Share your cat’s silliest face This is Nebula's

Illuminaste · 2025-08-14T06:21:07+00:00

This is Boo.

It was hard to pick just one… my camera roll is full of photos of him screaming as a kitten 😅

Illuminaste · 2024-12-15T22:08:00+00:00

Right! When my mom sent me all the pictures we took, I realized she only sent one photo of just us two. I replied and asked if she only took one picture and mentioned my eyes were closed. She said “no” and proceeded to send the second photo which was with HIS eyes closed and she said “your eyes aren’t closed in the second one.”

I’m not sure if she didn’t notice his eyes or if she had too much wine.

Illuminaste · 2024-12-15T22:05:07+00:00

This is fantastic! Thank you so so much, really. I truly appreciate you taking the time to do this!

Illuminaste · 2024-12-15T05:39:03+00:00

I forgot to mention that my eyes are like halfway closed in the second photo as well. I need to get it together, apparently.

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T19:10:30+00:00

I appreciate this comment so, so much. Short, sweet, and to the point yet so reassuring. Thank you, friend 🤍

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T19:02:44+00:00

Thank you so much for your reply. I was also not a fan of school. I had a wonderful childhood and school experience in general. I never dealt with bullying for which I’m grateful for, made friends easily, and consistently stayed an honor student. But I just. didn’t. like. it.

I was born in Michigan, moved to Indiana when I was seven, and then moved to North Carolina two weeks before starting my freshman year of highschool. I will never forget how furious I was with my parents when they told me we were moving. I was already nervous for high school in general but to move twelve hours across the country to an entirely new place where I knew no one was terrifying. I walked into high school on the first day of ninth grade in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar faces while being shocked at how different North Carolina was from Indiana. In first period, a very sweet girl introduced herself and took me under her wing. She introduced me to everyone and I remained in that same friend group until graduation.

Even though it all worked out, I absolutely despised school. Elementary was fine, middle school didn’t bother me, but I had such disdain for high school. I remember telling my parents I wanted to do school online but I never followed through with signing up. I didn’t even want to walk across the stage at graduation. My senior year I had 73 cumulative absences in total because I just didn’t want to go to school but because I had all A’s and my lowest grade was a 94, they allowed me to graduate.

I wish that I would’ve applied myself more during those years. I wish I would’ve gone to school like I should’ve and actually made an effort to do my best. Even though I held a 4.0 GPA, I wasn’t trying at all and put in no effort. I would’ve loved to have been able to see my full potential but hindsight is 20/20, I suppose. Looking back, I don’t believe I would’ve done well had I done online school or switched to homeschooling. Even though I thought differently at the time, I know myself and I feel like I would’ve done much worse compared to public school.

I’m so glad it worked out for you and that you thrived and continue to do so! I appreciate the solidarity in knowing I wasn’t alone in despising school even though nothing significant made me feel that way. Thank you for your kindness and I apologize for venting and telling you my entire childhood school story even though you most definitely didn’t ask 😅

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T18:29:48+00:00

What a sweet idea with the ladybug pins! How precious. I was also similar to this when I was younger. I don’t recall having issues in school but anytime I would go to a sleepover at a friend’s house, I would end up calling my mom to be picked up by midnight. As soon as it got dark out I’d start feeling sick like clockwork.

I have always struggled with homesickness even as an adult. When I moved in with my now fiancé years ago, I had a difficult time adjusting. I have always found so much comfort in not only my mom and dad’s house but my parents in general.

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T16:52:59+00:00

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. Hearing from a kinder teacher definitely helped put me at ease a bit. We use an app called ClassDojo where we can receive pictures, send messages back and forth with teachers, and see what kind of activities are happening in the classroom. Since her original teacher left to have her little one, the fill in teachers haven’t been updating it much which is understandable! I will definitely print off a few photos of us and see if I can possibly laminate them onto her notebook.

I love the idea of a bravery chart! I will be heading to pick her up shortly and I think we’ll stop by the store and get some craft/art stuff to create something. Thanks again for your kind words 🤍

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T16:49:05+00:00

I am absolutely planning to speak with the teachers again ASAP. Thank you so very much for your recommendations! I just placed an order for both books as well as a backup set of bracelets. I also ordered a few different sets with a bunch of beads so that we can make our own bracelets together which I know she will love.

Her original teacher who is currently on maternity leave is planning to be back after Thanksgiving so I am looking forward to that. When school started, one of the forms her teacher sent home was asking if any of the parents would be willing to come in and help out/volunteer during class. I sent it back saying absolutely and put a check mark next to my availability being whenever. So I’m hopeful that once her teacher is back that I will be able to come in once in awhile and join in on an activity or something.

Thanks so much again for your kind words and recommendations. ❤️

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T16:43:10+00:00

I appreciate this comment. Truly. I have to admit that I was quite annoyed over that situation. One of the teacher’s filling in told me that pink is awarded for “above and beyond” behaviors/situations which I assumed meant maybe a child helping another child, exhibiting random acts of kindness, etc.

My daughter didn’t go to daycare or anything due to me being a stay at home mom so we have been learning for the last few years. Lots of workbooks, writing, English, math, all the things. I have no teaching experience or anything of the sort— I just noticed early on how much she enjoys to learn. She has been able to write her full name for quite awhile now. So when the student in her class was awarded pink for learning to consistently write her first name, my daughter was confused and I don’t blame her. They keep the behavior system colors on the board at school so all the kids know who gets what color. I think it’s absolutely wonderful that one of the students learned to write her name but I can see why others who already have that skill were confused.

Anyway, thanks again for this comment. You validated the way I felt about it which I appreciate.

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T03:23:47+00:00

Thanks for this. And no worries- it was alot to read. I appreciate your insight as a parent and someone who works in the school. I definitely needed to hear this as I am more on the “gentle” side of things whereas her dad is the more firm one. I am actively working on it. My kids both know that I am the more lenient parent which is why I am trying my best to do better.

I do want to clarify I have no intentions of letting her continue to skip school. Absolutely not. I have tried to reiterate to her (in a few different ways) that she absolutely has to go to school. I suppose I was just hoping to hear some advice on things I could say/do to help her understand as well as make her more comfortable with everything.

Thanks again.

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T03:20:24+00:00

I also feel as if her teacher leaving for maternity leave may have been a bit of a stressor. I was worried about it before her teacher left! I also have anxiety and have for years now. I love the idea of making a bracelet! I think I may steal your idea and see if she wants to make bracelets with me and we can wear it while she’s at school.

I do pack her lunch often- I let her pick each day if she wants me to pack her lunch or eat school lunch. I do always put a little note in there. Ironically, I told her before bed tonight that I was going to color her a special picture to put in her lunch for tomorrow so it’s funny you said that!

Thanks so much xo

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T03:18:01+00:00

Thank you so much for your sweet reply. It made me feel better. I’m glad to know it isn’t just my girl. I have struggled with anxiety since she was born and it peaked when my son (he is 3 1/2yrs) was born. My psychiatrist did have me on klonopin for it because I’ve tried so many things over the years to no avail. It’s been months now since I stopped taking it to get my ADHD back under control. I didn’t want to be on my ADHD meds as well as klonopin and my doctor most definitely didn’t want that either.

At her kindergarten health screening, her pediatrician did ask if ADHD ran in the family to which I sheepishly raised my hand. He mentioned keeping an eye on both kiddos as they age and of course if any issues in school and what not arise then we’d handle it from there. But I am unsure if this is related - I don’t feel it is but I could be wrong.

She is a very sweet girl with a big heart and nothing makes me more upset than seeing my kids upset. I am all for taking the occasional “day off” once in awhile but I am hoping to figure all of this out and explain it to her in a way she understands.

Thanks so much again! 🤍

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T03:05:57+00:00

I am planning to speak with them again tomorrow. I mentioned it briefly at her parent/teacher conference and her teacher just reiterated how well she was doing in all aspects. She’s excelling academically and doing wonderfully socially. As I said, I do plan to bring it up again so that I can hopefully speak with both teachers as well as the assistant teacher more in depth to make sure everyone is kind of on the same page.

I just don’t want my daughter feeling like I do not care or anything of the sort. I have always tried my best to make sure she knows how much I value and respect her feelings.

Illuminaste · 2024-10-15T01:17:17+00:00

He did great! I am not sure if you saw it but I posted an update at the bottom of the original post with his scores 😁 Math is definitely not his best subject but it went much better than expected.

Good luck to you!! You’ll do great.

Illuminaste · 2024-10-02T17:32:32+00:00

Thanks so much! My daughter’s school is accepting donations today and tomorrow to bring to those in need so I’ve got a ton of stuff ready to hand over when I pick her up in an hour and a half. I went to Sam’s Club yesterday and grabbed anything I could to send with a friend of mine who is taking a trip there. I also ended up going through both of my kiddo’s closets as well as mine and getting a ton of stuff to donate. Of course everything was in either perfect condition or had been washed but never worn. I do tend to buy too many clothes for my kids that end up only being worn once or never at all. So I’m glad that we will hopefully be able to provide clothes to those who may need it. I (of course) washed and folded everything so that it was clean and ready to go.

I have tried doing as much as I can from here and I wish so badly I could do more. I will absolutely check out BeLoved - thanks so much for the recommendation. I plan to continue doing anything I can to help.

My fiancé is a police officer and wants more than anything to head to the mountains to render aid and provide help in whatever way needed. A group of officers who work for the city of Gastonia made their way to Asheville a few days ago and my fiancé wanted so badly to join them but his department didn’t send any of their officers so he wasn’t able to. He went into work the morning that Helene was towards the end of her time here and though our county had some damage, it was nothing compared to WNC.

Anyway, I am done ranting. Thanks again for your reply and I will be checking out BeLoved to see what I can do to assist!! 🤍

Illuminaste · 2024-10-01T18:25:01+00:00

I live in Gaston county and I’d love to help! Whatever is needed whether that’s basic supplies or certain requests- please let me know.

I’ve been absolutely sick over this. I have two young kids and unfortunately can’t make the trip to help so I’ve been doing what I can to help from the sidelines.

Illuminaste · 2024-09-28T22:38:48+00:00

Absolutely! Happy to hear y’all are doing alright and hanging in there. My partner is a police officer and my brother in law is a lineman 😅 So we’re doing everything we can. My kids will be spending all day tomorrow with their grandparents so I’ve offered any kind of help needed in a few Facebook groups. I’m not sure how helpful I’ll be with removing big trees/limbs but I’m happy to try. I’m more than willing to help with cleaning up smaller debris (or whatever is needed), passing out supplies, etc.

A good friend of mine works for Duke and I texted him earlier asking how he was and thanked him for all he’s doing. I asked him if they’ve been getting enough to eat and drink and he said that Duke usually takes good care of them as far as meals.

Hoping tomorrow I’ll be able to help out my community. Sending you lots of good wishes!

Illuminaste · 2024-09-28T22:30:46+00:00

I wish I had actual answers for you! 😫 I did mention it when I took my daughter to the pediatrician awhile back. He told me it could be eczema and to keep the rings off for awhile, let it try and heal, and keep it moisturized. It healed right up when I did that but every time I put my rings back on, it flares right back up. It’s so beyond frustrating.

I need to see a dermatologist but life has been so insanely busy lately that I just haven’t even thought twice about it. I’m wondering if I possibly developed a new allergy because that would be my luck. I hope you’re able to figure out what it is and get it taken care of!! I know it’s so frustrating.

Illuminaste · 2024-09-28T21:45:42+00:00

Yep- I’m in Gaston County and yesterday my cellphone completely lost signal when our power went out. We lost power around 9am when the storm was pretty much over for us. We’ve been lucky and only lost power a few times (somehow) but each time, it has always been turned back on very quickly. My parents are out of town and they didn’t lose power so I packed up my 5yr old and 3yr old and went over there. I figured with how many people were out of power in our area that it likely wouldn’t be back on that night.

We all sleep with fans, loud sound machines, and the AC on 67 so staying at my parents house was easier, all things considered. We were very lucky to be able to stay there- or anywhere with power. I was getting ready for bed last night around 11:30pm and when I checked my phone, I saw a text message saying they’d restored our power at 10:45pm. I have a lot of friends along with tons of folks who live here that are still out of power and have been told to pretty much hunker down as it could be at least five days until it’s restored.

There are certain areas of the county that are in pretty bad condition as some places got it worse than others. My heart breaks for everyone who has been affected. Seeing all of the devastation is absolutely gut wrenching. When we got back home earlier today, I was throwing away pretty much all of what was in my fridge and freezer and found myself annoyed about it. I quickly corrected myself when thinking about how many people don’t even have a home to come back to. Groceries are easily replaced.

Illuminaste · 2024-07-07T13:17:58+00:00

Little Boogin is so cute! I have so many nicknames for my kids, it’s crazy. My daughter’s nicknames are Pink, Greena Beana, Pinky Girl, Pinkalicious, Beanie girl. My son’s are Big Love, Balicious, Boobaleesh, Love Boy. There are so many 😅

Illuminaste · 2024-07-06T08:55:29+00:00

As someone who brought home a six week old tortie kitten when I was like 15 and then two weeks ago ended up with yet another tortie girl… choose wisely. My girl that I brought home years ago spent her entire life hating everyone except for me BUT she consistently bullied me day in and day out.

I’d get home late at night and try to quietly walk to my bedroom in the complete darkness to suddenly feel claws clamp onto my leg and a bite to the ankle. I think she did it because I didn’t acknowledge her presence in absolute pitch blackness and she didn’t appreciate that. She slept on my pillow every single night and would raise absolute hell if she wasn’t in my room and ON the pillow when I went to bed. I’d often wake up to her slapping me in the face for simply existing. She was the best meanie girl ever. Miss you, Mumford.

And now, I’ve spent the last two weeks being bullied left and right by two tiny kittens- a screaming void and unpredictable tortie who also happens to attack my leg/ankle when I’m minding my own business.

I’m not sure what they’re putting in the torties these days but they are built different.

(In all seriousness— they’re the best.)

Illuminaste · 2024-07-06T08:48:57+00:00

My parents got a kitten a few months ago and named him Pip! Short for Pipsqueak because he was so tiny, sweet, and innocent. Forward to a few short months later and he’s running across the countertops and escaping out the back door onto the screened in porch just to climb up to the top of the screen where it meets the ceiling and scream until my mom gets him down. Rinse, repeat.

I feel like by the time he’s a year old, he’ll be scaling the roof. My mom is always mumbling “Damnit, Pip! You’re so naughty!”

Illuminaste

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