/enjoy your recommendations and encouragement in the kitchen and beyond. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Jami, I love what you shared!! That’s amazing about your son. Way to go – a fishing boat to fix up? I love that! I love the encouragement on your refrigerator. So wise!! Thanks for your sleep recommendations. I have been trying to be better at morning and evening sunlight. Wish my teenagers got home earlier at night, haha.
My kids age 12-19 all have jobs. Many of them have multiple jobs. Plus they all work on our farm.
Kids need to learn to work. I can’t believe how many kids don’t work.
Amazing kiddos!
Have you tried Magic Puzzles? I am obsessed! You can find them on Amazon (no, I am not a sponsor, etc). They are a little pricey but are really fun and totally worth it. They tell a story, you do the main part, shift the puzzle, then complete the middle… hard to describe but really fun.
Thanks for your posts and recipes, as always. I can always find something tasty to make when I’m facing the dreaded “what to cook for dinner this week’ question.
Oh, yes! We have two magic puzzles and have loved them. I should pull them out again. Thank you!
My nephew has a job in Switzerland and loves living there.
I decided to eat a lower carb/ semi anti-inflammatory diet for a few months to see if it would help with my health issues and lost a few pounds/inches.
I have been fighting shoulder injuries the last few years. I will be happy when I can lift weights again.
I agree with Convoy of Hope. We made a donation, but I wish we could do more.
Ok, wow, LUCKY NEPHEW! Good luck with your shoulder progress and recovery, Heather!
Like all these other wonderful women who have posted I so appreciate your honesty and relatability💗 My 12 year old daughter hosted a kids summer camp at our house for 2 weeks and did an amazing job but was exhausted by the end of it. There was a lot of learning and growth, but finding the right balance is tricky!
Thank you for voicing how so many of us are feeling, the pressure to be thin is so pervasive! I’ve been going to the gym regularly for over a year doing some serious weight lifting and getting stronger but may never look like someone who ‘goes to the gym’. But I keep reminding myself that my body is an instrument and that I’m keeping it strong and my heart healthy.
I love to hear about your evening walks for your spiritual and emotional health. I find such joy being in nature especially in the evening. Thank you for the reminder that peace and joy is just outside my front door!
Thank you again for all you do. You bring so much joy to this world and are such a comfort when the world is in such turmoil 💗
Also like everyone else has said, you are going to love Switzerland! So excited for you to have this opportunity to enjoy its beauty with those you love!
Thanks, Miranda! Appreciate you adding your thoughts! Your 12-year old daughter’s camp sounds amazing!!
Love your perspective and I feel like we are in the same period of life right now. I am 42 and have been suffering through CRAPPY sleep for the last few years. I finally got on estradiol cream through an online doctor. After being on it for three months, I am now sleeping like I did in high school! Also, YouTube cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep. The techniques have also been a game changer for me! I have to thank you for something you wrote months and months ago….you recommended a podcast from Dr Marie Claire where she talked about perimenopause. After listening to her, I realized I needed to be on hormone replacement therapy and it has been a miracle in my life. I realize it’s not the case for everyone but it made the difference for me. So THANK YOU!
Thanks, Christine! If you feel comfortable sharing, I’d love to know what cream you started for hormones. No worries if not. I’m glad it has helped you. Thanks for the recommendations. And I”m glad that podcast was helpful!
My teens work durning the summer and school year. My youngest is Autistic so he mows the lawn to earn some money (my other kids had to do it for free).
One year my daughter decided she wasn’t going to work during school so we had to have a heard discussion that we would pay for gas to get to and from school but not extra stuff. She worked hard all summer to save up and budgeted all school year to maker her money last.
My friends kids don’t work and she just gives them money all summer and they just play video games and sleep in.
My husband and I have a saying that we apply to how we were raised and how are kids are raised.
“We are trust fund babies, we are trusted to fund ourselves”
Becky, I love how your comment highlights how we do different things with our kids dependent on their needs. So important! Love your end quote!
Fashions cater to a motherless, career women. Protein shakes and gyms are the letter of the day. Yes, we all need to eat healthy and strive to find time to “move”. But you’re right Mel, our bodies are such a miracle. We can all look great in the size and shape of body we are blessed with. Meanwhile, spending times with our ever changing families is what we’ll always look back on with a smile. All six of our children are out of the home…some had summer jobs, some didn’t. Some went on missions, some didn’t. They all turned out great as they continue with spouses and careers. We’re focused on the next generation now. You’re doing great Mel, your kids are doing what they were sent here to do…just love them. Love your Friday thoughts
Love your thoughts, Irene – thanks for sharing!
I am in the same life stage… most of my kids are old enough to work, with the youngest being 12 almost 13 (in September).
But the difference is my 16 (almost 17 year old twins have medical and intellectual disabilities)
So right now my 18 yrs old works, and my 15 yr old is traveling and working. My 13 year old boy is going to the pool everyday.
It is weird only having 1-2 kids home during the day and not go to the park or pool with them everyday!!!
Now I just need to get my 16 year old boy something!!! He is so hard because he has some disabilities but not all. 😫
Jill, appreciate you sharing your experiences…especially with kiddos who have medical and intellectual disabilities. Thanks for chiming in! Having my teenage boys be home and not be busy enough is HARD, so I get that. I hope you can find something for your 16-year old!
I’ve been to Switzerland twice and absolutely LOVE it! I asked my husband if we can have a summer home in Lauterbrunnen🤣 It’s unreal! The train system is amazing, the people are so nice, it’s got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, and the chocolate 😋😋😋! You need to go to the Lindt factory tour and eat all the chocolate you can handle🍫!
haha, if you end up with a summer home there, let me know. I’ll pretend I have a reason to visit you!! I’m really hoping we can make it to the chocolate factory!
Our families favorite game is Dutch Blitz. If you haven’t tried it, order it.
As someone who is fighting the battle of the bulge/muffin top/love handles/whatever you wanna call it, I appreciate what you said about how you want to view yourself.
Oh yes, we love Dutch blitz…it gets crazy. And I’m so slow. I never win, haha.
My kids are fortunate enough to be able to move pipe hand lines all summer. It is difficult to take time off, but it works out and I’m so grateful for the financial and mental support it provides.
I had that same crepe maker and we hated it. I much prefer a pan.
Working on loving my body and daily reminding myself that it is amazing and doing awesome things for me.
Moving pipe! What a hard, epic summer job. My dad grew up doing that and still talks about that. Bummer you don’t love that crepe pan!! It’s likely not for everyone.