Author: jgalvinwhite

Posted in This and That

Wednesday Hodgepodge 6.5.24

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

My life kind of feels like a bit of a ‘hodgepode’ lately, so this post is timely. I’m linking up with Joyce for her weekly link up with responses to her “hodgepodge” of topics.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. It’s National Cheese Day (June 4)…Does anyone not like cheese? What’s your favorite? Last thing you ate or made with cheese?

I always joke that I’ve never met a cheese I don’t like!

For lunch, I often pack Babybel cheese or put pepper jack, turkey, lettuce and mustard on a wrap.

Every time I go to Trader Joe’s, I buy the Havarti Cheese with Dill. It’s one of my favorite things to add to my summer lunch plate.

The last thing I made with cheese was quesadillas for lunch yesterday using rotisserie chicken, shredded mozzarella and “Carb Savvy” tortillas from TJ.

2. Last time you were instructed to ‘say cheese!’? How does you feel about having your picture taken?

Well, for having a blog, it’s pretty ironic that I don’t love having my picture taken. Hadley doesn’t think twice…she will just stop and smile. Not that Travis loves having his picture taken, but he’s more like Hadley. I like to know that my hair and outfit are ok! haha

Hayden despises getting his photo taken. This picture after their 8th grade promotion ceremony was a miracle to get taken:

That being said, I like whatever my phone camera does for a selfie…apparently, “flipping the camera around” for a selfie provides my better angle…in my opinion.

3. What’s your travel packing strategy? Are you typically a light packer or do you throw in everything but the kitchen sink? When flying, do you check a bag or aim for carry on only?

I am definitely not a light packer. I think I mostly just want to feel at home wherever I am which means I pack “all the options.” I’ve gotten better through the years. Instead of a large suitcase, I can get by with my medium sized one. That being said, the other three in my family can pretty easily pack in a carry-on suitcase, so I know they wish I’d do the same. haha

I do swear by packing cubes. I’ve used these (we have lots of different colors) for years.

Three piece set // Five piece set

Not once, but twice last summer, I packed in a carry-on sized suitcase for a few days in Florida with Hadley and then a few days in California with Travis.

This was such a shock that I packed in a small suitcase, that I documented it in blog post.

My mom let me borrow these “compression” packing cubes last summer.

They did “smoosh” everything down a bit more.

4. What is it about people’s cell phone habits that you find most annoying?

I think we’re all “guilty” of being on our phones a bit too much. Of course, it’s annoying when people talk so loud that we all have to hear their conversation.

One habit I noticed with students is that if there are even a few seconds of “downtime” between instruction or waiting their turn to talk to me, they think they have to be on their phone. I struggle with this with one of my own kids…who just can’t seem to realize I expect eye contact when talking to me…even briefly. I think kids are learning bad habits…and don’t even get me started with phones in school.

5. What will be your summer mantra/slogan?

Make the most of it? I want to find time to do a little bit of everything. I want to be productive, but relax. I want to read, go to the pool, travel, catch up on sleep, watch TV, eat ice cream, go to the movies, and more.

June is definitely our busier month, and I’m trying not to let it stress me out. Summer, for me, is eight weeks, which I know is a blessing, but it used to be 9-10 weeks of summer…I feel like summer is shrinking and I know with the kids being busy that makes summer fly by as well. While I have had a bit of downtime over the past few days, it still feels like every day has a “to do” list.

Hopefully, I will find my “summer groove” soon.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

The Kansas City Royals have been fun to watch. I grew up watching the Royals as a kid, and there were many bad years of baseball. The 2014 and 2015 teams were so fun to watch, and I’m glad my kids have memories of some good baseball.

Of course, living in Kentucky we don’t get their games very often. The past few years haven’t been great, but my brother and I have split the MLB app subscription, so we can stream on our TVs whenever we want. This year, thanks to my TMobile account, I get the MLB app for free for one year. Anyway, it’s been nice to turn on the games and see them winning.

(Unless you were watching last night…ugh!)

Well, this was a fun mid-week post that included a little bit of everything…cheese, selfies, packing cubes, baseball, and more!

Posted in Health and Fitness

Workout Diaries: May 2024

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Summer is off to a solid start with a couple of mornings sleeping in, I started a new book, and I had some time at the pool yesterday. My school bag is still a mess, but at least the rest of life feels a little bit more back on track.

Well…another month, and another workout recap.

As expected, May (aka “Maycember”) was jam packed. I still had the goal of getting workouts in 15 days, and I fell a bit short of that.

Between track meets, volleyball tournaments, end of the year things, and more, I just did the best that I could.

Here’s my Bodi tracker for May:

Here are my workouts this month:

  • May 6: Piyo: Define Lower Body (Also – I was surprised that May 6 was my first workout of the month…but I guess there was a track meet on May 1 and then Oaks/ Derby weekend? I started the month slacking!)
  • May 7: Fire and Flow: Functional Flow 2
  • May 8: Job 1: Finish Stronger: Chest, Core, Legs
  • May 11: Sure Thing: Combination Strength (fave workout)
  • May 13: Job 1: 20 Minute Sweat Session
  • May 15: Fire and Flow: Upper Body Fire 2
  • May 17: Job 1: Finish Stronger: Arms, Shoulders, Legs
  • May 18: 21 Day Fix: Lower Fix
  • May 21: Fire and Flow: Cardio Fire 1
  • May 23: Fire and Flow: Upper Body Fire 1
  • May 24: Job 1: Finish Stronger: Arms, Shoulders, Legs
  • May 27: Sure Thing: Strength and Stability
  • May 31: Sure Thing: EMOM Strength (another fave!)

21 Day Fix and Sure Thing continue to be my favorite workouts if I have time for 3o minutes or more. They are both such good programs.

Now that it’s summer, I hope to click around the Bodi library a bit and maybe find a full program to try from start to finish. That being said, June is hectic getting into a routine and having a few days out of town. Maybe I will mix and match “new to me” workouts. July looks to be my most “regular” month, so that might be a better time to focus on a full out new program. That being said, I don’t want to think about July just yet! haha

I did take my measurements for a first time in a few months because I just know I’d been slipping a little. I hope to make some progress over the summer and get back on track.

Posted in Amazon

Prime Purchases

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Well, just like the first Friday of summer (for me) “hits” different, so does the first Monday of summer break!!

Did you catch my “Summer Sunday” post yesterday? I’m going to try to write a few of those kinds of posts over the next couple of months.

Well, we’re already into June, so with it being the first Monday of the month, Tanya is hosting the Prime Purchases link up.

Like always, I had a little bit of everything this month.

Here are my purchases this month:

While these are my “tried and true” under eye patches, when Jen shared this brand, I thought I’d give them a try.

…and I love them just a much. I put the jar in the fridge, and use two every morning. Like my morning cup of coffee, I look forward to the eye patches every morning too. I’m almost out, and I think I might try the pink “caffeine” ones next.

The kids (and Trav) got me a new Kindle for Mother’s Day. It’s bigger than my previous one, so I needed a new cover for it.

Last month, I needed a new mitt for my sunless tanner…

…this month I needed more sunless tanner! I love this stuff. Hadley has used it too before the cotillion dances. It’s so natural looking and gives you a subtle tan.

I can’t remember who shared it on Insta, but apparently, I’m at the age where if something has “retinol” in it, I will try it! This eye stick has now been added into my skincare routine! Not sure the long term results, but it’s easy to add it into my beauty routine.

Travis ordered these athletic shorts for Hayden, and they fit him perfectly.

Jen and Stephanie (@betterwithchardonnay) both shared this over-sized t-shirt, and I immediately added it to my cart. I sized up one to wear it with leggings, but my true size probably would have worked as well. It comes in so many colors!

Well, I already feel a bit accomplished this summer. I’ve created my “to do” list for the summer which is basically organizing the little spaces in my house that accumulate throughout the school year.

I ordered this organizer for my skincare stuff, and took the time to go through three different bins that I have in my bathroom. I put my most used products in this organizer, and then my secondary items in a bin under my sink. I was able to get rid of a larger organizer and a smaller one too. It felt good to “purge” some things that had been piling up.

So those are my purchases this month. What have you been “Priming” lately?

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

Posted in Seasonal

Summer Sundays #1

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Sunday!

I know — it’s crazy for me to post on a Sunday.

I’m not sure what my blogging schedule will be in the summer. I’m sure I will post regularly, but just kind of want to “go with the flow” these next couple of months.

Anyway, I thought I’d try to write some summer related posts on Sundays.

For this first Sunday post, I’m sharing some favorite pool/beach bags that I either own or have found.

On Friday, I had my first official pool day which meant I got out my pool bag for the first time this summer.

I shared this pic last summer with some of my “Summer Staples,” and I already know that I will use it a lot this summer too.

Walmart:

So, I picked up this Canvas tote bag from Walmart last summer. It was the perfect size for packing just what I need for the pool. Last summer was the first summer, I wasn’t packing all the things for the kids. Now, when they go to the pool, they typically take what they need, or pack very minimally — Hayden throws a towel over his shoulders, hops on his bike, and that’s all he needs. haha

I loved this bag so much that I took it with me to Florida and California last summer.

Anyway, Walmart has this summer’s version of the tote that comes in a few cute patterns…and it’s only $15!

Scout bag:

We’ve belonged to our pool for eight years, and my first summer at the pool, I saw all the swim team moms with Scout bags.

I ordered one, and it’s still in great shape! I believe mine is the “original” size large. Mine doesn’t have a top zipper, but they do make ones that do zip.

It was perfect for the years I was lugging all the things to the pool…multiple towels, goggles, sunscreen, pool toys and more.

I still keep the bag to use when I do need to bring more things or if we are all going to the lake or the beach.

Bogg bag:

Bogg bags still seem to be all the rage. They come in a few sizes and lots of colors. I know they are nice because they are sturdy and can hold quite a bit.

I don’t have one, but we gave one to a friend for her birthday a couple of years ago.

Target:

I don’t have it, but the “Caning Tote” seems to be really popular this summer.

The brown one was the first one I saw shared as well as the crossbody purse.

The brown tote seems to come in and out of stock, but there’s also yellow and black.

Amazon:

I was clicking around Amazon and saw this beach tote. It’s a good size, water and sand proof, comes in a variety of colors, and has pockets on the inside.

It’s just $22 and has lots of good reviews.

Oh the pool days sure look different than they used to!

I hope you are having a great weekend.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#209}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Well, the first Friday of summer sure hits different! I was very happy to not set an alarm last night…so that’s definitely a favorite of the week.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

The kids had the middle school state track meet last Saturday.

When they came out of their rooms that morning, they were “twinning” in their t-shirts from the distance festival in honor of Trav’s dad. As Hadley likes to say, “Twin telepathy!” (while Hayden cringes!)

It was a hot day that started with an hour and a half thunder delay even though we never saw lightning or rain.

This season, Hayden qualified in the 1600, 800, and 3200. He ran the 1600 and placed 8th overall with a PR. He decided not to run the 800 in order to focus on the 3200, but his hip was bothering him. Overall, I know he was disappointed in the day, but I know he did his best.

Hadley qualified in the 200, 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400. She was very close to a PR in the 200, but her relay team shined in all three relays. They set school records in all three relays, and their 4×400 came in 4th out of 65 teams.

It was a long day (we were gone for over 12 hours), but we had dinner out on the way home, and then they let me snap their pic with their medals before we all cooled off, showered, and went to bed.

I can’t believe their middle school track “careers” are over, but I know they will have a lot of fun competing in high school track too.

The kids’ 8th grade promotion ceremony was Tuesday night, and it was a really nice celebration of them and their 230 classmates. It was nice seeing everyone dressed up and supporting each other.

They’ve made some really great friends and some wonderful memories these past three years…but I’m guessing the best is yet to come!

After their ceremony, we went out to dinner with friends, and then they had some ice cream cake.

Wednesday night, a lot of the 8th graders got together for a pool party.

The weather was cooler, so they mostly ran around and played volleyball and pickleball, but it was a fun way to wrap up middle school.

New Fave Find:

Amy has shared about the Chobani, and my Kroger had this flavor. It’s so good!

Yesterday, Travis and Hayden traveled to St. Louis for Hayden to run in the Hoka Distance Festival. He ran in this race last year, and had such a good time. I’d hoped to join them, but with the busyness of this past week and some end of the school year responsibilities, I just couldn’t make the trip happen.

Overall, I think Hayden was pleased with his performance. I think that was his last official race as a middle school runner! Hard to believe.

After his race, they stayed and watched the high school runners and professionals which Hayden really enjoyed last year as well. Hoka puts on a great event that’s a fun experience for the runners.

Fave Follow:

I have a new favorite influencer to follow. @bobbiwiththeeye on Insta! She shares lots of “day in the life” as well as cute and affordable clothes and other products. Go check her out.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This meme is probably the most relatable one I’ve ever seen! I also feel this deeply as a teacher. haha

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Look at my little daredevil back in 2015. She was always on the playground doing tricks, and saying “Look mom, no hands!”

Weekly Recap:

I had a little bit of everything this week.

Share 4 Somethings
May Books
Summer Reading
Last Days of 8th grade

What are your weekend plans? I need desperately to get caught up on my life. I want to take this weekend to relax a little but to also get caught up on laundry, empty out my school bag, run some errands, meal plan and more. I feel like I’ve been “winging” it the past couple of weeks, and that’s not my best self!

Hopefully, I can start reading some of my summer books and relax a bit too.

See you back here on Monday!

Posted in Kids, School

Last day(s) of 8th grade!

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Cue Alice Cooper….”Schoolssss out for the summer!” Finally.

Last week, I did a recap of my kids’ middle school years, and today I’m sharing about the last few days of school.

Last day(s) of middle school:

Well, truth be told, my kids have been over school for a bit now. They turned in their Chromebooks last Thursday leaving four days left in the year with not much to do.

Last Friday was “Clash of the Classes” field day and yearbook signing. I’m glad they got to have some downtime with the classmates, and I remember how much fun it was signing yearbooks. I did have to ask Hadley why so many people wrote “HAGS” in her yearbook, and she filled me in that it meant “Have a great summer.” I guess I should have known that!

The past couple of years, my kids have asked to not go on the last day, and I always make them go. I tell them it’s more for a “rite of passage” as an 8th grader not to go on the last day since the 8th grade promotion is the night before the last day of school. Plus, I’ve never wanted them getting in a habit of thinking attendance is optional.

So, that meant that Tuesday was the last day of school for them. Tuesday morning, Hadley and friends met up at Starbucks before their last day of school.

Then, she sent me pics with her friends all throughout the day. While they didn’t have much to do, I’m glad that she had some time with her friends. A few of her friends are going to a different school next year, so I do think the girls were a bit emotional about the last day of middle school.

The boys…not so much.

The 8th grade promotion was Tuesday night. Before Covid, I believe their school did this celebration the morning of the last day of school in the school’s gym. Post-Covid, they moved the promotion ceremony to my high school’s gym which allows for more guests, I guess?

In order to use my school’s gym, they have to have the ceremony in the evening. Anyway, Tuesday night was the 8th grade promotion.

I was able to get a couple of pics before we left the house.

It’s getting harder and harder to convince them to hold up the last day of school sign, but I’m grateful for the tradition.

For fun (or a few tears), here’s the first day of 6th grade. Wow…I know I’ve shared these photos through the years, but I really can’t believe how quickly these past three years have gone.

The promotion ceremony lasted a little over an hour and was really nice. A couple of students spoke as well as the principal. Then, each teacher shared a bit about their subject area and students who excelled in that subject. Then, all the students walked across, shook their principal’s hand and received their certificate.

It was really nice hearing all the students clap for each other, and all of the students seemed to be engaged and paying attention. It was a really nice celebration of three years of school. The principal acknowledged how the students spent most of their 6th grade year wearing masks, how much they’ve grown and matured, as well as what great classmates they all are.

As a parent, I appreciated the teachers and the principal speaking so highly of the student body.

After the ceremony, we snapped a few more pics.

My brother and sister-in-law were there.

There were lots of pics with friends…at least where Hadley was concerned. Boys aren’t as into pictures, and were more worried about where we were going for dinner.

Hadley really has made some wonderful new friends while keeping close friendships from elementary school. (Hayden too, but again…boys!)

The weather was beautiful, and we got a few family pics before walking to the car.

Officially promoted to high school:

…and a family photo which means more to me than they realize.

We went out to dinner with friends before heading home for cake.

Y’all know we love cookie cake and Bundt cakes, but we’ve been on an ice cream cake kick now.

Baskin Robbins for the win:

They squeaked in a couple of more smiles before enjoying their cake.

I went to bed not long after as I was tired…both emotionally and physically….and, I still had one more day of school to get through while they got to sleep in!

Wednesday evening, a few moms organized a pool party for the 8th graders, and they had lots of fun.

The temps had cooled off, so the kids mostly played volleyball and pickleball. It was a great evening to wrap up middle school.

I know I shared this meme last week, but it’s certainly hit home over the past few years.

…and while I know it’s hard parenting young teenagers, I know that being a teen isn’t easy! I just pray they continue down the right path, learn from mistakes, grow, mature, try their best, and be kind.

I love and believe in them more than they’ll every know.

Posted in Books and Shows

Summer Reading 2024

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, after today, it will officially be summer for me…which means hopefully I will have more time to read.

I can’t wait to dive into my summer reading list.

I hope my summer can look like this:

This was my summer reading list in 2021:

2022:

2023:

….and this is my reading list for summer 2024:

Last summer, I read all but one book on my list, so I’m adding it to this year’s list.

Here are my book choices this summer:

  • On Fire Island: I’ve never read a book by Rosen, and this book looks to be a heart-breaker, but I will still give it a go.
  • The Comeback Summer: I read The Beach Trap by Ali Brady, and loved it. So, I have high hopes for this book too.
  • Swan Song: This book is out June 11, and it’s apparently Hilderbrand’s last Nantucket novel? How is that so?
  • The Darlings: This book has been saved on my Goodreads list for a while, and I hope to get to it this summer.
  • A Happier Life: I love Kristy Woodson Harvey books. If you haven’t read her Peachtree Bluff series, you should. I can’t wait to read her newest book out on June 25.
  • The Summer Pact: Emily Giffin is another author I think of for summer reading. I enjoyed Meant to Be when I read it two summers ago. The Summer Pact comes out on July 9th, and I have it marked on my calendar.
  • The Summer of Songbirds: This was the one summer book I didn’t get to last summer, and I’ve already picked it up from the library to read in June.
  • This Summer Will Be Different: I’ve read Every Summer After and Meet Me at the Lake. I didn’t know there was a third summer book until my friend (hi, Allison!) mentioned it a few weeks ago. Of course, I had to add it to my list.
  • A Hundred Summers: I think I’ve only read one book by Williams, but I love historical fiction, so I thought this would be a fun one to add into he mix.

What books are you reading this summer?

Posted in Books and Shows

What I’ve Been Reading: May 2024

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I hope you had a great weekend. Did you catch my post on Saturday?

We spent all of Saturday at the middle school state track meet. It was a hot and long day, but the kids ran great races. Sunday was more of a relaxing day, and we really needed the downtime. We had two major storms blow through, but thankfully we didn’t have any damage. Yesterday, we were back in Louisville for our niece’s college graduation party.

As the month wraps up, I’m sharing the books I’ve read in May.

This month I read three books that included two memoirs and one mystery.

{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}

A Beautiful, Terrible Thing:

Summary:

What do you do when you discover that the person you’ve built your life around never existed? When “it could never happen to me” does happen to you?

These are the questions facing Jen Waite when she begins to realize that her loving husband–the father of her infant daughter, her best friend, the love of her life–fits the textbook definition of psychopath. In a raw, first-person account, Waite recounts each heartbreaking discovery, every life-destroying lie, and reveals what happens once the dust finally settles on her demolished marriage.

After a disturbing email sparks Waite’s suspicion that her husband is having an affair, she tries to uncover the truth and rebuild trust in her marriage. Instead, she finds more lies, infidelity, and betrayal than she could have imagined. Waite obsessively analyzes her relationship, trying to find a single moment from the last five years that isn’t part of the long-con of lies and manipulation. With a dual-timeline narrative structure, we see Waite’s romance bud, bloom, and wither simultaneously, making the heartbreak and disbelief even more affecting.

Quick Thoughts:

A quick glance at the cover, and you might read the name as “Jen White” and not “Jen Waite!” haha

I read this book because a mom friend told me she was listening to the audio book, and I thought it sounded interesting.

Like who am I to be a book critic, but I didn’t enjoy this book at all. I think my biggest issue was how it was written. There were too many simple sentences, too much repetition, and many times where I thought details needed more explanation. I felt like I was reading a bad essay the whole time. Maybe the audiobook was better?

Rating:

2.5 stars!

The Many Lives of Mama Love:

Summary:

No one expects the police to knock on the million-dollar, two-story home of the perfect cul-de-sac housewife. But soccer mom Lara Love Hardin has been hiding a shady secret: She is funding her heroin addiction by stealing her neighbors’ credit cards.

Lara is convicted of thirty-two felonies and becomes inmate S32179. She learns jail is a class system with a power structure somewhere between an adolescent sleepover party and Lord of the Flies. Furniture is made from tampon boxes, and Snickers bars are currency. But Lara quickly finds the rules and brings love and healing to her fellow inmates as she climbs the social ladder to become the “shot caller,” showing that jailhouse politics aren’t that different from the PTA meetings she used to attend.

When she’s released, she reinvents herself as a ghostwriter. Now, she’s legally co-opting other people’s identities and getting to meet Oprah, meditate with The Dalai Lama, and have dinner with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. But the shadow of her past follows her. Shame is a poison worse than heroin—there is no way to detox. She must learn to forgive herself and others, navigate life as a felon on probation, prove to herself that she is more good than bad, and much more.

Quick Thoughts:

This was Shay’s April Book Club book, and I love a memoir, so I thought it would be a book I enjoyed. Since it’s an Oprah book, there was a long wait at the library. So, I didn’t read this book until May. Anyway, I really enjoyed it!

Obviously, since she’d written the book, I knew her life must have been turned around and gotten back on track, so I think that helped me as I read during the hard times that Lara went through.

Honestly, I think her story is amazing, and while she had many difficult years and a few hiccups along the way, her children were her motivation to get back on track and make something of herself. I thought her story was so interesting, and it’s a true testament to the fact that when others believe in you and give you a chance, it can truly be life changing.

Rating:

The Darling Girls:

Summary:

For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. As young girls they were rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate and given an elusive second chance at a happy family life.

But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thinks it was. Miss Fairchild had rules. Miss Fairchild could be unpredictable. And Miss Fairchild was never, ever to be crossed. In a moment of desperation, the three broke away from Miss Fairchild and thought they were free. Even though they never saw her again, she was always somewhere in the shadows of their minds. When a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, the foster sisters find themselves thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses. Or are they prime suspects?

Quick Thoughts:

This was another one of Shay’s Book Club books…but I would have read it anyway because I enjoy Sally Hepworth books. I was actually at my favorite book store a few weeks ago and bought the book.

This book was a good one! What I like about Hepworth’s books is that they are set in Australia, so I love those references. I loved how different the sisters were, but how they were united they were as adults. How the book was organized made it a quick read. It goes back and forth from “then” and “now” with each sister as well as Ms. Fairchild too. As the plot develops, more secrets are shared. There are some tough topics covered in this book. The plot is filled with mystery, laughter, serious and light moments. The ending has a few twists too.

This quote sums it up perfectly: “You really got more than bargained for when you came here. Dysfunctional sisters, criminal charges, a run-in with monster of a former foster mother.”

It’s definitely a great summer read.

Rating:

So, this month had one three star, one four star, and one five star book. That’s a pretty good month of reading.

Come back tomorrow because I’m sharing the books on my Summer Reading List.

Today is the kids’ 8th grade promotion ceremony. They are more than ready to wrap up this school year. I feel the same way!

Posted in Holidays, Share 4 Somethings

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

I wasn’t sure if I would have time to write this post, but as I got out of school and started thinking about Memorial Day weekend, I figured I could modify the Share 4 Somethings format for Memorial Day.

So, I’m linking up with Jennifer to share four (some) things I think of once it’s Memorial Day weekend.

1. Remember and Honor

Of course, first and foremost, we need to remember those who gave up their lives for our freedoms. I know some are even sensitive to hearing “happy” Memorial Day which I can understand. Those who are willing to sacrifice their safety and lives in honor of our country should never be forgotten.

2. School’s Out…

…or almost out for the summer.

I swear. I feel like we are the last district to be out around here. We still have two more days, and I have a teacher work day. Actually, we received an email this week about Friday (5/31) being another work day due to a snow day we have to make up. The kids don’t have to make it up, but we do. They are letting us “flex” that time using hours outside of the school day, so at least we don’t have to come that day as long as we turn in the form.

As a general rule, I just think school should be in session after Labor Day and out by Memorial Day. By mid-May we are all over the school year…students, parents, and the teachers.

3. Sales

There are usually lots of good Memorial Day sales.

Among other sales…

  • Target has 30% off women’s, kids’ and men’s clothing and swim, and 30% off sandals. We picked up a couple of swimsuits for Hadley. ‘Tis the season! They also have up to 50% off patio, garden furniture and accessories and other deals.
  • Old Navy has 50% off almost everything!
  • Walmart has “rollback” prices on laptops, grills, pools and more!
  • Aerie has 30-70% off almost everything!
  • Home Depot: Up to 55% off select online outdoor furniture, up to 25% off select storage and organization items, and other great deals.

4. Pool Opens

Memorial Day weekend means the pool opens up. Our pool always opens a few days before Memorial Day weekend. Our pool opened on Wednesday, and Hadley is 3 for 3 in pool attendance this week…even with overcast skies and cooler temps on Wednesday and Thursday. When I text her to ask when she’s coming home, I get a lot of “#poolislife” responses. haha

Hopefully I will make it there sometime soon!

Anyway, I hope your weekend is off to a great start.

I don’t think I will have a post on Monday, but I hope to share the books I read in May on Tuesday.

Take care,

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#208}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Overall, ours was pretty good. It helped having Tuesday off to regroup after a busy weekend.

That being said, the end of the school year activities are in full force, and the alarm clock is officially a nuisance.

Of course, I had some favorites this week, so I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week:

Last Friday, was the end of season county championship track meet for our district. So, only middle schools in our district had teams running. Unfortunately, the first half of the meet was rainy. Hadley ran the 4×200 and 400 in the rain, and Hadey ran the 1600 in a steady rain as well.

Hadley was battling some nerves, but both kids ran great. Hayden won the 1600 and 3200 while Hadley placed 6th in the 400 and 7th in the 200, and her relay teams placed 2nd in the 4×400 and 3rd in the 4×200. Her 4×400 relay is in the top 5 in the state.

For the second half of the meet, the rain stopped. Yay!

It was a long meet and a late night, but they collected their hardware before we left.

Hadley was up bright and early on Saturday for volleyball. She got to play libero again, and she was excited for that opportunity. This was the last tournament of club season. They went 3-0 on Saturday, and won their first two games on Sunday which put them in the championship game of the gold bracket.

While they did lose that game, they earned a medal for 2nd place, and went 5-1 on the weekend. It was a great way to end club season.

She’s had the best experience with great coaches and amazing teammates, so it was extra special to end on a high note.

In my Mother’s Day recap, I shared about the ferns we got for the front porch. Travis noticed there was a nest with an egg in one of them on Saturday, and then on Sunday when I took a peek, there were two eggs. Now, there are four eggs!

It wouldn’t be summer without a nest in my fern for a bit!

I’ve had a Sonic diet cherry limeade twice this week. Tuesday, we didn’t have school (definitely a favorite) for election day. It was nice to ease into the day, but we were pretty busy for the rest of the day.

The kids did a workout on my school’s track, and I went to vote. After the workout, we went to Sonic. They got lunch and slushies, and I got a Diet Cherry Limeade. It certainly hit the spot.

A local church brought Sonic drinks to us yesterday as a way to support our school, and we appreciated the love.

Yesterday, Hadley came home with her artwork and pieces from art class this semester. She drew Homer, and a self-portrait and made a cup and coaster as well. I love seeing her creations.

Favorite Clothes:

I’m officially trying to wear some of my favorite outfits the past couple of weeks of school.

I wore a cardigan with the dress below, but had taken it off for the pic.

I told you I’m loving my new Target sandals. I’ve been wearing them often (and see the above three pics as proof!)

Trader Joe’s:

Amy messaged me that Trader Joe’s has their Brazil Nut Body Butter out, and I missed out on it last summer. So, I headed to TJ after school on Wednesday and stocked up! (along with a few other items)

And…how cute is this little plant? It’s the perfect touch for the stand on my island tray.

Favorite Meal:

Well, I don’t have a picture of it, but we had chicken sandwiches the other night, and they were a hit.

It was basically Chick-fil-A dinner at home. I used these chicken patties from Aldi, and then put them on a brioche bun with pickles and CFA sauce. I made waffle fries in the air fryer. It was a quick and easy dinner that everyone loved.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This right here…

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Well, in honor the kids having their 8th grade promotion ceremony next week, here’s a flashback to 5th grade graduation three years ago.

Where does the time go?

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week:

May Memes
Summer Sandals
Middle School Recap

*side note: When I shared my summer sandals post, I mentioned the Instagram Reel that Hadley helped me create. I said if it got 1,000 views, maybe I’d pay her $10 for her time and effort. Well, the reel gained a little traction with more than 1k views. This is a small feat for a small time blogger who rarely posts on Instagram. haha

I guess I better go find some cash!

What are your weekend plans? As I mentioned in Tuesday’s post, it’s been a hard couple of weeks at school. This week has felt really somber and even stressful sometimes as the school year wraps up.

I hope to find some time to relax a bit as we head into the week with 8th grade graduation (cue the tears!) and finish up the school year.

As always, thanks for reading.