I can’t believe my November gratitude challenge is almost over. I only have a few days left.
Picking up where I left off…
Day 27: holiday traditions you are grateful for…I’m grateful for many traditions. Of course, Thanksgiving and Christmas typically have quite a few traditions. For us, Thanksgiving looks different year to year. Some years, we stay home (but have to travel to E-town or Louisville for Thanksgiving), and other years we are in KC.
On Thanksgiving, a tradition I have no matter where I am is to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
As for Christmas, we always bake cookies at some point during the holiday season. We also go to the Horse Park to drive through their lights display.
One of my favorite traditions is letting the kids pick out a gift for each other to open, usually on Christmas Eve if we are home. It’s always fun seeing what they pick out for each other.
Day 28: something that made you smile today…
Thanksgiving always makes me smile. It’s my favorite holiday…great food, time with family, and no stress of buying gifts!
Gobble til you wobble! If you need a way to use up your leftover turkey, this recipe is a day after Thanksgiving tradition in our family.
If you need me, I will be sipping my coffee and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade this morning.
I forgot to finish up this post last night, so it’s coming to you a bit late!
Well, unfortunately, another month with minimal reading.
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
The House in the Pines:
Summary:
Maya was a high school senior when her best friend, Aubrey, mysteriously dropped dead in front of the enigmatic man named Frank whom they’d been spending time with all summer.
Seven years later, Maya lives in Boston with a loving boyfriend and is kicking the secret addiction that has allowed her to cope with what happened years ago, the gaps in her memories, and the lost time that she can’t account for. But her past comes rushing back when she comes across a recent YouTube video in which a young woman suddenly keels over and dies in a diner while sitting across from none other than Frank. Plunged into the trauma that has defined her life, Maya heads to her Berkshires hometown to relive that fateful summer–the influence Frank once had on her and the obsessive jealousy that nearly destroyed her friendship with Aubrey.
At her mother’s house, she excavates fragments of her past and notices hidden messages in her deceased Guatemalan father’s book that didn’t stand out to her earlier. To save herself, she must understand a story written before she was born, but time keeps running out, and soon, all roads are leading back to Frank’s cabin….
Quick Thoughts:
I haven’t read a book by this author, and I thought the book was ok. I liked the sense of mystery, but I had a hard time making connections with Maya’s past and how the story ended. I liked the flashback elements, but that took me a bit to get in a rhythm of reading. So, while I wasn’t disappointed, I was kind of surprised that this was a Reese’s book club book.
Rating:
‘Tis the Season for Holiday Reading:
I hope December is a better reading month for me. I shared this photo last year, and I just love it:
I love reading in December and the past few years I’ve read winter/Christmas themed books. I hope to do the same this year and can’t wait for some downtime over Christmas break to read hopefully more than one book! I’ve already added a couple Christmas books to my Kindle.
My favorite series is the Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street series…
This Tuesday feels like a Friday for me! For that, I’m grateful. Speaking of gratitude…I’m picking up where I left off with the gratitude challenge.
Day 25 is a favorite quote that helped you…
I love a good quote! I wrote this post four years ago (wow!), and so many of them are still my favorites.
Day 26: 3 hobbies or activities you love
I love when I find time to read, but I haven’t been in a great reading groove lately.
I’ve always loved to color. When the kids were little, I’d sit down and color with them. Lately, I’ve been loving this marker set and coloring in my “cozy girl” book. I’m going to order the Christmas one soon I think.
Ok, while not really a “hobby” or “activity” (that I’m proud of…) I enjoy watching the Real Housewives franchise. I don’t watch them all, but I watch most of them. My faves are OC and Beverly Hills. I think sometimes my mind needs to relax and doesn’t want to think, so I veg out with my trash TV. Hayden asks me, “Mom, is that one of your trashy shows?” haha
What’s one of your favorite hobbies or activities?
How was your weekend? Ours was really good…and the best part was that it was a slow weekend. I put up Christmas decorations, did a little Christmas shopping, met friends for dinner and even had time for an afternoon nap.
Today, is the start of a two day school week, so I think we can do it!
Since it’s the last Monday of the month, I’m sharing memes that made me chuckle in November!
Why does the weekend always seem to fly by?!
I had to get my “lighter” heavy coat out last week, and it felt too soon for that. haha
Y’all know I’m a fan of daylight savings and “falling back” but this meme is on point:
Well, I’m not making the Thanksgiving feast, but you never know what these teens will actually eat.
I’m not a “Black Friday” girlie…
This usually just happens when my kids are trying to help me at the self-check out…no matter how many times I tell them the item has to go in the bag after it’s scanned before scanning the next item.
Core childhood memory with Little Debbie!
The tree went up last week and the decorations went up on Saturday. I love the festive glow!
Me…too often to admit!
We got a new microwave a few years ago, and it doesn’t give you ten seconds before it beeps to alert you to open the door. It’s so annoying! I wish we’d tested that out before purchasing!
Also, this!
I hope these memes started your day off with a laugh or two.
I’m continuing to play “catch up” with my gratitude.
Day 23 something you often take for granted
Well, I try not to take things from granted, maybe one thing is that most of the time Trav is able to help take kids to school, pick them up, run out on his lunch break to pick up gifts, etc. Not everyone has that kind of support. Since we don’t have family in town, it’s nice that we are able to help each other out as needed.
Day 24 something you have that you used to hope for
I’d say my kids. It took us a while and a little help to have them, so I of course I’m grateful that the wish was granted (x2). We were never able to add to our family of four which makes my gratitude for them more meaningful as well.
With a full week of blogging, I got a bit behind with my gratitude challenge.
Day 20 is a risk you are happy you took.
Moving to Kentucky was definitely a “risk.” Granted, Travis and I were engaged, but I just mean that I did pick up the life I knew and moved to a new place. I joke that I was “young, dumb, and in love,” but that’s not to take anything away from Travis…I just mean, I would never do that now that I’m settled in my life….if that makes sense. We have a really blessed life that I’m thankful for.
It is hard being away from family, but are in a pretty good visiting routine during the year and for holidays.
Day 21: something from your childhood you are grateful for
Growing up, I can now look back and appreciate the sense of traditions and family. Family is important to me as well as creating traditions and memories with my kids.
Day 22 3 things about your personality you love
I like that I’m sarcastic….it gets me through being with teens all day and at home. I’m an honest and loyal person too. Those traits are important to me.
Tomorrow, I will catch up with today and tomorrow’s topics.
I’m off to hopefully pick up a few Christmas gifts and get my house decorated for the holidays.
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.
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.
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!
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, loveis 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.
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