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.
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.
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.
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.
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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!
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.
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!
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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.
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…
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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!
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:
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.
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?
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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
It’s hard to believe that October is almost over…which is probably something I will say for every post this week. October tends to be one of my favorite months, so I’m actually typically sad when it’s over! October started with me reading on the beach and is ending with me cozy and reading at home while it rains outside.
This month I read three books…
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
The Academy:
Summary:
It’s move-in day at Tiffin Academy and amidst the happy chaos of friends reuniting, selfies uploading, and cars unloading, shocking news: America Today just ranked Tiffin the number two boarding school in the country. It’s a seventeen-spot jump – was there a typo? The dorms need to be renovated, their sports teams always come in last place, and let’s just say Tiffin students are known for being more social than academic. On the other hand, the campus is exquisite, class sizes are small, and the dining hall is run by an acclaimed New York chef. And they do have fun—lots of parties and school dances, and a piano man plays in the student lounge every Monday night.
But just as the rarefied air of Tiffin is suffused with self-congratulation, the wheels begin to turn – and then they fall off the bus. One by one, scandalous blind items begin to appear on phones across Tiffin’s campus, thanks to a new app called ZipZap, and nobody is safe. From Davi Banerjee, international influencer and resident queen bee, to Simone Bergeron, the new and surprisingly young history teacher, to Charley Hicks, a transfer student who seems determined not to fit in, to Cordelia Spooner, Admissions Director with a somewhat idiosyncratic methodology – everyone has something to hide.
Quick Thoughts:
This was my fall break book! I rarely purchase books, but I saw it at Target when I was picking up a few things, so I bought it too. I was so excited to read it while soaking in the sunshine.
Quick Thoughts:
This was a highly anticipated book for me, and I love Hilderbrand’s books; this one she co-wrote with her daughter. How fun!
The plot moves through the school year with each chapter a month September to May.
This book was easy to read, and I loved the boarding school drama…although there were definitely some things that surprised me from high school students. Tiffin’s campus is just what I would expect for a boarding school, and I loved that there was a map in the front of the book where all the buildings were located. There’s romance, drama, friendship and more in this book. They leave us hanging because we know there’s a letter to be opened when they graduate, which for some of the students is the next year. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Rating:
4.5 stars
Confessions of a Grammar Queen:
Summary:
There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960’s New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change.
Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women’s book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she’s inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.
And that is precisely what Bernedette does on a daily keeps her eye on the prize—equality for women in the workplace, and a promotion—while fending off the ire of her boss and the sabotaging efforts of a jealous coworker. With the support of her book club buddies and a certain charismatic editor at Lenox & Park who has completely fallen for her, maybe, just maybe, Bernadette will prove able to claim victory for herself and the young women coming after her.
Quick Thoughts:
I read this book thanks to Sarah’s suggestion, and I couldn’t have loved it more. First of all, who doesn’t love grammar? Just kidding.
Bernadette is such a unique character as she is strong-willed and independent but she’s also vulnerable. I loved the history, the women’s book club, the characters, the love story, the message and more!
Another aspect I enjoyed was that every few chapters were written from the point of view of Bernadette’s dog Frank. So sweet and fun.
I think this book is a contender for the best book I’ve read this year.
You know I love a book if I have a couple of favorite quotes:
Though women were outranked on every floor, in every department, they were also the backbone of the workforce, the glue that stuck the pages to the spines. Without them, everything fell apart.
Good mentors never tear you down. They hold your hand and tug you through the portal of dreams.
Rating:
Paris is Always a Good Idea:
Summary:
It’s been seven years since Chelsea Martin embarked on her yearlong post-college European adventure. Since then, she’s lost her mother to cancer and watched her sister marry twice, while Chelsea’s thrown herself into work, becoming one of the most talented fundraisers for the American Cancer Coalition, and with the exception of one annoyingly competent coworker, Jason Knightley, her status as most talented fundraiser is unquestioned.
When her introverted mathematician father announces he’s getting remarried, Chelsea is forced to acknowledge that her life stopped after her mother died, and that the last time she can remember being happy, in love, or enjoying her life was on her gap year. Inspired to retrace her steps–to find Colin in Ireland, Jean Claude in France, and Marcelino in Italy–Chelsea hopes that one of these three men who stole her heart so many years ago, can help her find it again.
From the start of her journey nothing goes as planned, but as Chelsea reconnects with her old self, she also finds love in the very last place she expected.
Quick Thoughts:
I listened to this book. I enjoyed it, but it felt very long.
The premise of reconnecting with three previous loves set the timeline from the start. I thought that was a fun aspect in that Chelsea traveled to three different countries, and reconnecting with the men each provided a different encounter.
Of course, there’s some twists and turns along the way, along with a couple of R rated scenes. As the story progressed, I knew how it would end, but I was happy with the ending!
Rating:
3. 5 stars
While I’ve been a consistent reader, I’m afraid I’m going to fall short of my 40 book goal this year. I’ve read 31/40…but I feel like I’ve read more this year! Oh well, the goal is just a fun thing to do year to year. I’m doing the best I can, and I still enjoy reading, and listening to a good book!
Hello and happy Monday! Wow! I feel like the weekend flew by…as did the month of October! Since it’s the last Monday of the month, I’m sharing some of the memes that made me laugh recently.
Isn’t this one the truth?
Travis can relate to this one…haha
Out of nowhere, clutter will make me crazy.
This one isn’t exactly me, but it’s close!
LOL!
There really are multiple versions of me…and sometimes even when I go out in public, I should probably make myself look a bit more presentable.
Why did this one make me laugh so hard?! Make a wish…it’s 11:11!
Have I won the lottery yet? (Really, I’m having a great school year!…just wish maybe we had school four days a week. haha!)
Hadley’s school volleyball has wrapped up, and this meme made me laugh. Not letting the balloon touch the floor was all the rage at the elementary class parties.
This one really made me laugh! Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi are absolutely not the same.
I hope your weekend starts off with a laugh or two. Which meme is your fave?
This week was a good one, but it’s always good to see Friday!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Trav and I found some time to make it to Keeneland for the fall meet.
I’m usually lucky to go to the races once a meet, but Travis pops in a lot for work. He actually had a TV interview, so he needed to go for that…
…and I tagged along.
We made our way over to the Clubhouse and saw many of our friends. It was a lovely day at the track, and it was nice to watch up with them.
Saturday night, we sat on our back patio and flipped back and forth between the UK game and the Mizzou game. My Tigers won…but unfortunately for the CATS fans in our house, UK lost. Both games went into overtime which made for a late night. The weather was nice, so I’m glad we sat outside for a few hours.
Sunday was a rainy day which was honestly a favorite. I watched one of my favorite movies…
…while Hadley baked “6-7” cookies. If you have teens, you know “6-7” is all the rage! It literally means nothing, but the kids are always saying it…just Google it or find an Instagram reel, and you’ll have your answer of how it came about…but why it’s stuck around so long or is all the rage, I’m not sure.
Pumpkin cold brew hit the spot on Friday. I hope to get another one this weekend.
A few school faves…
One of my friends has been sharing her seasonal agenda slides, and they are so fun.
During my planning or while my students are working, I like to put up a You Tube seasonal background with instrumental music. Fall and winter are the best background, in my opinion.
Speaking of school, my Adv. English 1 students mapped Odysseus’s travels in part 1 of the text, and they did such a good job. I did this assignment last year too, and it’s one I will keep in the rotation for sure.
Favorite Mom Meme:
Why do I feel this one so deeply?!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
With Keeneland’s October meet wrapping up, I’m sharing this pic which has always been a favorite. Let’s just say Hayden’s horse lost the race…and Hadley’s probably won! haha
showmeandsweettea.com 