Welcome to my personal journey
49 (me ) & 4 (him)
Take a look at my latest photography adventure: "49 & 4" - a day in the life of an ordinary, everyday mom (yep, that's me) and her energetic 4-year-old sidekick, Daniel. (Yep, that's him.)
Inspired by a stunning lifestyle shoot, I thought, "Hey, what's the real deal behind those picture-perfect moments?" And so, this project was born - a tribute to the beauty in life's simple moments, the magic, the not-so-fun, in our everyday routines.
Forget the glamour - we're diving into the real deal here. From towering laundry piles to a sea of toys in the living room, I'm capturing the essence of our daily chaos and love, celebrating the imperfect perfection of family life.
This one's for all the superheroes - moms, dads, and caretakers who take on the daily grind with grace and love, and let's be honest, grace isn't exactly easy to give on trying days. It's a toast to the ordinary, the messy, and the love that fills our homes. Let's find the extraordinary in the every day with "49 & 4" - a sneak peek into a world that's wonderfully normal ( I think) & sometimes (most of the times) not so magical.
The Real. ♡
SIDE NOTE:
*Here's the inside scoop on our family if you were unaware. Brace yourselves - we're a team of TWO plus SIX young men and TWO beautiful daughters-in-law.
Yes, we've hit our limit.
No, we're not on a mission for a baby girl.
Yes, we've got the birds and bees talk down.
No, we're not part of any specific religious group.
I am a non-denominational, imperfect person who loves & needs Jesus.
Our family blog could be called:
49 & 29 (Hey Austin!)
49 & 27 (Hey Colton!)
49 & 25 (Hey Connor!)
49 & 21 (Hey Dustan!)
49 & 17 (Hey Wyatt!)
49 & Dale
Let's be honest - stalking them with a camera all day isn’t their style. I would if I could! I doubt '4' (Hey Daniel!) approves either - luckily, I'm still his boss.
I adore them all like crazy, and you will catch a glimpse of these wonderful people when I get a chance! You might even get a glance at our two huskies, Whiskey & Bristol!
Stay tuned for the everyday, mundane, imperfect
'49 & 4' blog. ♡
God is interested in every detail of our lives (Psalm 139:1–4) and knows what we need even before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8).
Episode One
Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, began just like any other day. Daniel and I usually spend our weekdays together, with him engaging in typical activities for a child his age: playing with toys and watching cartoons. His current top picks are Blippie, Bluey, Paw Patrol, Vlad & Nikki, and often silly YouTube shows. Monster trucks, Hot Wheels, and having his brother's (in particular, Dustan's) attention are his favorite things to play with.
As for me, like most stay-at-home parents, caregivers, or grandparents, I usually join in the toy play, watch cartoons with him, and take care of household chores like dishes, laundry, and errands – the usual "mundane" tasks. I work from home as a photographer (surprise!) and in real estate-related ventures.
This particular Thursday morning, we kicked off our day by exploring his new kindergarten supplies we got from Costco the night before and sneaking a bite of his Dad's chocolate cookie!
He will start kindergarten in Fall 2025; we are getting a head start on learning!
While keeping an eye on Daniel, I can't resist peeking at my Valentine's Day flowers, still hanging on for dear life!
In a battle of willpower, I resisted the urge to scrub off the paint on the table before snapping a pic. The mess has been chilling there for a bit, and hey, I did promise to keep it real with all the chaos included.
It's milk and cookies o'clock; no, it's not our typical breakfast routine. Are you wondering about the bottle on the right? Keep reading...this is where ‘ the real’ part comes in: being transparent about the challenges of parenthood.
The Challenges.
We discovered that Daniel had a food aversion at just a few months of age. Despite our efforts, he was and still is highly selective with his food choices. With five children already raised, I initially attributed it to him being picky. However, after multiple doctor visits, we learned that Daniel's aversion to food meant he only consumed a specific formula for the first 2.5 years. Born just before the onset of COVID-19 and the formula shortages, Daniel's early arrival and low birth weight added to the challenges we faced.
A brief backstory...
Daniel, our unexpected joy, arrived when we least expected it; after all, I was told at age 40, after going to the doctors for other health-related issues, that I could not have more children. Fast forward four years to 44, and Daniel's arrival brought both blessings and difficulties due to my high-risk pregnancy. It was a time filled with constant prayers and one of the most challenging periods I've experienced.
Now, about the bottle...
Among the various hurdles with Daniel, transitioning from his bottle has been a significant one. Despite being able to drink from a cup, he prefers water exclusively (cup). His food intake remains limited at four years old, contributing to his slender build. I understand that children with early food aversions are often particular about their diet, so I strive to offer a lot of variety while trying to enforce stricter rules, knowing he is well past the age of needing a bottle. However, reducing the calories he solely consumes from his bottle is a struggle; it is tough on this Mom, and I give in daily. On a positive note, having successfully raised five boys who outgrew their bottle dependency gives me hope for Daniel! One of the perks of being a seasoned parent after a few rounds and a lot of prayer is realizing that I've got what it takes to conquer the rollercoaster ride of parenthood! ( I think I can, I think I can..)
Once more, I fought the temptation to tidy up my microwave before capturing the moment. This marks my second coffee reheat of the day, and all this before 8 am! Check the clock – it's 7:55 am! Feeling tired yet?
I’ve had this same calendar for years. I’ll stick it in a drawer somewhere, and somehow, it keeps popping back up. It has excellent daily reminders! About this time I usually like to check to see if I have any new Marco Polo messages from family! Marco Polo? Keep reading..
We dove into the wild world of the Marco Polo app when the COVID-19 chaos was starting its drama. Now, it's our go-to for sharing all the mundane details of our daily escapades! In a whirlwind of busy days, this app is the glue that keeps our family near & far still seem like an everyday part of our lives. Unfamiliar with Marco Polo? Think of it as walkie-talkies but with videos! It is great for groups or simply one on one when you're just having one of those days & it's to noisy to 'hear' via a phone.
It is probably around 8:15 a.m. or so..
Time for a 'little' break.
If I'm lucky I might catch a few minutes of uninterrupted time.. if I'm lucky.
Of course, this morning he notices my camera...lol.
About this time, Daniel is ready to wash up for breakfast & get dressed for the day.
Around this time of day, like clockwork, my hubby sends me a Bitmoji masterpiece. His avatar is a perfect match - it's like looking in a cartoon mirror! Somehow, he always knows when I could use a pick-me-up. It's become a lovely daily tradition in our little world.
Every morning is a whirlwind of emails and photo shenanigans. Juggling tasks like a pro! On this rainy day, I was wrapping up a cozy home photoshoot. Rainy days? Count me in for all the cozy feels! By the way, that is a Marco Polo feed there on my phone!
I'm now sipping coffee number three, switched to a fancy glass mug. Shoutout to my awesome sis, Melissa, for the BEST mug ever. "Would ya look at that?" If you know, you know.
We kicked off a new routine: Vitamins! I wondered if he'd give them a thumbs up, and..
All good in the hood! Of course tomorrow is a whole new adventure waiting to unfold!" For those wondering, he knows to pick two. It goes over better if he can pick the color. Important things!
Taking charge of his wardrobe these days, he rocks Meat Church tees for that boss Dad look and slides into those cozy 'comfy pants' to channel Mom's laid-back vibes.
His bite-sized feast lineup includes pizza, cheesy roll-ups, Lunchables, chocolate treats, Pop-Tarts, and good ol' mac 'n' cheese. Even though he is not one to embark on food adventures, I will take every bite as a victory! Witnessing his transformation into a "kid" with a sweet tooth for candies has been a more recent journey!
I can't get enough of my digital frames - I've got two already! It's a delight when those older photos appear, especially on a tough day. It's a sweet reminder of our journey and how time flies by in a blink.
Talking about time flying by, can you believe this little face is from 47 years ago? Daniel is like a perfect recipe of Dale and I combined. I think I see myself more, but then again, who knows? What do you all think?
Speaking of our NICU journey.
When Daniel arrived earlier than expected, we found ourselves thrust into an unexpected NICU journey, marked by his dramatic entrance just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. ( Late November 2019) Amidst the whirlwind of the events, the holidays, my emergency C-section, taking on a newborn at age 44, and all the soon-to-be chaos of COVID-19, life was adding layers of unpredictability. I will save this for a later story!
Looking back at the lead-up to Daniel's birth, emotions ran high as prayers filled my mind constantly, given the uncertainties surrounding both my age and his development while in utero. Transitioning to the NICU, Daniel faced challenges beyond his premature birth, including rapid breathing. Fortunately, the medical team's expertise prevailed, granting him a clean bill of health after a 2.5-week ordeal. The joy of bringing him home, like an early Christmas gift, was truly overwhelming! On a personal note, my recovery from my first-ever C-section was surprisingly manageable & I was very thankful for that!
Amid this rollercoaster of emotions, once again faith and trust in God emerged as a steadfast companion. Through trying times, relying on faith became essential, particularly after enduring MANY PROFOUND losses in the past. ( Again, I will save this for later stories) Despite life's unexpected turns, trusting in God is the most essential thing in my life.
I would love to share a few verses that still help me today!
(English Standard Version)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
More here: https://www.openbible.info/topics/trusting_god
Whew! We dove into the deep end there! However, it’s the ‘real’ real part of my life! Moving on now, picture this: Daniel plops down, and I can't help but chuckle as his shirt gets cozy with the chair and he takes on the epic battle of pants-tying followed by what I hope will be a few moments for myself. I keep hope alive a lot these days. LOL! By the way, there is a CUP picutred below. HOPE, there is that word again!
It's a rainy Thursday! Can you believe it's February and we're not buried in SNOW? Thankful for small mercies!
I captured a precious moment of Daniel trying on my tennis shoes. A photo that every parent can relate to!
My trusty couch drink holder, a.k.a. "the drink buddy," has turned into a toy storage these days - well, at least until bedtime!
Once again, here's a snapshot I'd rather not reveal, but hey, keeping it real! Who else is guilty of not making their bed on the regular? Come on, I can’t be the only one?!
Didn't I promise to shed light on life's not-so-glamorous moments? Here's the epic tale of the never-ending battle with dirty dishes. But fear not! In my kitchen, a bold sign declares, "There's always, always, always something to be grateful for." I am grateful for the people who use the dishes anyway. :D
Dishes? Check! (for like an hour) Laundry? Forever twirling, never-ending. Time to kick back and relax! Fingers crossed for a glorious 10-minute chill session. (Cue tiny giggle)
Facebook flashbacks always bring a giggle!
I am aware that there are marbles in this container. I am certain that he is aware of the marbles as well. It seems like we are about to face a messy situation in 5, 4, 3...I might have had a two minute break.
Ah, another gem from Facebook memories! What perfect timing for this memory to pop up. Imagine, even after raising five humans, I thought this tiny human phase was considered the tough part.
I'm sharing this because it's authentic. These days, I often skip makeup. I usually leave my hair unbrushed, tied up in a bun. Comfortable clothes are my go-to. (Daniel inherited that trait.) I usually wear my glasses for reading or working on the computer. I often feel 'old'. Stress is a frequent companion. Amid it all, I am thankful every day, even if I need blog posts like this to remind me.
I bet you have heard about my quirky little shop in Post Falls. Drumroll, please! Step into the unique realm of My Favorite Things, Post Falls #94! Occasionally, treasures take detours and land in Daniel's top-secret stash of goodies. His current obsession? A vintage 60s record player. It may (or may not) show up in the shop one of these days!
My endless collection of post it notes! I did manage to finally squeeze in that call for Wyatt. He has about a year left on his braces I think. It looks like a journey of braces, dentist visits, and orthodontists awaits Daniel too. Good teeth genes must've missed our family tree!
Plates and cups have a staring contest with me daily. They either beg for a scrub or a cozy spot in the cupboard. Of course, I recruit any nearby soul to join in on all the fun!
You're probably thinking, "What's the story here?" Having Daniel at 44 ,a hubby who grills BBQ like a boss and, Reality check - time isn't slowing down! It’s time to swap out the BBQ for shakes. Not ready to give up my wine just yet! (I know, I should!) I really do make an effort. At times. Finding the oomph to stay on track can be a challenge! After rasing five kids, I do know this is just a 'season.' Did I mention the word 'HOPE' yet?
3, 2, 1, brace yourself for a meltdown because he can't find his shoes.
Phew! Crisis averted - those shoes were right where they belonged!
Socks belong on your feet, not on the top!... well, at least they're a matching pair! If you know me, well you know!
Someone's ready to rock the chilly vibes! I've been Idahoan since '92. While my body screams "no more cold," my brain gives a high-five to frost over sizzling 90-degree days any day! Heat? Nah, I'm good!
This swing set seems ancient, but surprise! It's only 2 years old. The great outdoors sure ages playground gear like fine wine! And hey, those swings? Still in DIY mode! Shh, what he doesn't know won't hurt him, right?
The star of the show in this snapshot? Who do we see? Dad's back, woohoo! Phew! I made it through another day in the wild world of parenting! Well, most of the day, that is. It's only 4 p.m. - I've still got a good 4 hours left. Oh, and did I mention we're in the no-more-naps zone? I'm not sure I'm prepared for this stage. Seriously!
Trash day, hooray for the thrilling mundane!
Daniel is always eager to lend a hand. Fingers crossed it stays that way!
Hop on board for a speedy trip up to the house...
I think it's time for a wardrobe switcheroo after all that outdoor fun. Outfit change number two, here we go!
This, my friend, is the rollercoaster ride of parenthood in one photo~ The chaos, the endless outfit changes, the never-ending laundry pile - a wild reality check. Most days are a marathon starting around 5:30 a.m., leaving me running on fumes by 4 p.m. And yes, being an older parent adds some extra spice to the mix, but let's face it: kids have a knack for turning everyone into a tired panda, no matter the age!
Wyatt, the ultimate big bro, just touched down from school! Woohoo, another partner in crime for Daniel. A huge round of applause for my 17-year-old superstar acing those straight A’s this year! Quick heads-up: We’ve been giving this house a makeover since we got it over 3 years ago. Right now, we're putting the final touches on a brand-new staircase! Just pretend you don’t see the chaos!
Did I mention Wyatt's education in the construction crew at K-tech after his main classes? Looks like endless laundry and muddy stairs are the new normal at home, but hey, it's all for the greater good of his hands-on learning! Shoutout to the hubby for crafting that beautiful staircase; it's an investment that'll surely pay off when we decide to sell!
It's chow down and fun time! We're all about grilling, even in the freezing cold! Our go-to grubs include brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and tri-tip. Dreaming big, we're plotting to roll out a food truck - any hungry investors out there?
We The People..
Nice tat, Babe! Let's talk ink - I've got a couple myself. Delicate snowflakes dance on my right foot (Winter is my thing!), and a simple cross-and-flowers combo adorns my arm. Our gang hopped on the Whitefish, MT train for an adventure about three years back. Dale and I, accompanied by our son Austin ( 29 ) and daughter-in-law Sydney (29), hit up Cutthroat Tattoo in Whitefish, MT. It turned into a fam bam tattoo bonanza - Austin got a rad clock design, while Syd opted for gorgeous mountains and ID coordinates. My tattoo sessions were quick and not super painful! For the first time, It was not so bad! Now Dale? He’s a tattoo marathon champ with his epic 5-hour ink session. Not my cup of tea, that's for sure!
We wrapped up the day with an oil change, playing with Easter eggs, a minor meltdown, and a glass of vino!
So there you have it; episode one is complete!
As mentioned previously, beauty can be found in the day-to-day walk of life.
Every day is a little different.
Some days may bring unexpected challenges, while others offer moments of pure joy! Embracing the uniqueness of each day allows us to appreciate life: the little moments and the big moments. So, as you continue your journey, remember to savor the small moments and find beauty in the ordinary, for it is often in those simple, everyday encounters that we discover the love surrounding us.
