jgalvinwhite

Monthly Musings

Posted on November 20, 2025November 19, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

This time next week, it’s turkey day, so Patty and Holly are hosting this fun end of the month link up a week early. As always, I’m joining them.

That being said, before I get started with today’s post, I have to wish my kids a happy S I X T E E T H (!!!) birthday. Sixteen. Wow…it’s certainly hard to believe.

We’ve gone from babies…

to teen drivers in the blink of an eye!

I’m struggling a bit with this reality.

Now, on to today’s post…focusing on Thanksgiving Holiday Prep.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays…food, family, and football in the fall!

1. Favorite Thanksgiving dishes?

I’m pretty much here for it all when it comes to Thanksgiving food. I love turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and more!

This one doesn’t apply to Hadley; she loves a Thanksgiving meal as much as the next girl…but it made me chuckle.

2. Stuffing or dressing.

Not my fave, but dressing!

3. Are you hosting any holidays this year?

We tend to be the ones going out of town for the holidays. We are at home some years, but we have a rotation going as far as Thanksgiving and Christmas in Louisville or KC. On the years we travel, we always make sure to carve out family time at home for our own traditions, meals, and gifts.

4. Turkey trot or football game?

You won’t catch me running …ever! haha

It’s always nice to have the football games on in the background while we’re eating and catching up with family. This year, the Chiefs play on Thanksgiving, so that will be a fun change.

5. If you decorate for Christmas, do you decorate before or after Thanksgiving?

Well, I used to wait until after Thanksgiving, but on years we traveled to KC for Thanksgiving, I’d put up our Christmas decorations the weekend before we left, so we’d have all our festive touches out when we returned home. I still decorate before Thanksgiving, but now it’s whenever I have the chance. So far, all I’ve put out this year is one skinny tree. I just haven’t had a lot of spare time, but I’m hoping to switch from fall to Christmas this weekend.

6. Are your holidays sit down or more casual?

Whether we’re in KC or Louisville for Thanksgiving, it’s all pretty casual…but we definitely have a sit down meal. My dad’s cousin hosts us in KC, and her place settings are always so pretty…and we all get a chocolate turkey with our name on it. Such a fun and festive touch.

7. Pumpkin or apple pie?

I do like apple pie, but for Thanksgiving, pumpkin is my fave. I prefer it chilled with some Cool Whip on top! Yum.

9. Do you Black Friday shop?

No way, Jose’! I’m more of a Cyber Monday girl.

10. Thing you are most looking forward to this holiday season?

I always look forward to our traditions and some downtime!

I look forward to next week and having a few days off and enjoying some delicious food…but first, I have a few more days of school and a sweet 16 birthday to celebrate.

Thanks for reading!

Meals and Recipes

Monday Meals: Potato Soup

Posted on November 17, 2025November 16, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

I like to share recipes I try thanks to Pinterest or other sites, but it’s been a minute since I’ve shared one straight from my recipe box.

*Side note* do people still use recipe boxes? I had the same one for years, and the hinge broke. I finally got a new one this summer, and I purged recipes I no longer made, and took the time to write a few faves on recipe cards.

Anyway, today I’m sharing one of my favorite recipes that I hadn’t made in quite some time, but now have made it twice in the past month!

I’ve had this potato soup recipe for over fifteen years, I think! A teacher that I taught with at my previous school shared it, and it’s one I used to make often. I guess I forgot about it, and a few weeks ago, Hadley mentioned that she wanted potato soup, so I dug this one out and made it. It certainly hit the spot! I’m giving myself grace this week with some easy slow cooker meals that I know will provide leftovers, so I made this again last night! Anyway, here’s the recipe…

Ingredients:

1 package Bear Creek Creamy Potato Soup mix
1 package Simply (diced) potatoes with onion (I haven’t been able to find the mix with onion, so I just added in a few chopped frozen onions)
1- 32 oz box chicken broth
1 can Carnation evaporated milk
Toppings – bacon bits, green onion, shredded cheese

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients except toppings in the slow cooker
Add 4 cups water
Cook on high for at least 3 hours (check on potatoes to see if they are finished cooking, and can turn to low at that point if needed)
Serve with toppings.

Enjoy!

I’m so glad that I dusted off this recipe. It’s now a family favorite.

Amazon, Friday Favorites, Meals and Recipes

Friday Favorites {#281}

Posted on November 14, 2025November 13, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours started with cold temps and snowflakes and then ended with springlike weather. I’m sure I’ll have a head cold soon…which is definitely not a favorite.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Brr…

Well, you know I love a snow day, but too soon Mother Nature, too soon! There were snowflakes flying off and on throughout the day on Monday, and by the time I got home, my pumpkins were wondering what was going on?! Just a dusting, but the snow was pretty while it lasted.

Can you spot Homer?

Even though he’s part Husky, the colder temps made him want to snuggle up in our pillows, apparently! Actually, he’s been doing this a lot lately. haha

The cold weather made Homer want to snuggle, and it made me want to put up one of my skinny Christmas trees. This little tree is the only piece of Christmas I have up, and I never put a tree in the kitchen, but I thought I’d try it here for a bit. Soon, I’ll probably move it to the bedroom.

Laughs…

I’ve shared multiple times how funny I think Leanne Morgan is…I’ve read her book, and I just finished season one of her show on Netflix. Well, she has another Netflix special out…Unspeakable Things, and I watched it over the weekend. It was so funny.

Fave bevvy…

I went to Target last weekend, and finally got my hands on the apple cider Olipop! It’s so good. I have one more, but I hope to find more and stock up.

Fun with friends…

Last Saturday, I went to the UK tailgate to hang with some of my mom friends, and of course I found Hadley. She was celebrating her friend’s birthday, and the girls were having a great time. The weather really cooperated for the night game.

Books…

Ok…Have you heard about the $5 book at Barnes and Noble? My sister-in-law sent me a Tik Tok that every two months there’s a book in the Barnes and Noble cafe. You can purchase it for $5 with a cafe purchase. So, on Sunday, I checked it out…and it’s true. (Well, I knew it was true because my SIL had gone a few days before I did). Anyway, I picked up a cookie and this book.

Murder at Holly House is the book for November/December.

Speaking of books…I shared my monthly book trackers on Instagram.

They are saved in a highlight. Screenshot them, and feel free to use them and tag me. I always love seeing what others are reading.

Fave shoes…

I’ve had two pairs of leopard flats for years. One pair is from Walmart and another is a more expensive pair from Nordstrom. I wore the Walmart ones to the ground, and I much preferred them to the Nordstrom ones. Anyway, I decided to get a new pair from Amazon. This style is the same one that I have in black and tan. So, this third pair hasn’t disappointed. (FYI- I size up a half size in them). Now, I’m getting rid of the other two (tossing one and donating the other), so I’ve purged my closet a bit with this purchase. Win win.

Fave foods…

Last Saturday, I had $10 off my Kroger order, so I had some essentials and some dinner ingredients delivered. I love Bev Cooks recipes, and she’d shared this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili, so I decided to make it on Saturday evening. I never cook dinner on the weekend, and this was just dumping ingredients in the slow cooker, but it was so nice to have a warm meal (without having to make a dinner decision) Saturday night while we watched the UK game. This recipe was a 10/10 from the whole fam.

{pic courtesy of Bev Cooks}

I also tried a new lunch this week…these pizza roll ups were quick, easy and delish! I made four of them and just rolled them up and laid them flat in an 8×8 dish to bake. I will definitely make more next time!

{pic courtesy of Recipes by Zoey}

Favorite Mom Meme:

Where is the lie?!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

I’m sure I’ve shared this pic from 2013 before, but it’s such a fave memory. We were headed to Sesame Street Live, and the kids were so excited. It was one of those parenting moments that felt full circle because I’d gone to Sesame Street Live when I was a kid. Such a sweet memory.

Weekly Recap:

I had a couple of posts this week…

Share Our Lives

Let’s Look

What’s a favorite from your week?

Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on November 12, 2025November 11, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday!

I had to double check the calendar that today is the second Wednesday of the month already. How is that possible? Honestly, we’ve had two days of winter like temps, so I was also checking the calendar to make sure it’s not actually January!

I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for this month’s 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
Maintaining friendships in April
Our wellness routine in May
Travel bucket lists in June
Things I’ve changed my mind about in July (no post from me)
Juggling family schedules in August (no post from me)
Managing teenage life in September
Things we’ve said no to recently in October (no post from me)

This month’s topic is…how we show gratitude.

Obviously, this is a timely post with Thanksgiving right around the corner.

Honestly, I guess my answer to this prompt is simple…

I show gratitude by saying thank you…whether it’s verbal or written. I’m very quick to send a text or a note when someone has helped me or thought of me. I appreciate when others help me whether I’ve asked for assistance, or they just know I could use a hand. A thoughtful text, note or message goes a long way.

I also show my gratitude with small gifts. Again, if someone has been really helpful, I try to drop off a plant, bouquet of flowers, favorite candy or a candle.

I will bring Starbucks coffee or favorite pens to teachers who help me out at school….whether it’s for covering a class or helping with lesson ideas.

My mom group (the dads get credit too!) have spent many years organizing carpool and getting the kids where they need to be. I show my gratitude by offering to pick up even if I’ve already taken on a certain afternoon if it helps someone else out. It always evens out in the end.

I show gratitude by giving a tip at a restaurant or donating to a cause. A little goes a long way for many.

With Trav and the kids, I show my gratitude by spending time with them. Of course, I would do that anyway, but I just mean that I try and make time for them or plan something special too.

And, I always try to remember to be…

Life definitely has its ups and down, and this time of the year always feels really stressful for me. That being said, I think as I’ve gotten older, I’ve done a pretty good job remembering the big picture and being grateful for all things, big and small.

How do you show gratitude?

Books and Shows, Not Just a Mom

Share Our Lives: November 2025

Posted on November 10, 2025November 9, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Well,, we went from fall to winter around here with temps now in the 30’s and a chance of snowflakes. Thankfully, it won’t last long.

It’s already the second Monday of the month, so I’m co-hosting Share Our Lives with some of my favorite bloggers.

This year, we’ve discussed…

Saving time on chores in January
Tips for falling asleep in February
Day in the life, an average day in March
Creative outlets/free time in April
How do you spend your birthday in May
Unique things about where you live in June
Best vacation memory in July
How do you take a break in August
5 things we do each season in September
Go to snacks in October

This month’s topic is…habits to make time for reading.

Well, whether you’ve read my blog once or one hundred times, you probably know that one of my favorite things to do is read a good book…

I grew up with parents who read and trips to the library often, and, to me, reading is such a gift!

Some of my favorite memories as a parent are the times I took my kids to the library for story time and to check out books in the summer, on a Saturday or a snow day from school.

My kids aren’t big readers now, but I hope one day they circle back and find the joy in books again.

Anyway, on to our topic for today…here are a few tips I have for making time for reading.

1. Routine

Making reading a part of your routine. There is hardly a day that goes by that I don’t read for even a few minutes. Most of the time, it’s at bedtime, so I end up drifting off, but just having a book or my Kindle on my bedside table or coffee table makes it easy for me to read for a few minutes.

2. Lists

I love when others share what they’ve been reading, and then I add book titles to my TBR (to be read) list. For years, I had a note on my phone with a running list of what I wanted to read and what I read, but three or four years ago, I started using the Goodreads app to track my lists and my reading. It’s fun to follow friends and see what they’re reading and how they rate books.

I also think it helps to read a variety. For years, I love chick lit, but now my favorite genre is historical fiction. That being said, I still love a good mystery as well as a memoir/bio/autobio. I think reading a mix of genres keeps reading interesting.

3. Reading Goals

I’m a pretty goal oriented person, and I’m somewhat motivated to see how many books I can read in a year. So, I’ve done the Goodreads challenge the past few years. There are a variety of challenges, but I just set a goal for the number of books I hope to read, and track that way. My goal is typically 40 books, and I come close to achieving the goal most years.

4. Maximize time

I used to exclusively read books, but now I’ve owned a Kindle for probably seven years. Now, I mostly read on my Kindle, but I still love to hold a book in my hands. The Kindle is just more convenient for me. I keep it in my purse to read when I’m waiting on my kids to finish a practice, and it’s easier to download a few books before a vacation than to lug books in my carry on.

Also, I’m still somewhat new to audio books, but they are another way that I maximize my time. Now, I can listen to a book when I workout, go for a walk, or while I’m in the car. I’m really starting to like listening to books, but I do find it hard to finish one in the two week library check out window…sometimes I have to listen to them on 1.75x speed! (Of course, some books can be renewed if they aren’t on a wait list, giving me more time)

5. Reduce distractions

It’s easy to get distracted, but when I’m reading, I do put my phone away or turn the television off. It’s just good for me to have a few moments of quiet to read for a bit to unwind. Reading is definitely a stress reliever for me and something I truly enjoy doing.

What good reading habits do you have?

Next month, we’ll have our last topic of 2025…staying connected with kids/spouse/significant other. As always, we hope you’ll join us.

I hope you have a great start to your week.

Currently

Posted on November 5, 2025November 4, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How is the week treating you? So far, ours is off to a great start.

It’s been a while since I’ve linked up with Jenn for her Currently post, but I’m excited to do so today!

Here’s what I’m currently…

Loving:

I shared a few things I’ve been loving in my Monday Prime Purchases post. It’s quite the variety from placemats to leggings to word searches and more.

Honestly, I’m also loving that it’s getting darker earlier…perfect excuse not to leave the house 🙂

One more thing I’m loving…(Hayden too!) are these Dots cinnamon sugar pretzels. Hayden asked me to buy them, and they are so good.

Looking forward to:

I’m looking forward to quite a few things…starting with the weekend! haha

Truly, we usually have yesterday off for Election Day, and this year we didn’t…it’s just making the stretch from fall break until Thanksgiving break feel very long.

I’m also looking forward to Thanksgiving; it’s always been one of my favorite holidays.

Smelling:

I’m still savoring cinnamon, apple, vanilla, and other fall scents before it’s time for pine and peppermint!

Preparing for:

The kids’ birthday! Sweet 16! How is that possible?! As it’s been the past few years, Hayden wants no fuss, and Hadley wants a party. haha!

So, we have a fun birthday party planned for Hadley and some friends in a couple of weeks. Of course, on the kids’ birthday, we’ll do cake, presents, and a dinner out.

I know I say it every year, but it’s hard to believe that we’re well into the teen years and are now preparing for them to get their driver’s licenses!

Thankful for:

Well, of course all the important things like health, family and friends! That being said, I’m really thankful for a great school year so far. I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m really enjoying all of my classes. I have two English 1 classes with a co-teacher, two Adv. English 1 classes, and two English 2 classes. They are all very different, but I look forward to seeing my students every day.

And…I think I’ve gotten the hang of block scheduling…and I really like it.

Year twenty-four has been great, and I’ve enjoyed seeing my own kids more during the day based on the location of my new classroom this year.

Anyway, some years are better that other, but I feel like the great years come just when I need them!

What’s something you are thankful for?

Amazon

Prime Purchases

Posted on November 3, 2025November 2, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Did you survive the time change?

I’ve shared before that I’m the “weirdo” that likes that it will now be darker earlier! Now, don’t get me wrong, by February, I’m ready for spring…and then summer, but I really do love the coziness of it getting darker sooner this time of the year.

Did you catch my Saturday post?!

I recapped October…which was an great month from start to finish!

Now, onto another favorite monthly post…and that’s when I share my recent Amazon purchases.

Like with most months, there seems to be something for everyone in my house. haha!

I don’t buy placemats very often, but I wanted to freshen up the table for fall. Obviously, these don’t scream fall, but I love the subtle color under my neutral fall plates. I just wanted something different for the table right now. I think I will use them in the spring as well.

I was “influenced,” and ordered this “3D lifting cream.” I now use it as a part of my night time skin care a few days a week. Of course, I’m not turning back the hands of time, but I do feel this working a bit which I appreciate! Bonus — it smells lovely.

I’d say at this point most of my leggings come from my favorite boutique…Shop Style Your Senses, but I do also love leggings I’ve ordered from Amazon in the past too. Anyway, I wanted a blue pair, and these Hanes ones far exceeded my expectations. They are buttery soft, and I love the 7/8 length. They are a great option that come in many color options.

It was time for my annual magnetic “meal planner” order. This stays on my fridge, and I write down our activities and dinners on the left, and then my shopping list is on the right hand side. One pad has enough pages for a year; I’ve ordered this the past four years.

Before our fall break trip, I got a pedicure. I took my own OPI Cajun Shrimp nail polish to the salon because I prefer this color. Anyway, when I went to touch up my toes a couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t find my bottle and realized I must have left it at the salon. So, I ordered a new bottle. I won’t make that mistake again.

It was time to re-order my favorite under eye patches…can’t start my morning routine without them!

I was influenced by a friend who told me she purchased this autumn themed word search. I still do my daily word search from my calendar, but I love this one too!

Hadley ordered some of this blush, and it’s one of her faves. It would be a great stocking stuffer idea if you need one.

For Trav’s birthday (in July!), I ordered these solar lights for our front steps. Well, he just put them out, and they are amazing. So amazing that he wanted some for both sets of our back porch steps. So, in July, I ordered the eight pack, and then this month I ordered the twelve pack. If you need a gift idea, I think these are great!!

Over a year ago, Homer had an accident on our hall runner, and I never ordered a new one. With the cooler weather, I decided it was time to get something for under our feet as we walk down the hall. I’m the worst with measurements, so after a few failed attempts at Target and Home Goods, I realized I needed the 10 foot length, and tried this rug, and it’s so good.

I was shocked at how soft it is, and I love the color way.

I actually used some of my Amazon Associates earnings when I purchased the rugs, so that was a win win. Truly, thanks for shopping my links!

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time to think about holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.

Everyday Life, Monthly Moments

Monthly Moments: October 2025

Posted on November 1, 2025October 31, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

How was your Halloween? We had a busy day at school…and most of the day our district was without internet. Talk about scary!!

It’s hard to believe that today is November 1st, and October is in the rear view mirror. October has always been one of my favorite months, so I loving looking back on all that we did this month.

First of all…

This month started at the beach on our annual fall break trip to 30A. This was our fourth year, and we had the best time.

Once we returned home, it was time to decorate the front porch…one of my favorite fall things to do.

Hadley and friends had the best time at Homecoming. They did “brunch and bouquets” in the morning followed by getting ready together.

The group took pics before heading to dinner and the dance.

Keeneland in the fall is one of my favorite traditions. Trav tends to go quite a few times for work, but also for fun too. I joined him one afternoon; the weather was lovely, and we were able to hang with our friends.

Hadley’s sophomore volleyball season wrapped up! I’ve loved watching them play.

Last weekend, we went to my niece’s performance in Legally Blonde, Jr., the musical, and it was so fun.

We also made it to the pumpkin patch which is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. We grabbed hot apple cider, apple cider donuts, and pumpkins to carve…

….which we did on Tuesday night.

Thursday night, Hayden went to the UK basketball game with a friend and Hadley and Trav (and one of Hadley’s friends) went to an outdoor concert…Ole 60. Travis definitely won cool dad points for going to the concert…and getting them Taco Bell on the way home. 🤣 They were out late on a school night!

Last night, we had lots of trick-or-treaters which was lots of fun to see.

This month the kids have also had lots of fun going to our school’s sporting events like soccer and football games as well as UK football and basketball games, but they’re out there having fun…and making memories…occasionally sending me pics along the way.

October was a good one, and now we turn the page to November, setting the clocks back an hour and soon, my kids will turn another year older. Bittersweet, for sure!

Friday Favorites, Holidays, Traditions

Friday Favorites {#280}

Posted on October 31, 2025October 30, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday! …and happy Halloween!

Wow! I feel like this week flew by…and I’m not mad about it. Overall, we had a great week.

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

I have so many favorites from this past week. I feel like we actually did more than just be at home, sports or school!

Ok, well, “starting off strong…” last Friday night I was at home. haha!

Anyway, I was so excited to start the second season of Nobody Wants This. I was able to watch a couple of episodes, and I love it.

Saturday morning I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to get up and just read for a bit before starting my day. Last weekend really was the first time it started to feel like fall, so it was a nice cozy morning reading by candlelight.

Hadley celebrated a sweet friend’s birthday on Saturday…PJs and pancakes style.

While she was doing that, I ran quite a few errands…including going to Walmart. I don’t go to Walmart often, but I wanted to check out their fun ornaments. I didn’t get this one, but how cute?!

I did see this cute mini pumpkin cocotte by Pioneer Woman…and just knew it would look cute on my stove. I couldn’t decide between the orange or the white, so I picked up both.

The orange one provides a cute pop of color on my stove top.

I put the white one on the kitchen table.

It looks so cute in the tray.

Obviously, I can use them as cookware, but for now, I’ve used them more as decorations.

On Saturday, we also went to the pumpkin patch. Hadley drove us!

My happy place!

Travis said this was the first time we’d been in a while where the weather felt like fall. We appreciated the cooler temps.

I just love these fantasy pumpkins.

Hadley found the perfect pumpkin, and we picked Hayden up one since he was mowing the neighbor’s yard.

We saw people carrying a lot of pumpkins, and then saw this sign! This is a fun idea.

Sunday morning breakfast was elite…an apple cider donut and coffee in my cute pumpkin mug.

My mom went to Scotland with a friend, and she brought me home this candle. It certainly smells like fall.

Sunday afternoon, we went to see Legally Blonde, Jr…the musical.

My niece played Rufus, the dog…and of course she knocked it out of the park!

We gave her some flowers and candy after the performance.

Tuesday night was pumpkin carving night! First, we had mummy dogs and macaroni and cheese “brains.”

Hadley had a “vision” for her pumpkin…she wanted stars all over it, and she used a snowflake cookie cutter to trace her stars. Hayden carved his pumpkin within a few minutes, turned it around and said, “I’m done!” I just laughed because for whatever reason, the face just made me laugh. Simple and to the point. He went back in and added the little nose.

They looked perfect on the porch…

…and even prettier the next night in the rain.

Yesterday, at school, we had a “crocktober” potluck for lunch, and it was a great way to spend time with my teacher friends. One of my friends made this “boo sheet” cake which made me laugh. It was delish.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Maybe with the time change, the kids getting up will be a bit easier? A mom can dream!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

Two flashback Fridays this week…in honor of our traditional trip to the pumpkin patch, here the kids are in 2010…their first time at the pumpkin patch…

…and their first Halloween. 2010 was a big year of wagon riding!

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week in case you missed one:

Monday Memes

October Books

Monthly Musings

I typically share my Monthly Moments post on the last day of the month, but I had too many other great things to share today! I’ll post an October recap tomorrow.

Halloween is actually on a Friday…let’s do this!

See you back here tomorrow for a bonus post!

Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on October 30, 2025October 29, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Halloween Eve! Goodness, all we’ve gotten is rain this week which has really felt like fall, but I’m ready to see the sunshine again. Thankfully, I think the rain moves out today and Halloween looks good for the trick-or-treaters.

Since it’s the last Thursday of the month, I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings. I enjoy this link up so much!

This month’s topic is all about Halloween…

This is a fun way to wrap up the month…and Halloween on a Friday is the perfect way to wrap up the week!

1. Favorite Halloween traditions?

My favorite tradition is more of a fall tradition and that’s when we go to the pumpkin patch where we get apple cider donuts and see all the great pumpkins. While we’re there the kids pick our their pumpkins and those are the ones we carve. Carving pumpkins is my other favorite tradition. I really love it now because the kids can do the work on their own. haha!

2. Any special Halloween dinners or spooky snacks?

The night we carve pumpkins, I make a “special” dinner of hotdogs and mac and cheese. I used to make “bloody” fingers for years, but then I started making mummy dogs. I also make mac and cheese, but then I add green food coloring and call it “brains.” Some years I serve green grapes and say they are eyeballs. The kids humor me!

3. What do you typically do on Halloween?

Well, for years and years we trick-or-treated with friends. We had the same group that got together from when the kids were little through the elementary years.

Once the kids were in middle school, they still trick-or-treated in the neighborhood, but they kind of went out on their own, and Trav and I stayed home to pass out candy.

It’s bittersweet not trick-or-treating with kids, but I enjoy staying home and passing out candy; now it’s fun to see little ones all dressed up.

4. Do you carve or paint pumpkins?

We carve pumpkins. We used to use some of the paper templates, but now the kids just kind of choose what they want to do and wing it.

We carved pumpkins Tuesday night, and they turned out cute!

5. Favorite Halloween candy?

I have a sweet tooth for chocolate. I love Reese’s and Kit Kats, but I also love Sour Patch Kids.

6. What are you giving out for Halloween this year?

Candy!

Through the years, I’ve added in fruit snacks and pretzels for kids who might not want candy.

7. Full-size or fun-size?

I typically only buy fun size candy, but I let kids take a few pieces!

8. Favorite Halloween costume of all time?

I always loved getting the kids their costumes every year, and they had some great ones through the years. I loved when Hayden was his favorite Royals baseball player or Patrick Mahomes. The years that Hadley was a nerd and an 80’s girl cracked me up but…

I’ve shared time and time again, that when the kids were three Hayden wanted to be Batman, and Hadley had the idea (all on her own) to be Robin. I think her costume was the first thing I bought on Amazon. haha

9. Favorite Halloween movie?

When the kids were little, we’d always watch It’s a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I’ll catch it occasionally…

…same with Hocus Pocus.

10. What are the trick or treat hours where you live?

Our trick-or-treat hours are 6-8. I’m glad that it looks like the weather will cooperate. I appreciate that we have a covered front porch, and Trav and I will probably sit out there to greet the trick-or-treaters.

I hope your Thursday isn’t too spooky! I teach high schoolers, so every day is spooky for me! haha