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. 

Calm in the Chaos: My Journey to Managing Stress

    

Stress—it's the uninvited guest that turns up at every party, especially when you're hosting the circus of family life. From mismatched socks to missed deadlines, it seems to find a way to creep into every corner of my day. But over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to tame the beast (or at least, to coexist with it).

Step 1: Naming the Beast

Recognizing stress is the first step. For me, it’s the tight feeling in my chest or the moment I start snapping at my husband (sorry, babe). Just calling it out—“Hey, stress, I see you”—can be surprisingly freeing. 

Step 2: The Power of Small Wins

When life feels overwhelming, I aim for tiny victories. Like organizing one messy drawer or savoring my coffee while it’s still hot (rare). These small moments remind me that even during all the chaos, there's room for calm.

Step 3: Finding My Happy Place😊

For me, it’s writing—pouring my thoughts onto paper feels like hitting reset. Whether it’s blogging about sibling shenanigans or crafting to-do lists, creativity helps me redirect the energy that stress tries to hijack.

Step 4: Leaning on My Tribe

Family and friends aren't just for sharing laughs; they’re also my lifeline during tough times. A quick vent session with someone who understands (or a goofy moment with my kids) works wonders to lighten the load.

  Stress doesn’t disappear, but it doesn’t have to rule your life. It’s okay to pause, breathe, and admit you’re not perfect. In fact, embracing imperfection has been one of my greatest lessons. Every messy moment in my house reminds me that chaos and beauty go hand in hand.    

Tell me, how do you handle stress in your day-to-day life? 🤔

Share your tips, tricks, or stories in the comments!👇

 I’m always eager to learn from others, navigating life’s chaos!😁