I’m not sure what my blogging schedule will be in the summer. I’m sure I will post regularly, but just kind of want to “go with the flow” these next couple of months.
Anyway, I thought I’d try to write some summer related posts on Sundays.
For this first Sunday post, I’m sharing some favorite pool/beach bags that I either own or have found.
On Friday, I had my first official pool day which meant I got out my pool bag for the first time this summer.
I shared this pic last summer with some of my “Summer Staples,” and I already know that I will use it a lot this summer too.
Walmart:
So, I picked up this Canvas tote bag from Walmart last summer. It was the perfect size for packing just what I need for the pool. Last summer was the first summer, I wasn’t packing all the things for the kids. Now, when they go to the pool, they typically take what they need, or pack very minimally — Hayden throws a towel over his shoulders, hops on his bike, and that’s all he needs. haha
I loved this bag so much that I took it with me to Florida and California last summer.
Anyway, Walmart has this summer’s version of the tote that comes in a few cute patterns…and it’s only $15!
Scout bag:
We’ve belonged to our pool for eight years, and my first summer at the pool, I saw all the swim team moms with Scout bags.
I ordered one, and it’s still in great shape! I believe mine is the “original” size large. Mine doesn’t have a top zipper, but they do make ones that do zip.
It was perfect for the years I was lugging all the things to the pool…multiple towels, goggles, sunscreen, pool toys and more.
I still keep the bag to use when I do need to bring more things or if we are all going to the lake or the beach.
Bogg bag:
Bogg bags still seem to be all the rage. They come in a few sizes and lots of colors. I know they are nice because they are sturdy and can hold quite a bit.
I don’t have one, but we gave one to a friend for her birthday a couple of years ago.
Target:
I don’t have it, but the “Caning Tote” seems to be really popular this summer.
The brown one was the first one I saw shared as well as the crossbody purse.
The brown tote seems to come in and out of stock, but there’s also yellow and black.
Amazon:
I was clicking around Amazon and saw this beach tote. It’s a good size, water and sand proof, comes in a variety of colors, and has pockets on the inside.
It’s just $22 and has lots of good reviews.
Oh the pool days sure look different than they used to!
Well, the first Friday of summer sure hits different! I was very happy to not set an alarm last night…so that’s definitely a favorite of the week.
As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andreafor this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
The kids had the middle school state track meet last Saturday.
When they came out of their rooms that morning, they were “twinning” in their t-shirts from the distance festival in honor of Trav’s dad. As Hadley likes to say, “Twin telepathy!” (while Hayden cringes!)
It was a hot day that started with an hour and a half thunder delay even though we never saw lightning or rain.
This season, Hayden qualified in the 1600, 800, and 3200. He ran the 1600 and placed 8th overall with a PR. He decided not to run the 800 in order to focus on the 3200, but his hip was bothering him. Overall, I know he was disappointed in the day, but I know he did his best.
Hadley qualified in the 200, 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400. She was very close to a PR in the 200, but her relay team shined in all three relays. They set school records in all three relays, and their 4×400 came in 4th out of 65 teams.
It was a long day (we were gone for over 12 hours), but we had dinner out on the way home, and then they let me snap their pic with their medals before we all cooled off, showered, and went to bed.
I can’t believe their middle school track “careers” are over, but I know they will have a lot of fun competing in high school track too.
The kids’ 8th grade promotion ceremony was Tuesday night, and it was a really nice celebration of them and their 230 classmates. It was nice seeing everyone dressed up and supporting each other.
They’ve made some really great friends and some wonderful memories these past three years…but I’m guessing the best is yet to come!
After their ceremony, we went out to dinner with friends, and then they had some ice cream cake.
Wednesday night, a lot of the 8th graders got together for a pool party.
The weather was cooler, so they mostly ran around and played volleyball and pickleball, but it was a fun way to wrap up middle school.
New Fave Find:
Amy has shared about the Chobani, and my Kroger had this flavor. It’s so good!
Yesterday, Travis and Hayden traveled to St. Louis for Hayden to run in the Hoka Distance Festival. He ran in this race last year, and had such a good time. I’d hoped to join them, but with the busyness of this past week and some end of the school year responsibilities, I just couldn’t make the trip happen.
Overall, I think Hayden was pleased with his performance. I think that was his last official race as a middle school runner! Hard to believe.
After his race, they stayed and watched the high school runners and professionals which Hayden really enjoyed last year as well. Hoka puts on a great event that’s a fun experience for the runners.
Fave Follow:
I have a new favorite influencer to follow. @bobbiwiththeeye on Insta! She shares lots of “day in the life” as well as cute and affordable clothes and other products. Go check her out.
Favorite Mom Meme:
This meme is probably the most relatable one I’ve ever seen! I also feel this deeply as a teacher. haha
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Look at my little daredevil back in 2015. She was always on the playground doing tricks, and saying “Look mom, no hands!”
What are your weekend plans? I need desperately to get caught up on my life. I want to take this weekend to relax a little but to also get caught up on laundry, empty out my school bag, run some errands, meal plan and more. I feel like I’ve been “winging” it the past couple of weeks, and that’s not my best self!
Hopefully, I can start reading some of my summer books and relax a bit too.
Cue Alice Cooper….”Schoolssss out for the summer!” Finally.
Last week, I did a recap of my kids’ middle school years, and today I’m sharing about the last few days of school.
Last day(s) of middle school:
Well, truth be told, my kids have been over school for a bit now. They turned in their Chromebooks last Thursday leaving four days left in the year with not much to do.
Last Friday was “Clash of the Classes” field day and yearbook signing. I’m glad they got to have some downtime with the classmates, and I remember how much fun it was signing yearbooks. I did have to ask Hadley why so many people wrote “HAGS” in her yearbook, and she filled me in that it meant “Have a great summer.” I guess I should have known that!
The past couple of years, my kids have asked to not go on the last day, and I always make them go. I tell them it’s more for a “rite of passage” as an 8th grader not to go on the last day since the 8th grade promotion is the night before the last day of school. Plus, I’ve never wanted them getting in a habit of thinking attendance is optional.
So, that meant that Tuesday was the last day of school for them. Tuesday morning, Hadley and friends met up at Starbucks before their last day of school.
Then, she sent me pics with her friends all throughout the day. While they didn’t have much to do, I’m glad that she had some time with her friends. A few of her friends are going to a different school next year, so I do think the girls were a bit emotional about the last day of middle school.
The boys…not so much.
The 8th grade promotion was Tuesday night. Before Covid, I believe their school did this celebration the morning of the last day of school in the school’s gym. Post-Covid, they moved the promotion ceremony to my high school’s gym which allows for more guests, I guess?
In order to use my school’s gym, they have to have the ceremony in the evening. Anyway, Tuesday night was the 8th grade promotion.
I was able to get a couple of pics before we left the house.
It’s getting harder and harder to convince them to hold up the last day of school sign, but I’m grateful for the tradition.
For fun (or a few tears), here’s the first day of 6th grade. Wow…I know I’ve shared these photos through the years, but I really can’t believe how quickly these past three years have gone.
The promotion ceremony lasted a little over an hour and was really nice. A couple of students spoke as well as the principal. Then, each teacher shared a bit about their subject area and students who excelled in that subject. Then, all the students walked across, shook their principal’s hand and received their certificate.
It was really nice hearing all the students clap for each other, and all of the students seemed to be engaged and paying attention. It was a really nice celebration of three years of school. The principal acknowledged how the students spent most of their 6th grade year wearing masks, how much they’ve grown and matured, as well as what great classmates they all are.
As a parent, I appreciated the teachers and the principal speaking so highly of the student body.
After the ceremony, we snapped a few more pics.
My brother and sister-in-law were there.
There were lots of pics with friends…at least where Hadley was concerned. Boys aren’t as into pictures, and were more worried about where we were going for dinner.
Hadley really has made some wonderful new friends while keeping close friendships from elementary school. (Hayden too, but again…boys!)
The weather was beautiful, and we got a few family pics before walking to the car.
Officially promoted to high school:
…and a family photo which means more to me than they realize.
We went out to dinner with friends before heading home for cake.
Y’all know we love cookie cake and Bundt cakes, but we’ve been on an ice cream cake kick now.
Baskin Robbins for the win:
They squeaked in a couple of more smiles before enjoying their cake.
I went to bed not long after as I was tired…both emotionally and physically….and, I still had one more day of school to get through while they got to sleep in!
Wednesday evening, a few moms organized a pool party for the 8th graders, and they had lots of fun.
The temps had cooled off, so the kids mostly played volleyball and pickleball. It was a great evening to wrap up middle school.
I know I shared this meme last week, but it’s certainly hit home over the past few years.
…and while I know it’s hard parenting young teenagers, I know that being a teen isn’t easy! I just pray they continue down the right path, learn from mistakes, grow, mature, try their best, and be kind.
I love and believe in them more than they’ll every know.
Well, after today, it will officially be summer for me…which means hopefully I will have more time to read.
I can’t wait to dive into my summer reading list.
I hope my summer can look like this:
This was my summer reading list in 2021:
2022:
2023:
….and this is my reading list for summer 2024:
Last summer, I read all but one book on my list, so I’m adding it to this year’s list.
Here are my book choices this summer:
On Fire Island: I’ve never read a book by Rosen, and this book looks to be a heart-breaker, but I will still give it a go.
The Comeback Summer: I read The Beach Trap by Ali Brady, and loved it. So, I have high hopes for this book too.
Swan Song: This book is out June 11, and it’s apparently Hilderbrand’s last Nantucket novel? How is that so?
The Darlings: This book has been saved on my Goodreads list for a while, and I hope to get to it this summer.
A Happier Life: I love Kristy Woodson Harvey books. If you haven’t read her Peachtree Bluff series, you should. I can’t wait to read her newest book out on June 25.
The Summer Pact:Emily Giffin is another author I think of for summer reading. I enjoyed Meant to Be when I read it two summers ago. The Summer Pact comes out on July 9th,and I have it marked on my calendar.
The Summer of Songbirds: This was the one summer book I didn’t get to last summer, and I’ve already picked it up from the library to read in June.
This Summer Will Be Different: I’ve read Every Summer After and Meet Me at the Lake. I didn’t know there was a third summer book until my friend (hi, Allison!) mentioned it a few weeks ago. Of course, I had to add it to my list.
A Hundred Summers: I think I’ve only read one book by Williams, but I love historical fiction, so I thought this would be a fun one to add into he mix.
I hope you had a great weekend. Did you catch my post on Saturday?
We spent all of Saturday at the middle school state track meet. It was a hot and long day, but the kids ran great races. Sunday was more of a relaxing day, and we really needed the downtime. We had two major storms blow through, but thankfully we didn’t have any damage. Yesterday, we were back in Louisville for our niece’s college graduation party.
As the month wraps up, I’m sharing the books I’ve read in May.
This month I read three books that included two memoirs and one mystery.
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
A Beautiful, Terrible Thing:
Summary:
What do you do when you discover that the person you’ve built your life around never existed? When “it could never happen to me” does happen to you?
These are the questions facing Jen Waite when she begins to realize that her loving husband–the father of her infant daughter, her best friend, the love of her life–fits the textbook definition of psychopath. In a raw, first-person account, Waite recounts each heartbreaking discovery, every life-destroying lie, and reveals what happens once the dust finally settles on her demolished marriage.
After a disturbing email sparks Waite’s suspicion that her husband is having an affair, she tries to uncover the truth and rebuild trust in her marriage. Instead, she finds more lies, infidelity, and betrayal than she could have imagined. Waite obsessively analyzes her relationship, trying to find a single moment from the last five years that isn’t part of the long-con of lies and manipulation. With a dual-timeline narrative structure, we see Waite’s romance bud, bloom, and wither simultaneously, making the heartbreak and disbelief even more affecting.
Quick Thoughts:
A quick glance at the cover, and you might read the name as “Jen White” and not “Jen Waite!” haha
I read this book because a mom friend told me she was listening to the audio book, and I thought it sounded interesting.
Like who am I to be a book critic, but I didn’t enjoy this book at all. I think my biggest issue was how it was written. There were too many simple sentences, too much repetition, and many times where I thought details needed more explanation. I felt like I was reading a bad essay the whole time. Maybe the audiobook was better?
Rating:
2.5 stars!
The Many Lives of Mama Love:
Summary:
No one expects the police to knock on the million-dollar, two-story home of the perfect cul-de-sac housewife. But soccer mom Lara Love Hardin has been hiding a shady secret: She is funding her heroin addiction by stealing her neighbors’ credit cards.
Lara is convicted of thirty-two felonies and becomes inmate S32179. She learns jail is a class system with a power structure somewhere between an adolescent sleepover party and Lord of the Flies. Furniture is made from tampon boxes, and Snickers bars are currency. But Lara quickly finds the rules and brings love and healing to her fellow inmates as she climbs the social ladder to become the “shot caller,” showing that jailhouse politics aren’t that different from the PTA meetings she used to attend.
When she’s released, she reinvents herself as a ghostwriter. Now, she’s legally co-opting other people’s identities and getting to meet Oprah, meditate with The Dalai Lama, and have dinner with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. But the shadow of her past follows her. Shame is a poison worse than heroin—there is no way to detox. She must learn to forgive herself and others, navigate life as a felon on probation, prove to herself that she is more good than bad, and much more.
Quick Thoughts:
This was Shay’s April Book Club book, and I love a memoir, so I thought it would be a book I enjoyed. Since it’s an Oprah book, there was a long wait at the library. So, I didn’t read this book until May. Anyway, I really enjoyed it!
Obviously, since she’d written the book, I knew her life must have been turned around and gotten back on track, so I think that helped me as I read during the hard times that Lara went through.
Honestly, I think her story is amazing, and while she had many difficult years and a few hiccups along the way, her children were her motivation to get back on track and make something of herself. I thought her story was so interesting, and it’s a true testament to the fact that when others believe in you and give you a chance, it can truly be life changing.
Rating:
The Darling Girls:
Summary:
For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. As young girls they were rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate and given an elusive second chance at a happy family life.
But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thinks it was. Miss Fairchild had rules. Miss Fairchild could be unpredictable. And Miss Fairchild was never, ever to be crossed. In a moment of desperation, the three broke away from Miss Fairchild and thought they were free. Even though they never saw her again, she was always somewhere in the shadows of their minds. When a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, the foster sisters find themselves thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses. Or are they prime suspects?
Quick Thoughts:
This was another one of Shay’s Book Club books…but I would have read it anyway because I enjoy Sally Hepworth books. I was actually at my favorite book store a few weeks ago and bought the book.
This book was a good one! What I like about Hepworth’s books is that they are set in Australia, so I love those references. I loved how different the sisters were, but how they were united they were as adults. How the book was organized made it a quick read. It goes back and forth from “then” and “now” with each sister as well as Ms. Fairchild too. As the plot develops, more secrets are shared. There are some tough topics covered in this book. The plot is filled with mystery, laughter, serious and light moments. The ending has a few twists too.
This quote sums it up perfectly: “You really got more than bargained for when you came here. Dysfunctional sisters, criminal charges, a run-in with monster of a former foster mother.”
It’s definitely a great summer read.
Rating:
So, this month had one three star, one four star, and one five star book. That’s a pretty good month of reading.
Come back tomorrow because I’m sharing the books on my Summer Reading List.
Today is the kids’ 8th grade promotion ceremony. They are more than ready to wrap up this school year. I feel the same way!
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.
showmeandsweettea.com 