I wasn’t sure if I would have time to write this post, but as I got out of school and started thinking about Memorial Day weekend, I figured I could modify the Share 4 Somethings format for Memorial Day.
So, I’m linking up with Jennifer to share four (some) things I think of once it’s Memorial Day weekend.
1. Remember and Honor
Of course, first and foremost, we need to remember those who gave up their lives for our freedoms. I know some are even sensitive to hearing “happy” Memorial Day which I can understand. Those who are willing to sacrifice their safety and lives in honor of our country should never be forgotten.
2. School’s Out…
…or almost out for the summer.
I swear. I feel like we are the last district to be out around here. We still have two more days, and I have a teacher work day. Actually, we received an email this week about Friday (5/31) being another work day due to a snow day we have to make up. The kids don’t have to make it up, but we do. They are letting us “flex” that time using hours outside of the school day, so at least we don’t have to come that day as long as we turn in the form.
As a general rule, I just think school should be in session after Labor Day and out by Memorial Day. By mid-May we are all over the school year…students, parents, and the teachers.
3. Sales
There are usually lots of good Memorial Day sales.
Among other sales…
Target has 30% off women’s, kids’ and men’s clothing and swim, and 30% off sandals. We picked up a couple of swimsuits for Hadley. ‘Tis the season! They also have up to 50% off patio, garden furniture and accessories and other deals.
Old Navy has 50% off almost everything!
Walmart has “rollback” prices on laptops, grills, pools and more!
Aerie has 30-70% off almost everything!
Home Depot: Up to 55% off select online outdoor furniture, up to 25% off select storage and organization items, and other great deals.
4. Pool Opens
Memorial Day weekend means the pool opens up. Our pool always opens a few days before Memorial Day weekend. Our pool opened on Wednesday, and Hadley is 3 for 3 in pool attendance this week…even with overcast skies and cooler temps on Wednesday and Thursday. When I text her to ask when she’s coming home, I get a lot of “#poolislife” responses. haha
Hopefully I will make it there sometime soon!
Anyway, I hope your weekend is off to a great start.
I don’t think I will have a post on Monday, but I hope to share the books I read in May on Tuesday.
How was your week? Overall, ours was pretty good. It helped having Tuesday off to regroup after a busy weekend.
That being said, the end of the school year activities are in full force, and the alarm clock is officially a nuisance.
Of course, I had some favorites this week, so I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Last Friday, was the end of season county championship track meet for our district. So, only middle schools in our district had teams running. Unfortunately, the first half of the meet was rainy. Hadley ran the 4×200 and 400 in the rain, and Hadey ran the 1600 in a steady rain as well.
Hadley was battling some nerves, but both kids ran great. Hayden won the 1600 and 3200 while Hadley placed 6th in the 400 and 7th in the 200, and her relay teams placed 2nd in the 4×400 and 3rd in the 4×200. Her 4×400 relay is in the top 5 in the state.
For the second half of the meet, the rain stopped. Yay!
It was a long meet and a late night, but they collected their hardware before we left.
Hadley was up bright and early on Saturday for volleyball. She got to play libero again, and she was excited for that opportunity. This was the last tournament of club season. They went 3-0 on Saturday, and won their first two games on Sunday which put them in the championship game of the gold bracket.
While they did lose that game, they earned a medal for 2nd place, and went 5-1 on the weekend. It was a great way to end club season.
She’s had the best experience with great coaches and amazing teammates, so it was extra special to end on a high note.
In my Mother’s Day recap, I shared about the ferns we got for the front porch. Travis noticed there was a nest with an egg in one of them on Saturday, and then on Sunday when I took a peek, there were two eggs. Now, there are four eggs!
It wouldn’t be summer without a nest in my fern for a bit!
I’ve had a Sonic diet cherry limeade twice this week. Tuesday, we didn’t have school (definitely a favorite) for election day. It was nice to ease into the day, but we were pretty busy for the rest of the day.
The kids did a workout on my school’s track, and I went to vote. After the workout, we went to Sonic. They got lunch and slushies, and I got a Diet Cherry Limeade. It certainly hit the spot.
A local church brought Sonic drinks to us yesterday as a way to support our school, and we appreciated the love.
Yesterday, Hadley came home with her artwork and pieces from art class this semester. She drew Homer, and a self-portrait and made a cup and coaster as well. I love seeing her creations.
Favorite Clothes:
I’m officially trying to wear some of my favorite outfits the past couple of weeks of school.
I wore a cardigan with the dress below, but had taken it off for the pic.
I told you I’m loving my new Target sandals. I’ve been wearing them often (and see the above three pics as proof!)
Trader Joe’s:
Amy messaged me that Trader Joe’s has their Brazil Nut Body Butter out, and I missed out on it last summer. So, I headed to TJ after school on Wednesday and stocked up! (along with a few other items)
And…how cute is this little plant? It’s the perfect touch for the stand on my island tray.
Favorite Meal:
Well, I don’t have a picture of it, but we had chicken sandwiches the other night, and they were a hit.
It was basically Chick-fil-A dinner at home. I used these chicken patties from Aldi, and then put them on a brioche bun with pickles and CFA sauce. I made waffle fries in the air fryer. It was a quick and easy dinner that everyone loved.
Favorite Mom Meme:
This right here…
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Well, in honor the kids having their 8th grade promotion ceremony next week, here’s a flashback to 5th grade graduation three years ago.
*side note: When I shared my summer sandals post, I mentioned the Instagram Reel that Hadley helped me create. I said if it got 1,000 views, maybe I’d pay her $10 for her time and effort. Well, the reel gained a little traction with more than 1k views. This is a small feat for a small time blogger who rarely posts on Instagram. haha
I guess I better go find some cash!
What are your weekend plans? As I mentioned in Tuesday’s post, it’s been a hard couple of weeks at school. This week has felt really somber and even stressful sometimes as the school year wraps up.
I hope to find some time to relax a bit as we head into the week with 8th grade graduation (cue the tears!) and finish up the school year.
Well, a week from today, it will officially be summer for us.
How is middle school already over for my two?
While they still have a few more days, they turn in their Chromebooks today which means it’s pretty much fun and games the next couple of days.
You know I like a recap, so I thought it would be fun to have all of the middle school memories in one place.
Here’s a stroll down memory lane.
6th grade:
The week before school started, the kids went to the 6th grade orientation week. They were very nervous, but the nerves eased up with each passing day.
I think this was a three day session, and on the last day, they picked up their schedules. There were two sixth grade teams, and the counselor said they always put twins on the same team, but not in the same classes. Well, a lot of their friends were on the other team, and my mama heart was very nervous for them. That being said, they were kind of forced out of their shell and did a good job making new friends….and that orientation definitely helped them feel comfortable at a new school.
Notice the mask around Hayden’s neck…They started the school year wearing masks.
First day of 6th grade:
They look like babies!!
Hayden started the school year on the cross county team. It’s crazy to think that while he loved running, we didn’t know what to expect as he started running with middle school runners.
In late September, Travis ended up with Covid. Then, Hayden had it followed by Hadley. They all ended up being home for around ten days…remember all the Covid regulations?!? Right before our fall break in early October, the kids went back to school.
Since Hayden missed his school cross country pics, my brother-in-law took some of Hayden, and they turned out amazing.
Hadley made the dance team and started going to Young Life/Wyldlife which has been an amazing group for her.
In the winter, Hayden made the basketball team.
The 6th grade team ended up runner-up in the district tournament which was a amazing because they had a tough start to the season.
We survived our first middle school science fair projects.
On March 16, 2022, they finally went to school without a mask…and sent me the selfie smiles to prove it.
Track started after spring break.
In the state meet, they both ran the 4×800 relay.
They accomplished a lot and had so much fun. I also realized how much I enjoyed track meets. Track is such a mix of kids and such a variety of events that I think it’s one of the best sports for a student athlete.
May 25, 2022 was the last day of 6th grade. We They officially survived the first year of middle school.
In 7th grade, they didn’t get their schedules until the first day of school…and were surprised to find that they had gym class together. haha
In 7th grade, foreign language begins, and Hayden chose Spanish while Hadley chose French.
Hadley joined Student Council and continued with Wydlife.
Hayden started cross country, and Travis became the coach.
My brother-in-law took the team pics, and he got another good one of Hayden.
Hayden had a great season, and it was fun watching Travis and Hayden together.
In October of 7th grade year, Hadley got her braces off…
….and tried out for the volleyball team. A group of her friends decided they wanted to play, and they all made the team.
We had so much fun watching them play, and I think they surprised themselves with how good they were.
The girls finally got to experience a school dance! In January of 7th grade, the school organized a school wide dance (mixer) with music and games.
I worked the check in table, and the girls were so nervous when they checked in. I just think they didn’t know what to expect.
Hayden opted to go to a basketball game with his friends instead of go to the dance. Are we surprised?!?!
They completed another science fair project.
In January, the 7th grade basketball season started for Hayden….
…and he got his braces off!
They both went to the 7th grade Valentine’s Day dance. Again, Hadley was excited, and Hayden was hesitant. Hadley pretty much drags him through life. haha
Track started in the spring.
In 6th grade, Hadley ran the 800 and 400….but by 7th grade, she really upped her speed and started running the 200 (as well as the 400).
Hayden continued running the 1600 as well as the 3200 and 800.
In the state meet, Hadley ran the 400, Hayden ran the mile, and they both ran a couple of relays.
I wrote a 7th grade recap post at the end of the year.
The last day of school was May 26, 2023.
Hadley went to Wyldlife camp last summer, and she loved every minute.
8th:
While they are never super excited for school to start, at least they knew they were “top dogs,” and there weren’t any nerves.
They were in the same gym class again as well as the same Language Arts class. Oh…the stories I get to hear…(mostly, Hadley filling me in on Hayden and his friends’ shenanigans!)
Like all the other years, Hayden (and Travis) had cross country in the fall…and another great pic thanks to my brother-in-law.
Hayden ended up winning the end of season county cross country meet, and we were so happy for him.
He had a strong showing at the state meet placing in the top 10.
The kids always attended sporting events throughout middle school, but it seemed like they didn’t want to miss anything in 8th grade. They had fun supporting their friends.
Hadley had another fun season of volleyball.
We had 8th grade night!
In January, Hayden started his 8th grade basketball season.
Of course, the season concluded with an 8th grade night for him.
I do feel like these seasons went by in a blink.
This year, they went to the cotillion dances. I loved hearing a recap of each dance.
With each passing dance, they were less nervous.
And, of course, they’ve had one more track season.
The season is wrapping up, but they’ve accomplished their goals this year. They’ve both improved on their times, they’ve qualified for state in events that they’ve been working on, and Hayden won the district 1600 and 3200 races last week while Hadley’s 4×400 relay team is one of the top in the state.
Hayden also ran in the Dream Mile a couple of weeks ago which was a major goal for him during his 8th grade season.
While he was doing that, Hadley was at the 8th grade dance. Of course, she had lots of fun.
The state meet is up next.
School Pics:
I’ve shared these before, but the difference in the kids’ pictures from year to year blows my mind.
Some other thoughts:
I know I share a lot about sports and what they accomplish, but they’ve accomplished a lot in academics too. I firmly believe that the middle school years are a time to prepare for high school….and we’ve had struggles and celebrations.
They’ve had to learn study habits, time management, how to advocate for themselves and many other life skills.
While they know hard work pays off in athletics, they’ve learned that same lesson in academics. They’ve been on the honor roll every quarter, tried various elective classes, joined clubs, and more.
Overall, I think they will look back on their middle school years with some fond memories. I remind them that the middle school years can be really tough for some kids, and while it hasn’t been smooth sailing for them all the time, they really have learned lessons, grown, matured, made decisions, and formed friendships.
I’m thankful for the teachers and coaches who have championed and supported the kids through the years.
Now people are asking me if the kids are ready for high school and my response has been that it’s more about the fact that they are over middle school! (and very ready for summer)
Next week, they have their 8th grade promotion ceremony and a pool party with friends.
I swear with a week left of school, this feels like the longest end of the school year…but I’m already in “sandal mode,” so I’m happy about that.
I saw on reel on Instagram that @laurenebown shared about the five types of sandals you need in your summer rotation, and I thought “that would be a fun blog topic!”
So here we go:
Now, she only shares five total sandals, but I’m sharing my faves in each category. Some of these sandals I’ve shared previously, but I’ve added a few new ones to the mix this spring…and will continue to wear them in the summer.
Everyday Sandals:
These “big buckle” Birkenstocks are my favorites. I bought them two summers ago, and they are the first sandals I pull from my closet.
I’ve shared these double buckle sandals many times. Hadley has them in white, and I have them in rose gold. I’ve had them for almost three years, and honestly, I wear these just as much as the Birks from Nordstrom.
(FYI: I went up one full size from a 9 to a 10). They are currently 40% off with a lightning deal (60,000 4.5 star reviews!)
Skinny:
Ok…two years ago, I fell in love with a skinny sandal thanks to a pair Amy shared. I have that pair from Amazon that are no longer in stock, so when I saw these at Target about a month ago, I snagged them right up!
They are just the same as my Amazon ones that I’ve worn so much that it’s time for a new pair. These are perfect and the price tag is less than $13!
I also snagged these at Target. While they are obviously similar to the ones above, I love the little buckle detail, and they have a Memory Foam insole, so they are also comfy. I wear these to school more than any other sandal.
I wore them on Mother’s Day, and love that they are nice, but not too dressy.
Dressy:
I love these braided heels that I got from Amazon a couple of years ago. While I do wear them often (because I don’t dress up often), they are comfy and easy to throw on.
I don’t have a wide foot, but I did get a 9.5W after ordering the 9 and feeling like it was too tight.
I wore them to Oaks this year.
I love a wedge sandal even though I always hate having to buckle them. I got these wedges from Old Navy last year, and they are so comfy. I love the padded bow because it’s soft on the top of my foot. These aren’t in stock anymore, but…
…how cute are these Espadrille wedges? They seem to be “the” wedge for Old Navy this summer…even highlighted as a customer favorite. They come in a few colors too.
Chunky:
These slides are great for summer…I mostly wear them for yard work or to the pool, but I love that they are cute and funtional.
They have almost 65,000 four star ratings.
Special:
These gold slides stopped me in my tracks when I saw them at Old Navy this spring. The shiny gold color and cute knot make for a fun little sandal. They are currently on clearance for less than $10 with limited sizes left…but if you are a 7, 8, or 9, you are in luck.
(I did size up one full size)
I’ve already worn them many times including to my friend’s outdoor wedding.
…and to school a few times.
Also,
While I’m sharing sandals…
I have these Havaianas in rose gold and silver, and I’ve had them for years. Last year, one of my rose gold ones broke, so I just bought a new pair yesterday. They are a great summer/pool sandal.
I ordered these slides last year, and they are comfy. I did size up one full size. These are less than $15, and there are so many colors from which to choose. I did size up one full size on these.
I know, I know…I have a lot of sandals, but I truly do wear them from April until early October. Also, I wear lots of dresses to school in the spring and late summer/early fall months, and I almost always wear sandals.
Instagram Reel:
I showed Hadley Lauren’s shoe reel, and she said she could help me make one using the same audio. So, I will post my five favorite summer sandals this morning on my @showmeandsweettea Instagram account. Admittedly, I’m not great about posting on Insta much, but I appreciate Hadley’s help. She’s a great assistant; maybe if I get a 1,000 views on my reel I will pay her $10 😉 Go check it out and show it some love with a heart or a comment. We’d appreciate it.
Our temps are already feeling like summer…which I will be ok with once we are out of school!
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Well, my plan was to share my monthly Monday Memes post, but the weekend got away from me.
This must have happened at some other point in my blogging “career” because I already had this “May Memes” graphic.
Since next Monday is Memorial Day, I wanted to go ahead and share a few favorite memes for the month.
This month, many of the memes are school related:
Me in math:
Tis the season!
This one isn’t directed at either of my children but…
Bahahaha! Well, both my kids do have “A’s” in their names…but thankfully, they also have some A’s on their report cards too.
Oh I miss the field trip days! Field trips and naps are wasted on kids.
This one literally made me laugh out loud!
This could definitely be relatable at my house:
A couple other memes that made me laugh:
I always say I love going to the dentist, and this is another reason why:
I am literally the worst about asking someone’s name, and then it just goes in one ear and out the other.
We literally have the worst microwave for this. Our microwave is a couple of years old, and after it was installed and I used it the first time, I really wished we could have done a “test drive” on the microwave before purchasing it. I swear it only gives you ten seconds before it beeps at you again to open the door.
While these memes made me chuckle, it’s been a sad couple of weeks.
Honestly, this time of the year is hard, but in my school community, it’s been compounded by the loss of two wonderful students both within a week of each other. It’s been difficult at school and a somber way to end the year.
Fridays in May just hit different. I feel like we’re crawling to the finish line of the school year!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
The 8th grade dance!
Y’all, I know. I know. I’ve shared lots of dance photos this year, but those were the four cotillion dances. Friday night’s 8th grade dance is the only school dance of the year.
Friday night, Hadley & Co. were ready to mingle with their classmates. The theme was “Vegas” hence the “little black dress” attire. Of course, kids could wear whatever they wanted, but these girls leaned in to black dresses.
I still had store credit, so Hadley got another cute dress from Hello Molly.
They danced the night away, got Chick-fil-A on the way home, and had a great time.
Meanwhile…
Travis and I were with Hayden at a track meet in Louisville. Hayden ran in the “Dream Mile” which is a race with the top 16 middle school milers in the state.
It was a beautiful evening to watch him run.
He has gotten to know most of these guys over the past couple of years from cross country and track. It’s neat to see them chat beforehand, run together, and support each other, while exhausted, at the end of the race.
It was a fast race and the pace was pushed; Hayden had a 4 second PR…4:48 mile.
Mother’s Day was great! After a busy Friday night and Saturday, Sunday was a bit more low-key. I appreciated the gifts, the family time, and then sunshine!
I’m loving my new candles for spring. I think Summer Rose Bud is my favorite.
Favorite Mom Meme:
This has been an issue for quite some time. haha
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
The end of the school year means field day in elementary schools. I used to love that day.
When I was in the 4th grade, I was on crutches at the end of the year, and couldn’t participate in field day. I was so bummed.
The past few years, my kids have had the middle school version of field day. At least they’ve been able to get outside and have fun for a bit with their friends. They also usually sign years book on that day which is fun.
I enjoyed linking up with Joyce a couple of weeks ago, so I’m doing so again today for Wednesday Hodgepodge:
Let’s get started answering this week’s questions.
1. What impresses you?
Manners. Literally…that’s the first thing that popped in my mind. When I see someone hold the door for another person, when I hear a “yes, ma’am,” or when I hear a “please” or “thank you,” I really take notice. It’s not that I think that many don’t have manners these days, but sometimes it does feel that way.
I really hope I’m raising kids who will do the right thing and be polite and respectful.
2. Where are you in the family birth order? Do you fit the stereotype of that particular slot? In what way?
I think I’m the pretty typical first born. I very much have a “type A” personality and always wanted to do the right thing, please others, and make my parents proud.
My brother is 3.5 years younger than me, and we are close, but have different personalities. As a younger sibling, he’s more easy going than I am.
3. What motivates you more – a reward or a consequence?
Oh…this is a good question.
I never really had to have consequences as a kid. Not that I was perfect…I did get grounded occasionally, but I was always pretty intrinsically motivated, and I still am. Again, I always wanted to make others proud, and I think that turned into wanting to make myself proud…and now I want to make good choices so my kids are proud of me.
That being said, as an adult, you can reward yourself…and sometimes, I do go through McDonald’s for a Diet Coke after making it through a hard day or buying myself something if I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot. I used to buy myself something at the end of every school year as a reward for making it through the year. haha! It was usually a purse I wanted, a pair of sandals for the summer, or one year I bought my Kindle. Now, I usually treat myself to an end of school pedicure which feels like a reward.
4. May 14th is National Buttermilk Biscuit Day. Do you like biscuits? Make your own? Grab one for breakfast at a drive-thru now and then? Which drive-thru makes the one you like best? What do you like to put on a biscuit? What’s your favorite food or dish that calls for buttermilk?
I do like biscuits, but I don’t make them very often. The Bisquick “just add water” package is a life saver for making quick biscuits.
I think Chick-fil-A chicken minis are good, but it’s pretty rare for us to go to CFA for breakfast.
We do have a couple of biscuit places in Lexington, and they are good.
Biscuits and gravy are not one of my faves, but Trav’s mom is known for her biscuits and gravy. There is a restaurant here that we go to pretty often for breakfast, and Hadley always orders the biscuits and gravy…and eats the gravy with a spoon!
The only dish I make that calls for buttermilk is my Irish Soda Bread that I make at St. Patrick’s Day.
5. Are there any weddings on your summer calendar? What’s your favorite part of a wedding/wedding reception?
We don’t have any weddings on our summer calendar. It is crazy to think there was a time in our life when all we did was go to weddings. One year, when we’d first started dating, Travis was in six weddings in one year!
This spring, one of my best friends got married, and it was a lovely backyard wedding.
We have a niece and a nephew that have recently gotten engaged, so my answer might be different if I was answering this same question for summer 2025.
My favorite part of a reception is seeing the bride and groom’s first dance.
When we got married in June 2025, I let Travis pick out the song as a surprise for the first dance. He chose “Someone Like You,” and I joked it was because at that time, Ashley Judd was around a lot more as a Kentucky fan…attending the basketball games…and she was in a movie by the same name.
Anyway, it’s a sweet song, so I appreciated the sentiment.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and I saw memes like this floating around:
While it makes me chuckle, and honestly I don’t think much about the pay…I knew what I was signing up for…but, yes, if we need an appreciation week, it probably means we spend most of the year feeling underappreciated!
I did feel the love last week. Our PTSA, admin, and local businesses did spoil us. We got ice cream one day, and then two days I didn’t have to pack a lunch…that made me so happy…especially at the end of the school year when I’m over packing lunches.
This was a fun post to write; I love having topics where I can just write the first thing that comes to mind.
I know many of my readers are moms, but I also know that Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day) can be very difficult for some.
When those days roll around, I truly do also think about those who are sad on those days. I’ve been the woman wanting to be a mom, and I’ve also been the mom really grateful for her three-year-old twins, but sad after a miscarriage. You just never know what people are going through or what they’ve experienced.
I’m really grateful for the thought and care that my kids and Travis show me on Mother’s Day. We have a few traditions which I appreciate, but I do miss the days of hand print gifts and snuggles.
This year, I slept in a bit (we all did), and I woke up to flowers, a card, and a gift.
Travis picked up Panera bagels, so we had those before heading to church. We joined our church five years ago on Mother’s Day. Life can get busy, but I appreciate when we have time to go to church, especially on Mother’s Day.
Recently, our church started doing name tags, and Hadley wanted to write my name tag:
How sweet, right?
After church, we came home for a bit. I noticed the two hanging ferns on the front porch. That’s my traditional gift which I really appreciate. I keep the ferns on the porch until Labor Day weekend. Every year, we seem to end up with a nest of baby birds in one of the ferns. I love that my Mother’s Day gift ends up being a spot for a mother to care for her babies until it’s time for them to spread their wings and fly. (I’m not ready for that actual symbolism of my own birds flying the nest yet!)
We got a quick pic (another tradition/miracle!)
We wanted to go somewhere for lunch where we could sit outside. We’d never been to the Burl Brewery, but it was really nice. They had the garage doors open, the sun was shining, the Kentucky baseball game was on, and they had flowers for moms!
I ordered the avocado toast, and it was delish.
The kids played pool for a bit…
…while Trav had a beer, and I enjoyed a grapefruit mimosa….served by one of my former students!
We were there for a couple of hours, and then we came home. I put my flowers in a vase and set up my NEW KINDLE! Thankfully, that was a seamless process. I’ve had my other Kindle for six or seven years, and it wasn’t holding a charge for very long and was slow to download. I had told Travis I wanted a new one, but that I’d get one this summer. I was pleasantly surprised!
Then, I sat on the front porch and called my mom. We’d sent her flowers, and I’m glad she enjoyed them.
Travis had moved the TV out to the back patio to finish watching the UK baseball game. So, after I hung up with my mom, I decided to go out back and finish my book.
The Many Lives of Mama Love was so good…very inspirational.
Then it was time for dinner. Travis grilled steaks, Hayden put the asparagus in the oven, and Hadley was in charge of the (mircowave) Bob Evans mashed potatoes. When she asked me to stir them at the midway point, I said, “No ma’am!”…and she said with exasperation, “Being a mom is SO HARD!” 😆
We had dinner on the patio. I forgot to snap a pic, but here’s an old photo….which was probably my Mother’s Day dinner last year. haha
Hadley had volleyball, so I took her. Then, when I came home, I decided to do a few of my “mom responsibilities” that I’d neglected throughout the day. I made a grocery list, swapped out the laundry and then tidied up a bit.
I picked Hadley up around 9:15, and we ended the day with ice cream!
Overall, it was a really great Mother’s Day. I saw so many friends sharing their kids’ high school prom pics this weekend, and a few have graduation coming up soon. It was hard for me not to think the next four years are going to fly by. Ok, enough about that. I think I will live in denial for a bit longer 😉
This month’s topic is…5 favorite and least favorite foods. I’m not sure why this post was so hard for me to write….maybe because I’m not too picky, so I guess I like most food and don’t dislike many foods?
Top 5 favorite foods:
So many great foods to choose from, but I narrowed my list down to these five:
Chips and queso: the best part about going to a Mexican restaurant (I love a good salsa too!)
Macaroni and cheese: Hadley gets her love of mac and cheese from me. I don’t make it very often, but I love homemade macaroni and cheese. This recipe is a little effort, but it’s oh so good!
Gnocchi: If we are at an Italian restaurant and gnocchi is on the menu, I will order it!
Green bean casserole: Well, I don’t think I had green bean casserole until moving to Kentucky and attending Trav’s family get togethers. I always think of green been casserole for Thanksgiving and Easter, but I try to make it a couple of other times throughout the year. The crunchy fried onions on top are the “chef’s kiss.”
Mint chocolate chip ice cream: My favorite ice cream flavor of all time.
Bonus: I love sushi. Now, I don’t eat all fish. I don’t love tuna, for example, but I will eat salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, crab and more.
I’m sure I’m forgetting so many great foods, but those were the first ones to pop in my head!
Top 5 least favorite foods:
Oh…I do have a few least favorite foods:
Mayo: Absolutely not. I’ve never liked mayo and never will. If a recipes calls for mayo, I ain’t making it. I don’t even know if my kids have ever had mayo since we don’t have it at home.
Yogurt: I want to like yogurt so badly…I know it’s a great source of protein and an easy breakfast, but I just can’t do it. I was always proud of myself as a mom that my kids liked mayo when they were little. They still like it, but don’t ask me to buy it often.
Tomato: I don’t like tomatoes. They don’t taste like much to me and the juice is too runny. Again, I don’t know that my kids have had many tomatoes besides salsa.
Oysters: I know many people don’t like oysters, but Travis and Hayden do. When we go on vacay, Hadley and I hate it when they want to hit up the oyster happy hour.
Pimento cheese: I know it’s a southern thing, so I guess I didn’t grow up eating it. I tried it once, and I just can’t do it.
Coleslaw was another food that came to mind as one I don’t like.
Next month, our topic is also about food…but it’s foods to make for someone else.
I can’t wait to see what others share for favorites and least favorite foods. I’m sure there are some I could have added to both lists but forgot.
After today, only one more Monday of the school year…I think I can, I think I can!
Wow! This week feels like it flew by. Honestly, we had less going on in the evenings thanks to some rain, but this week still really seemed like a quick one.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorite.
Well, I never got around to sharing about the Kentucky Oaks races last Friday, so that’s what today’s blog post is all about!
It’s definitely a favorite tradition.
In true Jen fashion, I like to wait until the last minute to figure out what I’m going to wear.
By now, I have a few fascinators in my collection (and a friend who is always willing to share what she has), but I picked up this bright pink one at Macys on Thursday. My dress is the “Tatum” from Shop Style Your Senses, and my purse and heels are Amazon.
A quick selfie before my friends picked me up.
Travis always goes to the Thurby (Thursday before Derby) races, so he’s already in Louisville.
We met up with him and headed to Churchill Downs. I was very nervous about the weather because our seats were at the first turn and not covered! There were some showers throughout the day, but it ended up being overcast more than rainy.
Midway through the day, there is a “survivors walk” for the Breast Cancer survivors, and pink is definitely the color theme for Oaks.
The “Lily” is the drink of the Kentucky Oaks.
My friend Megan!
Overcast skies and a sloppy track!
After a few races, we walked around a bit and got a bite to eat. After Covid, the food and drinks are all inclusive with the ticket which makes everything so convenient.
We found a covered seating area because it started to rain a bit. Then, we walked around a bit more.
The new paddock area is amazing. We walked around up top…
I didn’t get a picture on my own, but ESPN shared this one on Facebook. The paddock area is really pretty!
After that, we met up with some friends and then made our way to a covered box. One thing about Travis is that he will always figure things out, and he found us some seating where we would for sure stay dry.
We watched the rest of the races, and had a few more drinks and food. They had cheesecake on a stick…but I forgot to get a pic! It was so good.
We snapped a group pic…
…before I placed a bet on Gin Gin in the Kentucky Oaks.
She did not win (win!).
After that race, it was time to head home. We knew traffic would be crazy, and we needed to get home to check on the kids.
The main rain happened right as we were leaving…enough so that Megan and I pulled out our ponchos for the walk to the car. Every year, we get pretty lucky with parking as one of Trav’s clients owns a parking lot right by the track, but it’s still a bit of a walk. This was the first year, I brought some sandals to wear when not wearing heels, and I’m glad I did. I wore my sandals for the walk to and from the car, and that made all the difference in the world.
I wish that I’d gotten a pic of us wearing our ponchos. haha
We navigated traffic and made it home around 8:00. After we checked on the kids, the four of us went out to dinner which was nice. Then, we were ready to be home and go to bed.
I’ve been to Oaks off and on through the years, but I think this was my fourth Oaks in a row. It’s a fun tradition that I’m glad we make happen.
Derby:
Derby on Saturday was so low-key that I don’t even have any photos.
Did you see the photo finish though? What a race!
We took it easy most of Saturday which was so nice. Trav’s boss called with two tickets to Derby, but we were so tired (and besides Thursday and Friday, Travis was in Louisville on Wednesday too). Also, Hayden had a race, so we made the decision to stay home.
Travis watched the races, placed a few bets and made some work calls throughout the day.
After Hayden’s race, we headed to our friends’ house as they hosted a little neighborhood get together.
Overall, it was a low-key day which was very much needed after a long Friday.
Per usual, my mom hosted her Kentucky Derby party back in KC, and had quite the turn out. She’s collected some cute Derby decorations through the years. The pics are always fun to see with the winners and their money and the losers with their loser cups. haha
Oaks and Derby are definitely fun traditions here in the Bluegrass State!
Share Our Lives:
On Monday, we have our monthly Share Our Lives post. This month’s topic is “5 Favorite and Least Favorite Foods.” We’d love to have you join us.
We have a busy Friday night, but then not too much going on tomorrow. Sunday is Mother’s Day, and I’m hoping we can go to church and maybe out for lunch.
showmeandsweettea.com 