Hello and happy Monday! (Y’all – I thought I published this post, but apparently I didn’t!) Happy Tuesday, and I hope these memes still start your week off strong!)
It’s hard to believe that this time next week, the calendar will say December!
Since it’s the last Monday of the month, I’m sharing some of my favorite memes that I’ve seen while scrolling Insta!
This is kind of a super-sized edition…I had quite a few memes stop my scroll!
Wouldn’t this be nice?!
Why did I relate to this one so much? haha
Not a single thing on this list that I don’t enjoy!
Honestly, nothing like the holiday season to bring out the crazies! Normalize common sense, y’all.
Like why can’t I remember my Disney + and Kroger password? Trav is forever having to bail me out!
Which brings me to my next point…
A day in my life right here:
Like why is the microwave so aggressive?
Wrapped for the unwell!
This one literally made me LOL…
Mentally I’m here:
*kidding.
HAHAHA:
I always used to get the kids the advent calendars from Trader Joe’s, but I haven’t the past couple of years. Thankfully, we have more than four days until Christmas!
I’m typing this late at night, so I’m stopping by quickly to share a few favorites from the week. I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea, as always.
Here are some favorites from the week…
Last Friday night, the four of us went to the UK basketball game. One of our friends gave us tickets which was nice, and it was a good family outing!
We had passes to the Lexus Club which was extra fun. Food and drinks were included, so we grabbed a drink and a few snacks before the game.
It was an easy win for the CATS, and we had a good time cheering them on.
Sunday’s weather was gorgeous, so I went for a walk and finished listening to an audiobook. I figured I should take advantage of the sunshine and good temps while they last.
I went to Target last weekend, and snagged a few seasonal items like the peppermint scented Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap and surface cleaning spray.
…Target had the Chobani peppermint mocha creamer out, so of course I picked that up too.
I was heavily influenced by Sarah when she shared these jeans the other day.
I wore them last night to dinner, and I love them.
Last night, we went to Malone’s for the kids’ birthday dinner. Then, we headed back to the house to open presents and have cake. My brother and his family went to dinner with us, and then they came over for cake as did a couple of the kids’ friends. Overall, they had a great birthday! I’ll share more later after Hadley has her party tomorrow.
Favorite Mom Meme:
Teaching the teens to drive isn’t for the faint of heart. For some reason, parking has been one of the harder skills to learn. I think they both have the hang of it now, but just this week I’ve had to remind them that sometimes you do have to adjust your parking or try again.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Speaking of driving…the kids loved these cars…and it’s hard to believe they’ll be driving on their own in the near future.
What are your weekend plans? Tomorrow, Hadley is having her birthday party with some friends, and I truly hope to get my Christmas decorations put up. I feel so behind at school and at home!
This time next week, it’s turkey day, so Patty and Holly are hosting this fun end of the month link up a week early. As always, I’m joining them.
That being said, before I get started with today’s post, I have to wish my kids a happy S I X T E E T H (!!!) birthday. Sixteen. Wow…it’s certainly hard to believe.
We’ve gone from babies…
to teen drivers in the blink of an eye!
I’m struggling a bit with this reality.
Now, on to today’s post…focusing on Thanksgiving Holiday Prep.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays…food, family, and football in the fall!
1. Favorite Thanksgiving dishes?
I’m pretty much here for it all when it comes to Thanksgiving food. I love turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and more!
This one doesn’t apply to Hadley; she loves a Thanksgiving meal as much as the next girl…but it made me chuckle.
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2. Stuffing or dressing.
Not my fave, but dressing!
3. Are you hosting any holidays this year?
We tend to be the ones going out of town for the holidays. We are at home some years, but we have a rotation going as far as Thanksgiving and Christmas in Louisville or KC. On the years we travel, we always make sure to carve out family time at home for our own traditions, meals, and gifts.
4. Turkey trot or football game?
You won’t catch me running …ever! haha
It’s always nice to have the football games on in the background while we’re eating and catching up with family. This year, the Chiefs play on Thanksgiving, so that will be a fun change.
5. If you decorate for Christmas, do you decorate before or after Thanksgiving?
Well, I used to wait until after Thanksgiving, but on years we traveled to KC for Thanksgiving, I’d put up our Christmas decorations the weekend before we left, so we’d have all our festive touches out when we returned home. I still decorate before Thanksgiving, but now it’s whenever I have the chance. So far, all I’ve put out this year is one skinny tree. I just haven’t had a lot of spare time, but I’m hoping to switch from fall to Christmas this weekend.
6. Are your holidays sit down or more casual?
Whether we’re in KC or Louisville for Thanksgiving, it’s all pretty casual…but we definitely have a sit down meal. My dad’s cousin hosts us in KC, and her place settings are always so pretty…and we all get a chocolate turkey with our name on it. Such a fun and festive touch.
7. Pumpkin or apple pie?
I do like apple pie, but for Thanksgiving, pumpkin is my fave. I prefer it chilled with some Cool Whip on top! Yum.
9. Do you Black Friday shop?
No way, Jose’! I’m more of a Cyber Monday girl.
10. Thing you are most looking forward to this holiday season?
I always look forward to our traditions and some downtime!
I look forward to next week and having a few days off and enjoying some delicious food…but first, I have a few more days of school and a sweet 16 birthday to celebrate.
I like to share recipes I try thanks to Pinterest or other sites, but it’s been a minute since I’ve shared one straight from my recipe box.
*Side note* do people still use recipe boxes? I had the same one for years, and the hinge broke. I finally got a new one this summer, and I purged recipes I no longer made, and took the time to write a few faves on recipe cards.
Anyway, today I’m sharing one of my favorite recipes that I hadn’t made in quite some time, but now have made it twice in the past month!
I’ve had this potato soup recipe for over fifteen years, I think! A teacher that I taught with at my previous school shared it, and it’s one I used to make often. I guess I forgot about it, and a few weeks ago, Hadley mentioned that she wanted potato soup, so I dug this one out and made it. It certainly hit the spot! I’m giving myself grace this week with some easy slow cooker meals that I know will provide leftovers, so I made this again last night! Anyway, here’s the recipe…
Ingredients:
1 package Bear Creek Creamy Potato Soup mix
1 package Simply (diced) potatoes with onion (I haven’t been able to find the mix with onion, so I just added in a few chopped frozen onions)
1- 32 oz box chicken broth
1 can Carnation evaporated milk
Toppings – bacon bits, green onion, shredded cheese
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients except toppings in the slow cooker
Add 4 cups water
Cook on high for at least 3 hours (check on potatoes to see if they are finished cooking, and can turn to low at that point if needed)
Serve with toppings.
Enjoy!
I’m so glad that I dusted off this recipe. It’s now a family favorite.
How was your week? Ours started with cold temps and snowflakes and then ended with springlike weather. I’m sure I’ll have a head cold soon…which is definitely not a favorite.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Brr…
Well, you know I love a snow day, but too soon Mother Nature, too soon! There were snowflakes flying off and on throughout the day on Monday, and by the time I got home, my pumpkins were wondering what was going on?! Just a dusting, but the snow was pretty while it lasted.
Can you spot Homer?
Even though he’s part Husky, the colder temps made him want to snuggle up in our pillows, apparently! Actually, he’s been doing this a lot lately. haha
The cold weather made Homer want to snuggle, and it made me want to put up one of my skinny Christmas trees. This little tree is the only piece of Christmas I have up, and I never put a tree in the kitchen, but I thought I’d try it here for a bit. Soon, I’ll probably move it to the bedroom.
Laughs…
I’ve shared multiple times how funny I think Leanne Morgan is…I’ve read her book, and I just finished season one of her show on Netflix. Well, she has another Netflix special out…Unspeakable Things, and I watched it over the weekend. It was so funny.
Fave bevvy…
I went to Target last weekend, and finally got my hands on the apple cider Olipop! It’s so good. I have one more, but I hope to find more and stock up.
Fun with friends…
Last Saturday, I went to the UK tailgate to hang with some of my mom friends, and of course I found Hadley. She was celebrating her friend’s birthday, and the girls were having a great time. The weather really cooperated for the night game.
Books…
Ok…Have you heard about the $5 book at Barnes and Noble? My sister-in-law sent me a Tik Tok that every two months there’s a book in the Barnes and Noble cafe. You can purchase it for $5 with a cafe purchase. So, on Sunday, I checked it out…and it’s true. (Well, I knew it was true because my SIL had gone a few days before I did). Anyway, I picked up a cookie and this book.
Murder at Holly House is the book for November/December.
Speaking of books…I shared my monthly book trackers on Instagram.
They are saved in a highlight. Screenshot them, and feel free to use them and tag me. I always love seeing what others are reading.
Fave shoes…
I’ve had two pairs of leopard flats for years. One pair is from Walmart and another is a more expensive pair from Nordstrom. I wore the Walmart ones to the ground, and I much preferred them to the Nordstrom ones. Anyway, I decided to get a new pair from Amazon. This style is the same one that I have in black and tan. So, this third pair hasn’t disappointed. (FYI- I size up a half size in them). Now, I’m getting rid of the other two (tossing one and donating the other), so I’ve purged my closet a bit with this purchase. Win win.
Fave foods…
Last Saturday, I had $10 off my Kroger order, so I had some essentials and some dinner ingredients delivered. I love Bev Cooks recipes, and she’d shared thisCreamy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili, so I decided to make it on Saturday evening. I never cook dinner on the weekend, and this was just dumping ingredients in the slow cooker, but it was so nice to have a warm meal (without having to make a dinner decision) Saturday night while we watched the UK game. This recipe was a 10/10 from the whole fam.
{pic courtesy of Bev Cooks}
I also tried a new lunch this week…these pizza roll ups were quick, easy and delish! I made four of them and just rolled them up and laid them flat in an 8×8 dish to bake. I will definitely make more next time!
{pic courtesy of Recipes by Zoey}
Favorite Mom Meme:
Where is the lie?!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
I’m sure I’ve shared this pic from 2013 before, but it’s such a fave memory. We were headed to Sesame Street Live, and the kids were so excited. It was one of those parenting moments that felt full circle because I’d gone to Sesame Street Live when I was a kid. Such a sweet memory.
I had to double check the calendar that today is the second Wednesday of the month already. How is that possible? Honestly, we’ve had two days of winter like temps, so I was also checking the calendar to make sure it’s not actually January!
I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for this month’s Let’s Look.
Things we’ve said no to recently in October (no post from me)
This month’s topic is…how we show gratitude.
Obviously, this is a timely post with Thanksgiving right around the corner.
Honestly, I guess my answer to this prompt is simple…
I show gratitude by saying thank you…whether it’s verbal or written. I’m very quick to send a text or a note when someone has helped me or thought of me. I appreciate when others help me whether I’ve asked for assistance, or they just know I could use a hand. A thoughtful text, note or message goes a long way.
I also show my gratitude with small gifts. Again, if someone has been really helpful, I try to drop off a plant, bouquet of flowers, favorite candy or a candle.
I will bring Starbucks coffee or favorite pens to teachers who help me out at school….whether it’s for covering a class or helping with lesson ideas.
My mom group (the dads get credit too!) have spent many years organizing carpool and getting the kids where they need to be. I show my gratitude by offering to pick up even if I’ve already taken on a certain afternoon if it helps someone else out. It always evens out in the end.
I show gratitude by giving a tip at a restaurant or donating to a cause. A little goes a long way for many.
With Trav and the kids, I show my gratitude by spending time with them. Of course, I would do that anyway, but I just mean that I try and make time for them or plan something special too.
And, I always try to remember to be…
Life definitely has its ups and down, and this time of the year always feels really stressful for me. That being said, I think as I’ve gotten older, I’ve done a pretty good job remembering the big picture and being grateful for all things, big and small.
This month’s topic is…habits to make time for reading.
Well, whether you’ve read my blog once or one hundred times, you probably know that one of my favorite things to do is read a good book…
I grew up with parents who read and trips to the library often, and, to me, reading is such a gift!
Some of my favorite memories as a parent are the times I took my kids to the library for story time and to check out books in the summer, on a Saturday or a snow day from school.
My kids aren’t big readers now, but I hope one day they circle back and find the joy in books again.
Anyway, on to our topic for today…here are a few tips I have for making time for reading.
1. Routine
Making reading a part of your routine. There is hardly a day that goes by that I don’t read for even a few minutes. Most of the time, it’s at bedtime, so I end up drifting off, but just having a book or my Kindle on my bedside table or coffee table makes it easy for me to read for a few minutes.
2. Lists
I love when others share what they’ve been reading, and then I add book titles to my TBR (to be read) list. For years, I had a note on my phone with a running list of what I wanted to read and what I read, but three or four years ago, I started using the Goodreads app to track my lists and my reading. It’s fun to follow friends and see what they’re reading and how they rate books.
I also think it helps to read a variety. For years, I love chick lit, but now my favorite genre is historical fiction. That being said, I still love a good mystery as well as a memoir/bio/autobio. I think reading a mix of genres keeps reading interesting.
3. Reading Goals
I’m a pretty goal oriented person, and I’m somewhat motivated to see how many books I can read in a year. So, I’ve done the Goodreads challenge the past few years. There are a variety of challenges, but I just set a goal for the number of books I hope to read, and track that way. My goal is typically 40 books, and I come close to achieving the goal most years.
4. Maximize time
I used to exclusively read books, but now I’ve owned a Kindle for probably seven years. Now, I mostly read on my Kindle, but I still love to hold a book in my hands. The Kindle is just more convenient for me. I keep it in my purse to read when I’m waiting on my kids to finish a practice, and it’s easier to download a few books before a vacation than to lug books in my carry on.
Also, I’m still somewhat new to audio books, but they are another way that I maximize my time. Now, I can listen to a book when I workout, go for a walk, or while I’m in the car. I’m really starting to like listening to books, but I do find it hard to finish one in the two week library check out window…sometimes I have to listen to them on 1.75x speed! (Of course, some books can be renewed if they aren’t on a wait list, giving me more time)
5. Reduce distractions
It’s easy to get distracted, but when I’m reading, I do put my phone away or turn the television off. It’s just good for me to have a few moments of quiet to read for a bit to unwind. Reading is definitely a stress reliever for me and something I truly enjoy doing.
What good reading habits do you have?
Next month, we’ll have our last topic of 2025…staying connected with kids/spouse/significant other. As always, we hope you’ll join us.
Honestly, I’m also loving that it’s getting darker earlier…perfect excuse not to leave the house 🙂
One more thing I’m loving…(Hayden too!) are these Dots cinnamon sugar pretzels. Hayden asked me to buy them, and they are so good.
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Looking forward to:
I’m looking forward to quite a few things…starting with the weekend! haha
Truly, we usually have yesterday off for Election Day, and this year we didn’t…it’s just making the stretch from fall break until Thanksgiving break feel very long.
I’m also looking forward to Thanksgiving; it’s always been one of my favorite holidays.
Smelling:
I’m still savoring cinnamon, apple, vanilla, and other fall scents before it’s time for pine and peppermint!
Preparing for:
The kids’ birthday! Sweet 16! How is that possible?! As it’s been the past few years, Hayden wants no fuss, and Hadley wants a party. haha!
So, we have a fun birthday party planned for Hadley and some friends in a couple of weeks. Of course, on the kids’ birthday, we’ll do cake, presents, and a dinner out.
I know I say it every year, but it’s hard to believe that we’re well into the teen years and are now preparing for them to get their driver’s licenses!
Thankful for:
Well, of course all the important things like health, family and friends! That being said, I’m really thankful for a great school year so far. I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m really enjoying all of my classes. I have two English 1 classes with a co-teacher, two Adv. English 1 classes, and two English 2 classes. They are all very different, but I look forward to seeing my students every day.
And…I think I’ve gotten the hang of block scheduling…and I really like it.
Year twenty-four has been great, and I’ve enjoyed seeing my own kids more during the day based on the location of my new classroom this year.
Anyway, some years are better that other, but I feel like the great years come just when I need them!
I’ve shared before that I’m the “weirdo” that likes that it will now be darker earlier! Now, don’t get me wrong, by February, I’m ready for spring…and then summer, but I really do love the coziness of it getting darker sooner this time of the year.
I recapped October…which was an great month from start to finish!
Now, onto another favorite monthly post…and that’s when I share my recent Amazon purchases.
Like with most months, there seems to be something for everyone in my house. haha!
I don’t buy placemats very often, but I wanted to freshen up the table for fall. Obviously, these don’t scream fall, but I love the subtle color under my neutral fall plates. I just wanted something different for the table right now. I think I will use them in the spring as well.
I was “influenced,” and ordered this “3D lifting cream.” I now use it as a part of my night time skin care a few days a week. Of course, I’m not turning back the hands of time, but I do feel this working a bit which I appreciate! Bonus — it smells lovely.
I’d say at this point most of my leggings come from my favorite boutique…Shop Style Your Senses, but I do also love leggings I’ve ordered from Amazon in the past too. Anyway, I wanted a blue pair, and these Hanes ones far exceeded my expectations. They are buttery soft, and I love the 7/8 length. They are a great option that come in many color options.
It was time for my annual magnetic “meal planner” order. This stays on my fridge, and I write down our activities and dinners on the left, and then my shopping list is on the right hand side. One pad has enough pages for a year; I’ve ordered this the past four years.
Before our fall break trip, I got a pedicure. I took my own OPI Cajun Shrimp nail polish to the salon because I prefer this color. Anyway, when I went to touch up my toes a couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t find my bottle and realized I must have left it at the salon. So, I ordered a new bottle. I won’t make that mistake again.
It was time to re-order my favorite under eye patches…can’t start my morning routine without them!
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I was influenced by a friend who told me she purchased this autumn themed word search. I still do my daily word search from my calendar, but I love this one too!
Hadley ordered some of this blush, and it’s one of her faves. It would be a great stocking stuffer idea if you need one.
For Trav’s birthday (in July!), I ordered these solar lights for our front steps. Well, he just put them out, and they are amazing. So amazing that he wanted some for both sets of our back porch steps. So, in July, I ordered the eight pack, and then this month I ordered the twelve pack. If you need a gift idea, I think these are great!!
Over a year ago, Homer had an accident on our hall runner, and I never ordered a new one. With the cooler weather, I decided it was time to get something for under our feet as we walk down the hall. I’m the worst with measurements, so after a few failed attempts at Target and Home Goods, I realized I needed the 10 foot length, and tried this rug, and it’s so good.
I was shocked at how soft it is, and I love the color way.
I actually used some of my Amazon Associates earnings when I purchased the rugs, so that was a win win. Truly, thanks for shopping my links!
It’s hard to believe that it’s almost time to think about holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.
How was your Halloween? We had a busy day at school…and most of the day our district was without internet. Talk about scary!!
It’s hard to believe that today is November 1st, and October is in the rear view mirror. October has always been one of my favorite months, so I loving looking back on all that we did this month.
First of all…
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This month started at the beach on our annual fall break trip to 30A. This was our fourth year, and we had the best time.
Once we returned home, it was time to decorate the front porch…one of my favorite fall things to do.
Hadley and friends had the best time at Homecoming. They did “brunch and bouquets” in the morning followed by getting ready together.
The group took pics before heading to dinner and the dance.
Keeneland in the fall is one of my favorite traditions. Trav tends to go quite a few times for work, but also for fun too. I joined him one afternoon; the weather was lovely, and we were able to hang with our friends.
Hadley’s sophomore volleyball season wrapped up! I’ve loved watching them play.
Last weekend, we went to my niece’s performance in Legally Blonde, Jr., the musical, and it was so fun.
We also made it to the pumpkin patch which is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. We grabbed hot apple cider, apple cider donuts, and pumpkins to carve…
….which we did on Tuesday night.
Thursday night, Hayden went to the UK basketball game with a friend and Hadley and Trav (and one of Hadley’s friends) went to an outdoor concert…Ole 60. Travis definitely won cool dad points for going to the concert…and getting them Taco Bell on the way home. 🤣 They were out late on a school night!
Last night, we had lots of trick-or-treaters which was lots of fun to see.
This month the kids have also had lots of fun going to our school’s sporting events like soccer and football games as well as UK football and basketball games, but they’re out there having fun…and making memories…occasionally sending me pics along the way.
October was a good one, and now we turn the page to November, setting the clocks back an hour and soon, my kids will turn another year older. Bittersweet, for sure!
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