We have had SO much rain here in Tampa, Florida, and our property is seeing water levels we haven't seen since Hurricane Milton two years ago. 😳 Thankfully, we are safe, and I know what we're experiencing is nothing compared to what so many other families go through during these storms. But with all the rain leading up to Hurricane Isaias, I wanted to share what things have looked like around our property, show you some of the water levels, and revisit footage from the last hurricane that brought water this high to our land. It definitely brought back some memories! And of course, the one thing I was worried about at the time was whether we'd be able to have the birthday party we had planned for the next day. 😂 Mom priorities, right? There's a LOT more packed into this vlog, too. Recipes Mentioned: Dip: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdeN_vuuwuK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&rpxt=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==&srtk=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Pork Tenderloin: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/read/hot-honey-pork-tenderloin Chili: https://www.andreascooktales.com/blog/2015/10/24/halloween-chili?rq=chili I'm making a delicious hot honey pork tenderloin with apple butter that is absolutely perfect for fall, along with a dip that would be amazing for football Sundays. I also try a new technique with my weekend sourdough bread, because apparently I'm always looking for ways to improve something! And remember that hair tool that was a complete disaster the first time I tried it? Well, I'm giving it another shot! I listened to your tips, took your critiques into consideration, and tried doing things differently. Unfortunately, we had some very similar results. 😂 My hair turned out okay in the end, but I'm still not convinced this tool and my hair type are meant to be together. I'll probably try again eventually because apparently I don't learn. But beyond the weather, cooking, and everyday happenings, there's something a little more personal I share in this video. After celebrating a birthday and seeing everything that goes into making a special day happen for your kids, I found myself processing some complicated emotions about family members who don't show up for them. It's hard when you want your children to feel loved and celebrated, and sometimes those feelings are bigger than you expect. I'm sharing my experience honestly, because life isn't always just the fun moments we capture on camera. Sometimes it's the emotions we have to work through afterward, too. So we're talking Florida weather, family life, birthday celebrations, motherhood, fall recipes, sourdough, and all the things that made this week what it was. Thank you for being here, watching, hanging out, and being a friend. ❤️ Let me know how the weather has been where you live, and if you've ever had to work through complicated feelings about family showing up for your kids. I'd love to hear from you. #TheWads #FloridaLife #TampaFlorida #HurricaneMilton #DayInTheLife #MomLife #FallRecipes #Sourdough #FamilyVlog
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If only the hair curler went to 411, it would have worked. Just like baking
My husband has just put his foot down and said stop.. stop trying, stop making plans, just stop everything. Its hurtful to feel unwanted, and hard to imagine people not wanting to spend time with our most precious people, but.... it's their loss. Your grass grows where you water it.. and I'm choosing to water grass that benefits us as a family, not what I feel it should look like. So sad, but its been nice not worrying and giving them space in my mind.
Holy moly your middle school pic could pass for Eleanor! ❤ Maybe some product would help your hair? Your hair seems really smooth and soft (it’s beautiful) but it’s harder to hold a curl/wave
i was told when mine were little to not worry about others and focus on what matters most. if they decide to not engage their loss. your children will know who is there for them Sad but reality Life isnt about keeping score. Do what makes your heart full Thats all that matters Peace
It hurts when people treat our kids unkindly or don't show up for them. I've never had your exact situation, but I have experienced a family member not liking one of my children. It's so hard not to be offended and hurt over it. Mostly I try not to think about it, and try to remain kind. Also, I try to keep my child from noticing that this person doesn't like them by not being around them more than necessary.
Your hair is gorgeous as is It’s not too long… it’s perfect! Don’t cut it!
I understand exactly how you feel about family members not showing up, because it hurts your feelings that they don’t celebrate your baby on their special day. It’s disrespectful unless someone is sick or some other emergency. But don’t you change Kimberly, you still be you and loving because alls it’s going to do is make you feel crappy about yourself. Those cousins will always remember their Aunt Kim with love.
My mom passed away in 2020- and ever since then my dad is pretty distant and too busy with his “new” family (he remarried and she has kids that are in their late 20’s early 30’s— they live closer to her kids). I give him the same effort he gives me. If something really crazy is going on I’ll let him know, but otherwise we see him maybe 1 time a month. If my mom was still here it would be much more often. If I’m not a priority in someone’s life (or if my family isn’t a priority) then they don’t need to be a priority in my life. Maybe someday I’ll change my mind. But it’s really disappointing to pour into family who doesn’t have the time or doesn’t consider you a priority. ❤
That was the scariest field trip 😅😅 Ms. Frizzle energy for sure 🤣
As a European, my first thought was: large stretches of water—alligators. On dry land, you can spot them early on, but underwater—especially with leaves and tree debris around—you can't see them at all. I’d keep a distance of at least 15 meters from the water, since I’m not a fast runner. Besides, I’ve heard that during floods like this, alligators can end up in areas they wouldn't normally inhabit because the terrain is usually dry. Here in Germany, we mostly worry about how long it takes for floodwater spilling from the river into gardens to soak away; if there’s been heavy rain beforehand, it can take quite a while. But aside from flooded basements—and the resulting broken heating systems, since boilers are usually located down there—we don't really face other issues. At least not here, because the landscape is very flat and there’s plenty of room for floodplains along the Weser River. Best regards from Germany.
Wow Eleanor is your twin!!
Your hair is gorgeous as is! You are the woman across the room. 🩷
Apple butter is amazing on sourdough!!!!! ❤❤
The apple butter goes really great with your fresh baked bread.😃
I learned long ago (my kids are 27, 25 and 23 now) that some people you just cant count on. I have a handful that were there regardless of what it was and friends that showed up like family. Others I just didn't acknowledge or even expect to show. Don't climb mountains for people who won't cross the street for you. I have zero qualms about cutting people out of my life especially for my kids sake regardless of who they are. Im also an only child so maybe that plays into it. But I raised my kids to ALWAYS show up for each other, their friends, even people they'd just met if needed. I guess I just don't have expectations for anyone. Things happen, people have illnesses that make it difficult to plan for, some people just don't think about things the way others do etc. Honestly its getting pretty hard to find genuinely kind and thoughtful people any more.
You are so adorable. I love love the rain coat.
Flooding is why a pool in your backyard will be a big problem. The drain will overflow and you will get more water than otherwise.
It sounds like a love language thing. My family is legion. Thirteen siblings and we're into the great grandchildren's faze. I've been informed that I'm the most hermity family member. It has to do with my very low tolerance for crowds. They just wipe me out. I also have a preference for my own company. (I'm told it's a neuro divergent thing.) Even with my family my attendance is a show up, spend some tme and leave or find a quiet corner to sit in. It's not that I don't love them. When I'm present, I'm very present. I've also been disappointed, I've learned to adjust my expectations and accept what is reality. It allows me to eliminate negative feelings and to be grateful in the moment. I choose not to waste energy on things I have no control over. It helps me to forgive myself as I am who I am. I hope you come to terms with this.
I say this in the kindest way possible... When I took my kids to parties, I offered clean up help, or went to play areas and did a little tidy. With close friends, I helped set up and clean up. The "Wisks" are party people! Can we for the love of God, pitch in a little for them? I hope the state of the upstairs is the result of someone kind pitching in! Kim, you're a lovely caring, person raising a beautiful family! If anyone doesn't want to be part of that, that speaks of them, not you.
Hurricane Helene hit us hard we still have people living in tents . And campers I live in the mountains of North Carolina, it’s so sad nobody is trying to help anymore It’s Heartbreaking I know how how you feel my family doesn’t even come around or call families aren’t families anymore I lost my son 4 yrs ago when he passed my family came to his memorial service And now I haven’t herd a word from them I still grieve but it’s like oh well get over it Losingva child is the worse pain you can go tru I love your videos You’re a Great Mom and Wife Stay safe and God Bless