cold coffee, a lot of rain, and then some more rain

Let me set a common scene for you: It’s 7:46 a.m. I’m wearing one sock, a Carhartt hoodie that I did a sniff test on to make sure it was clean *enough*, and I’m trying to convince a tiny human that pants are, in fact, not optional when it’s raining sideways in May. And in the kitchen, someone has spilled something pink and questionable on the dog. Again.

Welcome to motherhood in Alaska, mommy. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s absolutely not Pinterest-worthy.

Let’s talk about the essentials:

1. The Coffee Situation

Coffee is reheated no less than three times. It’s a ritual. A lifestyle. A character trait. A quiet act of rebellion against chaos. If I drink it hot, it means I’m probably day dreaming or the kids are hanging out with dad.

2. Outdoor Time

Yes, we “get outside every day” — not because we’re crunchy supermoms, but because our children will destroy the house if we don’t. Rain? Snow? November hurricane? Doesn’t matter. They have boots. They have wool hats. And I don’t ever regret a second we spend outdoors.

3. Wardrobe Choices

Fashion is less “influencer” and more “feral hippy fairy godmother meets hunting outfitter.” I own one bra that isn’t a sports bra, and it’s strictly for formal occasions only.

4. Rain, Glorious Relentless Rain

People ask how we survive the constant rain, and I really do mean constant. We don’t really. We just accept it and move on. You can make plans when it’s “going to be sunny out”, but you have to be willing to also execute those plans in rain gear. Honestly, you’ll probably have to —the rain does what it wants.

5. The “Balance” Myth

I once read an article about finding balance in a busy lifestyle and laughed so hard I dropped my coffee —my room temperature, 2 times reheated, coffee. I balance nothing. I kind of do something that resembles juggling. But somehow, everyone has full belly’s, is bathed, and tucked into their cozy bed with a kiss good night.

6. Joy, Even in the Madness

Here’s the thing: It’s nuts, like really nuts. But it’s our kind of nuts. And somewhere between stepping on Legos and fishing sand and twigs out of the tub, I catch these little glimpses — muddy hands, big deep belly laughs, arms thrown around my neck like I’m their whole world — and it’s all worth it.

Even the, what I think is strawberry yogurt, on the dog incident.

To the other moms out here on this journey — rain-soaked, sleep-deprived, and trying to figure out if that’s really mud on your floor — I see you. And I raise my cold coffee to you my dear.

Let’s keep going, keep being real, and keep on giving grace. Feral kids, caffeinated mamas, wild, joyful, and overflowing with love.