I hope you had a great weekend. Ours was extra fun…we went to my school’s basketball game on Friday night, Hayden had a race on Saturday, the kids had cotillion dance on Saturday night, and Hadley and I baked cookies yesterday.
It’s time for the last Not Just a Mom link up of 2023!
It’s no secret that I love to read. As a matter of fact, I’ve had less time to read over the past couple of months than I have in years…and I’ve kind of felt in a funk not having reading as part of my routine.
One of my favorite blog posts to write every year is when I share my top five books of the year. I’ve had lots of favorites through the years…
I don’t read a lot of series, but the first thing that popped in my mind given this time of the year is Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street series. It’s one of my faves!
2024:
Just a little FYI – for 2024, we’re continuing this link up, but we’re changing the name to Share Our Lives.
We hope you’ll continue to join us, either by linking up or reading, these posts on the second Monday of the month. Our first link up for 2024 will be January 8th, so mark your calendars!
So, what’s one of your favorite series? I do have a shelf on Goodreads for “series,” so I can those suggestions to my list.
Thanks so much for reading the Not Just a Mom posts throughthe years; they are some of my favorite to write.
TGIF! How was your week? We had a good one, and I feel like it went by pretty quickly.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are a few favorite from the week:
I mentioned in Monday’s post that Travis and Hayden were in Tallahassee over the weekend for an AAU race. Last week, Travis kept saying, “Looks like it’s going to be rainy in Florida.” Well, “rainy” was an understatement. It rained the entire time they were there, and Hayden ran his race in a monsoon.
Hadley and I tuned in via the computer…
He’s number 1197!
Travis did his best to send a few pics and videos…and the rain was just crazy.
Hayden was so happy because he earned his first “All American” medal by placing in the top 25. His team placed third.
When I picked them up from the airport on Sunday, he was all smiles…and as soon as he got in the car, he put his medal on. haha
While the guys were gone, Hadley and I had a slow Saturday morning. I watched the first episode of season 6 of The Crown.
Hadley worked on her science project, and we went to the mall.
Saturday night, we went to the Taylor Swift Eras tour movie. When I had checked the theaters earlier in the week, there weren’t any show times. We were so happy when we saw the movies times for Saturday.
Wow! I’m definitely not a “Swiftie,” but what a concert. We’ll definitely watch it again when it can be streamed.
On Tuesday, all of the freshmen went to a career expo put on by the district. I was one of the chaperones and had no clue we were riding nice buses to the expo. We were only gone a couple of hours, but it was a fun change of pace for the day.
Tis the season! My flat panel is festive this holiday season.
Sometimes when I’m shopping for others, I end up buying something for myself…but it’s usually because I stumble upon a good deal! I love this Pureology shampoo and conditioner, and they had this “Hydrate Holiday Gift Set” and it was a great deal.
Favorite Foods:
I tried two new recipes this week, and they were a hit!
We had Stuffed Bell Pepper casserole on Sunday with leftovers on Monday. It was a hit with the fam.
I probably share this every year, but Hadley was in the NICU for two weeks after the kids were born. The memory of her joining us at home and our first pic as a family of four always pops up in my Facebook memories.
I texted Hadley this pic on Monday (12/4), and she asked why she had to stay in the hospital…and then her reply was, “Well look at me now!”
Not Just a Mom:
We have our final Not Just a Mom link up of 2023 on Monday…and the topic is favorite books/series.
We’d love to have you join us!
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts from the week in case you missed one:
It’s the time of the year when I really love my time at home enjoying the twinkle of Christmas lights. It’s always quite a bit of effort to get everything in the right spot, but I’m always so happy when we have our holiday decor out.
While it doesn’t change too much year to year, today I’m sharing how we decorate for Christmas.
Come on in!
I changed up the console in the front hall a bit compared to last year. I just moved some holiday items to different spots, and then added in a couple of my cute new houses from Kirklands.
This year, I did print out old pics of the kids with Santa to change up the frames that are out year round. They are sweet memories.
This year, I changed up the trunk in the living room. Last year, I made note that I wanted to get a couple of pre-lit trees for the trunk and then add in a mix and match of trees that I’ve collected through the years. I love these trees from Walmart, and it was fun adding in various trees I had in my Christmas storage bin.
I love my morning view of the coffee table tree and scented candle.
On the fireplace, I put out my favorite Santa and some nutcrackers.
On the built in, I switched out the picture in the frame to include my favorite Santa pic of the kids.
I added snow globes and another LED house from the Kirklands set to a couple of shelves too.
Just like when I shared my fall decor, I have to be honest and say my couch will never really look like this, but I love when it does. The couch is usually covered in order to Homer proof it! haha
I’m still loving our new tree, and it’s even better now that it’s decorated with ornaments and a few presents.
Nothing new in the office area…but a few of my favorite decorations and the sweet pic of the kids under the tree for their first Christmas.
I love my view from the kitchen when I’m cooking…and I love the little pic of Hadley being Hadley…and Hayden being embarrassed of Hadley. My brother took their Christmas pic many years ago. I also picked up a snowy fern from Trader Joe’s.
On the kitchen island built in, I added the bell and candle. The Santa plate isn’t really a spoon rest, but that’s what I’m using it for currently. The Merry and Bright sign is of KC’s Plaza lights which I love. I’ve had the monogrammed hand towel for years.
I’m still loving how I decorated the mantle this year with new garland and “Merry Christmas” sign from Smallwoods.
I decided not to hang the stockings yet…and Hadley is beside herself 😆
I added a few things to the tray on the kitchen table; I decided not to use a table runner this year.
Hadley’s favorite part is the village…She put it out the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
It looks even better at night.
A few other festive touches in the dining area:
A couple of years ago, my mom gave me this Santa cross-stitch that she made.
Much like the living room couch, the sun room doesn’t often look this neat and tidy, but I love when it does!
It’s similar but different every year too. I always change what I put in the tray and what I add to the side tables. The pillow slip covers are an easy way to decorate.
At the end of the hall, I added a few things. I put out some of the cards that I received last year from my mom, Gma, and aunt. They always make the best cards. The LED trees are also from Kirklands and provide the perfect glow for the nativity scene.
In our bedroom, I have our pencil tree and reindeer crock. When the crock has a candle in it, the stars shine on the wall. I love it.
Some years, I wish I had more neutral decorations, and this year, I wanted to “do less,” but Hadley wouldn’t let me! haha
I haven’t written a Currently post in a while, so I’m linking up today with Jennifer to share what I’m currentlyloving, buying, preparing, excited for, and planning.
Loving:
I always love seasonal things at Trader Joe’s. My “tried and true” faves include the Step Up to the Bar mix, Jingle Jangle, and the Gingerbread People. A new find and fave is the Candy Cane Body Butter.
I always love a quiet morning, but I’m enjoying seasonal candles and the glow of my Christmas trees.
A new love is the iced Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks.
Buying:
I’ve been buying Christmas gifts…but I think I’m about finished. Travis is the one I really need to focus on, but I did come up with a few ideas for him.
I also had to buy science project boards. The kids’ projects are due on Friday. I’m secretly celebrating that these projects are the last ones they will do. Of course, science is important, and I hate that I dread navigating these projects with them, but the due dates are always awful right before break (and theirs are due even earlier this year!) Why can’t some of this be completed at school…and why not in January when life is a little less hectic?!
I returned a couple of things to Kirkands, but then couldn’t resist buying these little LED houses (#girlmath) They were on sale for only $8 for the pack of three. I got the trees too! Once you turn them on, they stay on for six hours and then turn back on 24 hours later. They’ve been the perfect little touch.
Preparing:
I’m preparing for a busy couple of weeks before school gets out. Then, I hope to have some down time/rest over break.
In the next couple of weeks, we still have cross country and volleyball, as well as cotillion, a couple of Christmas parties and two more weeks of school.
Excited for:
I’m excited for some holiday things like movies and baking cookies. We finished up Angel Tree shopping, and I signed us up to do Operation Secret Santa once school gets out.
I’m also excited for traditions like Southern Lights at the Horse Park.
Planning:
I’m just making note and planning for some of those holiday things including cookies baking.
This year I also made a note on my December calendar to remind myself that I wanted to try and make Christmas Cornflake Wreaths. I’ve never made them, but every year when I have one, I always love them.
(pic c/co therecipecritic.com)
I’m also planning Christmas breakfast which will definitely include our new favorite obsession…
This mix is sooo good. I’ve made it a few times now, and it never lasts longer than a few hours in our house.
So those are a few things that I’m loving, buying, preparing, excited for, and planning.
How was your weekend? We had a “divide and conquer” kind of weekend.
Travis and Hayden went to Tallahassee, Florida for the AAU Cross Country National race, and it poured down rain the entire time they were there. Meanwhile, Hadley and I were in Lex for a pretty low key weekend that included her science project and the Taylor Swift concert movie.
Hayden had an awesome race, and I hate that I missed it. The pics and videos Travis sent me were unreal. It looked like Hayden was in a “tough mudder” competition. That being said, Travis and Hayden had fun despite the weather.
Anyway, on to today’s business…
It’s the first Monday of the month, so I’m linking up with Tanya for Prime Purchases...the last one of 2023!
Here are my purchases for the month…(actually, I purchased a few more things, but I don’t want spoil any gift giving!)
Hayden needed new water bottles, and actually asked for these Gatorade ones for his birthday. He’s hard to buy for, and water bottles are boring, but I put these in a bag with a few other things he needed. We’ve used these these water bottles a lot through the years.
I wanted a new black sweatshirt that is a little nicer than just a sweatshirt. Anyway, this 1/4 zip is great to wear with jeans or leggings.
I have this same sweater in blue, and wanted a green one for the Christmas season. It’s an easy slouchy fit…
and I’ve already worn it quite a few times.
I shared this hair straightener in the kids’ birthday post, and it is legit. Hadley asked for a new straightener because they one she’s used the past few years was a hand me down from a friend and it wasn’t working properly.
Anyway, what caught my attention about this one is that it straightens and has the indention to curl hair. I’ve used it to curl my hair a couple of times, and it’s so good.
I bought these pore strips for the kids’ stockings just as a fun way to help with skincare.
Hadley needed a few new sports bras, and this pack worked well.
Stocking Stuffers…
Did you catch my Let’s Lookpost with Shay and Erika last month? We all shared stocking stuffer ideas.
A few gift ideas…
As we inch closer to the Christmas season, I thought I’d share a few favorite Amazon items that I’ve purchased in the past year (or given or been given as gifts)
A few of my faves:
I purchased a pack of flameless candles last January, and they sure came in clutch when we lost power for five days in February. Besides being our main source of light, most of them are a part of my regular home decor now.
The pack I bought doesn’t seem to be available, but there are many other options including this pack.
My Gma gave me these boots for my birthday this year, and I love them. I wore them most of this weekend too.
I use this candle warmer in my classroom, and it’s perfect.
Gifts we’ve given and currently love:
This microwave popcorn popper is so fun and comes in a few colors. Hadley loves using it for an afternoon snack. (It comes in “snack size” too)
We have this electric tea kettle, and gave one to my mom as well.
My Gma requested this heated neck/shoulder wrap last year, and then I also gifted it to my dad for his birthday. He loves this thing…
You know I love my Kindle, and my mom and Gma do too.
Hadley:
One of Hadley’s favorite gifts that she received is this straightening/styling hairbrush. It’s perfect for bringing your hair back to life and giving a bit of volume.
Hayden:
Hayden uses this mini massage gun often (and Trav does too!)
Trav:
I gave this collapsible utility wagon to Trav a couple of years ago, and I don’t know how we made it through all the baseball years without one. He uses it all the time for cross country. It would also be perfect for the beach, a picnic, or any other time you have to cart quite a few things around!
This is the first Christmas season in quite some time that I feel pretty good about my shopping list and all that I’ve already accomplished.
I hope this post helps give you a few ideas if you are looking for some.
{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}
It felt odd not posting last Friday, but I’m back this week to link up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
I think I usually do some kind of Thanksgiving recap, but never got to it this week.
Last Wednesday, we traveled to KC to spend Thanksgiving with my family. On Thursday, I watched a bit of the parade, per tradition.
Then, we hung out at my mom’s house before heading to my dad’s cousin’s house for Thanksgiving (late afternoon) lunch.
She outdoes herself, and the tables always look so pretty. Per tradition, we have chocolate turkeys with our names on them. How fun!
We were able to get a family pic…
…and hang out with family for a while. Unfortunately, we had to leave a bit early because Travis wasn’t feeling well. We ended up getting a hotel room in hopes that we wouldn’t spread germs, so I dropped Travis off and went to my dad’s to get his things.
Unfortunately, he shared his stomach bug with me, and by Friday morning, I joined him at the hotel.
Thankfully, the kids are old enough to (mostly) fend for themselves. They hung out with my dad, my brother’s family, and my mom and Gma on Friday and then again on Saturday morning.
On Friday, the kids baked cookies and made waffles with my mom, Gma, aunt, and my brother’s family.
Then, they went to the nearby “magic tree” that we usually visit when we are in town for the holidays.
My sister-in-law sent me this pic which I really appreciated.
On Saturday, we were feeling good enough to head home. I was bummed that I didn’t get to hang with everyone on the trip, but I was glad the stomach bug seemed to only be a 24 hour one.
Fave clothes:
I have a couple of Walmart finds that have been great this holiday season. I shared these pjs the other day…
…and this green fleece is so cute and warm. I’ve already worn it a few times, and I love it. It comes in a few colors and is under $20.
Our Angel Tree gifts are due this weekend, and due to our crazy schedule, I ended up taking the kids shopping individually for gifts.
I know I can find most things on Amazon, but I really want the kids to be intentional about choosing gifts and thinking of others…no matter how busy of a season we are having.
On Sunday, Hadley and I headed to Target. She got us drinks at Starbucks while I picked up a few things I needed, and then we shopped for the girl she chose.
I didn’t know what I was ordering, but I saw the iced gingerbread latte on the menu and went for it. I don’t want to know how many calories it has…because it is delicious!
On Wednesday, Hadley had volleyball practice after school, and I picked up Hayden from school and headed to Target. We shopped for the brothers that he’d picked from the tree.
On Sunday, I suggested we go ahead and put ornaments on the tree. The house was a mess, but I knew we had a busy week ahead.
I’m so glad we took the 30 minutes to do this. The tree looks even better now, and it’s always fun to see the ornaments year after year.
On my Sunday Trader Joe’s run, I picked up some seasonal favorites!
Last week, Hadley’s volleyball pics came in, and there were so many great ones. This one was my favorite:
Tuesday was 8th grade night for volleyball. I honestly can’t believe we are hitting these middle school milestones.
The school did an awesome job celebrating them, and some of the volleyball moms were so thoughtful to order flowers and a balloon stack.
The posters the coaches put out were so fun to see.
The athletic director even took family photos after each girl walked in. This might just have to be our Christmas card pic. haha
Favorite Mom Meme:
I’m not sure I’ve ever related more to a meme than this one…lol
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
When I was making the Shutterfly ornaments, I went down a rabbit hole of old pics. These ones of the kids with Santa about did me in!
So sweet.
I decided to print them and put them in frames I already have out. It’s a cute way to “decorate” and share memories as well.
Weekly Recap:
I had a few posts this week including some memes and a couple of fun link ups:
It’s the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for this month’s Monthly Musings.
This is a fun linkup sharing answers to a certain topic.
This month’s topic is how we holiday.
I feel like “how we holiday” varies year to year, but we also have some traditions that we don’t pass up.
1. Favorite holiday traditions
Some traditions have changed as the kids have gotten older, but we always watch Christmas movies, go to the horse park to see the lights and bake a few batches of cookies.
One of my favorite traditions is putting ornaments on the tree.
Another favorite tradition is letting the kids choose a gift for each other…and then they usually open then on Christmas Eve after church.
2. Favorite holiday fashion items or accessories
I love plaid during the holidays…
3. Favorite holiday recipes
Besides baking, I don’t really have any recipes that I make specifically for the holidays.
For Christmas dinner, we usually have salmon, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
4. How do you celebrate holidays?
As far as celebrating Christmas with our family, we either have a lot going on or very little.
If we are staying home, we celebrate with Trav’s family on the 23rd, go to church on Christmas Eve, and then we celebrate Christmas at home on the 25th.
If we are going to KC for Christmas, we have our family of 4 Christmas on the 22nd, go to Louisville on the 23rd, and then head to KC on the 24th. In KC, we go to my dad’s side of the family on the 24th, and then we spend time with my dad, mom, and Gma on the 25th. It’s a lot, but we make it happen and are happy to see everyone.
5. Do you go see holiday lights?
Besides the horse park, we usually check out other displays in Lexington.
When in KC, we’ve gone to see the Plaza lights a few times, and often go to the “magic tree” in my home town.
This year, Travis and I ended up sick the day after Thanksgiving, but my mom took the kids to the “magic tree” that evening (bottom pic)
6. How do you decorate your house for the holidays?
I do decorate for the holidays. I will say that decorating for Christmas stresses me out a little bit more than decorating for fall. It’s probably just because I feel more of a time crunch, and I always feel busier this time of the year. It can be a lot of effort to enjoy for only a few weeks.
My decorations don’t change much year to year, but I do tend to buy a few new things every year. I just can’t help myself. That being said, after I decorate, I try to toss or donate what I don’t use as to not have too much Christmas decor pile up.
This year, I did buy a new sign from Smallwoods and new garland from Kirklands. Year after year, I try to piece together the mantle, and I’m never happy with the garland. I wanted something pre-lit and substantial, and Kirklands had the perfect garland for my mantle…and I think it ended up being 50% off…and only around $30. (The sign was on sale too!)
Hadley set up the Christmas village which is her favorite thing to do.
7. Real or fake Christmas tree?
We always used to have an artificial tree, but then for about six years, we got a real one at one of our favorite places.
I’ve also been putting up a couple of pencil trees for the past couple of years in my bedroom and the sun room.
This year, we’re back to an artificial tree, and I’m loving it.
8. Favorite holiday treats?
We usually make cookies over winter break. We never really seem to have time before then. When we go to KC, we make German Christmas cookies…Pfeffernusse (my fave) and waffle cookies using the waffle iron made by my mom’s great grandfather in the late 1800’s.
This year, the kids helped bake while Travis and I stayed away because of our germs.
At home, we make peppermint crinkle cookies (I use this recipe and then add in a splash of peppermint extract), peanut butter blossoms, and usually some kind of sugar cookie.
For Christmas dinner dessert, I always make Shay’s Peppermint Mocha Bundt Cake.
9. Do your pets get gifts?
We’ve always given our dogs something…whether it’s a toy, a treat/bone, or a new bed.
Our pups have always had their own stocking too.
10. Best tips to make the holidays less stressful?
I try to make a list early. I wish I shopped earlier too, but I always feel like I have to get through the kids’ November birthday first.
A few years ago, I started making an Amazon list for the kids (and myself) to share with the family for easy shopping. I think everyone appreciates that.
Also, I’ve found that it’s ok to say “no” to things if/when needed. I do like to “do it all,” but I’ve been trying to find that balance through the years. That being said, some things have been taken off my plate as the kids have gotten older…and sometimes that’s actually a bittersweet feeling.
Ahh…after writing this post, I feel really ready for the holidays!
Today I’m linking up with Sheaffer and Shay for What’s Up Wednesday.
What we are eating this week:
Sunday – On our drive home on Saturday, I was scrolling Tiktok and saw an easy baked chicken and rice recipe, so I made that on Sunday. It was really good.
Monday – We had dinner at a local Mexican restaurant for a fundraiser for Hadley’s volleyball team. The food was delish, and I was happy not to cook!
Tuesday– We had a busy night last night, so I decided we’d just use up some food we had in the freezer. We had leftover chili and dinner from Sunday night.
Wednesday – Tonight, we’re having one of our favorite soups: Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage soup
Thursday – Tomorrow, I’m trying a new recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. I will let you know what we think!
Friday/Saturday– As you know, I don’t cook on the weekends. We’ll see what sounds good!
What I’m reminiscing about:
All the Santa years with the kids.
Last year, after Christmas, Shutterfly was still having a sale on ornaments, so I made a couple with the kids for a few years when they were little – either our card pic that year or them with Santa – and added them to cart. Well, when I went to check out, the shipping cost was $30 at the cheapest…which infuriated me. So, I gave up.
On Monday, almost a year later, I got on Shutterfly to click around and saw that those ornaments were still in my cart. I decided to finish up the order since the ornaments were still half-price and ended up with free shipping thanks to the total amount of my order. I ended up with seven ornaments because I put two years on most of them (front/back). I can’t wait for them to arrive and to put them on my tree for the years to come.
What we’ve been up to:
Sports…
Birthday fun…
and…Thanksgiving in KC.
What I’m dreading:
I’m really not dreading anything right now. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed this time of the year, but I’m not currently feeling that way…and am just trying to enjoy this season.
What I’m excited about:
The Christmas season and all that comes with it: Christmas movies, baking cookies, Christmas traditions, and winter break!
My house has looked like a disaster the past couple of days, but I’m happy to have my Christmas decor put up.
On Sunday, Hadley helped me drag the Christmas tubs out of the attic, and I put up a few things. She was excited to put up the Christmas village…
…and I was excited to make the mantle look pretty. (We were out running errands on Sunday, and I stopped in Kirklands for new garland, and the pre-lit one I found was perfect!)
I also went to Trader Joe’s on Sunday and was excited to see some of their seasonal goodies were out:
What I’m watching/reading:
Y’all…I’m still working my way through Demon Copperhead. It really does have my attention, but lack of time and the length of the book means it’s taking me forever to finish it!
I’m ready to dive into this stack of books though!
My mom sent me this, and I thought it looked like a fun way to keep track of reading:
I’m currently watching holiday baking shows whenever I get the chance.
What I’m listening to:
At school, sometimes I have Christmas music quietly playing on Pandora at my desk. If we’re in the car, Hadley always has the “Holly” station on.
What I’m wearing:
I’ve been loving my new Walmart pjs. I saw this same pair last year, but they quickly sold out. I was able to snag them this year. The fabric is so soft, and they are less than $13! I do think they run a little big.
What I’m doing this weekend:
Actually, I’m not sure! It’s a pretty low key weekend. Hadley and I had hoped to go see the Taylor Swift movie, but it looks like we were one week too late…and it’s out of the theaters now. (I see where it can be streamed starting December 13th — Taylor’s birthday, so I guess we’ll have to wait.)
Maybe we’ll bake some cookies and watch a movie at home?
What I’m looking forward to next month:
Christmas fun in December and then January is always one of my favorite months. It’s time for a fresh start, it’s my birthday month, life slows down a bit, and there’s always a chance of a snow day!
Wow! I feel like Thanksgiving break went by in a flash! Now, we’re on the downhill slide of first semester which is always hard to believe.
Since it’s the last Monday of the month, I’m sharing some memes that have made me laugh recently.
Even though I love “falling back,” this one made me chuckle:
On our way back from KC on Saturday, we stopped at CFA, and of course we got our order very quickly…but holiday traffic had us frustrated and wondering why people struggle to drive sometimes.
But really…
Oh…how I miss when the kids were little and this would work:
Tis the season…
Travis and me:
I’m making a list and checking it twice as to not lose any of my orders…
Relateable:
I only get on TikTok occasionally, but last night’s dinner was a recipe I saw on TikTok yesterday morning!
….and here we go…
Before I go, did you catch my Saturday Share 4 Somethingspost?
I hope you have a great week. I’m starting mine with my house a disaster…half decorated for Christmas and half a disorganized mess. And…I have morning gym duty this week monitoring students until 8:15!
showmeandsweettea.com 