Honestly, my favorite blog list is ever evolving. When I first started reading blogs years ago, I started with Bev and Shay. Then, that list continued to grow and expand.
I love starting my day with a cup of coffee and reading some of my favorite blogs.
Of course, some of my faves to read are in the NJAM link up (see list above!)
I also regularly read:
Amy (Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa)Amy is a teacher, and she is so funny. I love that she often shares a recap of her weekend, meals she’s making, and what she’s wearing. Her weight loss journey is inspirational.
Sarah (Sunshine and Books)Sarahis one busy lady! She’s an elementary school librarian and mom to two boys. She loves to travel, and often shares where she’s been and what she’s been up to. Her book suggestions are always the best!
Holly (Pink Lady)Holly is one fun lady! Her personality seems so bubbly, she’s the mom to two beautiful girls, and she always seems to be on the go! I love reading about all the fun she has with her girl friends, Saturday morning walks with her husband, and all about her pup Remi.
Tanya (The Other Side of the Road)Tanya hosts the fun Amazon link up each month, and I love reading about her travels. She just shared all about their travels to Hawaii before Christmas. She’s such an awesome mom to two great kids, loves to read, and shares so many other fun tidbits!
Lauren (Sunwashed Linen)Lauren is a mom to two sweet boys. I love reading her Dear Jonathan and Dear Harrison posts along with the Quick Takes posts about her boys. I miss having kids that age, so I am always reminiscent while reading those posts. Her gardening skills are next level, and her home is so lovely!
All of these ladies have such awesome posts to read, so please check them out!
Ok, if you know me, then you know that I’m always afraid I’m forgetting someone or leaving someone out! I hope that’s not the case here. Some blogs, I get the email updates for new posts, some I follow on Word Press, and other I just check in on and catch up reading on Saturdays. I like to spread out my blog reading. It’s one of my favorite hobbies!
Speaking of blogging, next month’s topic is Day in the Life, and we’d love to have you join us.
Well, our 9+ inches of snow melted yesterday when we set a record for rainfall! I haven’t even looked at the forecast for this week. As much as I love a few snow days, we need to get back into a routine. We’ll see!
Hello from snowy Kentucky! Today, is snow day #2 in a row, and with no school on Monday, we had a very short week of school.
I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for the first Friday Favorites of 2 0 2 2 !
Favorite Moment(s):
After a hectic first week of break, it was nice to finally have time to do things that we normally don’t have time to do. Also, we had extra family time which is great too.
We saw the new Spider-Man movie, went for a hike at Red River Gorge, and went to Cincinnati for the Chiefs vs. Bengals game.
Our favorite moment from this week was the snow day yesterday! They were forecasting snow, and I thought we may have an early release, but as the time got closer, the forecast for snow was earlier, so we had no school.
We woke up to no snow, flurries around 10:00, and then inches (and inches!) of snow by noon.
The kids played outside quite a bit, and they went sledding too.
The forecast was for 4-8 inches, but kept getting bumped up. Yesterday afternoon, I measured 6 inches of snow and then the official total was over 9 inches by evening.
I’m always thankful that a snow day means not having to go anywhere. There were hundreds of people stranded for hours and hours on 64 and 75 due to collisions yesterday. Travis came home around 1:00, and even the main roads were backed up.
We celebrated the kids great report cards for 2nd quarter (and Hayden making the basketball team) with the You are Special red plate at dinner this week.
Favorite Picture:
My favorite picture this week is from Sunday at the Chiefs game. Unfortunately, the Chiefs lost, but it was a good game, and we had fun.
Favorite Food:
I’ve been able to meal plan and meal prep this week. We’ve had some great meals.
Another favorite food this week was our traditional snow day pancakes. I make these snowman pancakes every year on the first snow day!
Clothing Item:
I ordered these snow pants in just the knick of time. Hadley’s still fit, but Hayden’s didn’t. My kids usually get a couple years out of these, and I just buy the next size up as they grow. I ordered teal for Hadley and navy for Hayden.
Speaking of staying warm. I’m loving my new puffer coat from Walmart. I have a heavy winter coat, and this quilted one is a little lighter. I ordered it in dusky green which appears to be out of stock at the moment.
The orchid icecolor has many size options. And there are plus size color and size options.
Favorite Kid Quote:
No specific funny quote, but the kids have been practicing presenting their science projects. They worked hard on them, and they have to share them with their classmates next week!
Favorite Memes:
Usually I share a “Mom Meme,” but these two “flashback” ones made me laugh.
I remember calling my mom at her school, speaking with the receptionist who would have to page my mom for the phone call. Then, I would have to wait for my mom to walk up to the front office to talk on the phone. As the years went on, she’d eventually have a phone in her room, and the secretary would connect me, but still more effort than texting nowadays.
This one is timely…this is the first school year the kids could know about school closing before bed. There have been years I knew school had been called off, and I would just send them to bed anyway. Wednesday night, they got the texts too saying “no school.”
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
In honor of all the snow, here’s a flashback to January 2014…the froggy hats slay me!
Hello! Well, we survived the first day back to school in 2022. Once I got over the shock of my alarm going off in the 6’s, it was good to get up and back into a routine.
I feel like I haven’t written a Currently post in forever, so today I’m linking up with Anne for her monthly post.
I’m currently…
anticipating…
The first thing that came to mind was just anticipating a fresh start to the new year. January always provides a much needed reset for all the things: mind, body, spirit, schedule, diet, bank account and more.
Pinterest
organizing…
My life. The house. and More 😂 Just getting back into a routine, getting appointments and activities written on the calendar, planning meals and just organizing life is something that takes some time once we start the new year.
I’ve mentioned before that I decorated for Christmas kind of late…which apparently means that I take down the decorations later! haha My house was kind of a mess leading up to the end of break, but I think most everything is now put away. That being said, I haven’t put all my regular decor back out because I feel like the house needs a minute to breathe.
reading…
I finished Katie Couric’s book on Monday. It’s pretty long but with tons of short chapters which made it a quick read. I found it to be really interesting.
I started The Royals Next Door on my Kindle over the weekend, and I think I’m going to like it. It has a very Meghan/Harry come to America vibe.
resolving…
to clean(er) eating, drinking more water, and working out at least four days a week. While I don’t feel like the wheels totally fell off the bus between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, it’s time to get focused again.
Here are my January goals:
**January 14th is my birthday, so I assume I may consume a piece of cake that day! Just trying to be realistic 😉
scheduling…
all the things. Appointments, practices, grocery pick up, workouts, to do lists and more.
I need to schedule an eye exam for myself and Hadley, and the kids have ortho and dental cleaning appointments on the books already.
Hayden has a new basketball schedule and Hadley’s school dance practices have shifted, so I just need to get used to those times.
I want to start picking up groceries on Saturday instead of Sunday to make weekly meal prep easier.
When I’m in a good groove, I don’t need to do it, but I’m even scheduling my day to include workouts on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Lastly, some weeks are so hectic, I need to schedule in errands and other things I need to do.
What about you? What are you anticipating, organizing, reading, resolving, and scheduling?
See you back here later this week for the first Friday Favorites of 2022.
Hello! Today, I have a big post of lots of Amazon goodness from the past month. So much of my Christmas shopping came from Amazon as well as gift ideas I gave to family. Today, I’m sharing the first Prime Purchases post of 2022.
I organized today’s post based on a few purchases for home and myself along with some gifts for the kids, Travis, and myself.
Home + Me:
I ordered this oversized sweater in hopes that it would be perfect to wear with leggings, and it didn’t disappoint. I chose the green color because I wanted to wear it to holiday parties with my Spanx leather leggings. This sweater is perfect, and I’ve already worn it so many times. It comes in a variety of colors too!
I also have worn it to school and to church with black pants and heels.
‘Tis the season for needing tissues! I always hate having the Kleenex box on the counter, but this cover (I got it in pastel gray) helps make the tissues blend in with the decor. I even bought one for a smaller gift for my Gma, and it comes in a variety of colors.
I’ve shared these lunch box notes many times, and I keep purchasing them time and time again. The sayings are perfect, they are printed on card stock, and Hadley loves receiving them in her lunches.
I rarely use the term “life changing,” but if you drink tea and don’t have an electric kettle, I’m telling you that this one is a must. I’ve been trying to drink tea instead of coffee some days, and this kettle is amazing. Two cups of water is boiling in about three minutes. No more waiting for the kettle on the stove top to boil. My mom also used it when she last visited to make her tea.
Kitchen:
I was in need a few replacement items for my kitchen. I asked for these three items and received them from my mother-in-law as gifts. I’ve already used all of them quite a few times, and they are just what I needed to refresh my utensils and cookware.
I got these measuring cups in “mint,” and they also come in gray, navy, pink, and white. I love the rose gold handle detail.
This silicone 5 piece utensil set is just what I needed to update my outdated utensils. Besides the mint color, this set also comes in black, black/white, blue and white, multicolor (so fun!), navy and pink.
I threw out two griddles once I received this new non-stick square griddle. My other two had seen better days, and this one is perfect for our needs.
Hayden:
I thought these socks were fun for Hayden. He’s on his Xbox right now as I work on this post!
I got Travis this beanie with LED light last year, and I knew it would be perfect for Hayden too.
Hadley:
Hadley requested a planner (and PaperMate pens!) for Christmas. I thought this planner was perfect for her. This planner is the smaller size and includes stickers.
Middle school has been quite the adjustment with managing deadlines, to do lists, and homework. Hadley likes to work in her room, and I thought this lap desk would be perfect for her to sit, work on her computer, and have a space for her phone and other materials. (full disclosure: I believe this was on sale when I bought it)
Hadley asked for this straightening brush, and I’d never heard of a product like this before. It has been perfect for her to run through her hair in the morning to both brush and smooth out her waves. Maybe she will let me borrow it?
Travis:
As I mentioned earlier, Travis has the beanie with LED light, but I thought this blue tooth beanie would be another great option for him to wear on his runs.
Travis spends many days in January working outside, so I thought these hot socks would be perfect for keeping his feet warm.These socks are insulated and are designed trap in the heat.
Lastly, I don’t know how we’ve survived all these years of baseball without a wagon to cart our stuff to and from. During this past cross country season, I realized how beneficial the wagon would be, and teased Travis that he needed one to keep up with all the other coaches. Obviously, we can use this for baseball, cross country, the beach, and other times too!
This was his “big” gift from us, and I felt good about buying it because it has over 6,000 five star reviews. He was pleased with the purchase, and I’m sure we will get lots of use out of it.
Shew! That was quite the list. So many great things! That being said, I’ve shared before that my “dry” January is my promise to Travis that I will not spend much money coming off the holidays and the kids’ November birthday! So, my February Prime Purchases will probably be much shorter!
I love that Tanya hosts this link up, and I can’t wait to see what others have purchased!
I hope your week is off to a great start. I’m headed back to reality today!
Hello and Happy Monday. The first Monday of 2 0 2 2 ! We have one more day of break, and I’m going to take it easy and enjoy this last day off.
Today, I’m recapping a bit of what we did over break.
Our break seemed so hectic during the first week while the second week we were able to have a little bit more down time and even do a few things as a family.
Over break we…
baked cookies.
The kids received their first vaccine.
We…
attended holiday parties.
had basketball training and practice (Hayden)
played with friends
played with cousins
celebrated Christmas
went to basketball games (Travis and Hayden attended a couple of high school games and a UK game)
shopped at the mall (Hadley had some Aerie gift cards burning a hole in her pocket)
Purged and organized the house (somewhat)
started a home project
sneak peek
worked on Science Fair projects
Hayden studied the “Science of Running” during his club running season.
Hadley observed a variety of apples over a few hours to see which one would be freshest to pack in her lunch.
We saw the Spider-Man movie.
We go to the movies so infrequently that we usually go to the nicer theaters with the lounge chairs. This movie was so good.
We hiked at Red River Gorge.
Last Thursday was a great day to go because we needed to get out of the house while our neighbor finished up our house project. The weather was in the 60s but overcast. We did a great two mile loop…
…and then stopped for pizza at Miguel’s.
I started New Year’s Eve day watching one of my favorite movies: While You Were Sleeping.
Then, I heard about Betty White’s passing. Golden Girls is one of my all time favorite shows (*one of my first parenting “wins” was the fact that both of my kids could sing along to every word for the theme song by the time they were three!) The number of people who texted me or sent me a message about her on Friday goes to show how well those people know me. I watched a few episodes of GG in her honor on Friday afternoon.
What a life she lived. She’s certainly legendary!
Then we celebrated NYE with neighbors and friends.
Most years, we don’t really have plans, and this year we ended up hanging with lots of great friends at two different parties.
Travis and I went to a progressive dinner with friends starting with apps at one house, followed by salad at another house, then dinner and desserts at two other houses. Hadley hung with friends while we did that, and Hayden went to our neighbor’s house with other friends. Travis, Hadley and I joined Hayden at the neighbor’s house around 10:00 to ring in the new year.
I can’t believe I stayed up until midnight! haha
On Saturday, we laid low most of the day. It was so rainy, so it was nice to sleep in and relax. Then, we continued to tidy up the house (this seemed to be an ongoing process…) before watching the CATS play in their bowl game.
Saturday evening, we went to Cincinnati for the night. We arrived around 6:30, checked into our hotel, and then had dinner at 21C.
We stayed at the Westin and realized that’s where the Chiefs players were staying too. Hayden got a couple of autographs that night, and then we hung out in the lobby Sunday morning to see them get on the bus. Hayden was so excited. We saw Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Tyrann Mathieu (among others)
We headed to the Chiefs game. It definitely felt like football weather (brrr!) …and up until the 4th quarter, it was one of the best days of Hayden’s life.
The Chiefs lost in a close one, but we still had a great time.
I’m sure I’m missing some things, but I’d say we had a good mix of productivity and relaxing over these past two weeks.
While I’m recapping things, here’s my 2021 recap that I shared last week.
Tomorrow is back to reality, so I’m going take today to take it easy and prep for the week ahead.
Hello! Can you believe that 2021 is almost over? Much like 2020, some months seemed to crawl by while others were a blur. I guess, really, that’s life in general. Of course, 2020 and 2021 have been full of ups, downs, masks, and an ongoing worldwide pandemic.
That being said, this is another favorite post of the year. Now, it’s a long one, but I love looking back on all that we’ve done this year. Also, it’s great to have a year full of memories all in one place!
After two years of doing these reviews, I finally got smart, and started this post last January. I just added to it each month in order to share it today!
Here’s a look back at 2021.
January:
To kick off the new year, Girl Scout cookie sales began for Hadley.
We still weren’t back to school, and my kids attended a pod of students two days a week. Before heading back to school in January of 2021, they had a pod roller skating party where I lived my best 80’s life, Hadley got the hang of skating, and Hayden gripped the side of the rink the entire time.
Hadley started phase two of braces.
We celebrated my birthday.
I was able to get Covid shot #1.
…and we had the first snow of the season.
February:
To kick off February, unfortunately, our Chiefs lost in the Super Bowl.
We celebrated Valetine’s Day with dinner, as a family, at home.
I got Covid shot #2…which kicked my tail!
We had lots more snow and ice off and on for two weeks!
Cookie sales wrapped up, and Hadley sold so many boxes!
March:
Finally, in March, we were headed back to school which meant the kids’ time at the pod wrapped up.
We had our first day of in person learning in over a year on March 3, 2021.
Hayden’s team won the winter season basketball championship.
Hayden made the big switch to wearing contacts.
Hadley had her first ever dance competition.
April:
In April, we spent Spring Break at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville.
We had our first ever Top Golf experience while in Nashville.
Baseball started for Hayden.
We celebrated Easter.
Travis and I were able to spend an afternoon at Keeneland.
Baseball continued…
With 2020-21 being a very different school year, 5th grade photos were taken once we got back to in person learning.
Hadley had her second dance competition of the season.
May:
May was a blessed and busy month.
It started with a the third and final dance competition of the season in Gatlinburg, TN.
We celebrated Mother’s Day.
My mom and Gma visited, and we celebrated my mom’s birthday.
The kids’ made the decision to be baptized…
…and had 5th grade graduation!
June:
We started off the summer with Hadley’s dance recital, and..
tons of baseball for Hayden. He had so much fun playing with his summer team.
Hayden also attended baseball camp, and he loved it.
Hadley went to camp, and lived her best life with so many new friends!
Hayden enjoyed golf camp while she was gone…
…and baseball continued…
Swim team finished up in mid-July.
August
In August, we started all the back to school prep, and Travis and I spent a few days in California.
The kids started middle school!
Hayden continued to play baseball with this fun crew:
Photos by Chet White
The kids also had dance and cross country tryouts for school.
September
In early September, Hadley’s time as a Girl Scout wrapped up.
Baseball finished up, and Hayden won the Sportsmanship award for his team.
I decorated for fall which is one of my favorite things to do.
We attended a few UK football games.
Middle school cross country was in full swing.
Unfortunately, September ended with Covid for Trav and the kids.
October
We were able to visit the pumpkin patch.
School cross country wrapped up with the state meet.
One of my college friends visited, and we were able to make it out to Keeneland.
Hadley had her first middle school dance team performance.
Hayden spent lots of time on the basketball court.
We ended the month with GG (and Gma) visiting for Halloween.
November
November started off with a photo session for Hayden with his talented photographer uncle. (Hayden had missed xc school photos when he was out with Covid.)
Hayden White.
Photos by Chet White
Hayden ran his first club race of the season…
…and continued playing basketball.
The twins turned T W E L V E !
We travelled to KC for Thanksgiving, and we had a great time with family.
We also bumped into Santa while at Union Station in KC.
December:
December began with us picking out our Christmas tree.
I put out some of my favorite Christmas decorations.
We attended a few Christmas parties.
Hayden started winter basketball with Trav as an assistant coach on the team.
Hadley had her Winter Showcase for her dance studio.
Hayden finished up his club running season at at USATF National race in sloppy conditions!
My mom visited and baked cookies with the kids.
We sent out Christmas cards.
Hayden tried out and made the middle school basketball team.
Good luck balloons from sweet friends
The kids got their first vaccine at the beginning of break.
We celebrated Christmas at home.
The second half of break was spent relaxing, organizing, working on science fair projects, playing with friends, seeing the Spider-Man movie, shopping at the mall, and a few other activities…like going for a hike at the Red River Gorge yesterday.
What a year! 2020 was so hard. We didn’t know what to expect with 2021. Honestly, 2021 was pretty difficult too, but of course, we had so many wonderful times as well.
I continue to count my blessings while wishing time sure would slow down.
I’m glad we still have a few days of break. I’m not sure why, but we don’t go back until Tuesday! We’ll take a few more days of no alarms, catching up on shows, and a few other fun activities planned before getting back into our normal (super hectic) routine.
Leaving off with a laugh…
I hope everyone has a wonderful NYE and a great start to 2022.
Hello! Today is one of my favorite posts of the year. I’m sharing my Christmas reads in December as well as the Top 5 books that I read in 2021.
roseclearfield.com
To me, there’s nothing better than a good book. With the hustle and bustle of each day, I try to find some quiet time to read. It’s a gift to find that time and so special to find a book that I enjoy.
December Books:
As with the past couple of years, I read Christmas books in December. I really enjoy doing this, and I think reading these types of books helps me appreciate the holiday season.
This month I read:
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
Per usual, I’m sharing the summary, but as far as the “quick comments” are concerned, really, I enjoyed all the books I read this month. They are all 4 or 5 stars! I do think my order of preference would have to be: The Holiday Swap followed by The Twelve Dates of Christmas and then A Nantucket Christmas.
A Nantucket Christmas:
Summary:
Holidays on this Massachusetts island are nothing short of magical, from the jolly decorations on the Brant Point lighthouse to the much anticipated Christmas Stroll, in which merrymakers promenade through quaint streets adorned with Yuletide cheer. The season’s wonderful traditions are much loved by Nicole Somerset, new to Nantucket and recently married to a handsome former attorney. Their home is already full of enticing scents of pine, baking spices, and homemade pie.
But the warm, festive mood is soon tempered by Nicole’s chilly stepdaughter, Kennedy, who arrives without a hint of holiday spirit. Determined to keep her stepmother at arms’ length—or, better yet, out of the picture altogether—Kennedy schemes to sabotage Nicole’s holiday preparations. Nicole, however, is not about to let anyone or anything tarnish her first Christmas with her new husband.
Nancy Thayer’s wonderful tale reminds us that this is the season of miracles. Before the gifts are unwrapped, surprise visitors appear, and holiday joy comes to all, both naughty and nice.
Rating:
The Holiday Swap:
Summary:
When chef Charlie Goodwin gets hit on the head on the L.A. set of her reality baking show, she loses a lot more than consciousness; she also loses her ability to taste and smell–both critical to her success as show judge. Meanwhile, Charlie’s identical twin, Cass, is frantically trying to hold her own life together back in their quaint mountain hometown while running the family’s bustling bakery and dealing with her ex, who won’t get the memo that they’re over.
With only days until Christmas, a desperate Charlie asks Cass to do something they haven’t done since they were kids: switch places. Looking for her own escape from reality, Cass agrees. But temporarily trading lives proves more complicated than they imagined, especially when rugged firefighter Jake Greenman and gorgeous physician’s assistant Miguel Rodriguez are thrown into the mix. Will the twins’ identity swap be a recipe for disaster, or does it have all the right ingredients for getting their lives back on track?
Rating:
The 12 Dates of Christmas :
Summary:
When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say “Bah, humbug.” The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn’t exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate’s found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt’s neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor . . . right?
Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before–and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures–Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it’s least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it’s been right under her nose all along. . . .
Rating:
Recap of Books 2021:
This year, felt like a weird reading year. I did read so many good books…It’s more that I think I spent so much of this year feeling tired. There were nights that I couldn’t even keep my eyes open or the school day was so crazy that I just wanted to watch mindless TV instead of sitting down with a book.
That being said, reading is still one of my favorite past times, and I still enjoy having an ongoing “to be read” list!
I really had a hard time choosing some of my Top 5 books because quite a few stood out to me on my initial list.
Before I share my Top 5 reads of 2021, these deserve honorable mention recognition:
Here are my 5 favorite reads of 2021 in the order I read them…
American Dirt:
I started off 2021 with this (after light hearted Christmas books, I typically want to read something more serious in nature). I could not put this book down. I was on the edge of seat the entire time. This book had violence, tension, difficult decisions, and so much more. I guess I was reading this entire book thinking about myself as a mom. I can’t imagine what Lydia experienced on a daily basis while trying, above all, to keep her son safe and start a new life for them.
We Were the Lucky Ones:
This was another powerful read. I don’t typically read historical fiction, but this book hooked me from the first page. Set in Poland in 1939, I was immediately invested in what would happen to each member of the Kura family. This was a book of strength, of hope, of loss, and of survival.
The Giver of Stars:
My mom recommended this book to me, and I can’t believe I waited so long to read it. This was another historical fiction novel, set in Kentucky during the Great Depression, I loved getting to know this fierce group of women. Margery leads the pack horse librarians, and this book isn’t without sadness and strength, heartbreak and triumph.
Malibu Rising:
Those who read Malibu Rising seemed to either love it or hate it. I was clearly “Team Love It.” I read this book in July, and it was the perfect summer read. What’s not to love about California in the ’80s? The Riva siblings were all so different, and I love how the plot moved between the past and the present. This was a quick read for me, and one that I would definitely recommend.
The Girls in the Stilt House:
Well, The Girls in the Stilt House sure was a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t even heard of this book until Shay and Erika shared it on their podcast. It was available at my library, and I was excited to dive in. This story is set in Mississippi in the 1920s. I loved reading from the point of view of both Matilda and Ada. As I said in my November review, “This book had the loneliness of Crawdads, the heartache of Four Winds, the solidarity of The Giver of Stars, and the empowerment of all.” And I meant it 😉
This year…
This was the first year that I used the Good reads app to track what I read. I set a goal to read 40 books, and, well…that’s exactly how many I read!
I think I will set a similar goal for 2022. I never want reading to feel like a chore or something I have to do. Reading about three books a month is a good pace for me, knowing that I will probably read more in the summer months.
roseclearfield.com
Previous Top 5 Books:
In case you’re interested, here are my Top 5 books posts from the last two years.
I have one more post for 2021. I’m taking a look back on 2 0 2 1, and I will share that on Friday. Only a few more days until 2 0 2 2! That’s so hard to believe.
We’ve been having a great break. I’ve enjoyed sleeping in a bit, catching up on shows and movies, reading, and just having a more easy going schedule!
Hello and Happy Monday! I love a Monday with still over a week left of break!
Today, I’m sharing some of our break so far as well as our Christmas.
On Monday evening, Travis and I attended my school’s holiday party. While we were there, the kids decorated their gingerbread houses with the sitter.
Tuesday was cookie baking day. We usually bake two cookies: Peanut Butter Blossoms and Chocolate (Peppermint) Crinkle cookies. Sometimes, we will also do sugar cookies, but we decided to just stick with these two recipes.
The chocolate cookie dough has to go in the freezer for a bit, so Hadley and I made that dough while Hayden was at basketball training. Then, when Hayden got home, he helped me make the peanut butter cookie dough, and we baked all the cookies.
Both kids like to help, so it simplifies things (*read: less fighting) if I make one type of cookie with each kid. That being said, all hands on deck for the Kisses!
Both cookies turned out perfectly.
On Wednesday, cousins came over, so I baked gingerbread cookies ahead of time and the kids decorated them.
Our elf has been up to a bit of fun this past week. The kids loved the cookies he left, and they had fun searching for the candy canes he scattered around the house.
Homer has been really good with Red this year except for one time when he got him! So, Red thought it would be best to hang out in the Mason jar! The kids loved the lottery tickets he left (but, no winners!), and of course we needed reindeer food (oatmeal + glitter) so Santa could find our house.
We had our Louisville Christmas on the 23rd. The kids loved their gifts…
and cousin time.
Christmas Eve morning was pretty low key. I had some time to finish wrapping gifts, and then I baked the cake I make every year: Shay’s Chocolate Peppermint Mocha Bundt Cake.
It’s a family favorite!
Then, we went to my brother’s house for a cousin Christmas. The kids exchanged gifts, and…
we enjoyed a few Spritz cookies that my brother’s family made (another family tradition!)
My kids usually exchange their gifts on Christmas Eve before bed. That being said, I had a feeling we were going to have a late night, so they exchanged gifts Christmas Eve afternoon once we got home from my brother’s house.
Last weekend, we all had lunch out and then I took Hayden to pick out Hadley’s gifts while Travis took Hadley to get Hayden a gift. It’s always so fun to see what they choose for each other.
Hayden and I went to Buff City Soap, and he picked out a few things for her. Then, he said we should go to Joseph Beth (a local bookstore…and one of his favorite places. haha) JB does have so much more than books! He was excited to find this stuffed dog that he said looked just like Homer!
Hadley picked out Nike shorts and a shirt for Hayden as well as the Jordan magazine that I told her he had his eye on it at the bookstore.
We had Christmas Eve dinner before church. We had salmon, Bob Evans mashed potatoes and bacon wrapped green beans.
Before Christmas Eve service, we took a couple of pics:
Our church looked so pretty…
…and my favorite part is Silent Night.
After the Christmas Eve service, we stopped by our friends’ house for some apps and drinks. They were having an open house for neighbors and friends. It was nice to see everyone and hang out for a bit.
Then, we put cookies and milk out for Santa along with a few carrots for the reindeer. (We will do this until they graduate high school, right?!)
Per tradition, the kids stayed up too late, and I had to force them to *finally* go to bed.
We set the presents out and headed to bed close to midnight!
Hadley told me she was going to set an alarm to wake them at 7:30, so I set one for 7:00, so I could be up and have a few minutes of peace and quiet.
They woke right around 7:30. We opened presents while Red watched from the tree, per tradition.
The #1 thing on Hadley’s list was a pink cowgirl hat. Hayden asked for a UK basketball jersey and Kobe’s Mamba Mentality book. Both were very pleased on Christmas morning, and I love that their wish lists are pretty simple.
Then, it was stocking time which is everyone’s favorite part.
I wish I could say the rest of the day was super relaxing because we did stay home all day, but the day still somehow passed by quickly. From breakfast, to gift assembly, clean up, organizing, family phone calls and more, we were pretty busy…but a good kind of busy.
The weather was so mild that the kids actually played outside with friends most of the afternoon.
Finally, Christmas night, I watched A Christmas Story per tradition.
Yesterday, we eased into the day, but then we spent over three hours purging and organizing drawers, closets, and the kids’ bedrooms.
Travis reminded me that we didn’t have our traditional Christmas morning mimosas. So…I treated myself to one yesterday afternoon as a reward for all the cleaning and organizing I did. #treatyoself
Then, I watched the Chiefs vs the Steelers game while Hayden and Travis went to a local high school basketball game.
We’ve had a really great first week of break, and we had a wonderful Christmas as well. It has been different being home so much, but we’ve had a good mix of productivity and a bit of relaxing.
This Week:
I plan on posting two more times this week:
On Wednesday, I will share the books I read in December as well as my Top 5 books of 2021:
Then, on Friday, I’m going to take a look back at 2021…
I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays.
Happy Wednesday! With only a few days until Christmas, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas.
I tried and tried to find a time to snap my kids’ photos for a card, and the best I could do was asking them to put on some nice clothes, sit, and smile in the hotel lobby over Thanksgiving.
Not too shabby for a spur of the moment photo sesh:
Of course, Hayden and Hadley were insistent that Homer make the annual Christmas card too! Well, he wasn’t at the hotel with us, so we took a quick photo once we returned home from our KC Thanksgiving.
Again, this was the best we could do because Homer refused to get near the tree in the living room. So, on the sun room couch, kind of near the tree is the best we could get.
I think the cards turned out great.
front
I was pleased that we got an impromptu family Thanksgiving photo, and that the kids ran into Santa at Union Station. We were able to add a few informal photos to the back of the card.
back
I believe that I shared last year that I typically order two cards. I purchase one set from Shutterfly on Cyber Monday, and then I also print some at Walgreens. I love making two cards because I always have a hard time choosing just one template.
Also, it’s time consuming (but worth it!) to send cards, so I love being able to get started sending cards while waiting on the Shutterfly order that typically takes longer to arrive.
2021 card #2
Bonus Holiday Photos:
I shared this photo that I ordered from Narci a few weeks ago…
…but I also ordered this one to have out during the holiday season:
These photos are so sweet and special. I will certainly cherish them for years to come.
Also, Homer is excited for Santa Paws 🐾
I know that the holiday season is such a special time for so many, but for others it can be a very difficult time as well. Trav has recently lost a special member of his family, and I know they aren’t the only ones who’ve lost a loved one. Also, with the recent devastation from the tornadoes here, so many are starting over and rebuilding their lives while mourning lives lost.
My thoughts and prayers are with those who have experienced loss and sadness making this a difficult holiday season.
We’re staying home this year, and while I know I will enjoy a slower pace these next few days, I’m certainly missing my KC family.
I’m taking the rest of the week off to spend time with my family, but I plan on posting a few times next week.
Please know how grateful I am for this community.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Today, I’m taking a look back at my blog for 2021.
Blogging is just a hobby for me. It’s something I do for myself. When I started this blog in August of 2019, I didn’t know what to expect. Along the way, I’ve “met” so many new people, and I appreciate all the love and support from my readers.
I feel like I’ve found a groove with blogging. I like sitting down each month and planning my posts with pencil/paper. I always write down the link ups, and then fill in the blanks for other days with my monthly posts like Monday Memes and What I’ve Been Reading. I enjoy coming up with my own topics, but I also love writing on the same topic as others but with my own thoughts to share.
When I started out, I blogged three days a week. During Covid, I had a bit more time, and was blogging five days a week most weeks. This school year, I definitely needed to slow down a bit, but I didn’t want to give up on writing. So, four days a week tends to be an achievable goal for me.
This year, I’ve “stretched” myself a bit, and I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Not Just a Mom link up and becoming an Amazon Associate. Thank you so much for your support!
Stats:
It’s definitely not about the numbers for me. I joked when I first started the blog that I figured it may just be my mom who reads it! That being said, I find it interesting to see how things have progressed throughout the years. From the number of posts I write, to views, and interest in certain posts, I just think it’s neat to look at occasionally.
As of yesterday…
I wrote 197 posts (with a few more planned before the year ends)
61, 478 views in 2021a
18, 516 visitors in 2021
September 2021 has the highest viewership with 5.8k views.
I realize some bloggers get that many views in a week (or a day!), but it’s just fun to see the growth from year to year. Last year, I had 41,000 views from 16,000 visitors.
It still blows my mind that people read, comment, and/or “like” my posts. haha
Popular Topics:
My most read categories are:
Holidays
Friday Favorites
Clothes
Let’s Look
Amazon
Commenters:
I appreciate all who read my posts, but the following are my top commenters.
I think it’s so interesting that they have blogs of their own!
I’m a pretty reflective person, and I just like to take a few moments to look back on the posts and stats from the year. As I continue to grow as a blogger, I’d love to know what topics you are interested in reading about, and I can try to to plan accordingly. So…feel free to let me know!
As always, thanks so much reading. I truly appreciate this special community!
See you back here tomorrow for one more post this week.
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