Well, today is the last day of winter break, and overall, I can say it’s been a good one. We had a good Christmas, we had some down time, and I did spend a good chunk of time getting our house somewhat in order.
The Christmas tree and decorations finally got put up yesterday. Since I did spend a bit of time purging and organizing, today I’m sharing a few organizational things that my family utilizes.
Starting off strong with something very cute. I saw these little scallop trays on a Mark and Graham ad back in November, and I thought one would be perfect for Hadley.
When she opened it on Christmas morning, she said, “how cute!” …and it is. She tends to collect things on her bedside table, so I thought this would be a good spot for her to put her bracelets, car keys (one day…still looking for a used car!), and other odds and ends.
Also, since her vanity only has one drawer, she tends to have her hair tools everywhere (which drives me crazy). I got her this hair tools travel bag, so she can keep her hair tools in it that she’s not using, but she can also use it for travel. It’s a win/win! This bag was one of her Christmas gifts, and I put some new makeup brushes in it which was something that she needed too.
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When we went to KC for Thanksgiving, Hayden just threw his golf shoes in the car, and when I saw this on Amazon, I thought it would be a good way for him to store his shoes and transport them when needed. There are pockets for golf balls and tees too.
Two years ago, I got Trav this trunk organizer for his car, and he’s gotten such good use out of it.
This year, I got him this hat organizer for one of this presents (who says love is dead?!)…honestly though, every year, I get him some kind of “practical/organizational” gift, and he appreciates it. Anyway, this is a set of two, and they stack on each other. He ended up using one, and I used the other for my hats.
I’ve had the same pillow storage bags for years, and one of the zippers broke, so I bought a set of these moving/storage bags, and they are perfect. I like that they are longer and the handles make for easy transporting.
One other area I tidied over break was my bathroom closet, vanity drawers, and skincare. I’ve had this skincare/makeup organizer for a couple of years, and I re-organized it and prioritized it with products I use daily.
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We’re still using these little clear (plastic) jars in our bathrooms to hold Q-tips, cotton balls and shower steamers.
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We have a few of these medium size Bright room baskets from Target, and I picked up a couple more this weekend. They are perfect for under the sink in the kitchen, holding papers in our office cabinet, storage for Homer’s dog food and treats and more. I have a couple of large ones in my hall closet that hold my off season sweaters. Target has a small size too.
For me, the purging and organizing can sometimes feel overwhelming since it’s a “it has to get messy before it gets better” situation, but once things are put in their place, my type A brain can relax.
My first Saturday of posting in quite some time…but I’m going to try to post as many days as possible in January.
I saw this meme…
…which made me LOL!…but also inspired me to keep up with my blogging goal.
January has always been a favorite month of mine. It’s a fresh start and typically a much slower pace than November and December. To me, January is like exhaling on the deep breath I’ve been holding over the past couple of months.
How cute is this graphic? So cute and cozy.
In January, we have a bit more downtime, the house is reset back to normal, it’s my birthday month, and typically we have some chances for snow days!
This graphic is what I’m talking about:
This one is so cute too:
A few of my favorite points:
Starting a new hobby: You all–it might sound silly, but I’ve really enjoyed cross stitching these little ornaments over the past couple of weeks. I remember my mom cross stitching, and I would do little projects as a kid. It’s been a nice relaxing release.
First page of the 2026 calendar- It’s always hard going back to school after a couple of weeks off, but I do actually look forward to Monday, which is a teacher work day, to reset my classroom and turn the page on my desk calendar.
Lazy days, reading, tv- I’ve actually had a bit of those things over the past week, once Christmas was over…and I hope to continue those things in January and February.
Home decor refresh – Once all the Christmas decor is put up, it’s nice to get the “regular” decor back out and situation. That being said, we’ve lived in this house ten years, and I’m kind of “itching” to refresh a few things. I went to Home Goods yesterday and purchased a new paper towel holder and canisters for the kitchen. I also purchased new pillow covers for the couch…because Homer likes to put his head on a pillow, I tend to wash, but then refresh those slip covers a couple times a year. I honestly want to rearrange a few things too if it makes sense to do so…we’ll see.
Self-care: I will continue my monthly facials and my basement workouts. I enjoy walking and want to commit to going on walks during warmer weather days in December. I also want to try a few new workout classes, and my mom gave me a subscription to Headspace, and I will try to incorporate that into my daily routine.
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I enjoy following @parentingteensandtweens on Instagram, and I thought this was a good reminder for my teens:
I was lucky to get a “like” in the family group text, but maybe, just maybe, they read it!
Well, all good things must come to an end…or so they say!
Of course, I still have the weekend left, but it’s hard to believe that our two week break is almost over.
I’m linking up with Andrea for the first Friday Favorites of 2026.
I’ve shared some recent tid bits (Christmas Recap post), but today I’m sharing some of the “smaller” favorites of break.
I had time for a few appointments, and it was nice to go during the day rather than after school. I’d missed my monthly facial in November, so I was happy to have this appointment scheduled on the first Monday of break.
I love the Reformer Pilates classes I take in the summer, but unfortunately, the class times don’t work for me during the school year. I was able to go to one class over break which I really enjoyed.
I also decided to try something new…Solid Core. I’d love to find classes that I can take one evening a week to break up my workouts, so I thought I’d try one of these classes. Thankfully, they had an intro class this past Tuesday, and I hung in there…but I’m still sore! haha
I definitely think I will try more classes in the future.
I got a few lovely Christmas gifts, but I think the best thing I received was a new pair of tennis shoes. Travis took Hadley and she picked out these Brooks tennis shoes, and the second I put them on my feet, I didn’t want to take them off. I said, “I feel like they are giving my feet a hug!” I guess I didn’t realize how worn out my other pair had become.
Also, these were a surprise in the sense that I asked for shoes, but I assumed I’d get a gift card…they did a great job picking these out, and I appreciate that they checked my other shoes to know I size up a half a size in tennis shoes.
I’ve put these to good use going on walks and with workouts.
I had lots of time to read, and I finished a book and then I started this one that my mom gave me.
Y’all, I’ve purged most corners of this house! I typically do this in December and June, and it’s felt so good to get rid of things and get organized. On the years we stay home for Christmas, I tend to have more time to purge a little more.
My spice cabinet is looking great…
….as is the office cabinet.
When I was in the basement tidying up, I even organized some of our books by color.
I’ve watched some of my favorite movies. I watched Home Alone with Hayden on Christmas day…
…and You’ve Got Mail with Hadley this week.
I shared that I picked up a pack of three cross stitch ornaments at World Market, and it’s been so fun to complete these mini projects. I found the set on Amazon too, so I placed an order, so I could complete the other three patterns. So far, I’ve stitched four of the six patterns.
The day after Christmas, I ran a few errands, and I tried Dunkin Donut coffee for the first time…yes, you read that correctly! haha
I’ve never had Dunkin coffee. I ordered one of their festive holiday drinks that is probably too many calories, but I loved it. Next time, I will try something more simple.
We baked Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle cookies before Christmas…
…and Peanut Butter Blossoms for NYE!
I’ve loved having “snack plates” for lunch.
We’ve had lots of Homer time!
…which included snuggles on the couch while I sipped my coffee and eased into the days. I will definitely miss waking up without an alarm!
I finished my daily 2025 word search (I love this gift from Trav and the kids last Christmas)
…and I started 2026 completing the first one in my new calendar. (The bookstore where they got mine last year didn’t have one, so I ordered this one…it’s not the same, but it will do!)
I always look back on these stretches of time off and wish I’d done more or accomplished a few more tasks on the list, but I guess it’s also time for rest as we gear up for going back to school. Overall, I’d say it’s been a pretty good break.
Favorite Mom Meme:
It’s going to hurt, but it’s time for these kids to get back to school…haha
How was your New Year’s Eve? We hung out with friends and actually stayed up until midnight, but overall, it was a low-key evening.
A few years ago, I participated in “Bloganuary” that WordPress hosted with topics every day. While I don’t think they host this anymore, I think I might challenge myself to blog every day in January. What I remember liking about Bloganuary is it was an opportunity to write about topics big and small. Sometimes, last year I felt like I had “writer’s block,” and I’d like to start the year strong.
I plan on sharing my regular content, but I hope to sprinkle in some random topics even if it provides for a short post. Now, once I get back to school, we’ll see if I can keep this up, but I’m going to try.
Last night, we had more of an informal New Year’s Eve. I’ve shared in the past that a few friends, who all live within a few houses of each other, started a progressive dinner years ago. Well, they expanded the invite to a few other couples, including us, a couple of years ago, and that’s been lots of fun.
This year, they/we decided to scale back and just host at one house an informal game night with pizza for people to come and go as they please.
We had lots of fun watching football, playing a few games, enjoying apps and pizza and just letting the kids come and go as well.
One thing that didn’t change was that one friend still organized the “words of the year” that we pull from a pretty jar. After we draw our words, we all go around and share them.
Here are my words for 2026:
Boundaries: I think I’m pretty good at setting boundaries…I feel like this is something that’s easier to do as we get older. If a situation or relationship isn’t serving me, I’m ok with saying no or letting that go.
Encourage:One thing about me is that I’m a pretty loyal person, and I think I do a good job encouraging my people. I’m in the “thick” of raising two teens, and I’m going to keep encouraging them through the ups and downs of life…and honestly, I’m going to keep encouraging myself to do things for myself and give myself grace.
Celebrate: Low-key celebrating, ok? I’m too old for much more than that. haha (That being said, my birthday is a couple of weeks away, and I’ve already started receiving birthday emails from my school district and places like Ulta, etc…I ‘ve got birthday coupons to spend, apparently!)
I always keep the three words in my bedside table every year, and it’s fun to look back on them and reflect on the year.
Hello and happy New Year’s Eve! Where oh where did this year go?!
Today, I’m taking a look back on 2025!
This year, I started “Monthly Moments” at the end of each month which I plan on continuing in 2026. I loved those little monthly snapshots, so I’m linking those in this post too.
January started off with lots of snow….we didn’t go back to school from winter break until January 16! We also celebrated my birthday in January. I appreciated the family time!
We finished the hall bathroom update, celebrated Mother’s Day, both kids got their driving permits, we had the last day of school, and Hadley ran in the state track meet.
Some highlights from June include pool time, our niece’s wedding in Louisville, going to KC, Trav and I celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary as well as Father’s Day.
In July, Hadley headed to camp, and we celebrated the 4th of July. Trav and I traveled to Michigan for a few days, and we went to our nephew’s wedding in Louisville.
September was a somewhat “simple” month focused around school and activities. I even squeaked in a couple more pool days, but also decorated for fall towards the end of the month. School pictures were in for sophomore year, and my dad came to visit.
We ended September kicking off fall break in Florida.
…and we’ve been spending the last few days of the year/break at home getting organized, watching movies, hanging with friends and more.
I love looking back on a year before ushering in a new one, and there was a lot to be thankful for this year. That being said, 2025 was pretty difficult as well…and I’m ready for a better 2026. I’m wishing the same for all of you too.
I’m already starting to panic…this week needs to slow down.
That being said, today, I’m sharing one of my favorite posts that I write every year…
I had a pretty good year of reading and my love for audiobooks grew, giving me a few more opportunities to complete books.
December Books:
December reading is always festive and fun..
This month I read:
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
Blue Christmas:
Summary:
The popular Mary Kay Andrews delivers a tasty holiday treat as she brings back the winning characters from Savannah Blues and Savannah Breeze for a little Southern cheer.
It’s the week before Christmas, and antiques dealer Weezie Foley is in a frenzy to do up her shop for the Savannah historical district window decorating contest–which she intends to win. She throws herself into putting up a Graceland/Blue Christmas motif, with lots of tinsel, an aluminum tree, and all kinds of tacky retro stuff. The project takes up so much time that Weezie is ready to shoot herself with her glue gun by the time she’s done, but the results are stunning. She’s sure she’s one–upped the owners of the trendy shop around the corner. But suddenly, things go missing from Weezie’s display, and there seems to be a mysterious midnight visitor to her shop. Still, Weezie has high hopes for the holiday–maybe in the form of an engagement ring from her chef boyfriend. But Daniel, always moody at the holidays, seems more distant than usual. Throw in Weezie’s decidedly odd family, a 1950s Christmas tree pin, and even a little help from the King himself, and maybe there will be a pocketful of miracles for Weezie this Christmas Eve.
Quick Thoughts:
I listened to this one, and I really liked the narrator. I didn’t realize this was a series until after I finished listening. Anyway, this was a quick read with lots of festivity and a bit of mystery. Now, I want to read the other books in the series.
Rating:
Christmas with the Queen:
Summary:
December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue in the tradition of her late father and grandfather’s beloved Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must move with the times, and the Queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.
As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, two old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—find themselves reunited for the festivities. A single mother, typist at the BBC, and aspiring reporter, Olive leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, despite self-doubts. When a chance encounter with the Queen presents an exciting opportunity, Olive begins to believe her luck might change.
Jack, a grief-stricken widowed chef originally from New Orleans, accepts a last-minute chance to cook in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. When he bumps into a long-lost friend, an old spark is reignited.
Despite personal and professional heartache, Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmas seasons and they find themselves growing ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret.
Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, Olive decides to reveal the shocking truth of her secret, which threatens to tear her and Jack apart forever. Unless Christmas has one last gift to deliver…
Quick Thoughts:
As you know, I love reading historical fiction, and that genre including the Queen and Christmastime, well, I’m hooked!
I loved every page of this book. Goodreads says, “Tis the season! The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally and Bridget Jones’s Diary, in the latest heartwarming historical novel from Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb…”
…and that’s a perfect little description. While, I love the royalty piece, the Queen actually wasn’t a main character at all, but she was still a key element to the story.
Fave Quote:
“We can’t bring the things we’ve cherished with us as we go, but we can leave them in the care of others who have loved us and will remember us. What a blessing.”
Rating:
A Seagrove Christmas:
Summary:
It’s time for Christmas in Seagrove!
Are you ready to catch up with your favorite characters on the tiny lowcountry island of Seagrove, SC?
When we last left off, there was a big wedding and an addition to the family. But, what happens when a new resident moves to town and shakes things up?
And what will everyone do when a familiar face shows up and creates chaos during the holidays?
Quick Thoughts:
This book was just ok…I found it because I was searching for audiobooks in the Libby app. I didn’t love the narrator, but since it was a quick read, I stuck with it.
There was a little twist at the end and that was about the only saving grace!
Rating:
Secret Christmas Library:
Summary:
Mirren Sutherland stumbled into a career as an antiquarian book hunter after finding a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Now, as Christmas approaches, she’s been hired by Jamie McPherson, the surprisingly young and handsome laird of a Highland clan whose ancestral holdings include a vast crumbling castle. Family lore suggests that the McPherson family’s collection includes a rare book so valuable that it could save the entire estate—if they only knew where it was. Jamie needs Mirren to help him track down this treasure, which he believes is hidden in his own home.
But on the train to the Highlands, Mirren runs into rival book hunter Theo Palliser, and instantly knows that it’s not a chance meeting. She’s all too familiar with Theo’s good looks and smooth talk, and his uncanny ability to appear whenever there’s a treasure that needs locating.
Almost as soon as Mirren and Theo arrive at the castle, a deep snow blankets the Highlands, cutting off the outside world. Stuck inside, the three of them plot their search as the wind whistles outside. Mirren knows that Jamie’s grandfather, the castle’s most recent laird, had been a book collector, a hoarder, and a great lover of treasure hunts. Now they must unpuzzle his clues, discovering the secrets of the house—forming and breaking alliances in a race against time.
Quick Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book! It was not very Christmasy, but I liked all the characters, and thought they were a fun crew. There was mystery and romance. At times, I felt like I was reading the Scottish version of The Goonies. That being said, I don’t really think the title applies to the plot…and even at the end, I went back and re-read the first few chapters thinking I missed something.
If you’ve read this book, let me know your thoughts! I must have been reading too quickly.
Rating:
Recap of 2025 books:
As with past years, I had a goal of reading 40 books, and I guess I fell one short of that goal…although Goodreads thinks otherwise.
Goodreads has me all kinds of confused. After I read my 40th book, I got the congratulations message…
But then some stats on the app, said I read 38 books. Maybe everything wasn’t synced up after I read my last books…that being said, when I counted my books on this post, there are 39… and the photos in the app, it appears I read 38 books. I do think I read one in January that I started last December. This is making my “type A” self crazy…haha …but no matter what, I was able to read more books than last year (35), and it was a better year of reading, for sure.
I did check the app and it seems a couple of books were counted twice, which I’m just now realizing. Anyway…
Here are the 39 that I books I read in 2025…
When looking at this list, there were a few books I didn’t even remember that I read this year! Also, as you probably know, historical fiction is my fave, so I have quite a few books in that genre. I also really like suspense/mystery, but apparently I didn’t read as many of those this year. I’d love some book recommendations for that genre…maybe I can branch out in 2026.
I love seeing the Goodreads stats on the app…
39 books read
12,837 pages read
The shortest book I read was Blue Christmas with 194 pages
The longest book I read was Lilac Girls with 497 pages
Average book length in 2025 was 337 pages.
…then I also received an email with a few more facts…including this graphic which isn’t really accurate because, for example, I read four books in January and December…not three!
Over 12,000 pages read — which means I read enough pages to go up, down, and all around the Eiffel Tower, with pages to spare.
My top genres for 2025 were: romance, memoir & biography, and historical fiction
I finished five of the most read books on Goodreads this year: The Academy, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, One Golden Summer, From Here to the Great Unknown, and The Night We Lost Him.
I (supposedly) completed my 40 book reading goal.
I read in lots of places this year:
Book trackers:
I also continued making book trackers this year which were fun to share on Instagram. (They are saved in monthly highlights on my Insta)
Before I share my five fave books from 2025, these deserve honorable mention:
In the order that I read them:
Lilac Girls
From here to the Great Unknown
A Happier Life
All the Summers in Between
Top Five Books in 2025:
Here are my top 5 reads in 2025:
The Underground Library:
I loved that the story was told from the perspective of three different women…and I had some fave quotes that stuck with me too.
Confessions of a Grammar Queen:
I read this book thanks to Sarah’s recommendation…and it was great!
Let’s Call Her Barbie:
I can thank Sarah for this one as well…and it was another audiobook that I listened to this year. I think I would have loved it anyway, but I really enjoyed the narrator as well as the mix of historical fiction, romance, and girl power.
Christmas with the Queen:
Typically when I read holiday books in December, I’m not expecting one of the books to be a top contender, but this one was such a favorite of mine.
Horse:
Why did I wait so long to read this book? My Gma recommended it a couple of years ago, and I finally got to reading it in November. It has a little bit of everything, and I loved it so much. Gma knows best!
This is definitely the time of the year and the part of Christmas break where the days are running together.
Today, I’m sharing about our Christmas(es)…
The last Friday of school was pj day which made it very hard for me to rally and get dressed for our friends’ annual Christmas party, but of course I’m glad we went.
I brought home a few of her family’s famous springerle cookies which are a fave.
The next day, we made Chocolate Crinkle cookies per tradition. We never got around to making peanut butter blossoms, but maybe we’ll get back to those next year.
On Sunday, Hadley and her friends met up for pizza and a gift exchange.
My Monday project was cross stitching this little ornament. When I went to World Market, I picked up a kit of three ornaments, and they’ve been fun to complete over the past week or so.
That evening, we finally made it out to the Horse Park for Southern Lights. Trav and I have been doing this for over twenty years. The kids love this tradition too.
You know you’re in Kentucky when…
On Christmas Eve Eve, we headed to Trav’s mom’s house in Louisville. Unfortunately, Hadley wasn’t feeling well, but we were still able to go.
Mamaw and all the grandkids.
On Christmas Eve, Hadley still wasn’t feeling well, so we went to the Little Clinic once we got back to Lex. Thankfully, she tested negative for all the things and got a prescription for something to help with the congestion.
She rallied for the Christmas Eve service at church.
Silent Night by candlelight is always a favorite.
Family photo which I appreciated.
The kids went home after church, but Trav and I stopped by a friend’s house for a bit. They had so many cute inflatables…now I want some. haha
I was up at 6:30 on Christmas morning…even though the kids slept in, of course.
Hadley was the first one up around 9:00 which surprised me…usually, Hayden gets up first. Anyway, even Homer was ready to open presents.
Trav and his gift tags are always something I like forward to.
I got the kids these new ornaments…how cute?! They were fun to personalize.
After presents, the kids swapped their gifts that they picked out for each other…
…and then it was stocking time.
I made a very easy breakfast of a pre-made quiche from Fresh Market, and the Sister Shubert cinnamon rolls from Kroger that are easy and delish.
Hadley went back to bed, and Hayden watched Home Alone with Trav and me.
We took it easy most of the day, and of course made sure to call family and wish them a Merry Christmas.
For dinner, Trav grilled steak that he received as a gift, and I made Bob Evans mashed potatoes and green beans. Easy and delish dinner.
I finished another ornament off and on that day…
I actually found the same pack on Amazon, so I can complete the other three patterns. Don’t be jealous of all the fun I’m having. haha!
This past Saturday, we finally connected with my brother’s family and the cousins exchanged gifts.
And that’s a wrap on Christmas. It’s always different when we don’t go to KC as we don’t have as much going on, but it was nice to have some time at home…and since Hadley wasn’t feeling well, it worked out for her to have time at home in her bed to recoup.
Tis the season for all the things…including germs.
Every year seems to be a bit different as the kids have gotten older, but overall, it was a very Merry Christmas. I hope the same for you!
This week, I plan on recapping 2025 and sharing my favorite books of the year too.
I’m also clinging to break for dear life! I have to remind myself that I still have one more week full of downtime and productivity.
How was your Christmas? Ours was good and very uneventful. We had a fun Christmas Eve Eve and a lovely Christmas Eve. Christmas Day was just the four of us at home not doing much.
I can’t believe it’s already Friday. Why do the weeks of break seem to fly by?
I’m joining Andrea for the final Friday Favorites of 2025…
…to recap some of the favorite posts I’ve shared this year.
A few stats from the year:
Posts: 195 (it seems I blogged a bit less this year…probably due to the fact that in 2024, I posted every day in January for Bloganuary and the same in November of that year sharing gratitude posts). Anyway, still a great year of blogging for me!
Total words: just over 138K
Average words per post: 709
Best day: Friday, Best hour: 8 am
Most popular day: I think it will forever be March 14, 2023 with 931 views.
Most popular post in the past year: September 10th’s Let’s Look “managing teenage life” post.
Some all time stats include:
Views: 610, 963
Visitors: 158, 760
Posts published: 1,381
Countries: (This always blows my mind!) At least one person in 153 countries has read one of my posts. So crazy cool.
As I say every year, blogging is a hobby of mine, and I still really enjoy finding the time to share my thoughts and share a snapshot of my life. I’m still really grateful for those who choose to read my posts, ask me about my favorite books, comment and support me via links. Thank you!
New in 2025:
One thing new to my blog this year was I decided to recap the end of every month. Traditionally, I share a recap of the year, and I still plan to do a condensed version of that next week, but I loved the little snapshots of every month…
Now, on to some of my favorite posts from the year…
1.
With all the snow we got in January, it made me reminisce on snow days in the past.
2.
In February, I shared a few simple things that I love …
3.
SSYS is still where I find so many of my clothes, and I had fun sharing a Fashion Filespost all about what I’d been wearing that was SSYS.
4.
We had lots of fun in Isle of Palms, SC for spring break…
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5.
After the spring break recap, I shared what I wore on vacation. Of course, I over packed, so I like having this post as a reference for future vacays!
6.
I enjoyed writing the May Let’s Lookpost where we looked at wellness.
7.
I love a “recap” (can’t you tell?!), so I enjoyed writing a Teacher Talkpost about the end of the school year.
8.
We hadn’t done a “major” renovation/update project in a while, but I’m oh so thankful we *finally* tackled the hall bathroom. It went from drab to fab, and I still love it so much.
9.
May was just a really good month. The kids had track, and both got their driving permits. We finished the hall bath project, and we also finished the school year! We had a few other things going on as well, so I enjoyed writing that Monthly Momentspost.
10.
June’s Share Our Livestopic was to share unique things about where we live. I think Lexington has a lot to offer!
10.
In June, Trav and I celebrated our twenty year wedding anniversary. That’s hard to believe!
11.
In July, I had fun creating this this or that summer template and sharing my answers.
12.
4th of July is still one of my fave holidays, so this was a fun recap.
13.
Another favorite Share Our Lives post…all about vacation memories. I’m thankful we’ve been able to go so many places and show our kids so many different places as well.
14.
Trav and I traveled to the Lake Michigan area to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We’d always wanted to go, but we weren’t sure which town to visit. So, we visited four towns in our five days that we were gone. We loved Michigan and definitely hope to go back there sooner rather than later. (Part one, two and three)
15 and 16.
Right before the kids started their sophomore year of high school, I started thinking about when they were about to start kindergarten. I spent a day with each one doing things I thought they’d like to do. That was a sweet time for sure.
I can’t imagine living somewhere that didn’t have all four seasons. I love something different about each one, so that was a fun topic for Share Our Lives in September.
18.
The “unfortunately I do love” trend was all the hype on Instagram, so I loved writing this post about random things I love.
19.
We had another awesome fall break in Seaside, Florida with friends, and I always love writing those recaps. (one and two)
20.
Home from fall break, and immediately finished decorating for fall.
21.
Reading is one of my favorite things to do, so I loved sharing some of my reading habits.
22.
It’s really still hard for me to believe it, but the kids turned 16 in November. We had a nice family dinner, and then Hadley celebrated with her friends. Overall, I think they felt loved and celebrated!
23.
Just like with the fall, I look forward to the cozy Christmas decorations.
24.
I think Enneagram posts are fun, and my 5w6 tendencies were confirmed with this post.
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25.
I had a really great first semester of school, so I enjoyed writing this recap too.
These favorite posts were a fun way to look back on the year. I know the time between Christmas and the new year can be quiet in the blogging community, but I still have a couple more favorite posts to share next week…including recapping our Christmas and the books I read this year!
I hope you have a great weekend. I’m going to spend today trying to get this house back in order!
I’m just stopping by to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
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I continued our Christmas card tradition by sending a card from Shutterfly. Since we were dressed up a couple of times this summer for family weddings, I used the family photo my brother-in-law took of us in July which made for a great family photo without me having to pester my family for another photo.
From my family to yours…
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
As always…I know not everyone’s holiday season is merry and bright. Even for us, every year is a bit different depending on our plans with family and whether we are traveling or not. I know others have suffered loss or are struggling in other ways. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
Well, today is a really great Monday because I didn’t have to set an alarm…and all my Christmas shopping is finished…and I might have only a couple things left to wrap. Coming down to the wire…no matter how much I plan.
I know we still have one more Monday in the month, but I’m sharing some of my favorite December/holiday related memes today.
It does seem like sometimes things get marked up to be marked down…
This one is so relatable. No matter how organized I am with all my supplies, I’m always scrambling to find tape.
Also, why am I like this?! I do save wrapping paper scraps in hopes that I can use them on someone’s present! (I do throw away the scraps during my final clean up of the season.)
This one can be true too! haha
Thankfully, I mostly kept to my list and got everything I needed.
You know I can relate to this one…lol
Last Friday at 3:30 couldn’t come fast enough. haha!…
….and this was my attitude most of last week too!
And this one:
Hadley and I watched The Holiday on Saturday night, so this one made me chuckle…and I’m officially not checking my school email until 2026!
Currently me…
No rest for the weary. That being said, it’s already been nice to have some time at home, but also some time to run last minute errands and finish wrapping gifts.
I hope these memes started your week off with a chuckle.
I plan on blogging Wednesday and Friday this week.
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