Category: Currently

Hello! How is the week treating you? So far, ours is off to a great start.

It’s been a while since I’ve linked up with Jenn for her Currently post, but I’m excited to do so today!

Here’s what I’m currently…

Loving:

I shared a few things I’ve been loving in my Monday Prime Purchases post. It’s quite the variety from placemats to leggings to word searches and more.

Honestly, I’m also loving that it’s getting darker earlier…perfect excuse not to leave the house 🙂

One more thing I’m loving…(Hayden too!) are these Dots cinnamon sugar pretzels. Hayden asked me to buy them, and they are so good.

Looking forward to:

I’m looking forward to quite a few things…starting with the weekend! haha

Truly, we usually have yesterday off for Election Day, and this year we didn’t…it’s just making the stretch from fall break until Thanksgiving break feel very long.

I’m also looking forward to Thanksgiving; it’s always been one of my favorite holidays.

Smelling:

I’m still savoring cinnamon, apple, vanilla, and other fall scents before it’s time for pine and peppermint!

Preparing for:

The kids’ birthday! Sweet 16! How is that possible?! As it’s been the past few years, Hayden wants no fuss, and Hadley wants a party. haha!

So, we have a fun birthday party planned for Hadley and some friends in a couple of weeks. Of course, on the kids’ birthday, we’ll do cake, presents, and a dinner out.

I know I say it every year, but it’s hard to believe that we’re well into the teen years and are now preparing for them to get their driver’s licenses!

Thankful for:

Well, of course all the important things like health, family and friends! That being said, I’m really thankful for a great school year so far. I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m really enjoying all of my classes. I have two English 1 classes with a co-teacher, two Adv. English 1 classes, and two English 2 classes. They are all very different, but I look forward to seeing my students every day.

And…I think I’ve gotten the hang of block scheduling…and I really like it.

Year twenty-four has been great, and I’ve enjoyed seeing my own kids more during the day based on the location of my new classroom this year.

Anyway, some years are better that other, but I feel like the great years come just when I need them!

What’s something you are thankful for?

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Well, day one of back to school professional development went well. It’s nice to see my colleagues and at the district PD, I always see friends from other schools which is always an added bonus. The English department at my former school was simply the best. So many of us started out there as young teachers, barely married and with no kids. Now a lot of us have moved to my current district, but we’re at various schools. So, when we see each other, it’s like one big reunion. We’ve kept in touch, but it’s just better when we get to see each other in person.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve linked up with Jenn and her Currently post, but I’m excited to do so today.

Here’s what I’m currently…

Loving:

I truly haven’t quit wearing my two sweatshirts and two pairs of shorts from Aerie. They’ve been the perfect summer staple.

I also have been loving our limelight hydrangea bush in our back yard. It’s absolutely taken off and is huge. Once a week, I’ve clipped some blooms to put in vases around the house.

I’ve also been loving Leanne‘s new show on Netflix. She’s so funny, and the cast is great.

Looking forward to:

I’m looking forward to getting back into a routine. I spent some time on Monday writing all the appointments, meetings, days off and more in my teacher planner and on my desk calendar. I also planned dinners for this week and placed a Kroger order. That’s not necessarily out of the ordinary, but I wanted to be intentional about lunches this week and even dinners. We’ve been “winging it” the past few weeks.

Scheduling:

Appointments. I schedule many appointments before I leave the office (like six months cleaning appointments while I’m at the dentist), but some I schedule, like my annual mammogram, as soon as I get back to school and know my schedule.

We also scheduled to have our living room chairs and ottomans cleaned. That’s been on the “to do” list for the entire summer, and we’re getting that done today.

Buying:

Like I shared last week, I’ve been buying quite a few things for my new classroom, and I’m really loving how my classroom turned out. It’s been a lot of work, and Hadley has been a huge help. Hayden helped me on Monday finish up the last few things.

And, in other news, I guess we’ll be buying new to us car. Last week, Trav was driving my car and was in an accident. The car next to him was t-boned by someone running a red light, and that car got pushed into my car. I’ve had my car for almost ten years, and I assumed I’d have it for a few more, so this is kind of a bummer! That being said, Trav got a new (to him) car last summer after getting rid of the 4Runner that we’d had for close to fifteen years and 250k+ miles. Anyway, I’m glad he was driving my car instead of his, and of course, I’m glad everyone was ok!

This feels like “adulting” at its finest…and just as we’d started to discuss a car for the kids.

Gearing up for:

Back to school…and what I hope is a great school year for myself and my kids.

Sophomore year can kind of be “meh” because you aren’t the new kid anymore…kind of the middle child of high school, so I’m hoping they make the most of it.

Also, my school is moving from a traditional six class schedule to block scheduling with four ninety minute classes for A day and then four other classes for B day. I’m excited to give it a try, but it will be a big adjustment, I’m sure. With that, for my own kids, they get to take more electives which I think will be great for them to experience and focus on a pathway.

What’s something you are loving, looking forward to, scheduling, buying, or gearing up for?

High, ho…it’s back to school I go…finally! After 26 days, we’re headed back in the building to start second semester!

I’m sure this morning will be rough, but it’s always good when we get back in a routine.

I like sharing “Currently” posts…when I feel like I have enough to share, so that’s what I’m doing today.

I saw this “Currently” graphic on Pinterest and thought it would be a fun way to share a few things going on.

• Watching: I just finished the second season of The Diplomat, and I loved it. I was bummed this season was only six episodes. Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell are fantastic. Looks like there will be a third season.
• Eating: Snack plates! One thing I always love about winter and summer breaks is having more time for lunch…and making snack plates. I just like having a little bit of everything…and not having to pack a lunch ahead of time!
• Been Reading: I finished Lilac Girls and finished listening to Joanna Gaines’ book. Now, I’m reading The Match. It’s a lighter read for sure, but I’m liking it.
• Listening: Since I’ve been walking or doing the elliptical a bit more, I’ve been back to listening to podcasts. I stumbled upon Kelly Ripa’s Let’s Talk off Camera and have listened to a few episodes. I’ve also watched Live with Kelly and Mark quite a bit when home lately, and I like their morning banter.
• Doing: Reformer Pilates! A friend has her own student that’s fairly new, and I haven’t really had the time (based on her class times) to go. I took advantage of the snow days, and went to three of her classes in the past week. It’s been nice to try something new.
• Loving: The snow days…There’s nothing better than not setting an alarm! That being said, when we didn’t go back to school on Monday, I started to feel a bit anxious. I just hated waiting on the day to day announcements of what are plans were for school the next day.
• Seeing: Sunshine and snow! Homer refuses to go down the back steps if he even thinks they are icy. So, that meant I had to bundle up to take him around the block the past few days. Even with the cold temps, it was still so pretty outside with the blue skies.
• Buying: I took advantage of Kendra Scott’s 50% off for your birthday and bought this cross necklace. Hadley and I popped in to a couple of shops yesterday before her volleyball practice. She had a Lulu gift card, but didn’t find what she was looking for just yet.
• Needing: To make lists –for home and for school. In January and February, I want to purge and need to make a list in order to be productive. At school, since we didn’t have the teacher work day, I feel a bit behind in the back to school/beginning of semester things we usually do. I did go into school a few mornings these past two weeks just to get my room organized, write on the board, log in to technology, etc. Today, I won’t feel so off kilter since I’ve accomplished a few of those smaller back to school tasks.
• Playing: I mentioned that last week a group of us played Play Nine, and it was so much fun. We’d played on fall break, so it was fun to get together and play again. I want to get the game to play at home.
• Working on: Grading NTI assignments and updating attendance. For our non-traditional days, students have three days to complete assignments after we return to school in case they were unable to complete them while we were out of school. Some students might not have had power or their computer, but truthfully, some students just know that they have a few extra days to do the work too. So, I’ve had to take attendance at the end of each NTI day based on completed work. If a student has a 0 but then turns their work in within the time frame, I go back and update attendance. Anyway, it’s just kind of tedious to keep up with and keep up to date.
• Feeling: Excited for the Chiefs’ game this weekend. Will there be a “three-peat” this year? The first step is the divisional round. I hope I didn’t just jinx them by putting this out into the universe!

Even after all these years, I still get a little nervous on the first day of school and the first day back from an extended break. And, as I’ve shared, this one went on longer than our regular two week winter break thanks to the snow, ice, and cold temps! I know we’ll all settle in once that bell rings.

See you back here tomorrow,

Hello and happy Wednesday!

How’s it going? Yesterday, was the perfect day off due to Election Day. I slept in a bit, voted, got my car washed, ran a few errands, and had some time at home.

All of us last night…

I know election results can be contentious, so… moving right along…

It’s been a LONG time since I’ve shared a currently post, so that’s what I’m doing today.

I’m currently…

Watching: The Diplomat Season 2. I watched an episode on Sunday, and then I watched two yesterday. It’s such a good show!

{This pic is from Season 1}

Baking: I bought the ingredients to make a pumpkin pie, and I hope to bake one this weekend.

Buying: Well, I need to start thinking about what I want to buy the kids for their birthday. Hadley’s made a list on Google slides and shared it with me. Then, she decided to add them to the “Giftful” app and shared them with me that way. She’s always way easier to buy for compared to Hayden.

Yesterday, I bought some Christmas ornaments for Hadley’s tree. For years, both kids had a little tree in their rooms. Last year, Hadley asked for one of my skinny trees that’s usually in the sun room to go in her room. I’m assuming that’s the plan for this year too.

I just thought she could use some ornaments that were a little more “teen” than some of the ones she uses for her tree.

Hayden had a PT appointment yesterday, so with an hour to kill, I headed to Hobby Lobby. They had so many cute ornaments, and of course they were 50% off.

Coloring: Yesterday, I had some time to color a couple of pages in my Cozy Girl book that I got from Amazon last month.

Adjusting: To the time change. It sure is dark earlier, but I do like that it’s lighter in the morning.

Drinking: I’m still loving this Crystal Light grape flavor to add to my water. Truly, it’s about all I drink when using my tumbler.

Loving: I’m still loving my “Lucy” top for SSYS. They had a few new items drop yesterday, and I ordered the Sloan top.

Scheduling: The kids and I get a flu shot every year. I usually get mine when the nurses schedule the day at our school. I missed it whenever that day was. Then, I was waiting for the kids to get finished with all their sports before I schedule appointments for all of us. Hopefully, we can get that done at Kroger this week or next.

Teaching: In my classes, we started a new unit this week. It might sound odd, but I don’t love starting a new unit. At first, I feel like a “salesman” sharing what the unit is about and trying to get the kids excited.

Unit 2 is “Promise and Progress,” and we are reading “I Have a Dream” today.

Anticipating: I’m anticipating a weekend with nothing on the books! Seriously, nothing. I don’t even know the last time we had a free weekend. You know these kids are going to schedule something that I have to take them to. haha

This was a fun post to share with a little bit of everything. I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve written a Currently post.

Thanks for reading,

Hello and happy Wednesday.

We’re already a week into March, and Jennifer is hosting her monthly Currently link up.

Here’s what I’m currently:

Loving:

All my bunny decor for Easter. I guess bunnies are to my spring decor as pumpkins are to my fall decor. How many bunnies are too many?

These colorful wooden bunnies brighten up my entryway table.

These flocked bunnies from Walmart are another favorite. I remember that they were all the rage last year, and I missed out. This year, I bought one pink, one cream, and two mint colored ones. These are the 9 inch ones, and they are less than $5 each!

I ordered them, and they were delivered the same day! Walmart continues to spoil me.

(Walmart also has 16 inch ones too!)

My Kroger had these light up bunnies marked down. They came in blue, pink, purple, and white. I picked up a blue one…and once I got home, I realized the batteries weren’t included. This guy needed three of those small round batteries…now I see why he was marked down.

Oh well, it’s the perfect touch for my kitchen island tray.

Looking forward to:

Well, my first thought was spring break!

But…I’m also looking forward to “springing forward” this weekend. I’m ready for the extra daylight.

I did my Easter decor inside, but this weekend I look forward to putting a few Easter touches outside. I’m sure it will look the same as last year…

Planning:

I promise I’m not skipping St. Patrick’s Day. Soon, it will be time to plan St. Patty’s Day dinner.

I need to start planning a few Easter basket ideas. Just yesterday, Jen Reed shared these exfoliating facial sponges that I think Hadley will like (me too!).

I always get Hayden a pair of Vineyard Vines swim trunks. I always buy a pair at the end of summer sale that I hold on to for either Christmas or Easter. So, I’ve been holding on to a pair for quite a few months. He still wears the boys XL size. Crazy, but true.

I know I don’t need to go overboard, but I’ve always used Easter baskets as a way to give them a few things for the summer. That being said, it’s not the same as when they were little. I would buy them swim goggles, bubbles, and sunglasses.

Travis and I also need to start planning a bit more of our spring break.

Wearing:

Whether the temps have been in the 40’s or low 70’s, I’ve been wearing this jacket to school, to run errands, or to volleyball and basketball games.

I purchased this set last fall, and I didn’t wear it as much in the winter. Now, I’ve been wearing it quite a bit again. It’s perfect for mild temps.

Again, even with the more mild weather, I’ve still been trying to wear as many sweaters as possible. Once April hits, I will be back to wearing dresses until the end of the school year.

Eating:

Lately:

I discovered the “Cool Ranch” wrap from Chick-fil-A.

I made a Pizza Pasta Bake that was a family favorite…

…as was this stir fry recipe.

This week we had this Chicken and Rice Casserole….Travis and I liked it…and the kids thought it was ok.

Monday night, after Hayden’s basketball game, we ate out on a whim. I think the kids didn’t want leftover casserole!

This week, we’re also going to have either Cheeseburger soup or Crockpot Crack Chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. Whatever we don’t have tonight/tomorrow, we’ll have on Sunday.

Side note – I’m always so happy when I “over plan” our weekly meals…because if we don’t make something during the week, then I already know what I can make for Sunday dinner!

Anyway, that’s what I’m currently up to! What about you?

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Hello!

How is your week going? Mine is off to a good start…but guess what I did yesterday…for probably only the second time in 22 years of getting up for school…I forgot to set my alarm!

I have a daily alarm set for 7:15 to start fussing at the kids if they aren’t awake, and that’s what woke me up because I guess I forgot to set my 6:00 alarm.

You know how I love my morning quiet time…and I swear that my whole day was thrown off yesterday because I had to hit the ground running.

Anyway, today I’m linking up with Jennifer for this month’s Currently post.

Here’s what I am currently:

Loving:

I’ve been loving a few self-care things I’ve been using recently including the Jergens essential oil sticks (Sleep and Awaken) as well as collagen eye gels:

Sunny days have been just what I’ve needed. I love a couple of months of winter, but I didn’t realize how much I needed to see the sunshine until our temps warmed up and we’ve had a string of sunny days.

Looking forward to:

It might sound crazy, but I’m looking forward to a weekend full of activities. While one weekend without activities was fine, I’m excited to watch Hadley get back on the volleyball court this weekend.

It’s also cotillion weekend. This weekend is the third of four dances. It’s a more casual theme: Hawaiian:Malibu Mingle.

I’m looking forward to seeing the kids dressed up again.

Also, we’re definitely looking forward to cheering on the Chiefs this Sunday while watching the Super Bowl!

I don’t want to jinx it by typing this out, but of course we’re hoping for a win.

Also, I always look forward to a three day weekend, and Presidents’ Day is circled on the calendar. There’s no better feeling than no school on a Monday!

Doing to be romantic:

While it’s not the most romantic thing, I’ve already purchased Trav’s Valentine’s Day card. We typically go to dinner at some point around Valentine’s Day. We’ll see what we have time to do.

Also, sometimes we feel like our schedule is all about the kids. I’d like to make a point to maybe go on a breakfast date once a month…or hit up a coffee shop. Amy shared a reel with me about Lexington coffee shops, and I haven’t been to any of them. So, my goal in February is to find time to go to one of those with Travis.

Changing:

We’ve been changing up Hadley’s room, and it looks amazing. The wallpaper came in last week, and my friend helped me put it up this past weekend while Hadley was gone. Really, she did all the work! I’m just waiting on one more thing to arrive for her wall, and we are finished for now.

She definitely has a teenage room ready for high school!

Celebrating:

…Valentine’s Day next week. Again, we don’t do much to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I always buy Trav and the kids a box of chocolates. I usually get the kids a couple of things and Travis and I exchange cards.

I’m not sure what I’m getting Hayden…besides another Gatorade bottle because he lost yet another one…but let me know if you have any ideas for teen boys.,

For Hadley, she really wanted Lego flowers for her room, so I got her those to put in a vase along with a new Stanley…because apparently, my kids can’t keep up with water bottles.

This year, with Valentine’s Day on a Wednesday, both kids have activities that evening. I still might try to fix some of their favorites for dinner which has been a tradition the past couple of years.

What about you? What are you currently loving, looking forward to, doing to be romantic, changing, and celebrating?

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Hello! I hope you are having a great week.

I haven’t written a Currently post in a while, so I’m linking up today with Jennifer to share what I’m currently loving, 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.

What about you?

Hello!

How was your 4th of July? We had a good one, but it was different…I’ll explain more below…

I haven’t written a Currently post in quite some time, so today I’m linking up with Jennifer to share what I’m currently loving, savoring, celebrating, remembering, and trying.

Loving:

I shared this body wash from Trader Joe’s a few weeks ago, and Hadley and I are loving it. I’m bummed that I missed out on the body butter, and Hadley recently said, “Mom, what are we going to do when we run out this body wash?!” It’s that good.

Ok….I jumped on the Stanley bandwagon. When I saw that Target (online) had a few new colors, including this pretty shade of violet “wisteria“, I decided to reward myself for completing my two weeks of summer school…haha.

Travis and Hayden have been making fun of me, but I know Hadley will love it when she sees it. It arrived Monday, and I’ve already drank at least 80 oz of water the past two days!

The shipping was free, and I had a few Target Circle earnings to use too.

Savoring:

Slow mornings. (when we have them)

I’m telling you, I’m just as tired now as I was at the end of May…which isn’t a good sign. haha

June was extra busy with kids’ activities, camps, two weeks of summer school and more. This week and next should provide less alarm clock setting which is very much needed. I still get up before everyone like I do during the school year if we are having to get up somewhat early. It’s nice when we hit a day with nothing on the agenda, but those have been few and far between.

I’ve also been savoring 1:1 time with each kid. Hayden was in South Carolina with his friend’s family for a week, but Hadley left for camp the morning that he got home.

So, we had a week with just Hadley and then five days with just Hayden. By the time Hadley gets home, they won’t have seen each other for about two weeks!

Hayden ran the Bluegrass 10k yesterday morning (more on that in a second), and then we went out to breakfast. He crushed biscuits, gravy, bacon, donuts, water, and chocolate milk!

Celebrating:

The 4th of July!

Seriously, this summer could be alternately titled: The summer we didn’t sleep in.

We aren’t always in town for the 4th of July, but there were years that Travis ran this race. It’s always fun seeing other runners, and we always bump into people we know.

Last week, Hayden decided he wanted to run. Y’all know he’s a runner, and he’s done 6-7 mile training runs, but never a 10k race. Anyway, we were up at 5:45 to leave around 6:30 because the race started at 7:30. We met up with Trav’s brother who was also running, and then Hayden went with him to warm up and start the race. Travis brought his bike and met up with Hayden at various points to check in on him. I stood at mile 3 which was also mile 5 to cheer for Hayden before heading to the finish line.

Hayden was hot and sweaty (as you would expect), but he was happy with his performance of just under 7 minute mile pace and where he placed in his 13-17 age group.

After the race, we chatted with others for a few minutes before heading to eat breakfast. The rest of the day, we hung out a bit. Travis and I ran some errands, including a run to Walmart and Lowes. Hayden took an ice bath! Travis power washed the back patio, and I took a way longer nap than I meant to.

We grilled out for dinner before catching fireworks once the sun went down.

I’m also celebrating Hadley coming home from camp tonight.

She’s been at a camp in Missouri with a group from her school. This isn’t the camp she usually goes to, so it’s been different putting my kid on a bus (with all her friends and camp leaders) to drive 9 hours away! From the photos and videos I’ve seen this week, she’s had a blast.

Hadley could 100% go to camp for two months and be so happy!

She doesn’t get home until really late, but I look forward to having us all home at once for a bit.

Soon, we are also celebrating Trav’s brithday…It’s a “big” one.

Remembering:

Past 4th of Julys…

The 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. This was the second time that Hadley’s been at camp on the 4th, and that’s not my preference. I like having the day at home to celebrate, go to the pool and watch fireworks. I guess the days are pretty much gone of them dressing in red, white, and blue (at least in an over the top way), but I still wish camp didn’t fall over the holiday.

This time last year, we were in Mexico! That’s hard to believe.

Trying:

A new Bodi (Beachbody) workout.

I’ve done Muscle Burns Fat with Megan Davies, and she’s one of my favorite trainers. Her new program, Sure Thing, was released recently. I’ve finished week 1 of 8, and so far I really love it.

What’s something you are loving, savoring, celebrating, remembering or trying?

I hope you have a great day!