(no title)

Posted on October 2, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Where did September go? I think we are finally in the groove of school and activities while trying to find the balance of relaxation and productivity on the weekends.

I’m so happy that it’s finally October, and I think by the end of the week it may actually feel like it in our neck of the woods. October has always been my favorite month as it usually means cozy sweaters, apple cider, and pumpkin picking. I’ve always loved this quote by Anne of Green Gables.

On Friday night, we went out for a pizza dinner at a place we hadn’t tried before, and it was delish. Then, our niece was in town playing volleyball, so we watched her game! The kids are her biggest fans!

Homer is so funny. On Saturday morning, it was just the two of us at home. I was looking for him to put him in his kennel, and found him on Hadley’s bed snuggling her stuffed animals.

Hayden’s artistic mind has always amazed me…especially his attention to detail. Apparently, the art class assignment was to draw a mermaid of any kind. Well, Hayden focused on his love of the Kansas City Chiefs, and drew a Patrick Mahomes mermaid. Note the yard line markers, the receivers in the ocean with him, as well as the commentators on the top left of his painting. Ocean Chiefs Touuuucchhhdown!

Saturday afternoon was spent at the kids’ cross country meet. Dang, it was hot! They ran 2000m in the 95 degree heat. Their perseverance and focus always amaze me, and it’s so fun to see them cheer for each other! Both had top 10 finishes. Having happy and healthy kids is something I’m thankful for each and every day.

Sunday was exciting as we actually got the Chiefs game on TV. Hayden wears his Mahomes shirt(s) pretty consistently on Sundays. The Chiefs made it a nail biter of a game, but they came out on top with a W! (And, we watched the last Royals game of the season. Not their best year, but it’s always fun watching them as a team, and it was a bitter sweet ending with Ned Yost’s retirement…We are looking forward to the 2020 season!)

Another Tooth Fairy visit for Hadley! She probably only has a few more left to lose!

Homer is nervous that the TF is coming for him. 😂

Sharing a few of my Amazon Prime purchases because a couple of them are my faves. The Meyer’s dish soap and the OPI Funny Bunny nail polish are two of my must haves. A couple of years ago, someone gave us a house warming gift of lots of Meyer products, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Bubble Bath nail polish used to be my go to polish, but now it’s Funny Bunny. The leopard sweater arrived, and I was so pleasantly surprised. It’s thick, comfy, and cute!

The other items are kind of random. The single air mattress is because we need some extra bedding for our fall break trip. (I will let Hayden review it later as to if it actually stayed inflated or not 😉 ) Exciting stuff—new replacement toothbrush heads for my my Dazzle Pro sonic toothbrush. Lastly, the Bissell pet hair vacuum has been a life saver. A friend recently told us about it, so I purchased it to use on our couch (and other areas of the house). After having two Boxers who had short hair, Homer’s fluff is a major adjustment!

I always love seeing what others out there are purchasing with their Prime account, so I thought I’d share.

A little book update…

Real talk: I started Summer of 69 and couldn’t get into it. I read about 100 pages or so and kind of gave up. I’m not sure what I wasn’t loving about it, but I decided to put it aside.

I’ve been reading Ask Again, Yes and love it. I’m more than halfway through and can’t wait to finish it.

I’m also reading The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House and I’m enjoying. The historical perspective and information have peaked my interest.

That’s a little bit of our life lately. Today is our last day of school this week as we get a four day weekend fall break. I always wish we got a little more time off, but I will take what I can get. We are headed off on a little get away with our friends for most of the break. I can’t wait to share about it when we return.

I hope you are having a great week!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Meals and Recipes

Monday Meals: Connor’s Stuffed Peppers

Posted on September 30, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Fun Fact: When my brother moved to Kentucky in 2009, he lived with us for about six months. As a matter of fact, he moved in right when the kids were born and before Hadley even came home from the NICU. Let’s just say it was probably a shock to his 25 year old self to live in a house with his hormonal sister as I figured out how to parent newborn twins. He helped as he could burping a baby or two as well as counting down the time when Hadley’s colic would go away. Over Hadley’s screams, he once said, “Uh…the doctor said she should be better by the time she’s six months, right?” #shewasfourmonthsold haha.

After he moved out, he’d come over often and one time he made this stuffed peppers recipe. I have no clue where he got it, but the kids love it and request it now for dinner. #fullcirclemoment

Ingredients:

6 green bell peppers
1 1/2 lb mild Italian sausage
1 1/2 c. chopped onion
1 1/2 c. chopped red pepper
1 c. chopped celery
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 block of cream cheese
1-2 c. bread crumbs

Instructions:

Saute chopped veggies in skillet with olive oil.
When veggies are softened, add garlic.
Then, add sausage.
When sausage is cooked, add cubed cream cheese and mix well.
Let cool (I never have time for that step) and add bread crumbs.
Stuff peppers and wrap in foil.
**side note, there’s usually some mixture left, and I’ve eaten it as a dip with tortilla chips…so good!

Cook at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes (but I usually let them cook for closer to 25 minutes so they are softer).

Dinner’s ready!

Connor’s the type of brother who (still?) let me boss him around, sends me a pic of himself in front of the Golden Girls house, wears a goofy Christmas sweater (he’d want me to let you know the sweater was a joke), and is now a great dad to his two kids. And, he’s the funniest person I know…(Which makes my dad huff and puff because he wants to hold that title 😂)

While Connor probably aged a five years in the six months he lived with us, he got a crash course in adulthood #youarewelcomeConnor, and I got this awesome recipe!

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Have a great Monday,

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#3}

Posted on September 27, 2019August 20, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

For today’s Friday Favorites, I thought I’d share some of my favorite Instagram accounts. Admittedly, I can get sucked into Instagram…especially Instagram Stories. I give myself time to hop on Insta in the morning and then in the evening, and I even set a timer on my phone, so I don’t let it consume too much of my time! Instagram is all about the pretty pictures, and these ladies do post some pretty ones, but what hooks me in to their accounts is the fact that they also keep it real and their Instagram Stories are so engaging, funny, lighthearted, (serious when needed), and real.

Living with Landyn

Listen. If you don’t follow @livingwithlandyn, you are missing out. She is so real. So funny. Such a girl’s girl. I would want her to be my sister, my friend, my mentor…and she seems so approachable and loves to meet her followers.

She lives in Nashville, married to a former NFL player (her middle school sweetheart!), has two kids, and is opening a Living with Landyn store in Nashville very soon. She always talks about “making pretty choices,” and it’s not a superficial meaning…she just means make a choice to be happy, adding some pretty flowers from your yard to a vase, help a friend, go out with your girlfriends, make time for yourself, etc.

She really is such a warm spirit on Instagram, and that just makes you want to know her, be her friend, and support her new business.

Living with landyn

Cotton Stem

I’ve been following Erin at Cotton Stem (@cottonstem) for a couple of years. She lives in Oklahoma, and is the mom to four sweet little girls. Her decorating style is 100% my decorating style. What I love about her stories is that she is super honest about how she handles life as a mom, wife, and influencer. She talks about how Instagram’s nine squares shows the pretty pictures of life, but her stories show the real life and I love that she’s so reflective and shares what she has learned on her Instagram influencer journey. For example, she sets boundaries like putting her phone away and staying off social media on the weekends. She’s had her home featured in magazines like Better Homes and Gardens. I also love that she’s not afraid to redecorate or rearrange and also shows how changing a few small items in the house, like a lamp or rug, can change a space in your home dramatically. Lastly, she often shows and explains how she creates wardrobe capsules for what she wears during each season, and I love this idea! She’s definitely an inspiring person to follow!

Cotton Stem

The Rambling Redhead

I started following The Rambling Redhead, Jenn, (@theramblingredhead) about six months ago. She is so much fun to watch on stories. She usually starts her stories with “Good Morning. Goooooddd Moooorrrrning!” (even if it’s 1:00 PM) haha. Her energy and positivity seem endless. Also, I don’t know how she gets it all done. She’s a mom of three, home schools her kids a couple days a week, is very present on social media, just opened a coffee shop with her husband, and now is filming a show for HGTV!! She also wrote a book a few years ago W(h)ine: 50 Perfect Wines to Pair with Your Child’s Rotten Behavior. #classic

Her clothing try on sessions are always so fun to watch as she continues to keep it real but is also the best at sharing codes and links to what she’s wearing as well as home decor.

Watching her stories, definitely puts some pep in your day.

Rambling Redhead

Ellery Designs

I’ve only been following Ellery Designs (@ellerydesigns) for a few months on Instagram, but she’s yet another who keeps it real “life is hectic” department. Her home decor is so cute and I especially love her entryway and mantle as those are two areas she updates seasonally. The entryway has little touches that make that season special while the mantle is a bigger undertaking. She re-wallpapers the mantle a few times a year, and it’s always a bold design or pop of color as a base to then decorate for the season.

Ellery also has updated the outside of her home and decorated it to be so inviting for those who see her home. I love the huge wooden planter that she has on her porch that I believe she and her husband built. The flowers are so pretty, and she mentioned that the planter was featured in an online commercial for Menards.

I really enjoy watching her talk about her home, ideas she has, as well as a bit of her family life.

Bev Cooks

Bev Weidner of Bev Cooks (@bevcooks) is sooooo funny. I’ve been reading her blog for years and following her on Instagram forever. She’s a food blogger who lives in Kansas City. She started her blog while going through infertility struggles, and it’s turned into so much more. She has boy/girl twins who are so cute, and it’s fun to see her family of four interact.

I’ve made so many of her recipes throughout the years, and they never disappoint. On Instagram Stories, she shares recipes, but she is just so funny. Her personality and humor draw you in. She shares about her clothes, what she finds thrifting, what she’s reading, and she even has a show on Foodnetwork.com called Mom Wins where she shares quick recipes that your family will love. It’s been fun (and inspirational!) to watch her family’s journeys the past two summers. Last summer, her family spent the month of June in Connecticut and this past summer spent a month in Oregon. Such amazing experiences as a family with awesome views, activities, and food. Also, most Fridays she posts a “Friday Flotsam” of what she’s been up to, what questions she as for her readers, as well as random pictures. Her posts are always hi.lar.i.ous!! I always look forward to her blog posts and her stories, and she just seems like so much fun to be around.

Bev cooks

Kristy Wicks

Kristy Wicks (@kristywicks) is just the sweetest person to follow. She is always smiling, always so encouraging, and always so positive. Her home is perfection and since it’s just her husband and herself at home, she’s honest about the fact that they purchased and renovated the home to be just what they needed even if it’s a smaller home. She’s so informative about the community in which she lives, shares so many stories about her girlfriends, her husband, her daughter, and their pup Maggie. Her husband, Jeff the Chef, as she calls him just seems to supportive of her (and she shares his recipes too!) They do so much together including travel to amazing places. As a former flight attendant, she shares her love of travel with her readers and viewers as well. My favorite part of her home is our backyard outdoor space. She’s so knowledgeable about her flowers and plants, and makes the outside space just as inviting as her indoor space. She’s certainly a friendly and inspiring influencer on Instagram.

kristy wicks

Go check these ladies out! They will certainly add a little something to your day!

And speaking of inspirational ladies, my little lady is the best. It apparently was National Daughters Day on Wednesday, and well, Hadley’s been giving me a run for my money since 2009. I wouldn’t have it any other way. #GirlBoss #Whorunstheworld? #girls

This pic popped in my Facebook memories from last year!

Don’t forget to check out the others who link up for Friday Favorites.

little bit of everything

grace and love

momfessionals

Have a great weekend!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Books and Shows

September Book Review

Posted on September 26, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

This picture of Hadley is one of my favorites, and it recently popped up in my Facebook memories. She’s verrry serious about her reading. Thankfully, both of my kids enjoy reading…especially Hayden, but if Hadley gets into reading a series (like The Babysitters Club), she loves to read at bedtime.

This month I read four books. I enjoyed them all, and each one was very different. I read suspense, comedy, inspirational, and heartfelt…and the inspirational one was my favorite by far.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

I thought The Art of Racing in the Rain was a great read. Of course, I knew it would tug at my pet lover’s heartstrings, so I kind of read it with my guard up. Besides the thoughts and actions of the pup Enzo, there’s also drama and illness within the main characters. Along with Enzo’s love for the family, the reader sees Denny, the main character, do whatever it takes to help his family.

To be honest, it did take me some time to get used to reading from the point of view of the dog…as he has some random thoughts, but once I continued reading, I didn’t find it distracting anymore. I had a friend ask if the ending was sad, and well, as a reader, you are there for Enzo’s journey through life. Therefore, I tried to prepare myself and I left the book feeling what I already know: dogs know what their owners need and are unselfish with their time here on Earth. I’d definitely recommend this book, and I’m curious how the movie is in comparison.

The Mother-in-Law

I had been on the library wait list for The Mother-in-Law for quite some time. When it arrived, I read it in a few days. I’ve read at least one other book by Sally Hepworth: The Family Next Door, and this book had the same vibe. All of the characters’ relationships with the main character Diana are different and the reader sees those relationships evolve throughout the story. Like most families, the connections and relationships are complicated and when money is involved, those relationships become even more complicated. It was definitely a good read with an unexpected (in my opinion) twist.

Bread & Wine

This book was suggested by one of the book clubs I’m in (but failingto attend). I’d never heard of it before, but I will go out on a limb and say that it’s a book that was life changing for me as I now view friendship, food, and faith in a different way.

I know food can bring people together whether it’s making a feast of appetizers for the Super Bowl, baking cookies to welcome a new neighbor, or bringing soup to a sick friend. But…the way the author, Shauna Niequist, weaves the importance of food to build relationships, soothe the soul during the ups and downs of life, or offer condolences to a friend was so powerful. Her reminder of the meaning and importance of communion while forgiving sins was also so heartfelt and inspiring.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book included:

(On making changes in your life…) “Healthy people in your life will respect those (choices). And the unhealthy people in your life will freak out, because you’re making a healthy choice they’re not currently free to make. Don’t for one second let that stop you.”

(In regards to parenting…) “It’s our job to let them grow up, to let them become big and smart and grown-up, but it’s so tempting to keep them little forever, or at least to try.”

“That’s what shame does, though. It whispers to us that everyone is as obsessed with our failings as we are…”

“When you offer peace instead of division, when you offer faith instead of fear, when you offer someone a place at your table instead of keeping them out because they’re different or messy or wrong somehow, you represent the heart of Christ.”

“We live in a world that values us for how fast we go, for how much we accomplish, for how much life we can pack into one day. But I’m coming to believe it’s in the in-between spaces that our lives change, and that the real beauty lies there.”

And I could go on. And on. And on.

This book provided an inspiring and positive outlook on life, food, relationships, and faith. I purchased it on my Kindle, and that’s my only regret. I wish I had a hardback copy to keep on hand as I know it’s one of those books I would turn to throughout my life in good times and in bad….and I know I’d make a recipe or two! (She shares so many good ones!)

Can you tell which book was my favorite this month? 😉

You’ve Been Volunteered

When Laurie Gelman wrote her first book, Class Mom, I couldn’t wait to read it…and I loved it! The main character is named Jen, from Kansas City, and she’s very sarcastic. What’s not to love?! #itcouldhavebeenme When friends ask me what humorous book I would suggest, I always mention Class Mom.

So, needless to say, I was so excited to see that Gelman had written a second book titled You’ve Been Volunteered that I immediately requested it from the library. After a month or so on the waitlist, I finally picked up a copy of it a couple of weeks ago and read it pretty quickly. Jen’s son Max is now in third grade, and she’s class mom again. Her emails are hilarious, and some had me laughing out loud. In this plot, there’s still some family drama and her older daughters need some of her attention as she tries to juggle their needs with the needs of her aging parents. I didn’t find this book as good as Class Mom, but I would still recommend it…I just thought there were some random plot elements that seemed odd. Where I’d say Class Mom was a 10/10, this one is more like 7.5/10.

After movie night on Friday, followed by a late dinner and even later bedtime, I peeked into Hadley’s room and found her reading her newest Babysitters Club book, Boy Crazy Stacey that she bought at the book fair. Some of the BSC books have now been turned into graphic novels which has been perfect for Hadley. My two proudest accomplishments with my kids are the fact that they are generally kind and that they love to read. #myworkhereisdone right?!

I hope you enjoy at least one of these books. What have you been reading lately?

Happy reading.

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

What's up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday

Posted on September 25, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Sheaffertoldmeto

mixandmatchmama

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK:

Sunday: Instant Pot chicken parm and green beans

Monday: beef sirloin and risotto from Trader Joe’s

Tuesday: leftovers

Wednesday: crockpot carnitas and salad (tacos for the kids)

Thursday: either leftovers or Roasted Red Pepper soup from Trader Joe’s and grilled cheese

Friday and Saturday: mama ain’t cookin’

WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:

This sweet picture from my brother and sister-in-law’s wedding. Their 7th anniversary is coming up soon. Hayden and Hadley were ring bearer and flower girl. One of them loved the spot light and one of them didn’t 😂 #Iwillletyouguess Travis snapped this pic on his phone, and it will forever be my favorite.

WHAT I’M LOVING:

Trader Joe’s pumpkin bagel and cream cheese. #onrepeat

Also, these lunchbox notes have been a cute addition to lunches. My kids take their lunches a few days a week, and I usually write a note on a napkin. While shopping for school supplies at the end of summer, I saw these Lunchbox Notes by Lena + Liam in the school section at Target, and picked them up. I usually put one in a week to spice up the lunch. Hayden gets the biggest kick out of some of the sayings like, “Happy Fry Day” and “I think you’re egg-cellent!”

WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:

We are in our activity routine of Girl Scouts, dance, soccer, and cross country.

We’ve also been continuing the 4th grade school routine of homework, reading, studying, and Travis helping me brush up on the distributive property, so I can help with 4th grade math.

WHAT I’M DREADING:

Nothing at the moment…besides the distributive property.

WHAT I’M WORKING ON:

I saw someone post this on Facebook, and it certainly hit home…especially last week. Hayden had a couple days where he was struggling…tired, overwhelmed by school, etc. I’m so used to trying to find more minutes in my day to get it all done, that I almost didn’t realize that his acting out meant he may have some things on his heart. I took the time to snuggle with him, chat, talk about the book he was reading, and just listen to him. He clearly needed some time with me (or Travis) to get his mind and heart right. We are all doing our best, aren’t we? Kids and adults, alike.

WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:

I’m excited about our front porch update. Besides decorating the porch for fall, we also got a new front door, porch lights (to be installed next week #Travknowshislimits), and mailbox. We bought this house almost five years ago, and it’s forever a work in progress. I’m excited that we are basically to the point of doing a few things on the exterior that are more cosmetic, but will help update the look and tie into the inside of our home.

“The Mum Man” comes to my husband’s work, and has the best mums for the best price, so I always have Travis buy 3, or 4, or 10. On Sunday, we ran into Home Depot to pick out a new mailbox, and I snagged these two corn stalks (is that what they are called?!). Usually, I get them from the place where I buy the pumpkins, but they didn’t have any last Friday. Now, I’m just ready for the mums to bloom a bit.

WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:

Over the weekend, I finished two books (one hardback and one on my kindle), and I hope to have my September Book Review posted tomorrow. I started Ask Again Yes and Summer of 69 this past weekend.

As a family, (well, at least the kids and myself) we are excited for the return of Dancing with the Stars, The Goldbergs, and Young Sheldon.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

I’ve gotten back into my podcast groove. I still enjoy listening to Willie Geist’s Sunday Sitdown, and have also listened to a few other podcasts recently. I listened to Landyn Hutchinson’s interview (if you don’t follow Living with Landyn on Insta, you are missing out) on Living Fully with Mallory Ervin and Caroline Bryan’s (Luke Bryan’s wife) interview on Velvet‘s Edge with Kelly Henderson. The Bryans have had such tragedy in their lives with losing so many loved ones that Caroline’s interview was both heartbreaking and inspiring.

WHAT I’M WEARING:

I usually don’t buy much during the summer Nordstrom sale, but I did snag this jacket on sale ($55) at the end of the summer, and I can’t wait to wear it #comeonmothernature Maybe by October, I will be able to pull it out of the closet.

Fleece Lined Quilted Utility Jacket

WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:

Sit down for this. Very shocking news. I will most likely be at a cross country meet and a soccer game this weekend. #likemostweekends I’m sure I will also be doing laundry, meal planning and prepping and getting in a Homer snuggle or two.

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

Fall activities like fall break (amen!) and hopefully our annual trip to the pumpkin patch for the kids to each get their pumpkins to carve, run around and play, as well as that time of the year when I buy one dozen apple cider donuts and only share six of them with the rest of my people.

The kids with cousins Layla and Wyatt last year.

I hope you are having a great week and make sure to check out Shay and Sheaffer’s posts today.

Take care,

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Weekend Top 5

Posted on September 23, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

I usually take one day at a time, but all last week I was so looking forward to this weekend….mostly because we only had one activity that we were committed to, and that was Hayden’s soccer game on Saturday. The rest of the weekend was spent sleeping in a bit, doing some chores, reading, and running errands…but it was nice to feel like I actually had the time to do those things rather than squeezing them in between other events and activities.

I’m starting the Top 5 Weekend post off early with a Thursday night soccer game. Hayden had been wanting to go to one of my school’s soccer games, and our boys team is ranked pretty high, so they were fun to watch and we cheered them to a victory.

Hayden had a soccer game on Saturday. His team worked really well together, and they came out on top with a win…I’m looking forward to a time when he doesn’t have a game in 85 degree heat!

On Friday, after school, I stopped by my favorite local place to pick up pumpkins for our front porch. I know the weather is still hot, but I’ve been known to purchase pumpkins Labor Day weekend, so I certainly showed great restraint while waiting this long! 😉 I love the stackable pumpkins and had a few extra minutes to look around and pick up a couple of other extra gourds, striped and mini pumpkins as well.

When I arrived home, I got my cardio in as no one volunteered to help me lug these from the car to the porch!

Friday night, the kids’ school’s PTA hosted Family Movie Night where they showed Horton Hears a Who! The kids watch the movie and/or run around while the parents socialize a bit. It’s always a fun event.

All you can eat popcorn!

Saturday morning, Hadley and I hit up Trader Joe’s while Hayden and Travis took Homer to get a bath and his nails trimmed.

I feel like I cook a variety of things for dinner, but sometimes get stuck in a rut. So, once a month, I like to go to Trader Joe’s and wander around to sort of plan dinners by what I see and what looks good. Of course, we had to purchase a few pumpkin items (It was Hadley’s idea, I swear!)

The beef sirloin and bacon cheddar ranch are new items that I’ve never tried. I’m hoping the sirloin will be an easy Monday night dinner with Trader Joe’s risotto that I already had in my freezer.

I love the burritos and picked up a couple. They are easy to heat up for lunch. I also love the Roasted Red Pepper soup and saw on another blog that Andrea, at Momfessionals, mentioned putting in a dollop or two of Boursin Garlic and Herb cheese. Lastly, Hadley picked up the baked cheese crunchies.

For one of our low carb dinners this week, I’m going to try this quick recipe that I saw on an Insta Story. Shelby with Glitter and Gingham is a local Lexington blogger and I saw her post about putting carnitas and salsa verde in the crockpot for 3-4 hours on low and serve with this salad. The kids will eat tacos, but I will follow her recipe idea.

A few of the pumpkin/fall items we picked up were pumpkin: bisque, bagels, cream cheese, and waffles. Hadley couldn’t resist the fall leaf chips.

I can confirm the bagel and cream cheese are next level delish.

Saturday night, I was on the struggle bus of allergies and sinuses, but I rallied for dinner at a new local taco place. Travis had taken the kids there, but I hadn’t been yet. Hadley was at a sleepover and by the time we left for dinner it was already 7:30. So, we chose the Painted Taco to get a quick bite to eat…plus, Travis and Hayden could watch some football on the tvs there.

I joked that we brought Travis pay for dinner and take our picture 😉

And–here’s Hadley and some of the crew having fun before the sleepover. These girls are the sweetest, and I’m sure Hadley was having more fun with them!

I always appreciate it when friends share pics with all the fun activities.

Sunday was spent prepping for the week ahead: church, grocery store order pick up, laundry, and a few other to do list items (with a side of me trying to get a handle on my allergies, finishing a book, and trying to get caught up on a show or two)

Happy Monday!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweetea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Home Decor

Friday Favorites {#2}: Fall Decorations

Posted on September 20, 2019August 20, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

It’s time for another Friday Favorites where Erika at A Little Bit of Everything, Narci at Grace and Love, and Andrea at Momfessionals host a link up for all to share.

Little bit of everything

Grace and love

Momfessionals

For this Friday Favorites, I thought I’d share some of the fall decorations in my house. If you read my About Me Part 2 post, then you may have seen the part when I said, “I don’t play when it comes to birthdays.” Well, the same can be said for fall decorations. Like many people, autumn is my most favorite time of the year, and I look forward to switching out a few of my normal decorations for ones that are more fall like. I always love seeing how other people decorate their homes, so here’s a peek into my home.

I can never remember where I put certain decorations from year to year, but the mantle always just takes me a second. I switch out my normal white candles for the orange toned ones, put up the leaves I’ve had for yeeeeaaars, and then this year, I added the felt pumpkins from TJ Maxx. I tend to change the part up year to year, but the soft white pumpkins are a cute touch to soften the space.

This little corner of my kitchen is my fave. I found this pumpkin sign a few years ago at Home Goods. I usually have a cookbook in that holder, but I switch it out for the sign, add a few pumpkins from Kroger, and then we had the little jar of candy corn (Hadley added that to this corner, but real talk: the candy corn is already gone! I’m sure we will refill it soon.)

We got a new couch this past February, so I bought new pillows this year to match it for the autumn months.

True story. Travis said, “Oh did we get new pillows?” I said, “What?! We’ve had these for ~~years~~.” Two days. haha

Found two of these pillows at TJ Maxx last week. They basically jumped in my cart.

This little space in front of our gallery wall in the kitchen is an easy place to add a few fall items. The stackable pumpkins I bought at Hobby Lobby a couple of years ago. I purchased the pumpkin plates from William Sonoma, I believe, a few years ago, and I just added some orange and yellow flowers to the metal vase in the buffet.

Last year, I found these fall plates at Target. They are a thick acrylic (I think) material plate, and there were a few patterns, so I picked up a total of 8, and they are what we use for most dinners this time of the year.

I wish Target had matching bowls, but they didn’t…so I continue to use my every day bowls.

I have two chairs in our office area, and a couple years ago, I purchased two “Morning Pumpkin” pillows from a former student of mine. These go with the colors in my house, and I love the little saying.

I hesitated to put any porch pics up as my porch is my favorite part to decorate, and it’s not complete yet…AND I’m very excited that we are getting a new front door (mailbox, and light fixtures) soon. I have two polka dot pillows I ordered from an Etsy shop about five years ago, but the “Hey there pumpkin” doormat is new….and only $11 (with coupon code) from JC Penney! I ordered it online with code, but picked up in the store. Then, I’ve been wanting a black and white plaid rug to put under the doormat to mostly use year round, and I finally bought one on Amazon.

I’ve had the Welcome door hanger for years…again, from an Etsy shop.

JCP Doormat

Plaid rug amazon

This tray sits out all year, but it’s easy to change up the decor with a pumpkin that lights up and I change out the decorations in my hurricane lamp to mini pumpkins and squash. Lastly, I hit up the buy one get one free sale last week at Bath and Body Works and bought a few candles. I’ve found that I prefer these smaller ones as opposed to the bigger three wick candles because the smaller ones can be set out just about anywhere. The candle in the tray is Pumpkin Pecan Waffles, and it’s one of my faves.

There are still a few other spots in my house with a few more fall touches, but, to be honest, I’m patting myself (Travis should too) on the back. My only new purchase for inside my home was the pillows for the couch (oh yeah–and the white felt pumpkins…) Outside, the doormat and rug are the new additions, but I know they will last for years.

I can’t wait to decorate my porch this weekend. The mums arrived yesterday, and I hope to buy the stackable pumpkins after school today to complete the porch.

I truly believe this is the most wonderful time of the year (and would love for Mother Nature to make it start feeling that way!)

Have a great weekend.

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Homer

Homer – 6 months old

Posted on September 18, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

We added Homer to our family on June 8th after I found him on the Petfinder app. Homer and his two brothers (the three dogs were “named” Glorious, Notorious, and Victorious for adoption purposes) were found on the side of the road malnourished and had worms. Tails of Hope nursed them to health and thought they were about 12 weeks old. At his first check up, our vet thought he was more like 10 weeks old, so we’ve gone with that time frame. So, at this point, he must be about six months old. It has been a long time since we’d had a puppy and last time we did, I didn’t have two kids. So, Homer is a sweet addition to our home, but he is a bundle of energy. We had a fun summer with him, so the timing was just perfect to get him when we did.

Milestones/Phases

Amazingly, getting him house broken wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be! That actually didn’t take too long. We have one of those strings of bells by the back door, and he does jingle them when he wants to go outside. During the early puppy phase, he thought they were a toy and would shake them with all of his might. Luckily, he didn’t have any problems being in his kennel and sleeping through the night (as I think he was so used to doing so at the rescue)

While he still steals your shoe, or will find a stuffed animal under the bed, he thankfully has quit drinking out of the toilet, chewing on random things (like my coffee table), and getting into the trash can. Unfortunately, he continues to put both paws on the kitchen counter quite often, so we have to stay on top of him and push all food to the center of the island if we don’t want to him to get it.

“Hobbies”

I feel like with each passing month, he’s doing something else that’s funny or a way to get our attention. Some of the funny things he’s done include: biting and chasing his tail, trying to catch lightning bugs throughout the summer, chewing his way through multiple pairs of flip flops, standing on the open dishwasher door, licking the dishes in the dishwasher, UNLOCKING his kennel while he’s inside, stealing food off of the counter, licking the lotion off my legs, chewing on an orange marker and getting it on his paws (& my couch! 😳), running full speed at you when he jumps on the couch…and this morning took a Poptart right out of the cabinet and tried to devour it before we could get it from him! #neveradullmoment

He also barks at almost any food that he sees. I guess he thinks he has a right to any and all food that anyone has.

Real talk: there are moments in the day that he drives me crazy…but it’s mostly because his energy is high right around the time I’m begging my own kids to go to bed! Also, if Hayden didn’t bounce a ball all throughout the house multiple times a day, maybe Homer would have the chance to be a little bit more chill. 🙂

Nicknames

Homer has accumulated many nicknames. He definitely knows his name, so I don’t think we are confusing him with our many terms of endearment. The kids tend to call him Homie (and then Homer when he’s doing something he shouldn’t be!), but Hayden also calls him Sweet Cheeks. haha. I tend to call him Homes, Sweets, and Pooks (Pookie). I guess we all just love him so much that we call him whatever affectionate name we like at the time.

Love his heart

He is so sweet (especially when he’s tired 😉 ) I love the mornings with him as I get up before the others, and he sits by me on the couch (at this point, I’ve given up telling him to get off the couch #choosingmybattles ) and I will hand you a lint roller if you sit on our couch. 😉

In the morning, he also follows me into each kid’s room when I wake them up. He usually sits on Hadley’s rug on her floor until she gets up. At night, Hadley shuts her door, so he doesn’t go in there but he usually ends up on Hayden’s rug for a bit until Hayden goes to sleep. It’s very sweet. Although, he hops all over them and can be a handful, I know he’s a sweet tempered dog who loves the kids.

He’s been a perfect addition to our family as our hearts (especially mine, I think) needed help healing after losing Shiloh and Scout within a year of each other. When I think of everything Shiloh and Scout helped me (and our family) through with their unconditional love and sweet support, it’s good for my soul to know Homer can be there for us too during the ups and downs of life. After Scout died, my dad said what a good dog he was and “He was great with the kids. Pets never let you down. Something that can’t be said about humans.” That seems to be ringing true with Homer as well.

This is our first rescue experience, and I’ve had a few friends who’ve adopted dogs say that rescue dogs know the owner saved them. Therefore, there’s a special bond and love because they know their lives could have been very difficult if someone didn’t rescue them. I hope that’s true. I feel like he wants to be around us all the time (Shiloh was so sweet but good on her own–didn’t really need much attention and Scout was as loyal as they come). I see a mix of both Shiloh and Scout in Homer, and I hope he knows what he means to us. He certainly has our heart (and sometimes my sanity!).

6/8/19 – the day we picked him up from Tails of Hope Rescue. I’m sure he wondered where the heck we were taking him.

Such a good boy on the first day home…even posed for a picture.

He’s a very photogenic pup, and my phone is always nearby 😉

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.” – Josh Billings

#WeHeartHomer

I hope you are having a great week!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Meals and Recipes

Monday Meals

Posted on September 16, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

California Roll Bowl

I’ve seen various versions of California Roll Rice Bowl, and for this recipe, I’ve just incorporated the ingredients I like the most and what I know my family will eat. Also, many of the recipes include ingredients for making your own sauce and I usually don’t have time for all that…plus, I love Trader Joe’s Carrot Ginger Miso Salad Dressing…which is the perfect sauce for this recipe.

Ingredients:

English cucumber, diced

Shredded carrots

Avocado

Protein – I use shrimp (traditional California Sushi Roll would include crab)

Rice – I buy two bags of microwave rice–one white, one brown

Soy sauce

I use Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning when I cook the shrimp

Trader Joe’s Ginger Miso Salad Dressing (or whatever dressing/sauce you like)

Black Sesame seeds – toasted

Instructions:

I saute the shrimp in a extra virgin olive oil, a bit of Chile Lime Seasoning, and a dash or two of soy sauce. (I’ve also just used salt and pepper or various other seasonings –whatever I have on hand…just to give the shrimp some extra flavor)
While the shrimp is sauteing, I chop a bit of the cucumber and slice and dice the avocado. Then, I create an assembly line of toppings: carrots, avocado, cucumber.
I toast the sesame seeds in a small pan.
I cook the rice in the microwave and empty both bags into a small bowl and mix the white and brown rice together. (90% of the time, for most meals, I buy brown rice to try to stay on the healthy train—but when I think sushi, I think of white rice, so I live on the edge a bit and include white rice too). **You could use cauliflower rice for a low carb option**
Once the shrimp is ready, I just put rice and shrimp in the bowl, and then everyone does their own toppings: carrots, cucumber, avocado, dash of soy sauce, sesame seeds, and the miso dressing. (also–I’ve used a drizzle of Trader Joe’s Sriracha Ranch Dressing rather than miso dressing…and even just soy sauce may be all you want or need…)

Ready to eat – also, side note–I’m no food photographer — this is so delish even if the picture isn’t the best.

This is a healthy dinner option that literally comes together in minutes…and my kids even eat it (for sure they eat the rice and shrimp—and usually add a topping or two)

I hope you enjoy this healthy meal!

Have a great week!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

About Me: Part 2

Posted on September 14, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

This is apparently my 21st post (Word Press says so), and I thought I’d share a little bit more about myself. At the beginning of the year, for a get to know you activity, I usually have my students do a three truths/one lie for the class to get to know each other better. Sometimes the “lies” are obvious, sometimes funny, and sometimes serious. With a few readers who are new to the blog and even for people I know, I just thought I’d share a bit more about myself…and all of them are truths.

Truth: I was a cute kid 😉 I wanted to get my ears pierced forever and ever, but I had to wait until I was 12. I was trying to fool everyone in the pic below with my stick on earrings.

I had a very short dancing career, I have a younger brother named Connor, and I loved my Madeline doll (and sitting on shag carpet!)

Let’s skip all the way to college (not sure where all my middle and high school pics are?!) I loved my time at the University of Missouri-Columbia. I graduated with a degree in Secondary Education with a focus in English/Language Arts. I even earned my first Master’s degree from MU too. I will forever be a tiger fan.

Another blessing of my time at MIZZOU was meeting Travis. We got married in 2005.

I vividly remember taking this photo. The photographer said the pose seemed cheesy, but it would be a great photo. It’s been on my bedside table for 14 years and counting…

Hayden and Hadley were born in November 2009 and bring us great joy (and headaches, and heartaches, and stress…but we love them and can’t believe how quickly they are growing up!)

We often vacation in Siesta Key, Florida and Chet took some sweet pics of us a couple of summers ago.

And, of course, we can’t leave out Homer. I’ve always been a dog person. I grew up with dogs in our home and being a part of our family where Travis did not. I had to convince him to get our dogs Shiloh and Scout, but I’d (and he would) say he’s a dog person now too. We lost Scout in April 2018 and Shiloh this past March. We didn’t know how long we’d wait to get another one, but the beginning of summer and second I saw Homer, we I knew it was time 🙂

Random Facts/Truths About Me

The first fact was actually what made me think to do this post since yesterday was Friday the 13th. I am superstitious about the number 13. For example, if someone turns the radio or tv volume to 13, I turn it to 12 or 14. Or, if I read chapter 13 of a book, I always read chapter 14 as to not leave off on chapter 13. I also don’t cross days off my calendar until the next day or turn the page of a calendar to a new month until it’s actually that month. I don’t want to jinx anything. (because—you know—life works like that. haha)
I’m left handed. In my family, the left handed gene (does it work like that?) is strong. My grandma, my mom, my aunt and myself are all lefties. Then, along came Hayden and Hadley who are left handed too. Hayden bats right handed (I did too) but is a leftie otherwise and Hadley is dominant left in everything.
Along with being a leftie, I make my check marks backwards. (There are people reading this right now who have known me forever and probably don’t even know that—hello, Travis…?!) My students are always like, “Mrs. Whhhhiiitttee! Your check marks are backwards!” I say it’s because I’m left handed, but I obviously know many (all?!) lefties where that’s not the case. It just feels natural for me to do it that way.
After I cook pasta, I always eat some of the freshly cooked pasta plain. Like a cup or so of plain cooked pasta. #Ilovecarbs
I play Bejeweled Blitz almost daily on my phone. If my Bejeweled Blitz bank account has less than $1M, I’m stressed. (#kiddingnotkidding) I only play a couple of rounds a day, so only a couple of minutes, but it’s my favorite game.
I’m a homebody…like for real. The end goal is always how quickly I can get back home (and most likely back into my pjs), but I also have FOMO. I like to be with people I know and love and don’t want to miss any major events.
I sleep with a weighted blanket and a sound machine. I’m still a horrible sleeper, but they help me relax at night.
I don’t play when it comes to birthdays. I always say my birthday is my favorite holiday..but people (Travis and my mom) are quick to point out it’s not actually a holiday. I go big on my kids’ birthday as well–with them, I always figure it’s one day–not two kids with two different days— I have to go all out on…at least that’s how I justify it.
I don’t like peas or yogurt…and basically pat myself on the back most days when my kids devour both. At least they love those things.
Lastly, and this is deep — I finally took the Enneagram test and I’m a 5. (are you still reading?) 😉 A few years ago, my principal had the teachers take the Strength Finder Assessment and my strengths were: consistency, discipline, and connector. I wasn’t really shocked, because those are definitely my strengths but “connector” made me stop and think. It was free therapy 😉 I am a connector and I think it stems back from when I moved to a new school in middle school. That was very difficult for me, and it’s hard feeling left out and new. Ever since, I do try to include as many people as possible and always worry I will forget to invite someone; I’d never want someone to feel left out. Real talk: being a connector can also being exhausting 😉

I had another principal once say that he’s an introvert who thrives on routine and dislikes conflict…That. Is. Me. and his point (and mine too) if you are in education, you can’t be those things….No wonder I’m exhausted at the end of the day.

Back to the Enneagram Test. I had heard a few people talk about it , and it’s one of those things where if you (and others) know your number, it helps in relationships. When I took the test, it said I was a 5w6. Type 5, wing 6. A five is an “investigator” which took me by surprise. I wouldn’t really label myself that, but when I read the description, many things hit home for me. (By the way, a 6 is a “loyalist”—which I am…I may be hard to get to know, but I’m very loyal to those who are loyal to me and the description did have quite a few points in which I could relate). “Investigator–Thinker who tends to withdraw and observe,” A few tidbits about a 5: Fives tend to withdraw and retreat to mentally prepare for their day, they are generally well read and thoughtful, fives aren’t good at dealing with their emotions, they tend to be shy, independent, reluctant to ask for help, sensitive, have a need for privacy, and sometimes have a minimalistic lifestyle (Trav wishes. haha).

Here’s the link to the test I took. It was pretty lengthy, but I found it interesting.

Enneagram Test

So those are just a few random facts about me. All truths, no lies.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea