19 Comments
User's avatar
Violet Carol's avatar

I was so glad to see you back in my inbox this week — and WOWIE do I also love a deep clean 💗

Katrina Donham's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

Abigail A Mlinar Burns's avatar

This was so beautiful. Loved loved it. These simple time-passage-reminders are so poignant to me lately, too. It’s too obvious, but even the last day of school rocked me. We take these steps every day - looking just one foot in front - and suddenly, so it seems, the entire view has changed.

Katrina Donham's avatar

Oh boy, the last day of school annihilated me. What do you mean my kindergartner is a first grader now? Insert Jennifer Lawrence Hot Ones’ reaction. Parenting is a real mind fuck, isn't it? But lovely all the same!

Charlene Kuyrkendall's avatar

This reminds me so much of myself with three little girls with my husband and how we loved our adventures in our 2011 Sienna LE. I was pregnant with my third when we bought the Sienna in August 2012. My oldest graduated to a booster seat, my second front forward car seat and the youngest rear-facing. We deep-cleaned the car many times and found many new “love wounds” the girls left on the seats, the ceiling, the sliding door walls, etc. Stickers and markers galore. It carried my family all over the country too many times. Best car ever!

Katrina Donham's avatar

So sweet! Best car ever!

Laura's avatar

Dang, I need to deep clean, it's been too long. My version lately is going for a jog when I'm tired to the point where I'd prefer to just go for a walk... There's something about proving we're strong, just to ourselves. Kid turning 6 also hits me in the gut - it's been a lot of years, this parenting thing! I joked with someone who had a baby that, "that one over there is mine, he's 72 months." It's just been... So many months!

Katrina Donham's avatar

So. Many. Months! Love how you're moving your body, even when you're tired! Thanks for reading! 😊

Marina Mofford's avatar

This was so special to read. Oh how I wish our paths crossed when you were still in the city, this also makes me wonder if I’ll be where you are a few years from now, thinking of our city years. I’m about to clean out the baby’s dresser again today, my quarterly organization. Nothing like clearing out and organizing to make you aware of how time flies. 🥹❤️

Katrina Donham's avatar

I meant to ask in my reply, but, if y'all were to move, where would you go? I'm curious.

Marina Mofford's avatar

Probably Connecticut or westchester, as New York does 🙃

Katrina Donham's avatar

Ah, yes. We poked around Westchester and considered Jersey City. Connecticut was hard for me to wrap my brain around lol but we knew many people who made the commute!

Marina Mofford's avatar

Totally, it all comes down to my husband’s commute unfortunately and Connecticut is also hard for me to wrap my head around 😅

Katrina Donham's avatar

Thanks, Marina! We may be heading to city soon, so I'll keep ya posted. I also cleaned out the girls' bedroom and that was just a little bit sad, though I am glad to get rid of the excess! I miss my kids; they've been away with the grandparents this past week and are coming home today! Can't wait to hug 'em tight!

AKBB's avatar

Now I want to find and join the FB group. And clean out our van.

Katrina Donham's avatar

🥳👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 "Gen 3 Toyota Sienna Owners" I believe is the name of the group

Laura Donaldson's avatar

This is so great, just some essential life-ness captured here!!!

Katrina Donham's avatar

Thank you, Laura! ❤️

Charlene Kuyrkendall's avatar

This reminds me so much of myself with three little girls with my husband and how we loved our adventures in our 2011 Sienna LE. I was pregnant with my third when we bought the Sienna in August 2012. My oldest graduated to a booster seat, my second front forward car seat and the youngest rear-facing. We deep-cleaned the car many times and found many new “love wounds” the girls left on the seats, the ceiling, the sliding door walls, etc. Stickers and markers galore. It carried my family all over the country too many times. Best car ever!