How was your week? I definitely feel like we’ve hit our stride now that we’re back to school. Also, most days this week I didn’t feel like I needed a nap when I got home. That’s certainly a win.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea for Friday Favorites.
Here are some faves from the week:
Last Friday, Travis and I went out for sushi. Both kids had plans, so this was a nice way to cap off the week.
After our sushi dinner, we went to Target because I had a pick up. Saturday morning, I was excited to try this new coffee creamer. It’s delish! I will definitely add it into the rotation.
One of our last summer outside projects was getting our brick steps repaired and getting new railings. Everything got wrapped up this week. So, this summer, Travis redid the front landscaping, we got a new driveway, and we finally got the steps and railing fixed.
My favorite summer project was *finally* getting these Shuttefly books made with the kids’ artwork. I can be nostalgic about things, but I did a pretty good job of keeping the main art and classwork they brought home…not every worksheet. Anyway, I made a book of each kid’s artwork for kindergarten-2nd and then 3rd-5th. I could have made one bigger book, but I wanted to make one and confirm I liked the product before putting in the effort otherwise. Anyway, I will treasure these books!
The past week has provided glorious weather…I love sunroof open weather; unfortunately, it’s about to be hot, hot, hot again!
Hadley went to Starbucks one afternoon, and she brought me home an iced Pumpkin Chai latte, and it was delish. How nice of her to think of me!
I had to go to Trader Joe’s for a few things, and I was “influenced” by Shay…the mini biscuit cookies are delish.
I tend to get my Barebelll protein bars at Trader Joe’s. I’m loving these two flavors the most right now:
Y’all, last Friday I got the Wordle on the first guess! Do you have the NYT app? Most days, I play Spelling Bee, Wordle, Connections and Strands. They are good for my brain. haha
Dolly:
*Sigh* Obviously, this isn’t a favorite…Dolly Parton seemed like someone who would live forever. We sure did lose a national treasure. All of us should try to live a bit more like Dolly…
Churchill Downs paid tribute as well and many others places like in NYC and KC.
Favorite Mom Meme:
I could have written this meme myself…
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
Oh how I miss the family pool days. This was in 2018…and such a sweet memory.
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts from the week in case you missed one…
Well, it took the third week of school, but I’m starting to feel like I’m in a groove, I know most of my students’ names, and we’ve moved on from the “first days of school” stuff into our curriculum.
Since it’s the last Thursday of the month, I’m linking up with Patty for Monthly Musings.
This month’s topic is…cleaning and life hacks.
1. Are you good at managing the weekly laundry at your house or do you need help? Share tips…
I think we’re pretty good at managing our laundry. The kids each do about a load a week, and I often just throw my laundry in with one of the kids’ laundry; Trav does his own. That being said, as I type this, Hadley has clean clothes from last week in her basket that she never put away, and now she has a huge pile of dirty clothes. ugh
I will say that the “delay wash” feature is a lifesaver. Sometimes, I will put a load in at night, and delay the start until the morning. Then, I will put the clothes in the dryer when I wake up. Or, even more often, I will put in a load in the morning, delay start, and then put the clothes in the dryer when I get home from school.
2. Best tips for containing the kitchen dishes chaos.
I typically cook, and Trav usually cleans up after dinner. The kids put their dishes away, and help a bit too.
A year or so ago, I finally “subscribed” to Amy’s method of running the dishwasher often. We used to run it a couple times a week, and now I run it about four times even if it’s not totally full. Honestly, this also helps when putting away the dishes because there’s not as much to put away…so it’s less of a dreaded task.
3. What grocery items do you always have on hand to make a quick meal?
I typically have ingredients for tacos and spaghetti if we need something quickly.
4. Best tips for saving money on groceries.
Ugh – groceries are so expensive. I do think it helps to do Kroger pick up because I’m not tempted in the store. Sometimes I don’t like stocking up on things because we don’t have a ton of space, but if I see a deal on certain items, like when my K-cups half price, I will buy a few extras and find a place to store them.
I do get on the Kroger app and download coupons that are typically automatically applied.
5. Cleaning service. DIY or is house cleaning overrated?
We’ve had a cleaning service twice a month for many years…and it’s truly the best “gift” to ourselves. That being said, we just found a new cleaner, and her crew did a “deep clean” for the first time…and wow! my house has never looked so good. It was the best feeling to have such a clean space again.
6. Favorite cleaning products?
Truth be told, I’m not the cleaner in the family…I tidy up and Travis is more of a cleaner. That being said, I always have Mrs. Meyer’s products on hand.
And, we have to have the dry Swiffer on hand because of how much Homer sheds.
7. Do you try and use green products in your house?
Not necessarily, but let me know any recommedations you have.
8. Do you schedule certain tasks for certain days of the week?
For us, what works best is to tidy up every night. We tend to do laundry on the weekends, but we really don’t have a ton of laundry. I always want the house “reset,” especially the kids’ rooms on Sunday. I like to start off with the clean slate on Mondays.
9. What is the most overwhelming part of your week that you think you need help with right now?
Meal planning and prep doesn’t overwhelm me, but it’s my least favorite chore. If I could have a chef, that would really help me out. haha
10. What part of your week do you think you excel at?
Not to be too repetitive, but I definitely excel at tidying up. I just can’t go to bed unless things are put in their place. I even did that when the kids were little. Even though I knew they’d with the same toys as soon as they woke up, I still put things away before bed.
Of course, I don’t mind if a few things are out if we need them the next morning, but overall, I like pillows on the couch, blankets folded, dishes out of the sink, the kids’ things in their rooms, etc.
I also think I excel at getting a plan and making sure everyone is on the same page. The kids’ sharing a car pretty much means that most days we have to have a plan…and sometimes that plan is that I get home from school ASAP because both kids need a car for workouts or work.
Anyway, when I saw this topic, I wasn’t sure what I’d have to add to it since cleaning isn’t really my specialty, but I guess I do a few things right 😉
I can’t wait to read what others have to share…as I’m always looking for tips.
August is on its way out, and I have books to share.
I can’t believe it, but I read five books this month. With back to school, I just never know how much time I will have to read.
Here are the books I read in August:
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife:
Summary:
Frederick Fife was born with an extra helping of kindness in his heart. If he borrowed your car, he’d return it washed with a full tank of gas. The problem is there’s nobody left in Fred’s life to borrow from. At eighty-two, he’s desperately lonely, broke, and on the brink of homelessness. But Fred’s luck changes when, in a bizarre case of mistaken identity, he takes the place of grumpy Bernard Greer at the local nursing home. Now he has warm meals in his belly and a roof over his head—as long as his poker face is in better shape than his prostate and that his look-alike never turns up.
Denise Simms is stuck breathing the same disappointing air again and again. A middle-aged mom and caregiver at Bernard’s facility, her crumbling marriage and daughter’s health concerns are suffocating her joy for life. Wounded by her two-faced husband, she vows never to let a man deceive her again.
As Fred walks in Bernard’s shoes, he leaves a trail of kindness behind him, fueling Denise’s suspicions about his true identity. When unexpected truths are revealed, Fred and Denise rediscover their sense of purpose and learn how to return a broken life to mint condition.
Quick Thoughts:
I actually finished this book at end of July after sharing my July post…
My sister-in-law recommended it to me, and she said it’s one of her favorite books of all time.
Goodreads said, “for readers of Remarkably Bright Creatures and A Man Called Ove…” I loved Remarkably Bright Creatures, so this book was definitely for me.
I feel like this is a book that I can say “I’ve never read anything like it.” The idea that Frederick swaps spots with Bernard…at first, my mind had a hard time grasping that concept…like before I even read more after the identity swap, I was thinking “Well, how is this going to work?” Anyway, Frederick is endearing and many of the other characters are as well. There’s a point towards the end where I didn’t want it to end because I wasn’t sure how it was going to end….but I was really satisfied with the ending.
This was just such a clever, heart-breaking, and heart-warming story all wrapped into one.
I did see there’s a (movie?) adaptation in the works. I will definitely watch it when it comes out.
Fave quotes:
“His mother had always said that Fred had been born with an extra helping of love in his heart….the problem was now he didn’t have anywhere to put it. Grief was love with nowhere to go.”
“Love is…about picking someone up and never, ever putting them down again, no matter how heavy things become.”
“You can’t have shadows without light.”
Rating:
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vol 2:
Summary:
The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.
Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be, which comprise a series of novella-length volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.
Quick Thoughts:
Last month, I shared that I’d listened to Vol. 1, and this time I read Vol. 2. I appreciated the journal format while listening to Vol. 1 but even more so while reading Vol. 2.
The characters are quirky, and I love getting to know them more and more with each journal entry.
Just like the first volume, there’s some humor, romance, and drama.
I loved the literary references of Pyramus and Thisbe (which I read with my freshmen), and the Cat’s name is Tybalt (Romeo and Juliet!)
I’m actually reading Volume 3 now!
Rating:
Down with the Shipmans:
Summary:
It’s the week after Fourth of July, and the Shipman sisters are returning to their picturesque summer home on the New Hampshire coast for what they believe is a family reunion, the first without their late mother. However, their tranquil setting quickly becomes a stage for drama when their father, Calvin, drops the bombshell news that he plans to sell the cherished beach house.
Mae, the youngest daughter, who has a newfound penchant for attracting trouble, is distraught, already dealing with her own emotional scars and a problematic rescue dog. Natalie, the middle sister and social media darling known for her seemingly idyllic life as a tradwife, is equally anxious, especially since her flawless public image is on the verge of imploding. Meanwhile, Jordan, the eldest, a high-powered crisis communications expert, is ready to be rid of the house so she can tend to her own professional disaster.
As old memories are stirred up and the sisters navigate both the packing of the house and their personal crises, the arrival of Calvin’s new wife pushes Jordan, Natalie, and Mae to decide how far they’re willing to go to preserve the Shipman bond.
Quick Thoughts:
This was a pretty quick read.
As expected, the three sisters were all different, and it was interesting to follow them as they have all experienced the same loss but are navigating this new phase of life differently while also learning about themselves as they go through other personal issues. Their mom’s coffee mugs with sayings were a fun part of the story line.
My favorite mug referenced was, “I’m the middle child. I’m the reason we have rules.” haha
Anyway, this book was about family dynamics and how sister relationships can be complicated. But, it was also about growing up, moving on, rebuilding lives and coming together at just the right time.
Fave quote:
“The greatest acting job, a wise man has never said (but should), is being a mother.”
Rating:
Love You More:
Summary:
Billie has built the perfect life. Her practice as a doctor in New York City is thriving, and she’s finally found the right partner in Dean after years spent trying to move on from her high-school sweetheart, Mick. Their young love had been intense and true, but distance and ambition pulled them apart when she left Wisconsin for medical school.
Then one morning, just after accepting Dean’s romantic marriage proposal, Billie’s phone rings. It’s Mick—calling for the first time in nearly a decade. His news is urgent, and in a moment, everything changes.
As Billie boards a plane back to Wisconsin, the past comes rushing in—her friendships from home, the love she shared with Mick, and the choices that shaped them. What awaits her is a reckoning with what she’s lost, what she’s built, and what she still wants.
Quick Thoughts:
This book wasn’t on my radar, but I saw it shared on Instagram. It was a good read … and while somewhat predictable, there were some twists to keep my attention. I also appreciated the short chapters which kept me reading.
As Goodreads states, (the books is) “Gripping and deeply moving, Love You More is a story about the plot twists life throws at us—and how love, in all its forms, has the power to change everything.”
Fave quote:
“Sometimes I wonder how much of who we are comes from our own choices – and how much is shaped by where we come from.”
Rating:
Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage
Summary:
In March 2020, Belle Burden was safe and secure with her family at their house on Martha’s Vineyard, navigating the early days of the pandemic together—building fires in the late afternoons, drinking whisky sours, making roast chicken. Then, with no warning or explanation, her husband of twenty years announced that he was leaving her. Overnight, her caring, steady partner became a man she hardly recognized. He exited his life with her like an actor shrugging off a costume.
In Strangers, Burden revisits her marriage, searching for clues that her husband was not who she always thought he was. As she examines her relationship through a new lens, she reckons with her own family history and the lessons she intuited about how a woman is expected to behave in the face of betrayal. Through all of it, she is transformed. The discreet, compliant woman she once was—someone nicknamed “Belle the Good”—gives way to someone braver, someone determined to use her voice.
Quick Thoughts:
I first saw this book on Shay’s blog in March….and then it seemed that this book has been “all the rage” the past few months.
I enjoy reading memoirs so I figured I would like this one even though the topic is heavy…I feel like memoirs are permission for readers to be nosy. haha
Anyway, since I listened to this book and Belle Burden was the narrator, I was even more invested in the details. I thought her life was interesting, I immediately Googled her grandmother when she talked about her. Sometimes, I like to read books that I can’t relate to…and I can’t relate to growing up rich or being rich in NYC. I think the back drop of the timing of March 2020 is really distinctive because it’s a point in time that I can reference, and as I reminisced on what I was going through at that time, her marriage was breaking up. Some of the details about her husband just leaving with no answers and not wanting to co-parent the kids just blows my mind.
While Belle lives a seemingly privileged life, this memoir is a reminder that heartbreak stops for no one.
Rating:
As I look back on my ratings, I’m wondering if I getting too easy on my ratings? haha
I just rarely read a book I don’t like…because if I’m not enjoying reading a book, I will move on to another one. Anyway, lots of four star reads for me and one five star read this month.
Summer Reading Update:
For the first time ever, I finished all my summer reading books. Also, the past few summers, it’s been pretty rare that I’ve read other books besides the ones on my list. This summer, I read a total of 17 books! (and I’m currently listening to and reading two others)
On top of that, when I finish those books I’m reading/listening to now, I will have completed my Goodreads goal of reading 40 books this year. The past couple of years, I’ve fallen short of my goal, and now I still have four months left of reading in 2026!
Honestly, I had a tough spring, and I really wasn’t enjoying reading very much…which kind of “scared” me a bit since I’ve always loved reading. It’s been so nice to find my reading groove this summer. I can’t wait to keep checking books off my TBR list!
The weekend sure seemed to fly by…as is the month of August. While it’s not the last Monday of the month, next Monday, I’ll recap August, so I’m sharing some favorite memes with you today.
I sent this to a couple of friends last week because it hit home. Last week, the first full five day week with students felt so long. I was so tired on Friday that I hit snooze three times (very unlike me!), started my coffee without my cup underneath the dispenser, and forgot half of my lunch at home.
Hopefully, this week will be easier.
Is there a more fitting meme for me than this one?
Me when I don’t have the energy to talk anymore!
When do things settle down? haha
Over-thinkers unite!
I loathe team building things…but I do have my students do a few at the beginning of the school year…I keep them easy and quick because I know if I don’t love those kinds of activities, then there are students who don’t either.
Why is it so hard to get them unstuck? And…there’s always someone standing there waiting for a cart for themselves.
I’m ok…but this one made me LOL.
I have a love/hate relationship with the self-check out.
I hope these memes don’t come off as negative…just for laughs!
How was your week? Overall, ours was good…we seem to be finding a back to school groove. That being said, I’ve been dragging the past couple of days. I’m definitely ready for the weekend.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
My favorites from the past week are pretty short and sweet…
Well, August is almost over, and I realized I’d never shared my book trackers for the month. As always, I save them in an Instagram highlight. Feel free to use them and tag me!
I’ve had some coloring time lately which has been nice. This was something I did quite a bit but then fell out of that routine. I purchased a new Cozy Girlbook and dusted off my markers, and I’ve spent some time, usually after dinner, coloring for a bit.
If we can’t find Homer, the first place we look is in Hadley’s bed. She was gone for a bit last weekend, and look where I found him…
Hadley wrapped up summer having lots of fun with friends…from birthday parties to time spent at the lake, she had a great summer.
I have a few new Trader Joe’s finds that are faves…
These S’mores clusters are legit!
I can’t quit on these Cinna-Dragons…they are so good.
Last weekend, when I was at Trader Joe’s, I was shocked that they already had their apple cider donuts out…what a treat!
Travis picked up a couple of Bundt cakes the other night including the new Biscoff cookie flavor…it’s a 10/10 and definitely got us in the mood for fall.
Both of my kids are taking Art 1 this year, and I found this on the counter…
This Daisie foaming body wash from Target is a new fave…It’s such a favorite that Hadley took it from my shower and put it in hers. My niece had it, and I was influenced by her!
Favorite Mom Meme:
Let’s just say it’s been a process getting up and moving these first few days back to school…
Weekly Recap:
I had a few posts this week in case you missed one…
Y’all, I “hit” the back to school wall yesterday. The day felt so long, and I was just flat out exhausted by the time I got home. The good news is that I’m really enjoying my classes and starting to learn names. Usually, we have this Friday off as a professional development day, and it’s really messing with me that this is a full five day week with students. What’s a girl to do??!
As you know, I’ve been recapping 2010 with the kids in monthly Throwback Thursday posts, and today we’re taking a look at August.
When I checked my Shutterfly album for August, I literally had 25 pictures…we must have been soaking in the end of summer and I was probably prepping to go back to school.
Like I recapped in June and July, they spent lots of time in the pool on the back screened in porch.
How cute!
The kids were nine months, and sitting up independently was such a game changer.
I vividly remember these onsies…
We spent lots of time with our friends that summer too. The older two are now headed to college and the other three are juniors in high school!
My brother was around a lot that summer, and he plopped his Boston Red Sox hat on Hayden. haha
It was a really good summer…one that I look back on fondly especially now that I am feeling a little nostalgic now that the kids are older and more independent.
That summer was nice because they kids were on a really good schedule taking two solid naps a day and sleeping ten hours (or more) a night. Since they could sit up, they would play with each other a bit, and they started to crawl around this time too.
I truly remember feeling sad about going back to school because I’d enjoyed my time with them. Summers are a taste of being a stay at home mom which I always appreciate….even now that the kids are older.
It’s been a while since I’ve linked up with Joyce for Wednesday Hodgepodge, but I’m doing so today!
Here are my answers to her prompts this week:
1. August 19th is National Aviation Day…do you like to fly? Last time you were on an airplane? The date is chose in honor of the history and development of aviation, and celebrated on the birthday of Orville Wright. Have you ever been to the Kitty Hawk area of North Carolina? The city of Dayton in Ohio? (their birthplace)
I’ve never loved flying, but I’ve also never let that stop me from traveling. I think what I actually don’t love is the couple of hours leading up to the flight. I do have some anxiety, so if I could just show up to the airport, get straight on the plane and take off within five minutes, I don’t think I’d think much about flying. I guess it’s the lead up to it all. I guess what would fix what I just described would be to fly privately…I don’t think that’s in my budget!
The last time I was on an airplane was in June when we went to Siesta Key, Florida and then Orlando for Hadley’s volleyball tournament. Overall, the travel was easy with minimal delays.
I’ve never been to Kitty Hawk or Dayton.
2. In what area of life do you tend to ‘wing it’? Is this an area you should be winging it?
The first few weeks of school, I really feel like I’m “winging it” in all areas…meal prep, getting things accomplished at school and after school and all the other “to do’s” there are now that I don’t have as much time to get things accomplished. I know the “winging it” won’t last too long as we’ll eventually settle into a routine.
I’m always really prepared at school; I’m someone who over plans…especially for 90 minute class periods. That being said, there are some times I’m “winging lessons” as I make adjustments, re-teach, provide enrichment opportunities, etc. After 25 years, I can get away with “winging it” from time to time.
3. A favorite book, song or movie that relates to flight?
The movie that popped in my mind immediately is Top Gun. The original has always been one of my faves, and the newer one is great too. We saw it in the movie theater when it came out.
The first book I thought of was The Jetsetters. I looked back on my blog, and I read it in 2020…and it was a good one.
4. Soft serve, gelato, sherbet, frozen yogurt, or good old fashioned ice cream…what’s your pleasure? Your favorite flavor? How often do you indulge?
If I had to choose, good old fashioned ice cream would be my choice, but I like Froyo too.
My favorite flavor is mint chocolate chip. Sometimes I will branch out, but most of the time I get mint chip.
My more regular indulgence is the “hold the cones” from Trader Joe’s. Just one little cone hits the spot.
5. I never get tired of ___________
School supplies and reading…that’s an easy answer!
and…beach sunsets!
6. Insert your own random thought here.
I’d forgotten how much I really like coloring…it’s such a good way to decompress. When the kids were little, I loved when they wanted to sit down and color. A couple of years ago, I started buying some of the “Cozy Girl” books along with a set of markers, but I hadn’t really colored in a while. Right before school started, I purchased another Cozy Girl book, and Hadley said, “Mom, when are you going to have time to do that?” haha
Well, recently I’ve had a little more time, so I have been able to color a few pages here and there. Anyway, it’s a fun little hobby and good way to pass the time.
Why do the weekends seem to go by so quickly now that I’m back in school? Overall, it was a good one, so I can’t complain. I think the school days feel longer right now because we aren’t really in a routine. Before we know it, those days will fly by.
I’ve shared a few of these “Weekly Reports” that I’ve seen others share on social media. That being said, I realized there’s nothing “weekly” about them on my end because I only share them once a month! haha…
…hence the updated graphic…
Here’s what I’m reading, enjoying, prioritizing, obsessing, recommending and treating…
Reading –
Saturday morning, I got back to the habit I started this summer…I read before checking my phone and getting out of bed.
I finished Love You More by Emily Giffin. It was a good, quick read.
Then, I started The Shampoo Effect that my friend let me borrow. Truth be told, I didn’t finish reading Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson, but I’ve seen many people share about this book this summer…
Recently, I listened to Jenna’s interview with Jenny Jackson about the book, so my interest was piqued. When my friend offered the book to me, I thought it was perfect timing.
Good news is that I’m 100 pages in, and I’m really enjoying it. Maybe I should give Pineapple Street another shot? Have you read it?
Enjoying –
Like so many shows I watch, I’m late to the (football) game in watching Ted Lasso. Two of my friends mentioned that the first episode (I think?) of season 4 is a “love letter” to Kansas City, so I figured I’d give it a shot (on goal!) (haha).
After the first episode, I was hooked. In the past couple of weeks, I’ve watched all of season one, and I’m about halfway through season two. There isn’t a single character I don’t love. They are all some kind of quirky, and there are so many “feel good” scenes (with a side of salty language).
Prioritizing–
Decompressing after school.
As my friend said after Open House, “That was a lot for an introvert.” That’s kind of how I feel about the first few weeks of school. I have to be “on” more than normal and talk more than I typically do….so it’s always a big adjustment.
After school, I usually dim the lights and spend a few minutes prepping for the next day. Then, I drive home in silence (lol)…before mindlessly scrolling my phone and “disassociating” for a bit once I get home.
Obsessing –
Y’all, I don’t know what took me so long, but I bought a laminator, and I’m definitely obsessing over it. I’ve seen elementary teachers that have one, and my friend at school laminated something for me before school started, and I realized I “needed one.” It arrived last week, and I’ve been a laminating queen. Our librarian will laminate for us, and I will definitely use her services for bigger projects, but this comes in handy for things I want laminated quickly and just a few things at a time.
Recommending –
This Daise whipped foaming body wash. So, unfortunately, last Tuesday when I got home from my school work day, I realized that our pipes were backed up. The plumber could come the following day (our first day of school!), but Hadley and I needed to shower (Hayden had already done so, and Travis was out of town), so we went to my brother’s house.
We showered in my niece and nephew’s bathroom, and my nine year old niece has now influenced me with this Target body wash. There are quite a few scents, and I picked one up on my Target run Friday night.
Treating:
Well, we were treated to ice cream. One of my teacher friends at school invites all teachers and their kids to a “First Friday” ice cream gathering at a local place… and all the scoops of ice cream are her treat! Hayden had a workout, but Hadley and I went. It’s such a fun and thoughtful tradition.
Well, we made it through the first few days of school…and I made it through my first full week.
It has been a great start, but to say I’m ready for the weekend is an understatement.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Today’s favorites are the first day of school pics…
We had horrible weather on Wednesday morning. We had torrential rains, thunder, lightning, and flash flooding in some areas. That meant our traditional first day of school photos had to be postponed, but I did get this pic of the kids before I left for school…
…and Hadley suggested a selfie of the three of us to send to Travis. He’d been out of town for a few days, and was flying home that morning.
Hadley is my 1st block peer tutor on our “A” days (since we have block scheduling). Isn’t she cute?! (BTW- her first day of school top and sandals are Amazon. Her top is a new purchase, but she got the sandals in the spring and has worn them quite a few times. She rates both a 10/10!)
I saw this our on school library door…such a sweet sentiment.
The weather was cooperating after school, but our front porch wasn’t, so we moved to the backyard for photos. (We have brick front steps, and some of them were crumbling, so those were getting fixed which means we had yellow caution tape up the couple of days they were being worked on)
First day of kindergarten for comparison!
All smiles to be finished with the first day of school. haha
Per (high school years) tradition, we went to IHop for dinner. Honestly, it was raining really hard, and we were tired, but we rallied to make this happen…plus, I didn’t feel like cooking!
In all the years of first day of school for the kids, I really think that’s the first time we’ve had a rainy first day. Oh well, the pics happened eventually.
Favorite Mom Meme:
It’s cliche, but it’s so true. Where is the time going?!
What are your weekend plans? For starters, I plan on not setting an alarm…and I hope to finish the book I’m reading! Also, I hope to get caught up on my blog reading and responding to comments on my blog. Please bear with me as I get back into my school routine!
Hardest thing we’ve ever done in April (I didn’t have a post, but I’d say the hardest (but most rewarding) thing I’ve ever done is raise these kids of mine!
What I’m making more time for in June (I missed this post, but in June I was probably making more time for getting my life together after the end of the school year…and rest!)
Honestly, the first thing that popped in my mind was that I miss this…
pinchy cheek cute little toddlers.
There’s obviously something to be said for embracing each phase of parenthood. As they grow up, it’s fun seeing them interact with others, find their independence, set goals, learn, pass milestones (like driving) and more. That being said, I’m sure I thought parenting was hard back when the kids wouldn’t sleep through the night, or when I barely had five minutes to take a shower, or when they constantly wanted to be held…but I’d definitely go back to that time even just for a little bit.
As I’ve mentioned, this summer was different in a way I wasn’t expecting. I had a bit more time on my hands, and I guess I miss some of the time in the car with them or even them being at home more. Again, this is an exciting phase as well, but it’s been an unexpected adjustment for me.
Another thing that came to mind when thinking about things I miss…is some of the 90’s summer ideas that others have referenced on social media.
running through the lawn sprinkler and Slip N Slide!
riding bikes and staying out until dinner time
the ice cream truck coming down the street
friendship bracelets
Blockbuster movies
hanging out at the mall
rollerblading
mixed tapes and burned CD’s
Another thing I loved about the 90’s – TGIF shows!
Full House
Family Matters
Step by Step
Perfect Strangers
The only resemblance of waiting for shows to come on each week is if kids (these days!) watch a show on one of the streaming platforms with new episodes “dropping” once a week!
Well, now I’m all in my feels…just in time to send my kids off to their junior year of high school. Where has the time gone?!
showmeandsweettea.com 