How was your weekend? We had a really good one. Travis and I had an amazing day at Oaks on Friday, Saturday we did a whole lot of nothing, and yesterday we watched Hadley dance all day at her dance competition.
We’re ready to get the ball rolling on the week.
I’m linking up with my favorite ladies for our Not Just a Mom post.
Also, guess what…I wrote this post last month and was just about to link up for Let’s Look and realized the topic sounded really familiar. PIVOT!…Instead of posting, I saved it and updated a few things for today’s link up.
This month’s topic is our pet peeves…
Oh, don’t even get me started 😆
That being said, because I try to stay positive, I’m going to limit myself to only a few pet peeves for this post!
Well, I’d like to say loud chewing, but really just hearing other people chew is a pet peeve. I swear I must have a touch of misophonia because sometimes at dinner, I have to give my family the side eye because I hear every slurp and bite they take.
Speaking of “side eye,” people who talk during movies get a look from me!
Empty boxes/containers in the pantry…and dishes in the sink.
People who litter…hello! Let’s save the world, please.
My #1 pet peeve is those who don’t put away their shopping cart. Seeing a wayward cart in the parking lot just runs right through me!
I will be the first to admit that I’m not perfect. I’m sure I do things that get on other peoples’ nerves, but I try to at least not do the things above.
What are some of your pet peeves?
We’d love for you to join us next month when we talk about…how we became a mom.
After today, we only have two more Mondays in the school year! I can’t believe it.
How has your week been? Overall, we’ve had a good one. It’s been busy per usual, but productive as well.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
The kids had some awesome track meets this past week.
Friday night’s invitational was the best. We were very thankful there was no rain. The Friday before that, we sat in a torrential downpour for most of the meet. So, even though Friday night was still pretty cold, we were glad to be dry!
Hayden’s first big race Friday night was the mile. I’ve mentioned before that he had the goal to run a sub 5 mile….and he did it! (See below…4:59). I will cheer for them, but it takes a lot for me to jump up and get super crazy…well, I did when I saw the time on the clock! He also now holds the school record in the mile.
Then, it was Hadley’s turn. She’s been wanting to qualify for state in the 400. She’s been close, and Friday night she did it! The time she needed was 1:07.2, and she ran 1:07.03!!
Hayden didn’t run the 400 because he was still recovering from the mile. That being said, he ran the 800, and ended up qualifying for state in it!
They were so happy after their races on Friday night! My mom got these pics of them after the mile and 400.
Monday night, Hayden ran the two mile, and had a state qualifying time as well.
The kids are also on 4×800 relays, and Hadley usually runs the 4×100 and/or the 4×400. Hayden sometimes runs that one too. Anyway, those are fun to watch as well!
Both of them have had relays qualify for state too. At state, I don’t know if they will run everything, but it’s been fun seeing them achieve their goals!
On Saturday morning, we went to my nephew’s baseball game. He’s such a cute 1st baseman! I love that he’s using Hayden’s old baseball bag. Too sweet.
Saturday night, just Hadley and I were at home. She suggested Taco Tico for dinner, so we went there after some errands. Fun fact about Taco Tico: you can get a margarita to go. I can confirm that the watermelon marg is great!
Since my mom was in town, we celebrated her birthday a bit early with dinner at my brother’s house on Sunday. We brought dessert. Hadley made these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars, and they were a hit.
My mom was able to watch their track meets on Friday and Monday, so that was great as well.
On Monday, I went on a field trip with some classes. The Criminal Justice classes needed an extra chaperone on their tour of Eastern Kentucky University. We even saw the library. You know that made me happy.
Hadley brought home some artwork, and I love it…
How cute is my new purse strap? I picked it up at Joseph Beth when I was getting my mom a gift card.
Favorite Kid Quote:
Hayden wasn’t feeling well on Wednesday. Hadley thought Hayden was “faking” until a friend confirmed that he had his head down in class, so the teacher sent him to the nurse. When I asked Hayden what the nurse did for him, he said she had him gargle salt water and gave him some ice.
Hadley said not much happens when you get sent to the nurse. She said, “Mom, she literally just gives you a mint or ice for anything that’s wrong.” 😆
Favorite Mom Meme:
I’m telling ya what…I have to start my day with some quiet time.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
This Facebook memory popped up this week. My mom took this pic in April 2013, and it’s so cute.
The kids still eat “pot hearts” for breakfast, but they do call them Pop-tarts now.
Monday is our monthly Not Just a Mom link up. This month’s topic is: pet peeves
We’d love for you to join us!
What are your weekend plans? I’m headed to the Oaks horse race with Travis today. Tomorrow is the Derby, and we don’t have any big plans. Sunday, Hadley has a dance competition that will keep us busy!
…and today I’m goin to share about topics 21, 22, and 23.
21. Something I miss
The first thing that popped in my mind was that I miss when the kids were little. As they have gotten older, I appreciate what the next phase brings. Right now, they are pretty independent, but with that comes a sense of worry, expectations and guidance.
I miss having little ones to rock to sleep, sit on my lap to read a book, hold my hand when crossing the street, and smiling when they see me pick them up from school.
My grandparents – Of course, I always miss loved ones who are no longer here, but I tend to think of them more often now as I get older. I feel very grateful to still have my Gma, and that the kids have shared life with her as well.
22. 10 Favorite Songs
I’m not the best with songs. Truly – I never know the names of artists or song titles. That’s never been my strength. I do love to listen to music in the car. I can certainly appreciate 80’s and 90’s songs, but it’s usually country that I have on the radio.
Right now, we love American Idol. I even vote for the contestants using the app!
That being said, you know how when you hear a song, it “takes you back” to a time…that does happen for me. I will hear a song and think about high school or college…or a breakup, or some other moment in time.
Some of my favorite music memories include:
My first concert was Billy Joel– I think I was in 7th grade, but he was married to Christie Brinkley and she was in the helicopter crash around the time of the concert. The concert was postponed until the following year. I went with a friend and her parents, and it was a great time.
Travis is a music guy. Where I tend to stay in the “country lane,” he loves quite a few artists, and he has certainly introduced me to musicians I wouldn’t have known otherwise. The first concert we went to was David Gray in St. Louis, and it was so good.
For my birthday one year, we went to Nashville. I knew we were going to Ryman Auditorium, but I didn’t know we were seeing Eric Church. He was just getting started, and it was before he was so well-known. He only played a few songs (there were other performers), but we loved it.
We finally got to see Chris Stapleton last spring. He was supposed to come to Kroger Field in 2020, but that got postponed….it was postponed again in 2021. Last April, he finally came to Lexington. Sheryl Crowe and Willie Nelson opened for him. It was all worth the wait. The weather was amazing that night, we went with friends, saw so many people we knew, and just had a great time. His voice is amazing. I hope to see him again.
I went to the NKOTB concert with friends this summer. Talk about “blast from the past.” We loved every minute.
I had two surprises from Travis for our wedding. I let him choose the honeymoon location (as long as it had a beach), and he surprised me with our wedding song. I will never forget hearing “Someone Like You.” While it had sweet meaning behind it and the lyrics are wonderful too, I gave him a hard time about it because of the movie…and his his love for Ashley Judd. Haha
23. Pet Peeves
You’ll have to come back to the blog on Monday. Pet Peeves is the topic for Monday’s Not Just a Mom post.
Well, I’m making my way through this blog challenge. I guess I still have a few posts left!
Speaking of “happy,” besides a library, a bookstore is one of my “happy places.” We are so lucky to have an awesome bookstore in town…Joseph Beth. Besides Lexington, there is a location in Cincinnati as well.
At Joseph Beth, you can get coffee, sit in a cozy chair and read, and enjoy the food at Bronte Bistro. Of course, they have books, but you can also find various things like clothes, purses, seasonal items (like Derby decorations), bath/body items, candles, sweets, and more.
My mom’s birthday is coming up. Since she was visiting, we had a birthday dinner and dessert over the weekend. We decided to get her a gift card to Joseph Beth for her birthday, and she could use it before she left town.
Whenever I go, I love to walk around and see what they have on display.
Here’s a peek at a few of the favorite things I saw:
Banned book puzzle
The Bookstore Lover’s Birthday Book -This seems to be a “diary” of sorts where you can write each day, but also make note of what you’ve read.
Wristlet purse – super cute!!
Bogg bags -perfect for the pool
Book bag
Tea mug (and various teas): I actually got my mom this mug to put the gift card in. She likes tea, and I thought this mug was cute because it has a little holder on the side for the tea bag.
CUTE! colander and shaker
Recipe box and cards
Sweets!
Volcano candle -so good!
Journals
Herb garden markers: I thought these were super cute!
My mom ended up picking up some books on Ireland because she’s going there with friends later this year.
While she probably would have liked any of the above, I did want her to choose something she would really want and use.
Well, once April hits, I start getting serious about getting my workouts in.
Honestly, I workout pretty consistently year round. That being said, like most of us, December can be a struggle with the extra busyness of the holidays and then we recommit in January.
In January, I did regroup (at least better than December!) with what I was eating and started to get back in a true workout groove.
Then, usually around spring break when the weather starts to warm up…and I realize I will have to wear shorts soon, I really get a plan for working out and eating better.
So, starting April 1st, I started keeping track of my workouts. While I’d love to commit to five workouts a week, I knew four a week should be doable. I decided to “split the difference” and try to get in 18 true workouts.
While walking counts as a workout, I was really aiming to get in my Bodi (Beachbody’s new name) as well as a few elliptical workouts at the gym.
Here’s my month of movement:
April 1:
I was in the midst of Fire and Flow which is a Bodi program. I did a Restorative Flow workout before we hit the road to Greenville, SC. (Restorative Flow is a yoga type workout)
April 2– This is the day we biked 15 miles and I walked 11k steps. That was definitely a workout!
April 3– It was a rainy day, and I was sore from the bike ride! I could have lounged around the hotel while the kids and Travis went to do a track workout, but I did go for a 60 min walk around town. I ended up with 8,000 steps that day. I’m sure it would have been half that if I didn’t go on the walk.
April 4– We went on a 2 mile trail hike before heading home. Once we got home, I went on a 30 min walk to stretch my back and get a few more steps in.
*same outfit –one on the trail and one in my neighborhood!
April 5 – I did a Mobility Flow workout the day after we got home. I was tired from the trip and wanted to do low impact. This type of workout is yoga/Pilates… but with weights. It’s slow paced but makes you sweat!
April 6 – After a few previous days of lower intensity, I was ready to sweat. I did a Lower Body Fire workout which is weighted circuits and fire finishers (HIIT).
April 7 – I took advantage of a Friday with no school (still on spring break), and went to the gym for an elliptical workout.
April 8 – On this Saturday, I hit the gym again for an elliptical workout before picking up my grocery order. I do like the elliptical because it’s a good workout, it goes by quickly, and I can listen to a podcast and watch tv.
April 9– This was Easter Sunday. After church, we went to Elizabethtown to see Trav’s family. I easily could have skipped when I got home, but I knew life would get busier since we were headed back to school. Also, I wanted to walk off the big lunch and get some steps in, so I walked for 30 minutes.
April 10– We were back to school and the kids had their first track meet that evening. I squeezed in a quick Job One back/glutes/core workout. I finished this program a few months ago, but it’s a great one to go back to because the workouts are only 20 minutes.
**Also, I love when workouts have the countdown clock!
April 11 – Tuesdays are our least busy evenings. I tend to use those days for cardio which also then becomes a hair washing day. haha. I did Cardio Fire which is all cardio…no weights.
The workouts had sets of ladder workouts (20,40,60 seconds) with one minute HIIT “fire finishers” in between and core at the end. The Fire workouts always leave me tired!
April 12– no workout (track meet day)
April 13– I did the elliptical at the gym. Since Hayden had injured himself, he could only do the stationary bike at the gym. With that workout, I ended up getting 10k steps that day.
April 14– no workout. *I will say this is why Friday morning workouts used to be the best idea…because then I could guarantee getting a workout in to wrap up the week.
April 15– I did a 21 Day Fix Lower Body workout. I LOVE 21DF…it’s one of the original Beachbody programs, and I always turn to it if I need a random workout if in between programs or wanting to mix things up. All the workouts are 30 minutes which is a selling point for me as well.
April 16 Sunday is usually a rest day but I decided to walk after being pretty lazy most of the day. My friend wanted to borrow the book I had finished reading, so I walked it to her house and still walked for about 30 minutes.
April 17– I did a quick 20 min Job One workout before a track meet.
April 18– no workout – I was actually “disappointed” in myself this day. I had planned to workout, but it was a doozy of a day…I was up extra early, crazy busy at school, and then had all kinds of evening activities. I was just tired, and wanted to put my pjs on as soon as I could.
April 19– Fire and Flow: Functional Flow (yoga)
April 20– Muscle Burns Fat: Power Ignite– I did both the MBF and MBF Advanced programs last year and really enjoyed them.
I like the Power Ignite workout because she does EMOM – “every minute on the minute” style workouts. There are two five minute blocks and a 10 minute block, so it’s a quick by challenging workout.
April 21 – (Friday) —no workout. I headed straight to the kids’ track meet after school. It lasted until 10pm, but I did get 8k steps that day.
April 22 –I love Autumn as an instructor (from 21DF and other programs), so I did one of her Bod Exclusive workouts —Dirty 30 Sculpt. The 21 Day Fix program has a Dirty 30 workout that’s one of my faves. I enjoyed this one too.
April 23 –Restorative Flow which was much needed because I sore after Saturday’s workout. Finishing this workout meant that I finished the Fire and Flow program.
April 24- No workout (not even a quick one) before the track meet.
April 25 – I clicked around the Bodi programs, and decided to try Get Strong. I’d never seen it before, so I’m assuming it’s a newer program. It only has about two weeks of workouts.
The Strong 1 workout included 3 supersets and one tri-set. I don’t think I’ve ever done a tri-set before!
April 26 – I was so tired and really didn’t want to workout. I rallied and did another Get Strong: Sculpt workout.
April 27– I didn’t do a workout because I had a hair appointment after school. Priorities, obviously 😆
April 28- Another Friday with no workout, and I headed straight to the kids’ track meet after school.
April 29-This was a Saturday that I just didn’t get a workout in. We were up and at my nephew’s baseball game by 10:00, and then had other errands and spent time with family most of the day. It’s not that I was disappointed in myself for missing a workout, but this just reaffirms why I need to get those in early on a Saturday or the day just escapes me.
April 30- I wrapped up the month with another Get Strong workout. This was a Cardio Sweat workout and just what I needed to make up for missing on Saturday.
Fun fact: I hate cardio, I don’t mind walking or the elliptical. That being said, if it’s part of a program I will do it. That’s why I think I don’t struggle to workout at home. I might rearrange days but I will still get cardio in, so I can continue with a program.
So, I had a goal of 18 workouts. My workout total for the month:
Workouts: 19
Walks: 3
No workout: 8
Overall, I think April was a pretty good month of intentionally working out and making it a priority.
Even just knowing I was going to write this post motivated me to workout out a few of those days. It might sound silly, but I knew I was logging those workouts in this post, and wanted to meet my goal. I guess y’all are my accountability partners…and you didn’t even know it!
After completing the Fire and Flow program, I liked being able to turn to the Bodi workout library and pick and choose from other programs that I was familiar with but also a new one to try.
I know many aren’t motivated to workout at home…I’m actually more motivated to just go down to the basement and get the workouts in. Bodi is seriously the best investment for me. There are so many options of workouts, and I look back on some of the days I would have done nothing because I didn’t have a lot of time, but instead I “pushed” play on a 20 minute workout.
Before 2020, I was in a decent habit of getting up early two days a week to workout. On Wednesdays, I’d usually go to the gym, and on Fridays, I’d usually workout at home. That just kind of went to the wayside. Now, that life feels extra busy, I guess I just prefer the extra few minutes of sleep and the guaranteed quiet time I get in the morning with my cup of coffee.
This month, I did try to make better food choices. Again, I wasn’t perfect, but I was intentional with tracking my foods, working out, and limiting sweets as much as possible. I did end up losing 5 pounds which I’m happy about. I will be happy if I can get back down to where I was –5 more to go!
My weakness continues to be drinking water. I do drink water daily and during/after a workout. I’ve found that I tend to drink more water on the weekend, but need to drink more during the week.
Anyway, whether I post about it or not, I think I will track my May workouts as well. It’s almost pool season! 😆
Today, I’m linking up with Tanya for this month’s Prime Purchases.
This was a pretty light Amazon month. I think Travis even noticed that there were less packages on the front porch. 😆
This month I bought…
Jen Reed shared this, I think. I believe some of her followers told her about it, so she shared it. Anyway, I figured I’d add it into my moisturizing routine. I have noticed that crease on my chest (I’m a side sleeper), and if it can firm up my neck a bit, I wouldn’t be mad about it. I’ve been using it for a few weeks. The price point is good, and no matter what, I figure I will take as many moisturizers and vitamins on my skin as I can take.
Yes, I’m over 40. Why do you ask? 😆
Speaking of skin–I had my dermatology skin check on Friday. The past couple of times I’ve gone, she’s said my skin looks good, and I can come back every two years unless something of concern pops up. Just a friendly reminder to get your skin checked by a professional!
I swear…we are always looking for phone chargers in this house. Also, when all four of us are in the car, we all seem to need the one charger that I leave in there. I bought this three pack of the 10 foot “lightning” chargers…10 feet is pretty long, but I leave one in the car for whoever is in the backseat or third row. Also, sometimes I want a longer cable if charging my phone certain places in the house.
The one beauty product I seem to just buy whatever I can find is my daytime serum. I always just look for something with Vitamin C and go from there. I’ve been using this now this month, and I really like it.
Hayden got a new phone, so he needed another screen protector. I’ve always just purchased those from Amazon.
I’ve shared this toothbrush a few times. Both kids and I have it.
Once Hayden got his braces off, I bought him a new one. I’ve had mine for a couple of years, and Hadley has had hers for almost as long. Hayden —well, he tends to be tougher on things…or loses them. So, we’ll see –hopefully this one will last a while. Believe me, it’s user error as to why he’s on his third (or fourth!) one.
I also needed more toothbrush heads, so I added those to the order too.
Amy shared these sandals, and I just couldn’t say no. I wear a size 9, but sometimes I need a 9.5 (or 10!) in sandals. The 9.5 fit me perfectly.
That’s a wrap on my April purchases. I have my eye on a swim cover up that I will probably get this month because it’s almost pool time! I’m sure I will pick up some other odds and ends as the school year wraps up too.
I’m so used to posting during the week that I almost forgot about this link up.
At the end of the month, Jennifer hosts Share 4 Somethings to recap the month.
This month I’m…
Loving (watching)….The Diplomat on Netflix. I stumbled upon it last weekend, and watched three episodes. I love Keri Russell and then her husband on the show is just the best counterpart to her character.
I’m hoping to watch a few more episodes this weekend.
Reading: Earlier this week I shared what I read in April.
I’ve started Finlay Donovan is It, and it’s really good so far.
Eating: less sweets this month. Coming off of spring break and Easter, I wanted to make a conscience effort to cut down on my sweet tooth. I’ve also re-committed to getting workouts in at least four days a week.
I have a note on my phone where I’m tracking my goals.
My goals this month were: no fried foods (this isn’t really an issue for me, but since my kids love Raising Canes and CFA, I figured it was good to make an effort to not even eat that one meal a week), workout at least four days a week (even if it’s a 20 minute workout), cut out sweets. I will say I haven’t been perfect with no sweets, but I’ve definitely done way better than December-March with holidays and then just a bad habit of loving sweets!
Wearing:
Are y’all tired of me talking about Shop Style Your Senses yet? I have this ruffle workout tank in three colors, and I love it so much.
I love the ruffle detail and the high/low style. This top is one of the pieces they designed, and they were so intentional about the style details. You can even style it a variety of ways.
*full disclosure* I don’t love these photos of me, but I love this athleisure top enough to share!
Shew! This week has felt like a long one. It’s just been extra busy, and I’m thinking it’s not going to be much different in May.
Anyway, as always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
The kids had a track meet on Monday, and Hayden was back in action after his back injury. Both had a pretty good meet, and Hayden qualified for state in the 1600m. He’s close to running the mile in under 5 minutes which is another goal of his this year.
We tried Crumbl Cookie last weekend, and we are still thinking about those cookies. So good.
I finished another Bodi (Beachbody) program… Fire and Flow. I really enjoyed this program. The “fire” aspect is more weight training and cardio whereas the “flow” part is more yoga and some Pilates. After the first “flow” workout I did, I remember thinking I wasn’t sure if I’d like that part…well, I ended up really loving it. I got used to the slower (yoga style) pace, and it felt good to stretch with “flow” after the “fire” workouts. Also, as the program went on, so did the intensity. Some of the “flow” workouts reminded me a bit of Pure Barre.
Anyway, I’m glad I stayed the course and ended up really loving these workouts…and I wanted another badge in the Bodi app.
How pretty is this rainbow from last Saturday? I had to stop and take a photo!
Trader Joe’s had peony tulips, and I couldn’t resist buying them.
I tried a new dinner recipe idea this week.
I saw this “meatball biscuit cup” meal idea on one of those Facebook videos…
Here’s what you need:
Flaky biscuits – so you can pull them apart easily
Frozen Italian meatballs
Marinara
Italian seasoning
Shredded parm or mozz (or both)
Here’s what you’ll do:
Spray muffin tins with cooking spray
Pull apart the biscuits (One biscuit provided the base for two muffin cups) and put them in the muffin tins.
Spoon marinara in the biscuit cup
Place a frozen meatball in the biscuit cup.
I then topped each with a bit more sauce and sprinkled some Italian seasoning on each one.
Sprinkle with your cheese choice or combo.
Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
This dinner was super quick and delish…I made 18 cups, and we had some leftover for lunch/dinner the next day.
Favorite Kid Quote(s):
It’s been a minute since I’ve shared a kid quote (or two), but Hadley had me laughing this week.
One night at dinner, she said the school day went by slowly because she left her water bottle at home. I just kind of looked at her like, “huh?” Apparently, she has a hydration schedule throughout the day, so without her water bottle, she had trouble keeping track of time.
Also, Hayden’s phone recently quit working which meant he got an unplanned upgrade. Hadley likes to tell us when her phone is “glitchy” now in hopes of a new one. The other night, I mentioned that it didn’t seem so glitchy anymore, and she said it started to work after “I powered off my phone…I mean tablet “😆 She sure isn’t subtle about her desire to have a better phone.
Favorite Mom Meme:
Speaking of Hadley…this is her…
She likes to tell the details of her entire day at 10:00 PM. I’m not a detail person, so along with that and her timing, I’m usually wondering why she didn’t share about her day at 5:30.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
This is our first spring without baseball in many years. The kids were on the same baseball team for a few years. I love this pic from April 2015 when they were Timber Rattlers!
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts from the week. I had a mix of memes, cookies, books, and musings!
Tomorrow, I have a Share 4 Somethings Saturday post for you too!
What are your weekend plans? Fingers crossed, I think the rain should be gone by this evening’s track meet. We have a few other plans this weekend, but that’s it for athletics!
Since this month is wrapping up, it’s time for Patty and Holly’sMonthly Musing link up.
This month’s topic is: All About Spring
We’ve hit a cold snap this week, but thankfully the sun has been shining. I know spring weather is fickle, but I much prefer the warmer days!
1. Favorite spring fashion pieces?
Whenever this topic is asked, I always share a cardigan. Cardigans…it’s “giving” teacher fashion. When the weather starts to turn warmer, I start wearing cardigans over my dresses.
2. Favorite spring scent?
I love candles, and we always have at least one burning in the house. I always choose “lighter/fresher” scents like citrus and floral.
3. Go to spring meals?
Well, we’re so busy in the spring, I feel like I’m using my slower cooker still quite a bit. That being said, it’s always great when we can start grilling out! It’s just nice to have chicken or burgers and hot dogs and then serve quick and easy sides like baked beans, fruit, or pasta salad.
4. Spring dessert recipe
The first thing that popped in my mind is strawberry shortcake. We probably do eat that more in the summer though. I did make Shay’sFruity Pebbles Nieman Marcus bars recently, and they were delish.
5. Spring traditions
Some favorite spring traditions are dyeing Easter eggs, going to Keeneland, and watching the Oaks and Derby.
6. Spring cleaning hack
Lauren shared about decluttering and getting rid of something (trash or donate) and the number correlates with the day of the month. I started a bit late in April, but I did spend at least a week being intentional with going through junk drawers, random drawers I rarely open, my closet, the kids’ closets, the basement, and more. I still need to go through my dresser drawers and a few things in the garage, but at least I made the effort to “spring clean” a bit.
7. Will you plant a garden this year?
I’m not sure if we will or not. Anything in the yard is Trav’s domain. We’ve only done a garden a few times, but we’ll see.
8. Spring rain…love or hate?
I love a rainy Saturday or Sunday when there are no plans. I joke that it gives me “permission to be lazy.” If it’s raining, I can sleep in and do things around the house. That being said, of course, I hate when we have outdoor plans and it rains. For example, the kids have an outside field trip today that’s TBD due to the rain. I’m worried that tomorrow night’s track meet will be in yet another torrential downpour.
9. Favorite spring flower?
I always love when Trader Joe’s has their peonies in late spring/early summer.
10. Any spring travel plans?
Well, we already did our spring travelling when we went to Greenville, SC earlier this month. We loved it.
We don’t have any other travel plans for this spring. As a matter of fact, we still haven’t planned summer vacation yet!
This link up is always a fun one. I can’t wait to see what other people have to say.
I had a busy month of reading…and actually finished four books! I read quite the mix, and they range from three stars to five! Today I’m sharing about them…
This month I read:
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
The Husbands:
Summary:
Nora Spangler is a successful attorney but when it comes to domestic life, she packs the lunches, schedules the doctor appointments, knows where the extra paper towel rolls are, and designs and orders the holiday cards. Her husband works hard, too… but why does it seem like she is always working so much harder?
When the Spanglers go house hunting in Dynasty Ranch, an exclusive suburban neighborhood, Nora meets a group of high-powered women–a tech CEO, a neurosurgeon, an award-winning therapist, a bestselling author–with enviably supportive husbands. When she agrees to help with a resident’s wrongful death case, she is pulled into the lives of the women there. She finds the air is different in Dynasty Ranch. The women aren’t hanging on by a thread.
But as the case unravels, Nora uncovers a plot that may explain the secret to having-it-all. One that’s worth killing for. Calling to mind a Stepford Wives gender-swap, The Husbands imagines a world where the burden of the “second shift” is equally shared–and what it may take to get there.
Quick Thoughts:
This wasn’t necessarily “my type” of book to read…which is probably why I thought it was just ok. I guess it’s a “thriller/mystery,” and I thought the plot was interesting, but the “Stepford Wives” angle and some of those details made me lose interest. Also, I felt like some parts were predictable.
Rating:
A Quiet Life:
Summary:
Set in a close-knit suburb in the grip of winter, A Quiet Life follows three people grappling with loss and finding a tender wisdom in their grief.
Chuck Ayers used to look forward to nothing so much as his annual trip to Hilton Head with his wife, Cat—that yearly taste of relaxation they’d become accustomed to after a lifetime of working and raising two children. Now, just months after Cat’s death, Chuck finds that he can’t let go of her belongings—her favorite towel, the sketchbooks in her desk drawer—as he struggles to pack for a trip he can’t imagine taking without her.
Ella Burke delivers morning newspapers and works at a bridal shop to fill her days while she anxiously awaits news—any piece of information—about her missing daughter. Ella adjusts to life in a new apartment and answers every call on her phone, hoping her daughter will reach out.
After the sudden death of her father, Kirsten Bonato set aside her veterinary school aspirations, finding comfort in the steady routine of working at an animal shelter. But as time passes, old dreams and new romantic interests begin to surface—and Kirsten finds herself at another crossroads.
Quick Thoughts:
This was a beautiful and simple read. The powerful stories of Chuck, Ella, and Kirsten had me rooting for each one of them. As their stories intertwined, I really wanted to keep reading. Each character was brave in their own way, and I loved following along on their journeys. I think this could be in my top 5 this year.
Rating:
Night:
Summary:
Born in the town of Sighet, Transylvania, Elie Wiesel was a teenager when he and his family were taken from their home in 1944 to Auschwitz concentration camp, and then to Buchenwald. Night is the terrifying record of Elie Wiesel’s memories of the death of his family, the death of his own innocence, and his despair as a deeply observant Jew confronting the absolute evil of man. This new translation by his wife and most frequent translator, Marion Wiesel, corrects important details and presents the most accurate rendering in English of Elie Wiesel’s testimony to what happened in the camps and of his unforgettable message that this horror must simply never be allowed to happen again.
Quick Thoughts:
I’d read most of this book in March of 2020 while helping some students, but then school transitioned to virtual, and I never finished it.
I was helping a group of students read this book for their English 1 class last week. They came to see me every day, we read a chapter, discussed and completed the questions. This memoir really is a powerful read. The kids had so many questions, and I had to continue to remind them that Wiesel was sharing his experience in the concentration camps.
Obviously, this isn’t a light read, but is it a pretty “classic” high school text, but I’d never taught it (or read it). I feel like students are always invested in this book and have lots of questions. I’m glad that I got to read and discuss it with my two reading groups.
Rating:
The Secret Bridesmaid:
Summary:
Sophie Breeze is a brilliant bridesmaid. So brilliant, in fact, that she’s made it her full-time job.
As a professional bridesmaid, Sophie is hired by London brides to be their right-hand woman, posing as a friend but working behind the scenes to help plan the perfect wedding and ensure their big day goes off without a hitch. When she’s hired by Lady Victoria Swann––a former model and “It Girl” of 1970’s London; now the Marchioness of Meade––for the society wedding of the year, it should be a chance for Sophie to prove just how talented she is.
Of course, it’s not ideal that the bride, Lady Victoria’s daughter, Cordelia, is an absolute diva and determined to make Sophie’s life a nightmare. It’s also a bit inconvenient that Sophie finds herself drawn to Cordelia’s posh older brother, who is absolutely off limits. But when a rival society wedding is announced for the very same day, things start to get…well, complicated.
Can Sophie pull off the biggest challenge of her career––execute a high-profile gala for four hundred and fifty guests in record time, win over a reluctant bride, and catch the eye of handsome Lord Swann––all while keeping her true identity a secret, and her dignity intact?
Quick Thoughts:
This was a “lighter” read for me this month. It was predictable but cute. I liked the secret bridesmaid aspect of the plot…it’s fun twist on the topic of weddings. This book has friendship, romance, and even a bit of drama. The email exchanges from clients for the wedding plans are funny too. It was a quick and easy read.
Rating:
It’s crazy to think that next month, I will share a few books I hope to read this summer! Do you have any suggestions?
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