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Simply Stated 51

Our week in review: May 8 – 14. We’re talking Mother’s Day, kids coming home from college, graduation celebrations, summer beach reads, and more!

Happy Mother’s Day!

We know this day can be filled with all kinds of emotions.

To those of you missing your moms, today’s a melancholy reminder that she’s not here.

If you don’t live close enough to see your mom, you may be feeling guilty about moving.

For those who didn’t have a good relationship with their mom, it’s a reminder of what you missed out on.

If you’ve always dreamed of being a mother and haven’t been able to conceive, it’s hard to not focus on what you don’t have.

For moms who’ve lost a child, today is bittersweet as you think about the hole they’ve left behind.

If your kids aren’t able to be with you, you might be trying not to feel melancholy or neglected.

And if your kids are at stages that make them difficult to be around, you may be feeling guilty that you really want today to be a break from motherhood’s duties.

AnnMarie and Anne from Simply2Moms posing for headshots

We want you to know, that we see you.

We understand because we’ve both struggled with some of those feelings!

So from our hearts to yours, we’re sending you love because life can be hard, and these Hallmark holidays can sometimes be difficult if reality doesn’t look like what you see on social media.

We want you to know that you are special and that we so value you and appreciate you being part of Simply2Moms.

AnnMarie’s Week

My nest filled up again this week.

Both Gavin and Emma have finished their college final exams and moved back home for the summer.

It’s such a weird time in life for both Anne and me with our children coming and going.

Are you in the same stage of life too?

I really try hard to appreciate the time I get to spend with my kids because I know my days are numbered.

But that mom guilt started creeping in this week as I was busy writing blog posts and I felt like I wasn’t giving my college students much of my attention. ugh!

I get really focused when I’m writing and tend to not answer people when they ask me a question because I’m in the middle of something.

Didn’t I mention last week I needed to clean up my office and start working upstairs…yeah well, hopefully, that gets done this weekend. lol!

Anne’s Week

I got to see all my kids on Wednesday, so I’m deciding this whole week is amazing!

As they grow up and live independently, I’m truly learning to appreciate any time we get to be together.

I need to get better at remembering to take pictures on those days!

Ryan and his girlfriend left on Thursday for a short cruise to celebrate her birthday and to get a little vacation before her work gets busy as she steps into a managerial role while her boss is on maternity leave.

We’re kitty sitting their two kittens, and he brought them up to drop them off with us on Wednesday.

Katy came home for the summer on Wednesday too, so Livy and Cam came over for dinner.

I love getting to see them all, even if it’s just for a few hours!

College aged girl making huli huli chicken marinade in the kitchen.

As I type this, Katy is mixing up the marinade for my Huli Huli chicken recipe because she’s planning on cooking for me for Mother’s Day.

Livy and Cam will be joining us for dinner today, and I’ll be seeing Ryan and Sophie tomorrow.

I’m excited that I’ll be seeing everyone so much this week!

This Week on Simply2Moms

This week, we finished up our project with Walls By Me.

Now we need to decide which papers we want to order to show you in our homes!

Anne is planning to use it in her new office space, and AnnMarie is trying to choose which room she wants to do first.

We’ve got some summer home tours coming up in the next few weeks, so we took a quick trip to our local antique mall on Tuesday afternoon to see if there was anything we wanted to use to freshen up our homes for summer.

This week on the blog, we’ve taken a deep dive into graduation ideas.

Some of these ideas would be great for any kind of milestone celebration!

Like these numbers that would be perfect for a birthday or anniversary party too.

painted and decorated numbers on table outside

Make these pretty neutral DIY graduation year numbers and letters in 3 easy steps.

In less than an hour, you’ll have the perfect party decor.

These graduation numbers are a great way to add a personal touch to any celebration.

jute twine graduation year numbers on fireplace mantle with other party decor for graduation

Check out this easy idea to reuse and repurpose old party decor

AnnMarie repurposed Anne’s painted paper mache numbers and created a completely new look.

Upcycling graduation decorations will save money while still creating a magical and memorable day for your celebration.

Collage of 16 book covers selected for 2023 summer beach reading.

Looking for some great books to curl up with this summer?

Wait until you see this list of 16 great beach reads with a mix of summer romance, historical fiction, and some chilling psychological thrillers for good measure.

Anne has already read a few of these, while others are queued up on her Kindle.

Are there any we should add to this list?

graduate standing on deck outside next to chalkboard sign

Celebrate your child’s accomplishments and throw the best high school graduation party to mark this milestone occasion.

AnnMarie shares 19+ amazing ideas that are not only easy but affordable too.

More Ideas and Inspiration From Our Friends

Did you know you can divide hydrangeas? Here’s how!

Save money with this DIY decorating project.

Look at these fun coastal decor ideas for your home this summer.

Do you have some outdoor furniture that’s seen better days? Check out how our friend refurbished her outdoor chairs and saved a ton of money in the process.

This quick and delicious dinner idea that’s on Anne’s meal plan for next week.

If you have any questions or suggestions, contact us or leave a comment!

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