The first thing that popped in my mind is my weighted blanket…haha
Truly, when we travel, and I don’t have it, I’m sleep so well when we get home and I have it. It’s an essential part of my bedding.
A warm cup of coffee in the morning is comforting….especially with the glow of the Christmas tree.
In this busy stage of life where I feel like we’re often pulled in many directions, it’s comforting when all four of us are at home. Even if we are doing our own thing, I don’t have to wonder where anyone is or what they’re doing or what time I have to pick a kid up from practice. haha
I hope your weekend is off to a great start. Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on the topics on days 15 and 16.
Day 15 is…3 books you are grateful to have read…
Three? You expect me to share only three? haha
I will stick with a few that have stuck out for me from the past few years.
The Women – to me, this one lived up to the hype!
All the Light We Cannot See (LOVED the limited series on Netflix)
The Paris Library
The Things We Cannot Say
**Clearly I love historical fiction!
Maid – This was such an eye opening read for me as Stephanie Land shared her experience cleaning houses as she raised her daughter while earning her college degree. (I also loved the Netflix series. Margaret Qualley was amazing in this role)
Lessons in Chemistry- This was another great read that sticks out to me. It was a heartbreaking, interesting and inspiring book. Elizabeth Zott and Calvin Evans were amazing characters. I loved the miniseries on Apple TV.
Day 16 is a skill you are grateful for.…I guess cooking? I’m not sure what other skills I have. I enjoy cooking….I don’t so much enjoy meal planning, shopping and putting away groceries though. I like making dinner for my family, and even better is when we can all eat dinner at the same time.
Just Thursday night, I did something I never do….and called Travis to tell him I didn’t feel like cooking…and asked him to pick something up for dinner on his way home. I always cook Sunday – Thursday, and we rarely eat out during the week. It was nice to just come relax and put up my Christmas tree instead of cook dinner!
I guess I’m officially halfway though this challenge, and I’m enjoying it.
How was your week? Ours was really good. We haven’t had a lot in the evenings right now which as been nice. Of course, we don’t have nothing…but we’ve had a bit of a break.
I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are my favorites from the week:
Since we didn’t have a ton going on this week, so I have lots of random favorites.
I’d given up on the Mizzou game Saturday night as they were struggling only to wake up Sunday morning to see they’d won via a scoop and score! I guess I shouldn’t have given up on them. haha
Sunday, was the first time we didn’t get the Chiefs game on TV, and Hayden and I were bummed. I was in the basement watching TV and following along via ESPN app updates. I wasn’t paying much attention. Hayden came bounding down the basement stairs to tell me that he thought the Chiefs blocked the Broncos’ punt to end the game. He was right. We caught the highlights. So excited that the KC Chiefs are still undefeated.
Sunday night was the high school volleyball banquet. It was such a fun evening with great speeches, great food and a sweet slideshow recapping the season.
Hadley won the “outstanding back court player,” and that was a fun surprise. She had a great season with amazing coaches and teammates.
Saturday night, we went to my brother’s house for dinner, and then we stayed for the first half of the Mizzou game. His sweet pup Tucker is getting so big, but tried to show his dominance to Hayden. haha
Hayden is definitely the dog whisperer as Homer really wanted his attention one night this week.
Besties!
Hadley and I stopped by Trader Joe’s for a couple of things this week, and I chuckled at this sign….she didn’t get it.
I watched the Martha Stewart documentary this week. I thought it was really interesting. I still have about thirty minutes left.
Favorite Mom Meme:
It’s that time in the semester when students start showing their true colors. I’m reminded that my #1 job right now is to make sure my own kids grow up to be good people who aren’t disrespectful and who make good choices.
Weekly Recap:
I’ve continued my blogging streak for November this week…
After a couple of rainy days, it looks like the weekend is providing some beautiful weather. Hayden has a race on Saturday, and Hadley and friends are getting together on Sunday to celebrate her upcoming birthday.
How’s your week going? We’ve almost made it to the weekend, and I’m grateful for that.
I have a “double dose” of gratitude as I continue on with two days of the challenge.
Day 13 is the best advice you’ve ever been given
Of course, I’ve been given advice through the years…anything from “this too shall pass” to “live and learn,” but the first thing that popped in my mind was my dad saying, “The difference in “champs” and “chumps” is u.” Haha…
Just from a young age, I knew not to believe everything you hear or trust everyone you meet.
I also like the advice “Don’t let someone show you twice who they really are.” I definitely “ease” into getting to know people, and if you burn me once, that’s it.
In true “mom fashion,” I’ve passed that “sage” advice on to Hadley as she navigates friend groups. I’m really grateful that she’s really honed in on core friendships.
Day 14 is a little luxury your are grateful for.
Definitely, my monthly facials. That hour once a month is such a treat.
I’ve had to miss the past couple of months, and I can’t wait for my November appointment!
This month’s topic is…let’s look at...gift ideas for men.
I always tell Travis that he is hard to buy for…or that I end up buying him the same things year to year.
For Christmas, I usually get him some kind of apparel…so at least I start there! He will usually give me a couple of gift ideas too. When the kids were little, I felt like I could buy more meaningful things like a coffee mug with their hand prints.
Travis usually receives practical gifts, but I do think that’s what he wants.
Last year, I got him this trunk organizer because he always has a lot to keep up with whether it’s for cross country or work. It’s worked perfectly in his car.
There are horse sales in January and February, so every few years, I order him some type of hand warmers; this rechargeable two pack is what I got him last year for his stocking.
I’ve given him a fun coffee mug or travel mug because he usually ends up losing his travel mug from time to time.
He really loved these insulated beer mugs that we gave him a couple of years ago. He keeps them in the freezer for when he’s ready for an ice cold beer.
I don’t know how we survived the baseball years not having this wagon, but I got this for Trav a couple of years ago, and it’s come in handy for cross country meets.
This massage gun was something I thought Trav would love when I bought it three years ago, and he does love it. Hayden uses it the most, and it’s usually in his back pack on race days.
I bought the “Battery Daddy” and we still use it. As soon as I buy a new pack of batteries, I put them in this to keep them organized.
Shopping for stockings is fun and somewhat easier. We always get each other Starbucks gift cards…haha, and I usually buy him some candy, socks, and usually something for electronics like new charging cables, or portable charger. One year, I got him this travel case to hold all the electronic things we need when we travel.
Let me know if you have any great gift ideas that I can add to my list when I get started with my shopping. Now that I’ve typed this out, I feel like Trav is getting the “short end of the stick” in the gift receiving department!
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‘Tis the season for gratitude, so I’m continuing on with the fun challege.
Picking up where I left off…
Day 11 is 3 songs you love.
Y’all, I’m the worst with songs. I mostly listen to country music…channel 56, the Highway, on XM radio. Travis is always up to date on new songs.
…but…speaking of music…
It might be cheesy, but I’ve really liked adding music to my Instagram posts (still photos). This year, I’ve been recapping the month on my personal page, and the songs kind of capture the moment a bit more.
Any time Hadley is in the car, she’s turned on Christmas music. I will listen to Christmas music on the Pandora station during my planning period while I grade papers this time of the day. It’s a nice festive touch for the day.
Today’s topic is something in your daily routine that you are grateful for.
Well, I’m a broken record, but I enjoy my quiet time and coffee in the morning before everyone else wakes up.
I started getting up before the kids when they were little. I just realized that I needed the quiet “me” time to ease into my day. This time of the year is even better with a candle lit, and soon I will have my Christmas tree up.
What’s something you are grateful for in your daily routine? I’d love to hear!
I’m guessing we scheduled this as the topic since many of us are starting to shop for the holiday season. That being said, my brain automatically thought of categories…Why am I like this?
Groceries:
I get 70-80% of my groceries at Kroger. You know I love Trader Joe’s, and I go there once a week or every other week. Aldi’s is another spot I like to check out from time to time.
Beauty:
I shop for makeup/beauty products mostly on Amazon or Target. Ulta is where I get my shampoo and conditioner, and then I always end up finding another thing or two. I love my Tarte shape tape, and Ulta has it now. I still use Dime for my skincare. I just went to Sephora the other day to pick up a gift for Hadley, and that place overwhelms me!
Clothes:
Y’all know I love SSYS, and I truly have so many things in my wardrobe I love from that shop. I buy a lot from Amazon, as you know. I like Target and Old Navy, but I really don’t buy as many clothes at either of those anymore.
Candles:
Bath and Body Works is where I usually get candles since there’s always a sale, and there are a couple stores in town. I love Antique Candle Co. candles too, and usually buy one each season. Jen Reed has some great scents with her Life in Lilac brand, and the jars are beautiful. I usually buy those candles a couple of times a year.
Home Decor:
For me, Homegoods is my fave place to find home and holiday decor. Target and TJ Maxx are also good as well. I just love strolling through Homegoods and taking my time while looking at all the decor.
Gifts:
Obviously, it depends on who I’m buying for, but I shop Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Target quite a bit. I always have luck at Aerie for Hadley. I do love supporting local shops and buying gifts from Etsy too. Truly, I’ve purchased quite a few gifts from Etsy shops, and I’m never disappointed.
While holiday shopping is still sometimes overwhelming to me, I am lucky that online shopping and curbside service are so convenient!
Next month, our topic is “favorite scents,” and we’d love to have you join us in the link up.
I need to get shopping for the kids’ birthday …which is next week! Where’s your favorite place to shop?
Sunday seems like the perfect day for gratitude and today I’m talking about my proudest moment.
What I’m finding with this challenge is it is kind of difficult/awkward to write about myself. haha
As for myself, I guess one of my proudest moments was finishing my second Master’s degree while having two young kids. I earned my “rank 1” in about a year and a half while the kids were two/three year old. The grant that my school was taking part in offered a reading specialist degree for me as I was our school’s literacy coach. Anyway, I had a short timeline which meant lots of late nights, but I got it done! I’m so thankful for that degree as it was completely paid for and it’s opened a few doors for me.
I’m not a big risk taker, but I was really comfortable at my previous school, and I had so many great friends there. When the kids were in kindergarten, I realized that it wasn’t convenient for our family for me to have a 30 minute commute, and I wanted to be on the same calendar schedule as the kids. I’m really happy with my choice, but it was a difficult one to do at the time.
I’m always proud of Travis and what a hard worker he is and all he does for my family. There’s not a single person who could say anything but great things about Trav. It’s the running joke between us that he’s the “perfect” one. He just earned a much deserved new job title, and it’s another great accomplishment for him.
Of course, my kids make me proud, but parenting is hard, y’all. They make mistakes and aren’t perfect, but they make me proud in small and big ways. Seeing them set goals and achieve them, taking the high road when it would be easy to take the low road, working through personal struggles, and more. They are figuring out who they are, and sometimes that’s easy and sometimes that’s hard for me as a mom. Also, they’ve done a really good job making the transition to high school. Again, it hasn’t been perfect, but freshman year is about figuring out how to navigate classes while preparing for their future.
It’s been a couple of days, but I’m continuing on with the November Gratitude Challenge.
I have Friday and Saturday to cover, so here we go:
Day 8 is 3 things about yourself that you love…
I’m a very loyal person. If you’re my family or friends, I have your back. Also, I can’t remember what I wore yesterday, but I will remember who wronged you (or me!), and I won’t forget.
I have a good sense of humor which I think it is a good combo of my parents. To be honest, it’s probably the biggest blessing that I’m sarcastic, or how else would I have made it with high schoolers this long?
I’m a very hard worker. People who don’t have work ethic drive me crazy. I wish I could be a slacker sometimes.
Day 9 is 3 people you are grateful for…
Well, that’s hard to do…I really could say Trav and kids…that’s three people, and of course I’m grateful for them. But… family (mine and Trav’s) and my friends….I don’t take them for granted either. I couldn’t raise these kids without my “mom gang.” Raising teens isn’t easy, so I appreciate the funny texts, advice, and carpool help.
What a week…TGIF! Not having school on Tuesday was great, but somehow it sure did make the week feel longer.
Anyway, as always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
First of all, Happy November! November is always a very hectic month for us, especially since Travis is usually working most of the month at the horse sale. That being said, it’s the kids’ birthday month, the weather cools off, and I love Thanksgiving, so November has quite a few good things going on.
Last Saturday, was the state cross country meet. I was nervous for Hayden as it was his first varsity state meet…and he didn’t run well the week before…(by his standards!)
Trav’s brother was there and got some great pics, including this one of Trav giving him a bit of a pep talk before the race.
He ran an amazing race. He had a goal to be in the top 80, and he was 66th…and was the fourth freshman.
He was really happy with his performance, and I could tell it seemed like a “weight” was lifted off his shoulders after the race….he even took a few pics with fam!
And, of course, on Sunday he made a 9:00 tee time…heaven forbid any of us relax!
Last night was the cross country banquet. It was our first high school banquet, so I didn’t know what to expect. It was such a nice way to celebrate the runners.
Hayden was rookie of the year.
Tuesday, was a big day in America…
…and I did exercise my right to vote.
…America, while waiting for the results…
This pic popped up on my school’s social media from last Friday. Dunkin Donuts was handing out free samples, so of course Hadley and her lunch buddies had to have a taste test.
On Tuesday, while Hayden was at PT, I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a few ornaments for Hadley’s Christmas tree. (We haven’t decorated for Christmas…yet!)
The Nutcracker was too cute to resist. I have a couple, so I will add him to my collection.
I popped into Trader Joe’s and wasn’t expecting to see our favorite gingerbread cookies yet. We all love these.
Fave Food:
When we go to Mexican restaurants, I usually find whatever version of chicken, rice and queso they have. I saw this recipe on Pinterest and made it for dinner this week. It was really good!
Share Our Lives:
On Monday, it’s our monthly Share Our Lives link up.
This month’s topic is…where do you shop?
If you have a blog, we’d love to have you join us.
What are your weekend plans? As of now, we still really don’t have anything going on. Travis will still be busy at work, but I hope to hang out at home, run a few errands, and rest up a bit.
I will be sharing more gratitude posts this weekend, so you’ll still be hearing from me.
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