Hello and happy Friday!
This my last official Friday of school, and it’s the first day of final exams. Nothing like a wonky schedule to make everyone feel even more off kilter as we wrap up the year. We still have two more days after Memorial Day. I feel like we should always be finished before Memorial Day weekend.
Also, there’s still a whole week of May left, and I feel like “Maycember” has already done me in.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Another week of track being a favorite. Last Saturday was the regional race, and both kids ran. Hayden had the 1600m, and Hadley ran the 4×200 and the 400m race. I hate for Hayden that his season ended without a PR. While his time is great by most everyone’s standards, he was aiming for under 4:40 and didn’t get close to that time.
Hadley’s relay team ran well, and Hadley had almost a two second PR in the 400m. We’ll find out for sure soon, but she’s mostly headed to the state meet in both events.
I know I share a lot about their athletic accolades, but they know that what’s important is getting good grades, being polite, helping others, being a good teammate, being a gracious winner and loser, and always trying their best. I promise, it’s not all about the athletics in our house.
One thing they don’t tell you about having twins is how hard it is when one struggles and the other succeeds. I’ve always said that I’m thankful that my twins are boy/girl because if they were boy/boy or girl/girl, I’d probably compare them more. Even now, for example with track, one runs longer distance and one runs shorter distance. That being said, as you know, Hayden runs year round and Hadley runs just during the spring. So, I know he was bummed about how his season ended, but I know he’ll rally to support his sister in a couple of weeks at state. It’s just hard seeing your kids feeling defeated when they’ve worked really hard, but they have great perspective on it all. Some athletes run to be a part of team, others run for health reasons, some run for fun and others are a little more competitive and all of those athletes have a spot on the track team…which is one of the reasons I love track season. That being said, track season is long, y’all!
Another favorite this week was seeing so many peonies at Trader Joe’s.
Of course, I picked up a bouquet as well as this candle. I hadn’t seen the garden party scent before, but it’s lovely!
Homer is always a favorite. The other night I was home alone and couldn’t find Homer. I called for him with no luck. I checked outside one more time and then I spotted him in Hayden’s room! I think I interrupted his nap.
Fave Outfit:
I know last week that I shared about my new Target “wide leg sailor” jeans/pants that I got in blue and beige.
Well, on Monday I wore the beige ones with this new button down Amazon sweater, and I got so many compliments on my outfit!
This is one of those light weight sweaters that is perfect for spring and summer, and now I want it in another color.
(Sizing note – I’d say the sweater is true to size. I did size up one because if I think something is going to be fitted/tighter on my chest, that’s what I do. I’m assuming I could have ordered my regular size based on how this one fits, but this one fits just fine…it fits, but it’s not too loose if that makes sense) (Also, the pants come in so many colors if you are interested, just an FYI)
Also, a skinnier sandal (like the ones in the pic with the blue pants) would have been better suited for these pants, but my feet needed more support that day, and these sandals continue to be a fave.
Favorite Milestone…
At least I think it’s a favorite…is we have two new drivers in the house. This past week, both kids passed their permit test.
The state of Kentucky recently passed the age for permit test from 16 to 15. I was 15 1/2 when I got my permit, and then we could get our license at 16. Since my kids are almost 15 1/2, I felt somewhat ok with moving forward with this process. Also, this summer, we’ll have a bit more time for them to practice driving.
I truly can’t believe we are here. I’ve told the story before that when we found out we were having twins, the first words I said to the doctor were, “When they turn 16, will we have to buy two cars?” I’m not sure why I thought sixteen years ahead, but wow…that feels like yesterday! Also, no, we aren’t getting two cars any time soon! Thankfully, they’re used to sharing what they need to share.
I thought I was ready for this, but it turns out that I’m actually not!
Favorite Mom Meme:
Please tell me this will get easier…
Like for real….will I ever feel at peace about this?!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday”
Take me back to the only “car” they wanted to “drive” was attached to a grocery cart!
Weekly Recap:
I had a few posts this week in case you missed one:
I hope you have a wonderful three day weekend. We don’t have much on tap which is exactly what we need. Hadley has big plans to make her first drive to Starbucks. Oh, how exciting!
showmeandsweettea.com 
I promise driving with them will get easier but it definitely takes time! I am very comfortable being the passenger now when my boys’ drive but it was very nerve wracking in the beginning.
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It’s a very different experience with both kids but I know it will get better. We haven’t had much this week in the evenings which has been a good time to go out with less traffic. I can’t imagine the day when they can drive on their own!
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So this was the deal in our house – I *didn’t* teach the kids to drive. I did not get into the car with teenage drivers (they all got their permits at 15) unless their dad was in the front seat with them. I tried really hard with #3 and just couldn’t do it. I MIGHT have let #2 drive to school since I was teaching at their school and we left so early in the morning. . .and, to this day (they are all in their 20’s) she is the only one without a “recorded” accident – ha! It is the one thing as a parent that I am uber-grateful I did not have to do.
Twins or not, it is very hard – at any age – to see your kid work incredibly hard at something just to not “make it” – the team, the prize, the job, the invite. . .but realy that’s what makes the stronger too, right? The great thing is, he understands what it takes for his sister to compete at the state level more than most and will be SO PROUD of her when she is out there. And then it will be HER turn to cheer him on. . .the expectation is that twins will advance at the same rate, but we all know that age is just a number. We encouraged sports all through the school years – it teaches everything you talked about. . .hard work, leadership, discipline, choices, support, taking turns, managing emotions and time. . .congrats on ALL their accomplishments!!
I’ve been so busy the last few weeks so not much time to read blogs and definitely not time to write my own. Wanted to make sure I found time today to check in with my favorites and see what is going on. Have a wonderful long weekend – in Ohio we never got out of school until the first week of June and Memorial Day Weekend being earlier this year just makes everyone FEEL like it’s a longer school year. I know you’re looking forward to the end – you’re almost there!! Hope you have LOTS of good things on your radar to look forward to.
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Ohh! Thank you for reading /commenting 🙂
And yes – my brother said “I’m not sure your mental stress is worth trying to take this on” 🤣he’s not wrong! So far we haven’t really left the neighborhood, and I’ve done better with each ride along. Hadley seemed a bit more ready to venture out farther and we had a nice drive last night. Right now, it’s definitely key to not have both in the car at the same time but Hayden watching Hadley drive might help him stay calm when it’s his turn to drive. I did get the name of a brave soul who gives driving lessons so that might be on our summer to do list.
Thank you for the kind words about Hayden and him supporting Hadley. You are so right how it’s hard to see them struggle but it’s part of it.
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oh boy- the driving! Buckle up Mama- definitely mixed feelings but wishing them safety and success! Love the peonies and that candle looks interesting too 🙂
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Thanks! I know you’ve been there!
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Summer is a good time to practice, but driving to school and home from school also is really good because they will be doing it.
This was the most terrifying part of parenting for me.
Tom was definitely the better instructor.
I hope they both feel that they’ve had a good year! They have grown up so much!
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I do think Travis might be better suited for this endeavor but I feel like he needs to talk/instruct more. The teacher in me wants to talk through every curve in the road 🤣 it’s the teacher in me!
I do think they’ve had a great year 🙂
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I hope the last day of school goes well and the exams too.
Well done to the kids with the running! Even though Hayden didn’t get a PR he does amazingly well!
Those Peonies are so pretty and I love the sound of the candle.
Well done to the kids for passing their permit test. That is crazy to think kids are allowed to learn to drive when they are 15. It’s 17 here. Good luck to them.
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15 feels young. I’m glad mine are at least halfway to 16 before starting this 🤣thanks for the kind wishes!
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I get a similar feeling even with my two boys being 5 years apart. Now that the younger one is doing well in t-ball, I wonder if we didn’t push our older son enough to excel in something. But it’s a fleeting thought because I know they are different kids and even if we did the exact same things with each, they would still have different skills and interests.
I love the pic of the kids in the little plastic car!! Good luck to you all (!) with the driving adventures.
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My brother and I were always so different…no real comparisons and with twins, I’ve always leaned in to they’ve been very different from day one. This end of season track situation just stung a bit. Oh what I wouldn’t give for them to kids to be back in the shopping cart. Haha
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I was just telling a friend this week that hands down teaching my daughter to drive was the hardest part of parenting that I went through. She is 21 and I still feel a loss of control when she is driving. She says her friends think her driving is fine but I just hold on for dear life. 😂
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By far, this is the stage that I feel the least prepared for. I’m definitely putting on a brave face!
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I didnt knwo you could find cut peonies so easily – I need somoe – they’re my favorite. My mom has a bush but I cant cut them to bring in because all of the ants. EWWWW
I have 2 grandsons who are getting their licenses & its just something on the mind to know they’re behind the wheel.
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I can’t imagine when mine drive off on their own.
We have a cone hydrangea bush that I cut from in the summer but I always have to look for bugs 🙂
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