We were all the struggle bus yesterday …so tired and disappointed from that Super Bowl loss. While I didn’t have high hopes they’d win, I did hope it was respectable! haha.
Hopefully, we don’t have to wait too long for another Chiefs Super Bowl appearance.
Today, we have an NTI day thanks to snow that should be on the ground as of this morning. While I’d be surprised if this turns into more than one day off, I will take what I can get with sleeping in a bit before online school at home.
I’m linking up with Erika and Shay for Let’s Look.
I believe Shay said they were changing the day to the second Tuesday of the month?? If not, I’m a day early!
This month’s topic is…let’s look at how you work on your marriage.
It’s hard to believe, but Travis and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in June.
Truly, it is crazy how quickly these past twenty years have flown by. We’re not perfect, but I still feel like we are perfect for each other.
I actually feel like we used to do a better job at making intentional time for each other…then, insert two kids with very busy schedules on top of both of us in the thick of our careers, and we’re busy and tired!
That being said, I still love when we go out to dinner, watch a show together, or sit on the back patio in the summer.
We both go for walks occasionally, and maybe we should do that together…but right now, when I walk, I just want silence after a long, over-stimulating day. haha!
Even better, is when we can find a short weekend to get away, but that doesn’t happen as often as I’d like.
While the kids and their activities shouldn’t completely overtake our lives, we both are in agreement that we aren’t going to miss their games, meets, and activities unless we absolutely need to. We’re going to blink, and the fast-paced high school years will be over.
We’ve had some glimpses of what “the next chapter” will look like when both kids are out of the house. While they might just be at a friend’s house and not at college yet, we end up having a spontaneous chunk of time to go out to eat or watch a movie.
So, while we might be as planned as we once were, now it just sometimes happens that we have some time to hang out together.
Communication is, and always will be, key. Travis hears it all from me…when I’m sad, happy, grumpy, tired or need to vent. There’s not another person in this world that I will turn to for all the things I turn to him for…and he’s always there for me. He’s never once let me down or disappointed me, and I hope he can say the same thing about me!
Our first dance at our wedding he picked out the song…and it was a surprise…just something he said he’d handle. He chose “Someone like You,” and it’s a sweet song, but I laughed because we’d seen the movie “Someone like You” that starred Ashley Judd. All men, of a certain age in Kentucky, have had a crush on Ashley Judd at some point in the 90’s! She’s a huge Kentucky fan. Anyway, it’s a sweet song that makes me smile with that memory as we took the dance floor.
We do have traditions like going out somewhere nice around Valentine’s Day and for our anniversary. I always look forward to the fall and spring when we go to Keeneland, and we usually go to Oaks as well in May.
I’m lucky that finding “my person” didn’t take too long, and I’m grateful for the years we’ve had together and all that we’ve celebrated and all that we’ve been through together.
And…he writes my name in bubble letters…what more can a girl ask for?
Marriage is hard work…but it’s worth it. My daily prayers include growing “old, old” with him.
How was your weekend? After a few busy weekends, we were back to a split weekend of a busy Saturday and slower Sunday. That being said, yesterday was all about getting my house back in order, picking up groceries and running errands. Travis was sick all last week, so it was just me getting the kids where they needed to be and dealing with school, so the house wasn’t as tidy as we like and the fridge was pretty bare.
Anyway, hopefully, we’ll have a more “normal” week.
It’s the second Monday of the month, so I’m co-hosting Share Our Lives with some of my favorite bloggers.
Well, I’m certainly in the stage of life where working full time and the kids’ schedules combined makes it pretty easy for me to fall asleep. Your girl stays tired! That being said, of course there are some some standard suggestions, but I have a few “musts” as well.
It’s actually kind of crazy to think back about sleeping. As a parent, I guess I probably haven’t been fully rested in over fifteen years. Will I ever be fully rested again? You tell me!
I don’t think I’ve ever really been one to sleep in, but in high school and college, I’m sure I wasn’t up early unless I had to be.
I’ve always been an excellent napper…Travis and I have that in common. I think my napping started in college. There’s nothing better to me than knowing I get a nap on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
When we had that stretch of winter weather recently with some extra days off school, I loved the luxury of a weekday nap. The difference in Travis and myself is that he can nap literally anywhere. The running joke at family functions is “where’s Travis?” especially after a good meal. He’s most definitely somewhere squeezing in a twenty minute nap somewhere.
I’ve always been grateful that the kids have been great sleepers…and I attribute that to having them on a great schedule from day one…and even once they were old enough to sit/stand in their crib, if it was before 7 am, I’d go in their room and lay them back down until at least seven…and then they eventually slept even longer and took great naps. Both babies slept through the night by 10-12 weeks.
The only issues we had with sleep were the first night anywhere…whether we were at Trav’s mom’s house, KC, a hotel or on vacay…it seemed we were up, off and on, all night the first night for probably the first couple years of their lives.
Anyway, now, of course, if she has nothing going on, I have to wake Hadley at noon most weekends. Hayden has never slept in as long as Hadley, but he’ll sleep when given the chance. He often sets an alarm for 9 on the weekends to get up and moving and then get his run in.
Anyway, back to me! Can you tell I’m proud that my kids are good sleepers? haha! Sleep is very important to me.
It’s probably been about seven years ago, I wasn’t having trouble falling asleep, but I would wake up around 3 or 4 and not be able to fall back to sleep. It’s like I couldn’t shut my brain off. So, my doctor prescribed me some medicine for sleep. I was wary about it and would only take half a pill a few nights a week. I don’t like taking medicine unless I have to, and have heard about dependency with sleep medication.
Eventually, I decided I didn’t want to take the medicine anymore. Then, I can’t remember who shared it on Instagram, but they suggested Olly Sleep gummies. (Of course, talk with a medical professional if needed…I’m not a doctor!), but I’ve been taking this Olly gummy before bed a few nights a week for about five years, and I’ve never slept better! Now, the dosage is two gummies. I’ve only ever taken one…and sometimes I take half of one just to ensure I will go to sleep easily. I only take them a few nights a week as of course, I want to know I can still fall asleep on my own. I’m guessing I’d be knocked out if I took two!
I get these at Target, and oddly enough, I’ve purchased a small travel pack a few times at Old Navy…in the area by the cash register.
I was just in Old Navy yesterday and saw them there again.
For probably just as long, I’ve used a weighted blanket. When I got mine five or six years ago (maybe longer?), BlanQuil was a popular brand that was shared often on social media. I believe mine is twelve pounds, and there were a variety of color options. I just chose a tan color, but eventually, I took the weighted blanket out of the cover, and now it just goes under my comforter. It’s twin size, and when I make the bed, you can’t even tell it’s there. The twin size is great because Travis doesn’t want a weighted blanket, so it’s on my side only.
When I searched for this brand, I see their Instagram page, but nothing has been posted in a couple of years. The brand seems to be in store like Walmart, but the lightest blanket is fifteen pounds.
My twelve pound one (out of the cover), seems similar to this one.
Anyway, when I’m not sleeping in my own bed, I truly miss it. I don’t get hot with it on, and it’s just the perfect weight for me to feel secure.
Lastly, I’ve been sleeping with a sound machine since the kids were born. That might sound backwards as of course, I needed to hear the kids at night…but they’ve slept with a sound machine since day one, so I would hear their sound machine through the monitor in our room. Once we didn’t need the monitor anymore, I missed that sound, so we got one for our room.
Once the kids got their own rooms around three years ago, we bought a second sound machine, so they could each have one. Those aren’t anything fancy…just a light weight sound machine with a variety of sounds and a little nob to turn them off and on. Anyway, we still have one of those, and I keep it in my travel bag, so we always have one when away from home.
A couple of years ago, when I decided the kids needed to start setting alarms in the morning to at least begin the wake up process, I got them each one of these clock/sound machine combo, and they’ve been perfect. They are small, come in a variety of colors, and have lots of sound options. They are easy to pack and if we’re going somewhere and sleeping in two rooms, Hadley will pack hers.
Hadley turns hers up so loud that it sounds like she’s sleeping under the sea!
The rest of us prefer white noise.
I remember my dad always had a SleepMate sound machine when I was a kid. I worked nights for years, so the white noise would help him sleep during the day…and drown out any noise my brother and I would make on the weekends. I still sleeps with a sound machine and packs his when he comes to visit us.
Of course, limiting caffeine and screen time before bed are suggestions that I’m pretty good at adhering to…but a girl needs to read her Kindle before bed most nights, ok?
If I can’t sleep, I try to control my breathing and take little (or deep) breaths, depending on the the situation. I sleep on my side, but if I need to a minute to relax, I lay on my back and breath. I also think of the abc’s with a word for each letter…and sometimes if I need to think harder to wear my brain out, the abc’s have categories (food, cities, etc)…and then hopefully I eventually fall asleep.
So, my trifecta of melatonin, weighted blanket, and a sound machine help me great a pretty good night’s sleep at this stage of life!
What sleeping tips do you have?
The Super Bowl was quite the bummer for us Chiefs fans. No matter who is playing, I always wish we had Monday off after Super Bowl Sunday.
How was your week? Ours was another full week, and we’ve definitely gotten back into a school/sports groove, finally. Unfortunately, Trav had the flu and was sick all week. It hit him hard, but I think he’s finally turned a corner.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
In honor of Ground Hog’s Day, this meme made me laugh…I wish I could relate to it a bit less. haha
Last weekend, we went to Gatlinburg, TN for Hadley’s volleyball tournament. Trav and Hayden tagged along as well. After school, we headed to G-burg, and then Hadley’s team had three games Saturday afternoon and evening.
It was nice having some down time on Saturday morning…we had breakfast at the hotel, Hadley slept in, Trav and Hayden went for a run, and I went for a walk. Then, we headed to Rocky Top Sports World for the games.
The girls went 2-1 in pool play…
…making it to the gold bracket games on Sunday.
…they came in third in the gold bracket, and won a bronze medal. As always, it was fun watching them play.
Saturday night, one mom ordered a bunch of pizzas and the girls and parents hung out in the lobby while watching the UK vs Arkansas game. This was a big game because UK’s former coach, Coach Cal, is at Arkansas now. Hayden watched the game in the room but came down for pizza at halftime. He started to watch the second half with us, but got frustrated and went back to the room.
Unfortunately, UK lost, but we did have a great evening hanging out.
I made a few more February book trackers. They’re saved in a highlight on my Instagram. If you use them, feel free to tag me, and I’ll share! (To use them, you just hold the story down and screen shot the book tracker. Then, you upload it and add a pic of your book to the book tracker and publish it in your story!)
I should have shared this Target sweatshirt sooner! The gingham heart is so cute. I’ve worn it quite a few times in the past month, and I will of course wear it next week on Valentine’s Day. There are a few sizes left.
How cute is this cherry heart sweatshirt? There are a lot of size options left. This “love” one is precious too!
This never happens, but we were down to one hand soap (and I always have one in both of the upstairs bathrooms and one in the kitchen), so I popped into Bath and Body Works yesterday. I took advantage of the 5 for $27 hand soap deal. The “foaming” soap is my preference, so I stocked up.
While I was there, this “book loft” candle caught my eye. Three wick candles were $14.95, so I went ahead and got it. I prefer single wick candles as they aren’t overpowering, but I loved the title and scent of this one. It really does smell so good. It’s a very clean and subtle scent.
Favorite Mom Meme:
*not me fussing at Hayden yesterday when we needed to leave for school*
Well, we’re on week two of two actual full weeks of school which means I’m back to packing my lunch. I’m sharing what I’ve been packing in my new Bento boxes.
While packing my lunch is still a dreaded task, I’ve been enjoying it a bit more lately and trying to find new lunch ideas. I’ve shared time and time again that I love a “snack plate” for lunch when I’m at home. The Bento Boxes are a way to take my snack plate to school!
I always save gift ideas on a few Amazon lists because I know when the holidays roll around, I need to share ideas with family members. I’d requested some Bento Boxes, but this set didn’t work out because the lids wouldn’t stay snapped on.
My first lunch was Dill, Sea Salt, and Olive Oil Triscuits (my fave!), cheese, grapes, prosciutto, rosemary almonds (my fave!) from Trader Joe’s, and some cottage cheese.
Once I realized those containers weren’t going to work, I ordered myself this set, and they’ve been perfect. The layout is a bit different, but they’ve been working out just fine.
Another lunch: Triscuits, cheese, a hard boiled egg, carrots and Ranch (the Ranch didn’t fit in the box), and my favorite sweet treat…a “Snack Select” from Aldi that has little bites of chocolate, dried cranberries, and graham cracker bites. Little squares of cheese also come in the pack, but I had those later.
On this day, I had a peanut butter roll up (tortilla), Babybel cheese, and cucumbers and Fritos (Trader Joe’s edition) to dip in Trader Joe’s Buffalo dip. I also packed a pudding for dessert in my lunch bag.
One day, I had salami, cheese and crackers from an Olli pack…adult lunchable. I put those things in the Bento box and then added in carrots, Chex Mix, and trail mix.
One day this week, I packed two turkey sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls, cottage cheese and carrots. Then, I packed some Girl Scout cookies…two Thin Mints and two Peanut Butter Patties. Did I need four Girl Scout cookies? No. Was it necessary? Yes…because otherwise, my family hogs the cookies, and they hardly last a couple of days in our cabinet! That being said, Hayden stopped by my room and ate one of the Thin Mints. See what I’m talking about?! haha
I’m loving my new lunch bag. I’d had the same lunch bag for eight years, and the time was past due for me to get a new one. Again, I had this one saved on a list as a gift idea, and it’s perfect. It holds so much, and I love that there’s a small zip pocket on one side and then a larger pocket on the other side.
Just this past weekend, I packed this full of snacks for our weekend in Gatlinburg for Hadley’s volleyball tournament, and it held so many snacks!
It comes in quite a few colors and patterns…and it has a 15% off coupon right now. (Just FYI!)
So, those are a few of my lunches lately. This week has been a bit different because we had a little chili pot luck yesterday with the teachers in my hall, and then we’re having a SOUPer Bowl soup/chili pot luck on Friday. So, I only have to pack a few lunches this week!
Well, this is the second month that I thought I’d post my Prime Purchases on the first Monday of the month like usual, but then never had time to hit “publish.” So, today, I’m sharing my Amazon purchases from January.
I’d seen this vest floating around in my Instagram ads, and finally purchased it when the weather was cold and snowy! I’ve worn it quite a few times, and I like that it’s heavy enough to keep me warm, but it doesn’t make me hot. I’ve also worn it in place of a coat which has been nice…especially when running errands or sitting at a volleyball tournament.
With my dry skin, I added this “honey milk” to my skincare routine. It’s been a nice dose of hydration before I put on my serum!
I ordered this Touchland pack with two hand sanitizers and one case. ‘Tis the season for all the germs, so I wanted to ramp up my hand sanitizing. I keep one in my desk drawer and then one, with the case, in my purse.
Both of these scents are so nice!
I replaced the Bento boxes I got in December as a gift because the lids wouldn’t stay on. These have been perfect…the compartments are just the right size, and the lids stay securely fastened!
I always use very subtle eye shadow, and I wanted to try this liquid eye shadow. I love it! This is such a pretty color and the application is easy. I’ve noticed that the eye shadow stays on a lot longer too.
When I’m not wearing these sunglasses, I’m wearing these black ones. Well, I misplaced them, so when I went to re-order them, I got the two pack. I love these light-weight sunglasses.
Travis heard me fussing and cussing a bit about the mess I was making trying to drain the cooked ground beef. He heard my cries, and ordered this clip on strainer! It’s been the perfect solution!
Hadley had a couple of orders this month including these hair clips…
…and this “octobuddy” for her phone. I knew these existed as a way to mount your phone, but I didn’t think about sticking things to the little octo feet. Now, I’ve noticed the teens sticking their Air Pods or debit cards to their phones this way. Such a cool little invention…
So, those were my purchases this month! What have you “Primed” lately?
{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}
Hello and TGIF! Happy last day of January. It’s felt like the longest month.
Y’all, only a few hours stand between us and the weekend, and I’m grateful to have made it through this five day week. It’s been a minute since we’ve logged a full week of school thanks to winter break and the weather.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
…to share my…
One of my favorite posts to write at the end of the year is when I take a look back on the year. While I will still probably write that post, I thought it would be fun to share the highlights of each month.
My goal is to share four to five moments rather than a laundry list of all that we did in a month.
Since these are some of my favorite moments from the month, I’m still on track with a Friday favorites post.
1. SnOMG
First of all…SnOMG! We got snow and ice on January 5th, and there’s still some snow in some spots. Well, it will be gone today thanks to the rain we’ve been getting.
We had one week of traditional snow days. Then, we had three NTI (non-traditional instruction) days before finally going back to school on Thursday, January 16th. The following week, we had another NTI day due to the below zero temps.
The snow was so pretty, but I’m also appreciating the warmer temps now.
2. Reformer Pilates
Thanks to the snow days, I was able to go to a few Reformer Pilates classes. I think I’ve been to five now, and each one is different! I really enjoy this workout, and I hope to do it when I can…especially in the summer when the class times align more with my schedule.
3. My Birthday
I celebrated my birthday…on a snow day! I’ve never had a snow day birthday in all my 23 years teaching. Since it was an NTI day, I was able to go to a Pilates class, grab a Starbucks and then head home for my Zoom meeting.
We went out to dinner, and then had a Bundt cake for dessert.
4. Volleyball
Hadley started her club volleyball season a couple of weeks ago. Her team made it to the gold bracket in their first tournamnet, and had lots of fun playing!
5. KC Chiefs
To round out the month, the KC Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in a nail-biter AFC Championship game last Sunday. It was such a good game, and we’re looking forward to the Super Bowl!
Screenshot
The news of the DC plane crash is so heartbreaking, and I can’t imagine what those families and communities are going through. Life can change in an instant.
I hope to share this post on the last day of every month…just a way to be grateful to the moments each month, both big and small.
My kids and I are chugging along on this five day school week. It’s been a major reality adjustment.
I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for the first Monthly Musings of 2025.
This month’s topic is…winter self-care.
1. What do you do to stay warm in winter?
Stay inside! haha
Truly, thankfully, if it is really cold, I don’t usually have to go anywhere. I never wear socks in the house, but if I’m cold, I will wear some fuzzy socks.
Even with our really cold temps last week, we never turned on our fireplace, but we usually do.
Of course, I’ll dress in layers. As soon as I get home from school, I put on a cozy sweatshirt.
We seem to have more downtime in January and February which means I get more time to catch up on my shows or watch movies.
I always love having a bit more time to read.
3. Any different beauty routines in the winter?
During the winter, I tend to have very dry skin which means I get out any of my favorite body butters.
Right now, I’m using the candy cane one from Trader Joe’s.
I always use lotion after a shower or for dry skin, but when my skin feels dry and itchy, body butter is the best way for me to combat that.
4. Skating, sledding or skiing?
I think I’ve been skiing once, and it was in high school. Growing up, we’d ice skate occasionally at Crown Center. Sledding is fun, but now that the kids are older, they do that on their own.
For years, we’d go tubing with friends at a place outside of Cincinnati, and that was always really fun!
5. Favorite winter recipes?
Chili and soups are my favorite recipes to make. Pasta recipes are cozy, but I will make pasta dishes all year, but I don’t make chili or soups outside of fall and winter.
There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee on a cold morning, and while I don’t usually eat breakfast, a warm breakfast, like an English muffin or waffle will hit the spot.
7. Best winter memories?
Snow days! ….and sledding down my front yard hill.
8. Coldest day that you remember?
I know we’ve had colder days in the past, but we hit negative windchill for the first time this year last week, and it was pretty cold. Homer sometimes refuses to go down the back stairs if there’s snow or ice on the stairs or the ground. Even when we clear the steps off for him, he seems to remember that there used to be snow/ice on those steps! Anyway, for a stretch of about four days, we had to take him out on a leash a few times in the front yard…and then, he decided he needed walked around the block to find the “perfect spot.” Ohh…it was cold taking him on that lap around the neighborhood for a few days.
9. How are you practicing self-care this winter?
Honestly, I’m usually in a pretty good head space in January and February. Those months, especially January, feel like one big deep breath after the hustle and bustle of December.
So having a bit of extra downtime during those months is a nice part of my self-care. I still stick with a routine of my morning “me time.” Even when we had our stretch of time off for the snow and cold temps, I made sure to make my bed, do skincare and shower, get dressed (even if it was just leggings and a sweatshirt), and even put a little bit of make up on. Even as the days ran together, it was good to keep a routine.
10. Flannel sheets…yes or no?
I like them, but we don’t have any on our bed. For Christmas, my mom got Hadley these cute penguin flannel sheets.
Hadley already loves lounging in her bed. Now, she’s extra cozy. That’s a blessing and a curse!
As much as I love all the months, and I certainly appreciate a snow day, mentally, it does end up taking a toll on us, and we are better when we are in a routine and out of the house!
Well, as January wraps up, I’m sharing my first reading recap of 2025. I started the year off reading four books!
It was a strong start to the year reading a little bit of everything… historical fiction, memoir, fiction: romance and holiday.
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
Lilac Girls:
Summary:
Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this powerful debut novel reveals an incredible story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades.
On the eve of a fateful war, New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.
An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she sinks deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspect neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences.
For ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. But, once hired, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power.
The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious female-only Nazi concentration camp. The tragedy and triumph of their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, and Germany to Poland—capturing the indomitable pull of compassion to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.
Quick Thoughts:
This book popped up on Facebook as a book to buy, but I borrowed it from the library. This book was long with some parts that were difficult to read. There were three parts of the book, and the meaning behind the title was fitting for the girls. This is based on a true story, and I thought the author’s note was insightful and interesting.
Rating:
The Stories We Tell:
Summary:
We all have a story to tell. This happens to be mine—every chapter a window into who I am, the journey I’m on, and the season I’m in right now. But this book is an invitation to capture the full picture of your own life with renewed clarity. To see your story as greater than any past or future thing, but for all the beauty and joy it holds today. It’s an invitation to a kind of life where you know how to hold what you believe—about yourself and the quiet worlds behind the people you pass—with gracious and open hands. To slow your feet and steady your life-in-motion so you can see where you stand today from a new point of view. No longer through weary or uncertain eyes, but a lens brimming with hope.
Because this is my story, maybe you won’t always relate, or maybe it will feel like you’re looking in a mirror. Whatever we have in common and whatever differences lie between us, I only hope my story can help shine a light on the beauty of yours. That my own soul work will stir something of your own. And that by the time you get to the end of my story, you’re also holding the beautiful beginnings of your own.
A story only you can tell. And I hope that you will.
Quick Thoughts:
I still love listening to memoirs, and this one was a good one. I did feel like it was more of life lessons than stories. I just mean Joanna would share a brief story and then follow up with lots of thoughts and lessons learned or how that experience shaped her. Her life is interesting, and I just felt like I didn’t walk away from the book knowing her as much as when others write memoirs.
Rating:
The Match:
Summary:
Sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it…
Having worked for Southern Service Paws for a few years now, I like to think I’m prepared for just about any client meeting under the sun. I am dead wrong.
The day I meet with single dad, Jacob Broaden, about potentially matching his daughter with one of our service dogs, I learn a few valuable lessons.
1) Always set my alarm clock. 2) Single dads are way hotter than I previously thought. 3) It is possible to go from fantasizing about kissing someone to wishing they would be run over by a truck in a matter of two minutes.
Unfortunately, I don’t hold that opinion of him for very long. Not when he shows me a different side of himself—one that’s sweet as maple syrup and hot as apple pie fresh out of the oven. And after a few days of working closely with him and his daughter, he starts looking at me with fire in his eyes, making me dream of something I probably shouldn’t… A family.
Quick Thoughts:
This was a nice pretty light read. The plot centering around service dogs was sweet, but obviously seizures are a more serious component to the plot. I liked that the main character met a single dad, and his daughter was a sweet part of the story.
Rating:
One Big Happy Family:
Summary:
Please don’t come home for Christmas…
Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.
But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.
As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.
Quick Thoughts:
So, I usually don’t read Christmas/holiday themed books after December, but I’d looked this one up on Goodreads, and by accident I marked it as “currently reading.” Well, I couldn’t figure out how to undo that, and I didn’t want to mess up my book count, so when the book became available, I read it. I’ve read other books by Mallery, but this one wasn’t my favorite. It was long, and I just felt like there were some details that didn’t need to be included…or repeated. For example, I don’t think I need to read about “IBS” more than once!
I did love the premise of the extended family plus friends at the family cabin for Christmas. Of course, with lots of personalities and family history, there’s bound to be lots going on!
Rating:
I’m happy to have started the year off with some solid reads.
Well, it just dawned on me that I haven’t been in the school building on a Monday in six weeks! Thanks to our winter break, crazy weather, and MLK day last Monday, it’s been quite some time since I’ve had the “Sunday scaries” haha!
This looks to be a five day week, and while I’m sure I will be exhausted by Friday, it will be good for us to get in a solid routine!
This is the last week of January, so I’m sharing some of my favorite memes from the month.
The first few memes are winter related for sure…
While January is one of my favorite months, this meme definitely rings true:
We’ll *finally* crack the 40’s this week which will hopefully melt the rest of this snow!
Speaking of the cold…sometimes I did feel like hibernating when the wind-chill was below zero!
‘Tis the season for resolutions…
My family can always agree to go to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants for dinner.
I’m always ready for bed…especially in the winter months.
Travis took my car for me to get it cleaned this weekend because we needed to get the snow/salt off of it. The inside of my car was fine, so I just needed to get the outside clean. I hate going through the do it yourself car wash. I always panic trying to get the wheels lined up just right and second guess myself when I shift to neutral. I’m grateful he did that task for me.
I share an Advisory class with a math teacher, and I always show him these math memes. I’m an English teacher for a reason!
I hope you have a great start to your week!
We’re still celebrating the nail biting Chiefs AFC champion win last night!
Well, another Friday post after another odd week for us. We had a three day weekend, and then an NTI day on Wednesday due to the frigid temps. Next week, it looks to be in the 40’s, so we’ll feel like it’s a heat wave.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
I’m keeping my favorites short and sweet this week….
To start, I loved having a three day weekend….and then one snow day! Well, it was an NTI day, but since we knew ahead of time, at least I didn’t have to set my alarm. Next week looks like it will be warmer, so I’m guessing we’ll have our first five day school week since December 16-20.
Last weekend, Hadley’s club volleyball team kicked off their season!
Hadley was excited to get her #14 jersey…that’s her favorite number. Mine too! She’s playing Libero again for her team.
They made it to the gold bracket which is great for their first tournament.
I ordered a new set (different brand) of Bento boxes for my lunches since the other set I ordered the lids wouldn’t stay secure. Anyway, this new set has been working perfectly.
I’m loving my new lunch tote which was a gift suggestion I gave to my mother-in-law. It’s so roomy, and has a side pocket and then another side pocket that zips. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and I’m loving the leopard.
I have quite a few of Shay’s cookbooks, but I’d never made her Chicken Sausage Pastarecipe. I made it for dinner this week, and I thought it was delish.
Favorite Kid Quote:
I walked in the kitchen last night, and Hayden was on his computer. I asked him what he was doing (meaning – what was he working on?), and he said, “I plead the fifth!” I chuckled…and immediately texted his Government teacher. haha
What are your weekend plans? I have a friend (and her family) coming in town tonight. On Sunday, I’m cashing in one of my Christmas presents…a massage at a spa! Then, we’ll be cheering on the KC Chiefs!
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