Well, all good things must come to an end. I feel like I just shared a Friday Favorites post saying I was ready for break. Now, the two weeks are up, and it’s almost time to face reality.
I’m linking up with Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are a few favorites from the week:
Well, we’ve had a pretty low-key week with not a lot of action. Honestly, that’s my first favorite…but that also means I don’t have a ton to share.
While in KC, my Gma gave me this candle snuffer that my great great grandfather made. It’s the perfect addition to my living room tray.
I have two new ornaments to add to my tree. My Gma made this one…
…and my mom gave me this one. It’s a light from the Plaza Christmas lights.
Hadley was back in action playing in a scrimmage with her new volleyball team. They were fun to watch, and I know they’ll only get better.
We spent New Year’s Eve with friends at a progressive dinner. It’s always a good time and great way to end the year.
We drew words again, and I got purpose, commitment, and faith as my focus for the year.
One of my Christmas gifts was the word search calendar.
I’ve started every day with a puzzle. I’ve always loved word searches.
Favorite Kid Quote:
Travis went to the grocery store on Sunday and told me he planned dinners for the week.
Later, Hayden opened the cabinet and said,“Dad, why did you buy protein spaghetti?” 🤣 Travis is consistently “new year, new me” most Januarys!
Favorite Mom Meme:
Back to school next week! Honestly, even I’m out of whack. I’ve been going to bed close to 11 and not getting up until 8-9!
Weekly Recap:
I’ve had some of my favorite “end of year” posts this week:
I’m supposed to head back to school on Monday and the kids on Tuesday. If we get the predicted weather that’s expected for Sunday/Monday, I’m not sure any of us will be back to school until at least Wednesday. We’ll see.
Well, it’s hard to believe that the Christmas season is over. I hope you had a great holiday.
As the year wraps up, I always like to share my favorite posts that I wrote in the year.
I’m linking up with Andrea for Friday Favorites…the last one of 2024!
Here’s my 2024 blogging recap.
A few stats from this year:
Posts: 242
Total words: 161K
Average words per post: 661
Best day: Friday, Best hour: 8 am
Most popular day: is still March 14, 2023 with 931 views
I’ve been blogging for over five years, and it is still such a fun hobby for me. This year, I’ve felt like I had a little bit less time to blog, but I made it work.
Some all time stats include:
Views: 475, 923
Visitors: 125, 931
Posts published: 1,186
Countries: At least one person in 118 countries has read one of posts. After the United States and Canada, I have quite a few views from Japan. Who knew I was so popular in Japan?!?
As I say every year, I’m not “here for the numbers.” This is just a fun hobby for me, a way to capture memories from year to year, and share my thoughts. It is fun to see the numbers grow a bit from year to year…even how many posts I write and the word count.
I appreciate every like, comment, and read. Truly, thank you!
A few thoughts first:
Well, a couple of years ago, I shared my top 10 favorite posts. Last year, it was my top 20 favorite posts…and this year, we’re up to 25! I need to learn to edit a bit…sorry for that!
I enjoyed starting 2024 off with the WordPress Bloganuary Challenge again.
I also did a November Gratitude Challenge too. I like blogging on smaller topics and sharing my thoughts that way.
I started linking up with Joyce for the Wednesday Hodgepodge posts when I could. It’s always fun finding a new link up.
I also enjoyed continuing co-hosting the Share Our Lives link up with some of my favorite bloggers.
We’ll be back in 2025!
Favorite posts from 2024:
1.
One of the “Bloganuary” topics was to write about colleges I attended.
I did a few “Throwback Thursday” posts this summer too. I loved the one reminiscing about summer reading through the years.
14.
Another “Summer Sunday” post was summer craft ideas for kids. It was a fun post that was reminiscent of how I used to spend my summers with the kids.
15.
Another sweet Throwback Thursday post was when I shared about the summer of 2010. I loved that summer with the kids!
16.
In August, I had a couple of “Teacher Talk” posts…the first one, I shared about the first week of school (including before and after the students arrived)
17.
Then, I had another Teacher Talk post specifically about my schedule this year.
18.
The September Monthly Musingtopic was all about fall things including back to school. I love writing about fall, so this was a fun post to put together!
19.
We’ve enjoyed fall break on 30A for the past three years. I always love writing that vacay recap.
20.
I did two “day in the life” posts recently, but they were “hour by hour” for a weekday and a weekend day. I love reading and writing those kinds of posts, so this was a different way to capture those days.
21.
I was scrolling Instagram, and saw this graphic for a Gratitude Challenge, and decided to blog every single day in November!
22.
I always enjoy recapping the kids’ birthday, and this year they turned 15! that was definitely worthy of a Friday Favoritespost.
23.
Hayden ran in the Foot Locker South region race after Thanksgiving. We’d never been to Charlotte, NC, so it was fun to recap our time there as well as Hayden’s running season.
24.
I pretty much kept everything the same as last year for Christmas decorations, but I did share a few new Christmas decor touches for this year.
25.
One of my favorite traditions is baking Christmas cookies, and this year we baked cookies with my brother’s family which was even more fun.
I also love sharing the books I read this year and a recap of our year, and I will have those posts next week! While the last couple weeks of the year are typically “quiet” in the blogging world, I have more time to blog and always have post that I want to share at the end of the year.
It’s been another great year of blogging, and again, thanks so much for reading!
This is the best kind of Friday with only about seven hours standing between me and winter break! That’s my first favorite.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Like last week, I have a few festive favorites…
I shared earlier this week that we made Christmas cookies with my brother’s family last weekend. All the cookies turned out great. I made an additional batch of the peanut butter blossoms this week too.
Baking crew:
On Sunday, I finished wrapping presents while watching Frosty the Snowman. I don’t love wrapping presents, so I just carve out some time once or twice in December to get everything organized and wrapped. Watching a holiday show makes that task more tolerable.
I picked up some really cute wrapping paper at Walgreens!
Ok, the Cranberry Sprite is elite! I purchased a couple of twelve packs because it’s that good! This week, my hall of teachers had a Mexican themed pot luck…we ended up having enough leftovers for two days of food. It was so nice not packing a lunch…and eating with a fun group.
Last night, we went to the Horse Park to see the lights. This is at least our 20th year going. I love this tradition. The kids wanted Homer to “see the lights,” so he hopped in the car too.
A few more festive things:
This or That:
I like to write a “this or that” post during the various holiday seasons, but never got around to it. So, here are my answers to this fun one I found on Pinterest:
I love both movies, but The Holiday is one of my faves.
I chose Christmas presents only because I enjoy giving them.
I still love the garland on our mantle that I picked up at Kirkland’s last year.
I’m more apt to bake sugar cookies, but I love the Ginger People from Trader Joe’s.
I prefer more simple decor, and I really like the decorations I put out for the holidays.
We’re in such a busy stage of life it’s nice to have time with family during the two weeks we are on break. That being said, I also love time with friends for holiday parties.
Giving presents is definitely my preference. It’s always nice when you find the “perfect” gift for someone.
Again, just with us being busy and not home much, I enjoy staying home for our time off. Of course, we like visiting family too, and once we get there, we do have downtime.
Similar to what I said above, I always look forward to our familyChristmas dinner. This year, one of Trav’s clients sent him steaks, so I think we’re having those for our dinner. The couple of Christmas parties we go to every year are also fun seeing friends.
I like to hang out during the day, but have a nice dinner for Christmas.
Favorite Christmas Movies:
Another Pinterest find:
These are a few of my favorite movies.
I always watch: Home Alone, A Christmas Story, and While You Were Sleeping (which just takes place during Christmas time, but one of my faves). I usually watch The Holiday and then sometimes watch the other ones.
Favorite Kid Quote:
The other day, Hadley wanted Chick-fil-A before practice, and I questioned her because she’d had Raising Canes the day before. She said, “Mom, I don’t think I will ever get tired of eating chicken.” 😂
Relatable Meme:
…but TGIF!
Favorite Mom Meme:
This one is so true. We don’t do these every year now, but when the kids were little, I just had to let go of my “type A” tendencies.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
Christmas 2010…Christmas pj edition…
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts this week in case you missed one:
Hello and happy Friday! (and it’s Friday the 13th…Pray for the teachers, y’all!)
How was your week? Ours was good. This has been an interesting time with not as much on our plates. Both kids have track three days a week right after school, and Hadley has volleyball two days a week. I know that still seems like quite a bit, but we have most of our evenings at home which is a nice pace for us right now.
It’s hard to believe, but a week from today, we’ll be on Christmas break!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week…most of which are pretty festive:
Last Friday, I channeled my “inner Amy” and “broke up” my weekend a bit.
After school on Friday, some teachers went to a nearby Mexican restaurant for happy hour. I almost didn’t go because I only had about an hour before I had to pick the kids up from track, but I went…and it was such a good time.
A margarita to kick off the weekend!
Travis was sick, so Hayden and I watched the NCAA volleyball tournament Friday night. MU won, so that was neat to watch.
On Saturday morning, I met a friend at a Christmas craft fair. Again, I usually don’t have time on the weekends, but now we seem to have this downtime. I was able to pick up a few things for family members. We actually went to a second one that was by the mall, so I was able to shop for a couple of hours that morning.
Saturday afternoon, Hadley and I went to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and it was SO cute!
I had a really great Saturday!
Sunday morning, church was beautiful, and we had an orchestra for the “Lessons and Carols” service.
That afternoon, the kids went back to church to pack food boxes. They had a good time doing that and then eating pizza afterwards.
One day this week, I popped into one of my favorite places…the bookstore! I love that store year round, but it looks extra pretty around Christmas time.
I saw this Christmas “favorites” list on Pinterest and thought it would be fun to share my answers.
I will share the blank one on Instagram. I’d love to see your responses.
‘Tis the season for being overbooked and stressed! Personally, I think this has been our best Christmas season yet having some downtime, having our Christmas shopping pretty much wrapped up, and incorporating traditions when we have time.
Here’s a sweet thought:
Favorite Mom Meme:
Haha…thankfully, this doesn’t happen to me too often.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
I think this is the first time the kids really saw Santa. We’d never taken them to the mall or anything, and this was in 2013 at Trav’s work Christmas party. They didn’t get too close to Santa that year!
I feel like this week flew by! Only two more weeks until winter break!
As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Last week, we traveled to Charlotte, NC for Hayden’s race. It’s such a cute city!
Hayden finished the season with a medal the Foot Locker South Region race.
With December, comes some fun graphics:
While on the drive to Charlotte, I made my December book trackers. They are saved to a highlight on my Instagram account. Feel free to use them and tag me 🙂
Sunday night, we took a few minutes to put ornaments on the tree in the living room. It’s always a stroll down memory lane.
I added some new personalized ornaments to the bedroom tree.
I ordered a couple of Antique Candle Co. candles, and they arrived this week. I actually ordered a couple more candles from them yesterday because their Black Friday sale was extended.
I hit the holiday trifecta at Trader Joe’s on Sunday. I got my favorite “mini Gingerbread People” cookies and my favorite “Step Up to the Bar” snack mix. I did pick up a tin of Jingle Jangle as the kids really like it. At $9 a tin, I think it will be the only one I pick up this season!
My school does “gratitude feathers” before Thanksgiving. The students can write on these feathers and then a teacher collects them and puts them in teacher mailboxes. My envelope was put in the wrong box, so I received my feathers yesterday! (Last week, when I saw my empty mailbox, I was afraid no students like me…haha!)
One of my feathers was from Hadley:
So sweet!
Last night, we went to the Kentucky volleyball game. I hadn’t made it to a game yet this season in the newly renovated Memorial Coliseum. It’s legit!
They played Cleveland St. in the first round of the NCAA tournament, and it was fun to watch. They won in 3 sets.
Favorite Mom Meme:
If I can’t find the scissor and tape, how am I going to wrap their presents?!
We have our last Share Our Lives link up of 2024 on Monday, and we’d love for you to join us by linking up or reading the posts. This month’s topic is favorite scents.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Just a few favorites this week as we didn’t have a ton going on which was obviously a favorite.
Saturday was a pretty dreary day, and with a Saturday with some extra time on my hands, I put up the Christmas decorations. I don’t dread putting them up, but I know that it takes some time. Well, this year, I was finished in about an hour. I still decorated pretty fully, but I just followed last year’s blog post and also edited what I didn’t want to use a long the way.
Then, I decided to knock a couple of gifts off my list. This started because I had Old Navy cash that expired the next day. Anyway, I braved Old Navy, and then I went to Kirklands for a few decorations. After that, I went to an outdoor shopping area and went to a couple of stores to get gifts for Hadley.
The area had their tree up, and it looked pretty on the dreary day.
I was gone a few hours, and came home to relax for a bit. Then, who are we?!? That afternoon, a group of us decided to go out to a new pizza place for dinner. Everyone was available on a Saturday night. The group is the same couples we go on fall break with, and it was so nice to get together for a couple of hours.
I’m not a big beer drinker, but if I do drink a beer it’s because we’re having pizza.
When we came home, it was lovely to see the glow of the Christmas lights.
On Sunday, I went to Trader Joe’s and spotted peonies, so of course I had to buy some. I don’t recall seeing peonies in the winter at Trader Joe’s. They are my favorite.
Sunday afternoon, Hadley got back home from her Young Life weekend. She had lots of fun with her friends…
…and even saw baby goats. She filled us in on her weekend, and I was so happy to have her home.
Random picture, but Hadley sent me this at school on Monday….haha.
I started yesterday morning off watching the parade before we headed to Louisville for Thanksgiving lunch.
Favorite Mom Meme:
Works every time…haha!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
This pic popped up in my Facebook memories. In preschool, the kids made little Indian costumes. I don’t remember how they got their “names,” but funny that Hadley’s starts with “princess” and Hayden’s starts with “running.”
Hello and happy Friday…from a wintry Kentucky! We had our first measurable snow of the season…and of course school was crazy yesterday! haha
TGIF for sure!
As always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
This week’s post is all about the kids’ birthday this week! How are they 15?!
Hayden didn’t feel the need to have a party, but Hadley still wanted to have one with her friends. Literally, the only time in the near future where we had a free afternoon was last Sunday.
Hadley’s friends came to the house for a bit, and then we headed to the bowling alley.
Apparently, the dress code was sweatshirts and black leggings. haha!
They bowled for about an hour and a half, and Trav and I sat in the bar area and watched football. The girls wrapped up their games right as the Chiefs game was starting.
We went back to the house for presents and cake. Hayden was there watching the game.
Hadley “polled” her friends to see if they liked red velvet cake (her fave!), and they all agreed. She also polled them on what activity they should do for her birthday. Kids these days…
The cake was super cute.
…as are these girls.
Listening to them open the gifts, chat, and laugh was the best. They really are great girls and celebrated with Hadley all afternoon.
After that, Hayden requested a burger and fries, so Trav got him that, and they finished watching the game.
Meanwhile, I took the girls for hibachi for dinner. They were so excited. I had told Hadley that I could sit in the other part of the restaurant (the sushi side), if they didn’t want me hanging around. She said they didn’t mind, so I did get to join the crew at the table.
It was a great meal, and then I took them all home.
Tuesday night, per tradition, I put streamers on the kids’ doors. Hayden did tell me that I didn’t have to put the “paper strings” on this door. haha
I told him that I liked the tradition, so he said I could!
Birthday morning, I had baked them some muffins for breakfast. Oh how times have changed. They used to both sit at the counter, eat their muffins, and open a gift or two.
That morning, Hayden had PT at 7am, so he was out the door early. Hadley got up, got ready, we picked up her friend, and we headed to Starbucks before going to school.
That day, was the 9th grade field trip. It was a just a few hours at a college/career Expo at the convention center downtown. Students ride coach buses, and the kids were on my bus. I stayed outside the bus to take attendance, and when I got on the bus, I was shocked that they were sitting in the second and third rows close to me! It was a nice afternoon.
One of my teacher friends spoils them…and she made them brownies. She told them she wished she’d had two pans, but that they’ve been sharing things since day one. haha
After school, I went and picked up their cookie cake…
…and put out their presents.
Once Travis got home, they opened their gifts. I wasn’t sure on a few of their gifts, but apparently Travis and I knocked it out of the park.
Hayden always asks for this college basketball magazine, and I got Hadley a Dr. Pepper ornament. That’s her fave drink.
My mom had these little Funko dolls made. Hadley’s is wearing flip flops and has a volleyball. Hayden’s has on tennis shoes and is holding a video game controller. She also gave them some money!
After presents, we went out to dinner. It was a nice treat on a weeknight!
The Christmas lights were up, and they let me snap a pic of them. They look so old!
Then, we went back to the house for cake.
My brother’s family came over which was really fun!
May all their wishes come true!
It was a great day…even for a school day! I know we still celebrated them big, but it sure is different compared to when they were little.
Favorite Mom Meme:
I got my answered prayer…x 2!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
I don’t know why but the past couple of months whenever I would think about their upcoming birthday, I would think of them being five. These past ten (15!) years sure have gone by quickly.
Truly, this picture…and them holding up “one whole hand,” is etched in my mind forever.
How was your week? Ours was really good. We haven’t had a lot in the evenings right now which as been nice. Of course, we don’t have nothing…but we’ve had a bit of a break.
I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are my favorites from the week:
Since we didn’t have a ton going on this week, so I have lots of random favorites.
I’d given up on the Mizzou game Saturday night as they were struggling only to wake up Sunday morning to see they’d won via a scoop and score! I guess I shouldn’t have given up on them. haha
Sunday, was the first time we didn’t get the Chiefs game on TV, and Hayden and I were bummed. I was in the basement watching TV and following along via ESPN app updates. I wasn’t paying much attention. Hayden came bounding down the basement stairs to tell me that he thought the Chiefs blocked the Broncos’ punt to end the game. He was right. We caught the highlights. So excited that the KC Chiefs are still undefeated.
Sunday night was the high school volleyball banquet. It was such a fun evening with great speeches, great food and a sweet slideshow recapping the season.
Hadley won the “outstanding back court player,” and that was a fun surprise. She had a great season with amazing coaches and teammates.
Saturday night, we went to my brother’s house for dinner, and then we stayed for the first half of the Mizzou game. His sweet pup Tucker is getting so big, but tried to show his dominance to Hayden. haha
Hayden is definitely the dog whisperer as Homer really wanted his attention one night this week.
Besties!
Hadley and I stopped by Trader Joe’s for a couple of things this week, and I chuckled at this sign….she didn’t get it.
I watched the Martha Stewart documentary this week. I thought it was really interesting. I still have about thirty minutes left.
Favorite Mom Meme:
It’s that time in the semester when students start showing their true colors. I’m reminded that my #1 job right now is to make sure my own kids grow up to be good people who aren’t disrespectful and who make good choices.
Weekly Recap:
I’ve continued my blogging streak for November this week…
After a couple of rainy days, it looks like the weekend is providing some beautiful weather. Hayden has a race on Saturday, and Hadley and friends are getting together on Sunday to celebrate her upcoming birthday.
What a week…TGIF! Not having school on Tuesday was great, but somehow it sure did make the week feel longer.
Anyway, as always, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
First of all, Happy November! November is always a very hectic month for us, especially since Travis is usually working most of the month at the horse sale. That being said, it’s the kids’ birthday month, the weather cools off, and I love Thanksgiving, so November has quite a few good things going on.
Last Saturday, was the state cross country meet. I was nervous for Hayden as it was his first varsity state meet…and he didn’t run well the week before…(by his standards!)
Trav’s brother was there and got some great pics, including this one of Trav giving him a bit of a pep talk before the race.
He ran an amazing race. He had a goal to be in the top 80, and he was 66th…and was the fourth freshman.
He was really happy with his performance, and I could tell it seemed like a “weight” was lifted off his shoulders after the race….he even took a few pics with fam!
And, of course, on Sunday he made a 9:00 tee time…heaven forbid any of us relax!
Last night was the cross country banquet. It was our first high school banquet, so I didn’t know what to expect. It was such a nice way to celebrate the runners.
Hayden was rookie of the year.
Tuesday, was a big day in America…
…and I did exercise my right to vote.
…America, while waiting for the results…
This pic popped up on my school’s social media from last Friday. Dunkin Donuts was handing out free samples, so of course Hadley and her lunch buddies had to have a taste test.
On Tuesday, while Hayden was at PT, I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a few ornaments for Hadley’s Christmas tree. (We haven’t decorated for Christmas…yet!)
The Nutcracker was too cute to resist. I have a couple, so I will add him to my collection.
I popped into Trader Joe’s and wasn’t expecting to see our favorite gingerbread cookies yet. We all love these.
Fave Food:
When we go to Mexican restaurants, I usually find whatever version of chicken, rice and queso they have. I saw this recipe on Pinterest and made it for dinner this week. It was really good!
Share Our Lives:
On Monday, it’s our monthly Share Our Lives link up.
This month’s topic is…where do you shop?
If you have a blog, we’d love to have you join us.
What are your weekend plans? As of now, we still really don’t have anything going on. Travis will still be busy at work, but I hope to hang out at home, run a few errands, and rest up a bit.
I will be sharing more gratitude posts this weekend, so you’ll still be hearing from me.
Besides October, November is another favorite month of mine. The weather finally gets cooler, it’s the kids’ birthday month, and Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays!
How was your week? Ours was pretty good. We didn’t have a ton going on in the evenings which was nice. I feel like it made the week feeling longer…in a good way.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Last Saturday, Hayden ran in the regional cross country race. This the last stop before the state meet.
It’s been a long but good season for him. He’s had some frustrating races and ones that he’s really proud of his progress. I do think it’s been a huge adjustment for him running varsity, and he’s close to logging 1,000 miles this year.
He’s been going to PT a few days a week for his hip, so I’m hoping that’s feeling better for him for the state meet.
We’re always proud of his effort and dedication. At the regional race, there are only seven runners per team, so it was nice that the course wasn’t so crowded. His team placed 3rd in the region, so that’s quite the accomplishment as well.
You know we lost the one tree in our yard, but the other one is still so pretty. I snapped this pic of the kids after church on Sunday, and I love it.
Guess what….as of yesterday, all of those leaves are on the ground.
On Sunday, I bought some new mums. My other ones didn’t last very long, and these two color ones from Kroger were a good price and so pretty.
I put my spider webs out and put my little skeletons in the mums. Festive and cute!
When my mom was in town, she helped the kids put together this “spooky” house that my Gma sent with her. I put two flameless tea lights under it, and it’s so cute lit up.
Sunday night, Hadley went to her Young Life group, and they painted this cute pumpkin.
On Monday, Hadley and friends helped at their former elementary school’s trunk or treat. They said they saw some of their former teachers and other friends they knew. Hadley was a Dalmation (she was hot, so not all the way zipped up at this moment) to her friend’s fireman. Hayden went too, but he couldn’t go until later.
Wednesday night, my heart was so happy. We had mummy dogs and macaroni and cheese brains before…
…carving pumpkins.
Hadley’s Chick-fil-A idea turned out so cute, and Hayden carved a skeleton (with a little help from Travis and me!)
Fave Outfit:
I snagged the “Lucy” scalloped pullover from SSYS, and I got so many compliments when I wore it this week. Some colors and sizes are sold out, but there are still a few color/size combos left.
Fave Meme:
‘Tis the season for all the things!
Favorite Mom Meme:
Relatable!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
This time of the year, I always reminiscence about all the fun (and cute!) costumes the kids wore though the years…
What are your weekend plans? I’m grateful for a pretty slow weekend…and I’m one of the ones who loves to “fall back.” I know it’s crazy, but I like when it gets darker earlier and lighter out when we wake up.
