Category: Holidays

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays

Friday Favorites {#235}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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.”

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the last week:

Gratitude Days 20-22
Gratitude Days 23-24
Monday Memes
Gratitude Days 25-26
Nov and Holiday Books
Gratitude Days 27-28

My thirty day blogging streak will end tomorrow with one more gratitude post.

Have a great weekend.

Posted in Blog challenge, Holidays, Seasonal

Nov. Gratitude Challenge {days 27 & 28}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday…and…

I can’t believe my November gratitude challenge is almost over. I only have a few days left.

Picking up where I left off…

Day 27: holiday traditions you are grateful for…I’m grateful for many traditions. Of course, Thanksgiving and Christmas typically have quite a few traditions. For us, Thanksgiving looks different year to year. Some years, we stay home (but have to travel to E-town or Louisville for Thanksgiving), and other years we are in KC.

On Thanksgiving, a tradition I have no matter where I am is to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

As for Christmas, we always bake cookies at some point during the holiday season. We also go to the Horse Park to drive through their lights display.

One of my favorite traditions is letting the kids pick out a gift for each other to open, usually on Christmas Eve if we are home. It’s always fun seeing what they pick out for each other.

Day 28: something that made you smile today…

Thanksgiving always makes me smile. It’s my favorite holiday…great food, time with family, and no stress of buying gifts!

Gobble til you wobble! If you need a way to use up your leftover turkey, this recipe is a day after Thanksgiving tradition in our family.

If you need me, I will be sipping my coffee and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade this morning.

I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Kids

Friday Favorites {#234}…Birthday Edition

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

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.

Weekly Recap:

My November blogging streak continues…

Gratitude Days 15 & 16
Gratitude Day 17
Day in the Life hour by hour
Gratitude Days 18 & 19
Wednesday Hodgepodge
Monthly Musings

I have some catching up to do on the “gratitude” front, so I plan on writing posts Saturday and Sunday too.

I hope you have a great Friday!

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Thanks for all the kind birthday wishes for my kids yesterday. They had a great day!

Since next Thursday is Thanksgiving (how is that possible?) Holly and Patty are hosting Monthly Musings a week early.

This month’s topic is…holiday fun.

Whether we’re ready or not, the holidays are right around the corner.

1. Any holiday parties on tap?

Trav’s work always has a party as do some of our friends. Sometimes I go to my school’s holiday party…it just depends on the day and what else is going on.

2. Best holiday prep advice?

Make a list and check it twice! Lists are the only way I can survive the holidays. I have a list for gifts, activities, movies, recipes and more.

3. Holiday recipe that’s a crowd pleaser.

I’ve made these Pomegranate Goat Cheese Bites, and they are festive and delish.

C/o Fox & Briar

4. What holidays do you celebrate in November and December?

Well, it’s not a holiday, but the kids’ birthday was yesterday. Of course, we celebrate them.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year…good food and no gifts!

In December, we celebrate Christmas.

5. Favorite holiday beverage?

I always buy cranberry gingerale when I see it in the store this time of the year. It’s festive and refreshing.

6. What part of holiday prep is a total struggle for you?

For me it’s more about the timing of everything, especially when we travel to KC for Christmas. Those years, we celebrate as a family before we go to Louisville on the 23rd for Christmas with Trav’s family. On Christmas Eve, we drive to KC and that evening go to my dad’s cousin’s house for Christmas Eve night. Christmas day, we see my dad, mom, and then end the day at my Gma’s house.

Obviously, it’s nice to see family and celebrate with so many, but I have to be organized and make sure I have gifts and have us all packed up and ready to go. It’s even more complicated when we get out of school only days before Christmas.

7. Go-to holiday outfit?

I’m low key festive for the holidays and some of how I dress depends on how hot it will be outside or inside! I usually try to plan one nicer outfit to wear to holiday parties and Christmas Eve. Then, it’s nice to have a more informal outfit for other family times.

8. Do you send out holiday cards?

I love giving and receiving holiday cards, and I’ve already ordered ours for this year. Who am I?! Usually, I’m stressing about this after Thanksgiving. That being said, I went with a informal pic of the kids, and a few family photos on the back.

I’d really like to get family pictures next fall. The last time we had professional family photos, Hadley was still taller than Hayden! haha

9. Black Friday shopper? Yes or heck no?

Heck no! I am all about Cyber Monday. I truly try not to go into a store. haha

But really, I actually enjoy going into smaller, local shops and look around and pick up stocking stuffers or small gifts during the holiday season.

10. Do you listen to holiday music before or after Thanksgiving?

I typically wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to Christmas music, but Hadley starts listening on November 1. That being said, we usually click to a Christmas music channel as we drive home from Thanksgiving.

This was such a fun link up! I love thinking about the holidays.

‘Tis the season,

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings, Seasonal

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday! Also, Happy Halloween!

It’s officially the last day of October (and the last Thursday of the month), so I’m linking up with Holly and Patty for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is…Halloween and Fall Fun.

Let’s get to it….

1. What do you usually do for Halloween?

Well, times have changed. For years, I hosted two of my friends’ families for trick-or-treating and chili for dinner. My brother and his fam would join as well. Then, once the middle school years hit, the kids went off on their own around the neighborhood. This year, Hadley is going to a friend’s house for a get together, and Hayden and Travis will help me pass out candy.

This Halloween post from a couple of years ago was a fun little stroll down memory lane.

Halloween is usually a time when I’m pretty reminiscent about the younger years, but thankfully we get lots of trick-or-treaters, so at least I get to see little ones in their costumes.

2. Favorite fall traditions?

I love when we go to the pumpkin patch. We get apple cider donuts and pick out our pumpkins to carve. This year, we never made it to the pumpkin patch, and I was pretty bummed.

Besides that, I love when we can go to Keeneland in the fall. Travis and I were able to go last week on a really pretty afternoon.

Also, it’s fun when we can go to a Kentucky football game, but the kids end up going to those more than we do now.

Another favorite tradition is carving pumpkins. I wasn’t sure if it was going to happen, but we did that last night.

Chick-fil-A and a skeleton!

3. Milky Way or Snickers? Starburst or Skittles?

I definitely prefer Snickers to a Milky Way. I like Starbursts and Skittles equally.

4. Trick or treat or host a party?

How about sit on my front porch and pass out candy? Like I said above, I miss the trick-or-treat days…and hosting friends for a casual evening.

5. Hand out candy or go out with trick or treaters?

These days, I’m on my front porch handing out candy.

6. Do you trick or treat on Halloween or is there another day?

We trick-or-treat on Halloween. A few years, they’ve moved the day because of rain. My kids would usually get a couple or wears out of costumes with trick-or-treating at church, class parties, and then on Halloween.

On Monday, my kids helped at the trunk or treat at their former elementary school which was sweet of them to do.

7. Do you decorate for Halloween?

When I decorate, it’s usually for fall since those decorations can stay up for a couple of months.

I do put out a couple of cute Halloween things like this black cat that I’ve had for years.

8. What do you do with leftover Halloween candy?

If we have any leftover candy, I take it to school to give to my students as a reward. When the kids were little, they’d get so much candy…and I’d sneak some to take to school.

9. What are your trick or treat hours?

I think our trick-or-treat hours are from 6-8.

10. What do you have for dinner on Halloween?

For years, I would make “bloody finger” hotdogs and “brains” (mac and cheese), and “eyeballs” (grapes) on the night we carved pumpkins a few days before Halloween.

Then, a couple of years ago, I started making “mummy dogs” along with the other items. Last night, we had that for dinner before the kids carved their pumpkins.

I love these seasonal posts. It’s fun to look back on our traditions and special activities we do during the season.

What are your Halloween plans this year? Of course, we’ve been in a drought and there’s a chance of rain tonight! I hope it holds off for the little (and big! ) trick-or-treaters.

Say a prayer for me today…there’s nothing “scarier” than trying to teach high schoolers on Halloween. haha

Posted in Clothes, Friday Favorites, Holidays

Friday Favorites {#215}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours was pretty good, and it included a little bit of everything.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Last week I was in KC to help my dad after his knee surgery. While both legs of the trip to and from KC were long thanks to delays, on my flight from Lex to Chicago, I got bumped to first class. I don’t think I’ve ever sat in first class on a flight.

I won’t let it go to my head, but I did enjoy my Diet Coke out of a real glass! Oh the little things…

…and even though the flight from Chicago to KC was delayed, this was my window seat view once we finally took off. I don’t love to fly, but I’ve gotten better about being less anxious when flying. It is kind of amazing to be up in the air and above the clouds.

Ok this is random, but we haven’t had cable for a few years, and one thing I do miss about not having cable is all of the random channels like Lifetime, TLC, and Nickalodeon, etc.

Well, while at my dad’s, we watched a lot of “Me TV” last week.

I’m an old soul when it comes to TV shows…I could watch Green Acres, Leave it to Beaver, and The Beverly Hillbillies all day long.

Also, when I left, the Major made me bring home this pack of 72 pieces of bacon for Hayden. haha

Trav’s birthday was Sunday, and I didn’t get home until five hours past my original flight’s scheduled arrival time…and I ended up flying to Louisville instead of Lexington. Anyway, we didn’t get to Lex until after midnight!

After a week away, I was happy to go out to dinner with these guys to celebrate Trav….even if it was a day late.

We ate at one of our favorite restaurants: Carson’s.

We had dessert at the restaurant, and it hit the spot.

I was able to go to the pool two afternoons this week which was nice.

I shared my July trackers on Instagram, and they are saved in a highlight. Feel free to use them and tag me!

Favorite Clothing Item:

I bought the “Sally” set from SSYS at the beginning of the summer, and it’s been one of my favorite things to wear. I have their crepe set from last summer, and it’s one I wear often as well.

We were at Walmart this week, and Hadley picked up these“Athletic Works” shorts. They are less than $7, and so soft! She’s worn them to sleep in as well as to the pool with her swimsuit.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Funny story. The past few vacations, I’ve given the kids a list to use when they pack. I’ve told them many times to figure out exactly what they need. So, if I write “t-shirt,” they decide if they need three shirts or five. Anyway, Hadley, who is often wearing a sweatshirt, and for sure has too many sweatshirts, packed one sweatshirt on our recent vacation….to the Pacific Northwest…where you might actually need a sweatshirt even in the summer.

Well, joke’s on me…of course, she ended up buying not just one but two sweatshirts on our vacay.

Weekly Recap:

I’ve been a busy blogger lately. Here are my posts going back to last weekend:

PNW Vacay #2: Olympic Trials
Summer Sundays #5: 4th of July Recap
Share Our Lives
PNW Vacay #3: Oregon Coast
Let’s Look
Throwback Thurs: First Beach VacaY

What are your weekend plans? We don’t have too much going on. Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve been home on a weekend, so I hope to do some “regular” things like meal plan, place my Kroger order, stay caught up on laundry and more!

I do have a Summer Sunday post planned, so come back then!

Thanks for reading,

Posted in Holidays

Summer Sundays #5

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Sunday!!

I’ve enjoyed these Sunday posts this summer because I seem to have a bit more time on the weekend in the summer to get these written.

Well, it would be unnatural of me not to do a 4th of July recap, so that’s what’s happening today.

4th of July used to look more like this:

or this:

This year was definitely a different kind of 4th of July. I was in KC with my dad after his knee surgery (I’m head home today), so Trav and the kids were left on their own. haha!

Like last year, Hayden ran the Bluegrass 10,000. He stuck with his uncle for the race. Here’s a pic at the starting line:

Hadley sent me an “action shot.” She was really thrilled to be at a race at 7am!

They just hung out the rest of the day, went to the pool, and grilled out. Hadley ended up hanging with some friends before Travis played chauffeur and took the girls (and Hayden) to our favorite spot for fireworks.

I did miss seeing a big fireworks display this year. The 4th is one of my favorite holidays.

Again, Hadley provided a few pics!

‘Merica, y’all!

While they didn’t have my traditional red, white and blue waffles, I think they survived the holiday without me.

On the 4th, I did go to my aunt’s house for dinner, so I was able to see my mom, Gma and uncle. We had pork chops, watermelon, and “Corn Jumble.” As I was eating the jumble, I was conflicted because I loved it but just knew there was mayo in it…and you know how I feel about mayo. My aunt told me there was just a bit in it (and sour cream), but truly…it was so good. I even had seconds.

She said the recipe is from a cookbook called Beyond Parsley.

Here it is:

My mom made this cute s’mores dessert, and I thought it was for our 4th of July dinner….but it was for her monthly dinner with her neighbors.

She has Hershey’s chocolate on the bottom and then layered marshmallows (some of which she rolled in colored sugar) and then you just bake for a bit to melt it…and dip with graham crackers.

We did have key lime pie for dessert at my aunt’s, so I wasn’t too upset…but…

…I pouted just enough that she made me a small version of the s’mores for my dessert Friday night at her house.

I’ve spent this week binging America’s Sweethearts on Netflix. Is there anything more American than the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders? haha

Today, I’m headed home. My dad is about a week out from knee surgery, and definitely in better spirits.

I just counted, and in the past 16 days, I’ve slept in my bed two nights. I’m ready to be home and find some kind of routine for the rest of July.

Also, I can’t end this post without giving a “happy birthday” shout out to Trav. Today is his birthday.

He’s been holding down the fort this week which I’m sure he’s done with ease (and apparently without eating many of the meals I planned out for them. haha!)

Hopefully, we can celebrate him a bit tomorrow.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and come back tomorrow for our monthly Share Our Lives link up.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays

Friday Favorites {#212}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? It sure is feeling like summer around here with lots of sunshine and hot temps.

I’m going to need June to pump the breaks a bit!!

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

Here are a few favorites from the week:

Hadley coming home from camp was definitely a favorite. She had a great time, but I know she was happy to sleep in her own bed (and see us!)

On Monday evening, we celebrated Travis for Father’s Day. Since we were still waiting on our new air conditioner, we all ate dinner in the sun room where it was cooler, and then enjoyed some cake. He opened a couple of presents which included some shorts, a shirt, and this acupressure mat. He hadn’t mentioned wanting the mat, but I figured it would be something even the kids would use. He was actually really excited to receive it which was sweet.

Snickerdoodle Bundt cake for the win!

My niece’s birthday is in late May, and I hadn’t gotten her a present yet. She went with Hadley and me to the nail salon. The girls got manicures while I got a pedicure…

….Then, we got some ice cream on that hot summer day.

While it’s a expensive favorite, seeing my new thermostat finally find the 70’s in the house was really appreciated. We were tired of being hot.

I used to set our old a/c on 71 most days, and now, 73/74 really cools us off.

I’d seen some people share about the “all day rose'” Waterloo, so I thought I’d give it a try. It’s really good! It is kind of weird at first (in a good way) that, to me, the first few sips really do taste like rose’. After that, I feel like it just tastes like (good) flavored sparkling water.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This is so true! I can’t keep up with my kids’ changing tastes. haha

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week:

Summer Sunday #3
Hello Monday
Wednesday Hodgepodge
Throwback Thurs: CAmp

That’s it for this week! I hope you have a great weekend.

Posted in Holidays, Share 4 Somethings

Share 4 Somethings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Saturday!

I wasn’t sure if I would have time to write this post, but as I got out of school and started thinking about Memorial Day weekend, I figured I could modify the Share 4 Somethings format for Memorial Day.

So, I’m linking up with Jennifer to share four (some) things I think of once it’s Memorial Day weekend.

1. Remember and Honor

Of course, first and foremost, we need to remember those who gave up their lives for our freedoms. I know some are even sensitive to hearing “happy” Memorial Day which I can understand. Those who are willing to sacrifice their safety and lives in honor of our country should never be forgotten.

2. School’s Out…

…or almost out for the summer.

I swear. I feel like we are the last district to be out around here. We still have two more days, and I have a teacher work day. Actually, we received an email this week about Friday (5/31) being another work day due to a snow day we have to make up. The kids don’t have to make it up, but we do. They are letting us “flex” that time using hours outside of the school day, so at least we don’t have to come that day as long as we turn in the form.

As a general rule, I just think school should be in session after Labor Day and out by Memorial Day. By mid-May we are all over the school year…students, parents, and the teachers.

3. Sales

There are usually lots of good Memorial Day sales.

Among other sales…

  • Target has 30% off women’s, kids’ and men’s clothing and swim, and 30% off sandals. We picked up a couple of swimsuits for Hadley. ‘Tis the season! They also have up to 50% off patio, garden furniture and accessories and other deals.
  • Old Navy has 50% off almost everything!
  • Walmart has “rollback” prices on laptops, grills, pools and more!
  • Aerie has 30-70% off almost everything!
  • Home Depot: Up to 55% off select online outdoor furniture, up to 25% off select storage and organization items, and other great deals.

4. Pool Opens

Memorial Day weekend means the pool opens up. Our pool always opens a few days before Memorial Day weekend. Our pool opened on Wednesday, and Hadley is 3 for 3 in pool attendance this week…even with overcast skies and cooler temps on Wednesday and Thursday. When I text her to ask when she’s coming home, I get a lot of “#poolislife” responses. haha

Hopefully I will make it there sometime soon!

Anyway, I hope your weekend is off to a great start.

I don’t think I will have a post on Monday, but I hope to share the books I read in May on Tuesday.

Take care,

Posted in Holidays, Me

Mother’s Day Recap

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

I know many of my readers are moms, but I also know that Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day) can be very difficult for some.

When those days roll around, I truly do also think about those who are sad on those days. I’ve been the woman wanting to be a mom, and I’ve also been the mom really grateful for her three-year-old twins, but sad after a miscarriage. You just never know what people are going through or what they’ve experienced.

I’m really grateful for the thought and care that my kids and Travis show me on Mother’s Day. We have a few traditions which I appreciate, but I do miss the days of hand print gifts and snuggles.

This year, I slept in a bit (we all did), and I woke up to flowers, a card, and a gift.

Travis picked up Panera bagels, so we had those before heading to church. We joined our church five years ago on Mother’s Day. Life can get busy, but I appreciate when we have time to go to church, especially on Mother’s Day.

Recently, our church started doing name tags, and Hadley wanted to write my name tag:

How sweet, right?

After church, we came home for a bit. I noticed the two hanging ferns on the front porch. That’s my traditional gift which I really appreciate. I keep the ferns on the porch until Labor Day weekend. Every year, we seem to end up with a nest of baby birds in one of the ferns. I love that my Mother’s Day gift ends up being a spot for a mother to care for her babies until it’s time for them to spread their wings and fly. (I’m not ready for that actual symbolism of my own birds flying the nest yet!)

We got a quick pic (another tradition/miracle!)

We wanted to go somewhere for lunch where we could sit outside. We’d never been to the Burl Brewery, but it was really nice. They had the garage doors open, the sun was shining, the Kentucky baseball game was on, and they had flowers for moms!

I ordered the avocado toast, and it was delish.

The kids played pool for a bit…

…while Trav had a beer, and I enjoyed a grapefruit mimosa….served by one of my former students!

We were there for a couple of hours, and then we came home. I put my flowers in a vase and set up my NEW KINDLE! Thankfully, that was a seamless process. I’ve had my other Kindle for six or seven years, and it wasn’t holding a charge for very long and was slow to download. I had told Travis I wanted a new one, but that I’d get one this summer. I was pleasantly surprised!

Then, I sat on the front porch and called my mom. We’d sent her flowers, and I’m glad she enjoyed them.

Travis had moved the TV out to the back patio to finish watching the UK baseball game. So, after I hung up with my mom, I decided to go out back and finish my book.

The Many Lives of Mama Love was so good…very inspirational.

Then it was time for dinner. Travis grilled steaks, Hayden put the asparagus in the oven, and Hadley was in charge of the (mircowave) Bob Evans mashed potatoes. When she asked me to stir them at the midway point, I said, “No ma’am!”…and she said with exasperation, “Being a mom is SO HARD!” 😆

We had dinner on the patio. I forgot to snap a pic, but here’s an old photo….which was probably my Mother’s Day dinner last year. haha

Hadley had volleyball, so I took her. Then, when I came home, I decided to do a few of my “mom responsibilities” that I’d neglected throughout the day. I made a grocery list, swapped out the laundry and then tidied up a bit.

I picked Hadley up around 9:15, and we ended the day with ice cream!

Overall, it was a really great Mother’s Day. I saw so many friends sharing their kids’ high school prom pics this weekend, and a few have graduation coming up soon. It was hard for me not to think the next four years are going to fly by. Ok, enough about that. I think I will live in denial for a bit longer 😉

I hope your week is off to a great start.