‘Tis the season for gratitude, so I’m continuing on with the fun challege.
Picking up where I left off…
Day 11 is 3 songs you love.
Y’all, I’m the worst with songs. I mostly listen to country music…channel 56, the Highway, on XM radio. Travis is always up to date on new songs.
…but…speaking of music…
It might be cheesy, but I’ve really liked adding music to my Instagram posts (still photos). This year, I’ve been recapping the month on my personal page, and the songs kind of capture the moment a bit more.
Any time Hadley is in the car, she’s turned on Christmas music. I will listen to Christmas music on the Pandora station during my planning period while I grade papers this time of the day. It’s a nice festive touch for the day.
Today’s topic is something in your daily routine that you are grateful for.
Well, I’m a broken record, but I enjoy my quiet time and coffee in the morning before everyone else wakes up.
I started getting up before the kids when they were little. I just realized that I needed the quiet “me” time to ease into my day. This time of the year is even better with a candle lit, and soon I will have my Christmas tree up.
What’s something you are grateful for in your daily routine? I’d love to hear!
I’m guessing we scheduled this as the topic since many of us are starting to shop for the holiday season. That being said, my brain automatically thought of categories…Why am I like this?
Groceries:
I get 70-80% of my groceries at Kroger. You know I love Trader Joe’s, and I go there once a week or every other week. Aldi’s is another spot I like to check out from time to time.
Beauty:
I shop for makeup/beauty products mostly on Amazon or Target. Ulta is where I get my shampoo and conditioner, and then I always end up finding another thing or two. I love my Tarte shape tape, and Ulta has it now. I still use Dime for my skincare. I just went to Sephora the other day to pick up a gift for Hadley, and that place overwhelms me!
Clothes:
Y’all know I love SSYS, and I truly have so many things in my wardrobe I love from that shop. I buy a lot from Amazon, as you know. I like Target and Old Navy, but I really don’t buy as many clothes at either of those anymore.
Candles:
Bath and Body Works is where I usually get candles since there’s always a sale, and there are a couple stores in town. I love Antique Candle Co. candles too, and usually buy one each season. Jen Reed has some great scents with her Life in Lilac brand, and the jars are beautiful. I usually buy those candles a couple of times a year.
Home Decor:
For me, Homegoods is my fave place to find home and holiday decor. Target and TJ Maxx are also good as well. I just love strolling through Homegoods and taking my time while looking at all the decor.
Gifts:
Obviously, it depends on who I’m buying for, but I shop Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Target quite a bit. I always have luck at Aerie for Hadley. I do love supporting local shops and buying gifts from Etsy too. Truly, I’ve purchased quite a few gifts from Etsy shops, and I’m never disappointed.
While holiday shopping is still sometimes overwhelming to me, I am lucky that online shopping and curbside service are so convenient!
Next month, our topic is “favorite scents,” and we’d love to have you join us in the link up.
I need to get shopping for the kids’ birthday …which is next week! Where’s your favorite place to shop?
Sunday seems like the perfect day for gratitude and today I’m talking about my proudest moment.
What I’m finding with this challenge is it is kind of difficult/awkward to write about myself. haha
As for myself, I guess one of my proudest moments was finishing my second Master’s degree while having two young kids. I earned my “rank 1” in about a year and a half while the kids were two/three year old. The grant that my school was taking part in offered a reading specialist degree for me as I was our school’s literacy coach. Anyway, I had a short timeline which meant lots of late nights, but I got it done! I’m so thankful for that degree as it was completely paid for and it’s opened a few doors for me.
I’m not a big risk taker, but I was really comfortable at my previous school, and I had so many great friends there. When the kids were in kindergarten, I realized that it wasn’t convenient for our family for me to have a 30 minute commute, and I wanted to be on the same calendar schedule as the kids. I’m really happy with my choice, but it was a difficult one to do at the time.
I’m always proud of Travis and what a hard worker he is and all he does for my family. There’s not a single person who could say anything but great things about Trav. It’s the running joke between us that he’s the “perfect” one. He just earned a much deserved new job title, and it’s another great accomplishment for him.
Of course, my kids make me proud, but parenting is hard, y’all. They make mistakes and aren’t perfect, but they make me proud in small and big ways. Seeing them set goals and achieve them, taking the high road when it would be easy to take the low road, working through personal struggles, and more. They are figuring out who they are, and sometimes that’s easy and sometimes that’s hard for me as a mom. Also, they’ve done a really good job making the transition to high school. Again, it hasn’t been perfect, but freshman year is about figuring out how to navigate classes while preparing for their future.
It’s been a couple of days, but I’m continuing on with the November Gratitude Challenge.
I have Friday and Saturday to cover, so here we go:
Day 8 is 3 things about yourself that you love…
I’m a very loyal person. If you’re my family or friends, I have your back. Also, I can’t remember what I wore yesterday, but I will remember who wronged you (or me!), and I won’t forget.
I have a good sense of humor which I think it is a good combo of my parents. To be honest, it’s probably the biggest blessing that I’m sarcastic, or how else would I have made it with high schoolers this long?
I’m a very hard worker. People who don’t have work ethic drive me crazy. I wish I could be a slacker sometimes.
Day 9 is 3 people you are grateful for…
Well, that’s hard to do…I really could say Trav and kids…that’s three people, and of course I’m grateful for them. But… family (mine and Trav’s) and my friends….I don’t take them for granted either. I couldn’t raise these kids without my “mom gang.” Raising teens isn’t easy, so I appreciate the funny texts, advice, and carpool help.
What a week…TGIF! Not having school on Tuesday was great, but somehow it sure did make the week feel longer.
Anyway, as always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
First of all, Happy November! November is always a very hectic month for us, especially since Travis is usually working most of the month at the horse sale. That being said, it’s the kids’ birthday month, the weather cools off, and I love Thanksgiving, so November has quite a few good things going on.
Last Saturday, was the state cross country meet. I was nervous for Hayden as it was his first varsity state meet…and he didn’t run well the week before…(by his standards!)
Trav’s brother was there and got some great pics, including this one of Trav giving him a bit of a pep talk before the race.
He ran an amazing race. He had a goal to be in the top 80, and he was 66th…and was the fourth freshman.
He was really happy with his performance, and I could tell it seemed like a “weight” was lifted off his shoulders after the race….he even took a few pics with fam!
And, of course, on Sunday he made a 9:00 tee time…heaven forbid any of us relax!
Last night was the cross country banquet. It was our first high school banquet, so I didn’t know what to expect. It was such a nice way to celebrate the runners.
Hayden was rookie of the year.
Tuesday, was a big day in America…
…and I did exercise my right to vote.
…America, while waiting for the results…
This pic popped up on my school’s social media from last Friday. Dunkin Donuts was handing out free samples, so of course Hadley and her lunch buddies had to have a taste test.
On Tuesday, while Hayden was at PT, I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a few ornaments for Hadley’s Christmas tree. (We haven’t decorated for Christmas…yet!)
The Nutcracker was too cute to resist. I have a couple, so I will add him to my collection.
I popped into Trader Joe’s and wasn’t expecting to see our favorite gingerbread cookies yet. We all love these.
Fave Food:
When we go to Mexican restaurants, I usually find whatever version of chicken, rice and queso they have. I saw this recipe on Pinterest and made it for dinner this week. It was really good!
Share Our Lives:
On Monday, it’s our monthly Share Our Lives link up.
This month’s topic is…where do you shop?
If you have a blog, we’d love to have you join us.
What are your weekend plans? As of now, we still really don’t have anything going on. Travis will still be busy at work, but I hope to hang out at home, run a few errands, and rest up a bit.
I will be sharing more gratitude posts this weekend, so you’ll still be hearing from me.
Today, I’m reflecting on two days to get caught up.
Day 6 is…a failure or rejection you are grateful for…
Gosh – It’s probably been at least ten years ago, I applied for a job where I would be an instructional specialist and work with teachers in various buildings. I was familiar with the organization as I’d worked with them while my school was a part of a grant. At that point in my career, I just wanted to do something different. I would have been able to service schools not too far from Lexington, but I’d have to go to Louisville a couple of times a week.
It’s no fun “putting yourself out there” only to be rejected, but in retrospect, I don’t know that it would have been a good fit for me in the long run.
Only a couple of years later, I moved to my current district which provided me with a good change that I needed.
Day 7’s topic is…something in nature you are grateful for.
Definitely the ocean. As soon as my feet hit the sand and I see the water, I feel at peace.
Even this summer in Oregon, Travis tacked on a couple of Oregon coast days because we needed some days to relax and rest, but also just because he knows how much I love the beach.
Obviously, you know I also love a beach sunset. It just amazes me that we’re all watching the same sun set, but at the beach, it’s even more stunning.
Also, I love fresh few inches of snow….along with a snow day!
Sweet story from the other day…I picked Hayden up from PT, and he was talking about how they really stretched him out. Then, we went on about how he loves natural daylight, especially when the sun trickles in the window. I guess his PT room had lots of natural light, so he was relaxed during his session. He just gave me so many details which is very unlike him. haha
How’s it going? Yesterday, was the perfect day off due to Election Day. I slept in a bit, voted, got my car washed, ran a few errands, and had some time at home.
All of us last night…
I know election results can be contentious, so… moving right along…
It’s been a LONG time since I’ve shared a currently post, so that’s what I’m doing today.
I’m currently…
Watching: The Diplomat Season 2. I watched an episode on Sunday, and then I watched two yesterday. It’s such a good show!
{This pic is from Season 1}
Baking: I bought the ingredients to make a pumpkin pie, and I hope to bake one this weekend.
Buying: Well, I need to start thinking about what I want to buy the kids for their birthday. Hadley’s made a list on Google slides and shared it with me. Then, she decided to add them to the “Giftful” app and shared them with me that way. She’s always way easier to buy for compared to Hayden.
Yesterday, I boughtsome Christmas ornaments for Hadley’s tree. For years, both kids had a little tree in their rooms. Last year, Hadley asked for one of my skinny trees that’s usually in the sun room to go in her room. I’m assuming that’s the plan for this year too.
I just thought she could use some ornaments that were a little more “teen” than some of the ones she uses for her tree.
Hayden had a PT appointment yesterday, so with an hour to kill, I headed to Hobby Lobby. They had so many cute ornaments, and of course they were 50% off.
Coloring: Yesterday, I had some time to color a couple of pages in my Cozy Girlbook that I got from Amazon last month.
Adjusting: To the time change. It sure is dark earlier, but I do like that it’s lighter in the morning.
Drinking: I’m still loving this Crystal Light grape flavor to add to my water. Truly, it’s about all I drink when using my tumbler.
Loving: I’m still loving my “Lucy” top for SSYS. They had a few new items drop yesterday, and I ordered the Sloan top.
Scheduling: The kids and I get a flu shot every year. I usually get mine when the nurses schedule the day at our school. I missed it whenever that day was. Then, I was waiting for the kids to get finished with all their sports before I schedule appointments for all of us. Hopefully, we can get that done at Kroger this week or next.
Teaching: In my classes, we started a new unit this week. It might sound odd, but I don’t love starting a new unit. At first, I feel like a “salesman” sharing what the unit is about and trying to get the kids excited.
Unit 2 is “Promise and Progress,” and we are reading “I Have a Dream” today.
Anticipating: I’m anticipating a weekend with nothing on the books! Seriously, nothing. I don’t even know the last time we had a free weekend. You know these kids are going to schedule something that I have to take them to. haha
This was a fun post to share with a little bit of everything. I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve written a Currently post.
Today’s post is continuing on with the November Gratitude Challenge.
Day 5 is…a fear you are tackling or have overcome.
Choking has been my biggest fear since I choked a couple of years ago. I swear, I didn’t think this much about choking when they kids were little and I had to cut their food up into little bites.
On fall break two years ago, I choked on a huge bite of lobster (bougie, I know!), and I tried to swallow a few times, and it just wasn’t going down. I immediately stood up and looked at Travis and then my friend immediately knew I needed help. One Heimlich Maneuver later, and the lobster flew right out…almost comical. haha…but not the choking part.
Any time I hear someone coughing while eating, I worry that they are choking. Of course, Hayden likes to “fake me out” which I certainly don’t appreciate.
So, my fear of choking is definitely a fear that I’m trying to overcome.
What’s a fear that you have or have previously had?
Did you catch my posts on Saturday and Sunday? Friday, on a whim, I decided that I was going to try blog using the topics from…
So, I’m picking up where I left off, and sharing about someone from your past you are grateful for…
The first thing that popped in my mind are the teachers I had in elementary, middle and high school. I can remember most of them, and every year, I had at least one teacher who made an impact on me.
Who doesn’t love their kindergarten teacher? I went to PM kindergarten, and I really liked school. My first grade teacher was so kind, and I remember loving my 4th grade teacher because she volunteered at a wildlife rescue and would share her animals in class.
I had some great teachers in junior high/middle school, but those were my least favorite years of school. I do remember loving home ec and learning to cook and sew.
In high school, I had great English teachers who obviously impacted my love of English/Language Arts. I had a wonderful social studies teacher my sophomore year, and I took his zero hour class…one hour before the traditional school day started.
Shockingly, one of my teachers I connected with the most was my Spanish teacher. I think I only took Spanish two years, but then I was her teacher’s aide when I was a senior. Hey! Even all these years later, I’ve remembered enough to help Hayden conjugate some verbs for his Spanish homework.
College was a different story…while I did have great professors, I just didn’t connect with them the same as my teachers from elementary, middle and high school years.
In adulthood, I had a mentor for a few years when my school was a part of a grant. During those years, I was an instructional coach in my building and had a couple of classes for reading intervention. She encouraged me to get my second Master’s degree, and because of that degree, it opened a lot of doors for me and is how I’ve had the schedule I’ve had the past few years so I can work with struggling students.
She’s now a principal at an elementary school, and we keep in touch on Facebook.
My mom recently had a couple of former students be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the district/town she retired from, and in the programs that were passed out, both students acknowledge what a great teacher she was and how she impacted their lives.
I hope I’ve made a difference in my students’ lives through the years as well.
I guess I really covered this topic and talked about more than just one person who has impacted my life…but I guess that makes me pretty lucky to have so many to write about.
Today, was a double post day…feel free to check out my Prime Purchasespost today too.
How was your weekend? Ours was really good. As how the last few weekends have been…Saturday was busy and Sunday had a little more downtime to prepare for the week ahead.
It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’m linking up with Tanya to share my Amazon purchases this month.
This month, I had a few new things, but more than half of my purchases were repeat purchases.
Repeat purchases:
Hadley and I both still love the “Magic Wand” for fluffy and shaping our eyebrows.
A couple of weeks ago, I thought I lost my favorite sunglasses, so I ordered them again. Then, later in the week, I found my original pair. For less that $10, I think it’s good to have a couple of pairs of these.
Here I am wearing them at Keeneland a couple of weeks ago:
I’ve been using this same meal planner for a few years, and I only have to order it once a year. It sticks to our fridge, and it’s where I write what we have going on the for the week, what we’re having for dinner, and my grocery shopping list. I can’t recommend it enough!
I guess I probably share these under eye patches every month because there’s thirty sets of patches! I keep them in the fridge, and they are a part of my morning routine while I drink my coffee.
This is the third time I’ve ordered this retinol stick, and I use it morning and night. (It has a $3 coupon right now)
I shared that I ordered this blouse in blue last month and sized up just not knowing how it would fit.
Well, there was a “flash sale” on the blouse, and I ordered it in my regular size. Honestly, since it’s a flowy top, there’s not much difference in the fit. Once the weather cooled off a bit and I’m back to wearing pants a bit more often (bummer!), I realized I could use a few more work basics in my closet. This blouse comes in so many colors, and I know I will wear with them with jeans too.
New purchases:
Shay “influenced” me with one of her Saturday fall posts, and I ordered the “Cozy Girl” coloring book. Don’t be surprised if next month, I’m sharing that I purchased the Christmas themed one.
Of course, that meant I needed a set of markers, and these have been perfect for coloring pages when I can. Coloring is so therapeutic for me. I really think the coloring book and markers would be fun stocking stuffers or small gifts for tweens and teens.
Fun fact about Hadley…she knows how to order from Amazon. haha
She needed another charging cable, and ordered this “fast charging 10 ft” two pack.
I got a new phone last spring, and I’m rough on my phone…so I was in need a of new screen protector. I grabbed this three pack because I’m sure it won’t be the last time I need a new protector.
What have you primed lately?
Well, this Monday kind of feels like a weird one knowing we don’t have school tomorrow because of Election day.
I’m happy to have an extra day off, but I’m even happier to hopefully not receive any more calls and texts in regards to candidates and voting!
Also, hop over to my other post for the day as I’m continuing with the “gratitude challenge” for November!
{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}
showmeandsweettea.com 