Really, Are You Serious?

Graduation Party Ready with Tieks | Mommy and Me Monday | 858th ed

Krystyn — Tue, 12 May 2026 01:13:15 +0000

It’s graduation party season! I feel like we just had our first graduation party graduate (and we are about to do it again in a year), but this year, we are just celebrating other graduates.

B picked out a super cute dress for me to wear; One that my sister handed down to me! And I paired it with my Prada handbag I won (12 years ago when B was a baby-you must go look at those pictures!). On my feet, I wore a gifted pair of Lovestruck Tieks.

One of the parties was a breakfast/brunch party and they had a waffle food truck. It might have been…no, it was the best waffle I’ve ever had. I had a turtle waffle a B selected a s’more waffle. 22

Tieks Review

Tieks are reinvented ballet flats. They are perfect for my post-surgical body and needing super flat and comfy shoes. While they are more than I would typically spend on a pair of shoes, I’m finding the value in quality and comfort these days!

They are stylish, comfortable, durable, and foldable. Tieks like to say they are the most versatile flats in the world!

Tieks come in an adorable box and folded! For Mother’s Day they also had a fun jeweled flower on the top.

N insisted I wear the flower as a headband. I think it worked pretty well.

I selected the color Lovestruck which is cupid’s latest creation. It’s a sparkling style with a perfect way to add a “pop of intrigue to your daytime look or take your evening ensemble to a whole new level.” They are a fun color while also being a nice neutral that seems to go with anything. They are just as cute with jeans as they are with a dress.

There are a ton of other options, with over 70 Prints, Patents, Classics, and more to pick from. You can find Tieks crafted from luxurious Italian leather and textiles.

While typical ballet flats have a solid sole, Tieks are more flexible with a unique split-sole and flexible midsole, making Tieks built to mold to the foot and flex with it as you walk.

Because of this split sole, the shoes can easily fold and fit easily into a purse or suitcase, so comfort and style are always within arm’s reach making them perfect for home or travel…or out to a graduation party.

Tieks and Comfort

Tieks are made to stretch and mold becoming custom to your foot as soon as you wear them. The back is cushioned to ensure they’re never too tight on your heel but that they also stay up on your heel. The insoles have advanced foam cushioning making them comfortable for walking and standing for hours at a graduation party.

The fun Tiek Blue non-skid rubber outsole patches provide not only traction so helping to prevent slipping but also shock absorption to keep you grounded with every step. I felt safe and not sliding around even when it was sprinkling at one party outside.

See more Tieks reviews!

What did you do this week?

GET IN THE PICTURE WITH YOUR KIDS! Who cares what you look like? Who cares how you appear? Who cares what you are wearing? JUST DO IT! Come share your picture on the Facebook thread or use #MommyAndMeMonday!

It’s time again for Mommy and Me Monday. Pop out from behind that camera and capture yourself in action with your kids. Check out the inaugural Mommy and Me Monday for more information. Need another reason to participate in Mommy and Me Monday? Read my post about why I blog with words from a friend’s husband.

The post Graduation Party Ready with Tieks | Mommy and Me Monday | 858th ed appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.

E’s 8th Grade Dance | Mommy and Me Monday | 857th ed

Krystyn — Mon, 04 May 2026 17:48:45 +0000

E is almost finished with middle school and ready to head off to high school. Big changes ahead! Including finally getting her braces off! She’s a whole new kid!

This week she had the 8th grade walk to the high school and 8th grade awards where she got an award for her Spanish class selected by her teacher, an award for the reading group she’s in and an award for all A’s for her entire middle school grades (including 3 high school classes this year!) We don’t get to brag on her often enough!

After the walk and awards she was able to come home early to get ready for her 8th grade dance. N helped with makeup (and took her dress shopping) and I helped with her hair.

We had to get some pictures before she headed off and had fun with her friends.

I swear she was crawling around our kitchen and taking all of the pots and pans out of the cabinets just last week! And now she’s about to head to high school! Who gave her permission?

She’s taller than me…but no this much. Those little heeled sandals are giving her a big boost!

She said she danced and had fun for the full two hours!!

What did you do this week?

The post E’s 8th Grade Dance | Mommy and Me Monday | 857th ed appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.

West Wing with N | Mommy and Me Monday | 856th ed

Krystyn — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:31:48 +0000

N and I have been watching West Wing together when we have the time.

It’s the first time watching for both of us. I actually started it first, and she just started watching and it became a show we watch together. It’s created a lot of interesting conversations as well as allowed us to articulate some frustrations (that word is doing a lot of heavy lifting).

If you haven’t watched it, I recommend it. And if you have a 17 year old that likes to watch with you while you are laying down on a heating pad, I recommend it even more. If you want to see a government that seems to mostly function where people able to interact with one another, I also recommend it. But note, you will also have some frustrations, too.

We just started the last season and I’m not sure what we’ll watch next! (Also, she’s now 17.5 years old and can put in her registration to vote and that’s pretty exciting!)

What did you do this week?

The post West Wing with N | Mommy and Me Monday | 856th ed appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.

It’s a recap week | Mommy and Me Monday | 855th ed

Krystyn — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:46:10 +0000

How is it already the middle of April? The girls are already in countdown mode for the end of the school year.

At the end of the week, we celebrated my birthday. I had a very nice brunch with friend from graduate school earlier in the day!

That evening, it was a little different with only 4 of us home but they really made it a celebration. B made me chocolate covered strawberries and rice krispie treats (I think E helped) and Mr. Serious sent Natalie to get flowers and macaroons because he was out of town.

The picture looks a little different, too, but that’s what it was.

Saturday morning, I was up bright and early and headed to the track for our last middle school meet. How are we already at E’s last middle school race ever? From 5th grade to 8th grade and now middle school is ending. I’m thrilled I’ll be back for at least another year of coaching with B.

And we got a cute picture!!

Then, I ran home, showered and drove N to her friend’s house for prom. Junior prom? Already? Which means it’s almost senior year!!!

I actually got a picture with her, too! Always give your phone or camera or a teen to take some pictures. They will get many and at least one will work!

And we grabbed an “us-ie” too.

Then she went one way with friends for dinner and prom and I drove back home exhausted!

The weeks are flying and I’m not ready for summer.

What did you do this week?

The post It’s a recap week | Mommy and Me Monday | 855th ed appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.

Two Day Trips to Rome and One to Costco | Mommy and Me Monday | 854th

Krystyn — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:48:31 +0000

After our February breaks (me to Thailand, the girls and Mr. Serious on a cruise), we talked about planning a Spring Break trip. And we sort of drug our feet, and then airfare shot up and gas shot up and well, we realized it would be good to have a quieter Spring Break. But, we still kept busy.

E, B and I did a later than normal grocery store trip so we grabbed some lunch first at the Costco food court. We are fancy and cost conscientious.

(I used so many napkins on that piece of pizza. Pizza in Italy really spoiled me!)

N was off working because she was home. But, she did schedule for two days off at my request. We filled one of those days with a day trip to Rome….Georgia to pick some strawberries.

The weather was perfect and there were so many strawberries from which to pick.

In almost no time, we filled our three buckets with strawberries and headed off to pay for them (oof! $50+ in strawberries).

We also got some strawberry ice cream to tide us over until we found a place to grab some lunch. After some searching on maps and reading reviews we ended up at a seafood restaurant of all places.

Are we sad about this decision? No. But did we decide to make sad faces about it? Sure! That’s fun!

Two days later, we headed back to Rome to watch the oldest (who was had to drive into town with her team) race.

Once again, the weather was amazing and the sun was setting and she got a PR in a 5k (well, her first track 5k ever…12.5 laps, but also compared to cross country 5ks, too). We managed to get time for one family picture post race.

Then it was back home again to finish up Spring Break weekend.

What did you do this week?

The post Two Day Trips to Rome and One to Costco | Mommy and Me Monday | 854th appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.

Working the Check-In Table | Mommy and Me Monday | 853rd ed

Krystyn — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:57:37 +0000

Working the check-in table is one of my favorite things to do at a track meet when I’m not coaching. The kids tell us their names and the race, and if we are lucky, the heat and lane they are in and we give them a sticker for their hip.

We try to be fast and efficient while also being a friendly face before a stressful race. I’m convinced after seeing some of my coached kids absolutely defeated after checking in that it’s a pretty important part of the pre-race puzzle.

Sometimes, the people working the check-in table to not seem happy to be there. They are short, quick to snap and rude to the kids. Sometimes, it’s a kids’ very first race and they don’t understand the process. Sometimes they get flustered. Sometimes they mumble. It’s not hard to ask them to say their name again or ask questions.

We also try to move the line quickly. If we notice the girls line is backed up, they can go to the other line. Whatever moves them along the fastest and most efficiently is what we will do.

It really isn’t a hard job, but it sets the mood. And when we smile and they leave smiling with their sticker in the right place, it helps the people in staging areas as well as the race starters. All around winning and smooth!

What did you do this week?

The post Working the Check-In Table | Mommy and Me Monday | 853rd ed appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.

Ice Bathing with N | Mommy and Me Monday | 852nd ed

Krystyn — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:26:36 +0000

This is us. Smiling through the shivering.

The temperatures took a drop outside this weekend which meant the air in the garage was also colder than it has been.

N asked me to join her in an ice bath.

Admittedly, it’s been a while for me, so I told her I’d join her. And then I completely forgot until it was time to go to the garage and get in.

Usually I can get my breathing under control quickly and settle in. But I wasn’t having it and had a full on shiver the entire time.

It’s a good thing there was good company!

What did you do this week?

The post Ice Bathing with N | Mommy and Me Monday | 852nd ed appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.

College Spring Break | Mommy and Me Monday | 851st ed

Krystyn — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:32:26 +0000

The oldest had her first college spring break and spent part of it with friends at the beach. She also graced us with her presence for a long weekend which was nice.

N had a race Friday night, so four of us fought Atlanta traffic to watch her run. It wasn’t her race with quite a few variables fighting against her, but we are very proud of her and had a good time cheering her on.

Plus, we were able to get a picture of our athlete and her cheering section!

Saturday morning was almost confusing for us. Not a single one of us had a race to attend or anything hard on the calendar; just that some runs needed to be accomplished. We had a later 9am start and slowly made our way to a park to get their runs completed while I walked.

It was nice for all 6 of us to be together for the weekend. We did some chores and checked some things off our list and had a good time socializing.

What did you do this week?

The post College Spring Break | Mommy and Me Monday | 851st ed appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.

ALL the meets | Mommy and Me Monday | 850th ed

Krystyn — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:34:14 +0000

It was yet another very full weekend at the Serious house. There were three meets and all of our girls were running at them. It was one of those weekends were we couldn’t be at all the meets, but there was milesplit stalking and lots of texting back and forth.

I was off to assistant coach the middle school race with E and B. And, I thankfully remembered to grab a picture with E before she ran her open 800m (and got a season PR). She also got a season PR in her 1600m

I didn’t grab a picture with B before her 4×800 where she and her relay team scored points for the overall girls team. Not did I grab a picture of her before her 1600m where she got personal best ever! But, I grabbed one before she got in the house. So, I’m calling it a win.

The oldest was off with her team where she had a PR in her 1500m race and also ran the 4x400m and had a chance to stretch out her fast legs. Thankfully, she sent a picture with a teammate and they are great at supporting each other.

Mr. Serious was off into the big city with N where she got first place in her race! Whoop! I think they were pretty equally proud!

This weekend is a little more chill with only one race! I’m not sure how we’ll manage, but it should be fun to watch!

What did you do this week?

The post ALL the meets | Mommy and Me Monday | 850th ed appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.

A race and PJ ice cream | Mommy and Me Monday | 849th ed

Krystyn — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:51:00 +0000

This weekend was back to racing again! The youngest two were with me and the oldest drove out to watch Mr. Serious race about an hour and a half away. It’s one thing to divide and conquer when it’s a kiddo that lives at home, but when the kiddo lives away from home and I didn’t get to see it, it’s a little harder.

Last week, I didn’t get a picture, so we made sure to grab one before the race even started. It’s nice and cloudy and cooler, here, but it warmed up a lot.

We were at the race from 8:30 to about 3:30 so we all got pretty hot! E had good 1600 and 800 times and also DJ’d the tent music. B had some good times for her races too and had less than a second PRs in both her 800 and 1600.

After watching our last runners in the boys 3200, we were all ready to go home.

Everybody got in a nice shower and felt much better, then, after dinner we headed to an ice cream shop that had free ice cream if you wear pajamas night! We thankfully made it between the evening rain storms.

Next weekend, there will be three races between all the kiddos, so it’s not looking like we’ll get to see them all. We haven’t figured out how to divide 2 by 3 yet!

What did you do this week?

The post A race and PJ ice cream | Mommy and Me Monday | 849th ed appeared first on Really, Are You Serious?.