Category: Holidays

Posted in Blog challenge, Holidays, Me

Happy New Year – 2026!

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy January 1st!

How was your New Year’s Eve? We hung out with friends and actually stayed up until midnight, but overall, it was a low-key evening.

A few years ago, I participated in “Bloganuary” that WordPress hosted with topics every day. While I don’t think they host this anymore, I think I might challenge myself to blog every day in January. What I remember liking about Bloganuary is it was an opportunity to write about topics big and small. Sometimes, last year I felt like I had “writer’s block,” and I’d like to start the year strong.

I plan on sharing my regular content, but I hope to sprinkle in some random topics even if it provides for a short post. Now, once I get back to school, we’ll see if I can keep this up, but I’m going to try.

Last night, we had more of an informal New Year’s Eve. I’ve shared in the past that a few friends, who all live within a few houses of each other, started a progressive dinner years ago. Well, they expanded the invite to a few other couples, including us, a couple of years ago, and that’s been lots of fun.

This year, they/we decided to scale back and just host at one house an informal game night with pizza for people to come and go as they please.

We had lots of fun watching football, playing a few games, enjoying apps and pizza and just letting the kids come and go as well.

One thing that didn’t change was that one friend still organized the “words of the year” that we pull from a pretty jar. After we draw our words, we all go around and share them.

Here are my words for 2026:

  • Boundaries: I think I’m pretty good at setting boundaries…I feel like this is something that’s easier to do as we get older. If a situation or relationship isn’t serving me, I’m ok with saying no or letting that go.
  • Encourage: One thing about me is that I’m a pretty loyal person, and I think I do a good job encouraging my people. I’m in the “thick” of raising two teens, and I’m going to keep encouraging them through the ups and downs of life…and honestly, I’m going to keep encouraging myself to do things for myself and give myself grace.
  • Celebrate: Low-key celebrating, ok? I’m too old for much more than that. haha (That being said, my birthday is a couple of weeks away, and I’ve already started receiving birthday emails from my school district and places like Ulta, etc…I ‘ve got birthday coupons to spend, apparently!)

I always keep the three words in my bedside table every year, and it’s fun to look back on them and reflect on the year.

Here were my 2025 words:

I hope you have a great start to your year!

Posted in Holidays

Christmas Recap

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Is it even Monday?! haha!

This is definitely the time of the year and the part of Christmas break where the days are running together.

Today, I’m sharing about our Christmas(es)…

The last Friday of school was pj day which made it very hard for me to rally and get dressed for our friends’ annual Christmas party, but of course I’m glad we went.

I brought home a few of her family’s famous springerle cookies which are a fave.

The next day, we made Chocolate Crinkle cookies per tradition. We never got around to making peanut butter blossoms, but maybe we’ll get back to those next year.

On Sunday, Hadley and her friends met up for pizza and a gift exchange.

My Monday project was cross stitching this little ornament. When I went to World Market, I picked up a kit of three ornaments, and they’ve been fun to complete over the past week or so.

That evening, we finally made it out to the Horse Park for Southern Lights. Trav and I have been doing this for over twenty years. The kids love this tradition too.

You know you’re in Kentucky when…

On Christmas Eve Eve, we headed to Trav’s mom’s house in Louisville. Unfortunately, Hadley wasn’t feeling well, but we were still able to go.

Mamaw and all the grandkids.

On Christmas Eve, Hadley still wasn’t feeling well, so we went to the Little Clinic once we got back to Lex. Thankfully, she tested negative for all the things and got a prescription for something to help with the congestion.

She rallied for the Christmas Eve service at church.

Silent Night by candlelight is always a favorite.

Family photo which I appreciated.

The kids went home after church, but Trav and I stopped by a friend’s house for a bit. They had so many cute inflatables…now I want some. haha

I was up at 6:30 on Christmas morning…even though the kids slept in, of course.

Hadley was the first one up around 9:00 which surprised me…usually, Hayden gets up first. Anyway, even Homer was ready to open presents.

Trav and his gift tags are always something I like forward to.

I got the kids these new ornaments…how cute?! They were fun to personalize.

After presents, the kids swapped their gifts that they picked out for each other…

…and then it was stocking time.

I made a very easy breakfast of a pre-made quiche from Fresh Market, and the Sister Shubert cinnamon rolls from Kroger that are easy and delish.

Hadley went back to bed, and Hayden watched Home Alone with Trav and me.

We took it easy most of the day, and of course made sure to call family and wish them a Merry Christmas.

For dinner, Trav grilled steak that he received as a gift, and I made Bob Evans mashed potatoes and green beans. Easy and delish dinner.

I finished another ornament off and on that day…

I actually found the same pack on Amazon, so I can complete the other three patterns. Don’t be jealous of all the fun I’m having. haha!

This past Saturday, we finally connected with my brother’s family and the cousins exchanged gifts.

And that’s a wrap on Christmas. It’s always different when we don’t go to KC as we don’t have as much going on, but it was nice to have some time at home…and since Hadley wasn’t feeling well, it worked out for her to have time at home in her bed to recoup.

Tis the season for all the things…including germs.

Every year seems to be a bit different as the kids have gotten older, but overall, it was a very Merry Christmas. I hope the same for you!

This week, I plan on recapping 2025 and sharing my favorite books of the year too.

I’m also clinging to break for dear life! I have to remind myself that I still have one more week full of downtime and productivity.

Posted in Holidays

Merry Christmas

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy December 24th.

Merry Christmas Eve.

I’m just stopping by to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Screenshot

I continued our Christmas card tradition by sending a card from Shutterfly. Since we were dressed up a couple of times this summer for family weddings, I used the family photo my brother-in-law took of us in July which made for a great family photo without me having to pester my family for another photo.

From my family to yours…

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

As always…I know not everyone’s holiday season is merry and bright. Even for us, every year is a bit different depending on our plans with family and whether we are traveling or not. I know others have suffered loss or are struggling in other ways. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days.

Sending love,

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays

Friday Favorites {#285}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Today is a great Friday because only a few hours stand between me and winter break! I’m very much ready to turn off my alarm clock, have some time to finish up Christmas things, and embrace a slower pace for a couple of weeks.

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

I have lots of favorites to share this week…

Last Friday was a snow day, and Trav and I had a quick breakfast before an appointment I had scheduled.

I rarely eat breakfast, but this bagel hit the spot.

My mom and Gma came to visit, and we spent a few hours on Saturday decorating cookies, and making our traditional waffle cookies. My Gma brought the waffle iron that my great-great-grandfather brought from Germany.

Everyone was in on the fun…

These kids were busy cookie decorators…

The grandkids with GG and Gma….

Sunday afternoon we went to my brother’s house to celebrate an early Christmas.

One of my gifts from my Gma was some Betty White stamps! I immediately sent a pic to one of my friends who had told me about them when they came out…and I’d forgotten about them. If you’re receiving a Christmas card from me this year, the Betty White stamps will be the chef’s kiss!

They left on Monday morning, and we had yet another snow day. Truly, I don’t think I’ve ever had a December snow day as a teacher, and this year, we’ve had three in December!

I’ve been loving my holiday icon glasses from Target, but I wished I’d gotten a couple more while they were in stock.

Well, Amy shared about the ones she found at World Market, and so I went there on Saturday and got a candy cane and holly one. I also got a couple for my mom as one of her Christmas gifts. Since then, Hadley broke my holly one. ugh! #thisiswhyIcanthavenicethings

On Monday, we had some “Merry Mail” as our new ornaments arrived. A few years ago, I ordered quite a few ornaments from Shutterfly with the kids with Santa through the years and pics we used for our holiday cards. The shipping price is stupid, so I just wait until I order my Christmas cards and then add in the ornaments to that order.

Anyway, since we looked nice twice this summer for our niece and then nephew’s wedding, I ordered two ornaments.

The Monday snow day was also what I needed to get started on wrapping. How cute are my new Etsy gift tags? Jen Reed had shared about the labels she’s used the past few years, and I thought they’d be a fun way for the kids to know which gifts are theirs. I probably should have ordered some for Trav too!

The biggest news of all on Monday is that we officially have another new driver! Hayden passed his driver’s test! He then drove himself to the gym and then to Walgreens for a snack. haha!

Y’all, if loving peppermint is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

It was my first time using it, but I baked the Trader Joe’s chocolate peppermint cake mix, and I took it to the English department lunch/gift exchange last week. It was a hit!

Last Friday, Hadley went to Chick-fil-A and the only thing that sounded good to me was the seasonal peppermint milkshake. I usually get one or two a season.

Speaking of CFA ice cream…I then saw on Insta that you can order a cup of ice cream, and add crushed peppermint (and cookie crumbles) to the top. This is definitely a lower calorie option. Hayden and I got some ice cream after school yesterday.

Lastly, I always make Shay’s peppermint Bundt cake for Christmas, and the past couple of years I’ve made it to share with my KC family. Last year, I baked the cake in KC, and this year I took it to my brother’s house when we opened gifts.

I actually went to Trader Joe’s the other day to pick up another box of the cake mix to make a smaller cake for Christmas Day, but it seems they are out of stock? This is my lesson learned to stock up on seasonal items when they were available.

Favorite Mom Meme:

LOL!

Screenshot

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday…

Oh…I miss these days…

Weekly Recap:

I was a busy blogger this week. It felt nice to have some fun posts to share. (Sometimes, I feel like I’m in a writing rut!)

MoNday Memo
Teacher Talk Tuesday
Monthly Musings

I hope you have a fabulous and festive Friday.

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! It’s hard to believe that this time next week is Christmas Day. I feel like December has been a blur.

Holly and Patty are hosting their last Monthly Musings link up of 2025 a little bit early, so I’m joining them today.

This month’s topic is about…holidays and ringing in the new year.

1. What holidays do you celebrate?

This time of the year, we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. I love something different about each one…Thanksgiving is always time spent with family while feasting on a great meal. Christmas includes many family traditions, and New Year’s Day brings a fresh start and one of my favorite months…January.

2. Scale of 1-10…how into the holidays are you this year?

I’m probably between a 7 and an 8. I always look forward to decorating for Christmas, and it’s been a bit more “festive” this year with the uncharacteristic snow that we’ve had in December. I don’t love wrapping gifts, but I do love when loved ones open gifts that they are receiving. I appreciate traditions that we have like baking cookies and going to the Horse Park lights. I’m close to a 10 when school is out, and I have a bit more time to relax.

3. Favorite things to make/bake during the holidays?

We typically decorate some cookies with family.

Then, I usually bake a few cookies with my kids…typically Peanut Butter Blossoms and Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies.

I always make a Chocolate Peppermint Bundt cake for Christmas dessert.

4. Favorite holiday movies?

I don’t typically watch holiday movies until winter break, so sometimes I’m watching Christmas movies after Christmas, but it’s still a fun tradition to watch some of my faves. Home Alone is my favorite Christmas movie, and we always watch A Christmas Story on Christmas morning. The Holiday is one I tend to watch on my own at some point, and You’ve Got Mail and While You Were Sleeping are two of my faves that aren’t necessarily Christmas movies, but I tend to think so.

5. Most random holiday tradition?

I guess it’s not that random, but the white elephant exchange at Trav’s mom’s house feels that way since we get random things. It’s always funny to see what other people bring.

6. Are you hosting the holidays?

No, I’m not hosting, but my mom and Gma were in town last weekend, and I hosted cookie decorating after we went to lunch on Saturday.

7. Favorite way to ring in the new year?

Honestly, I’ve never been a huge fan of New Year’s Eve…I’m happy not to stay up late…haha

That being said, the past few years we’ve gotten together with friends which has been fun.

8. Any new year’s resolutions or word of the year?

I don’t typically do a new years’ resolution…but on NYE, we’ve drawn words and that’s been fun.

This month, I started tracking my eating using My Fitness Pal and making a point to get back to working out. September-November were hard in regards to finding time for workouts. I don’t feel like I was eating too poorly, and I’m not going to say no to a Christmas cookie, but I just wanted to go into the new year feeling a little more in control. I saw someone on Instagram mention treating December 1st as January 1st, and I liked that line of thinking.

I’m really looking forward to a fresh start in January. 2025 wasn’t really what I thought it would be. I’ve had to be brave this year…as a mom, wife, and even for myself at times, and I wasn’t really expecting that. I know a new year isn’t a magic wand, but I’m hoping to regroup a bit to kick off 2026.

9. Favorite holiday songs?

I’ve always loved “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.”

10. Favorite holiday memory?

I feel blessed that there are so many, and I know that I’m creating memories for my kids.

I love the Santa pics through the years…

…and the tradition of the kids picking out gifts for each other. Even that tradition isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still fun.

Monthly Musings is always one of my fave link ups, and now I’m really in the holiday spirit!

Posted in Enneagram, Holidays

Monday Memo

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Ours was really good. Did you read my post on Friday? I shared a few gift ideas, but I also mentioned that I was waiting to hear if we’d have a snow day…well, we did! Then, we got more snow over the weekend, and bitterly cold temps followed, so we have yet another snow day today.

My school district is going to use the non-traditional instruction this year again, but they decided not to start that until after winter break! So, we’ve already had three traditional snow days in December. Hopefully, we don’t have to make all of these up in June!

Anyway, we had family in town for an early Christmas. We decorated cookies, opened gifts, and had dinner together.

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an Enneagram post, but @mirabellecreations shared this one about prepping for the holidays, and I thought it was pretty accurate for my 5w6 self!

Enneagram 5:

  • Researching the history of every family tradition– I’d say this is pretty true. I love traditions, and appreciate some of the ones we have in our family. Just this weekend, we made our traditional waffle cookies using the waffle iron that my great-great-grandfather brought from Germany.
  • Choosing thoughtful gifts that are exactly right: I do think I do a good job with this. Of course, I end up ordering many things online, but I still think they can be really personal. I ordered my mom this tote from Bauble Bar and she really liked it. I like giving something personal. Recently, I went to a local boutique, and it was fun to shop in person. I got a few things including a cute tea towel and notepad for my Gma. It’s nice when you’re out shopping and you see things that remind you of loved ones.
  • Planning quiet pockets of rest: Uh…yes! Now, sometimes those pockets of quiet time don’t happen until after Christmas, but I do try and factor in time to wrap presents, watch a movie, bake cookies, etc.
  • Staying up late reading by the Christmas tree: Well, is there anything better? Actually, I couldn’t really sleep yesterday morning, and I got up early and decided to finish the book I was reading. It was nice to have the glow of the Christmas tree as I sipped my coffee and read. (I will share December books before the year ends, but I will go ahead and say that I highly recommend Christmas with the Queen. Loved it SO much!)
  • Observing all the chaos with a warm cup of something: Yes! You know I love my cup of coffee, but lately, I’ve been an iced coffee girl. I’m just really enjoying using my new festive glasses.

Enneagram 6:

  • Keeping track of all the traditions being completed: That’s definitely me, but I also don’t think we overdo it which is nice. Typically, we bake cookies one day, go to the Horse Park lights, the kids each get a gift for each other, and a few other things we do. Just last night, I told Trav we need to go see the Horse Park lights this week.
  • Triple check travel plans and weather forecasts: This is definitely me. I’m a worrier about the weather as we’ve definitely had times where we are traveling to KC at the holidays and there’s snow in the forecast. Just this weekend, I worried about family getting to and from Lex safely with our forecasted weather. Obviously, if the weather is bad, we can pivot and probably adjust schedules by a day or two. We’ve always made it work somehow.
  • Brings emergency kit and snacks: Any travel needs snacks, of course!
  • Watching all the classic holiday movies: I tend to watch holiday baking shows in December. That being said, I have many movies I like to watch in the holiday season or on break like A Christmas Story, Home Alone, and The Holiday. Some movies aren’t necessarily Christmas movies, but ones I tend to watch during this time like You’ve Got Mail and While You Were Sleeping.
  • Feeling extra grateful for the people who feel like home: I know the holidays can be stressful, and sometimes they are hectic, but I’m always grateful to spend time with extended family, but I also really enjoy the time at home with my family of four too. When we go to Louisville and KC, we’re able to spend time with family we don’t see as often as we’d like. When we stay home for Christmas, we have a few traditions like hanging with friends after the Christmas Eve church service. I like that our holidays are predictable but vary a bit year to year.

Overall, these were pretty accurate for me.

Today, I hope to spend some time making one final list of the last few things I need to buy (mostly stocking stuffers and a couple of gift cards) and maybe I can get some wrapping accomplished?!

Have a great Monday!

Posted in Holidays, This and That

Hodgepodge

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

This week is moving right along, and I’m playing catch-up. It’s been a bit since I’ve linked up with Joyce, and while she hosts her “hodgepodge” on Wednesdays, I didn’t have time to finish this post. Anyway, better late than never!

Here are my answers to her prompts this week:

1. Do you struggle with the commercialization of the holiday season? What helps you keep your focus when the season’s busyness and commercialism start to take over?

I do feel like there is a lot of commercialization with the holiday, but I just try to focus on what matters the most to my family during the holiday season. We enjoy baking, watching movies, and having downtime. When the kids were little, I started with “want, need, wear, read” and that was a good guide for shopping…and then Santa brought a couple of bigger gifts. Honestly, what gets me is stockings…I always buy more than can fit in the stockings. haha

2. What’s one small thing you want to savor before the year ends?

I always savor the time off…but most of the time, our time off is after the busyness of Christmas. I just really appreciate having two weeks to finish up Christmas prep odds and ends, time with family, and time to do things I’ve been putting off during the busy school years.

I also want to savor all the holiday decor. It’s fun going shopping and seeing Christmas lights and decorations as well as seeing lights on neighbors’ homes.

3. December 9th is National Christmas Card Day. Do you still send Christmas cards? If so, does yours include a photo or is it a more traditional card, or maybe homemade? How do you feel about the tradition of exchanging cards at the holidays?

We do still send Christmas cards, and I love the tradition. I truly love opening the mail and seeing friends and family’s cards.

Some friends we don’t see often, so it’s great to see how their kids are growing. My mom, Gma, and aunt always send homemade cards which are special.

I just feel like people don’t send them as much because of lack of time, price of stamps, and social media. We all kind of keep up with friends in different ways now, but I love the tradition of sending a card. It might be one of those things that I give up as my kids get older, but I assume I will send one for a few more years.

4. What’s your least favorite holiday task? What’s your favorite?

I think my least favorite task is having to organize ideas to send to others…but that is definitely easier now that the kids are older. It doesn’t “help” that the kids’ birthday is in November, so, especially when they were little, I had to give ideas to family members in November and December (what a blessing though, I know!)….and then that also meant, we had lots of items coming in (again, obviously a blessing) and not really the time to purge. Sometimes, it just felt like a lot for my “type A” personality when I didn’t have time to get organized. When I’d get overwhelmed, Trav would say, “Tell them to text me.” My response would be “You’re the worst at responding to texts, so that’s why they text me.” haha!

As the kids have gotten older, cash has been the main gift from family for their birthdays and then I tell the kids to give Christmas gift ideas…or they don’t get anything. haha!

Also, I don’t love wrapping presents…I mean, I want to …but I just don’t. I will get organized, turn on a movie, sit in the basement and wrap, but then I still have to get up and down a hundred times, I always run out of tape, I’m never as organized as I want to be and so on. I always seem to be sweating at the end. haha!

I don’t know if it’s a task, but I do enjoy baking a few traditional cookies. Often times, I wait until we’re on break, and bake a few cookies with the kids.

5. Let’s do a little holiday this or that.

  • shopping or wrapping – as I stated above…I dislike wrapping…and I don’t mind shopping. Most of my shopping is online, but that actually makes me enjoy the in person shopping I do.
  • baking or decorating – I like both, but decorating takes more energy and baking is usually just one afternoon. If I had to choose, baking would be something I enjoy more.
  • real tree or artificial – Through the years, we’ve had both. Honestly, I love a real tree, but not the maintenance. With an artificial one, I can put it up a bit early and leave it up a bit longer.
  • turkey or ham – ham. Turkey is for Thanksgiving.
  • white lights or colored lights – Colored lights are fun, but I love the simplicity of white lights.
  • ugly sweaters or matching pjs- matching PJs…so fun!
  • peppermint or cinnamon – Peppermint during the Christmas season.
  • presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Day – Christmas Day is when we open gifts. On the years we are home for Christmas, sometimes we let the kids open their presents from each other on Christmas Eve.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Today, we’re having our English department potluck. I made a loaf of chocolate peppermint cake (from the Trader Joe’s mix), and I’m also putting meatballs in my slow cooker once I get to school. We’re also doing a white elephant gift exchange. It will be a great way to enjoy our lunch together.

Have a great and festive day!

Posted in Holidays, Home Decor

Holiday Home Tour

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

I hope your week is off to a great start. We had some snow again yesterday, and a few districts even called off school. We had school though which is fine by me because I’m feeling the end of the semester crunch!

Today, I’m sharing a little “holiday home” tour, and while my decor doesn’t look too different than what I shared last year or the year before that, I did purchase a couple new things, and I’ve actually simplified what I put out a bit.

Most of my main areas look the same like the entry way, Christmas village, and mantel….

This year, I changed up the trunk a bit in the living room. I wanted neutral trees rather than the red, white and green ones I’ve had in the past. Trav suggested I get a wreath for the mirror, and I found the perfect one at Target as well as a couple of packs for festive ribbon.

My coffee table doesn’t change much, but I added ribbon to the tree that I’ve had for years.

It’s the perfect little touch. Also, y’all…

…how cute is this book of matches?!? I was shopping at a local boutique for gifts for family, and saw these and had to have them!

When I was at Michael’s, I bought this plaid candle. I usually have a white candle in there year round, but just thought the plaid was festive.

The office area doesn’t look too different, but usually I put the basket in the basement. This year, I decided to add a red blanket to it and keep the basket upstairs.

The tree is also in the office area, and the middle section seems dimmer than it should be. Ugh! This is our third year with this artificial tree.

(This pic is from last year, and it makes me happier than my current situation!)

One thing that does make me happy is the addition of a couple new ornaments.

Through the years, I’ve wished that I was better about getting ornaments when we travel. The past few years, I have done a better job picking up or ordering ornaments. This year, I got an Isle of Palms one when we went there for spring break. Even though we’d been there a few times in the past, I’d never picked up an ornament. I also got one when Trav and I went to the Lake Michigan area this summer.

I also continued the tradition of ordering ornament using our Christmas card photo as keepsakes for your tree. We were dressed up nice twice this summer for our niece and then our nephew’s wedding, so I had ornaments made to remember those occasions.

I mentioned last week that my Gma gave the kids a couple Nutcrackers from her collection.

They look perfect on the cabinet in the office which is where I keep the couple I’ve picked up through the years. I think you can tell which ones are OG’s and which ones are dupes!

My mom gave me this little tree…

My friends sent me this plant a few weeks ago, and the pop of red is the perfect holiday touch for the fireplace.

I have one of the Christmas tree taper candles in the hall with a few trees and Nativity scene.

The other taper candle is in the kitchen next to the skinny tree. This tree is usually in our bedroom, but I decided to keep it out in the kitchen for now.

My Gma gave my brother and I each a Nutcracker cookie jar, and it looks perfect in this little corner of my kitchen. Also, I used to put a holiday sign on this stand, but this year, I pulled out an old cookbook and added a ribbon.

Also in the kitchen, I wasn’t planning on it, but the little tray was decked in all my favorite red cleaning supplies.

Well, besides the Santa matches, I also bought this cute tea towel at the boutique. I just couldn’t say no (and both of those purchases were very affordable)

The sunroom is one of the areas I’ve simplified. Nobody goes out there in the winter, and if we leave the couch cushions down for long, Homer hops up there. So, I just added a few touches to the tray.

I found this cute pillow on sale, and it was hard to resist.

Overall, outside looks the same. I’ve had the door hanger for years as well as the pillow covers.

I did get this doormat at Target and the plaid rug is from one of my trips to Hobby Lobby.

Some years, we put out Christmas lights, but we haven’t done much the past couple of years. We used to have trees that lit up, but we haven’t had them in a while. This year, I ordered a set of two, and mine are sold out, but there’s a cute snowy set. I got the ribbon at Michael’s, and I love the pink and red.

They look really pretty at night, but it’s certainly not the same as when we put lights on our porch.

So, that’s a little tour of our home. It’s been nice having some downtime in the evening to relax and enjoy the cozy space.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Travel

Friday Favorites {#283}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Of course, I’m always team “TGIF,” but something about Fridays in December are just a bit better.

We had a little bit of everything this week from re-entry after Thanksgiving break to a snow day and the kids having busy evenings with activities.

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

This is a super-sized Friday Favorites from Thanksgiving tidbits to festive fun.

Going back to last week, we were in KC for Thanksgiving. We drove a bit after school on Tuesday and finished the rest of the drive on Wednesday. Overall, we had a pretty chill KC visit which was fine by me.

Of course, I had to catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on Thanksgiving morning.

My dad’s cousin hosts that side of the family, and there are probably thirty people there…my cousin outdoes herself with the tablescape and place settings.

I always look forward to the personalized chocolate turkey! It’s a fun and sweet tradition!

We snapped some family photos…

My brother and his family were there too!

Can you go to KC without getting BBQ? Per Hayden’s request, we had some for lunch on Friday.

The girls baked cookies…

…and we spent some time with my Gma. When I think of my Gma, I always think of cardinals and Nutcrackers. She has quite the collection of both…and she passed down a Nutcracker to each of the great grandkids.

We also made a visit to the Magic tree which is a fun tradition. It had started to rain, so we had to snap our pics quickly…

GG was in on the fun…

We left around noon in Saturday and drove home mostly in the rain which was no fun. There was actually snow on the ground for quite a bit of our drive through Missouri and Illinois.

Sunday morning me thanked pre-Thanksgiving me because it was nice to sip my coffee by the glow of the Christmas tree.

The Nutcrackers have found a home…

….as did this cookie jar…another hand me down from my Gma. My brother received one as well.

My mom gave my sister-in-law and me one of these cute Christmas trees… I hope I can keep it alive!

Topsys Popcorn in a KC staple, and it’s one of my fave traditions to get some during the holiday season. I don’t think they always do it, but now it’s in some grocery stores there, so my dad picked some up. The crew plowed through it, so I picked up a couple of tubs to bring home.

I shared my Trader Joe’s haul yesterday, and I love this festive bag.

Sunday, I put out our outside decorations. We don’t do much, but we haven’t had light up trees in a couple of years. I purchased a set of two on Amazon, and they arrived just in time. I was pleasantly surprised with them.

They have a battery pack, and I did wonder about turning them off and on every night…but lo and behold when I went to turn them off the first night, they’d gone out…and then they were lit up the next day. So, they must have a timer that I didn’t realize. My version appears to be sold out, but they have a “snow” version.

On a Target run a couple of weeks ago, I picked up the wreath for the mirror as well as a cute pack of ribbon. I decided to tie some on the coffee table tree that I’ve had for years, and it’s the perfect festive touch.

On that same trip to Target, I lucked into finding two of the Christmas icon glasses. I got one tree and one gingerbread man. I wish I’d picked up a couple more because it appears they are sold out.

Classic…cold milk and a couple of Oreos for dessert.

I also use them for iced coffee…so festive and cute.

We had a snow day on Tuesday which was kind of unexpected. The meteorologists were talking about a chance of 2-5 inches of snow, and it was certainly cold enough, but I don’t think I’ve every had a snow day in December!

Our streets were fine by 9am, so I guess the timing was just right with snow covered roads when the buses would be driving their routes.

I actually went to school to set up my tree…This was the one that Hayden put in his room when he was little, but it’s been in our attic. Next year, I need to remember to add a few more lights. The tree skirt, beaded garland (I probably should have gotten two strands), and ornaments are all from Amazon.

One of my favorite food trucks came to school yesterday. I love not having to pack my lunch, and I love the “mozzaroni” sandwich to warm me up on a cold day.

I shared my December book trackers on Instagram. They are saved in a highlight, so feel free to use them and tag me. I love seeing what others are reading.

Favorite Mom Meme:

’tis the season (of life!)

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

This pic is from 2013…and it was the first time the kids went ice skating. We were in KC for Thanksgiving, and we went ice skating at Crown Center which is something we used to do when I was a kid. Like with most things, Hadley hopped right on the ice, and Hayden was a bit hesitant. Their personalities haven’t changed much since then!

Share Our Lives:

We have our last Share Our Lives link up of 2025! We’d love to have you join us!

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week!

Prime Purchases
November books
Tis the Season: Trader Joe’s

I hope you have a fun and festive holiday weekend!

Posted in Holidays, Kids

Sweet 16

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Today, I’m sharing how we celebrated the kids turning 16!! It’s hard to believe we’ve reached this milestone.

I’ve probably shared this story before, but we found out pretty early on that we had a “baby A” and a “baby B.” When I looked at the ultrasound screen and saw two little bubbles on the screen, the first words out of my mouth were, “When they turn 16, do we have to buy them each a car?” And…here we are! (And the answer is no. lol!)

You know I do birthdays big, but we’ve adjusted through the years based on what the kids want to do. The past couple of years, Hadley has still wanted a party with her friends while Hayden is fine without all the fanfare.

Of course, I still want them to be celebrated in ways, both big and small!

The night before their birthday, I still kept up the streamer tradition. Honestly, I almost forgot!

Thursday morning started off with muffins for breakfast, and I’ve been using this chalkboard for birthdays and first day of school since the elementary years!

Hadley was up early and off to Bible study, and Hayden and I had to be at school a little earlier than usual, so presents waited until the evening.

Hadley had shared lots of ideas on the Giftful app, while Hayden (eventually) sent me seven screen shots with a variety of UK shirts! haha

Oh, the difference in boys and girls! We opened a couple of gifts before going to dinner.

After dinner, it was cake time!

My brother and his family went to dinner with us, and they came over for cake and presents.

A couple of the kids’ friends came over too to help us celebrate them big. Overall, it was a great evening …school night birthdays hit different! haha

On Saturday, Hadley had a birthday party with her friends, and it truly turned out better than I had expected!

There’s a flower bar in town, and that was where we hosted some of her friends. There are a couple of rooms to rent for two hours, and we rented the bigger of the two rooms. Anyone can come to the main space at any time to make bouquets (Trav got my Mother’s Day flowers there last year), and there’s a bar with a few drink options too.

Anyway, we arrived a bit early to set up in the space. Trav picked the cake up from one of our favorite bakeries, and it was beautiful. I got the cake topper from Amazon, and it was the perfect addition to the cake.

I picked up the fun 16 numbers from Amazon too. I shared in the mom group text that I can pass them along to the next birthday girl; they can be the “sisterhood of the traveling 16.” (I can also save them for her 19th birthday too. haha!)

Our niece painted the sign for Hadley, and it was just too perfect!

I made a slide show which was a fun trip down memory lane…

…and I made sure to include group and individual pics with all of her friends who were in attendance.

Hadley had requested fettuccine Alfredo, and one of my friends made it for the girls. So, they ate that once everyone arrived.

Then, it was trivia time! I had this idea at the last minute, but Hadley had the idea for sixteen questions. Hadley ran the trivia round, and two of her (longtime!) friends tied, so they each got a Starbucks/Seven Brew gift card.

Let’s just say that nobody missed Hadley’s Taco Bell order. lol

Then, it was gift time!

Hadley held up each one, and that person raised their hand as giving the gift. All of her friends made so many sweet cards. Hadley took the time to read each one as she opened the gifts.

Then, it was flower bar time! There are a ton of flowers in the main space, and then we had our own flower bar in our space. Each girl could choose seven stems for their bouquet. After they made their bouquets, we took them to the main space where they were wrapped and delivered back to our room.

While they waited for their bouquets, they took a ton of pics and did their TikToks. In case you didn’t know, you need to factor in a good thirty minutes for digital camera and TikTok time!!

Then, it was cake time. One of Hadley’s friends captured this moment, and it was just precious. Hadley’s happiness was so genuine, and she really appreciated all the girls being there.

Happy birthday to you….

…making a wish!

Once the bouquets were delivered, I got a couple of group photos. Beautiful girls, both inside and out!

My girl truly had a special afternoon with her friends.

I’m so glad we made this party happen for Hadley. I think they made the best memories that afternoon.

Hayden’s main gift is an out of town UK basketball game with Trav. I think both kids had a memorable Sweet 16!