Author: jgalvinwhite

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Kids

Friday Favorites {#234}…Birthday Edition

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday…from a wintry Kentucky! We had our first measurable snow of the season…and of course school was crazy yesterday! haha

TGIF for sure!

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

This week’s post is all about the kids’ birthday this week! How are they 15?!

Hayden didn’t feel the need to have a party, but Hadley still wanted to have one with her friends. Literally, the only time in the near future where we had a free afternoon was last Sunday.

Hadley’s friends came to the house for a bit, and then we headed to the bowling alley.

Apparently, the dress code was sweatshirts and black leggings. haha!

They bowled for about an hour and a half, and Trav and I sat in the bar area and watched football. The girls wrapped up their games right as the Chiefs game was starting.

We went back to the house for presents and cake. Hayden was there watching the game.

Hadley “polled” her friends to see if they liked red velvet cake (her fave!), and they all agreed. She also polled them on what activity they should do for her birthday. Kids these days…

The cake was super cute.

…as are these girls.

Listening to them open the gifts, chat, and laugh was the best. They really are great girls and celebrated with Hadley all afternoon.

After that, Hayden requested a burger and fries, so Trav got him that, and they finished watching the game.

Meanwhile, I took the girls for hibachi for dinner. They were so excited. I had told Hadley that I could sit in the other part of the restaurant (the sushi side), if they didn’t want me hanging around. She said they didn’t mind, so I did get to join the crew at the table.

It was a great meal, and then I took them all home.

Tuesday night, per tradition, I put streamers on the kids’ doors. Hayden did tell me that I didn’t have to put the “paper strings” on this door. haha

I told him that I liked the tradition, so he said I could!

Birthday morning, I had baked them some muffins for breakfast. Oh how times have changed. They used to both sit at the counter, eat their muffins, and open a gift or two.

That morning, Hayden had PT at 7am, so he was out the door early. Hadley got up, got ready, we picked up her friend, and we headed to Starbucks before going to school.

That day, was the 9th grade field trip. It was a just a few hours at a college/career Expo at the convention center downtown. Students ride coach buses, and the kids were on my bus. I stayed outside the bus to take attendance, and when I got on the bus, I was shocked that they were sitting in the second and third rows close to me! It was a nice afternoon.

One of my teacher friends spoils them…and she made them brownies. She told them she wished she’d had two pans, but that they’ve been sharing things since day one. haha

After school, I went and picked up their cookie cake…

…and put out their presents.

Once Travis got home, they opened their gifts. I wasn’t sure on a few of their gifts, but apparently Travis and I knocked it out of the park.

Hayden always asks for this college basketball magazine, and I got Hadley a Dr. Pepper ornament. That’s her fave drink.

My mom had these little Funko dolls made. Hadley’s is wearing flip flops and has a volleyball. Hayden’s has on tennis shoes and is holding a video game controller. She also gave them some money!

After presents, we went out to dinner. It was a nice treat on a weeknight!

The Christmas lights were up, and they let me snap a pic of them. They look so old!

Then, we went back to the house for cake.

My brother’s family came over which was really fun!

May all their wishes come true!

It was a great day…even for a school day! I know we still celebrated them big, but it sure is different compared to when they were little.

Favorite Mom Meme:

I got my answered prayer…x 2!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

I don’t know why but the past couple of months whenever I would think about their upcoming birthday, I would think of them being five. These past ten (15!) years sure have gone by quickly.

Truly, this picture…and them holding up “one whole hand,” is etched in my mind forever.

Weekly Recap:

My November blogging streak continues…

Gratitude Days 15 & 16
Gratitude Day 17
Day in the Life hour by hour
Gratitude Days 18 & 19
Wednesday Hodgepodge
Monthly Musings

I have some catching up to do on the “gratitude” front, so I plan on writing posts Saturday and Sunday too.

I hope you have a great Friday!

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Thanks for all the kind birthday wishes for my kids yesterday. They had a great day!

Since next Thursday is Thanksgiving (how is that possible?) Holly and Patty are hosting Monthly Musings a week early.

This month’s topic is…holiday fun.

Whether we’re ready or not, the holidays are right around the corner.

1. Any holiday parties on tap?

Trav’s work always has a party as do some of our friends. Sometimes I go to my school’s holiday party…it just depends on the day and what else is going on.

2. Best holiday prep advice?

Make a list and check it twice! Lists are the only way I can survive the holidays. I have a list for gifts, activities, movies, recipes and more.

3. Holiday recipe that’s a crowd pleaser.

I’ve made these Pomegranate Goat Cheese Bites, and they are festive and delish.

C/o Fox & Briar

4. What holidays do you celebrate in November and December?

Well, it’s not a holiday, but the kids’ birthday was yesterday. Of course, we celebrate them.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year…good food and no gifts!

In December, we celebrate Christmas.

5. Favorite holiday beverage?

I always buy cranberry gingerale when I see it in the store this time of the year. It’s festive and refreshing.

6. What part of holiday prep is a total struggle for you?

For me it’s more about the timing of everything, especially when we travel to KC for Christmas. Those years, we celebrate as a family before we go to Louisville on the 23rd for Christmas with Trav’s family. On Christmas Eve, we drive to KC and that evening go to my dad’s cousin’s house for Christmas Eve night. Christmas day, we see my dad, mom, and then end the day at my Gma’s house.

Obviously, it’s nice to see family and celebrate with so many, but I have to be organized and make sure I have gifts and have us all packed up and ready to go. It’s even more complicated when we get out of school only days before Christmas.

7. Go-to holiday outfit?

I’m low key festive for the holidays and some of how I dress depends on how hot it will be outside or inside! I usually try to plan one nicer outfit to wear to holiday parties and Christmas Eve. Then, it’s nice to have a more informal outfit for other family times.

8. Do you send out holiday cards?

I love giving and receiving holiday cards, and I’ve already ordered ours for this year. Who am I?! Usually, I’m stressing about this after Thanksgiving. That being said, I went with a informal pic of the kids, and a few family photos on the back.

I’d really like to get family pictures next fall. The last time we had professional family photos, Hadley was still taller than Hayden! haha

9. Black Friday shopper? Yes or heck no?

Heck no! I am all about Cyber Monday. I truly try not to go into a store. haha

But really, I actually enjoy going into smaller, local shops and look around and pick up stocking stuffers or small gifts during the holiday season.

10. Do you listen to holiday music before or after Thanksgiving?

I typically wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to Christmas music, but Hadley starts listening on November 1. That being said, we usually click to a Christmas music channel as we drive home from Thanksgiving.

This was such a fun link up! I love thinking about the holidays.

‘Tis the season,

Posted in This and That

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

It’s been a bit since I’ve linked up with Joyce for her weekly link up, but I’m doing so today.

Here are this week’s prompts:

1. What was your favorite part about growing up in your hometown?

My hometown is a suburb of Kansas City, and it was a great place to grow up. I wasn’t pleased when we moved there at the end of my 7th grade year, but once I found my friend group, I settled in.

I loved that the town was big enough to have things to do, but that it also wasn’t far away from the city. I have lots of memories of going to the Plaza, ice skating at Crown Center, going to Royals games and more. But, in my hometown, we could go to the movies, play putt putt golf, eat at many different restaurants and hang out at parks.

2. Do you prefer ‘material’ gifts or ‘experience’ gifts?

It’s not that I prefer material gifts, but they are probably more practical. Christmas is the one time I will give Travis a couple of ideas that I wouldn’t buy for myself. It’s nice to get a thoughtful gift. Travis is a really good gift giver, and I’ve received many gifts that I didn’t ask for and loved.

That being said, for Valentine’s Day and our anniversary, we give each other cards (which is my favorite to receive), and we’ll go to dinner at a nice restaurant or to a movie. I appreciate that time together too.

3. Is brown a color featured prominently in your home decor? Your wardrobe? What’s a favorite brown thing that you own? Favorite brown foods?

I don’t love brown, but I do like neutral colors like tan and gray…those colors go for my home and my wardrobe.

I can’t really think of anything brown I own…buy I do love this trunk that I have in the living room that’s at least a hundred years old from my dad’s side of the family.

As for foods, you know my favorite brown “food” is coffee! I love pretzels too, and my favorite brand is Dots. We eat brown rice when we can, and I buy whole wheat bread from the grocery. I do prefer sour dough from Trader Joe’s though.

4. Which ‘Charlie Brown’ character do you relate to the most?

I took one of the quizzes, and got Marcie…an introverted bookworm…that’s me!

My dad typically sends me Peanuts cards for my birthday and Valentine’s Day when he can find them, and I try to do the same for his birthday and Father’s Day. Peanuts cards are definitely hard to find now….a lost art.

5. What’s a favorite item you’ve purchased this year?

The first thing that popped in my mind is Trav’s new car that he got in August….mostly just because it is nice!

We aren’t new car people, so it’s always “new to us” cars that we get and hold on to for years. But, it’s a nice feeling to have a good, dependable car.

After more than fifteen years and 275,ooo miles, he finally let go of his 4Runner. Honestly, it was still holding on, but last spring when it needed a repair, Trav deemed that the last time he was going to put money into that car.

His new one is nice, but has more bells and whistles than he knows what to do. He’s never even had a backup camera. haha

6. Insert random thought here.

How am I a mom of two fifteen years olds!? Today, is Hayden and Hadley’s birthday!

Five

to fifteen has gone by in a blink!

Lucky them! I’ll be joining them on the freshman field trip today! haha

Tonight, we’re going out to dinner, and then of course, there will be cookie cake!

Posted in Blog challenge

Nov. Gratitude Challenge {days 18 & 19}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

I’m getting caught up on a couple of days of gratitude.

Day 18 is something that makes you feel safe…

My house and locked doors! haha

I can’t imagine those who have had their homes robbed and what an invasion of privacy that must be.

Before I got to bed, I always make sure all of the doors are locked.

Does anybody else always watch their garage door shut just to make sure it closes all the way? I do!

Day 19 is 3 things about your body that you love…well, love is a strong word. lol

I like my eyelashes….no need to curl them, and I get compliments on them from time to time.

My teeth…especially after my two years of Invisalign. I still find myself sometimes smiling with a closed mouth out of habit I guess. Also, my teeth weren’t bad at all before Invisalign, but that helped my bite and straighten a few teeth.

My arms and legs are ok for an almost 45 year old. I’ve still been in a workout slump, but I hope to get back in a routine soon.

While I am grateful for my health, of course, it is easy to nit pick about things I don’t like about my body. Like…what’s it like to have abs?!? haha

I do try to be a good role model for Hadley and not talk negatively about my body. And, working out is something that I do enjoy when I’m in a routine. Having a daughter puts into perspective being positive (or at least not saying the negative) things about our bodies.

What’s one thing you are grateful for right now?

Posted in Day in the Life

Day in the Life Hour by Hour: Weekend Edition

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Did you catch my gratitude posts on Saturday and Sunday?

How was your weekend? Ours was busy but good. Last month, I shared a pretty typical day hour by hour. Today, I’m linking up with the Hello Monday ladies to do the same…

…but sharing a weekend day…Saturday!

Here’s my Saturday:

First of all…your girl slept until 9:00! Who is she? Usually, I’m lucky to sleep until 7 or 7:30 on the weekend. I guess I needed the sleep!

Anyway, I was settled on the couch drinking my coffee at 9:15, so I will share the 15’s throughout the day.

I put the Christmas tree up on Thursday night. Our trees are the only thing up, and it’s just enough for me right now.

At 10:15, I was working on my Saturday blog post and hit “publish.”

Mid-morning, around 11:15, I headed to Michael’s, and when I got out of my car, I saw this lovely surprise:

ugh!

I did what any girl would do, and went on into Michael’s to get some more garland for my tree! I did call Travis, and he headed to meet me at the tire place.

Last year, I got three sets of wooden garland, and made do. This year, I went and picked up a few more.

After taking my car to the tire place, I came home and put up my fall decorations, and this was my view at 12:15.

By 1:15, I’d strung the garland on the living room tree.

…and even got our bedroom tree put up. When I plugged it in on Friday, I noticed some lights out in the back. I quickly ordered these lights, and they arrived on Saturday.

I did an ok job getting them on the tree.

At 2:15, I’d showered and was getting ready for the day. We were getting ready to leave to go to Louisville for Hayden’s race.

I told Travis I would drive there if he drove home. A little after 3:15, we were stuck in traffic on 64.

We did arrive to Bellarmine in time, and by 4:15ish, the sun was setting and I settled into the stands to wait for Hayden’s race.

While I waited, I was watching the Missouri football game around 5:15. That game didn’t end up like I’d hoped.

Hayden ran at 5:45, and…

…at 6:15, we were still down on the field after his race. This was his first high school 3200m, and he ran a great race.

This race is put on in honor of Trav’s dad, Hayden’s grandfather. Our nephew has organized this event, and in it’s fourth year, it was bigger than ever.

Around 7:15, we were watching the last (and fastest) heat of high school runners as we were leaving.

Shew! We were hungry…and, per tradition, we ate at Boombozz for pizza with a few of our Louisville family.

Then, it was time to hit the road; around 9:15 I read a bit on the ride home.

At 10:15, we stopped by the tire place to pick up my car since it wasn’t ready before we left.

Then, once at home, I needed some time to unwind. I watched a little bit of football while reading…

…and hanging out with this guy for a bit!

Lights out around 11:45. Another late night on the weekend!

It was a great day. I was happy to have a bit of time in the morning to accomplish a few things, and then it was a nice evening to be outside for the races.

Thanks for reading,

Posted in Blog challenge

Nov. Gratitude Challenge {day 17}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Sunday!

Another day, another gratitude post…

Day 17 is something that comforts you…

The first thing that popped in my mind is my weighted blanket…haha

Truly, when we travel, and I don’t have it, I’m sleep so well when we get home and I have it. It’s an essential part of my bedding.

A warm cup of coffee in the morning is comforting….especially with the glow of the Christmas tree.

In this busy stage of life where I feel like we’re often pulled in many directions, it’s comforting when all four of us are at home. Even if we are doing our own thing, I don’t have to wonder where anyone is or what they’re doing or what time I have to pick a kid up from practice. haha

Enjoy your Sunday,

Posted in Blog challenge

Nov. Gratitude Challenge {days 15 & 16}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday !

I hope your weekend is off to a great start. Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on the topics on days 15 and 16.

Day 15 is…3 books you are grateful to have read…

Three? You expect me to share only three? haha

I will stick with a few that have stuck out for me from the past few years.

  • The Women – to me, this one lived up to the hype!
  • All the Light We Cannot See (LOVED the limited series on Netflix)
  • The Paris Library
  • The Things We Cannot Say

**Clearly I love historical fiction!

  • Maid – This was such an eye opening read for me as Stephanie Land shared her experience cleaning houses as she raised her daughter while earning her college degree. (I also loved the Netflix series. Margaret Qualley was amazing in this role)
  • Lessons in Chemistry- This was another great read that sticks out to me. It was a heartbreaking, interesting and inspiring book. Elizabeth Zott and Calvin Evans were amazing characters. I loved the miniseries on Apple TV.

Day 16 is a skill you are grateful for.…I guess cooking? I’m not sure what other skills I have. I enjoy cooking….I don’t so much enjoy meal planning, shopping and putting away groceries though. I like making dinner for my family, and even better is when we can all eat dinner at the same time.

Just Thursday night, I did something I never do….and called Travis to tell him I didn’t feel like cooking…and asked him to pick something up for dinner on his way home. I always cook Sunday – Thursday, and we rarely eat out during the week. It was nice to just come relax and put up my Christmas tree instead of cook dinner!

I guess I’m officially halfway though this challenge, and I’m enjoying it.

See you back here tomorrow!

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#233}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours was really good. We haven’t had a lot in the evenings right now which as been nice. Of course, we don’t have nothing…but we’ve had a bit of a break.

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

Here are my favorites from the week:

Since we didn’t have a ton going on this week, so I have lots of random favorites.

I’d given up on the Mizzou game Saturday night as they were struggling only to wake up Sunday morning to see they’d won via a scoop and score! I guess I shouldn’t have given up on them. haha

Sunday, was the first time we didn’t get the Chiefs game on TV, and Hayden and I were bummed. I was in the basement watching TV and following along via ESPN app updates. I wasn’t paying much attention. Hayden came bounding down the basement stairs to tell me that he thought the Chiefs blocked the Broncos’ punt to end the game. He was right. We caught the highlights. So excited that the KC Chiefs are still undefeated.

Sunday night was the high school volleyball banquet. It was such a fun evening with great speeches, great food and a sweet slideshow recapping the season.

Hadley won the “outstanding back court player,” and that was a fun surprise. She had a great season with amazing coaches and teammates.

Saturday night, we went to my brother’s house for dinner, and then we stayed for the first half of the Mizzou game. His sweet pup Tucker is getting so big, but tried to show his dominance to Hayden. haha

Hayden is definitely the dog whisperer as Homer really wanted his attention one night this week.

Besties!

Hadley and I stopped by Trader Joe’s for a couple of things this week, and I chuckled at this sign….she didn’t get it.

I watched the Martha Stewart documentary this week. I thought it was really interesting. I still have about thirty minutes left.

Favorite Mom Meme:

It’s that time in the semester when students start showing their true colors. I’m reminded that my #1 job right now is to make sure my own kids grow up to be good people who aren’t disrespectful and who make good choices.

Weekly Recap:

I’ve continued my blogging streak for November this week…

Gratitude days 8 and 9
Gratitude day 10
Share Our Lives
Gratitude days 11 and 12
Let’s Look
Gratitude Days 13 and 14

After a couple of rainy days, it looks like the weekend is providing some beautiful weather. Hayden has a race on Saturday, and Hadley and friends are getting together on Sunday to celebrate her upcoming birthday.

Thanks for reading,

Posted in Blog challenge

Nov. Gratitude Challenge {days 13 and 14}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

How’s your week going? We’ve almost made it to the weekend, and I’m grateful for that.

I have a “double dose” of gratitude as I continue on with two days of the challenge.

Day 13 is the best advice you’ve ever been given

Of course, I’ve been given advice through the years…anything from “this too shall pass” to “live and learn,” but the first thing that popped in my mind was my dad saying, “The difference in “champs” and “chumps” is u.” Haha…

Just from a young age, I knew not to believe everything you hear or trust everyone you meet.

I also like the advice “Don’t let someone show you twice who they really are.” I definitely “ease” into getting to know people, and if you burn me once, that’s it.

In true “mom fashion,” I’ve passed that “sage” advice on to Hadley as she navigates friend groups. I’m really grateful that she’s really honed in on core friendships.

Day 14 is a little luxury your are grateful for.

Definitely, my monthly facials. That hour once a month is such a treat.

I’ve had to miss the past couple of months, and I can’t wait for my November appointment!

What’s a luxury you are grateful for?

Posted in Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

It’s already the second Wednesday of the month, so I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for this month’s edition of Let’s Look.

So far this year, we’ve looked at...

  • How we clean our closets in January
  • Little things we do every single day in February
  • What’s in our grocery cart in March
  • Our daily time/prayer time in April
  • Our summer closet staples in May
  • Our summer schedule in June
  • Podcasts and shows we binge in July
  • What’s in our pantry in August (I don’t have a pantry, so I skipped that one)
  • Our quick weeknight dinners in September
  • How we prep for the holiday season in October

This month’s topic is…let’s look at...gift ideas for men.

I always tell Travis that he is hard to buy for…or that I end up buying him the same things year to year.

For Christmas, I usually get him some kind of apparel…so at least I start there! He will usually give me a couple of gift ideas too. When the kids were little, I felt like I could buy more meaningful things like a coffee mug with their hand prints.

Travis usually receives practical gifts, but I do think that’s what he wants.

Last year, I got him this trunk organizer because he always has a lot to keep up with whether it’s for cross country or work. It’s worked perfectly in his car.

There are horse sales in January and February, so every few years, I order him some type of hand warmers; this rechargeable two pack is what I got him last year for his stocking.

I’ve given him a fun coffee mug or travel mug because he usually ends up losing his travel mug from time to time.

He really loved these insulated beer mugs that we gave him a couple of years ago. He keeps them in the freezer for when he’s ready for an ice cold beer.

These running shorts were a win!

I don’t know how we survived the baseball years not having this wagon, but I got this for Trav a couple of years ago, and it’s come in handy for cross country meets.

This massage gun was something I thought Trav would love when I bought it three years ago, and he does love it. Hayden uses it the most, and it’s usually in his back pack on race days.

I bought the “Battery Daddy” and we still use it. As soon as I buy a new pack of batteries, I put them in this to keep them organized.

Shopping for stockings is fun and somewhat easier. We always get each other Starbucks gift cards…haha, and I usually buy him some candy, socks, and usually something for electronics like new charging cables, or portable charger. One year, I got him this travel case to hold all the electronic things we need when we travel.

Let me know if you have any great gift ideas that I can add to my list when I get started with my shopping. Now that I’ve typed this out, I feel like Trav is getting the “short end of the stick” in the gift receiving department!

{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}