September 28, 2026

things jack says


we're likely nearing the end of the era of jack saying funny things without really meaning to, but there are still some gems to remember. 

dictionary entries:

  • kayate = karate
  • honey crunchin' oats = honey bunches of oats
  • goose bump = goose egg
  • intendo = nintendo


quotes, conversations, and things that made us laugh:

  • [while looking in the rear view mirror before getting out of the van] "hold on, i need to check my style. just in case there's a lady."
  • "on your marks! get sets! go!"
  • [about a hot fudge sundae] "i don't really like the chocolate on this. i am more of a vanilla man."
  • "can i get one of those grandma things?" [referencing the walkers at the skating rink]
  • "i am going to learn to be good at chess so i can be like bobby fisherman."
  • [as three police cars speed past us] "maybe someone is injured. why didn't they call mike? he does in-jerry law." [which are references to two different law firm commercials]
          [while archie was singing a thank you song he made up]
          archie: "thank you God for making cars!"
          jack: [whispering] "mom, i don't want archie to feel bad, but i know benjamin franklin invented cars."

          [after picking him up from his first ever week at camp]
          shelly: "was it hard when you missed us?"
          jack: "no, i didn't really miss you."

          donald: "jack, can you name noah's three sons?"
          jack: "ummm...timmy?"

August 12, 2026

what's saving my life

because summer is already the most wonderful time of the year my life doesn't require much saving in this season, but it's always worthwhile to pause and notice the things that are making life a little extra enjoyable:

  • water [easily one of the best parts of summer. being in or on the water just makes everything better.] 
  • archie's delightfulness [he has been so enjoyable lately. it's this great combination of being hilarious and adorable.]
  • sleeping in [i love sleep. i love it so much. and i really, really love not setting an alarm.] 
  • hawaiian roll sandwiches with salami [there are a few lunches that taste like summer to me, one of which is ham and cheese on a hawaiian roll. a friend recently inspired me to add salami and it is next level.] 
  • community [we have a regular rhythm of hanging out with other families and we collectively have a whole bunch of kids from babies to high schoolers. the way they all play and interact together is just magic.]
  • daily movement [i've never been great about consistent exercise, but i've been hitting a modest daily step goal and doing squats while brushing my teeth.]
  • our summer vibe [we intentionally don't put a lot on our calendar in the summer so we can enjoy a loose rhythm with lots of flexibility for whatever fun comes along.]
  • games with jack [he recently learned five crowns and we've been playing almost every day.] 
  • sour cream [potluck situations sometimes stress me out, so this is my decide once. if sour cream is even remotely appropriate, that's what i'm bringing.] 
  • letting things be good enough [as a recovering perfectionist this is sometimes easier said than done, but i'm trying to let good enough be good enough.] 
bonus: i was inspired to start making these lists by the lazy genius. i have listened to her podcast for years and read all of her books. i am a big fan. earlier this summer i submitted a question for one of her office hours episodes, and was delightfully surprised when she answered my question on air! it happened the same week the kansas city episode of ted lasso dropped, and getting to be a small part of two of my favorite things was definitely a summer highlight.




March 17, 2026

things archie says


this one has a bit of a feisty side, but gosh is he hilarious and hearing him laugh is just the best. here are some entries from the dictionary of archie:

  • pack pack = backpack [he loves to make sure dad doesn't forget his "pack pack" before work]
  • golden fish = goldfish crackers [he later started asking for "gold fish, blue fish, and regular fish" based on the color of the package and the fact that he was introduced to pretzel fish first]
  • pitar = guitar [he will also call a guitar a violin]
  • bing bing bong = the song "axel f" by crazy frog
  • lellow = yellow [i kind of hope this one never stops]
  • puh-jammies = pajamas
  • tennis shoe = tissue ["i need a tennis shoe!"]
  • next-en = next to ["i want to sit next-en to you"]
  • minja chucks = ninja turtle nunchucks
  • primacy = privacy ["i need some primacy"]
  • extra love bonus = an extra anything [this started when he'd ask for an extra bonus book at bedtime and i'd say "yes, because i love you" and now it applies to books, snacks, etc.]


and these are some of our favorite funny phrases and conversations:

  • "mommy my feet are blazing cold!"
  • "can you buckle me out?" [aka please unbuckle me]
  • "my hope is in the Lord!!!" [he gets VERY excited every time this song comes on]
  • "please may you?"
  • "i had a good rest!" [every time he wakes up in the morning or from nap time]
  • "i want to go in the ball center" [aka the activity center at lakeland camp]
  • "i kind of made a little mistake" [when he accidentally gets some pee outside of the toilet]
  • "but...and i'm not saying the private word" 
  • "dear Jesus, thank you for our food. bless you to our bodies. help dad go to work. amen." 
        archie: "i really want some milk."
        shelly: "how bad do you want it?"
        archie: "i don't want it bad, i want it good."

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