It’s been a while since I shared a “Life Lately” update, so I wanted to catch up before the season slips away. Time really does fly. We had a lovely Mother’s Day weekend—my parents came to stay with us for the first time in over a year. We’ve visited them several times in Portland, but this was their first extended stay since 2020.
It was a busy week at home as my daughter Kylee and her partner Lance are still staying with us while house hunting, along with their two pups Bella and Leo. Having everyone under one roof has been lively and joyful. We kept things simple and relaxed, enjoying time together and small everyday pleasures.
Here are some moments from our Mother’s Day weekend around the house.
This is my mom. One afternoon we stopped at a local garden shop and took an impromptu selfie by the wisteria—it smelled amazing. My daughters Kylee and Courtney came along and we enjoyed wandering among the plants together.
With so many people around, we brewed a lot of coffee. I treated myself to clear mugs for Mother’s Day and we made coffee each morning with our percolator and sometimes a pourover for a second pot. Those slow mornings were part of the simple pleasure of having family here.
My azaleas and rhododendrons began blooming that week, so I cut a bright bouquet to bring inside. It cheered up the rooms and felt perfectly seasonal.
Yes, our outdoor string lights were still up from the holidays—my son finally took them down last week. We spent most days outside while my parents were visiting since the weather was so pleasant.
The dogs mostly get along now and were relaxed enough to nap together. It’s such a relief to see them settled and comfortable around each other.
Jack was a big help when my dad worked on our taxes—at least he provided moral support. They spent some time at the table going over numbers and chatting.
This bookcase used to be in my dad’s office years ago. I’ve had it for a while and recently gave it a fresh coat of paint. I love updating secondhand pieces—it gives them new life. My parents also brought another piece of furniture for me that I’ll share soon.
My husband surprised me with a beautiful painting for Mother’s Day and placed it on the mantel. He found it at a local secondhand shop—a view of Port Townsend, a favorite nearby beach town, which made it extra special.
The dogs adore our new rug—and so do I. I’ll share more about it in a separate post, but it’s already become a favorite spot for naps and play.
Have I mentioned this sofa doubles as a comfortable twin guest bed? With my parents staying in the guest room, Courtney used the sofa for a few nights and found it perfectly comfy. With pets in the house, we rely on slipcovers, a fitted sheet on the bench cushion, and washable throws to keep things tidy and easy to refresh.
A striped throw on the back adds a cozy touch and is easy to swap out when needed.
I picked up a new multipurpose pan in blue and we’re enjoying cooking with it. It’s practical and cheerful on the stove, and I’ll share more thoughts soon.
Kylee and Courtney prepared a delicious BBQ dinner one evening while my parents visited. They served a broccoli salad that was a hit—simple, fresh, and flavorful. We enjoyed sharing the meal together in the warm evening air.
We also set up a little ice cream cone bar one night with plant-based ice creams and gluten-free cones so everyone could enjoy a treat. It was a fun, casual way to end the day.
Because Kylee is vegan and I avoid gluten, I often share a list of favorite foods and products we use. I’ve collected many of our go-to items and tips for gluten-free and vegan choices, though not everything is certified gluten-free. Over the years I’ve made dietary changes that have helped my health, and I occasionally share those experiences and recipes on the blog.
With lots of people, pups, and a small kitchen, we temporarily set up a second water filter in the dining room to make filling glasses and dog bowls easier. It wasn’t the prettiest addition, but it was practical and saved time.
We kept Jack’s ottoman in the living room—he loves it and would be upset if it disappeared. It doubles as his favorite spot and a cozy element in the room.
One of the sweetest moments: we somehow got all four dogs to sit together for a photo. They even seemed to smile. It felt like a little Mother’s Day miracle and made the weekend especially memorable.
Hope you’re all doing well. Wishing you small moments of joy and time with the people (and pets) you love.
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