Officially my nest is not "a crowded nest." But it sure feels that way to me.

According to Kathleen Shaputis author of “The Crowded Nest Syndrome” © 2003

"You Know You’re Living in a Crowded Nest When…

Your other car is a U-Haul.

You have to take a number to use the bathroom.

You’re on a first name basis with employees at CostCo.

You go to your car on Monday morning and the gas tank is empty.

The fire department pulls your occupancy permit.

Every time you return from a fast food restaurant, you bring back a job application.

You go to a hockey game for peace and quiet.

All your kids are grown and they’re still living at home."

OK, so my kids aren't completely grown, since they are still in college and basically still on my dime. But they take up space like they are. This will be the first summer we share my smaller, downsized home. In tow will be Hannah's cat she rescued, Zuri, all of her clothes and some of her furniture since she's sub-letting her house at school. Then there's all of Rachel's dorm room contents. There's also the furniture Rachel is beginning to accumulate for her house she'll be moving into when she returns in the fall. So my little house is busting at the seams. I can't even begin to imagine what my food budget is going to have to do. Or what difference 3 people will make to my utility bills. If any of you have helpful advice for me surviving this season, PLEASE leave your hints in the comments section.