When Brett and I got married, we made a promise—not just to each other, but to our future kids—that they’d grow up knowing both of our traditions. I was raised Jewish, Brett was raised Catholic, and together we decided to create a home where both Hanukkah and Christmas could shine.

And honestly? It’s been such a gift.

Every December, our kids get the glow of menorah candles and the sparkle of Christmas lights. We celebrate Hanukkah with my parents, Christmas with Brett’s parents, and squeeze in our own little family rituals too. The key for us has been keeping each holiday distinct, so they both feel special—and never like one is competing with the other.

But more importantly for us, is the culture. It’s about our history, and teaching our kids that celebrating more than one tradition makes them richer. We want them to grow up seeing diversity as something beautiful, something to respect and embrace—not something to fear.

A Simple Guide for Interfaith Families

There seems to be a growing number of parents raising their children in interfaith homes, and there’s really no wrong way to do it. What’s important is to focus on whatever works best for your family. But if you’re curious, here’s a peek into how we make it all work (with a little laughter, a lot of love, and maybe too many latkes).

Keep the Holidays Distinct (But Both Magical)

One tip for interfaith families is to remember that Hanukkah and Christmas are separate holidays that shouldn’t compete with each other. Each celebration carries its own special meaning and traditions.

With Hanukkah, we go all in: lighting the menorah every night with my parents, singing blessings, frying up latkes until the house smells like heaven, and playing dreidel (my kids get very competitive over those chocolate gelt coins).

Then, we travel to Brett’s parents house and slip into full Christmas mode with his family. Think stockings with our names on them, extended-family chaos on Christmas Eve, and Christmas morning in matching pajamas while we sip coffee and hand out presents.

By making both holidays distinct, our kids never feel like one is overshadowing the other—and honestly, it makes December feel like one long, sparkly celebration.

Find the Magic They Share

This doesn’t mean they can’t intermingle in some ways. We don’t spend a lot of energy trying to separate every single detail. For instance, we have Hanukkah ornaments on our Christmas tree, decorate our golf cart to honor both holidays, and have even brought our menorah to Brett’s parents to sing the prayer and light the candles when the two holidays overlapped.

There are also so many similarities between Christmas and Hanukkah. Both holidays celebrate light, togetherness, love and perseverance.

And here’s the thing: when our children see that two very different traditions can share common values, they learn something bigger. They learn that cultures—even ones that don’t look or sound the same—often carry the same heart. That’s a lesson I hope stays with them long after the last candle and ornament are put away.

Talk About It (and Let Kids Ask)

Children are naturally curious about their dual heritage. Another tip for interfaith families is to talk openly about how Mom and Dad have different religions and explain the significance of each tradition. So, along with the fun, we also tell the stories. The Maccabees. The Nativity. We want our kids to know that holidays aren’t just “about the gifts”—they’re about remembering history, honoring traditions, and appreciating the values that shape who we are.

Our kids know Mom is Jewish and Dad is Catholic, and we’ve always kept that conversation open. They ask questions and we answer honestly in ways they can understand. (There are a lot of great YouTube videos and books for kids out there that have helped us along the way.)

This is where the cultural piece really comes in. It’s not just “our” holidays we talk about—it’s the idea that lots of families around the world celebrate differently, and that’s something to be curious about and proud of. By understanding our traditions, they’re better able to understand and respect others too.

(If you struggle with maintaining an open and calm demeanor during tough conversations, check out my tips on How To Be Patient With Your Kids.)

A Simple Guide for Interfaith Families

Blending two sets of traditions isn’t always seamless—sometimes it’s a juggling act, but it’s always worth it.

Your unique family celebration makes the holiday season special. By honoring both parents’ traditions, you’re not just doubling the joy and memories, you’re teaching your kids that being open to multiple cultures isn’t confusing—it’s a true gift. It helps them grow into those compassionate, curious, and respectful humans we all hope to raise.

And at the end of the day, holiday joy isn’t about what’s under the tree or how many candles are lit. It’s about honoring where we come from, celebrating what we share, and raising kids who see diversity as something to celebrate.

For more on embracing the beautiful mess of parenting, read about the Challenges of Motherhood: An Ever-Changing Adventure in Imperfection.

The post Celebrating Eight Nights And Christmas Morning: A Simple Guide for Interfaith Families appeared first on Jane Erica.

One day, as I took my afternoon walk, I witnessed a giant crane in my neighbor’s yard with a sign that said “Sunny Pools” and I thought to myself, what is this? I found out that Sunny Pools specializes in fiberglass pools, which is a more cost effective option than building a concrete pool. As soon as we heard about it we looked into it.

Our Backyard Makeover: The Vision Coming to Life

Once we decided that a fiberglass pool was a great option for us, we started quoting with multiple companies, and ultimately went with Sunny Pools. Their knowledge and service was of such high caliber and they had so many pool styles to choose from.

We knew we wanted freeform, maybe with a water feature, and definitely with a lounging ledge.

But the pool wasn’t the only thing on our reno list. Our patio was way too low to put fans up and the aluminum wasn’t insulated so it was excruciatingly hot during the summer which rendered it unusable. Plus, we wanted some additional covered space to put an outdoor kitchen in. We found a company, A1 Aluminium, who was able to raise our ceilings and give us the resort look and feel we wanted.

Finally, we worked with another partner, Firethorn, who helped us bring our vision to life with final touches—waterfall, landscaping and configuring our kitchen with everything we could have asked for. So are you ready for the backyard makeover reveal?

Our Backyard Makeover: Revealing our dream pool and outdoor paradise

We are so happy with how everything came out. Our vision for transformation became a true reality.

The lounging ledge has become my personal poolside haven, with the addition of our Ledge Loungers. (A splurge we went with when they were on sale and pretty much our first purchase.)

The original plans called for a retention wall along the left side of the pool, due to a big dip in our yard. We weren’t thrilled about that and wanted a way to make it seem like it was part of the design. That’s what gave us the idea to put a water line in near the wall to build a waterfall. To our delight, our yard ended up being level from the dirt left behind, and we ended up not needing the wall afterall.

We were thrilled, but also set on having a waterfall. So we moved it to the center of the pool as a focal piece.

I’m so glad we kept it. It makes for such a relaxing atmosphere when you are out there listening to the water. Plus, it’s pretty fun to dunk in it, too.

The next space in our plan that was important to us was dining and a really comfy seating area.

Our Backyard Makeover: Dining and Relaxing al Fresco

I loved the design from our original backyard patio makeover—black and white with natural wood accents—and knew I couldn’t go wrong with that route. It was all about finding the right pieces. This Pottery Barn dining table set was the absolute perfect look and it really set the stage for overall design.

Dining Set | Coasters | Citronella Candle (similar)

For our sitting area, I knew I wanted something extremely comfortable and was hesitant about buying anything online that I couldn’t test. Our friends had a sectional from Ashley Furniture and it was so comfortable, we didn’t even search anywhere else for outdoor furniture. We got the black version of the same sectional. Pottery Barn didn’t make a matching coffee table, which was my original vision, but the area rug and pillows help add the natural look into this space. Brett really wanted the fire pit coffee table when he saw it and talked me into getting it. I will admit, it is pretty cool.

Rug Option (Budget-Friendly) | Rug Option (High-End) | Fan | Outdoor Sofa | Coffee Table | Pillows

Our Backyard Makeover: Lounging in Style

My favorite area is up next. It’s the VIP ladies’ lounge.

Just outside our covered patio, we had extended our paver decking out, enough for lounge chairs and umbrella. As we set everything up, I realized this area needed some help hiding the pool equipment right behind it. That’s where the planter boxes and faux boxwoods came in. Even though the planters were a PIA to put together, I’m really happy with how it came together. We kept the privacy wall in place, paying homage to our original design, and giving a nice separation from the two spaces.

Lounge Chairs (Budget-friendly) | Lounge Chairs (High-End) | Umbrella (similar) | Towels | Planters (Budget-Friendly) | Planters (High-End) | Boxwood Hedges | Iron Table

I have to tell my umbrella story, because I totally lucked out with this find! This umbrella style was huge before we started building our pool and I always envisioned a black umbrella with white scalloped edge. I couldn’t find it anywhere. It was either white with black edges or navy blue. I found this baby in a Home Goods and it was too good to be true. So this was such a great budget find. Gotta love Home Goods!

Next up is the kitchen! We only had so much space to work with but it has everything we wanted.

We went with the same stone from the waterfall, and black granite countertops that are definitely a wow piece. The coolest part is—they disassembled our Weber grill and built it into the kitchen for us.

Bar Stools (bar height, our exact ones are out of stock)

The bar stools really bring it all together, and it was like the internet manifested exactly what I wanted as I searched for them online.

Our Backyard Makeover: Revealing our dream pool and outdoor paradise

We are so happy to have this space for our family and in time for summer. That was really a huge deciding factor for us in moving forward with our backyard project. We really wanted the kids to enjoy it while they are still young enough “play” and have friends over. When I told Brett I wanted a pool, it wasn’t until I said “The kids won’t be young forever..” that was the selling point. We’re always really thoughtful when budgeting for things and making sure it was a good opportunity for us, and in the end it was. And it’s been one of the best investments we’ve made since we moved in.

I hope you enjoyed our backyard makeover reveal and are inspired for your own future paradise.

The post Backyard Makeover: Revealing our dream pool and outdoor paradise appeared first on Jane Erica.

This post dives head first into the challenges of motherhood. The nitty-gritty of embracing the unknown when it comes to parenting, the dreaded mommy guilt (and how to escape it), and a reminder that laughter—and a whole lot of caffeine—can get you through even the most chaotic days.

Tackling the Challenges of Motherhood Head On

There are going to be challenges faced at every stage of motherhood. But with self-awareness, a positive mindset, and a community of support to help, you have what you need to be the best mother ever. Here are 6 tips for getting through those challenges and some reminders that you are not the only one experiencing them. Remember these tips as your facing the challenges of motherhood, on a daily basis…. or realistically throughout the day!

1. Embrace the Unknown

The moment that tiny baby is placed in your arms, you’re thrust into a world of unknowns. And the funny thing is, the second you think you know what you’re doing, a new phase begins and it’s back to square one. It’s a journey of constant adapting, and sometimes (okay, often) you’re gonna stumble. Enjoy every moment and phase, because it only happens once, and in a blink of an eye, you’re on to the next. When when you stumble, you’re teaching your little one the most valuable lesson they’ll ever learn: how to get back up, dust themselves off, and keep on truckin’.

2. Remember The Power of a “Do-Over”

We’ve all had those days – the ones where patience wears thin, the yelling happens (even though you swore you never would), and you collapse onto the couch at bedtime thinking, “Well, there’s a day I can never get back.” But here’s the beauty of being a mom: every day is a chance for a do-over. It’s okay to look at your kiddo and say, “You know what? Mommy messed up. Let’s try that again.” Don’t be afraid to apologize and model forgiveness for your kids. When you do this, it’s incredible how that reset can change the dynamic between you and your child for the better.

3. Stay Positive (Even When It’s Hard)

Some days it feels like everything is working against you. The baby refuses to nap, the tween is giving major attitude for no apparent reason, and honestly, did you even put deodorant on today? In those chaotic moments, finding even a sliver of positivity can make a difference. Maybe it’s cranking up a feel-good song or taking a deep breath and reminding yourself that this season won’t last forever. Your kids are watching you, but instead of pressure, think of it as an opportunity. By showing them how you try, imperfectly but wholeheartedly, they’ll see that it’s okay have bad days and still look on the bright side.

4. Caffeine Can Be Your Love Language

Coffee, am I right? It’s the lifeblood of most moms I know. And honestly, those cups of caffeine-fueled goodness are tiny reminders that you don’t have to have it all together. For some, it’s the fuel to survive another round of tantrums and sleepless nights. For others, it’s the pick-me-up to power through endless carpooling, sports practices, and the never-ending juggle of after-school activities. Either way, that caffeine is a lifeline, reminding you that this exhausting season (whenever it may be) is temporary. Sleep will return, the kids will grow up, and you’ll look back on these days with a mix of exhaustion and nostalgia. So go ahead, pour that second (or third, or fourth…) cup, and remember that you’re not alone in the chaos.

5. Don’t Get Stuck in The Mommy Guilt Trap

Don’t think you are alone in this—scrolling through social media, seeing everyone’s highlight reels, and thinking you’re the only one messing up. Let’s break that cycle, shall we? Your kid’s mismatched shoes and your own unwashed hair are not failures. They’re battle scars from the front lines of parenting, and they’re proof that you’re showing up, even when it’s hard. So let’s agree to extend ourselves some grace, and remember that no one posts a picture of their most epic meltdown (but wouldn’t that be awesome?)

6. Learn to Laugh (Even at Yourself)

At the end of the day, motherhood is a big ol’ messy beautiful joke, and we’re all just trying not to be the punchline. So embrace the chaos, laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, and remember that your kids don’t need perfect – they need present. They need you to be their safe space, their rock, and their guiding light. And they’re gonna think you’re the coolest, most awesome person on the planet for it! At least for a few more years, so roll with it.

The Challenges of Motherhood: An Ever-Changing Adventure in Imperfection

Remember, even on the toughest days, that motherhood is a journey, not a destination. It’s a beautiful, messy, crazy adventure in learning, growing, and loving with your whole heart. So take a deep breath, put on your favorite dance jam, and just keep showing up. Keep loving hard, apologizing when you mess up, and laughing at the absurdity of it all.

Because at the end of the day, our kids won’t remember the messy house or the days we wore our pajamas all day—for the third time that week. In the messy, beautiful chaos of motherhood, you’re exactly what your kids need, imperfections and all.

The post Challenges of Motherhood: An Ever-Changing Adventure in Imperfection appeared first on Jane Erica.

Questions about My 9 year old son

I got a brand new list of questions, so let’s get into these hilarious answers.

• One word to describe you would be funny.

• If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why? “An eagle, because I can fly super high and you can also walk and you eat fish every night. And I love fish.”

• What’s the best thing that’s happened to you lately? “The Eagles are going to the Superbowl.”

• What’s something you’re looking forward to? “Definitely going on a cruise.”

• Where do you want to live when you grow up? “Florida. And if I can’t afford a house, I want to be a roommate with my friend.”

• What kind of car would you like to drive? “A Lime Green Dodge Challenger.”

• If you could go anywhere in the world, what place would you most want to travel to? Why? “Paris, because the Eiffel tower, it’s so beautiful. And I can learn some French.”

• What’s the last thing that made you laugh really hard? “My friend reacted to these people, and he did the funniest dance I’ve ever seen in my entire life.” [performed dance while laughing, very hard]

• What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “Probably to not be dumb cause I do a lot of dumb things. I am a kid, we do a lot of dumb things. All of my friends do dumb stuff like chilling on a brick wall.”

• If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? “Internet, Ipad with unlimited screen time, unlimited food”… thinks through surviving and changes mind to “unlimited food, unlimited water, and a friend.”

• If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? “Chicken Pot Pie.”

Favorites

What is your favorite….

• Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

• TV Show: Hunter x Hunter

• Movie: The Hunger Games

• Character in any of the above: Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter

• Toy or Game: Roblox

• Color: Lime Green

• Word: I have three favorite words, Never give up

• Sports team: Real Madrid, because Mbappe moved

• Thing to eat for breakfast: Cereal

• Subject in school: Math and writing

• Activity: Soccer

Questions About Mom & Dad

• I love it when Mom or Dad cooks: “Still The Ush.” I don’t think this answer will ever change. It’s pasta, chicken nuggets and a veggie.

• What do you love doing with your mom? “Going to the skate park.”

• What do you love doing with your dad? “Going to astro skate”

• What do you love most about your dad? “He is funny and makes a lot of funny stuff up.”

• What do you love most about your mom? “Your brave and funny.”

When I grow up….

• When I grow up I want to be a professional soccer player.

And this answer has pretty much stayed the same since he was 7.

This post was once again so much fun, and a yearly tradition. I hope you enjoyed this interview with my 9 year old son!

Other Adventures with My Boy

This boy is a handful, of fun. Check out some other motherhood adventures like a visit from Santa + the Doctor at an Urgent care, last year’s interview, or these fun ways to stay active as a family.

The post An Interview With My 9 Year Old Son appeared first on Jane Erica.

The looming transition to middle school has been a constant topic of discussion throughout the year. But the reality of leaving behind the familiar confines of our beloved elementary school has truly hit home this week. With celebrations, final lunches, and the last day of school in the books, the end of an era is unmistakably upon us.

To be honest, I’m less concerned about Rylee’s ability to thrive in middle school – I have no doubt she’ll crush it. My apprehension lies with my husband, Brett, and me. How will we navigate this new chapter? How will we maintain a strong, supportive relationship with our daughter as she gains more independence?

One reassuring factor is that many of Rylee’s friends will be joining her at the same middle school. This fact definitely provides me with some comfort. Yet, as we navigate this new landscape, I know it’s essential to strike a balance between giving Rylee more independence and maintaining boundaries. So if you are going through the same phase of life as I am, or curious about the journey, here are some tips to practice while navigating this transition and supporting your child through these unpredictable middle school years.

The Power of Open Communication

Open and honest communication is the foundation of a healthy parent-child relationship. As your child enters middle school, it’s crucial to create a safe space where they feel comfortable spilling their guts about their day, their drama, and their deepest middle school fears. This means practicing active listening – giving your undivided attention in a judgment-free zone.

And when they open up, resist the urge to offer a quick fix or a lecture disguised as advice. Instead, ask if they want your two cents. Sometimes, kids just need someone to listen, not fix their problems. It’s an approach that makes them feel heard and respected, and is sometimes easier said than done. But by doing so, you’re teaching them the important value of communication and problem-solving.

Balancing Independence and Boundaries

Middle school is a time when kids naturally seek more independence. While it’s important to give them the freedom to make choices and learn from their mistakes, it’s equally essential to maintain appropriate boundaries. Think of these boundaries as a cozy little fence, not a barbed-wire cage. They provide a sense of security and help your kid understand what’s expected of them. Some examples to start with are:

• Screen Time: Set clear rules about how much screen time is allowed, what platforms are okay, and when devices need to be put away (like during school or an hour before bed). Consider setting up screen-free zones in the house, like the dinner table.
• Homework: Establish a dedicated space and regular times for getting work done. Encourage your child to take breaks and ask for help when they’re stuck. But also let them know it’s okay to struggle sometimes – that’s how we learn.
• Chores: Give your child age-appropriate responsibilities, like loading the dishwasher, folding laundry, or walking the dog. This teaches them that contributing to the household is part of life.
• Friendships: Have open conversations about what makes a good friend and how to handle conflicts. Set boundaries around who they can hang out with and when.
• Safety: Make sure your child knows how to get in touch with you or another trusted adult if they need a ride or are in a situation that doesn’t feel right.

Sit down and have the big talk about these boundaries. Write them down if it helps. Be open to tweaking the rules as your child demonstrates they can handle more responsibility. And let’s be real, letting them choose their outfits is a great way to give them independence. Just brace yourself for some interesting fashion choices.

Staying Connected to Your Child’s Life

Middle school is like a whole new language, with its own social rules and academic pressures. But don’t worry, you don’t have to become a middle school student again (because let’s face it, that would be a nightmare). Instead, show up to school events, volunteer if you can swing it, and talk to teachers. Ask your kid open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a grunt.

Show genuine interest in their life, even if it’s not exactly what you’re into. And trust your instincts – if they seem off, there might be more going on than they’re letting on. By staying involved and supportive, you can help your child navigate this crazy, amazing time.

Embrace the Journey

The middle school years are a wild ride, full of twists and turns and moments that’ll make you laugh, cry, and wonder what in the world you got yourself into.

So let’s buckle up, embrace the growth, the learning curves, and the inevitable drama. Continue to celebrate milestones, offer a shoulder during the struggles, and remind our kids that they’re not alone. We’re all in this together, and with patience, love, and support, our kiddos will emerge from these middle school years as confident, capable young people ready to take on the world. Cue more tears!

Here’s to new beginnings. If you have any experience or advice, feel free to post a comment in the section below!

The post Navigating the Infamous Middle School Transition: A Parent’s Guide appeared first on Jane Erica.

Questions about My 11 year old daughter

Let’s get into these hilarious interview questions!

• Why do you like being a kid? “I dont have to work and life is easy.”

• One word to describe you would be funny

• What are you most looking forward to about middle school? “Learning Spanish, meeting new people and not wearing uniforms anymore.”

• What is one goal you have for the summer? “Spend less time on devices and more time reading and spending with the fam.”

• What advice would you give your parents? “Instead of yelling the first time, say it nice the first time.” (I think what she is leaving out is that the first time, which she didn’t hear me, was said nice, so by the third time she hears me, now I’m yelling. I blame the devices!)

• If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why? “A cat because they are graceful and they always land on four feet and they have nine lives.”

• What do you love most about your sibling? “Let me think real quick, when he’s not being mean and he’s being really nice.” So funny that in Reece’s interview, he said the same thing about her.

• What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now? “I’ll be a successful woman.” You go girl!

• What’s the best thing that’s happened to you lately? “Finishing all my FAST tests. And I dont have to learn anything for the rest of the year.”

• What’s a question you’d like to ask me? “What is your favorite thing about having kids.” Why does she ask such deep questions, ha! Of course I went on and on and she was ready for the next question.

• What’s your favorite place in the world? “Italy” But you’ve never been to Italy. “I know, but I really want to go!” Noted, so what’s your favorite place you’ve been? “Massachusetts.” (that’s where we went skiing)

• What would you do with $1,000? “Put half of it in my bank account, and college savings, and the other half in my box of money that I use to spend for stuff. And then I would just save up buy myself an Apple watch.”

Favorites

What is your favorite….

• Thing to do: Dance

• Book: Harry Potter

• Dance Style: Hip Hop

• Food: Pasta, because it can be used in so many ways

• Color: Lavender

• Subject: Science

• Activity: Dance

• Singer: Taylor Swift

• Song: The Alchemy, Taylor Swift or As long as you love me by Justin Bieber

• Movie: Kong vs Godzilla

• Animal: Bottlenose Dolphin or Llama

Questions About Mom & Dad

• I love it when Mom or Dad cooks: Chicken and pastries or Steak

• What do you love doing with your mom? Shopping and talking

• What do you love doing with your dad? Talking about sciencey math stuff

When I grow up….

• When I grow up I want to have one to four kids, have a nice husband, have a job that involves speaking to large crowds, or be a marine biologist.

I was like totally floored by this answer! She is such a trip!

I always have so much fun writing these. It’s also such a nice little moment to connect with Rylee and ask her about herself. I hope you enjoyed this interview with my 11 year old daughter.

Other Adventures with My Girl

Check out some other motherhood adventures like this amazing 10 year old birthday shopping spree, or our first 5k Bubble Run.

The post An Interview with my 11 year old Daughter appeared first on Jane Erica.

Questions about My 8 year old son

Let’s get into these hilarious interview questions!

• Why do you like being a kid? “Cause I can run around freely and I am a boy and I don’t have to work.”

• One word to describe you would be “fun.”

• What advice would you give your parents? “When I am doing something, please wait until I am finished with that and then tell me the other thing i need to do.”

• If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why? “Flying gecko, he climbs up to a high place and it flies.”

• What do you love most about your sibling? “I love her most when she isn’t mean to me.”

• What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now? “Playing soccer”

• What is the grossest thing you can think of? “Someone barfing and then pooping” (Going to rethink this question next year)

• What’s the best thing that’s happened to you lately? “Got to play games with my friends until about 8pm at night, and that was pretty fun”

• What’s a question you’d like to ask me? “Who do you love the most?” I love you dad and rylee equally, is that a good answer? Reece nods

• What’s your favorite place in the world? “Still New York/Massachusetts. It was extremely fun.”

• What would you do with $1,000? “Charity first definitely, and then put some in my college, then for my wants I would buy a big soccer goal for the backyard and a trampoline.” Ok is that not the best answer you could give?

Favorites

What is your favorite….

• Thing to do: Play soccer and with friends

• Fruit: Pineapple

• Color: Light green

• Subject: Math

• Activity: Playing with friends

• Singer: Morgan Wallen or Of Mice & Men

• Song: Would you still be there by of Mice and Men and Teeth by 5 Seconds of Summer

• Movie: Transformers

• Sports Team: PSG from the France Football League

• Toy: Beyblades

• Animal: Crusted Gecko

Questions About Mom & Dad

• I love it when Mom or Dad cooks: “Still The Ush.” (The Ush… short for The Usual, is pasta, chicken nuggets and a veggie. Takes absolutely no cooking skills whatsoever.)

• What do you love doing with your mom? “Going out and having fun just me and you.”

• What do you love doing with your dad? “Having boys time.”

When I grow up….

• When I grow up I want to be a professional soccer player.

This answer is definitely consistent with the past couple years!

I had so much fun writing this post once again, and even more hearing Reece’s answers to everything. It’s a tradition I love continuing every year! I hope you enjoyed what 8 year old boys are into, in this interview with my son!

Other Adventures with My Boy

This boy is a handful, of fun. Check out some other motherhood adventures like a visit from Santa + the Doctor at an Urgent care, last year’s interview, or these fun ways to stay active as a family.

The post An Interview with my 8 year old son appeared first on Jane Erica.

My brother came up Wednesday night in time to hang out with the family and play some board games. Which was so nice because usually he has to get in super late, so this was a fun treat to kick us off.

Thursday

Thursday started off with the curation of a delicious charcuterie board with the help of Rylee. The best cheese was the Cambozola we got from Costco. So delicious.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, so throughout the day the kids played outside, we practiced our chipping in the backyard, helped cook and watched football.

We laughed at the dinner table at how long it takes to make Thanksgiving dinner and then how fast it goes when you eat it!

The food was so amazing this year it was the best! We played some more games with the family like Telestrations that the kids enjoyed, once we got the hang of it!

Friday

Friday was the girls’ day to hit the shops! We planned to go to the outlet mall, which was a huge mistake. It was just too crazy, we should have known.

So we went to the Mall at Millenia instead and it was way more enjoyable. It got busy later in the day, but we still had a blast.

We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. I always used to love going there as a kid with my family and this was Rylee’s first time, so it was an experience.

Once we got home, the guys were still watching football, so we relaxed our feet, enjoyed some leftovers for dinner and laid low that evening.

Saturday

Brett and my brother, Will, had plans to golf Saturday morning, so they were off really early. Ariana and I decided to take the kids into town to walk the farmer’s market and hang out for a bit. And enjoy a delicious and spicy Bloody Mary.

We met everyone else down there for lunch before heading back home.

That night we planned to go see the new Hunger Games movie. And you know how obsessed I am about the Hunger Games series. I loved all three of Suzanne Collins’ books, but I have to say this storyline was so hard for me to get invested in. The story follows the villain President Snow’s backstory and how he came to be the president. But I think it missed the mark. I thought that the movie was going to be better, but it fell just as flat. Would love to hear your thoughts on this if you have an opinion!

Sunday

Sunday brunch is a tradition during Thanksgiving weekend, and it’s like the send off for Will and Ariana to head back home. We never want them to leave, but ending on a high note always helps. And this brunch was definitely a show stopper. We had brunch at The Boheme in downtown Orlando, and it was absolutely amazing. Our favorite items were the fresh crab legs and the dessert crepes. They were so delicious we had to go back for seconds.

We had such an amazing weekend with the family, one we’ll always remember. I love this time of year, not only is the food great, and the company even better, but it gives us time to slow down a bit and enjoy each other’s company. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well! Share some of your favorites moments with me in the comments below!

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I get really excited and love everything about Halloween, if you can’t tell. It’s not just one day in our home, it’s all month! So here is my list of 7 Halloween activities you can do with your kids that will keep the spooky family fun going up until the big day. And none of them involve candy!

1. Switch up traditional bedtime stories with Halloween themed books

It’s so much fun to get into the spirit of Halloween with the kiddies each night before bed. There are so many fun stories, and I feel like I never get bored of them. Some of my favorites include Mickey’s Spooky Halloween and Trick Arrr Treat. And most recently we got Goodnight Goon and How to Catch a Monster.

2. Watch a different Halloween movie every Friday

Friday night is movie night, and there are so many fun ones to watch in the spirit of Halloween. My personal favorites are Hocus Pocus and Casper, but this list of 60 kid-friendly movies has a bunch that I would give a whirl.

3. Decorate for Halloween as a family

Get the kids involved in decorating the house or picking out a new item for the yard. It’s always fun to make it a family affair. This year we are planning on decorating our golf cart when we take it around with us, so we’ll be getting creative together.

4. Take a visit to a new Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin patches are my favorite! They are outside in the fresh air, with typically tons to see and do depending on where you go. And they are great picture ops. Some of my favorite family photos are taken at pumpkin patches. These photos are taken at the Showcase of Citrus in Clermont.

5. Carve pumpkins together

After the pumpkin patch, we always find a weekend to carve our pumpkins. I love thinking through fun ideas for stencils (Check out my Handmaid’s Tale pumpkin!) and the kids are getting more and more involved as they are getting older. Plus we get to make this amazing pumpkin seed recipe that I’m addicted to this time of year.

6. Pick out or make Halloween costumes together

Planning costumes for the year is clearly a very important task. But it can also be super fun! It’s so much fun to hear what the kids want to be and use that as inspiration, like last year’s tribute to the final season of Game of Thrones. The kids wanted to be dragons for Halloween, so we capitalized on that opportunity to be Dani and John Snow.

Last year, Brett let the kids pick out his costume, and he complied. (I may have swayed them a bit to choose a black cat, to go with my costume

7. Check out local events and plan a fun evening out

There’s so much going on around this time of year if you plan ahead. Look into local events in your area and partake in the gouly fun! In Winter Garden, our city gets decorated with some amazing Halloween decor and they even created a spooky golf cart trail which is fun to go through at night.

Leading up to Halloween, you can have photo ops in Downtown one night and a ride through the trail on another.

There’s also a light show that turns City Hall into an amazing display of Halloween themed graphics that is a must see every year. And they show a movie outside a few nights throughout the month, showing a fun Halloween themed movie.

Halloween spirit is here! I hope you liked these activities to do with your kids leading up to Halloween and are excited about planning them. So look out for witches and werewolves, and have some frightening fun! Happy Haunting!

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Big Birthday Dinner

The weekend kicked off with a dinner party hosted at our house for my mom’s birthday. I had planned this last year for her 70th birthday, but it got cancelled, so we were very excited to have it this year. I wanted it to feel very special for her, so I decorated the house and tables in black and gold with pops of color from the flowers.

I wanted the food to taste like a chef was there, without hiring an actual chef, so we ordered catering from a local Italian restaurant called Bella Tuscany, and it was so good. To save some money, I ended up getting two different kinds of salads at the store, a spinach salad and Caesar salad, and served it in the same trays as the dinner food. The salads were served first as an app, which made the dinner feel more formal and extended it a bit more. The food was picked up at 6, for a dinner start at 6:30. And it worked out perfectly because everyone loved it and it stayed hot.

For dessert, I made a tray of Italian cookies and pastries and a special cupcake for Mom. All from Publix and all were so delicious.

We shared gifts, had a champagne toast, and everyone was too full and tired for coffee and Bailey’s. I say it was a success!

Father’s Day

The next morning I was up and at it again! It worked out that we had the tables and chairs set up for dinner the night before, because we used them again the next morning for Father’s Day brunch. Rylee and Reece helped me set the table while I chefed a few elevated items for brunch. Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa to start of course, candied bacon, a crab quiche, bananas foster French toast, shrimp cocktail, bagels and hashbrowns.

While I cooked, the fathers enjoyed their boody’s and watched golf.

We literally watched golf the entire day. But it was fun because we got my family into it and they were invested by the end, needing to stay until the winner was announced.

We hung around all day at the house and even had a little jam sesh, which was fun.

Brett’s birthday was on Monday, too so we also celebrated his birthday with gifts and some cake. And he went golfing with Reece on Monday as a special treat.

It was surely a weekend of good food and great company!

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