90s Nostalgia

 The Best Parts of Growing Up Millennial

Before Smartphones, We Had… Actual Fun?

Remember the thrill of going to the mall with friends? Parents dropped you and your friends off, no phones, which meant no texting, just wandering around with a hope and a dream that you'd run into someone cool. Oh, and walking into Hollister or Abercrombie and Fitch just to spray perfume on yourself.

The Toys That Defined a Generation

If you didn’t have a Tamagotchi, were you even living? The stress of keeping that little digital creature alive felt unreasonably high for a child. And let’s talk about the Skip-It, aka the best way to accidentally kick yourself in the ankle while attempting world-record spins.

The Real Friday Night Experience: Blockbuster

Before streaming, there was Blockbuster. The sacred ritual of wandering the aisles, finding the perfect VHS (or DVD, if you were fancy), and hoping nobody else rented the movie you wanted. Oh and you had to rewind the VHS before you returned it!😂

Fashion Choices We Thought Were Cool

Butterfly clips. JNCO jeans. Shirts with flames on them for some reason. And of course, those iconic Adidas stripe pants that made us feel invincible. It was a chaotic time, but we were thriving.

Living in a World Before Wi-Fi🛜

Internet wasn’t instant, it was an event. You’d sit there, listening to your computer make demonic dial-up noises, hoping nobody picked up the phone and ruined everything. And once you finally got online? Time to update your AIM away message with deep lyrics that made no sense.

🔗Click here to experience the sound of the 90s internet

Why We’ll Always Miss the ’90s

Maybe it was the simplicity. Maybe it was the absolute chaos of growing up without technology running the show. Or maybe it’s just the fact that everything is way too expensive now, and we’d like to go back.

What’s the one nostalgic memory that instantly takes you back? Let’s reminisce in the comments.💬

Turns Out, I’m Not Italian. But Honestly, That’s the Least of My Chaos...

 

Intro

Look, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about family, it’s that nothing ever goes the way you think it will.

For years, I confidently believed I was Italian. The traditions, the food, the slightly dramatic hand gestures. 🤌Then one day, I found out my mom was adopted, and BAM!! I was not Italian anymore. 

Turns out, identity is weird.

Turns out, family is even weirder.

I didn’t meet my dad until I was 25, so growing up, I never had the full picture of where I came from. And honestly? I’m still figuring it out.

But Forget Identity.....Let’s Talk About Survival Mode

At 31, I’m a stay-at-home mom managing two kids, full-time caregiving for my grandfather-in-law, and a husband who can’t resist adding to our household zoo—leaving me in charge of an ever-expanding parade of pets.

I swear, every time I turn around, there’s a new creature added to the family. He works full-time to provide for us, which means while he’s off being a responsible adult, I’m over here wrangling kids and feeding a small zoo.

At this point, I’ve accepted my fate. I am not just a mom. I am an unpaid caregiver, short-order cook, and now, a reluctant zookeeper.

Some days, I’m crushing it like a superhero. Other days, I’m sitting in my car, on the verge of tears, because the chicken’s still frozen, and dinner has officially become a mystery.

Caregiving teaches you patience (sometimes). It teaches you adaptability (always). It teaches you that love doesn’t look like fancy speeches. It looks like constant appointment reminders, making sure meds are given, and figuring out why the dog is suddenly limping,  why the cat started puking this week, or wondering if the newest addition (baby squirrel) will survive, oh and why there is a bat in my cats mouth, INSIDE THE HOUSE!

New "Rehabber"

BAT- that was safely released

It’s messy, exhausting, and deeply meaningful.

So, What Do I Do With All This?

I started writing.

I write about the traditions I’m holding onto. The ones that actually matter. I write about the ones I’ve let go of because, honestly, some of them were just stressful for no reason. I write about parenting, marriage, family, and the absolutely unhinged rollercoaster that is adulthood.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that family isn’t about who you came from, it’s about who shows up.

That’s the legacy I’m building. The one my kids will carry forward, the one that proves love isn’t about labels, heritage, or perfection. It’s about showing up, in whatever form that takes.

So, welcome to my corner of the internet, where I overshare, embrace the chaos, and attempt to keep my household functioning while living among a growing number of furry, feathered, and (probably someday) scaly housemates. 

Embracing Family, Acceptance, and the Power of Connection

Background

Growing up, I never knew my father, and I had little involvement with my paternal grandparents throughout my childhood. My mom kept in touch with my grandparents, and they always showed up for my sister and me, especially on birthdays, bringing a sense of connection. I carried curiosity about them, eager to understand where I came from, even as unanswered questions lingered.

As an adult, I’ve started uncovering the truths behind my childhood, choosing to reconnect with my father, and now exploring the possibility of meeting my half-siblings. Though I have moments of doubt, I’m staying optimistic and hopeful. Recently, I learned of my grandmother’s declining health and her transition to hospice. my husband has been nothing but supportive, so we gathered the kids and went on a short trip to their home in the next town over. 

A Fulfilling Visit That Changed Everything

I stepped through the door, greeted by the warmth of my paternal grandparents' home. Thanks to my mother and other grandmothers’ efforts to keep our family connected over the years, we had many heartfelt visits at my childhood home. But this visit felt different. My grandmother, now in hospice care, was declining quickly, and I knew that these moments together were fleeting.

Grandpa

My grandfather, the person I named my son after, is the kind of person who leaves a lasting impression with his quick wit and charm. He’s a natural talker, able to lighten any room with his humor and heartfelt conversations. Faithful and devoted, he has always been a pillar of strength for his family, embodying hard work and resilience in everything he does. Whether tending to his responsibilities or caring for my grandmother with unmatched dedication, he continues to inspire me with his steadfast love and unwavering commitment to those he holds dear.

Devoted Love💘

I arrived with a small stack of photos in hand, unsure of how the visit would unfold. My grandfather, always steady, humorous, and strong, had been watching over my grandmother with unwavering devotion as she navigated these final stages of life. But the moment he saw the pictures, his entire face lit up—eyes sparkling, posture shifting as if those memories breathed new life into him.

One photo stood out. An 8x10 of him and Grandma dancing at my wedding, frozen in a moment of pure joy and love. He held it with the kind of reverence reserved for treasures, his fingers tracing the edges as if he could step back into that day.

They have been madly in love for over fifty years—passionately, fiercely, in a way that defies time. And even now, as Grandma grows frail, he cares for her with the same tenderness as ever. Watching him ensure her comfort, anticipate her needs before she even speaks, and love her through every stage has been nothing short of inspiring.

I thought, what a powerful reminder of love’s unwavering strength—the way it evolves, adapts, and remains constant even through life’s most difficult transitions. It reshaped my perspective on family, devotion, and the importance of being present for the people who matter most, no matter the stage of life. It also connected deeply to something I’ve written about before—how my husband’s family shares the same commitment to showing up, inspiring me to be more intentional in how I do the same. related post 🠊 https://navigatinglifewithruthie.blogspot.com/2025/04/caring-for-grandpa-navigating-regret.html 

Grandma 💕

As I sat beside her, holding her fragile hand, memories of birthdays, holidays, and childhood laughter flooded back. This was the woman who had always been there at my Birthday parties, even as my relationship with my father remained uncertain. She embodies so much of what I cherish about family. She has always been such a beautiful woman, both inside and out—her kindness and warmth radiate in everything she does. She has this wonderful sense of humor and an easygoing, quiet nature, always willing to listen and effortlessly going along with whatever my grandfather says. I found it particularly funny when she would roll her eyes at the stories my grandfather would tell at our family dinners. 😂 She’s also creative and artsy, a quality I see reflected in myself, which makes me feel even more connected to her. Even as she grows frail, watching her in these moments reminds me of the incredible legacy of love, laughter, and creativity she'll be leaving behind.

Dad

And then, there was my father—someone I had only met in 2019. He has faced his own internal battles, ones that have shaped his presence in my life in profound ways. His journey has been complicated, filled with highs and lows, moments of clarity and others clouded by struggle. Yet here he was, sharing space with us, meeting Elizabeth for the first time. 

My father is an intelligent man with a gift for conversation and a strong work ethic. He has the ability to excel in his work, earning well and showcasing his skills, but he has faced struggles within himself that have created barriers along the way. Despite his hard work and potential, the setbacks he’s experienced have made it difficult for him to get ahead. Yet, his resilience and drive continue to shine through, and I’ve come to appreciate the layers of complexity that make him who he is.

Conclusion

This was more than just a visit—it was a moment of acceptance, a reminder that family doesn’t always fit into perfect molds, but it can still offer love, connection, and meaning in ways we never imagined, IF you let it.

Can you relate? Please tell me your story!

From Then to Now: My Journey Through Life and Family

 Childhood: The Foundation

Picture of me as a happy baby

I grew up in the heart of New England, where life moved at a comfortable pace and everyone knew your name. It was the kind of place where the air smelled like freshly cut grass in summer, and woodsmoke in winter. The streets were lined with historic colonial houses, each with its own story. 

When I was a kid, I was the quiet one, always set back a bit, observing the world around me more than stepping into its spotlight. I spent a lot of time in my own head, questioning myself—wondering if I was saying the right things or doing the right things. While other kids might have jumped headfirst into the action, I was the one watching from the edges, taking it all in, and thinking ten steps ahead.

One of my favorite childhood memories was the carefree days in our big yard—our own mini racetrack since the busy road meant no riding out front. The best part was the hills. My sister, my cousins, and I raced down them, legs flying, laughter echoing, feeling invincible despite the inevitable grass stains and scraped knees.

That yard wasn’t just a space—it was our world. Homemade obstacle courses, games with rules only we understood—it was a place where adventure thrived, proving that joy exists right where we are, even with limitations.

Young Adulthood, Milestones and Challenges: Becoming Who I Am Now

My teenage years were a mix of awkward moments, contemplation, and trying to figure out where I fit in the world.

One of the most significant milestones was my first job. My first job wasn’t glamorous, but at 13, it felt like my first real step into responsibility. A couple from church hired me to clean their condo—a simple enough task, I thought. I scrubbed countertops, vacuumed carpets, and did my best to make everything shine. But there was one stubborn enemy I couldn’t defeat: the rust ring in the bathtub. Week after week, I tried everything—scrubbing, soaking, even pleading with it to disappear—but that rust ring held its ground. And then, one day, I got the news: I was fired. Over a bathtub. At 13 years old, the sting was sharp, a mix of humiliation and confusion. I had barely started learning about the working world, and already, I felt like I had failed. Looking back now, I realize that rust ring wasn’t just a stain on porcelain—it was an early lesson in ✨resilience✨.

What were some other childhood challenges I faced? Growing up in a small-town Catholic school came with its challenges. The plaid skirts and button-down shirts made us stand out, and the teasing from public school kids was mostly harmless—until it wasn’t. It taught me early on about differences, fitting in, and the quiet ways people judge each other.

Not knowing my father was another challenge, a lingering question in my life. (we can talk more about this later) I often wondered what it would be like to know his voice, his laugh, or how he saw the world. But his absence also taught me something valuable—family isn’t just about biology, but about the people who show up and stay.

An extra special person in my life is my Noni(grandmother)—the heart of our family who continues to keep us all connected. Her home is filled with laughter, love, and the kind of warmth that makes everyone feel like they belong. As I’ve grown, I’ve found my own ways to carry on what she’s started—keeping family traditions alive and staying close. Whether it’s through calls, shared meals, or hosting gatherings, these simple moments remind me just how special family bonds are.

Noni’s ability to bring people together isn't just about physical space—it is about creating a feeling, a connection, a sense of belonging. That’s something I want to keep alive for generations to come. Through it all, I hold onto the values that matter most: family, authenticity, and humor. They guide me every step of the way, shaping the story I continue to write.✍️

Family and Life Today

These days, life is a beautiful mix of chaos, laughter, and connection. My world revolves around family—the same sense of togetherness that my Noni instills in all of us.  As much as she kept us close, growing up meant watching my cousins—my childhood partners in adventure—start to veer off into their own directions. The bike races, beach trips, and late-night laughs faded as we got older and life took us down different paths. Unfortunately, we lost the closeness we once had, but in small ways, we’ve managed to hold on. Social media has become our window into each other’s lives—a place to share baby pictures, funny memes, and occasional updates that remind me of the roots we all share.

Weaving that same sense of togetherness into my husband’s family has been a joy. Over the years, I’ve grown so close to them, building bonds that feel just as strong and meaningful as the ones I grew up with. And now, we’ve created a tradition that brings both sides of the family together—our big Fourth of July picnic/Noni's Birthday. Now that we have Grandpa Shackway in our lives, we also celebrate his birthday since it's in July as well. It’s a day filled with laughter, water balloons, cornhole, and plenty of food, where generations, and friends mingle and memories are made. Watching everyone come together—sharing stories, enjoying each other's company.

 Between the traditions I’ve carried forward and the new connections we’ve built, I’m reminded every day of how special family truly is. It’s not always perfect, but that’s what makes it so wonderfully real.💓

Lessons and Takeaways: What I've Learned

I've learned that resilience comes in many forms. My mother is the perfect example—an incredibly strong woman who raised two girls on her own, navigating the weight of responsibility with grace and determination. 

Mom and I

She shows me what it means to push forward, to stand tall in the face of obstacles, and to create a loving home, despite the challenges. But the true depth of her strength didn’t fully hit me until I became a mother myself. Suddenly, I understood the sacrifice, the constant balancing act, and the unwavering love it takes to raise children. The things I once took for granted became clear, and I found a new appreciation for all she carries without complaint.

Reflecting on everything—childhood adventures, family traditions, challenges, and the connections that evolve over time—I’ve learned that family is never just about proximity. It’s about the effort to stay connected, the traditions that keep us rooted, and the love that we choose to carry forward.

💗I would love to hear from you!💗

 I’d love to hear from you. What moments from your own life resonate with the stories I’ve shared? Are there traditions you’ve carried forward, challenges you’ve learned from, or special people who’ve shaped your path?

 Share your thoughts, memories, or lessons—you never know who might find inspiration in your words. After all, storytelling has a way of connecting us, reminding us of the values and bonds that make life truly meaningful.

Let’s keep the conversation going—your voice is an important part of the story we’re building together!

Messy, Real, and Ours: My Family Story

 My family is loud, loving, and unapologetically real. We live in a house that’s never truly quiet, filled with laughter, occasional chaos, and moments that remind me that perfection is overrated. We are messy, imperfect, and deeply connected—and that’s exactly how I like it.

Meet the Family

• My husband: The fiery one, the protector, the one who feels everything deeply and reacts just as intensely. He’s passionate, sometimes stubborn, but always present in his own way.
• My kids: The energy in the house—the sibling duo that can go from fighting over crayons to hugging within seconds. They remind me daily that chaos and love are two sides of the same coin.
• Me: The one trying to balance it all—wife, mom, caregiver, and storyteller. I’m learning to embrace the mess and find beauty in the everyday moments.

The Beautiful Chaos: What Family Looks Like in My Home

   Family, in our house, isn’t just about picture-perfect moments. It’s about the mess, the noise, and the undeniable love woven into everyday chaos.

• It looks like… an explosion of toys across the floor, mismatched socks, shoes scattered by the front door no matter how many times I tell everyone to put them away, a kitchen counter crowded with half-finished projects, and my husband pacing, fired up over something completely trivial but undeniably important to him.
• It sounds like… my kids shrieking over who had the toy first, my husband’s intense voice calling out for order, me trying to intervene while simultaneously stirring dinner, and somehow, through it all, the occasional bursts of laughter that remind me we’re doing okay.
• It feels like… exhaustion mixed with fierce love, patience tested to its limits, and a deep knowing that even in the hardest moments, we’re building something real.

    Some days, it’s survival mode. The kids are screaming about who touched whose stuff, my husband’s fiery frustration fills the room, and I’m standing in the middle of it all with dinner boiling over on the stove. Other days, it’s all quiet chaos—random shoes scattered across the house, impromptu wrestling matches on the couch, and me frantically searching for a coffee mug that somehow got abducted by the kids. Every day feels like a beautiful mess, full of moments that range from hilariously absurd to deeply exhausting, but somehow, we always find our way back to love.

It’s in the wild debates over whether ranch dressing belongs on eggs (it doesn’t, for the record 😖), in the spontaneous dance parties in the living room, and in the fiery energy my husband brings that somehow anchors us even when it feels overwhelming. It’s imperfect, unpredictable, and occasionally downright chaotic. But at the end of every day—whether I’m scrubbing permanent marker off the walls or laughing at the complete circus we’ve created—I know this: this is home, this is us, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.