Month: November 2019

Posted in Holidays, Inspiration

Kindness

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Happy Friday after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday…great food, time with family, and no stress about buying gifts!!

As I wrapped up my November book review on Tuesday, I said, “Tis the season (to be stressed, to be tired, to be over-scheduled, but to hopefully also enjoy the holidays with family and friends)…” December is stressful. I know it doesn’t have to be, but no matter how many lists I write or how on top of it I try to be, there’s the time crunch of gift purchasing, cramming in as many traditions as possible, as well as just regular routines like school, work, and activities.

So, a couple of years ago, I pieced together some ideas from Pinterest as well as my own ideas for 25 Days of Kindness. You can find lots of calendars and lists, but I knew if this was going to be manageable for my family, I had to choose pretty practical ideas while keeping kindness and being helpful to others in the forefront of my kids’ minds. For example, we may not be able to volunteer at the Humane Society this month, but we can certainly wheel the neighbor’s garbage cans up!

Every year, we buy gifts for kids on the Angel Tree, and I love that we have that tradition. The 25 Days of Kindness allows us to teach our kids that it’s not only about the big gestures but the smaller ones as well.

  • Day 1 – Give someone a hug or a compliment
  • Day 2 – Let someone in front of you in line
  • Day 3 – Buy a friend or colleague (or teacher!) a cup of coffee
  • Day 4 – Hold the door open for someone
  • Day 5 – Give a friend or loved one your full attention
  • Day 6 – Tell a joke to make someone smile
  • Day 7 – Do something kind for yourself
  • Day 8 – Hide a happy note for someone to find
  • Day 9 – Donate unwanted books, clothes, toys to charity
  • Day 10 – Tape some money on a vending machine
  • Day 11 – Smile at a stranger (or 2!)
  • Day 12 – Let a car in front of you in traffic (or a person in front of you in line)
  • Day 13 – Write or send a thank you note to someone
  • Day 14 – Tell someone you love them
  • Day 15 – Pay for a stranger’s coffee
  • Day 16 – Give your teacher a gift to show you care
  • Day 17 – Feed animals (bird, deer, etc)
  • Day 18 – Do something unexpected for someone
  • Day 19 – Give a treat to your postal carrier
  • Day 20- Do a chore for someone else
  • Day 21 – Clean up a mess you didn’t make
  • Day 22 – Introduce yourself to someone new
  • Day 23 – Pick up litter in your neighborhood
  • Day 24 – Call a long distance relative
  • Day 25 – Reflect and record how much joy this season brought you

Other ideas:

  • Fill a bag of books to donate to the library
  • Write a nice sidewalk message with chalk
  • Make cards for nursing home residents
  • Mail a postcard to a friend or family member
  • Make a card for a school staff member
  • Collect loose change and donate it
  • Draw a picture for mom or dad
  • Help make dinner
  • Take supplies to an animal shelter
  • Pass out stickers
  • Bring up neighbor’s trashcans

I’ve done this where both kids have same kindness opportunity each day, but last year I had the list and let them choose (and then had them cross it off as to try something new each day). Are there days when we slack off? Yes. Are there days when we commit two or three acts of kindness to make up for lost time? Yes. The point is, kindness is made a priority during the hustle and bustle of the season…where, ironically, there are so many Grinches. Helping others is a focus that I hope doesn’t stop in December…but will also trickle into the new year and on and on and on.

This year, we’ve added a new act of service to our list. Next week, we are ringing the Salvation Army bells for an hour at our local grocery store. We are excited for that experience. (Well, I am…my kids have no choice ;), but I hope they are excited too!)

Have a great weekend! Next week is December…can you believe it?

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Posted in Books and Shows

November Book Review

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

It’s hard to believe that we are almost to Thanksgiving and wrapping up November. November and December are so hectic for most, so I tend to have less time to read, but I did read three books this month….and I’m almost finished with a fourth book, but I will save it for next month. In November, I read The Affair, The 13th Gift, and I finished reading The Residence which I’ve been reading off and on over the past couple of months.

The Affair

I read this book on my Kindle, and it was a quick read for me. The plot centers around, you guessed it, an affair. Kathy and Robert have been married for many years and while she raised the kids, he ran the business. Through the years, she suspects him of cheating, of which he’s denied. She does some investigating and finds out the truth. The book is also about other family relationships, growing as individuals and what that may mean for a relationship. I liked that the story was told from three points of view: the husband, the wife, and mistress. There are a few R rated scenes which isn’t surprising given the title and topic. The story did seem to kind of wrap up quickly for me…but as a reader, I also knew there must be more….hence the follow up, The Consequences, which I’ve already downloaded to my Kindle for future reading.

The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle

I loved this book. Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like random acts of kindness. In this true story, Joanne Huist Smith is struggling to find happiness and stay afloat after her husband’s death. She’s a full time working mom to three kids, and as the holiday season approaches, they are overcome with grief and wondering how they will get through the holiday while in their “new normal.” Then, twelve days before Christmas, gifts begin appearing on their doorstep each evening. As the days draw closer to Christmas, the family finds the spirit of the holiday and even come together to carry on traditions in the spirit of their lost loved one. This book was a quick read that just brings hope and restores faith in humanity!

The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House

This book is not necessarily something I would normally read, but I really loved it. I’m not one to read much about history, but the interviews and anecdotes woven through history made this book stand out to me. I did read this book over a couple of months…and not because I didn’t enjoy it. It was just easy for me to leave on my bedside table and read a bit at a time.

The Residence focuses on the service staff in the White House such as the butlers, maids, secretaries, and florists. The book provides the reader with insider information on the various Presidents and families who lived in the White House. I thought the traditions and relationships were interesting. For example, there was insight into the days following JFK’s assassination , how the family grieved, but also who the staff was there for them. Also, the protocol of moving one President out on Inauguration Day while moving the new President in was another great explanation. Also, the relationships between the staff and Presidential families as well as the formalities that come with living in the White House were all just very interesting. The reader learns about the Presidential eras of Johnson to Obama. While not usually a genre that I typically read, I’m glad that I took the time to read this book and learned quite a bit along the way.

Holiday Reads…

Last year, after reading one of Shay’s November blog posts, I decided to follow her suggestion and read holiday books in December. I’m doing the same thing this December, but thought I’d share my December list from last year.

In December of last year, I read:

  • Christmas Camp
  • Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe
  • Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery

I kicked off holiday reading this year with The 13th Gift and I’m almost finished with the first book in the Winter Street series….Winter Street.

Also on my list for December are:

  • Winter Stroll (book 2 of 4 in the Winter Street series)
  • One Day in December
  • The Christmas Sisters
  • The Christmas Room

It may be wishful thinking to get four books read this month, but I’m sure going to try!

I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday! I will be back on Friday with a post about kindness. ‘Tis the season (to be stressed, to be tired, to be over-scheduled, but to hopefully also enjoy the holidays with family and friends)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Posted in Meals and Recipes

Monday Meals

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Whew! The weekend flew by…and thankfully, it’s only a two day work week!

As I’ve mentioned before, one of my “go to” bloggers for recipe ideas is Shay at Mix and Match Mama. This past week, I made a few of her meals. I love that she posts recipes for Meal Planning Monday each week. I do my grocery shopping on Sundays, so I usually get an idea or two for the next week which makes me feel ahead of the game!

Last night, I made her Instant Pot: Chicken Tetrazzini, and it was delish!

The best thing about these ingredients? Travis made the trip to the store to purchase them…and not me! 🙂

Ingredients:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • about 2 cups of mushrooms, sliced
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (4 oz) jar of chopped pimentos, drained
  • 3/4 box of penne pasta (from a 16 oz box)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus a bit more to garnish
  • chopped parsley to garnish

Instructions:

Linked below

Chicken Tetrazzini Instant Pot Recipe
And we have enough for leftovers tomorrow night!

I’m also linking the other recipes of hers I made last week! All delish!

Beef and Rice Skillet SUpper
Quick Cajun Pasta
Turkey Tortilla soup

I know you’ll love all of these recipes! There isn’t a recipe of hers that I’ve made that my whole family didn’t enjoy! Have a great week!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#9}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

We’ve made it through the week. The week started off pretty rough for Hayden who was sick, but thankfully recovered in time for their birthday (and school field trip!) on Wednesday. We need the weekend to continue recovering as well as prepping for next week. Thankfully, next week is a short one.

Here are a few favorites from the week.

Wednesday was the kids’ birthday, and I wrote a post all about it 🙂 As I’ve mentioned, I’m big on birthdays, so of course their birthday is a favorite of mine.

The twins turn 10

This is the third year I’ve had a local yard letter company (Yard Card Barn) decorate our yard with Happy Birthday. It’s a fun surprise for the kids…and it also means I’ve kicked my birthday celebrations to the next level. haha. We have a decent sized front yard, so amazingly, the letters fit for Happy 10th Birthday Hayden and Hadley.

The weather was dreary, but the yard signs brightened the day for sure!

Wednesday evening, we headed to the UK vs Missouri volleyball game. Hands down, volleyball is my favorite sport to watch…college basketball is a close second. Being in CAT country, I was low key will my allegiance to MIZZOU, but proudly wore my Missouri hat. Kentucky came up with the win, but it was fun to cheer for both teams.

A new favorite product I’ve been loving has been this brightening eye balm by Tula. I know little to nothing about cosmetics and products, and once I find something I like, I usually stick to it. Landyn showcased this product on one of her Instagram stories a little bit ago. I had to run to Ulta last week, so I picked it up. I put it on under my eyes in the morning, and I love that it’s cool and adds an extra layer to make your skin and eyes look a little more awake.

Thanks to one of the link ups with other bloggers, I stumbled upon Dwelling in His Richness blog, and I liked the way Jill approached her Friday Favorites with:

Favorite pic, kid quote, clothing item, food, moment, and Favorite mom meme. I thought I’d give that format a try this week!

FAVORITE PIC

See above 🙂 Birthday pics!

FAVORITE KID QUOTE

On Wednesday, after his shower, Hayden asked for the nail trimmers. I was taken aback with him being proactive with his hygiene (haha), and he said, “Well, mom, I’m sure I will be shaving soon!” oh my!

FAVORITE CLOTHING ITEM

Traditionally, one of the kids’ birthday presents each year is Christmas pajamas. Some years other family members buy them, but this year, I saw “Kids’ Plaid Holiday Tartan Pajamas” from Wondershop at Target, and I picked them up for the kids. I bought Hayden the two piece (button down top with pants) and Hadley the nightgown version. ($14.99 each! and great quality!)

FAVORITE FOOD

This week, I tried a new meal for the family: Mix and Match Mama’s Turkey Tortilla Soup. It’s a crockpot recipe, so it was easy and delicious.

Turkey Tortilla Soup

FAVORITE MOMENT

Well, this week probably had favorite MOMENT(S)….with it being birthday time, we had a few extra things going on. Truly, it’s the little moments…like having lunch with Hadley on her birthday (Hayden was on the field trip) as well as seeing photos of Hayden on the field trip. He was so worried he’d still be sick, but I’m so glad it all worked out. While he was having fun, I ate lunch with Hadley and brought cookies she wanted to share with the class. And, don’t worry—her class went on the field trip on Thursday. For me, it’s the little moments like having lunch with my kids or receiving a fun picture that brighten my week.

Cookies for classmates and Field Trip fun!

FAVORITE MOM MEME

My mom sent this cartoon to my brother and me…it was true in the 80’s and still holds true today. haha.

That’s a wrap on this week. It was a busy but fun one! Don’t forget to check out Narci, Erika, and Andrea’s Friday Favorites.

Have a great weekend!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Posted in Holidays, Kids

Happy 10th Birthday

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Today’s the day….the T W I N S turn T E N! I can’t even articulate how quickly these 10 years have flown by. They’ve been the best, the hardest, and the most rewarding years of my life. I’m so lucky to be their mom.

Their due date was December 18, 2009. We knew I’d probably never make it to 40 weeks, and making it to 36 weeks was a blessing. I will never forget seeing their faces for the first time. The second they showed me Hayden, I teared up; he looked just like Travis. The nurse showed me Hadley for only about 10 seconds, so then my tears were for a different reason. During the pregnancy, Hadley consistently measured smaller than Hayden, but we were still surprised that she weighed in at only 4 lbs, and who knew the extra 7 oz Hayden was carrying would be enough for 4 lbs, 7 oz Hayden to come home with us after four days in the hospital. The NICU doctor told us Hadley would be in the NICU for 12-14 days. Well, day 13, she joined us at home.

The NICU nurses told us that premature baby girls tend to be more of the fighters compared to baby boys in the NICU, so I take it as a blessing and a sign that if one had to stay for a bit and one got to go home, the right baby stayed put to grow a bit more and the right baby got settled in at home.

It was tough being away from her while also juggling a newborn at home. When we brought her home, the NICU nurse said she’d most likely be the more independent one who wound fend for herself. Well, that nurse couldn’t have been more right.

These two captured our hearts from the beginning and certainly still carry the same qualities and features that they’ve had since the day they were born.

Sweet itty bitty babies…

Who turned into chubby cheeked toddlers and sweet spirited little ones…

who continued to emerge into the best little versions of themselves…

In honor of turning 10, I thought I’d share 10 things I love about each of my kids.

Hayden

  1. His love of reading. #hegetsitfromhismama
  2. His passion for sports. (any sport, all the time!)
  3. How he pronounces Hawaii “who why ee”
  4. He’s an introvert who pushes himself out of his comfort zone. #anotherattributefromhismama
  5. His attention to detail.
  6. He is a wonderful teammate. Nothing makes me happier than seeing him cheer on his team or high five a teammate.
  7. His inquisitive nature.
  8. That he says to his mama, “Give me a huggie!”
  9. That he is a creature of habit.
  10. That he is a homebody. (and proud of it!)
  11. B O N U S–he lets me call him Boo 😉

Hadley

  1. There is no bigger helper on this Earth than Hadley.
  2. She has the biggest heart and a knack for knowing when others need some extra love.
  3. She is a loyal friend.
  4. That she is the best mix of both tomboy and girly girl.
  5. She’s energetic times ten…always on the move and enthusiastic about life.
  6. That she’s outgoing as all get out. #didnotgetthisfromhismama
  7. Her ability to find the beat in any song and dance to it (as if no one is watching–but we are watching because she’s forever creating new dance routines to showcase for us)
  8. Her love of scrunchies and friendship bracelets #daugtherofan80sbaby
  9. Her love for little ones.
  10. Her bravery…(for example, sleep away camp for a week this past summer…) #shewasmuchbraverthanhermama
  11. B O N U S–she lets me call her Sis 😉

Homer says Happy 10th Birthday!

Hayden and Hadley,

I know you probably aren’t reading this, but please know…

You guys are the best and make us all so proud. Keep being kind, keep doing your best, and keep being there for each other …and we can’t wait to continue to watch you grow into the best big kids and teenagers (#prayforme) in the coming years. How are you already double digits?!?! #thetwinsturnten

Happy Happy Birthday.

I love you!

xoxo, Mom

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Posted in Weekend Top 5

Weekend Top 5

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Although, (per usual), we were busy this weekend, it wasn’t all about the athletic activities. We had a good mix of family time, down time, and even an adult night out with friends!

Friday evening started off with Hayden having an indoor soccer game against his bestie!

While Travis and Hayden were at the soccer game, Hadley and I went to the kids’ sitter’s performance.

Movement Continuum performed Neverland which also included aerialists. The music, the performance, and the aerialists captivated our attention the entire time! I’d never been to this theater and arts center downtown, and it was a special place to visit!

We’ve known our sitter since she was five years old, and dancing has always been a part of her life! Hadley was so excited to see her perform; she didn’t take her eyes off the stage for a second.

On Saturday, Hayden and Hadley celebrated their cousin’s 9th birthday! He’s one year and one day younger than Hayden and Hadley. Lots of November birthdays in this family.

Saturday night, we met up with friends for pizza and then went to an ax throwing place; it was definitely more fun than I thought it would be. We have some friends moving to Michigan soon, so this was a chance to get together with them and all hang out. Believe it or not, the guys organized this activity…haha…and someone suggested we wear plaid (flannel was a bonus) , and we were very committed to the Paul Bunyan lumberjack theme!

The ladies held their own!

I even got a bullseye! (It went downhill from there!)

I saw this idea on an Instagram story of a local cake decorator, and thought it sounded easy, fun, and delicious. I found the mini cast iron skillets on Amazon, and then just bought chocolate chip cookie dough to put in them and baked them for 12-15 minutes at 350 degrees. Then, we added a scoop of ice cream to the top. The skillet cookies were a great way to cap off our weekend!

Bonus

The highlight of Homer’s weekend was that we took him to get a bath and have his nails trimmed. Hadley was in charge of the water for 30 seconds and more water ended up out of the tub rather than in the tub…just ask Hayden 😂

I hope you have a great week!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Kids

Friday Favorites {#8}: birthday party part 2

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Believe it or not, it’s already Friday! I posted about the kids’ 10th birthday party with their friends for Let’s Look on Wednesday. I thought I’d wrap up the week with a Friday Favorites post that focuses on party #2 (family party)…because birthdays are my favorite!

I figured while the balloons were still flying, we’d go ahead and host our family for a small get together for the kids.

After the slumber party cleared out, I threw a couple of meals in the crock pots. Both meals I made were from Mix and Match Mama’s Simmers cookbook. I made the Chicken Tortilla Soup and the Potato Soup. Both are easy, delish, and serve quite a few people.

I also made salami/cream cheese/pickle roll ups and spinach artichoke dip for appetizers.

We love Nothing Bundt Cakes, so I was going to pick up one of their bigger bundt cakes for the family party BUT we had so much cookie cake left over from the sleep over party, that we decided to serve that. I did take the kids to Nothing Bundt Cakes for them to each pick a mini bundt cake for us to put candles in and sing Happy Birthday.

Hadley’s always big help with the decorations. We already had the balloons, so she helped me put streamers up wherever the kids wanted them. She also helped me put up the birthday banner. I made the banner when the kids turned three, and we’ve been using it every birthday since then…not sure if this will be the last year for it or not?

Every year, I order the kids a new birthday shirt with their age on it (again, this is probably the last year for it, but it’s been a fun tradition!) I did a Flashback Friday Favorites post on it, and it’s sweet to see them through the years!

This year’s shirts came from a shop on Etsy called ShopPsychobaby. They were cute, great quality, and arrived quickly!

The kids are saving for electronic items we will most likely never buy them (haha), so we kept it simple with the family party, and they received cash and gift cards.

Traditional bday shirts and 1-0 balloons
The birthday banner is hanging on !
Homer was excited for cake. He was better behaved during this party and didn’t eat any candles or lick any icing off the cake!
Happy Birthday time!

We had family from both sides as well as friends who we consider family to help celebrate.

crazy and cute cousins

That’s a wrap on the birthday parties. Their actual birthday is next week, and there are a few more traditions and surprises up my sleeve… #thetwinsturn10

Don’t forget to check our Narci, Andrea, and Erika’s Friday Favorites!

Have a great weekend!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Posted in Holidays, Kids, Let's look

Let’s Look: Birthday Parties- Part 1

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

This month’s Let’s Look is about entertaining ideas. Well, I just entertained twelve 4th graders last Friday for Hayden and Hadley’s upcoming 10th birthday….So…I thought I’d focus on that! haha

I still have one week to get used to the idea, but the twins are about to be 10…which I can’t even wrap my brain around. Where has the time gone?

I’ve always been big on birthdays, and I’ve always joked that my favorite holiday is my birthday (only to be corrected that my birthday is not actually a holiday 😂). So, with the kids, I have always made a big deal about their birthday. That being said, if I had two kids with two different birthdays or even a third kid, I probably wouldn’t have the energy to go all out like I tend to do. But that’s what moms do, right? Whatever makes the kids happy.

Once they turned three, I started hosting two parties….one for their friends and one for family. I just felt bad asking family to hang out at Chuck E Cheese as well as the fact that our house isn’t big, so having many adults and lots of kids, just didn’t seem like an enjoyable idea. Their friend parties vary year to year. With two very social kids (especially Hadley) who are involved in lots of activities, I’ve always had to cap their parties to a few friends. I’ve never been one to invite the whole class especially because they are in different classes…what would I do if 40 kids showed up?! haha.

I even went through a phase for a few years where I made homemade cakes for each of them…but that ship has sailed. Now, we order a cookie cake or ice cream cake and call it a day.

Shockingly, it was Hayden’s idea to have a sleepover, & Hadley wasn’t mad about the idea. Again, I always try to keep the number manageable and 12 kids wasn’t what I had in mind 😂 but the kids, and even Travis can be persuasive…and you know what? It all turned out just fine!

We ordered cookie cakes from Great American Cookie. Hadley chose the cutest cake with three girls in sleeping bags to stick with the sleepover theme. I thought for sure that Hayden would chose a cake with a basketball or soccer ball like usual, but he took one look at the cake with the white dog, and he thought it looked like Homer! They were very decisive about their cake designs.

Real talk: I took these pics before the guests came over. I like to have a little time with them before all the crazy ensues, and, yes…to get the cute non-chaotic pic too. BUT…good thing I did take the pics beforehand because while I went out to get pizza, Homer ate half of the ONE candle and we still can’t find the ZERO candle! Yikes.

Hayden wanted Homer to see a close up of his cake. Homer later took a lick off of the side of the cake while it sat on the counter (pushed back as far as I could push the cake…because we know how Homer can be!)

Kids are easy to please—pizza, chips, Capri Suns, and cookie cakes. I had picked up the T E N candles to use for the family party, and they came in handy as a back up.

After pizza and cake, we went to a local place called The Yard which is an indoor facility for baseball, soccer, and volleyball. I had never been there, but the kids have been there for indoor practices and sports evaluations, so Travis thought of the idea last week. It was a great way for them to burn energy. The girls passed the volleyball around while the boys played soccer. Then, Travis organized a few games of kickball…I was having flashbacks to elementary recess! Then, they all played one more game of soccer before we headed home a little after 9pm.

Fun crew!

Once we got home, the kids opened presents and then the boys went to the basement and the girls stayed upstairs. It must be all the rage to have a spa party in the 4th grade. Per usual, thank goodness for Amazon—nail polish, face masks, and eye masks, and the ladies turned back time and looked like they were 7 again!

Homer was the only boy allowed upstairs after 10 pm!

After the facials, the girls watched a movie while the boys stayed in the basement, ate chips, and watched a movie of the choice. (Pro tip: I put Homer’s bells that he rings to let us know he wants to go outside on the basement door handle…so I could hear the comings and goings of little people if they found themselves headed in the wrong direction!)

The kids were asleep around midnight and slept until almost 8! The girls would have slept longer had the boys not come upstairs. My friend texted me in the morning when I said they were still sleeping. She asked if I tranquilized them. haha…I told her I forgot to have the parents sign the waiver for melatonin! Actually, part of my strategy with the Friday night sleepover (plus taking them to The Yard) was I was hopeful they’d already be tired from the week!

Hadley’s sweet friend woke up as a 10 year old, so of course Hadley said her donut must have a candle!

Donuts, OJ, and apple juice for breakfast.

After breakfast, the girls painted their nails while the boys played football in the front yard…

Then, everyone gathered up their belongings as parents started arriving and I started prepping for the family party later on Saturday.

Overall, I’d say the party was a huge success…no drama, everyone slept at some point, and I think everyone had a good time! I sure hope they have wonderful memories of this sleepover party because it certainly won’t be an annual event! #thethingsyoudoforyourkids #thetwinsturnten

On Friday, I hope to share part two of the birthday celebration (family party!)

Don’t forget to check out Erika and Shay’s Let’s Look. Next month’s topic is Let’s Look At…gift wrapping station. (Not sure how much I will have to offer to that conversation as I am so unorganized when it comes to wrapping…and I don’t have a wrapping station!)

I hope you are having a great week!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Posted in Memes

Monday Memes: November

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Happy Monday! Whew…we had a hectic weekend (I feel like this is a trend), but it was a fun weekend filled with two (a bit early) birthday parties for Hayden and Hadley (one for friends and one for family…because that’s how I roll!) as well as a Girl Scout field trip.

So, I’m keeping today’s post short and sweet with some of my favorite memes.

This first meme is “so me!”…but I roll lots of what they “need” into birthday gifts as well.

This second meme is also very much me…I’m all about staying home and bonus if I don’t have to get out of my pjs.

This is how I feel every time I go to TJ Maxx, Target, and Home Goods.

This one just made me laugh…and it’s certainly how I feel when I ask my kids to take a shower or go to bed! Thankfully, I didn’t feel that way when we had 12 kids spending the next last Friday.

I loved this graphic about introverts. Sometimes I think introverts are misunderstood…myself included. Also, I think it’s important for those who have an introvert in their life to love, that they understand things introverts love.

With such a hectic weekend, I wish the next meme could be me today, but I need to get caught up on all the things. I’ve penciled in next Sunday for this meme to apply to me. haha

I hope you have a great week!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Traditions

Friday Favorites: Traditions {#7}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

What a crazy busy week it’s been…and I’m so glad that it’s Friday!

With a busy family and lots of activities, it’s the time of the year where I pencil in some of our traditions in order to make sure they continue! This got me thinking about some of our favorite traditions throughout the year….so I thought I’d share!

Winter

In December, we visit the Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park. Even when I was a kid, we’d visit lights at a nearby park, and I continued that tradition once Travis and I started dating…and of course continued it when we had kids. I may be wrong, but since 2002, I’m pretty sure the only year we missed driving through lights either in Missouri or at the Kentucky Horse Park was 2009….when I had one month old twins. Apparently, I was too sleep deprived and hormonal to ensure the tradition carried on that year. When we drive through the Kentucky Horse Park, the kids usually have hot chocolate and popcorn while Travis and I have coffee. We enjoy seeing the same lights each year along with new ones they’ve added in. Pro Tip: Go on a weeknight (it’s cheaper) but even better…a Monday night…less crowded. There are activities to do inside, but my kids don’t even realize you can go inside! haha.

A few Christmas traditions include seeing Santa (of course), building a gingerbread house (from a kit—I’m no over-achiever!), and we usually take one evening in December to go out somewhere and let the kids pick a Christmas gift out for each other (to be opened Christmas morning) followed by dinner out at a restaurant. We also go together to purchase gifts for kids on Lexington’s Angel Tree.

We typically visit my family in Kansas City for Christmas. During that time, we make our family’s traditional German waffle cookies. The waffle iron was brought to the United States by my ancestors, and it’s over 100 years old (and very heavy!) Also, we try to visit the Plaza Lights in KC which was a tradition my family had when I was a kid.

Since the kids were little, on the first snow day of the school year (we usually have at least have one—and some years ten!), I make snowman pancakes. We always have pancake mix on hand anyway as well as bacon and marshmallows (for hot chocolate), so I just make sure to have a pack of M&Ms for eyes, nose, and buttons. I’ve even used a leftover candy cane from the holidays for a scarf. The kids always enjoy this breakfast, and we are all excited when we get an unexpected day off from school!

Another favorite tradition we’ve been doing for years is tubing at Perfect North with two of our favorite families. It’s gotten a lot more fun now that the kids can lug around their own tubes!! 😉

This Santa is always the best…and there’s always a long line!
The kids are almost too big for Santa’s lap…not sure how many years we have left.

Spring

In the springtime, I always look forward to St. Patrick’s Day. Growing up, we’d always have cornbeef and cabbage as well as Irish Soda Bread. So, I make all of that each year, and we all love it.

There’s nothing better than Keeneland Horse racing in April and October. We used to have all the free time in the world to go with friends, tailgate, and make a day (or two) of it at the track. Now, a free afternoon takes lots of planning, but we try to make it happen.

And…Travis is always super busy with work at Oaks and Derby time, but I enjoy going to Oaks Day with him. The city of Louisville certainly comes alive during that week.

Just like I take beginning of the school year photos, I also take end of the year photos as well. I clearly remember the last day of school when the kids were in kindergarten…unprompted, they high-fived each other by the school sign. So, of course, now I make them do that each year…they love me (hate me) for making them do it. Only a couple more years of elementary school (insert sad face). Even the school’s crossing guard knows I’m going to take the beginning and end of the year photos.

Then, we always go out to dinner on the last day of school with one of our friends. Considering how busy we all are, I really don’t know how we’ve kept this tradition alive, but I’m glad that we have.

Summer

When I was thinking of summer traditions, I totally blanked. We must not have very many, but of course, we go on vacation and also have a neighborhood get together at the end of the summer.

On the 4th of July, I always make red, white, and blue waffles. Easy and delicious.

Fall

Even though it’s 90 degrees when it’s time to go back to school, I still consider that fall. Back to school means my back to school breakfast for the kids. Of course, that’s when I get the first day of school photo too.

Back to school breakfast
First Day of School Pics

In the fall, we always make a trip to the orchard to pick out pumpkins and get apple cider donuts.

The families in our neighborhood try to get together to carve pumpkins a few days before Halloween. We hosted this year. Chili, hot apple cider, and parents doing all the carving…what’s not to love?

Once November hits, it’s all things birthday for Hayden and Hadley. I buy their birthday shirt and we start planning the party.

Birthday shirt tradition

One More Tradition…

One of my favorite traditions is the “You are Special” red plate. We had one of these growing up that my mom would use for our dinner when we accomplished a goal, had a good day, or had something to celebrate. A few years ago, she bought one for my family, and I love keeping this tradition alive. This week, the kids each used it for dinner one day to congratulate them on a successful cross country season as well as good grades on their report cards. I put Trav’s dinner on it one evening as a thank you from the kids for being their cross country coach as well as for working so hard during the horse sales this month.

Real talk: I used to be much better about using this plate for celebrations, but sometimes I end up using it to celebrate many things at once because time has slipped away.

Red plate

I feel like I’m forgetting a tradition or two, but I love keeping these traditions alive for my family. What traditions do you have with your family?

Don’t forget to check out Narci, Andrea, and Erika’s Friday Favorites.

Have a great weekend!

Jen

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