After 31 consecutive slices, I am sad to say, I am sliced out. I’ve written about my kids, husband, and mom. I’ve sliced about my job, mental health, snacks and Taylor Swift.

multiple times

But I always come back to my family. Even when I’m writing about something else, it is usually in relation to my party of five. I adore this crew and wouldn’t change a thing about them…except bed time.

That part of the day sucks.

Today Theo woke first around 8. I had been awake in my bed since hiding the eggs around 6. I refuse to hide them the night before since we do real eggs. I cannot bring myself to just toss them and food safety tells me we can’t eat them. Although I’m certain we did as kids. Why, Mom? Why? I sent him to see if there were any eggs hiding before waking his siblings. From there it was a furious rush of egg hunting, basket finding, sugar rush, cinnamon rolls, and Easter brunch.

We hosted as we usually do. It was a simple meal mostly prepped or picked up yesterday. Of course, I was still getting it all organized while in my PJs just 20 minutes before everyone arrived. My kids were still abuzz from their morning chocolate when they were given more chocolate from doting grandpas and aunts. We all chatted and laughed and hugged and planned our next get togethers until we were tuckered out from all the food and good company.

My home was full of people I love eating a meal planned and prepared with care. My kids were giggling in the arms of those who could not love them more if they tried. Phones were put away and TVs were off. The kids were interacting with humans rather than reacting to screens. As I looked around, my heart was content with the view.

It took us a long time to get here. I was a late bloomer having met my husband in my mid 30s. We had a rough start to our marriage with the loss of our house then both of our moms within the first 3 years. We did not have that ideal honeymoon period since we had to move in with my parents just a couple months after our wedding.

Yet…after patiently putting back the pieces, we found our home and lovingly chose every single thing in it. It was rebuilt from the inside out…quite literally…by my brother, husband, FIL, and dad. Not a single floor, wall, trim piece, or outlet was left untouched. We tore out walls and doors while adding new ones to almost entirely reconfigure the floor plan. We designed every space to maximize its potential. Once the crappiest house on the block, it is now filled with warmth and love.

And today…while standing in my kitchen…I saw the why. All the blood, sweat, and tears were for this. It was all for these people and those who couldn’t be here today. It was to hear the laughter from the couch while enjoying a meal at the table. It was so at the end of the day, I could curl up in my bed with my kids’ cuddled in and my husband right beside me knowing that we made this life of ours.

And I wouldn’t change anything…except bedtime. Because yes. It still sucks even when you adore them.