jgalvinwhite

Share Our Lives: September 2024

Posted on September 9, 2024September 8, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Ours was a “divide and conquer” kind of weekend. I was was in Tennessee with Hadley for most of the weekend at her volleyball tournament, and Travis was with Hayden for his cross country race on Saturday. This is a busy time of the year for Trav, so he worked a lot while Hayden went to the UK football game on Saturday and then golfed with a friend yesterday.

Overall, it was a good weekend, but I’m already looking forward to next weekend when we don’t have much going on.

It’s the second Monday of the month, so I’m c0-hosting our “Share Our Lives” link up with some of my favorite bloggers.

So far this year, we’ve discussed:

Introductions and jobs you’ve had in January
How we met our significant others in February
5 items you can’t live without in March
Favorite makeup and hair products in April
5 favorite and least favorite foods in May
Foods you make for someone else in June
Day in the life: summer edition in July
Least Favorite activities in August

This month’s topic is…finding peace in your day.

Peace. What’s that?!?! haha

Well, as I’ve shared many times before, if I want peace (and quiet), I have to wake up before the rest of the house. So, I get up before six, enjoy my cup of coffee, read my favorite blogs, and ease into my day for about 45 minutes.

Even now that my kids go to my school, they don’t often ride with me in the morning. I take that time to have a peaceful drive to work while listening to the radio or a podcast.

My planning period is 3rd hour, and I find that time to be peaceful. I always have a lot to do, but it’s my time, in my room, to get things accomplished, but it’s quiet and peaceful. Sometimes, I will turn on music while I grade papers.

If I’m able to go for a walk or get a workout in, that’s usually a peaceful time as well. I appreciate the time to myself to do something for myself.

When the evening is wrapping up, and the kitchen is clean, everyone’s showering and getting ready for bed, it’s a nice quiet time to watch TV or read. That’s peaceful to me as well…knowing we’ve made it thought another hectic day.

So, that’s how I find peace in my day. Most of our days are busy and somewhat crazy, but there are still quiet, peaceful moments as well. I know the day will come when I have more quiet and peace than I will know what to do with, so I’m fine to just take my few minutes of peace where I can find it.

Next month, our topic is…sweet tooth cravings…just in time for Halloween!

How do you find peace in your day?

I hope you have a great start to your week.

Friday Favorites {#223}

Posted on September 6, 2024September 6, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

I hope you’ve had a great week. I finally feel like we’re in a back to school groove. While it’s a bit hectic, at least we’re finding a rhythm to our days.

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

Here are my favorites from the week:

First of all, it’s S E P T E M B E R! …

…which means some of my favorite things…

Monday, we didn’t have school because it was Labor Day, so we decided to go to Wallace Station and have lunch outside.

My mom was visiting, so my brother and his family joined us as well. It was a nice afternoon.

I made two favorite meals this week…

One I’ve made many times, and…

…the other was a new recipe. It will definitely be added into the dinner rotation.

After school one day, I had some Amazon returns, so while I did that, Hadley popped into Starbucks. I got Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, and it was delish!

On Instagram, I shared my September book trackers. I’d clearly lost my mind because when I first posted them, I had typed “August” rather than “September.” Anyway, they are saved in a highlight on my Instagram page. If you use one, feel free to tag me! I like making them…I wish I had more time to read!

Yesterday, I finally wore this romper that I got this summer. I really like it, and I got a few compliments too. 🙂

…and the Chiefs started the season off with a big win last night!

Favorite Mom Meme:

Snacks always help!

Weekly Recap:

I had a couple of posts this week! If I have time, I hope to share one tomorrow or Sunday too.

Prime Purchases

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Share Our Lives:

We have our monthly Share Our Lives post on Monday. We’d love to have you link up with us. This month’s topic is finding peace in your day.

While I had quite a few favorites this week, it’s been a tough one. Earlier this week, we attended a funeral for one of Trav’s cousins. He’s certainly gone too soon, and his sweet family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Also, there was the tragic news out for Georgia where yet another senseless act of violence took the lives of too many innocent people, teachers and students. It’s really hard to make sense of it all. We so happened to have a lock down drill practice on that same day. That night, Hayden said, “Mom, where do you go in your classroom if there is a lock down?” These are not questions my kids should have to ask me. It breaks my heart.

See you back here on Monday,

This and That

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Posted on September 4, 2024September 3, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

How is your week going? With no school on Monday, I’m feeling “off,” and can’t believe it’s already Wednesday.

It’s been a few weeks, but today I’m linking up with Joyce for this week’s Hodgepodge questions.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. Something you’re working on currently?

I’m currently working on continuing to figure out Canvas (our online grading/assignments platform) and getting use to grading papers again. I haven’t had to do that for quite a few years.

2. Tell us something about your first job. Was it a positive or negative experience for you? Did your parents insist you work while in school or did you work because you wanted to?

My first real job was working at a dentist/ortho office in my neighborhood. When I was sixteen and could drive, that was the perfect place for me to work a few hours a week. I usually worked two to three afternoons from about 3:30-5:30 and then a couple of Saturdays a month from 8-12.

It was a positive experience. I answered the phones, schedule appointments, and pulled and put up patient files.

My parents didn’t really insist that I work, but it was a natural “next step” once I got my driver’s license. It was nice having some spending money and paying for gas for my car.

3. Have you ever had a job that required overnight travel? How did you feel about that? Have you ever had a job that required you to wear a uniform? Do you work better in the morning or at night?

I never have had a job that has required overnight travel. You know how much I hate to pack? I’m so glad I don’t have to do that often. Although, I assume if I traveled a lot for work, I’d get pretty good at packing!

I’m thankful to not travel for my job. As you know, I like being at home! I’ve also never had to wear a uniform. Besides the dentist office, I worked the front desk of my dorm and then in Missouri’s athletic office for a couple of years in college.

I definitely work better in the morning! I like to get things accomplished and then move on throughout the day.

4. What’s something you bake or cook that is labor intensive? Is it worth it?

I can’t think of anything I make that’s really “labor intensive.” Honestly, if it takes too long to make, I’m probably not making it.

That being said, I make my brother’s stuffed peppers a few times a year, and they do take some effort but are worth it!

5. One thing you’re looking forward to in the month of September?

One thing? How about a few like…cooler temps, apple cider, and football season!

6. Insert your random thought here.

I’m really grateful that we’ve had a smooth start back to school.

Between the kids starting high school and the fact that I have a couple of classes now, it’s been a big adjustment. So far, so good!

Thanks for reading!

Amazon

Prime Purchases

Posted on September 2, 2024September 1, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

I hope you’re having a great three day weekend.

It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’m linking up with Tanya for Prime Purchases.

Here are my purchases this month:

Hadley:

I’ve shared my first two items in previous posts. Hadley had been coming into my bathroom every morning to borrow this blush...

….and my brow wand. Both are very affordable, so I went ahead and got her these for herself to use.

Hayden:

Of course, we have a few of these Gatorade water bottles, but Travis got Hayden this stainless steel one. It keeps the water extra cold, but I’ve told Hayden he’s in trouble if he loses it!!

Me:

Well, in my closet purge of the summer, I tossed a couple of my black t-shirts. Over the past couple of years, I’ve purchased this one in other colors, so I went ahead and got one in black to have that “basic” color in my closet again.

School:

Well, a few weeks ago, I shared this “back to school” post with some school faves.

Once we got back to school, I realized I needed a few more things like…

note cards…and this colorful pack is perfect.

...binders…but make them cute colors, of course.

…dividers for the above binders, but I only ordered one pack. I realize now that I need to order a couple more.

Also, in my summer kitchen purge, I tossed Hadley’s thermos because she hadn’t really packed a lunch since 6th grade. Well, of course this is the year she wants to take her lunch, so I bought her the exact same thermos that I tossed. She’s been taking it with her Ramen in it.

Other:

Every once in a while, I buy a pack of birthday cards, so I’m not scrambling to buy one when the kids get invited to parties.

I ordered this pack, and I think Hadley will like giving these cards to her friends, and there’s probably a couple Hayden can use too if needed.

So, those are my purchases for the past month. What have you “primed” lately?

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

Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#222}

Posted on August 30, 2024August 29, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

For sure, TGIF! Although, I’ve been in school for a month, this was the first five day week with students! We all made it. Hooray!

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Well, no pictures, but going back to last Friday, we didn’t have school which was so nice. Usually, teachers have to work, but we could “flex” our time. It was so nice not setting an alarm and then watching Real Housewives OC while sipping my coffee.

I took Hayden to get a haircut, and then we picked up Jimmy Johns for lunch. The rest of the day was busy, but it was still a good day off.

Saturday morning we were up early for Hayden’s first official high school cross country meet. It was so hot, but both the boys and girls teams did great. Hayden is running varsity, and he had a top 10 finish to kick off his high school cross country career.

Post race smiles!

Saturday was non-stop with volleyball as well. Hadley had two games that I missed when I was at Hayden’s race, but then they had three more games in the afternoon.

Saturday night, we finally watched Twisters. I rented it on Apple TV, and we all thought it was a pretty good movie. I had hoped for us all to see it in the theater this summer, but the $20 price tag from Apple was definitely less expensive then if we all went to the movie theater.

On Sunday, we celebrated my nephew’s birthday. We can’t believe he’s 10….and we appreciated that he wanted to share his cake with us 😉

Our evenings this week were filled with volleyball!

From pink night to support Breast Cancer…

…to playing tough and winning their first district match up…

…It’s been a fun and busy week of volleyball for Hadley…and they are off to a pretty solid start.

A couple of more Hadley pics…

She sent me this pic from the cafeteria…she loves her ramen! haha

…and I had to document her wearing her new jeans. When I tell you the search for “the perfect pair” was harder than I ever expected, I’m not lying. But.. after a few mall visits and going into quite a few stores, she found a pair she loved at The Buckle.

On some game days, they dress up…and jeans count as dressing up, apparently!

Favorite Mom Meme:

This is so true!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Lots of memories from the younger days this week including Hayden’s first ever cross country race in 2018. He was in 3rd grade!

Then:

Now:

These two besties started playing volleyball that same year…

…and look at them now!

Weekly Recap:

It was a busy week, but I had a couple of posts:

Monday Memes

Monthly Musings

Thanks for reading! I hope you have a great long holiday weekend.

Monthly Musings

Posted on August 29, 2024August 28, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I can’t believe it’s already Thursday, and I can’t believe August is almost over!

It’s the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is “summer’s end/back to school.”

1. Do you meal plan? Any family friendly recipes to share?

I do meal plan every week. I always write down our activities and appointments for the week on our fridge calendar notepad. Then, I figure out what we’ll have for dinner and make my grocery list.

I try to at least do one slow cooker meal a week, and this one is delish, and it makes a ton. It’s so easy, that we have it at least once a month.

Truly, we get to Friday and Saturday nights, and always chat back and forth about where we should go eat or carry out. I really might try cooking on one of those nights, and then save myself some time during the week and order out. Most weeks of volleyball season, Hadley has three games. That can be hard for meal planning.

2. What are your back to school traditions?

When the kids were in elementary school, we always went school supply shopping and would get their back to school haircuts on the same day. We’d usually go to Chick-fil-A for lunch while we were out.

I always did the back to school breakfast the morning of the first day of school. When they moved to middle school, we did back to school “brinner.”

This year, we went to IHOP for our back to school dinner!

Of course, I always take their picture on the first day of school. It’s hard to believe we’ve had this same chalkboard for ten years.

3. Where do you do your best shopping for kids clothes and supplies?

As the kids have gotten older, we don’t buy as many back to school clothes. Target used to be the best place to buy them during the elementary years.

This year, Hayden didn’t buy anything new, but we finally relented and let us buy him a new pair of Crocs. He’d had the other ones since 6th (or 7th?) grade, and as you can see in the pic above, they are pretty worn out. (Check out his left Croc’s toes! haha)

As far as school supplies go, Walmart is always where we find the best deals.

As for me: (haha!)

4. How do you transition your wardrobe for fall?

I share this answer every time, but I love to wear a cardigan in the fall and spring months, often over a dress. My favorite cardigan is from Amazon, and I have it in three colors!

5. Any end of summer trips planned?

We don’t have any trips planned. Soon, Hadley and I are headed to Tennessee for a volleyball tournament, but that’s about it.

6. Do schools in your area start before or after Labor Day?

We start school before Labor Day. I wish we’d keep it simple, and have summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. That would be so amazing.

We always start the second Wednesday in August, but teachers go back before that. One year, we didn’t start back until the third week of August, and that was so nice.

When I grew up, I think we mostly started after Labor Day. Of course, I don’t think we got a week long fall break or a week for spring break either.

7. What are your Labor Day plans?

I’m not sure what we’ll do. I always appreciate the three day weekend at the start of the school year.

Maybe we’ll hit up the pool or grill out.

8. White after Labor Day? Yes or no?

Sure! To me, as long as the temps feel like summer, I will wear my favorite white pants.

9. Pumpkin spice…as soon as it comes out or wait until fall?

I used to love pumpkin spice lattes, but I haven’t really gotten them in quite some time.

I put a dash of pumpkin spice in my coffee at home once the weather turns cooler.

I also tend to get a “London Fog” from Starbucks in the fall months.

Last year, I got a pumpkin spice cold foam from Starbucks, and it was good.

10. Best life hacks for back to school?

Prep early. I like to knock out the school supply shopping and haircuts in late July….and then be in denial that the start of school is around the corner.

See you tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Memes

Monday Memes

Posted on August 26, 2024August 26, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Ours was really good, and I really enjoyed having Friday off. I needed that extra time to get my life together and plan for the week ahead. Friday was filled with downtime and running errands.

On Saturday, we were super busy because Hayden had a cross country meet, and Hadley had a volleyball tournament. While it was a busy day, I always enjoy watching my kids do what they love to do.

Yesterday, I went to the mall with Hadley, and she *finally* found a pair of jeans. We’d been on the hunt for a while. Then, I had grocery pick up and time at home prepping for the week ahead. We capped off the weekend, enjoying cookie cake for my nephew Wyatt’s birthday!

I’m ready to tackle the week ahead.

Since it’s the last Monday of the month, I’m sharing some of my favorite memes.

Many of this month’s memes are school related, and I feel them deeply!

This month, when I went back to school on August 5th, I really could relate to this one:

Without even reading the caption, I immediately said, “Red!” The answer of “Danger” really made me chuckle.

I feel like the only time we really write checks are for sports and back to school fees!

Even in high school, on Sunday nights I’m asking if their Chromebooks are charged, back packs packed and so on.

Y’all, this one is very much me. I rarely do the automatic car wash, and when I do, I’m sweating until my car is officially on the track!

Tell me you teach high school without telling me you teach high school:

One thing about back to school, is that I do need to go to bed at a decent time. My morning time still gives me quiet time, but if everyone goes to bed a bit before me, I get that quiet time too.

Almost daily…haha

This is a real issue for me. haha!

Can you relate to any of this month’s memes? I hope you have a great start to your week.

Excuse me while I go tackle a full five days with students! At least there’s a three day weekend ahead!

Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#221}

Posted on August 23, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

This post is a little late thanks to a long week and a late Thursday night.

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

My favorites this week are pretty short and sweet.

We had lots of fun at the Royals/Reds baseball game last weekend. The Royals won 13-1!

Hadley has had three volleyball games this week, and they’ve been fun to watch. The first two were home games, and last night’s game was an away game.

Hadley had some great serves last night.

We also got her photos for the season, and they turned out great.

Travis and I went to a concert last night, and it was a good time. Larry Fleet is such a great musician. He’s like if Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton had a brother 😂

So, I was out on a school night…but not really…because another favorite is that we don’t have school today. ☺️

Favorite Kid Quote:

Last weekend, Hadley asked how old I am and guessed 41 and then 42. When I told her that I’m 44, she said, “Dang, girllll! What moisturizer do you use?” haha #favoritechild?

Favorite Mom Meme:

Who do teens have no concept of time?!

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week:

Summer Sunday #10: Summer Top 10

Hello Monday

Teacher Talk Tuesday

Fashion Files

What are your plans for the weekend? Hayden has his first cross country race, and Hadley has a volleyball tournament. I’m going to take today to get caught up life and planning accordingly for another busy week next week.

Thanks for reading!

Amazon, Clothes

Fashion Files

Posted on August 22, 2024August 21, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

How has your week been? So far, we’ve had a good one but with a couple of late night! Today is like my Friday since we don’t have school tomorrow.

Anyway, with back to school, that means I’m actually putting on a decent outfit, applying makeup and not wearing my hair in a bun!

I captured my outfits from the past week or so, and I’m linking up with Kellyann and Jill to share those today.

On the first day of school, I wore one of my favorite dresses. The “Everyday” dress from SSYS which I paired with my favorite strappy Target sandals.

The second day of school is when I forgot to set my alarm, but I still pulled myself together. I wore this flowy floral dress and my big buckle Birks.

I also wore this dress to church on Sunday.

I forgot to snap a pic on Friday, but I wore jeans and school shirt. As soon as I came home, I threw on leggings and a sweatshirt before we went to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Saturday morning, I was in my pjs until 11:00, and then I worked out. After that, I showered and put on this flowy guazy dress, my Air Maxes and a KC hat for our time in Cinci at Top Golf and the KC/Reds game.

Hayden said, “MOM! That’s not a baseball outfit!” But…this dress is light weight and got me through the afternoon and evening in the hot and muggy weather.

Sunday, when I went to run errands with Hadley, I wore my typical “momiform” of leggings and over-sized t-shirt. This is another one from SSYS, and it feels like butter.

Instead of wearing a ball cap like usual, I did throw on a headband to look a little more put together.

On Monday, we were to wear pink to school, and I wore one of my fave Amazon shirts, with white jeans and my Birks.

Shew! Tuesday was a long day, and I felt cute and comfy from 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM that I was at school. I had school, a meeting after school and then Hadley’s volleyball game, so it was quite the day.

I wore another SSYS dress with my other Target strappy sandals and fave Amazon cardigan (that I have in three colors!).

Yesterday, I had a hair appointment after school, so, again, I knew it was going to be a long day and I wanted to be comfy. I wore these joggers with the same black SSYS top from Sunday and sandals.

So, that’s what I’ve been wearing. I really liked everything I wore this past week. Which outfit is your favorite?

School

Teacher Talk Tuesday

Posted on August 20, 2024August 19, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

As the school year is under way and a little different for me this year, I’m sharing my schedule for the year.

Amy shared her schedule last week, and I always enjoy seeing other teachers’ schedules, routines, and lessons.

My school’s hours are 8:25-3:15. We are to be in our classroom by 7:55, and we can leave by 3:25.

I’ve been in this district for eight years, and this time frame works for me. I don’t have to start my day too early, but I can also get to a 3:45 or 4:00 appointment if I have one. At my previous school, I had to be there by 8:25 (but I lived 30 minutes away), and school was out at 3:50 (and we had to stay until 4:05). It was usually 5:00 before I got home after staying for a bit after school, driving the 30 minutes and then picking up my kids).

Anyway, I appreciate the 8:00-3:30 schedule.

My Schedule:

Here is my schedule for the year:

1st hour – co-teach – English 1. This means I have a smaller class of around twenty and half of them have IEPs (individual education plans). My co-teacher is a special education teacher who helps me provide those students their accommodations. Ironically, this is my first time in 23 years having a co-teach class. So far, I’m really enjoying it!
2nd hour – MTSS (multi-tiered system of support). The past few years, my whole day was MTSS. This is where I help in other English teachers’ classrooms, work with small group or individual students. Tier 1 instruction is what happens in the classroom. Tiers 2 and 3 are the help that I provide re-teaching and providing more direct instruction with smaller groups.
Hall duty – After second hour, I head to my designated spot in the building and then have “tardy cart” duty. After the bell rings, I scan student IDs and print out a tardy slip to class.
3rd hour – Planning (The past few years, with the MTSS hours, I didn’t have a designated planning period. I’m happy to have a scheduled time to plan, prep, and grade)
Advisory – Advisory is 30 minutes long, and I share an Advisory with another teacher. He’s the math version of me with co-teach Algebra 1 classes and then a couple of MTSS hours. In Advisory, we cover financial literacy, social emotional learning and other odds and ends.
4th -This is my other MTSS hour. This is also a common hour I have with other MTSS teachers, so we can meet, look at data, plan small groups and more. We also have lunch during 4th hour.
5th – Advanced English 1. I teach the same curriculum as with my co-teach classes, but in a more rigorous way and we usually move at a quicker pace. This is my biggest class with 30 students. (This is the class I have quite a few of my kids’ friends in it…so far, that’s only a little bit weird! haha)
6th- co-teach – English 1 – same as my 1st hour and with the same co-teacher.

The Kids:

The kids have had a great first few days of school. They’ve navigated their schedule, the lunchroom and the halls with 2,000 students with great success.

Our school has six classes, plus Advisory. So, freshmen take four core classes and then have two electives.

This year:

They are both taking Advanced English 1 (they are in the same class again this year), Advanced Biology and Government.
Hadley is taking Spanish 1 and Life Essentials as her electives.
Hayden is taking Spanish 2 and Weight Management as his electives.
For math, Hayden is in Algebra 1 and Hadley is taking Advanced Geometry.

I’ve seen them a couple of times in the hall and love hearing, “Hi, Hadley’s (or Hayden’s) mom!” when I see their friends out and about too.

I’m grateful we’ve all had a great start to the school year.

What was your favorite class in high school?