Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
What started as an innocent on-line baby book to chronicle Jill's stay-at-home days with her children, (Lily, Ben, and Evan) quickly transformed into a vibrant community of parents, brought together by a common theme: Parenting doesn’t have to be perfect. Learn more here.
@scarymommy
NYT bestselling author of Confessions of a Scary Mommy and Motherhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies). Fond of curse words, sarcasm and Diet Coke.
@jaimeparker So happy to hear that - thank you!!! - 8 hours ago
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
1. I love the beach.
2. Sunsets are magical.
3. My kids are awesome.
4. Few things make me as happy as finding pretty shells.
5. The best roadside restaurant is Cracker Barrell. {The toys, the candy, the food? How had I never before been!?}
6. The worst? Hardee’s, by a landslide.
7. I-95 sucks. Especially when an RV overturns and causes a 3 hour backup and every single motel is fully booked at 11:30 PM.
8. Family vacations would be much more relaxing with a paid sitter on board.
9. Or heavy drugs.
10. My kids are awesome.
{ 88 comments… read them below or add one }
Vacations with kids can be very tiring but also very rewarding. I’m glad that you enjoyed yours
.-= Kat´s last blog ..Accentuate the Positive! =-.
Looks like an amazingly beautiful trip! Welcome back!
.-= FitMomNow´s last blog ..3:00 A.M. =-.
Beautiful beach! Where were you vacationing?
Captiva Island in Florida. It’s gorgeous!
That’s not to far south of Siesta Key (Sarasota), is it? We vacationed there a few years ago and I can not wait to go back!
Not too far- 2 hours-ish I think? It’s off of Fort Myers.
I didn’t even know Hardee’s was still around. Grody!
Cracker Barrel = Carb Coma Bliss
.-= @jmartinlibrary´s last blog ..New Year’s Re(v)olution =-.
It was the only place open on Christmas. How is it even possible to make fries horrible?!
Man, sounds like vacation was practically a visit to the Holy Land of Wisdom. Enjoyed the pictures.
beautiful picture. just seeing the images of the sun and the waves took me back to vacations I have not had in a long time. I crave them. I am hungry for them. Hubby doesn’t like to travel, and doesn’t like the idea of me going anywhere out of town with the kids alone. Maybe in a few years…
.-= Mamma M´s last blog ..High Chairs That Convert Into Booster Seat =-.
I still cannot believe this was your first time at a The Crack.
I’ve (jokingly) said that if they ever build one off of Hwy 27, I’d never have to leave Soddy Daisy again.
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Day 3 =-.
Jill- I just love the beach with kids– so dang fun. And yes, Cracker Barrel is the best– rocking chairs, games and tons of candy. I’m really not sure why Hardee’s is still around– all the thick burger commercials with crap dripping from it is enough to make me gag.
Shannon- Soddy Daisy as in near Chattanooga? Just curious since I grew up in East Ridge (moved when I was 14).
.-= Melissa (adventuroo)´s last blog ..My One Word for 2010 =-.
Yes! Shannon is in Chattanooga. We lived there for 2 years as well. :)
.-= Scary Mommy´s last blog ..What I learned (and re-learned) on my vacation =-.
I wanna go on vacation! Waaaaa…. stoopid economy.
.-= OHmommy´s last blog ..Don’t suggest building an igloo. It will make me cry. =-.
I keep meaning to go to Cracker Barrell but never make it there…next time I cross the border I am going to check it out!
.-= Suburban Princess´s last blog ..A Tiffany & Co PSA =-.
Agreed with the cracker barrel bit! I think every family vacation I have ever taken has included a pitstop there!
Gorgeous shells! Gorgeous beach! Oh yes…cracker barrel is underrated, the checkers entertain the kids for long enough to make it tolerable to get in the car!
We used to always go to Cracker Barrel on family trips. But then when I was 16 I saw a whole special on 20/20 (or Dateline?) about how the company was being sued for being repeatedly racist and homophobic in their hiring practices so I refused to go and made us go to Denny’s. My parents finally vetoed me at the end of the trip and I refused to eat. Now I feel I can’t go there because if I did they’d hear about it and accuse me of being a hypocrite.
.-= Jensational´s last blog ..Flying cars and hoverboards =-.
I love the beach! And the pictures are great. I do agree with lesson number 8. I’ve never been able to travel with a paid sitter, but just the thought sounds heavenly. Of course, my kids are almost out of the house now, so it’s a moot point, but still one that has its merit.
.-= Shawntel´s last blog ..Lose It Bitch – It’s On! =-.
Fantastic pictures. I agree with you about interstates. Add a 5-year-old vomiting EVERYWHERE, and you have our Arizona/SoCal vacation. Welcome back!
.-= Ironic Mom´s last blog ..5 Great and Not-So-Great Memories of Our Family Vacation =-.
Beautiful pictures!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. My life would be perfect if I only had an Alice.
.-= Cara´s last blog ..What Am I Reading? – 2010 =-.
“Family vacations would be much more relaxing with a paid sitter on board.”
Can I get an Amen?
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..Out of Order?: Some Thoughts on Birth Order =-.
Oh, what I would give for an Alice.
Your pictures are great! Glad you had a nice time. I have to agree that it is hard to go on vacation with little ones, but any vacation is good. :-)
.-= Pres. Kathy´s last blog ..Happy New Year!!! =-.
The beach is magical. Cracker Barrell is fantastic– I love their rocking chairs. Your pictures are beautiful and you definitely have some cute kids over there.
I was just on Sanibel Island last March, so beautiful and untouched by shopping malls and large buildings. A real throw back in time.
We didn’t wake up at 6am to go shell hunting though, by the time we got there at 8am it was all picked through as you can read in my post all about it: http://www.isdisnormal.com/2009/03/23/sandy-days/.
What I would do for the beach right now!
.-= Jillian´s last blog ..An Aspen New Years =-.
Lovely, lovely photos. I can’t wait to go to florida in a week!
Oh, thank you for the trip down memory lane! Those shells, could’ve only been Captiva/Sanibel. Grew up on those beaches, learned how to drive at Ding Darling – love it.
Looks like you guys had a wonderful time – yes to both I-95 suckage and Cracker Barrel rulage – now I need some grits.
.-= Em´s last blog ..F.F.F.T. – Because John says it so much better than me… =-.
Looks like a wonderful time was had by all! You are lucky you got out of here before ‘the great freeze’ as we are calling it.
We like us some Cracker Barrel too… and apparently we have been vocal enough about it that it’s made an impression because one of our x-mas gifts from my brother’s family was a $50 gift card to….. Cracker Barrel ;p
.-= Astaryth´s last blog ..A New Day and A New Year… =-.
All this time, living all over Florda and I’ve never been to Captiva Island.. as for Cracker barrel, there is one right down the street. Love their blueberry pancakes.
.-= Barb´s last blog ..I hope hard work pays off… =-.
Oh, you really must go! It’s my favorite place.
Beautiful photos! And I concur…Hardees is foul.
.-= Salt´s last blog ..Lofty aspirations… =-.
those are the most beautiful shells I’ve ever seen! Did you seriously find those green and pink and orange ones? Where did you go on vacation?
.-= S Club Mama´s last blog ..Happy New Year =-.
Yes! Aren’t they amazing? The beaches in Sanibel & Captiva are known for shelling and it’s really incredible!!
Cracker Barrel breakfast rocks!
Those shells are amazing! I’ve never found such lovely ones in real life. Wow!
.-= T Rex Mom´s last blog ..Little Girl Playtime =-.
Your kids are cute too! It would be nice if we could have babysitters to take on vacation eh? Maybe next time!
.-= Mad Woman´s last blog ..A decade gone, A new one to come =-.
I know people who take babysitters on holiday, and it’s not the same… I love the beaches in Florida.
.-= Nan´s last blog ..Ice Skating! Where Normal People Fall Over Spectacularly! =-.
Well, it looks and sounds like you had a fabulous time, minus the not having a sitter. What beach were you on that you found so many gorgeous shells?
Justine :o )
.-= Justine´s last blog ..Since I Tend To Talk Too Much, I Made My Title Long, But My Post Less Wordy, But With Lots of Pictures. =-.
You take beautiful photographs! I’m so glad you had a nice vacation. It looks a lot warmer than it was where I am. :)
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Revenge is like fine wine… =-.
Great post…beautiful photos!
I love the beach myself, grew up at the NJ shore…brings back memories!
.-= Stephaine @ Geezees´s last blog ..This Year I Plan to …… listen to more music =-.
I have a friend that goes to Captiva Island, beautiful. And kids are awesome.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Wishing =-.
Those shells are amazing! We live at the beach, but our shells don’t look anything like that gorgeous picture.
But…Hardee’s sells a nice, big bucket of soda for only $1. I hit that drive-thru my soda fix whenever I can. :)
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Magic Beans =-.
Gorgeous children, gorgeous pictures, gorgeous shells. Looks like a complete success.
.-= TheKitchenWitch´s last blog ..Shrink-My-Ass-Month: Shrimp, Avocado and Mango Lettuce Wraps =-.
I was going to ask if this was Captiva!! We went there the summer of ’08 with our four kids and it was the BEST vacation ever! Where did you stay? We hope to go again this year if funds allow! :)
.-= Melissa – The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans´s last blog ..If there is no struggle, there is no progress. =-.
We rented a house. A 2 minute walk to the beach. A beautiful pool. Perfection. :)
Love the photos! Sounds like you had a fantastic, relaxing and reflective, and fun vacation! Florida next year sound like a plan to me….I really need to get away, its been over 3 years..yikes! Lucky you! :)
Those seashells are so pretty!!!
…i don’t like mama’s last blog What’s in a name?
Did you really pick up all those shells on the beach? Amazing! I seem to only find the broken, ugly ones.
On a side note I worked at Cracker Barrel for 2 years as a grill cook. I can hook you up with some recipes if need be. :-)
.-= Sunday Stilwell´s last blog ..My very first award =-.
Did you find all those shells at the beach!? OMG they are amazing! What beautiful photos of you family. <3
YOur kids are adorable, I wish we had shells like that in Ma
.-= Vodka Logic´s last blog ..Cribs-Vodka Logic Style =-.
I cannot wait for summer! I am so cold- 24/7. Those photos are gorgeous…I miss sunsets too. I do not miss I-95. What are you going to make or do with those gorgeous shells?
.-= dawn´s last blog ..asian meatballs in garlic-black bean sauce w/ peanut fried rice =-.
I have no idea! It was our third trip so my collection is kind of out of control. I need to do something other than sticking them in another bowl!
omg. never been to cracker barrel before that? wow. i love that place! glad you finally got some. and the pics are amazing!
I love your vacation pictures! They are so beautiful. Sunsets are my favorite! PS I want Alice too!
What beautiful pix of the kids on the beach! I am sooooooo jealous. It’s bone chilling cold here! Enjoy the rest of your trip!
.-= Jodi´s last blog ..Evolution of a Craft/Sewing Room =-.
That is fantastic, well not the car wreck, but the pictures. I am glad that you had a good time.
.-= Jen @ buried with children´s last blog ..Mind of a Mother =-.
What is this “Cracker Barrel” you speak of? Do they serve crackers in barrels? Because if they do, I’m TOTALLY there.
Also, your vacation looks amazing. Unfortunately if I’m even in the sun for 10 seconds my pasty white begins to skin sizzle and smoke…
.-= Brilliant Sulk´s last blog ..The Worst Invention Ever. Trust Me =-.
Cracker Barrell is a MUST when driving down I-95. We drove to Florida last year and I don’t know what I would have done without playing a little chess outside and feeding my baby girl on those rocking chairs! Adorable pictures, looks like a great getaway!
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Blogging With a Purpose =-.
Wow I like the pictures, specially the sunset. :) Happy New Year!
.-= Primary Work at Home´s last blog ..New video for Primary work at Home =-.
Yay, Jill! Lovely, beautiful vacation pictures… so glad you all had so much fun. So, seeing your pictures makes me think the weather was not that bad, huh? How close were you to Fort Lauderdale/Miami? I’m scared it’s going to be cold when we get there next week!!
Where you were there looks just wonderful to me right now as I stare out my window at the gloom and snow. The beach is my favorite place to be!
.-= Jen @ After The Alter´s last blog ..Fun With The FLIP! =-.
I totally agree it would be so awesome to have a paid sitter come on vacation. We are going to disney in the summer with my whole family. So hopefully they can watch the kiddos so mommy and daddy can have some fun! And OMG getting stuck on the highway like that what torture!
Comment luv for some reason has not been working for me so here is my last post:
My daughter saw the pix and asked me if we could hit the beach today. Maybe, the joy of LA is that it is possible. Those shots make me want to go on vacation now.
.-= Jack´s last blog ..Jack & The Karate Kid- Sweep The Leg Baby =-.
–>I’m glad you had a great time!! The pictures are wonderful.
.-= WebSavvyMom´s last blog ..Boys + Four Wheeler + Mud = Fun =-.
Absolutely love the ocean pics & especially the picture of the seashells. Your kids are adorable =)
.-= Linda´s last blog ..Quality Time =-.
We vacationed in Sanibel a few years ago and stopped by Captiva for the sunset. It was beautiful but I got eaten alive by those NO-sees or whatever they’re called? The invisable bugs… I think we counted 94 bites- no joke…. the woman at the gift store just GAVE me the benadryl for the itch — she refused money. lol
Beautiful pics as always Jill- but I dont really have to keep saying that– Im pretty sure you know how crazy talented you are in the photo arena already :)
.-= Complicated Mama´s last blog ..Memo to Cablevision: My deal breaker is BRAVO =-.
I’m so glad you had such a lovely time. I need to take my boys to the beach!
.-= 3 Stinky Boys and Me´s last blog ..I Resolve to be Me =-.
Man, that is a cool load of shells. Are you saying that you found all those on that beach? Dang.
And I get what you mean about needing a sitter on vacation. It’s fun having the little ones around all the time, but the little ones are around all the time.
.-= Teri´s last blog ..I’m Bowled Over =-.
we took (and paid) a teenager with us on vacations, and it was heavenly . . . until she got in a tiff with the sitter who went with our friends. but at least they waited till day #4 of 7 to stop speaking.
.-= whollyjeanne´s last blog ..burn =-.
I hear ya on I-95. There should be an expressway for all us parents.
.-= DCUrbanDad´s last blog ..Ya’ll can just call me Dr. No =-.
Wow, great photos. I love the first one of your son. Looks like everyone had fun.
.-= Allison´s last blog ..Breakfast Cookies (Meal Monday) =-.
Can I come along next year?
.-= Seattledad (Luke, I am Your Father)´s last blog ..Character Flaws =-.
11. I should’ve taken Dysfunctional Mom with me.
Sounds like you guys had a blast. I have to admit, being in a care with kids, tavelling all that way sounds like a challenge and a half!
Welcome back! We haven’t attempted a vacation with our two little ones yet, but look forward to eventually experiencing the good, the bad, and the awesome.
.-= Deb´s last blog ..Diaper-free house arrest, Day 3 =-.
You found all of the spectacular shells?
Cracker Barrell does have some down home goodness. Love the old-fashioned games at each table.
I’m so glad you had such a nice time!
.-= angie´s last blog ..Best of 2009….A Year in Review. =-.
awesome pics – awesome kids! i can’t wait until we go camping – on monday!
.-= scrappysue´s last blog ..a little christmas slideshow for you to enjoy =-.
yes!!! i love cracker barrel and also discovered it only recently. what beach did you go to that has such beautiful shells?
What? You never been to CB Before??? Oh girl!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, those are just awesome pics. Makes me want to be at the beach right now with my awesome child and with lots of alcohol. And hubs of course. Welcome back!!!!!!
.-= Live.Love.Eat´s last blog ..Fresh Raspberry Sour Cream Crumb Cake =-.
A paid sitter would be heavenly. Especially when traveling with my gang!
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
.-= Stesha´s last blog ..Time Travel =-.
We hate the Hardee’s on our way to OBX. Sonics every year now. Those shells? OMG. How did you even find them at this day and age? Did you guys vaca on a deserted island or something? Insanely gorgeous. The pictures you took, as always, precious.
.-= submom´s last blog ..Chicken and Egg =-.
LOVE the pics! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
.-= Paging Doctor Mommy´s last blog ..Christmas Traditions – Old & New =-.
where did you go to find such pretty shells? i never find awesome shells on my vacation. just crappy broken pieces.
.-= Kendra´s last blog ..A few people we are going to miss…. =-.
LOVE Cracker Barrel! I go there just to shop for all kinds of cutesy items :)
Beautiful photos, esp the sunsets!
ps i hate I-95 too! My inlaws live in Myrtle beach and I dread the long & borning drive from PA. UGH!
.-= debi9kids´s last blog ..6 Words =-.
i’m with you on the cracker barrel thing…i had never been to one previous to may of last year. We don’t have them in California and I think it is a cryin’ shame…
did you try their pecan pancakes by chance?
I could go on and on…
looks like a great vacation!
.-= Christy´s last blog ..appetizer angst =-.
Ohhhh, I didn’t, but I wish I had. Reason to go back!!
There’s still a Hardee’s in existence? Wow! I used to eat there all the time when I was a kid (and didn’t have any sense of good food vs. bad food).
I lllooooove Cracker Barrel. I’ve actually never been there for breakfast but I’ve heard that it’s great! The shells you found are gorgeous!
.-= Bethany´s last blog ..Photos of the Day =-.
i am so jealous of these pictures! you are AMAZING! one of my other faves is Lily on the school bus! do you use photoshop?