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.
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!)
I made it through the first five day work week of 2024, so needless to say…I’m ready for the (three day) weekend. haha
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Well, we went back to school last Thursday, but I was sick. Last Friday, I got back in the swing of things in my classroom, but on Monday, I felt this deeply:
My emails and “to do” list were no joke.
Favorite Purchase:
For Christmas, one of my gifts was a gift card to Lululemon which I wasn’t expecting. I don’t typically buy clothes from there, but Landyn had just shared this belt bag, and I had it on my list to buy with Christmas money. Well, I used the gift card which is even better.
I love this style of bag, and the white opal color is so pretty. There’s also a smaller version of the bag.
Favorite Activity:
On Tuesday night, we had some “forced friendly family fun” going to the Kentucky basketball game. They were playing my Missouri Tigers.
While I had low expectations for a Tiger win, it was a pretty good game with a respectable score…so I’ll take it.
You can’t go to Rupp Arena without getting ice cream…even with the freezing temps outside!
Favorite Font:
Papyrus is one of my favorite fonts. Well, on Instagram, Jen Reed was talking about how if you are sharing a story and go to the 4th font from the end, and type “Papyrus,” the writing will change to that cute cursive-y font!
….It’s like magic! haha
Favorite Products:
We were at Target before Christmas, and Hadley pointed out this shave oil and mentioned that some of her friends have it. Later, when I went back to Target, I picked it up for her stocking. Now, we both use it. It’s a fun find…and there are a few different ones.
Another Jen Reed share –she had a promo code for thisIn Common4-in-1 Magic Myst. It’s a leave-in conditioner, detangler, smoothing balm and heat protectant. I’ve been using it on my wet hair after a shower, but then I also use a few sprays before curling my hair. It smells so good, and I really love it. It looks like it’s sold out right now, but when it comes back in stock, it’s so good.
Favorite Mom Meme:
This is very relateable…and a couple of nights ago, Hayden ate FOUR pieces of toast…and then asked, “What’s for dinner?” as I was making it!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
How are these little cuties…
…thinking about their high school schedules for next year?!?
What are your weekend plans? Hadley has a volleyball tournament tomorrow, Sunday is my birthday, and we have no school on Monday…so I’m looking forward to the weekend for sure!
I will have more posts over the weekend in case you are bored and want to read one 😉
Shew! It’s cold around here. I feel like winter really kicked it up a notch…but without the snow. *sigh* (I know my KC peeps can’t say the same…I saw all the pretty snow pics this week!)
Today, I’m sharing my “words for the year.” These are words I hope to keep in mind and focus on this year.
Per tradition, on New Year’s Eve, my friend had us draw three words at random.
Last year, my words were:
This year, my words are:
Faith:
Faith is such an important word because sometimes you just “have to have faith…” Faith that things will get easier. Faith things will get better. Faith that some things take time, etc. Sometimes I have to remind myself to “keep the faith” and “take one day at a time.”
Like I mentioned in yesterday’s post, over the past few years, I’ve been more intentional with my religious faith. I think being a parent and having inquisitive kids can do that to you…at least that was my experience. This year, I want to continue to include Bible studies into my daily routine and of course attend church regularly.
Forgiveness:
Thankfully, I don’t feel like forgiveness is a word I will need to focus on too much this year…whether it’s asking for forgiveness or receiving it.
Instead, I think I need to forgivemyself more. I can be my own worst critic. On any given day, I can feel like I didn’t do my best in the three most important parts of my life: being a mom, being a wife, being a teacher. I know none of us are perfect, and I need to remember that I can own up to mistakes and move on as well as just forgive myself for my shortcomings. Nobody is perfect.
Growth:
I’m a pretty reflective person which means I’m always in a growth mindset. What can I do differently? How can I be better?
As teachers, we have to complete a “Professional Growth Plan” every year. There are five domains with standards, and we rank ourselves by “ineffective,” “developing,” “accomplished,” and “exemplary” at the beginning and end of the year.
I won’t bore you with the details, but even after 22 years in education, I think it’s perfectly acceptable to be “developing” in certain areas. For example, “demonstrating knowledge of students.” Every year, I mark myself as “developing” in that area, but it’s a new year, with new students, so of course I will continue to get to know them throughout the year.
Most of my energy, rightfully so, goes to my family. Most nights when my head hits the pillow, I think about what I could have done differently as a parent, as a friend, as a wife. I’m not perfect, but I do really try my best on any given day. Of course, I fall short in some areas, but at least I take a moment to think about it and grow and learn from that experience or situation.
Cherish:
In church last week, we could pick up a star with a word on it to be our “word of the year” to reflect and pray on. I was handed my star at random, but the word on it is “cherish.”
Kind of like growth, I’m typically pretty aware of time, traditions, events, etc…and that I need to cherish them. I try really hard not to take things for granted. I would like to think that this year maybe I can slow down a bit and really savor/cherish events, both big and small, as they happen in my life.
I always say that I’m “forever a work in progress.” I guess we all are.
Enneagram:
I’m 5w6, and saw this fun post on Instagram (@maddiedoodle_)…& I think it fits me perfectly for 2024.
I was tidying up a bit the other day. As I straightened up my bedside table, I thought it would be a good time do do another “5 things” post.
Four years ago, I hadn’t been blogging long, and I’d written thisLet’s Look Bedside Table post. My phone notified me that the post was “getting lots of attention…” and I was shocked to see that almost one thousand people had read that post. Just a funny memory leading me to today’s post…
I still have the same bedside table…with the same picture frames. I think I will always have a stack of books and magazines next to my bed to read. I do have a different lamp (at At Home store fine). A coaster and tv remote round out what on top of my bedside table.
Here are 5 things that are in my bedside table:
All kinds of “important” stuff. haha
1. Bookmark
In the top skinny drawer I have a few things including this cute heart bookmark. It attaches to the corner of a page. It came in a pack of six, and I put one in my mom’s Christmas stocking. Cute, right?
2. Chapstick/Lotion
Every night before bed, I apply some Chapstick and hand cream. It’s a habit.
3. Bible and Pens
I have a variety of pens in that top drawer, and then my Bible in the bigger middle drawer.
I’m pretty private in my faith, but I got a Bible a few years ago, and I figured my bedside table is a good safe place for it.
Three years ago, I used the Bible app to listen and read the Bible in a year. I was really glad that I did that. The Bible is still usually a part of my daily routine; I use the pens to mark scripture and make notes.
4. Bible Study
In December, I saw a December “A Season of Advent” Bible plan on Pinterest. I printed it and bought this Bible Study Journal, and I enjoyed incorporating that plan into my daily routine.
I’m using thisNew Beginnings plan to guide me through January.
5. Workout Sheet
At the end of 2023, Bodi sent me an end of year review with my workouts, and the link to this workout tracker. I thought it would be fun to have this visual to see what I accomplish this year.
Admittedly, I’m off to a slow start in January. Being sick threw me for a loop, and I’m much better about working out during the school year. I got back to it on Monday, and am hoping to finish January off strong.
My bedside table is a good spot for this because I can fill in the day before bed…and it won’t get thrown away by accident.
Also in the middle drawer, I have a couple books I want to read and/or hold on to. The bottom drawer holds a spare blanket…and that’s about it.
My bedside table used to be a disaster, but a few years ago, I really cleaned it out and got organized. I used to have lots of pictures, cards, papers, etc. and now those have a spot elsewhere. I decided if I wanted to keep pictures and cards, that they’d need to go in photo boxes, so at least everything is contained!
Well, in yesterday’s Share Our Livespost, I don’t think I added much since I’d shared that topic a time or two before.
Today, I’m sharing a “This or That” answering a few questions and sharing a bit more about myself.
This or That:
Early bird or Night owl
I’m definitely a morning girl. That doesn’t mean that I hop right out of bed, but I appreciate a quiet morning before a hectic day.
Smoothie or Soda
I’m a soda girl for sure. I love a Diet Coke…especially a fountain Diet Coke (with extra ice!) from McDonald’s or Chick-Fil-A
Sneakers or Heels
I’m definitely a sneakers girl. I’m glad that there are so many cute and stylish options. I even wear sneakers with dresses to school…especially in the fall.
Freckles or Dimples
I have a few freckles when I’m out in the sun. Red head/freckles run in the family. I guess I have dimples when I smile too.
East Coast or West Coast
Well, I’ve been to both, and if we are talking beaches, then I’m torn. I love both. If we are talking overall weather, then definitely west coast, southern California is a favorite.
Lefty or Righty
I’m a lefty…except in my (brief) softball days…I batted right handed.
Fun fact, in my family, my Gma, my mom, my aunt, and me are all left-handed. While I was hopeful to pass that trait on to Hadley, I got lucky and both Hayden and Hadley are left-handed. I think that’s pretty neat.
Middle part or Side part
I’m a side part girl. I don’t think I’m cool enough for middle part.
Sweet or Salty
I definitely have a sweet tooth. I’m not big on candy, but I love cookies, brownies, and cake.
Neutrals or Colorful
I definitely lean towards neutral colors…which probably says something about my personality. haha
Online shopping or In store shopping
Definitely online! That being said, I think I enjoy going in stores a bit more now because I mainly shop online. Even because I do grocery pick up, I don’t mind going into Kroger for a few things. I like to wander around Target or Home Goods when I have time.
Sunbathe or Get in the water
I hate being hot, but I’m a “toes in the sand with a book” kind of girl. I will get in the water to cool off.
Spontaneous or Planner
I don’t know how to be anything besides a planner! My “type A” self needs a plan…and a planner…and pens…
How was your weekend? We had a pretty good one that wasn’t too busy.
Did you catch my two posts this weekend?
This month, I’m participating in Bloganuary where I’m trying to write a daily post. I’m continuing with my own schedule, but I’m also using some of the WordPress prompts for topics too.
On Saturday, I wrote about gifts, and on Sunday I shared my recent Amazon purchases to link up with Tanya today.
Anyway, on to today’s post…
Today is our first Share Our Lives (formerly Not Just a Mom) link up of 2024. I’m happy to be back co-hosting this link up with these ladies:
This month’s topic is introductions and job’s you’ve had.
Introduction:
We did introductions last January too….and not much as changed for me.
I’m Jen:
I’m still…
a wife (married to Travis, and we will celebrate 19 years in June)
a mom (my boy/girl twins are now 14 years old)
a high school English teacher (this is my 22nd year in education. I do academic intervention now which I really enjoy)
pretty introverted and a homebody
a book lover (but fail at book clubs) and a dog lover
a beach and mountain view lover
an Enneagram 5w6
left-handed
I grew up in Kansas City, but have lived in Lexington, KY for almost 20 years
a KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and Missouri Tigers fan
Here are some other blog posts I’ve written sharing a bit more about myself:
I took a True Colors test this year, and I’m gold (planner) which means I’m loyalty driven, respect rules and authority, responsible, organized, and appreciative
Autumn is my favorite season.
I love traditions.
I need quiet time to start my morning.
I love my birthday, but I don’t need a lot of attention…haha
After almost two years, I’m on my third and (hopefully) final phase of Invisalign.
I love a Sunday afternoon nap.
I love “falling back” for daylight savings time, and I love a snow day.
I’ve had this blog for 4.5 years (will be 5 years at the end of the summer)
Here are some more recent posts I’ve written sharing more about myself:
I worked at dental/ortho office for a few years in high school and my freshman year of college.
I worked the front desk of my dorm sophomore and junior years of college.
I occasionally babysat.
I worked for Mizzou Athletics in the ticket office during my senior year of college and while I did my student teaching.
This is my 22nd year as a high school teacher.
Here are our topics this year. If you have a blog, we’d love for you to save the Share Our Lives graphics and link up with us on the second Monday of the month. We love reading other bloggers’ posts!
I’m linking up with Tanya for the first Prime Purchases of 2024!
(I’m posting this on Sunday because on Monday we have our first Share Our Lives link up of the year)
Well, this is a supersized post because I’m sharing many gift purchases I had. I did buy some in November and others in December but couldn’t share them just yet. I’m also sharing a few gifts I received and already love.
Gifts Given:
I always think of hand warmers for Travis as a gift because he works outside quite a bit in January with a horse sale. I bought him these rechargeable ones for Christmas.
I also bought Travis this trunk organizer. He has a really big trunk, and he always has lots of stuff, so I thought this would help keep things organized.
Travis asked for a hand held vacuum, and this is the one I got him. It comes in a variety of colors.
This gift was one of the last ones I purchased. I saw Trav’s work gloves on the front porch, and they’d seen better days. I thought he could use a new pair.
Hadley received this makeup organizer for her new vanity/desk.
Hayden loves scrambled eggs, and my mom always microwaves one in a cup when she visits. I thought they both might like this “Chef Buddy” for cooking eggs.
Gifts Received:
It was time for a new hand mixer, so I asked for this one. I love the color and the fact that there is storage for the beaters.
I already shared about this tray last week, but I like to keep Amazon things in one post. I asked for this tray for our couch. One end of the couch doesn’t have a side table, so I thought this would be perfect, and it is.
I’m now realizing that I think I threw away the little phone/ipad holder that clips on the end. It must have been in the box.
I had some favorite juice glasses from Pier One that we received as a wedding gift. Well, almost 18 years later and the set we had was down to only a couple of glasses left.
I want to get back in the habit of making a few hard boiled eggs each week. I’d seen this rapid egg cooker, so I asked for it for Christmas too. I made a few eggs earlier in the week…in only 10 minutes!
Stocking Stuffers:
I was at a craft fair in KC over Thanksgiving, and picked up a couple of shower steamers. Well, I loved them so much that I thought I’d put a couple in everyone’s stockings, so I ordered this pack.
Hadley was talking with her friends about the gifts they’d received, and she said many of them got shower steamers. They must be all the rage. haha
I really love these too, and they’ve been refreshing and relaxing for my showers lately when I haven’t felt well.
I bought Hayden these Dude Wipes last year, so I thought they’d be a great stocking stuffer again.
For Trav’s family’s “Dirty Santa” exchange, I picked up these nuggets sauce trays that clip on your car vents. (and I threw in a Chick-fil-A gift card too!)
Clothes:
While this skirt was an impulse buy, I really love it.
I had some black boots I’d never worn, and I thought a leather skirt would be fun.
I shared this double zip sweater on Friday, and I love it (and the under $20 price!)
I think it’s easy to dress up or down.
Health:
I’d gotten out of the habit, but I’m starting the year off getting back on track with a scoop of this collagen powder in my coffee.
January definitely tends to be a lighter shopping month, but I’m sure I will have some things to share in February.
Have a great day!
{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}
I wrote this Let’s Lookpost a couple of years ago about Love Languages.
“Acts of service” continues to be the best gift I can receive…especially from my immediate household. haha
I still really appreciate help picking up, doing the laundry, unloading the dishwasher, etc.
Taking things off my plate is definitely the best gift I could receive.
As far as other gifts…
To be clear, I have everything I need. I don’t need material things. Of course, I appreciate the gesture and thoughtfulness of receiving a gift, but I tend to buy what I need.
That being said, I love cards. I’ve always appreciated a card, a written note, a sticky note saying “Have a great day” and more.
Travis is known for his “bubble letters” which I love.
I don’t get flowers very often, but I do love them!
Kind of like with the cards, I appreciate sentimental gifts…
Sorry to mention it again, but these pics of the kids were my favorite Christmas gift this year. They were such a lovely surprise, and they were perfect!
A few years ago, Travis gave me this burlap print with our address and the year we moved into this house. It’s not anything I would have asked for, but it’s an example of something thoughtful that I see every day and love.
I also really love traditions like receiving two hanging ferns for the front porch as my Mother’s Day gift.
We went to Julep Farm because Trav gave me a gift card to the restaurant there. An “experience” is always a thoughtful gift.
The gift of self-care is always nice.
Years ago, Travis gave me a gift card to the med spa where I now go monthly for my facials. I appreciate having that 45 minutes to an hour every month to take care of myself.
He’s also given me gift cards for manicures/pedicures which I can always use.
Last year for my birthday, Travis gave me a gift card for a massage. Again, that’s not something I typically buy for myself, so I appreciate him “forcing” me to take a break and relax.
This year for Christmas another one of my gifts came in a cute gift bag…gift cards for a massage, dinner out, and a night at a hotel. It was all very thoughtful and unexpected.
Travis and the kids taking the time to think about me and tell me I can take a break and have some time for myself is beyond thoughtful.
So, the gift of self-care really is appreciated!
What’s the greatest gift you could receive?
I will have another post tomorrow — I’m sharing my recent Amazon purchases…buckle up!
How was your week? Our week had a little of everything: downtime, productivity, activities, school and more.
I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for the first Friday Favorites of 2024.
Here are some recent favorites:
Last week, in my Christmas Recap, I shared that my favorite Christmas gift were these photos of the kids that Trav had his brother take as a surprise gift for me.
Later, my brother-in-law sent me the digital copies of the photos including a link to all that he took.
Travis had the best ones framed, but I love them all.
Both kids:
Hayden:
Hadley:
I love seeing Hadley’s sweet and silly side, Hayden’s focused side, and both of their personalities when they are together.
Over break, Hayden and friends went to a local basketball tournament. One of UK Coach Cal’s recruits was playing, so he was there and the boys got a picture with him.
They also got a quick pic with Reed Sheppard on this way out.
The boys were pretty excited.
Hadley has been asking for a room refresh, and my friend, an interior designer, put together this inspo board, and Hadley opened it on Christmas morning.
Over break, Travis took advantage of having some time off, and painted Hadley’s room after Hadley purged trash and donations. Then, we went ahead and ordered quite a few things including a new bed, bedside tables, and vanity. Hadley and I went out shopping for lamps, bedding, and other odds and ends. Everything we ordered arrived while we were on break, so we’ve continued to put her room together piece by piece.
The rug arrived this week, and it really tied everything together.
We still need to decide on wallpaper and a few other things, but her room is probably 80% finished, and she loves it.
Here’s a sneak peek:
Over break, I wanted to watch The Last Thing He Told Me and Lessons in Chemistry, both on Apple TV.
After Christmas, when I wasn’t feeling well, I settled in to watch them both…Travis watched them with me too.
I’ve read, and enjoyed the books, and I thought both series did the books justice. I highly recommend them both.
I had a few after Christmas purchases, including this sweater/jacket from Amazon. I love the gold double zipper detail.
Also, it seems that this could be dressed up or down. I wore it out to dinner one night with jeans and sneakers. It can also easily be worn with leggings….and I will definitely wear it to school with pants.
Y’all –it’s 49% off and less than $20!
A few weeks ago when we were at Target, these ice cream bars caught my attention. They are so good…10/10 recommend (and a saw a few other flavors at Target too)
Favorite Mom Meme:
It was time for these kids to go back to school!
Weekly Recap:
I started the year off strong with a blog post every day:
This weekend I hope to continue Bloganuary with a Saturday post, and then on Sunday I’m sharing my Prime Purchases for the month because on Monday we have our first Share Our Lives (formerly Not Just a Mom) post of 2024.
Share Our Lives:
I always love starting the year off with some (re)-introductions….and a look at the jobs I’ve had will be fun too.
We’d love to you have join us for this link up on the second Monday of every month.
What are your weekend plans? I’ve still felt crummy all week. My sinus infection is better, and I don’t have a fever, but I’ve still felt achy, tired, and run down. I’m not sure what’s going on. I actually had a Covid test on hand, so I went ahead and took that to rule it out…but maybe I have some other kind of lingering virus.
Thankfully, we don’t have much going on this weekend, so I’m hoping to kick this crud to the curb.
showmeandsweettea.com 
