Spent the last several days camping. No internet. No phone service. Just me and my family, some bikes, a campfire, sand and dirt and crows. I’ve been waiting for this for years, waiting for my kids to be ready. Now I can’t wait to get back out there again.

My car was in the shop for six weeks. After one week of driving my “fixed” vehicle, the same thing happened again and now it’s back in the shop for who knows how long.

BUT, I won this cake in an actual cake walk today, so the universe is definitely recalibrating :)

Devastated by the news today. AmeriCorps neither lacks efficiency, efficacy, nor accountability. Every single hour or my two years of service was logged and vetted. Getting to serve my country through volunteering had a profound impact on my life and inspired me to become a teacher.

After a massive “I want to play with scissors” meltdown, I had to lock the door to the room where the craft supplies are located.

My toddler is now searching the house for lock-picking supplies and has come up with several shockingly viable options that, frankly, have me a little worried.

Got to meet the Oregon Zoo’s baby elephant. Tula-Tu is, as you would imagine, adorable!

3 packed his own bag for our weekend away. He brought several cars, two defunct remotes, a trailer that doesn’t attach to anything, a can of soup, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

We’re enjoying our first snow of the season and 3 is having a meltdown because I won’t let him put our kiddie pool on the porch and fill it with hot water.

I mean, it’s a solid idea. I, too, would love a hot soak in this freezing weather.