Author: jgalvinwhite

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#138}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday!

Wow! I feel like this week flew by. Did you feel that way too?

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

Favorite Moment:

Last Friday, we headed to Knoxville because Hayden had a race on Saturday. This was the final race of club season, and he was running in the AAU National Championship.

Last year, the race was in Paris, KY, closer to home….but we’d had tons of rain which provided for a very muddy course.

2021:

While Knoxville wasn’t that muddy, it was muddy enough that Travis taped his runners’ spikes on their feet with duct tape. #protip.

2022:

When we were figuring out what time we needed to be there, I confirmed with Travis who said, “No, that’s when the 11-12 year olds run.” I looked at him confused, and he said, “Hayden is 13!” Well, I guess I’d forgotten that…and also didn’t realize he’d already bump up in age.

Hayden ran a great race and was one second off of a PR. That being said, the conditions and course was harder than where he ran the PR. Travis said he was probably 20-30 seconds faster than the PR race. Needless to say, we were proud of his effort and he placed 34th.

Thomson Training has running groups in Louisville, northern KY and Travis coaches one of the Lexington groups. He was proud of all of his runners. (only a few pictured below)

…and the 13-14 boys were the National Champions!

…and Thomson Training won overall National Champs!

So proud of all the runners, and Hayden capped off his season with a great performance.

Favorite Pic:

I love these pics of Hayden and Travis. It’s been so fun to watch Hayden improve while Travis has been by his side.

Fave pit stop:

On the way home from Knoxville, we stopped at Buc-ees because Travis and Hayden had never been. We picked up lots of snacks!

Favorite Food(s):

Hadley had told me about these cookies (I joked that they are when Pinterest and Tik Tok collide), and she made them on Sunday. You just buy the “break and bake” chocolate chip cookies, press them down, and add the Christmas sugar cookie on top. She wanted to find the Christmas tree ones, but all we found were elf hats.

Anyway, they were cute and tasty!

I made a bit stop in Trader Joe’s this week to pick up fruit…and realized I hadn’t shopped for some of my favorites yet this holiday season.

Last year, I missed out on Jingle Jangle, so I was happy to see they still had it in stock. The “Step Up to the Bar” mix and the mini iced gingerbread people are my two faves. I usually pick up Peppermint Joes, but decided to try these chocolate covered ones…they are so good too!

Favorite Kid Quote:

The other day, I picked Hayden up from school. As I turned into the median to merge, there was a car in the right lane. Hayden looked out the window, smiled, and said, “What’s up dog?” I didn’t think anything of it until I passed the car, and there was a miniature pinscher in the lady’s lap. I literally laughed out loud. I didn’t realize when he said that that there was an actual dog in the car. haha

Favorite Clothes:

Did you see my post on Wednesday? I can’t wait to wear my new sweater and cropped faux leather pants ASAP.

Favorite Mom Meme(s):

I do think this is what causes some of my anxiety/stress. Having kid with a November birthday followed by Christmas is always just a lot!

Hadley always wins for most amount of laundry…and I swear even if she wears something for a half hour, it goes in the laundry. Hayden probably does have a few things that just fall off the hangers into the dirty clothes!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Have I ever shared this pic before? I don’t think I have? It always pops up this week in my Facebook memories. While Hayden came home from the hospital with us, Hadley stayed in the NICU for 13 days. Travis had gone with Hadley to the NICU right after she was delivered. I remember Travis and the dr. at my bedside while I was in recovery. The dr. said she’d probably be in the NICU for 12-14 days. Well, on day 13 she came home, and we were officially a family of four…at home.

Hayden weighed 4 lbs, 7 oz, and Hadley weighed 4 lbs. I had them at 36 weeks, and did think they’d weigh a bit more based on my appointments and ultrasounds in weeks leading up to their arrival.

Anyway, Sis has always been the sassy and self-sufficient one, and I think it’s because she started off being a fighter.

Weekly Recap:

I had a busy blogging week! Here are my posts:

Enneagram Gift Ideas
Prime Purchases
Festive Outfits
Holiday Home Tour

Not Just a Mom:

On Monday, we have our final Not Just a Mom post of 2023!

This month’s topic is Loving Lately. If you have a blog, we’d love to have you join us on Monday.

What are your weekend plans? We have volleyball and a holiday party this weekend. We’re also hoping to tackle the science fair projects. *sigh* They get a bad rap…I know we need science (obviously), but for me it’s the timing. They are always due right after break. If they could do them in January, I swear I wouldn’t complain like I do. It’s just one more *big* task to tackle in an already busy season. (They do the work themselves, but they still need to get organized, buy supplies, type, print, organize the board, and more!)

One week from today starts our break…and I can’t wait. I keep telling myself, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.”

See you back here on Monday for Not Just a Mom. Thanks so much for reading.

Posted in Holidays, Home Decor

Holiday Home Tour

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite posts of the year…

Honestly, not too much has changed since last year, and I even referenced this post when I started getting out my Christmas decorations. That being said, of course I picked up a few new things, and I always love getting a peek inside other people’s homes…especially during the holidays.

So, come on it!

Front Porch:

Of all the spaces, the front porch pretty much stays the same from year to year.

We’ve had rain for the past few days, so I wasn’t able to get a pic, but here it is last year:

That being said, I haven’t picked up the fresh garland from Trader Joe’s yet, and I did pick up a new doormat at Michael’s this year. I think I will leave it out all winter.

We didn’t put lights out this year. We might get to it this weekend, but I had to tell myself that it’s ok if we don’t get it all done in this season of our lives.

Decorating early:

In early November, I put up my two pencil trees. One goes in the sun room…

…and the other goes in the living room until we get our real tree.

Front hall:

The front hall table is one of my favorites spots.

I picked up a couple of new things including the green and red frosted tree at Michael’s as well as the new tealight set from Amazon.

Living Room:

I did change the chest in the living room up a bit this year. I added a new tree from Home Goods and put lights on the tree and mirror. Then, the rest of the string of lights fit perfectly in the snowman lantern.

….and we played “musical trees” with one of the pencil trees. Once we got our real tree, we moved this one to the corner behind the chair in the living room. I love the reflection of the tree in the mirror as well as the extra glow of light in the living room.

The Santa that sits on the fire place is one of my favorites, and then I have a few festive odds and ends that I put on the antique chest.

I love the contrast of our new dark brown leather couch with the white pillows. (Truth be told, 90% of the time, the couch is covered for Homer, but I do love this set up when we can enjoy it.)

The tray on the coffee table holds the same flocked tree I’ve had for years as well as a candle. I usually leave the tray styled this way through January for winter.

Our built ins house a few decorations like ornaments, a snow globe and nativity scene. The light up present is one of my favorites. I’ve had it for years.

Office:

I joke that we are a “5-7 day business” tree decorating family. We got it on a Sunday, let it “fall” until the next day. Then, Travis strung the lights, and on the fifth day, we finally had time to hang the ornaments. #itsaprocess

Ta da….!

The nutcrackers and presents top our office cabinet.

Festive Touches:

Some of my favorite pieces are the most meaningful. I’ve always loved this pic of the kids with Santa. Also, when the kids were a month old, I took this photo of them under the tree. I put it out every year. Lastly, last year, my Gma gave us this framed sewing hoop with ice skates that she made. It sits on our desk in the office.

Kitchen:

I always change out the tray that sits on our island. I love the snowman that holds the tea light, and the candle in the lantern provides an extra glow.

I picked up the tartan plate at Home Goods this year, and love it next to the Trader Joe’s candle. An easy way to decorate is by switching out kitchen towels. I put the monogrammed one out every year.

For the second year in a row, we put out the Christmas village. On the cabinet, I add ornaments to the cloche that sits out year round. The cabinet is also perfect for the snowy tree and Christmas dishes. The mini wreath with red ribbon is the perfect finishing touch.

Last year, Hadley got the Christmas village organized. She helped me again this year. Hayden promptly moved the pieces around, and now I often find the village rearranged from day to day.

I’ve had the tree pillow and chair decorations for years. In our cabinet, I have one of my snow globes, a Christmas tree that my Gma painted years ago, and a Merry and Bright plaza lights (KC people #iykyk) print that my mom gave me last year. We have three swags with ribbon for our chairs, and they’ve yet to be #homered through the years.

This is the second year that I hung the stockings on the side with command strips rather than using stocking holders. The mantle is the same as last year…

…except I did pick up these gold bell trees at Michael’s. (A few new things this year from Michael’s, but just one trip to Michael’s! haha)

I still love my plates from Target. I have Santa, snowman, and Christmas tree plates that we use this time of the year.

The plaid table runner is a festive touch, and I just add in some faux holly trees and ornaments to the tray.

Sun room:

The sun room is easy to decorate with pillows, a red and white blanket and berry wreath.

The pillows add more pops of red and green.

A mix of trees and ornaments as well as a candle are on the tables out there.

Bedroom:

Musical trees continued when I moved the sun room tree into the bedroom. Since we decided to keep the other pencil tree in the living room, but I still wanted one in our bedroom, I moved the sun room tree. The pencil trees sure are easy to move around…😂 While I miss a tree in the sun room, we don’t really hang out there this time of the year.

The crock that holds a tea light and another tree are all that I have in our room (besides the pencil tree and a candle). I just wanted a few festive touches. I love falling asleep to the glow of the tealight in the crock after I turn off my tree.

In last year’s post, I mentioned that I’d thought about decorating all of the house in early November because last year I felt like by the time I finally got everything put out, it was time to take it down. This year, I had the house mostly decorated by mid-November, and that has felt like a really good compromise.

By January, I’ll be ready to get the house back in order after a few months of fall/Christmas decorations. That being said, the pencil trees may stay out through January. I love the glow of the light in the winter months.

Thanks so much for reading. See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Posted in Clothes, Holidays

Four Festive Fits

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, ’tis the season for holiday parties which has me thinking about possible outfits these next few weeks.

Today, I’m sharing outfit ideas from a variety of places (online boutique, Amazon, Target, DSW, Old Navy, and Walmart). Some of these pieces I own, and others are just ideas.

I would have loved to try on more outfits, but lack of time and lack of daylight caught up with me.

Outfit 1:

This is definitely a dressier option. I actually ordered this black dress from Shop Style Your Senses. I have a few pieces from this shop, and have loved them all.

The clutch is a new fave of mine and is perfect for a more semi/formal occasion.

Then, depending on the weather, your mood, or the attire details, you could wear tall boots, heels, or booties.

dress // clutch // tall boots // strappy heel // bootie

Outfit 2:

I love this new blouse I picked up from Amazon recently (I have it in two colors!) paired with black skinny jeans. For a little holiday sparkle, these silver pumps (named “the Jen” –how perfect!) do the trick. My favorite quilted crossbody purse (huge price drop!) in black is the perfect accessory.

blouse // silver pumps // black skinny jeans // quilted crossbody purse

Outfit 3:

So, I actually tried the Vegan Leather Split-Hem Flare Leggings from Abercrombie & Fitch, but they were too long on me. If you are interested, it appears that they are now on clearance.

Proof that I know our phones are tracking us, these cropped ones (less than $20) popped up in a Walmart ad.

faux leather pants // sweater // clutch // strappy heel

I saw this pic of the model when I ordered the pants which got me thinking…

…about a similar outfit I could put together with my new “rose” colored sweater and glittery heels. Again, the clutch would be a perfect match for the heels.

(FYI: I ordered the pants in both medium and large and kept the medium)

*please excuse the dusty mirror

Outfit 4:

Nothing screams holiday like a plaid shirt.

I love a plaid shirt paired with denim or a skinny black pant. Red tartan and blue plaid are definitely my fave. You could wear the glitter pumps or stick with a more classic look with black pumps. Again, the quilted crossbody would be perfect for a more put together but not as dressy look.

red tartan button down // high waisted skinny pants // blue plaid smocked wrap blouse // black pumps // quilted crossbody purse

Proof that I’ve embraced plaid through the years:

I really do try to shop my closet first, and I always buy pieces that I can mix and match. Which outfit is your favorite?

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in Amazon

Prime Purchases: December 2022

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Tis the season for shopping! A combo of holiday events, kids’ birthday, and Christmas makes for a full sized Prime Purchases post!

I’m linking up with Tanya to share my Amazon purchases this month.

Here are my purchases this month:

This blouse is an absolute favorite. I purchased it in the “pink purple” color. This feels like such an “expensive” blouse because of the fabric and the dot detail.

I love the 3/4 sleeve and the ability to wear it tucked or untucked. I’ve also purchased it in red for the holiday season. I did try it in both the medium and large. While the medium fit, I was more comfortable in the large.

I purchased this clutch for the charity event we went to. I do have a few clutches, but I wanted something a little more festive. The gold color is so pretty, but it does come in so many other colors.

Hadley has these same heels in nude, but again, I wanted a more sparkly shoe to wear with my dress to the event. These were so pretty, and I was fine being on my feet for a few hours.

Speaking of that event, I wanted to have some color on my legs since I was wearing a short dress. Surprisingly, I still had a bit of color from our beach trip, but when Tanya shared this last month, I thought I’d give it a try. I purchased the “light bronze” shade as well as the mitt, and it was so easy to apply.

The coloring also lasted quite a few days. I actually used it again right before Thanksgiving once I realized it was going to be warm, so I’d be wearing a dress and booties to Thanksgiving.

See below for clutch, heels, and tan legs!

This sweater has been floating around the internet, so I thought I’d give it a try.

I really like it. I wore it mostly buttoned up, but I’ve worn it to school with skinny pants as well as out to dinner with jeans.

I picked up this sweater for Hadley for her birthday. She loves sweatshirts, but I knew she’d need a few oversized sweaters to wear with leggings this holiday and in the winter.

I got her the small, and it’s super cute on her.

Well, if you give a mouse a cookie…or a sweater…this one popped up as something I may like, so I ordered it too. I thought this “rose” shade would be good for the holidays, but then also something I can wear in the cooler days of spring. It’s such a comfy sweater that looks high end. In this sweater, I tried the medium and the large, and I prefer the medium, so that’s the one I kept.

This white fleece blanket is perfect for the winter months. It’s soft, cozy, and has a low price point. It also comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

I ordered this book for the kids for their birthday. I just thought it would be a good reference point for them through the years.

With the fall and winter months, I picked up one of my favorite darker OPI shades: Krona-logical Order. It’s perfect for this time of the year.

After I put out my Christmas decorations, I wanted to add a few smaller items to the Christmas decor. Plus, my decorating still is heavy on the candles. haha

I got this set of two in both the red/green and the silver white options.

…a festive little touch:

Hadley asked for a new screen protector for her birthday which made me realize both kids had had the same one for over a year. These are what we’ve used before, so I ordered them up again.

Now, for….

This post could go on…and on…and on…but I’ll try to reel it in by sharing my top 5 favorite Amazon purchases this year.

1.

This cross body purse is probably my favorite purchase of the year. It’s cute, it holds quite a bit, and you can change out the strap. It comes in a variety of colors too.

2.

When I organized my closet in June (…and it’s still looking pretty good, I must say!), these acrylic dividers were the best purchase. I bought a couple of packs, and I’ve used them in both my closet and the hall closet.

3.

This swim cover up was my favorite purchase of the summer.

I loved it so much that I bought it in two colors.

4.

These Turkish towels are so perfect that I not only packed them for the pool, but they also came with us to Mexico and any lake trip that we went on this summer.

5.

This cardigan was a favorite from the spring! Like many things, I loved it so much, I bought it in two colors.

I don’t think it’s available in pink, but I have the “cadet gray” as well, and it comes in many other colors. It’s easy to style up or down.

What’s your favorite Amazon purchase this year?

I love this link up, and thanks so much for supporting my blog this year.

I hope you have a great Tuesday!

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in Amazon, Enneagram, Gift Ideas

Gift Guides (ish)

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend? We spent some of our weekend in Knoxville because Hayden ran in the AAU National Championship race. Then, we spent Sunday doing all the things like church, grocery pick up, shopped for Angel Tree gifts, chores around the house, and then watched the Chiefs game.

Anyway, I know that many Instagrammers and bloggers share gift guides this time of the year which can be both helpful and and sometimes overwhelming.

In my own little twist on “gift guides,” I’m sharing Enneagram gift guides because I love the ones that @ashton.creates shares on her page.

Again, I don’t live or die by Enneagrams, but I do think it’s interesting. I’m a 5w6 and here are the gift guides for both of those:

5 (Investigator)

  • Camera: Well, I haven’t owned a camera in ages thanks to my iPhone, but I do love taking pictures.
  • Candle: Yes! I love candles. I used to pretty much only buy my candles at Bath and Body Works, but this past year, I’ve ordered quite a few from Antique Candle Co., and I’ve loved them all.
  • New mug: I love coffee mugs. While I switch them up season to season, I pretty much stick with my fave most mornings.

6 (Loyalist)

  • Weighted blanket: I cannot live without my weighted blanket. I’ve had one for a couple of years, and it’s hard to sleep without it!
  • Membership: Memberships are a great idea. We always gift Netflix to my dad every year.
  • Letter board: Crafty things are so fun.
  • Slippers: I have a couple of pairs of favorites slippers, but these are my fave.

Another favorite Instagram account I follow is @the.enneagram.mom. Her gift guides are fun too!

5

  • Blue light blocker glasses: When we were online for school, I snagged a few pairs of glasses; they were fun to wear.
  • Collectors book set: I always ask for a couple of books every year. Since I rarely buy books, I usually keep a list on Amazon that I share with family as gift ideas for me.
  • Comfy sweaters: Yes to a sweater! The best part about winter is sweater weather. This is my favorite Amazon sweater (I have it in three colors), and this one is a recent purchase that I love.
  • Book marks: I love a good book mark!
  • Add to their coffee station: K-cups in my stocking, please.
  • Home thermostat: This is a practical idea.
  • Reading chair: I dream of having a big enough bedroom one day to have a reading corner.

6

  • Comfy sweaters: See above!
  • Personalized jewelry: Etsy always has so many cute options. I’ve gifted and received so many good and thoughtful pieces through the years.
  • Cute storage: Organizing is always a great idea!
  • Water bottle: Besides a water bottle (which we don’t need ANY more!), I love personalized tumblers and skinny can coolers.
  • New vacuum: This I do not need 🙂
  • Home security: Again, practical!
  • Purse organization: see “cute storage” above

What’s on your “wish list” this year? If you know your Enneagram number, you should check out their posts!

Teens (and others!)

Now, these aren’t Earth shattering ideas, but I never shared what I got the kids for their birthday.

I try to do “want, need, wear, read” to keep it a somewhat simple shopping list.

Both:

This book caught my eye and I knew they’d love the Homer socks!

Hayden:

I hope they’ll let me buy them Christmas pjs until they are 18. I don’t buy the cute little kid ones anymore, but bottom line is in the winter months, they need warmer pjs…so why not buy for birthday?

Hayden prefers the jogger style for sweatpants and pajama pants, so I turned to Old Navy to get both of their pjs. Both of my kids now fit in adults sizes (what the what?!), so that’s what they got. Travis ordered this set of football cards for Hayden, and he was excited.

We also got Hayden a Nike UK hooded sweatshirt, jogger sweatpants, and basketball shorts.

Hadley:

I wanted to get Hadley something special for her 13th birthday, and picked out the Elisa pendant necklace at Kendra Scott. I wasn’t sure what stone she’d want, and I ended up choosing her birthstone.

Besides flannel pj bottoms (and t-shirt), I got her a Kentucky sweatshirt, leggings, and this sweater.

Honestly, I feel more behind than ever on my shopping. As the kids have gotten older, they understand that money and gift cards go a long way, but of course, I want to pick up them up other things as well. In some ways it was easier when they loved Legos and Barbies!

I’d love to hear any ideas you have for my teens! Bonus points if I can order on Amazon. haha

I hope you have a great start to your week.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays

Friday Favorites {#137}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! Shew! What a week…That being said, one down and two to go until Winter Break.

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

This week’s Friday Favorites is all about December/Christmas favorites.

Tis the season to make a list of all the festive things we’d like to do.

Here are a few of our favorite traditions:

The first thing we usually cross off our list is getting a tree from our favorite Christmas shop. The setting is beautiful…

…there’s hot apple cider and cocoa,

…and they usually have the best Santa.

Then, we put ornaments on the tree while listening to Christmas music (per Hadley’s request)

2022

We always drive through the Kentucky Horse Park lights…

…and stop by one of our favorite house displays.

Of course, there are a few Christmas parties…

We always bake cookies…

…and watch Christmas movies. (While we try to watch a few, Home Alone and A Christmas Story are a must.)

At some point, we take the kids shopping and let them choose something for each other to open on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

Ice skating is always a fun activity if we can squeeze it in. (It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to. Maybe this year?)

I love when we shop for the Angel tree, make baskets of snacks for the UPS/delivery people, and practice random acts of kindness.

I know I’m missing a few other things we usually do, but December is always a busy but blessed month.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Right?! Like where is the chocolate Advent calendar for me?

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

2010…giving me all the feels!

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week:

Monday Memes
Thanksgiving Break Recap
November Books
Blog Challenge Part 2

What’s your favorite holiday tradition? I’d love to hear what it is!

I hope you have a great weekend. We’re busy and also need to be productive! See you back here on Monday.

Posted in Blog challenge, Me

Blog Challenge Part 2

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday! December 1st. Wow!

We’re chugging right along this week, but re-entry after break has been quite the adjustment. We’ve had school, activities, and even found time to put ornaments on the tree. Unfortunately, we “found” the time because Hadley was home yesterday (and last night) with another round of strep!

Anyway, I’m continuing on with my self-imposed (for lack of a better word)…

A few weeks ago, I shared Part 1 of my “Blog Challenge.” This all began because I had writer’s block, and now I hope to keep incorporating these posts into my regular blogging routine.

Today, I’m tackling topics #4 and 5…

4. Earliest Childhood Memory

Well, the first thing that popped in my mind was when I was three or four, and I was at day care. I pinched my finger in the folding chair and had to go to the doctor. At the time, I remember that my mom had a bad case of poison ivy and had to be careful picking me up. The injured finger was my left ring finger, and to this day, that nail is different…and one of the reasons I prefer having my nails painted!

When thinking about my childhood, some of the memories that immediately pop in my mind are going to my grandma’s (Lulu, my dad’s mom) house most mornings before school. My dad would drop me off, and she would take me to school. She had a mean cat named Al. I also remember going to my other grandparents’ house (my mom’s parents) on days I was sick. I’d lounge on the couch, watch I Love Lucy reruns and eat Bon Bons.

My grandparents:

Lulu on the left, Gma and my grandpa on the right. (Just missing a pic of my other grandpa.)

5. My Guilty Pleasure

Ok…how lame am I? My first thought was waking up early in the mornings…That quiet morning time has definitely turned into my 45 minutes of calm, quiet, and peace to start my day.

Other guilty pleasures are a small fry and Diet Coke from McDonalds, soft serve ice cream at Jason’s Deli, Real Housewives, and a glass of wine!

What’s your earliest childhood memory and/or guilty pleasure?

I hope you are having a great week!

Posted in Books and Shows

November 2022: What I’ve Been Reading

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hey there!

I was just talking about books with a few people recently, and said that 2022 hasn’t felt like my best year of reading. There were a couple of months when I only read two books, and while I’ve still read quite a few, it just seems like most have been ok.

That being said, this month I read three books and enjoyed them all!

This month I read…

{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}

The Things We Cannot Say:

Summary:

In 1942, Europe remains in the relentless grip of war. Just beyond the tents of the Russian refugee camp she calls home, a young woman speaks her wedding vows. It’s a decision that will alter her destiny…and it’s a lie that will remain buried until the next century.

Since she was nine years old, Alina Dziak knew she would marry her best friend, Tomasz. Now fifteen and engaged, Alina is unconcerned by reports of Nazi soldiers at the Polish border, believing her neighbors that they pose no real threat, and dreams instead of the day Tomasz returns from college in Warsaw so they can be married. But little by little, injustice by brutal injustice, the Nazi occupation takes hold, and Alina’s tiny rural village, its families, are divided by fear and hate. Then, as the fabric of their lives is slowly picked apart, Tomasz disappears. Where Alina used to measure time between visits from her beloved, now she measures the spaces between hope and despair, waiting for word from Tomasz and avoiding the attentions of the soldiers who patrol her parents’ farm. But for now, even deafening silence is preferable to grief.

Slipping between Nazi-occupied Poland and the frenetic pace of modern life, Kelly Rimmer creates an emotional and finely wrought narrative that weaves together two women’s stories into a tapestry of perseverance, loyalty, love and honor. The Things We Cannot Say is an unshakable reminder of the devastation when truth is silenced…and how it can take a lifetime to find our voice before we learn to trust it. 

Quick Thoughts:

This was a book that had been on my list for quite some time. It was certainly a heavy read with the topic of the Holocaust, but it was a mix of informative and emotional. I enjoyed the flashbacks with Alina more than modern day with Alice. The meaning behind “the things we cannot say” was embedded in many aspects of the storyline. This is definitely a powerful book and one that makes the top of my list of books so far this year.

Rating:

Summary:

In her twenties, Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They build a life for themselves, far away from the expectations of their parents and the people of their hometown in Massachusetts. They travel the world together, living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity for adventure.

On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on a helicopter over the Pacific when it goes missing. Just like that, Jesse is gone forever.

Emma quits her job and moves home in an effort to put her life back together. Years later, now in her thirties, Emma runs into an old friend, Sam, and finds herself falling in love again. When Emma and Sam get engaged, it feels like Emma’s second chance at happiness.

That is, until Jesse is found. He’s alive, and he’s been trying all these years to come home to her. With a husband and a fiancé, Emma has to now figure out who she is and what she wants, while trying to protect the ones she loves.

Who is her one true love? What does it mean to love truly?

Emma knows she has to listen to her heart. She’s just not sure what it’s saying.

Quick Thoughts:

I’ve read a couple of books by Taylor Reid Jenkins (Malibu Rising and Seven Husbands), and have loved them both. This book was one of hers that I enjoyed too. It was an interesting storyline with Emma dealing with both her present and her past. Of course, as a reader, I wondered which love she’d choose. I felt like the story advanced organically as she wrestled with her decision. The idea of “true loves” and love changing as a person grows and matures was really interesting. In the end, I thought Emma made the right choice 🙂

Rating:

4.5 ⭐️

Summary:

It’s Christmas week when 26-year-old Sabrina Post knocks on the door of the Vanderbilt suite at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, ready to accept the ghostwriting position for the memoir of Grayson Westcott—a famous art dealer.

A struggling journalist, Sabrina can’t believe her luck: a paycheck and six nights in her own suite at the Plaza. She feels like Eloise, the heroine from her favorite children’s books. To make the job even more exciting, Grayson recounts how he worked as a butler at the Plaza sixty years ago for none other than the author of the Eloise books, Kay Thompson.

What promises to be a perfect week is complicated when Sabrina meets Ian Wentworth, a handsome British visitor, at the hotel bar. When Ian assumes Sabrina is another wealthy guest at the hotel, she doesn’t correct him —a decision she doesn’t regret after learning that Ian is a member of the British aristocracy. But, things are not what they seem. The truth is: Ian is not a wealthy lord; he’s actually the personal secretary of Lord Spencer Braxton.

As the week unfolds, will Sabrina and Ian learn the truth about one another?

Filled with the magic that can only be found at the Plaza Hotel during the holidays, and revealing facts about the author of the Eloise books, Anita Hughes’s A Magical New York Christmas is both a holiday treat and a heartwarming story that reminds us that falling in love is the greatest miracle of all.

Quick Thoughts:

I decided to kick off the holiday season with a Christmas book, and I sure feel like I picked the right one to read first. I’ve read A Christmas in Paris by Hughes and loved it. This book was a mix of whimsy and nostalgia. I loved the references to the Eloise books, the setting of New York at Christmastime, the flashbacks, and there was touch of British too. This was the perfect first Christmas book of the season for me.

Rating:

Previous Christmas Reads:

Since 2019, I’ve made a point to read Christmas books in December. The last two years, I’ve read one in November to share in my November book review.

If you are looking for Christmas book recommendations, check out Sarah’s post yesterday…and here are some of the Christmas books I’ve read through the years:

I loved this entire series so much. I read all four in December 2019.

What are some of your favorite Christmas themed books to read? I’d love to add them to my Goodreads list.

Happy reading!

Posted in Holidays

Thanksgiving Break Recap

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Thanksgiving break is usually one of my favorite times of the year. Five days off is a good amount of time to travel, if needed. It’s also the right amount of days for laziness mixed with productivity.

This post could be alternatively titled: holiday whiplash

Over our break, we toggled back and forth between fall/Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Wednesday:

We had a slow start on Wednesday. Travis worked, I eased into the day, and the kids slept in. They kids played outside a bit, I had a few errands, and we just mostly hung out at home. That night, we watched Uncharted. I hadn’t heard of it, but Hadley picked it out (she’s a big Tom Holland fan) We all enjoyed it, and I’m guessing there will be a sequel.

Thanksgiving:

Again, it was so nice to not set an alarm. I was up around 7:30, had my coffee and watched TV for a bit. Eventually the kids got up, and I turned on the parade. I love this tradition.

We got ready to leave for Trav’s aunt’s house around 11:00. The kids let me snap a pic…

…before we headed to Elizabethtown. The weather was a beautiful on Thursday, so that was good. Trav’s family is big. There were close to 70 people at his aunt’s house! (and, believe me, that’s about half of the family!) We had a good visit with everyone, and the food was delish.

We got a pic before heading home…

…and I was in my Christmas pjs by 5:30.

That night, Travis suggested watching Friday Night Lights. Travis and I watched that entire series together back in the day. We watched the first couple of episodes, and the kids liked it.

Friday after turkey day:

I slept like a rock and was up around 8. Again, it felt so good to sleep in. While drinking my coffee, one of my first thoughts as how glad I was that I’d already decorated for Christmas. I love Thanksgiving, but by the Friday after, I’m ready to soak in Christmastime.

Travis and I both did some online shopping (from Amazon, Kohls, etc. I also shopped Antique Candle Co’s 30% off sale!) The candles arrived the next day. I couldn’t believe it!

Throughout the day, I watched some episodes of Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown and read my first book for December.

Then, Hadley and I went to Michael’s and Kroger. On the years we stay home for Thanksgiving, I usually go to Michael’s to pick up a couple of Christmas decorations since they are on sale that day. At Kroger, I picked up the soup ingredients for our leftover turkey soup. Then, we had lunch at home before the kids went and had fun with friends and family.

Hadley went to the UK volleyball game with a friend for her birthday, and Hayden went to hang with his cousins. Both were gone until later that evening, so I did some things around the house, watched more baking shows as well as the MU football game.

Later, Travis suggested we go to dinner since it was just the two of us. On the way, we stopped at Old Navy before heading to one of our favorite sushi restaurants. It was the place to be…we saw some friends, our neighbor, and then when we went to sit down, guess who was at the table next to us?! My brother and sister-in-law. What a coincidence! The server let us combine tables, so we ate and caught up with them.

Then, it was time to pick up the kids and head home.

Saturday:

Then, on Saturday, I made the soup and a pumpkin pie. Travis pointed out that I usually make one in the fall, and I hadn’t. Also, on Thanksgiving, I enjoyed other desserts because the one pumpkin pie was room temp. I like a chilled pumpkin pie!

Saturday’s temps were pretty good, so it was the perfect time to finish raking leaves and tossing the pumpkins that had been on my porch since mid-September. We also pulled the outside Christmas decorations out from the attic and got them situated. Pumpkins out, Christmas lights on!

Travis and the kids went to the UK football game, and I continued my downtime with episodes of Christmas Cookie Challenge while eating my soup and pie!

Sunday:

We went to church to celebrate the start of Advent season. Then, we picked out a couple of names from the Angel tree.

After church, we decided to stop by our favorite place, and pick out out Christmas tree. This Christmas shop is my fave:

Some of my favorite Santa pics have happened in this sleigh:

…and look at them now!

(I appreciate that they indulged their mother for this photo!)

The kids grabbed some hot apple cider while Travis paid for the tree we picked out.

When we got home, I finished up the Christmas decor by moving the skinny tree that’s been in the living room and adding the bow to the mirror.

…while Hadley helped at the family Advent workshop at church. Santa said she’s been good this year!

Once everyone was home, we watched the Chiefs game, had leftover soup, and prepped for back to school.

We had a really great few days at home. There were times I felt “guilty” for being a bit lazy, but I also know that I needed it…and will need it to get through the month of December!

What was the best part of your Thanksgiving (break?) ?

Posted in Memes

November Memes

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Happy (Cyber) Monday! How was your Thanksgiving? I hope it was a great one. I didn’t realize how much I needed five days at home until I had them! Somehow, I’m still struggling on this Monday morning, but at least I’ve had a bit of downtime to get me energized for these next few weeks of school.

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

Tis the season…

In honor of Black Friday/Cyber Monday, I’m sharing these first few because I thought they were funny:

Relateable…haha

I don’t do Black Friday. I’m all about online Black Friday or Cyber Monday…for many reasons…including these:

…and this:

I know this hits home for most:

I’ve purchased a few things, but today is the day I make a big list and try to knock out most of my shopping.

This one made me laugh. I’ve always thought it would be fun to receive a new car as a surprise, but I think most people do talk over major purchases with their significant other.

Other LOL

My friends and I have shared this one on a group text, and it’s so true! People need to appreciate how grumpy/mean I could be.

1, 2, 3…goals!

Homer thinks he has a right to all food in this house.

This is kind of me. It’s especially me in the morning before school! I can usually get ready pretty quickly, but I’m always rushing in the mornings!

I feel seen!

I hope you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving break and that your week starts off on the right foot!