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Posted in Day in the Life

Day in the Life: Snow Day

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Ours was a good one…mostly filled with frigid temps and indoor volleyball. We capped off our weekend cheering for the CHIEFS! We are excited for that big divisional win!

Speaking of the weekend…did you catch my posts on Saturday and Sunday?

Today, I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly for…

….to share…

Snow day edition…

With an actual snow day on Friday…and no “non-traditional instruction,” I just decided on a whim to capture the day. I wasn’t sure what we had in store when I woke up a little after 8…but here’s how we spent our snow day.

I woke up and used my Jergens Awaken and then applied a face mask. I also used eye gels that are a new fave. I’ve used the gold ones on and off for years, and decided to try these “marine collagen” ones recently, and they a great too.

I checked out the snow, and it was so pretty. We actually got about five inches!

I couldn’t convince Trav to stay home, so off to work he went while I poured my first cup of coffee.

Then, I settled in to read blogs…

…and play my daily Bejewled Blitz.

Then, I washed off my face mask, and did my normal morning skin care routine.

Then, of course I made the bed.

I poured a second cup of coffee and had some breakfast. I don’t typically have breakfast, but last week, I decided to embrace a more leisurely lifestyle…and the cinnamon swirl bread is so good.

The kids didn’t have any assigned work since it was a snow day, but Hayden needed to complete a Spanish assignment from the day before. I haven’t taken Spanish in over twenty years, but I was some help to him!

Then, I worked on my Saturday blog post…

…before waking Hadley around 11:00.

Then, I read my daily Bible study.

Then, I moved on to some not so fun tasks. Last week, I tried to take advantage of more time at home to put up Christmas stuff, get organized, and tidy up around the house.

Our unfinished/laundry area needed a lot of attention. I decided to set a timer for 1 hour to just get it done.

Here’s what it looked like when I started:

Well, then the girls wanted to go sledding…and thankfully, Travis came home from work a bit early…just in time to drop them off.

One hour later and things looked so much better.

After cleaning, I finally sat down for a late lunch. I love having a plate full of random goodness.

Then, I did my workout. Last week, I worked out every day! By Friday, I was a little sore, so I thought yoga would be good to stretch a bit, and it was just what I needed. I did “Mobility Flow” from the Fire and Flow program on Bodi.

After my workout, I filled in my workout tracker. I’m making progress in January!

While I was working out, Travis dropped off Hayden and friends to go sledding. I figured they might want a treat when they got home, so I made Blondie Bars from Trader Joe’s.

While they baked, I watched another episode of Fool Me Once.

Then, I took the bars out of the oven…

….just as the boys got home and wanted to make snow cream.

Hadley had made some the other day when they were all home. I texted her because the boys had no clue what to do…her response is so funny.

After the peppermint extract incident (which actually probably would have been ok), they started over and made some good snow cream.

Then, I clicked around on Wallpops trying to decide on wall paper for Hadley’s room. There’s another one that Hadley likes, but this one was one of my favorites.

Is it even a snow day if I don’t get a little nap? I read for a bit before dozing off.

Then, I finished up my Saturday blog post.

I love being showered…hair washed and everything…by 6:00. Ahh…snow day perks. Hadley and I are both still big fans of shower steamers.

I even did my PM skin care routine early too.

Then, I collected things off the front porch…including Hayden’s frozen Crocs…haha

Around that time, Trav took Hadley to a friend’s house to spend the night and picked up pizza for dinner.

Then, Hayden went to a friend’s house, so Travis and I watched tv for a couple of hours.

Around 10:45, I went to pick up Hayden from his friend’s house.

Thankfully, the kids only needed to go to friends’ houses in the neighborhood.

Once we got home, it was time for bed!

Overall, it was a great day. A good old fashioned snow day was just what we needed on a cold and snowy Friday after a few consecutive days of online learning.

Guess what —we have another online learning day today! With the frigid temps, many of the side streets, including mine, are still slick and snow packed. With rain on the way and mild temps this week, I think the snow will finally be out of here soon.

I hope you have a great week.

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Posted in Blog challenge, Books and Shows

Bloganuary 1.21.24

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Sunday!

Well, the days have started to run together this week, but it is the end of the weekend…and I have another Bloganuary post.

It’s no secret that reading is one of my favorite hobbies. Today, I’m sharing a few fun book graphics and my answers to an “All About Books” prompt.

I like to think that I’m “lives in the book shop/library” and “the bookworm.”

Pinterest/ @idotdoodle

Via Pinterest, I found this “All About Books” prompt…and here are my answers:

C/o Pinterest @glammtemplates
  • Favorite book: I remember everyone talking about Where the Crawdads Sing, and for whatever reason, I put off reading it. Once I started to read it on vacation a few summers ago, I couldn’t put it down. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read it. I think the movie is pretty amazing too.
  • Book I regret reading: Travis asked me once if I ever start a book and don’t finish it…and I told him I used to never quit a book, but now I do if needed. There are so many books that I want to read, so I try not to feel like I “have” to read a book. Anyway, Block Party was a “hot” book this summer, and I trudged through it. I should have stopped reading when I wasn’t enjoying it, but since it was pretty popular, I kept reading…and I wasted time I could have spent on a good book.
  • Currently reading: I’ve had All the Light We Cannot See on my list for a while, but I finally made it a priority to read because I also want to watch it on Netflix! I’m enjoying, but it’s a long book…so I hope I can finish it soon.
  • Books I recommend: This varies based on the person or situation…but the Class Mom series is so funny, and Elin Hilderbrand is the queen of beach reads!
  • A book I can always reread: To Kill a Mockingbird is one that I could read over and over…and do thanks to my job! haha You would think that I would have read this book in high school, but I never did. The first time I read it was right before I taught the unit my first year teaching. Now, over twenty years later, I can say that I’ve read it at least 12-15 times. The past few years, the students I’ve worked with have read the graphic novel version.
  • Favorite genre: I used to like chick lit and light, easy reads. A few years ago, I really started enjoying historical fiction.
  • Least favorite genre: I do not like sci-fi or fantasy…books or movies.
  • Buy or borrow books? It’s pretty rare for me to buy a book. Again, since there are so many I’d like to read, I’m ok with being on the wait list at the library until it’s my turn to read a book. I do love buying books from time to time though.
  • Write a book someday? I don’t think that’s something I desire to do. I like being the author of Show Me and Sweet Tea. 😉
Pinterest @becauseallthebooks

What’s the best book you’ve ever read?

I will post this template from @glammtemplates on Instagram today. I’d love to know your answers…and don’t forget to tag me in your responses.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Posted in Meals and Recipes

Bloganuary 1.20.24

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday from snowy Kentucky.

We got about five inches of really pretty snow yesterday, and had a great snow day.

Today, I’m continuing with…

In the past, I’ve shared many Trader Joe’s hauls and even a few Aldi finds too.

Since Saturdays are typically when I pick up my Kroger Clicklist order, I got to thinking about some of the things that I buy every week. I’m sharing those with you today.

Clicklist has been doing the most for me for probably eight years or so…

Of course, I meal plan our dinners and plan a few of my school lunches. Those items tend to change week to week although I almost always pick up green beans, a bagged salad, eggs, and fruit.

The kids’ requests can vary as they go through phases of what they want to eat, but here are some things I every week….lately.

(and…of course, I’m typing this on a Friday when I don’t have all of the things on hand…so I turned to the Kroger app for pics too)

1. Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This has been Hadley’s favorite thing for the past couple of months. While I don’t typically eat breakfast, one slice is a nice afternoon snack. This week, while being home, I’ve decided to embrace the relaxed schedule, and I’ve had a slice with my coffee most mornings or as a part of my lunch.

2. Frozen Waffles

If Hayden’s not eating oatmeal or cream of wheat, he’s on a waffle kick. For quite a while, I bought Eggo chocolate chip waffles…and all of the sudden, they are nowhere to be found. So, we’ve transitioned to these cinnamon toast ones.

Sometimes, if I have a lazy dinner for myself, I have a waffle along with fruit and a hard boiled egg.

3. Chocolate Milk

I buy a few of these pints of chocolate milk every week for Hayden. He likes to drink one after he runs.

We also tend to have chocolate syrup on hand because Hadley likes to drizzle some on her vanilla ice cream. Hayden will also use it to make chocolate milk if we are out of the pints.

4. Adult Lunchable

I call these Oscar Mayer Naturals “adult lunchables” because sometimes I take them for a quick lunch option. Usually by Friday, this is what I’m having for lunch…or I sometimes have one on the weekends instead of being tempted by Chick-fil-A or Chipolte when I pick that up for the kids.

5. Grab the Gold Bar

These are my newest obsession. They are a good snack and good source of protein and fiber. Again, I oftentimes put one in my purse to eat on the go if needed.

6. Cheezits

When my dad visits, he opens the cabinet and questions if there’s a snack we won’t buy. haha

Also, of course, the kids like a variety of things. Hadley prefers White Cheddar Cheezits, and Hayden likes original. Both kids (and me!) like this snack mix kind, so we buy it the most.

Another favorite of the kids is the colorful goldfish…and I love Dots pretzels.

7. Baked Potato

Whoever invented this seven minute microwaveable baked potato is a genius. I buy one or two a week to have as a side for dinner or for lunch. Usually, I just eat half of one, and it’s easy for me to take for lunch.

8. Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes

Well, I know who invented these…and thank you Bob! There is no easier or delicious side dish than these microwave mashed potatoes.

9. Ramen

Hadley is going to thrive in college because she loves ramen. These are a great weekend lunch for her or even something to eat if dinner isn’t ready, and she has to head to practice…(and then she eats dinner when she gets home)

10. Premier Protein Shakes

I’m always working on finding ways to get more protein in, and these shakes have 30g each. I usually buy a pack every week…and sometimes a couple of packs if Hayden wants them too.

11. Drink Flavor Packets

Fun fact about me: I will drink more water if it’s flavored. I’m still filling up my tumbler at least twice a day to get my water in. I only use one flavor packet a day…usually I fill up my tumbler and add one packet, and then add more water after drinking about half. This grape flavor is my favorite.

12. Ice cream

We buy ice cream every week. Even though I have a sweet tooth, I can say no to ice cream at home. We’re to the point where I typically buy two cartons, and the family fave tends to be Oreo/cookies and cream.

Lately, if I want ice cream, I have one of these Kind ice cream bars that I find at Target, and I feel better about my choices 😉

What are some of your “go to” grocery items?

Posted in Friday Favorites, Uncategorized

Friday Favorites {#191}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Well, what a week…We had a three day weekend that turned into a week with no school. Well, Tuesday-Thursday were online learning days, but today, with fresh snow and a chance of some ice, we have a good old fashioned snow day!

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week:

Well…ask, believe, and receive!

It’s not that we got that much snow, but we did get 3-4 inches and frigid temps. My road is still snow packed from Monday’s snow. Then, last night, the snow started up again.

I do appreciate snow days and the extra time off that we’ve had.

It’s been nice knowing ahead of time that we don’t have school, so we don’t have to set alarms in the morning.

While I’ve had school responsibilities, of course, it’s been nice to fall into an at home routine. I’ve had more time to sip my coffee, read, get a workout in, and watch some tv while also juggling school, kids’ activities, and their schoolwork.

On Tuesday, I made the kids “snowman” pancakes for breakfast. They turned out pretty cute:

This is kind of a random Amazon find, but I bought this Jergens “Awaken” essential oils stick after seeing it pop up on my Amazon feed. I’ve put a bit on my wrists and neck every morning, and it’s a really refreshing scent to help wake me up. I’m waiting on the “Sleep” one to arrive. I will let you know how it is once I get it.

One perk of snow days is lunch at home. I love a plate filled with random things for lunch. A new find that I’ve been trying are these “Just Crack an Egg” scramble kits. I’ve tried a couple different ones, and they are so good.

Last week, I made a stop at Walmart and saw this chenille hooded cardigan. I’ve been wanting something to wear around the house (not that you can’t wear this out and about…and now I have given the leisurely week I’ve had), but that isn’t a robe. Even though I love pjs, I get hot, so I usually sleep in a t-shirt and pj pants. So, this is perfect to throw on in the morning or after a workout…as seen below.

It’s in the junior department, so I sized way up to 2XL for a more over-sized fit.

Travis and I finished The Night Agent this week, and we LOVED it.

I’ve also started Fool Me Once, and it’s gotten my attention.

Favorite Kid Quote

Hadley noticed my new pjs and I just looked at her surprised…although I don’t know why because she always notices anything new. Without missing a beat she said, “You can’t be a slick chick with me.” 😆 She is so quick-witted and funny….wonder where she gets that?! 😉

Did I need another pair of pjs? Probably not. That being said, I got them for $20 (with a code), and with snow on the ground, I can’t be stopped with my decisions on flannel pjs!

Favorite Mom Meme:

You’re welcome, kids!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Oh this snow day memory from 2014. Pinchy cheek cute and very creative with their snowman skills.

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week…including ones from last weekend:

Winter Movies
Bloganuary: Childhood Toy
Hello Monday
The Perfect Snow Day
Let’s Look
Thursday Thoughts

What are your weekend plans? Well, we have more winter weather on the way and bitterly cold temps too. Hadley has a volleyball tournament, so most of our weekend will be spent indoors watching her play.

I hope to keep up with my month of blogging, so I will post more over the weekend.

Stay warm!

Posted in Blog challenge, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I hope you’ve been able to stay warm this week. I know many of us are dealing with winter weather…and we are on NTI day #3 around here.

Today, for…

…I’m continuing with….

Besides WordPress ideas for blogging topics, I have a few ideas saved on Pinterest. One journal prompt was:

Favorite part of my evening.

Is there anything better than getting home after a long day and getting settled for the night?

Today, I’m sharing my top five favorite parts of my evening.

Not counted in the count, but something I love is when I get home, and I know that I don’t have to go back out. Of course, we’re in a busy season of life, so a night at home is a rarity and a treat. If that’s the case, then these five things really apply:

Pajamas!! Now, many times I get home from school, change into workout clothes, and head to the basement for my workout. Even workout clothes are a nice change from wearing school clothes, but as soon as I can put on my pjs and slippers, I’m a happy camper.

Leftovers for dinner! While I love cooking, it’s so nice to just pull a meal out of the fridge to warm up for everyone. Often times, even if we have leftovers, I still add something new to the meal like rolls, salad, or green beans.

Family dinner/everyone is home!

Again, being in a busy season with all of the kids’ activities, we don’t get to eat dinner together every night. So, the two to three nights a week that we are able to do so mean so much to me. That’s one of those “mom things” that I don’t think the kids know that parents appreciate.

I can’t remember if I’ve shared this, but the kids have Language Arts class together this year…and this semester, they have Tech Ed together too. While Hayden doesn’t share as much, Hadley usually has funny stories or the kids end up falling into a conversation about school or the classes they have together, and it’s nice to hear about their day…even if they don’t always like to give us all the details. haha

Hot shower/skin care! Usually right after dinner, I take my evening shower, do my nightly skincare, and put those pjs (back?) on.

I’m still loving a shower steamer when I remember to throw one in the shower. I’m still using body butter, and the Candy Cane one from Trader Joe’s is my favorite this season.

Then, of course, I like washing my face and using my Dime Beauty products along with a few other things. It’s nice to have a clean face that’s ready for bed.

Reading! Once we got back to school, I didn’t have as much time to read. That being said, there are many nights that I scroll my phone for a few minutes, so now I’ve decided to be a bit more intentional about reading time.

When I read on my Kindle, I always read before bed, but if I’m reading a book, that’s harder to do…because Travis is ready for me to turn the lamp off.

Anyway, for the past week, I’ve been reading this book and making sure to read for 20-30 minutes after my shower which has been nice to do.

If Travis and I have time to watch a show together, that’s always good too. We just finished The Night Agent two nights ago, and we loved it. It’s been a long time since we’ve “binge watched” a show together.

Many times, we’ll watch Kentucky or Missouri basketball games too. He’s lucky to have a wife that loves sports…haha

I’ve also started Fool Me Once, and I’m almost finished with The Crown. While those are shows just I watch, it’s nice to have an evening at home to watch them.

What’s your favorite part of your evening?

Posted in Home Updates, Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

The month of January is flying by…and it’s already time for Let’s Look with Erika and Shay.

This is one of my favorite link ups, and this month we’re looking at…how we clean our closets.

I know I’m not the only one, but once the new year hits, I’m ready to purge the pantry, closets, and drawers…and it’s a great time to get organized.

About a year and a half ago, I did a major closet purge and re-organization. I had let my closet get out of hand, and it took isolation in my bedroom for five days due to Covid for me to get it handled…haha

Thankfully, my closet is still in pretty decent shape. Some of that is because I still utilize two closets: the one in our bedroom and one of our hall closets.

When it was time to get organized, I took my closet section by section as to not feel too overwhelmed. I actually took the time to try things on, and if it didn’t fit or I didn’t like it, then it went in the donation pile. There weren’t many pieces of clothing that I threw away, but if something had a hole or a stain, I tossed it.

Another thing I bought was hangers, so that they all matched. My closet still pretty much has those matching hangers. My thought was twofold: one, that it would like nicer to have uniform hangers; and two: that if I wanted to use those hangers, I would kind of have to stick with the “one in, one out rule” to not let my closet get too overwhelmed.

To be honest, it’s probably time for another clean out, but nothing like what I needed to do in July 2022.

I still think one of the best things I bought were these clear acrylic dividers. I actually bought two six-packs, and I used them in both closets to keep jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweaters organized.

This is the pic I took of the finished product, and my closet still pretty much looks like this which makes me happy.

As we’ve been updating Hadley’s room, I had her do a closet clean out over winter break.

I didn’t take a before picture, but Sis really “leaned in” to tossing things and getting organized.

She actually has a really great closet…I’m kind of jealous.

Now, it looks more streamlined, and so much better!

We bought a few clear plastic bins at At Home, and we figured we could use them somehow.

On the top shelf, she has two bins filled with random things for spirit week or dress up days. That is kind of random, but very “on brand” for my spirited 8th grader. Honestly, I’d rather her keep leis, spirit sticks, tutus, etc. all together in one (or two) bin(s) where we know we can find these things rather than have to buy these things again in the future.

On the bottom shelf, she has a couple of boxes filled with photos and cards. These used to be on her bookshelf, but we got rid of it to make more space in her room.

The next two clear bins just have a couple of extra blankets. They could have just stayed folded on the shelf, but putting them in a bin ensures they have a spot and stay folded (read: smushed) in the bin.

The wire basket Hadley has had for years, and it used to sit on her desk. We got rid of most of the school supplies she doesn’t need, and decided to put her yearbooks and photo albums in it. Her new desk is actually a vanity, so we didn’t want as many school supplies on the vanity.

Lastly, the pink and white striped bin she has also had for years. It’s always housed her sheets, but we got rid of the sheets she didn’t want. Now she has a pair on her bed, and then an extra pair which is all she really needs.

We’re still figuring out wallpaper and what to hang on the walls, and then her room will be pretty much finished. I plan on sharing her room when it’s all complete. My friend did an amazing job sharing ideas, and I really appreciate it.

Hadley’s really loving her new space. 

Homer likes it too 😉

We have NTI day #2 today due to the bitterly cold temps…and more snow is on the way tomorrow! We’ve gone from 0 to 100 where winter is concerned!

Posted in Seasonal, Tuesday Talk

Snow Days

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello from snowy Kentucky!

We finally got some snow yesterday, and it made me so happy.

I’m linking up with Joanne to talk about…

…the perfect snow day.

So, I had this post in mind last week, and thought if I wrote it, maybe Mother Nature would take the hint and throw some snow our way….but then we actually got snow yesterday, so this post is really timely! Anyway, here’s what a “perfect” snow day would look like:

1.

First of all, there would actually be snow…

We’ve had many days off in the past for cold temps, flu, ice…I love a good six inch snow. With that kind of snow, it’s pretty to look at, the kids can play in it, and we can make snow ice cream.

2.

Sleeping in is amazing on a snow day. We’ll take a day off when we can get it, but it’s great to know the night before, so we don’t have to set alarms when we go to bed.

I did love when the kids were little and they’d sleep in a bit and then rush out of their rooms thinking we were late for school. So sweet.

Now, if we we find out the night before, they find out via text like the rest of us.

3.

On an ideal snow day, Trav would be home too. It’s pretty rare for him to miss work due to the weather as it doesn’t take much snow for us to get a day off, so it’s probably ok driving conditions for him.

There have been years where we’ve gotten a lot of snow or ice, and he’s stayed home or come home early.

Although, if he’s home for more than one day, he wants to be productive…and that’s not the energy I’m looking for on a snow day 😆

4.

Snowman pancakes are a tradition on the first snow/ice/day off of the season. I started this tradition when the kids were in preschool, and I plan on carrying this tradition on until they graduate high school!

5.

The kids will get bundled up and go play outside.

While I miss the froggy hats, I am content with the fact that the kids are old enough to dress themselves and go play outside with friends without an adult!

6.

Homer can go outside and have fun too! Part Husky Homer loves the snow. (Once he gets down the back steps…He’s always hesitant to go down the steps the first time it snows!)

7.

Sledding! The kids have logged lots of memories sledding through the years.

It doesn’t take much for them to want to go sledding…

…and sledding is always more fun with friends.

8.

Snow angels are fun too. Well, for them…not for me.

…and who doesn’t love building a snowman?

9.

Hot chocolate after playing in the snow is perfect on a snow day whether you are 4 or 14!

10.

A fire in the fireplace and time to read makes for a perfect snow day for me.

11.

Winter movies (and maybe a nap!) are great on snow days too.

12.

Snow ice cream is a treat when we get lots of snow. We don’t always think to do this one, but when we do, we never regret it!

I will say that snow days now “hit different.” The past couple of years, we had NTI days (non-traditional instruction) where students have homework to do that’s posted online. But…we also had a few days off that were just snow days.

This year, they announced that any snow/ice day will be an NTI day. (unless there are power outages or it just makes sense to have a traditional day off) I really don’t want to be in school any later than we already are, so I can appreciate NTI as an option. Our students got an extra week of summer this past year, and we get a week at fall break, so NTI days are what we need to do to still get out around Memorial Day.

That being said, I hope that teachers strike a balance in what they ask students to do. In general, students shouldn’t have more than three hours total of work per day, and I feel like my kids have had a lot more than that in the past.

I guess we will see how today goes…It’s NTI day #1.

This post also made me a bit nostalgic because sometimes I really do miss when the kids were little…and these snow day memories have me feeling that way.

I know not everyone gets a snow day off, so I don’t take for granted not having to drive in the elements and being able to stay home in my pjs when the weather is bad.

Warmest wishes,

Posted in Weekend Top 5

Hello Monday

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday! How was your weekend? Ours was good, and today was a Monday we got to sleep in!

I’m even late getting this post out, but that’s ok.

Did you catch my Saturday and Sunday posts?

I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly to share about my weekend.

Here’s a peek at our weekend:

I had a meeting on Friday morning, and as I headed downtown, it was as if I was headed straight to the bottom of this pretty rainbow. Later, when I looked at the pic, I saw a faint double rainbow. The rest of Friday was soggy!

Hayden had basketball practice, and Hadley requested Starbucks after school. I got a Pistachio latte, and we headed home. I put my pjs on and caught the weather because I was hoping for a snow update.

Hayden went straight from basketball to dinner with friends to celebrate his friend’s birthday. When Trav dropped him off, he picked up dinner for us. We ate and hung out with Hadley, but she had an early bedtime due to early wake-up for volleyball the next day.

While Hayden continued having fun by going bowling with friends, Travis and I watched a couple of episodes of Night Agent. We are hooked!

Hayden got home around 11:30, and we all headed to bed.

I was up around 6:15 to get Hadley up by 6:30. She had to be at volleyball by 7:30, and thankfully another dad was taking the girls.

Homer missed Sis!

Pool play started at 8:30, and then Hadley didn’t have games for a couple of hours, but she had to stay and ref.

I ran to Target for a few things before going home to do a quick workout. I’m glad I made the choice to do that because the rest of the day was non-stop.

Then, I headed back to catch the last two pool play games. The girls found their groove and went 2-1 in pool play.

Then, there was a break before bracket play. I went to a nearby restaurant, ate a little lunch and started a new book. I was there about an hour, and it was nice to have a little quiet time, catch up on emails and texts, and read.

These are some of Hadley’s best friends, and for this tournament, they were on two different teams. There were hundreds of teams at this tournament, but of course they ended up playing each other in the first round of bracket play. Hadley’s team won, but the first set was a nail biter…31-29!! We had fun watching them, and these girls did great.

Hadley’s team had one more game, and I think everyone was ready to leave the gym after 10 hours!

Hadley had started to not feel well, and she requested Panera for dinner, so we picked that up on the way home.

Then, Travis and I headed to Hayden’s basketball game.

It was just a scrimmage, but he was playing against one of his besties, and it was a fun game to watch.

Travis and Hayden went to Lex Live with the team to watch the football games, but I wanted to get home to Hadley…and to watch the Chiefs in peace and quiet.

I don’t know how they played in negative temps, but they did…and they pulled out a win!

Travis and Hayden were home around the end of the game, and it was another late night to bed.

Y’all I slept until 10 (after I woke up around 6:00 with a headache…I think they long week, busy Saturday and very little food, for some reason on Saturday, caught up with me. I was thankful that I was able to fall back asleep)

When I got up, I placed our weekly Kroger order…and then I watched two episodes of The Crown.

Honestly, I just spent the rest of the day in pjs which is all that I could ask for. I got lots of texts and Facebook wishes for my birthday which of course I appreciated.

Later, the kids and Trav gave me my birthday cards…

Hadley was amazed at Trav’s bubble letters that included my name and my age…and he said, “I took art in high school!” 😆

…and look at this cookie cake! They know me so well. haha

We had big family dinner plans, but Hadley really wasn’t feeling well, so we decided to postpone those, and Travis and I headed to get a quick bite to eat.

Honestly, this was still a very nice meal at J. Alexander’s for my birthday, so I really appreciated a few moments with Trav…and not cooking. We brought the kids some chicken tenders home for their dinner.

Then, I was going to finish up this post, but Travis asked if I wanted to watch more Night Agent. So, that’s how I wrapped up my birthday weekend.

This morning, as I type this, I’m enjoying coffee, and a piece of cookie cake for breakfast…and there’s snow on the ground! This is the best kind of Monday.

Posted in Blog challenge

Bloganuary 1.14.24

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

How is your weekend going? We had a busy day yesterday, but we don’t have much on tap today. I’m ready for a bit of downtime.

I’m continuing with my Bloganuary posts…

…and sharing about…

When I was little, I loved my Madeline doll based on the Madeline children’s book. The main character lives in an all girls boarding school in Paris, France.

The first pic I found of me with my Madeline doll is at my second birthday party.

I carried that doll everywhere…so much so that I think my mom had to “repair” it at some point by sewing a few parts back on…an eye or arm, maybe? Then, eventually, I even got a new one to replace the original.

Madeline and I logged a lot of time together and many memories.

When the kids were little, I got the Madeline book for Hadley and read it to her often.

Do you have a favorite toy from your childhood?

Posted in Books and Shows

Winter Movies

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

Well, while the temps have turned colder these past couple of weeks, we’re still waiting for the pretty white stuff to fall…and stick…for a snow day!

Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite winter movies…maybe by doing so, Mother Nature will get the hint!

Of course during Christmas break, I have a bit more time, and I always want to watch some Christmas movies.

Every year, as a family, we watch:

  • Home Alone
  • A Christmas Story
  • This year we also watched National Lampoon Christmas Vacation.

Bonus is when I find time to watch other Christmas movies too…like…

  • The Holiday
  • Love Actually
  • The Family Stone

I do feel like January and February are slower months for us, so I try to watch a few other faves. It’s nice to have some extra time on the weekend or an unexpected day off to watch some of my (our) favorites.

Some of my favorite “winter” movies are:

  • Serendipity (fun fact: This was the first movie Travis and I ever saw in a movie theater together…back in 2001.)
  • While You Were Sleeping (I watch this movie often, but Hadley watched it with me first the first time Christmas break 2022 and liked it.)
  • Sleepless in Seattle (Hadley and I watched it over break this year…and she said it’s her new favorite.)
  • Cool Runnings (This is a favorite from my childhood that I loved watching with my kids too.)
  • The Mighty Ducks (same memories/thoughts as Cool Runnings)
  • The Cutting Edge (I remember watching this one so often with my brother…He still will randomly say, “toe pick!”)
  • Little Women (classic!)
  • Frozen (Oh how I miss when Hadley was obsessed with all things Frozen)
  • You’ve Got Mail (Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan do no wrong in my book!)
  • Groundhog Day

What are some of your favorite winter movies?