jgalvinwhite

May: What I’ve Been Reading

Posted on May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday! I read three books this month, so I thought I’d share those with you today!

Two Girls Down

I enjoyed Two Girls Down by Louisa Luna as it was a good mystery/thriller type read. Two sisters go missing in a strip mall, and their family hires a bounty hunter named Alice Vega who enlists the help of a former cop, Max Caplan. The two work together to try to find the girls before time runs out. Of course, there are some twists and turns as well as lies and deceit. It was definitely a page turner of a book that I enjoyed.

The Southern Side of Paradise

This book is the third and final book in the Peachtree Bluff series. I loved this series by Kristy Woodson Harvey so much. I love how the book ended, but I hate to see the series wrap up! All three books are perfect vacation/summer reads, for sure.

As with the other books, Ansley and her three adult daughters are the main characters. Ansley has found happiness and feels like life is pretty perfect, but secrets come to life and there’s a health scare with of the one daughters, Emerson. The bond of these sisters and the ups and downs in each of their lives continue to provide tension but also bring them closer together. Of course, the small town charm can’t be beat. This series, set in the south, is definitely one of my faves!

Defending Jacob

So, a friend of mine recommended Defending Jacob on Apple TV. Then, later, another friend mentioned that it’s a book as well. My library had the Kindle version available, so I downloaded the book and read it in a matter of days.

Jacob’s father, Andy Barber, is the assistant district attorney in Massachusetts and the whole town is shocked when his son, 14-year-old Jacob, is accused of killing a classmate. Andy has hidden some of his past that comes to light as his son goes to trial. The book (and the series) do keep you guessing as to if Jacob is innocent or guilty.

I was about 80% finished with the book and really wanting to find out the final verdict but then there were even more twists and turns!

Since we only recently got Apple TV, there were already five episodes of those show, and I watched them over a couple of days. A new episode is released every Friday, and I believe today’s released episode will be #8. The acting in the series is so good…the actors have me hooked! The series stays pretty close to the book which made the book an even quicker read for me. Well, I know how the book ends…so I can’t wait to see it play out on the small screen! I definitely recommend this book and this series!

Have you read any good books lately? Let me know!

I hope you have a great weekend, and happy reading!

Kids, School

4th Grade Wrap Up

Posted on May 28, 2020May 28, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Well, yesterday was the last day of school! It was certainly an emotional and fun last day for Hayden and Hadley.

Of course, we’ve been distance learning since March, but I was so impressed with the extra opportunities the teacher provided their students in the past week.

Last week, the music teacher hosted a Virtual Talent Show. Hadley (with the help of Hayden) had Homer do some tricks! Hadley filmed Hayden’s pitching in the backyard. They had a great time seeing what other students shared as their talents.

Also, last week, the school hosted a virtual International Week. Usually, there’s an International Night in the spring, so they modified some of those activities and students learned about different countries and continents each day and there was a video of a “Parade of Nations” with pictures of students representing their various home nations.

On Tuesday this week, the teachers provided a link for a virtual field trip to Ft. Harrod which was a trip they were to have taken in April. They viewed the video and interviews and had a discussion about colonial Kentucky. Of course, it wasn’t the same as actually going on the field trip, but I appreciated that they still planned the experience for the students.

Yesterday, the last day of school, they each had their final Google meeting followed by a virtual field day. Honestly, both my kids were pretty sad, Hadley in tears and Hayden pretty quiet, when their meetings ended. Hadley was so sad not to have a normal goodbye, and I think Hayden felt the same way, but in his own quiet way. While my heart hurt for them, I am proud that they care about their school, their classmates, and their teachers to miss what’s “normal” to them.

Transitioning to the field day fun helped them ease into summer! I think Hadley’s class ended up “winning.”

Here are my traditional end of the school year pics!

Hadley has grown (literally taller!) but also has matured so much this year!

Hayden continues to push himself out of his comfort zone and tends to be a quiet leader.

First day of school vs. last day of school. They look so much older to me with the comparison!

In kindergarten and first grade, the kids went to after school care. I remember picking them up on the first day of kindergarten and “making” them take a picture in front of the school. Then, they naturally high-fived each other…so now I make them do that every year! Hadley appreciates a tradition…Hayden grumbles at my requests! 😂

Then, it was time for field day. On their Google Classrooms, there were links posted on the pics (the graphic in the middle of collage) with activities. Then, we took a pic of the kids doing the activities, sent the pictures to their teachers, and that’s how their classes earned points. All the activities took about 45 minutes or so. The kids definitely had fun! (and, of course, Hayden accused Hadley of cheating! 🤨)

Then, a few moms got together for some social distance silly string and water balloons for the kids. The activities definitely brightened their mood and were a great way to kick off summer.

This year was the first year our school has used the Dojo app. Who knew at the beginning of the year how much we would rely on it for communication?! The teachers and administrators did an amazing job communicating with us throughout distance learning and the sweet messages from the teachers yesterday had me tearing up.

When we picked up the kids’ supplies, each teacher had put a little gift in the kids’ bags. This sweet gesture made both of them smile.

My kids are far from perfect. I promise…but of course, they make me proud. Third grade was a huge adjustment last year as it was the first year of them earning grades, there’s state testing, other assessments, etc. Fourth grade felt like an easier year as they were used to the expectations but they also had more opportunities as older kids in the school.

Both kids ran for their school’s cross country team this year (coached by their dad!) and earned awards for their Science Fair Projects. Hadley joined Academic Team for the third year in a row and as a 4th grader, she was able to join chorus. Both kids ended the year on the Honor Roll…which earned them the red plate for dinner and breakfast at home!

That being said, I’m the most proud of them for trying new things, being a good friend, being respectful, and trying their best. (The last one is a work in progress…😉)

I’ve chatted with other mom friends about while this time has seemed surreal, and at times overwhelming, I will forever look back on this time and cherish it. I never stayed home with the kids. I chose to continue my teaching career (which was best for all involved!), so I’ve always treasured my summer time with them…and now I can add this time to my memories as well.

I have the best seat in the house to watch them dream, believe, and achieve.

I can’t believe in a year they will be in middle school #omg and then I will blink and they will be graduating high school!

Here are their thoughts on the 4th grade.

End of the school year interview

I hope everyone has had a great end of the school year wrap up and an even better summer.

Have a great weekend,

What's up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday

Posted on May 27, 2020May 26, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday…also known as our last day of school! We are ready for summer, for sure! Since it’s the last Wednesday of the month, it also means that Shay and Sheaffer host this fun link up. As always, I thought I’d join them.

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK:

Sunday – Travis picked up steaks to grill and twice baked potatoes from a local place. Both were so delicious!
Monday- We grilled out with a few neighbors. Everyone brought their own food. We had brats and hot dogs, watermelon, and I made this delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It was so good!
Tuesday- I kept it easy with a frozen pasta meal and side salad.
Wednesday – Tonight, I’m going to tryout this new taquito recipe with Trader Joe’s Mexican Street corn (my fave!)
Thursday – Most likely taquito leftovers with chips and guac!
Friday and Saturday – We’ll carry out food to continue to support local restaurants.

This chicken Caesar pasta salad was so good!

WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:

With today being the last day for 4th grade…how is that even possible?!? I’m definitely reminiscing about how quickly these elementary years are flying by! Hayden and Hadley only have one more year at our beloved elementary school. We’ve been so blessed with our elementary experience.

WHAT I’M LOVING:

I’m loving slowly getting back into the swing of things. I’m ready to proceed with caution. Hadley requested the “pink drink” from Starbucks, but then got nervous she wouldn’t like coconut milk so they made it with lemonade 😂 It was so hot out that I got myself a vanilla frappuccino. I hadn’t had a Starbucks since early March.

I put the finishing touches on the sunroom with a new table from Ikea and these two lamps from Walmart. Walmart really has upped their game in the past couple of years! I’ve had the white Ikea side table on the right for five years. We don’t have any lighting in the sunroom, so I purchased another table and matching lamps to give us more light in the evening.

WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:

We enjoyed the three day weekend while of course remembering and honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Homer was a good boy and let us take his photo wearing his festive bandana on Monday.

Sparkler fun on Monday night…

And, of course, we’ve been finishing up distance learning with a virtual field trip and today the kids have a virtual field day!

WHAT I’M DREADING:

Nothing at the moment! But the last week of school always takes a lot out of me , so I’m ready to check the end of the school year off my list 😃

WHAT I’M WORKING ON:

I made it a goal to walk every week day morning for the past couple of weeks, and have done a pretty good job getting my steps in! Then, I’ve also tried to make time for an additional workout ….I always feel better after a good sweat sesh.

WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:

I’m excited that it’s officially summer! Y’all, I think I’m even more excited that I have a hair appointment today! #praisehands

WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:

After watching The Morning Show on Apple TV, a friend recommended Defending Jacob. I watched many episodes in a matter of days and then another friend told me it was a book! The Kindle version was available at my library, so I downloaded it. I read the book in a couple of days…and whoa! whoa! whoa! was it a good read with some twists and turns at the end that I wasn’t expecting. Right now, there are only seven episodes out on Apple TV, so I haven’t finished the series only the book. That being said, the series does follow the book very closely!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

Landyn officially has her podcast out, and I’m loving it. I’ve listened to all the episodes so far, and they are perfect for my morning walks!

Also, I’m loving season 2 of Even the Rich. Season 2 focuses on the Murdoch family, and it very interesting.

WHAT I’M WEARING:

I ordered this dress from Amazon thinking it would be perfect for the summer. I ordered the blue marl color and really love it! I wore it on Monday to our cookout. I’ve now ordered it in the olive color too.

WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:

Honestly, I’m not sure! It’s such a bummer with the pools being closed, and that’s what we would be doing!

Our niece is turning 3 and having a little drive by birthday party, so of course we’ll wish her a happy birthday.

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

I’m looking forward to the ease of a summer schedule and the possible return of baseball for Hayden. Youth sports can start back up middle to end of June…I still keep thinking I will believe it when I see it…but I know he’s ready to get out on the field with his friends.

Thanks so much for reading my What’s Up Wednesday post. Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts too!

Now, I’m off to surprise the kids with a silly string end of the year celebration with a few friends.

I hope you have a great day.

Memes

May Memes

Posted on May 26, 2020May 25, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend full of remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for our freedoms.

In Kentucky, we were able to start getting back to a bit of “normalcy” this weekend. Restaurants can open up to 33% capacity, non-essential businesses are opening, and small gatherings (while maintaining social distancing) are now allowed. We’re still easing into this phase, but it’s nice to see us moving in a forward direction. I certainly hope it’s not two steps forward, three steps back.

Usually I share memes on Mondays, but decided to take a little break yesterday. The end of the school year definitely still takes its toll on me even from a distance!

But here are a few memes that made me laugh this month!

Memes

I’m a high-maintenance sleeper. Sound machine, dark, cool room, a weighted blanket, and my favorite pillow. Travis doesn’t need “all the things” to sleep like I do! That being said, I can nap like nobody’s business.

I love this meme, and it is my truth! Let’s just say I don’t necessarily have a happy go lucky personality. I’m more matter of fact and sarcastic!

This meme always makes me laugh…and I’ve always felt this way about group texts. I mean I love group texts if they are for the whole group…but I will be the first to send a text to just one friend or family member if it doesn’t need go to everyone. Sometimes, group texts overwhelm me. I joke that Hadley doesn’t know texting etiquette just yet with her Ipod…she will hold you hostage in a group text for the rest of your life!

I do make a point to shower every day, but when the kids were little, sleep would definitely win over showering if need be!

Only a few more days of working from home!! #praisehands

Of course, I’ve seen this meme over the past several weeks, and I’m sure everyone else has too! Thankfully, 1 and 2 are opening back up…but obviously, I need to keep working on #3.

Right?! 2020 needs to come correct with a do-over.

Alright, one more math joke from the mom who struggles with math before distance learning wraps up tomorrow!

Just a few funnies for the month of May! I hope to keep up with my daily posting, but I may just have to take this week day by day! Have a great week!

Friday Favorites

Posted on May 22, 2020May 21, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy FRIDAY! How is it already Memorial Day weekend? I feel like the month of May has flown by! We’ve made it through our final full week of distance learning, and, for that, I’m very thankful!

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

I’m going to start off with my very favorite favorite this week…

My 150th Blog Post:

Y’all, this is my 150th blog post! I can’t believe how much I have enjoyed starting this blog, “meeting” new people, finding other blogs to follow, and also just finding the time to keep Show Me and Sweet Tea going. Thanks so much for following and reading posts that are of interest to you!

Blog Categories:

Speaking of the blog…I feel like a “Big Girl Blogger” because I organized my posts into categories on my site! It took some time to label and move things where they needed to be, but I’m so glad to have that system in place, and I hope it’s easier for readers to find posts that they are looking for. Getting organized is always a favorite of mine.

Favorite Moments:

May is a big birthday month in my family. Both my mom and my dad have May birthdays, just a few days apart. I thought it would be fun to have Hayden and Hadley and their two cousins spell out Happy Birthday to each of them. My sister-in-law took her kids’ pics and sent them to me, and I put them in a collage…and I was able to print the collage at Walgreens to put in their birthday cards.

Hadley FaceTimed my mom on her birthday and put a candle in her waffle with (too much) Nutella and peanut butter. Then, she had GG “blow” out the candle. The kids did the same for the Major on his birthday a couple of days later.

I always say, “Find you a Hadley.” She loves big and has a very generous heart. It was sweet of her to come up with that idea.

Another favorite was the kids’ artwork this week. Their self-portrait needed to include something that they love. I always crack up when Hayden draws himself in his glasses, and Hadley doesn’t miss a detail…look at that scrunchie!

I finished the third and final book in the Peachtree Bluff series. It was such a good read, and I loved this series so much. All three books would be great summer or vacation reads!

Trader Joe’s had some of my favorite flowers when I stopped by there last week.

Favorite Recipe:

Hadley’s Girl Scout troop wrapped up their year with a virtual cookie bake off. Each girl received a sleeve of cookies to use in their baking recipe. On Monday, they had their Zoom meeting and each shared their finished product as well as the recipe with the troop. We modified one of my favorite baking recipes to include the Thin Mint cookies Hadley received. The cupcakes were so delish, and the girls had fun presenting their finished products. Her troop leader is gathering the recipes for a little cookbook, so the girls can have all of the delicious recipes in one place.

Favorite Clothing Item:

It’s been about 20 years since the last time I purchased overalls, but these Universal Thread overalls from Target didn’t disappoint. Real talk: at this point, when I put on these overalls, I’m dressing up! 😂Anyway, I think they will be perfect for the spring and summer months.

Favorite Kid Quote:

I made Hadley’s lunch yesterday, and when I gave it to her, she said, “Is this ‘on the house?'” 😂 I told her that her whole life is “on the house!” I’m not sure where she heard that saying, but it was just funny to hear her say it.

Favorite Mom Memes:

Non-essential stores are beginning to open up around here. I do think our local Home Goods isn’t scheduled to open up just yet, but that’s the one store I’ve really missed visiting during this time of quarantine.

With distance learning wrapping up, I had to share this meme while it was still timely!

Bonus Favorite: Flashback Friday

I think I shared this toddler pic of Hadley in a previous post. Now, Hayden’s teacher has asked for one too for something they are doing next week, so I thought I’d share his too. I miss when they were this little!

And this pic from 2013 popped up in my Facebook memories 😢 They were ready for the pool…I’m wondering if we will get any pool time this summer?!

Weekly Post Recap:

Monday: Pizza Pork Chop recipe

Tuesday: Tuesday TAlk

Wednesday: End of the School year interview

Thursday: Etsy finds

Well, that’s a wrap on this week. Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts too!

I can’t believe this is my 150th post! I really appreciate all of the support along the way.

I hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Gift Ideas

Etsy

Posted on May 21, 2020May 20, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Of course, I always try to support small shops and local businesses, but during these times, it’s more important than ever. I recently purchased end of the year teacher gifts which got me thinking about my favorite place to buy gifts…ETSY! So…I thought I’d share a few purchases from the past few months and these shops have other items to offer as well!

(Pictures are linked)

I purchased three of these 8 inch personalized flower pots for my kids’ teachers. Once they arrive, we’ll pick out some flower to plant and find a way to safely get them to their teachers. I knew I’d love these pots so much, that I ordered one for myself and the word “home” will be painted on it.

The shop owner, RiLee, returned all of my messages quickly and helped me with ideas on how to personalize each one. I can’t wait to see these in person!

I follow Amanda Nall on Instagram and read her That Inspired Chick blog which is how I learned about her Etsy shop. At the beginning of spring, I ordered one of these personalized skinny can coolers for myself.

My personalized skinny can cooler is perfect for the Whiteclaws I like to drink in the summer.

I also follow Michelle (@ellerydesigns) on Instagram. She’s shared about her presets that she has in collaboration with LouMarksPhoto. I use the presets a lot for blog photos to help streamline how the photos look, but it’s amazing how much the different presets enhance daily photos too. It’s probably the best $9 I’ve ever spent 🙂

Once we got Homer last summer, I started following @Goldendogco on Instagram after my friend told me about them. Then, it became very clear that Homer needed to have a variety of bandanas including one for football season. I’m sure the Chiefs won the Super Bowl because Homer represented the team each week with his bandana. 😉 Needless to say, they have a variety of options and sizes for dogs big and small. Homer’s bandana collection is next level!

Last year, I needed a new key chain for my school keys. It’s no secret that I heart the Golden Girls, but I have no clue what made me search for “golden girls key chain” on Etsy….but…look at this gem that I found! It arrived very quickly, great quality, and serves its purpose well!

Lastly, this sweet set of books is a perfect home decoration or a perfect gift. I’ve ordered neutral (non-personalized) books from them as well as the sweet little set I have in the picture below. We’ve also ordered these with the grand-kids’ names as a gift for my mom.

Ya’ll, this is my favorite piece of home decor.

I hope you find a gift idea or something for yourself. I definitely think this is the time to show these small shops and businesses some love!

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

I hope you have a great day!

Kids, School

End of the School Year Interview

Posted on May 20, 2020May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

I can’t believe the kids only have one week left of the 4th grade. I also can’t believe how the school year is ending! I thought I’d ask the kids a few questions about how they felt about the 4th grade, and share some of my thoughts too!

I found these questions online, and loved how they were organized to allow for both kid and mom responses!

Hayden’s Thoughts:

What was the best part of this year? Recess (#realtalk)
What was your favorite thing about your teacher? She pushes us to do our best.
What was your favorite thing to learn about this year? I learned more difficult math like how to divide fractions.
Who was your best friend? Graham
What did you like to do at recess? Play football with my friends
What is something hard you did? Playing the recorder in music class
What do you want to be when you grow up? Basketball player
What was something that made you laugh this year? When my teacher would mess up, she’d say, “Oh man!”
What was your favorite specials class this year and why? Art because I like to draw.
What was your favorite school activity or field trip this year? Science Fair

Mom’s Thoughts:

I’m proud of you because…you push yourself out of your comfort zone when necessary.
One of my favorite memories of you this year was: watching you grow as a runner on the cross country team.
It has been fun to watch you: become more confident as a learner.
Three things I love about you: your inquisitive nature, your loyalty, and your perseverance
An area you grew in was: your speaking skills.
You strengthened our family by: your smile and your affection (You give the best hugs!)

Hadley’s Thoughts:

What was the best part of this year? Being accepted into the Gifted and Talented Program for dance
What was your favorite thing about your teacher? She worked hard for us and had special activities for holidays and other parties.
What was your favorite thing to learn about this year? National Parks
Who was your best friend? Stella and Maggie
What did you like to do at recess? Run on the track
What is something hard you did? Math (#shegetsitfromhermama)
What do you want to be when you grow up? Elementary teacher
What was something that made you laugh this year? My teacher’s jokes and sometimes my teacher would call me Hayden (Hayden had the same teacher for 2nd grade.)
What was your favorite specials class this year and why? Music because we learned how to play the recorder.
What was your favorite school activity or field trip this year? Winter “Snow Biz” Chorus Performance

Mom’s Thoughts:

I’m proud of you because: you are enthusiastic about all that you do!
One of my favorite memories of you this year was: watching you sing and dance in your chorus performance.
It has been fun to watch you: continue to blossom into a confident young lady.
Three things I love about you: you are kind, inclusive, and fearless
An area you grew in was: dance performance and math.
You strengthened our family by: your intuitiveness (You know when I need extra help or a cup of coffee!)

I’d say that 4th grade was one of the best years for both kids. They are fairly independent with their school work, they have tried new activities, they continue to work on their confidence in areas of growth, and thankfully—THEY STILL NEED ME!!!

Cheers and high fives to a great school year!….even if it ended in quarantine!

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Take care,

Tuesday Talk

Posted on May 19, 2020May 18, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! I’m linking up again with Erika and Ashley for this month’s Tuesday Talk. This link up is the third Tuesday of the month, and the topic is always anything you want to talk about!

Last month, was my first Tuesday Talk post, so I wrote about why I started a blog.

A friend recently mentioned the book In Five Years by Rebecca Serle. I’ve heard that this is a really good book, and I’m on the wait list for it at the library. (Side note: I can’t wait for the library to open back up!…even curb side pick up will make me happy!) Anyway, Serle is also the author of one of my favorite books ever….The Dinner List.

In The Dinner List, the main character, Sabrina, arrives at her 30th birthday dinner and is met with three significant people from her past.

So it got me thinking about a popular topic: what celebrities I would invite to a dinner party. Here’s my guest list:

Harper Lee

Hands down one of my favorite books of all time is To Kill a Mockingbird. Somehow, I didn’t read it in high school…but, my very first year teaching, I read it with my English 1 class. (That was 18 years ago, by the way!), and have read it many years since that first year teaching. I know it’s a difficult read for students today and some have trouble making a connection, but I feel like the book spans the ages and is such a meaningful read. I’d love to meet Harper Lee and hear all about her life. I just loved the main character Scout…her sass, her humor, her loyalty. She was just so wise for her age. I’ve always said that my Hadley reminds me a bit of Scout.

A couple of random notes, but I even named our dog Scout, AND I suggested the name Harper when we were naming the kids, but Travis nixed it!

Our dog Scout (on the left) and Shiloh on the right. They were such good pups! We miss them.

I also read Go Set a Watchmen by Lee and felt content after reading it, but To Kill a Mockingbird is still my all time favorite book. I’ve always loved Scout’s quote, “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”

Kate Middleton

I’ve always been intrigued by the Royal Family. From Princess Di to William and Harry…to The Crown, the family, the traditions, and the scandals…I want in on the details! I feel like The Duchess of Cambridge seems pretty easygoing and would be a fun dinner guest! And…maybe she’d let me in on some family gossip!

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon has always been one of my favorite actresses. She seems like someone I would want to be friends with…and the girl next door type. I’ve always loved her movies and appreciate that she takes on a variety of projects and work. From Sweet Home Alabama (my fave!) to Wild (great book and great movie!) and now I’ve binged The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere. She’s so versatile with acting abilities and takes on meaningful work. Also, her Draper James clothing line looks amazing.

Joanna Gaines

As I’ve shared in my Home Updates posts, I try to channel my inner Jo Jo when making home decor decisions. Of course, I love the Fixer Upper series, and have even purchased bedding recently from their Hearth and Hand line at Target. I love her sense of humility and her reserved nature. Also, I feel like she could really dish out some parenting advice!

Giada De Laurentiis

Giada is one of my favorites to watch on The Food Network. I have so many of her cookbooks, tune in to all her shows, and have even dined at her restaurant in Vegas. It helps that I love Italian food, but her recipes are very accessible and, of course, delicious! I love seeing her interact with her daughter and aunt when they are on her shows. Now, I wouldn’t ask her to cook at my dinner party…that would be rude! But…maybe she’d bring us some cannolis for dessert!

Betty White

I saved the best for last.

Betty. Freaking. White.

Does this even need any explanation?

Legendary. Hilarious. Caring. Animal lover. Did I mention legendary? My love for Ms. White runs deep. I’ve seen every episode of The Golden Girls. I love all the ladies, but she is certainly my favorite friend. That being said, I’ve also seen every episode of Mary Tyler Moore and she was such a refreshing addition to that series too! She’s simply amazing and I’ve always loved when she would share about her work with animals and talk about her love and marriage to Allen Ludden. (I even used to watch reruns of Password on the Game Show Network!) She’s said before in interviews that she never remarried because, “if you’ve had the best, who needs the rest?” So sweet!

I’m sure she’d keep the dinner party conversation moving and the other guests rolling with laughter!

Final Thoughts:

I didn’t mean for it to be a women’s only dinner, but those are the people that popped into my mind first.

In all honesty, if I was hosting a dinner party for anyone from my past or present, I’d actually love to include:

My grandparents. I’m blessed to still have one grandma (Gma) who has been there for so many milestones in my life, but of course, I wish my other grandparents could have seen me get married and could have met my children. I know they would have loved Hayden and Hadley so much. My mom’s dad passed away right after I got engaged to Travis, and I’ve always been thankful that he met (and approved!) of Travis.
Trav’s dad. He passed away when Travis was in high school. Of course, I would have loved to have met him. I hope he knows what a great husband and father Travis has been to myself and the kids. Also, I know he’d take pride in knowing what a hard-working, honest, and caring person Travis is to everyone.
Lastly, I’ve often wondered about my elementary school teachers, but especially the teachers I had for kindergarten and first grade. Mrs. Bartel and Mrs. Scott sure started my educational career off on the right foot. I remember loving going to school when I was little, and they made learning so exciting. They definitely shaped who I was as a learner and now who I am as an educator.

So, that’s who I would invite to a dinner party! Who would you include on your guest list?

Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ Tuesday Talk posts too! (Try saying that three times fast!)

Thanks so much for reading.

Meals and Recipes

Monday Meals: Pizza Pork Chops with Orzo

Posted on May 18, 2020May 17, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your weekend? Like the past few weekends, we had a good mix of productivity and laziness. The weekend weather felt like a glimpse of summer, for sure!

I was looking through my recipe box, which I don’t do very often, and I stumbled upon a meal I hadn’t made in awhile. It’s so easy, delicious, and a family favorite.

Ingredients:

6 boneless pork chops
Salt and pepper
Chopped onion (about half a small onion…or more if you prefer!)
1 jar Marinara sauce
0rzo pasta
Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Salt and pepper both sides of the pork chops and place in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Sprinkle the onions over the top of the pork chops.
Pour Marinara sauce over the pork chops and onions.
Cover and cook for 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
When ready to eat, cook Orzo pasta according to package directions.
Place pasta on plate (or in bowl), the scoop out desired amount of pork chops and sauce. (*Note- meat is so tender that it will fall apart.)
Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese (and some chopped fresh basil if you have some)
Enjoy!

I’d forgotten how easy and delicious this dinner is! We even had leftovers the next night!

We have one more full week of distance learning! #praisehands So…I’m go get my mind right for this week!

Thanks for reading!

Amazon

Amazon Lately

Posted on May 15, 2020May 15, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Well, we made it to another Friday! Seriously, the weeks are running together. I’ve just realized howclose we are to Memorial Day Weekend, and we only have one more full week of distance learning. I’m so ready to have passed the 4th grade again, y’all! 😉

Amazon is my lifeline…always has been, always will be. I used to rely on Amazon when I didn’t have time to run around to a million places looking for stocking stuffers or art supplies. Now, I rely on it because I can’t leave the house!

Also, I love seeing what other people order from Amazon, so I thought I’d share some recent purchases.

(Pictures are linked)

Blankets

I swear I’m finished talking about the Sunroom Refresh 2.0, but with the refresh came my desire to purchase a couple new throw blankets. In all honesty, we’ve had some throws for quite some time, and I made a pile of bedding and older throws to donate.

Y’all, this leopard print one ($17) is out of my comfort zone of style, but I wanted something a little different, and this has delivered. It’s super soft and cozy…so much so, Hadley has stolen it every night to sleep with in her bed.

This “slate” colored waffle fleece blanket ($17) is more in my color palette. Again, it’s a perfect way to keep warm while reading a book or watching tv.

Clothes

I think I’ve mentioned these pajama shorts ($12.50) before, and I ordered another pair. Again, it was kind of time to purge some of my older pajamas and start fresh. So, I have these Amazon Essentials shorts in aqua and grey heather stripe, and they are perfect for spring and summer.

I’ve talked about these Soulomelody tops in the past. I have a couple long sleeve tops as well as one short sleeved tee. So, I bought the tank ($15) in gray and love it. I’ve worn it on a bike ride but also with jeans and a cardigan. There are lots of options between the long sleeve, the short sleeve, and the tank versions.

Books and Games

Hayden’s teacher has been doing a read aloud of the first Harry Potter book in the afternoons. They read a chapter a day together. They finished the first book on yesterday, and he was so excited to start the second book that he asked me to order it. I don’t buy many books online, but with the $6 price tag, I went ahead and purchased it for him.

One of my favorite authors came out with a new book, so I pre-ordered it on Amazon. It arrived a couple of weeks later, and I can’t wait to read it.

I saw this game mentioned in one of Andrea‘s posts, and we’ve enjoyed playing it. The game is a combination of math and strategy, and it’s been good to throw into the mix of games and puzzles we’ve been doing to pass the time.

Household Items

We’ve had our outside patio furniture forever. We used it in our screened in porch at our old house, and now have the love seat on our patio. For years, I’ve hauled the cushions in if it looked like rain, but last summer I bought this cover. It’s perfect and has space for me to put the chair cushions under it as well. That being said, the one I bought last summer, was #Homered. So, I’m trying again, and, at under $20, if it can last me through the summer (by not being #Homered), I will be happy! Again, the quality is great…Homer is the issue 😉

Lastly, after completing our mini gallery wall for our master bedroom refresh, I thought it needed one more touch. The mini boxwood wreaths provided color and filled the space nicely!

So, there you have it! Just a few things I’ve ordered off of Amazon recently. Are you an Amazon person? What are some of your favorite Amazon finds?

I hope you have a great weekend! The weather looks to be nice today and tomorrow…but the rain chances come back in full force on Sunday. I know where I will be…snuggled up in one of those Amazon blankets while reading a book in the sunroom!

See you back here on Monday for one of my favorite slow cooker recipes!

Thanks for reading,