Family Day: Lower the Bar and Love The Chaos

Hello, friends! It's Addie - back on the blog once again! This time to spill what Family Day REALLY looks like in the Pafiolis house. 

Every year, Family Day sneaks up on me like a toddler with a Sharpie. One minute, I’m cruising along, thinking I have my life together, and the next, BAM—long weekend, kids home, and my grand plans out the window.

Of course, I forgot about it. Of course, I had other things planned. And of course, it won’t be the picturesque day I see on Instagram with matching pajamas. heartwarming board games, and homemade cookies that don’t look like roadkill. But you know what? That’s okay. Because, despite the chaos, these little unexpected breaks are where the real memories happen.

This Year Hits Different

This Family Day is extra special—and not just because we’re up to our eyeballs in kids. My three sisters are in town, and between us, we have 18 children. Yes, you read that right. Eighteen. If you’re wondering, yes, my house looks like a mix between a daycare, a disaster relief zone, and an all-you-can-eat buffet.

But this year, we’re also soaking up time with my dad, who is in the final stages of an aggressive cancer. It’s a heavy season, and Family Day means something even more profound—pausing, cherishing, and being present. So, I’ll put on my metaphorical superhero cape (because let’s be honest, I haven’t had time to do laundry, so an actual cape is out of the question). I’ll overlook the explosion in my living room, the 18 pairs of muddy boots at the door, and the dishes that multiply like gremlins.

I’ll pretend the noise doesn’t stress me out (it totally does), I’ll ignore the laundry piles taunting me, and I’ll remind myself that this is childhood—messy, loud, and fleeting. One day, these little people will be grown, they’ll clean up after themselves (allegedly), and they won’t need me to make pancakes or find the socks that are right in front of their faces.

So, for now, I’ll embrace the chaos. Because these are the good old days, and I don’t want to miss them while wishing for a perfectly curated moment.

Breakfast Goals: Keep It Simple

Weekend breakfasts are a big deal in our house. This, I can control (kind of). I used to dream of leisurely brunches at a cute little diner, but after realizing I’d rather set my money on fire than pay for uneaten pancakes and epic meltdowns over syrup placement, we pivoted.

Now, we stock the freezer with bacon and make a delicious breakfast at home. The kids roll in like a pack of hungry wolves, and I get to drink my coffee and have a quiet-ish chat with Chris before the five-minute power-eating session turns into a 30-minute clean-up operation. And the best part? I can do all of this while lounging in my Henley Sleep Shirt, sipping coffee, and pretending for just a moment that I’m in a serene breakfast commercial rather than the middle of a breakfast battlefield.

Balancing Family and Business—And Giving Yourself Grace

My saving grace with Family Day is that it is a STAT, which means Chris is home with me, there are no meetings, no phone calls, and no emails that demand my immediate attention. Because we have no plans, we can both lounge around in our joggers and funny t-shirts we gifted each other for Christmas. There is no pressure to show up as a business owner and a parent today.

The Best Days Are the Unplanned Ones

Some of our best Family Days have been the ones with no agenda. Sitting on the couch, listening to one of the kids practice reading, watching a completely random movie we had zero plans to watch, or diving into a craft project that will 100% leave me vacuuming glitter out of the floorboards for the next six months.

Speaking of crafts—my kids love them. Which means, at any given moment, my kitchen may or may not look like an exploded art store. But when they bring me a little homemade card or a lumpy, misshapen clay creation that I think is supposed to be a heart? Worth it. Every time.

What Family Really Means

This year, more than ever, I’m reminded that family isn’t just the people who share your DNA—it’s the people who show up.

Our house has never been so full of love, support, and food. Friends and family are constantly checking in, dropping off meals, and just being there for us. And that, to me, is what Family Day is really about.

So whether you’re spending the day with your kids, your chosen family, or just soaking up some much-needed alone time (lucky you!), I hope you take a moment to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and be grateful for where you are. Right now. Messy, imperfect, but full of love.

Because these are the moments that matter—even if they involve vacuuming glitter out of the floor.

Happy Family Day, friends. All of you are part of my SweetLegs family, and I am grateful for each of you! May your expectations be low and your coffee be strong.

Until next time, 

Addie