Month: April 2025

Posted in Friday Favorites, Travel, Uncategorized

Friday Favorites {#253}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Well, all good things must come to an end. Today is our last day of spring break. Of course, we have the weekend left, and I need it!

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week.

The first favorite is that we’re a week out from Trav’s surgery, and he’s doing great. He’d been having A-fib episodes, so we’re hoping the heart ablation will put those at bay. My friends were a huge help last Friday…from school pick up, track meet drop off, dinner and cookie deliveries, prayers, and texts, we felt the love and support.

Now, on to spring break…

This week, we spent a few days in one of our favorite places…Isle of Palms, SC (and the Charleston area). This vacation was only a “go” if Trav was feeling up to it, and it worked out for us to leave for SC on Monday.

We had friends who’d planned on staying in Charleston, so Hadley rode down with them last Saturday, so she’s had a couple of extra days of fun.

It was pretty blustery when we arrived on Monday afternoon, but by Tuesday, the sun was shining and it was less windy.

I’m sure I will do a more formal recap although with being there three full days, we didn’t do a ton and tried to relax as much as possible.

We’ve been to this area a few times through the years. The last time we were here was 2021, and it’s been great to be back.

Here are a few favorite pics from the week:

Coffee with a view.

Fun with friends:

…and family…

Sunshine & reading:

Favorite Mom Meme:

Turns out kids don’t pick up after themselves on vacation either 🤣

On this trip, the kids each had their own rooms and they definitely settled in like they were at home. Haha

They’ll help get everything picked up and tidy before we leave today.

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

We’ve visited Folly Beach/Isle of Palms/Charleston quite a times through the years. This pic from our first visit with the kids in 2011 will always be a fave. I actually have it in a little frame in the kids’ bathroom.

Weekly Recap:

I only had a couple of posts this week:

Prime purchases
Let’s Look

Share Our Lives:

Our monthly Share Our Lives link up is on Monday. This month’s topic is…creative outlets/free time. We’d love for you to link up with us and/or read our posts.

Well, while it did feel like a long wait for our spring break to arrive, now it’s mid-April with about six weeks of school left! I’m grateful for the weekend to get my suitcase unpacked, do laundry, meal plan and prep for the week ahead.

Thanks for reading,

Posted in Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, as usual, I can’t believe it’s already the second Wednesday of the month. That being said, since this week is spring break, I’m happy that it’s a different kind of Wednesday!

I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.

So far this year, we’ve looked at…

  • Low level goals for 2025 in January
  • How you work on your marriage in February
  • How you reset for the week on Sunday in March

This month’s topic is…maintaining friendships.

First and foremost, I’m so thankful for my friends. At this point in life, I have work friends, neighbors who are friends, friends from my kids’ activities, “Mom” friends and my truest friends are probably the core group of use whose kids hang out together the most.

I have a “core group” at school and I have a “core group” of friends like the ones we travel with for fall break. These are the same people who I can depend on for carpool, call when I’m worried about something, vent to, have a glass of wine with, play a card game, and so much more.

Occasionally, we’ll get together to play a game or reconnect in the summer at the pool. We stay in touch mostly via text messaging just organizing rides for our kids, sharing sports schedules, planning a time to get together, or bumping into each other at the gym or while out for a walk.

Trav has friends from his childhood and even college who he’s very close with, and they’d do anything for each other. Many of those friends’ wives were my first friends when I moved to Kentucky, and I will always be grateful for their warm welcome when I knew no one after moving here. Sometimes, I wished I’d been able to maintain closer friendships with high school and college friends.

When I moved to Lexington when I did, I barely had a cell phone, and Facebook wasn’t a thing. Then, like what happens in life, you just get busy and time slips away. Also, KC isn’t just a few hours away…it’s nine! So, when I get to KC, it’s usually just for a few days, and I end up spending time with family. I love keeping up with childhood and college friends thanks to social media and texts, so it does feel like we’re connected in that way.

Once the kids hit school age, it was very important for me to be in a neighborhood in which we wouldn’t want to move, would have great schools, be close to whatever we need, and more. I moved when I was in the 7th grade, and it all ended up being ok…but middle school is a hard phase in life to move. I wanted the kids to have the same friends from kindergarten like Trav did, and we moved to this house the year before they started kindergarten.

I know friendships change, but both of my kids have a really solid group of friends, and some of their parents are some of my best friends. I appreciate our “mom gang” group text as well as the smaller group texts too. Right now, the “middle school moms” group text, that isn’t used as often these days, is a buzz with the driving permit info. It’s just nice to know that there are so many awesome people I can turn to if I need anything from a cup of sugar to a car ride for my kids.

In some ways, right now it’s hard to maintain friendships just being busy with all the kids’ activities. That being said, I know true friends will always be there. I still have great friends whose kids don’t go to school with my kids anymore, but we pick up right where we left off when we see each other. I know, in the future, out calendars all won’t be dictated by our kids’ schedules…the day we don’t have to schedule carpool…wow! Hold me! It’s coming in the next year or so.

I’m ready for summer and hanging at the pool and just having a bit more downtime to see friends who we don’t get to see as often as we’d like to. Plans seem to fall into place a bit more naturally in the summer.

Also, I have to admit that since I am an introverted homebody, when I’m home, I want to stay at home. I also know that I need to get out a bit more sometimes, and I will do that too.

I don’t have a secret for maintaining friendships, but I’ve figured out quality over quantity, and that loyalty is the greatest attribute that I look for in a friend…well, that and sarcasm! We can’t take ourselves too seriously!

Posted in Amazon

Prime Purchases

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Our weather was so dreary here! Let’s just say that spring break hasn’t started with sunshine!?

Thanks so much for the prayers and good vibes from Travis on Friday. His surgery went well, and he’s been recovering this weekend. Hopefully, he’s good to go!

It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’m sharing my Amazon purchases.

I included this meme because it’s the other way around…Trav has had some Amazon purchases lately. haha

Hadley and I went to Louisville a couple of weeks ago for my niece’s bridal shower. I think this was the first time I’ve ordered from an Amazon wedding registry, and I ten out of ten recommend.

On her registry, she had these freezer trays for meal prep, and…

...this three tiered serving tray. The tray brought back a memory I’d forgotten about….just that we had a three tiered tray on our wedding registry. I still occasionally use it and…twenty years later, I’m buying a serving tray for the flower girl in my wedding.

Travis and Hayden have been getting into my workout bands, and I needed a new set. Truly, I’d had my other set for a few years, but they’ve been using a few bands, and where have they gone? Probably in Hayden’s track bag or somewhere, but not where they are supposed to be. So, I actually ordered two sets…one for me, and one for them.

I needed a new pill box, so I ordered this colorful one.

My new set of jumbo paperclips have been the perfect replacement for the ones that I’ve apparently used or lost this year!

I already had this sweater in beige, and I ordered another in black. It’s the perfect staple and amazing quality. The price…less than $15. Can you believe it? Again, ten out of ten recommend.

So, I have this blouse in another color that I ordered it last year. I wear it a lot in the fall and spring. Well, I ordered the blue and white stripe, but bonus…this version has pockets!

I bought these linen pants in gray last summer, and then ordered them in navy recently. They have been perfect to wear to school with both of the tops above.

My favorite tumbler was on sale, so I ordered the “sea glass sage” color. I’m still using my lilac one, but since I’ve used it every day for almost two years, it’s been dropped, dinged and scratched a few times. The Simply Modern brand has sooo many cute colors and patterns.

Trav ordered Hayden some socks because he can never have too many!

I’m not sure how much I will post this week, but for sure I’ll be back for Friday Favorites!

What’s your latest Amazon purchase?

{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#252}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Well, we’ve made it to the finish line of the week, and now it’s time for spring break. I’ve mentioned before, but our break usually would have been this week. I’m not sure why our district pushed it a week, but let’s just say we’re all feeling it! The wheels have fallen off the (school) bus. haha

Anyway, as always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week:

Last Friday, Trav and Hayden headed to Indianapolis to watch UK play Tennessee.

They had good seats, and even though the CATS didn’t pull out a win, they still had a good time. Hayden’s text to me was that he was thankful they didn’t lose in the first round. He’s maturing!

While they were gone, I took Hadley to get her nails done, and then we went out to dinner. We got home in time to watch the game on TV.

On Saturday, we headed to Louisville for my niece’s bridal shower. Hadley hadn’t been to a bridal shower, and I hadn’t been to one in quite some time. She asked what we’d do there…

I was correct with my response…eat some food, chat, play a few games, watch her open presents, eat some cake and head home! It was a busy Saturday but a good one.

Our hall bathroom is officially gutted, and Travis and I need to finalize some decisions, so we went to Lowe’s on Sunday. I’m the worst at making these types of decisions. Nothing will paralyze me more than staring at paint and tile samples. haha

The same friend that helped me with Hadley’s room refresh gave us a few ideas which I appreciate.

It’s a new month, so I shared a few new book trackers to my Instagram page. Feel free to use them and don’t forget to tag me!

Not a favorite, but we ended up in the basement at 2:15 am Wednesday night/Thursday morning. Travis and I woke up to our phones going off alerting us of a tornado warning. Hadley woke up too, so we got Hayden up, coaxed Homer out of bed and took shelter.

We were down there for about 45 minutes staying updated, but definitely a favorite was no damage for us. That being said, we’ve gotten so much rain with more on the way today….and we were all exhausted yesterday.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This is so true…and really resonating during track season with about four minutes of turnaround time at home to get changed and to the meet in time for warm-ups.

Weekly Recap:

I had a couple of posts this week:

Monthly Moments: March
Wednesday HodgePodge

This meme made me laugh and I think this can be me this weekend, but…

…before the downtime, Travis is having surgery today. I’d appreciate the extra prayers for him today. We’re ready to get this procedure in the rear view mirror.

I have a few posts scheduled for next week, and I hope you enjoy your weekend.

Take care,

Posted in This and That

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday! I hope your week is off to a great start.

I’m linking up with Joyce for this week’s edition of Wednesday Hodgepodge.

This week’s prompts have a few April Fools related ones…

Our spring break isn’t until next week, and I know it’s always typically been this week because we’re never in school on April Fool’s Day!! I did survive yesterday without any student tricks!

1. No foolin’! April is here. What’s one fun thing on your April calendar?

Spring break is always a highlight in April. Whether we are at home or away for a few days, spring break is always a favorite. It’s nice to have some time at home or getting out of town for a few days.

Last year, we went to Washington, DC and had a great time.

Also, I love Keeneland in April; I hope we’re able to get out there for some races this month.

2. It’s often said, ‘A fool and his money are soon parted’…what’s the last thing you wasted your money on?

Has anyone heard for the website PinkLaura? There was an add on Facebook, and the lady was sharing about this cute dress, so I ordered it. It took about a month to arrive….and then the material definitely wasn’t what I expected. I always check return policies before ordering, and when I emailed customer service like the site says, the email kicked back. Thankfully, I didn’t spend much more than $30! I will probably try to wear it a time or two and then donate it. I’m annoyed and not sure why I ever “cheated” on my favorite shop…SSYS. They would never steer me wrong like this site did.

Screenshot

3. April 2nd is National DIY day. Are you a do-it yourself kind of person or maybe you’re married to one? If so, what’s the last thing you DIY-ed? If you’re not a DIY-er, what’s the most recent job you had to hire someone to complete?

I’m not really a DIY-er, but years ago, I went through a crafting phase where I made a few Christmas decorations and wreaths. I also had a (few) moment(s) with chalk paint. I still like chalk paint and think it’s easy to use, but just haven’t had any projects.

Travis isn’t a DIY-er, but he likes to take care of whatever he can himself. We’re just getting started updating our hall bath…and the first step is demo…and Travis and a neighbor started that over the weekend. There’s currently a dumpster in my driveway for the next couple of days.

I will keep you posted with the progress! We’ve lived in our house for ten years, and this is the final project to update. That being said, after living in our house for ten years, it’s basically time to circle back to some of our initial projects.

In recent years, we updated Hadley’s room last year and added shiplap to our living room wall three years ago.

4. Do you eat lamb ? If so, do you have a favorite dish that calls for lamb?

Is a gyro lamb? I quick Google search said yes but also other meats as well? I love a gyro, but haven’t had lamb otherwise. Or, maybe I’ve never eaten lamb if that’s not what a gyro is?! haha

5. Do you fit a stereotype in some way? Explain.

I’m not sure? I guess it depends on who you ask? A couple of weeks ago, I had a student ask me my favorite shows, and mentioned some shows on Netflix and The Real Housewives, and she said that sounded like “basic mom” shows…That sounds harsher than I think she was trying to be. haha

Teens…they give their opinions, even when you aren’t asking for them.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Amy’s “Leaving Space” post yesterday got be thinking about ways that I “leave space” in my day. As I often share, getting up 45 minutes to an hour before the rest of my house really starts my day off right. I need quiet and calm before a busy day. I’ve been so tired the past few weeks, and I’ve been hitting snooze. Yesterday, I was dozing back off and reminded myself how much I needed my morning quiet time…so I got up.

I’ve also been intentional with “making space” in my day to get some steps in. My goal most days is 8,000 steps, and the past couple of nights when I’ve been a couple thousand steps shy of my goal, I’ve made the decision to go for a walk to get the steps in. Even at 8:00 at night, when I’d rather put on my pjs, I’ve gone for a walk to reach my goal.

And…after doing my annual(ish) dresser and closet “purge,” I have more space which is so nice. My closet and drawers are still full, but here’s space now which is less overwhelming when putting away clothes or making choices on what to wear for the day.

What about you? How do you “make space” in your day?