Category: Holidays

Posted in Family, Friday Favorites, Holidays

Friday Favorites {#166}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours was really good. It *finally* felt like a pretty normal week. We didn’t really set alarms, stayed up a bit later, Hadley had dance, Hayden had basketball, we had pool time and did a few other things too.

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

Here are some favorite from the week:

Going all the way back to last Thursday…since Hadley wasn’t home for the 4th of July, we took a moment for sparkler fun. The sunset was so pretty too.

Friday was Trav’s birthday!

Friday night, we went out to eat with Trav’s brother and sister-in-law. If gnocchi is on the menu, I often order it!

We were pretty full after dinner, but Hadley convinced us to order dessert. Smiles for everyone.

When we got home, Travis opened his gifts. We just got him a running shirt, socks, and beer mugs because he loves a frosty beer! Overall, it was a really good night.

The next morning, Hadley left for the lake. I’m telling you, she doesn’t let the grass grow under her feet! haha.

She spent the day on the lake and overnight with her friend.

On Sunday, Travis had to work in the morning, but then his family came in town from Louisville, so we could celebrate him. My brother and his family also came over as well as a couple of Trav’s cousins who also live in Lexington.

We picked up fried chicken, and the rest of us made some sides. We had a few desserts including a Bundt cake for the birthday boy!

I also ordered cups from a local vendor…He really appreciated all this attention 😉

We got a quick photo before cake…

After everyone left, I got off my feet and relaxed on the back patio. The sunset was pretty, and the weather was great!

Speaking of the patio…

On the 4th of July, Travis and I went to Walmart to pick up a new couch for the patio.

We’ve had the same love seat for fifteen years…and Homer and #homered it when he was a puppy. This is the same couch we have in the sun room, and Travis noticed it was on sale. We figured we have loved that set for over three years, and it would be nice to have one more spot to sit with a couch vs a love seat.

So, the three piece set is $100 off, and we had to drive to a Walmart about 30 minutes away to pick it up. Hayden helped him assemble it, and we’ve been enjoying it ever since.

We have the cushions it came with , but we also picked these dark gray ones as well.

Hayden’s been playing basketball this summer like usual, but he’s missed a couple of games when he was out of town. So, that’s back on our agenda. It’s a laid back summer league, and fun to watch him play with different kids.

Wednesday night, we watched two episodes of the new Quarterback series on Netflix. Hadley even joined in on the fun! Of course, we’re excited that Mahomes is featured, but it’s interesting to learn about Cousins and Mariota too.

We’ve had some pool time this week. It makes me sad that pool days are already numbered. I’ve been able to go at least twice a week, but Hadley tends to go to the pool the most in our family. haha

Well, I didn’t mean for this to be the case, but lots of my “pampering” appointments lined up this week. On a whim Tuesday night, I decided to get a pedicure. It had been almost two months, so I was ready for a refresh.

I chose “Mexican City Move-mint” again because I like to choose one that I also have the color at home if I need a touch up.

I used my Mother’s Day gift card and had an hour long hot stone relaxation massage on Wednesday…and it was wonderful.

I probably end up getting two massages a year. While I will schedule my facials, hair appointments, and pedicures a few times a year, I usually only get a massage if it’s a gift…so I always appreciate those gift cards.

Then, I had my hair appointment yesterday, and it’s always nice to get fresh highlights and a trim.

Favorite Clothes:

I’ve been wearing this romper non-stop. It’s just easy to throw on with a tank and go.

I got this navy crepe set from SSYS, and I love it. I’ve worn it a few times and can’t wait to wear it more. (It comes in a few colors!)

Favorite Mom Meme:

We laughed when Hadley got off the camp bus wearing a new sweatshirt. She loves a sweatshirt all year long.

Weekly Recap:

I had a couple of posts this week including our monthly Not Just a Mom link up and tons of Amazon faves.

Not Just a Mom
PRime Day Faves
Day in the Life on Insta

Thanks so much for reading. I hope you have a great weekend.

{this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog}

Posted in Holidays, Memes

Monday Memes

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I know I probably say it every month, but how is it already the last Monday of the month? Seriously, I’m always sad at the end of June and July. Well, maybe these memes will provide a laugh or two for you.

Before I get to the memes…

On Saturday, Travis and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. Talk about time flying!

I woke up to pretty flowers and a card. Per tradition, he wrote my name in bubble letters and got creative with the #18. haha

On Friday night, we went out to dinner. Hadley snapped our pic beforehand.

We had dinner at Jeff Ruby’s. I guess when Travis made the reservation, he made note that it was our anniversary. So, at the end of our meal, the waiter brought out dessert and snapped our pic. He actually took our photo with a camera and when he brought the bill, he had printed the photo and put it in a card with a note. Well played…bigger tip for him!

I also had him take one with my phone…

After dinner, we walked over to the Infinity Sky Bar at the Marriott for a night cap.

Moving on to the memes…this one is perfect for our anniversary…haha

I guess when we checked in we were there for our steak and sushi appointment!

I’m married to this type of person!

Maybe July will be my “do nothing” month…We’ll see.

When I logged in to my school computer last week, I was met with a similar alert and could definitely relate to this meme.

This happens to me sometimes…and even on the blog. I always cringe when I read my published post that has an error or two. It’s so much pressure being an English teacher…haha

I have to remind myself that the blog is a hobby and doesn’t always have to be perfect.

My kids are in summer mode…and while they’ve kept themselves pretty entertained, this almost applies more to every meal that they consume. They eat non-stop!

This one just made me LOL…and it’s true!

Do you follow Cat and Nat on Instagram? They are so funny.

Anyway, this one is true too! I tend to use the front right burner the most. What about you?

I hope you’ve had a great weekend! I have four more days of summer school. It’s been fine, but it will be nice to cross last week and this week off my “to do” list for the summer.

Thanks for reading!

Posted in Holidays, Weekend Top 5

Hello Monday on Tuesday

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I hope your week is off to a great start. So far this summer I’ve had a hard time getting into a blogging routine. I think I feel pulled in many directions more than ever before! *sigh*

Anyway, I still wanted to recap our weekend because we had a good one and a really nice Father’s Day Sunday.

On Friday, I started my morning drinking coffee from my new favorite mug. I was back watching the Today Show rather than looking at mountain views, but it’s always nice to be home.

Honestly, I spent most of the afternoon at school getting ready for the next two weeks of summer school….so nothing exciting there.

Although…since I knew I’d be at school during lunchtime, I picked up Chick-fil-a before getting to school. I tried something new (to me) – the chicken Cobb salad with half avocado lime dressing and 1/2 honey mustard dressing. It was so good.

That evening, Travis and Hayden went to Hayden’s basketball game and then out to dinner.

Our friends had some neighbors over for “movie night,” and Hadley went there around 7:00. I joined them a little after 8:00 after having the other half of my salad for dinner. We were there pretty late and went to bed as soon as we got home.

Saturday morning, I slept until 10! Honestly, I had a hard time falling asleep, so I probably got 8 hours of rest once I finally fell asleep….but 10:00 is unheard of for me. Then, I picked Homer up from groomer.

Travis and kids were gone most of the day, so I finished up with some Father’s Day things and did a few house chores and laundry. I went to Target, the library, and then picked up Trav’s Father’s Day cake.

While at Target, I saw individual cans of Olipop. I feel like influencers used to share this brand all the time, but I never knew they sold it at Target…even better that you can buy individual ones that are already cold. Anyway, the grape flavored one was so good!

Travis and the kids were on their way back in town, so they called me and I met them at Goodfella’s for pizza. It so nice that it’s patio weather right now.

On Sunday, Travis and I were up early. He went for a run, and I drank my coffee and watched tv.

Then, we left the house around 10:15 to make our way to Canoe Kentucky/Elkhorn Creek to kayak with friends.

On the way there, I called my dad to wish him a Happy Father’s Day. I had to time it before golf started! haha

We’ve done this one other time, and that time we were in a canoe. It was nice letting everyone have their own kayak, but that also meant I had to make sure everyone was keeping up/not far ahead or behind. That being said, the water level was pretty low, so I wasn’t too concerned about that. As a matter of fact, in some spots, we wished there was more water. haha

We kayaked for a bit and then make a pit stop. We were with three other families, so it was nice to pitstop and let the kids swim a bit.

Father’s Day photo:

The girls had lots of fun…

….as did the rest of us.

We kayaked about five miles which took around 3 hours.

After our kayak session, we were tired!….and hungry. In the shop, we picked up some drinks and let the kids get some ice cream.

Then, we made our way to West Sixth Farm.

We knew the dads would like a beer or two. They had a food truck, so we got some tacos too.

The perk of having older kids is they all just hung out while the adults chatted.

We were there about an hour before coming home. Everyone showered, and we ordered take out Thai food. Our friends had mentioned it, and we thought that sounded good (and easy!) too.

After dinner we celebrated Travis with cake…(instead of cookie cake, this year, I picked up an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins)

…and a few gifts.

While Travis and I were out of town, my mom helped the kids with this Father’s Day present.

It turned out so cute.

They spray painted their Sonic drink carrier, made these tags, and picked up some supplies/goodies.

We also got him a new wallet (since he seems to lose his once a year, this is almost a tradition) and some running shorts.

I love this pic from Trav’s first Father’s Day in 2010. Obviously, the kids look much older, but he’s pretty much stayed the same! 😉

The rest of the evening, Travis and Hayden watched a movie, Hadley chilled, and I watched the end of the US Open.

Overall, it was a good weekend and a great Father’s Day.

I hope to find my blogging groove this week, but we’ll just see how it goes.

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Some months I feel like they seem to fly by, but May sure felt like it lasted forever! That being said, I can’t believe this time next week it will be June! Since it’s the last Thursday of the month, Holly and Patty are hosting their Monthly Musings link up.

This month’s topic is: Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend

Ahh…one of my favorite weekends of the year. Of course Memorial Day has significant meaning as we honor those who lost their lives serving our country.

Memorial Day Celebration with American Flag on background. Text “Memorial Day – Remember and Honor”

It’s also the start of summer. The pool opens, alarm clocks can be turned off, grills are turned on, and everyone can enjoy the warm summer sunshine.

1. How are you spending Memorial Day weekend?

Well, tomorrow is the last day of school…and usually I’d be in my pjs by 7:00, but our friends invited us over to grill out/hang on their patio. Saturday, we’ll spend the day at the state middle school track meet. Sunday and Monday we don’t have any official plans, and by that time, I’m sure I’ll be ready to relax. Our pool opened yesterday. We’ve had beautiful weather this week, but it’s only supposed to be mid-70’s the next few days. I’m sure the kids (especially Hadley) will head to the pool Sunday/Monday. I will probably go for a bit as well at some point.

2. Favorite ice cream?

My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip!

3. Memorial Day travel or hanging out at home?

We never travel for Memorial Day…it’s always too close to the end of the school year. So, we will be at home when not at the track meet.

4. Burger? Hot dog? or both?

I love a good hot dog. We actually went out to dinner last Friday to a local spot, and I ordered a hot dog with cheese and pickle. It was so good.

There’s another local place called Boonedogs that we’ve been to a time or two, and it’s good as well.

5. Favorite cookout sides?

I love a good pasta salad. I made Shay’s Pepperoni & Bell Pepper Pasta Salad recipe this past weekend, and it’s really good.

This one I found on Pinterest years ago is one I make often as well.

6. White before or after Memorial Day?

For me, I typically wait until after Memorial Day…but that’s not because I’m trying to follow any fashion rule. I prefer to be tan before wearing white. I did wear my white jeans to school yesterday with a bright pink top…but I also made a visit to the Sun Tan City spray tan booth this past weekend.

7. Memorial Day traditions?

We don’t really have any Memorial Day traditions…not like we we seem to have for the 4th of July.

As a kid, I remember my extended family getting together for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends.

I joke that there are two kinds of Memorial Day weekend people…those who do yardwork, and those who go to the pool. Guess which one I’m married to! Plus, since I know I will have pool time in the summer, I’m not rushing to go over Memorial Day weekend when it’s so crowded.

It does seem like most years we grill out with neighbors at some point and go to the pool for a bit.

8. Share a summer recipe.

This Asparagus Fries recipe I found on Pinterest years ago, is a winner. My whole family loves them. This weekend, Travis picked up chicken to grill and came home with asparagus too. He requested this as a side. It’s one of Hadley’s favorites as well.

9. Parades, fireworks or cookouts?

Cook out and pool!

10. Show us your red, white, and blue…

For the patriotic holidays, I always put out a few flags…

…and I miss the days of the kids *willingly* wearing red, white, and blue…but how festive is Homer?

What are your Memorial Day weekend plans? Our weather looks amazing. I’m definitely ready for the weekend!

Posted in Holidays, Kids, Weekend Top 5

Hello Tuesday?

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your weekend? Ours was busy…busier than normal. So busy that I started this post on Friday, and never had time to complete it over the weekend.

I had good intentions of linking up with Holly and Sarah for Hello Monday…but since it’s now Tuesday, let’s just consider this a…

The kids ran in the district championship track meet. Thankfully, the rain held off, and it was great running conditions.

Hadley ran the 4×800 relay, 4×200 relay, 400, and 200. Hayden ran the 4×800 relay, 1600, and 3200. Overall, they had great performances. Hadley improved the most on her 400, and she’s qualified for state in it and some relays. Hayden was still feeling under the weather, but he gave it his all. This season, he has qualified for state in the 800, 1600, 3200 and a relay.

We went straight from school to home for them to change, and then didn’t go home until after 10:00. Friday was just the start of our marathon weekend.

Hadley’s final dance competition of the season was in Louisville this weekend. She had her two large group (line and production) dances on Saturday afternoon, so we left for Louisville around 11:30.

We went straight to the convention center, and she finished getting ready.

They had awards after one of the dances, and then her other large group dance. Then, she had a couple of hours of free time before the other awards. Some family came to watch her dances, so she had time with them. Travis went to check in to our hotel, and Hadley and I grabbed a bite to eat at Qdoba.

We walked to our hotel and were there about an hour. One of her friends was also staying at the Embassy Suites, so they hung out. Then, the adults had time for a happy hour beverage (one of the reasons Travis likes an Embassy Suites!) before walking back to the venue for awards.

Before each dance competition, the girls receive goody bags with snacks and other odds and ends. For this competition, they received these sunglasses. Can you tell they loved them?

Another thing in their goody bag was a little rubber duck, and a note that said “good luck duck” and the studio name. They were to give it to a dancer from another studio as good luck. I thought that was the sweetest idea.

After the awards, it was getting late, so we grabbed some dinner at Mussel and Burger Bar before going back to the hotel. The dinner was good, but we were so tired. Some of the girls hung out for a bit, but the adults were extra tired. Anyway, we got to bed at a decent time.

Sunday morning, Travis went to his mom’s house for a bit. Hayden had spent the night there. The girls slept in, but another mom and I met for the buffet breakfast. We received a pink carnation which was a nice touch!

Hadley got up and started to get ready. It takes her about an hour to do hair and makeup along with getting organized for the day. We checked out and left the hotel and walked back to the convention center.

Hadley had her two small group dances (jazz and lyrical), and they did an awesome job. Her lyrical performance brought me to tears (I was in my feelings this weekend, I guess!)

I’m just always amazed by her. We have no clue where she got her rhythm and grace, but I love watching her shine on stage.

Again, she had family in attendance, so she saw them afterwards before they left. Then, she and I went with her friend and mom to Chipolte for a quick bite to eat before awards.

The girls had such a fun two days…and they really loved those sunglasses!

I can’t believe the competition season is over. This is Hadley’s third competition season, and it’s been my favorite one yet! I know she’s thinking about what she has time for next year. She loves dancing, so we will see.

After the awards, I called my mom (it was her birthday as well as Mother’s Day) as we drove to Trav’s sister’s house for a quick early dinner. Then, we headed back to Lexington. We got home around 7:00.

The kids obliged for one more photo which I appreciate. We’d had a long and busy weekend, but we got the photo.

We all unpacked, and Travis and Hayden went on a bike ride. Hadley went to a friend’s house for a bit.

In Louisville, they’d given me flowers and a card as well as a gift card for a massage and facial. That sounds like the perfect thing to use once school gets out.

I put my flowers in a vase and then spent about an hour on the front porch enjoying the weather and reading a book. It was a great day.

I feel blessed that I got to spend the weekend watching the kids do what they love…run and dance!

Well, today we are home for election day, and let’s just say I can definitely use this time to get caught up on life. Well, truth be told, I probably won’t be caught up on life until June. Eight more days of school! haha

Posted in Holidays

Easter Recap

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I hope your week is off to a great start. Before we get too far into the week, I wanted to recap our Easter weekend.

On Saturday morning, I hardboiled the eggs, and then the kids decorated them later in the afternoon. This is the second or third year that I was pretty “hands off” with this activity.

I bought the regular egg dyeing kit, but I also picked up a “marbled” one that was easy (you just add vegetable oil to the cup with the water and vinegar), and the kids had fun decorating.

I always tell them if I wasn’t the only one who eats hardboiled eggs, I’d boil more for them to decorate! haha

(And things like egg salad, etc. that I could make with a bunch are a “hard no” for me!)

This is one of those traditions that I never know how many years it will last, but I’m pretty sure my brother and I decorated eggs even in high school. It’s just something fun to do.

I think they turned out great:

Easter morning, I was the first one up, so I got out the goodies. I think the Easter Bunny hit a homerun this year 😉

The kids did seem to like what they received.

This meme made me laugh…

The kids did find the eggs in about three minutes! There’s only so many places you can hide them in the kitchen / living room area.

Saturday night, I prepped Andrea’s Sausage Square Breakfast Casserole, so all I had to do was bake it Sunday morning.

This was a hit! I will definitely make it again soon…maybe even for dinner one night.

We just kept it simple and had fruit as a side.

Then, it was time to go to church. The weather was absolutely beautiful on Sunday.

The kids obliged for a photo…

…and thanks to our friends, we got a family photo which I always appreciate.

After church, we quickly went home, changed clothes and headed to Elizabethtown to see Trav’s family. His aunt usually hosts Thanksgiving and Easter, and Travis has a huge family. There were 61 family members at Easter, and we were missing a few who are usually there. There’d be over 100 people if everyone showed up!

I had a bit of a headache most of the day, so I appreciated that Travis did the driving. Once we got home, it was time to get organized for back to school.

What are your favorite Easter traditions?

Posted in Holidays, Home Decor

Easter Decorations

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

Well, with Easter less than a week away, I thought I’d share my Easter decorations.

Honestly, they are mostly the same year to year, but I usually move things around. Also, I seem to get something new every year. This year, I ordered a cute wooden bunny from Ruffled Nest.

I like the fact that I can decorate for Easter in about five minutes by just swapping out a few “regular” decor items.

Come on in…

I’ve had this garden flag for a couple of years and the door hanger for at least five years.

I added the bunny plant from Trader Joe’s along with the egg plate to the front hall entryway.

I think this little nook is my favorite:

Flowers from Trader Joe’s, candles, and a little wooden bunny I picked up two years ago in Nashville.

Here’s the 20″ whitewashed bunny I got from Ruffled Nest. A little 16″ friend is on the way. I couldn’t resist!

This little guy is so cute, and sits on the table in our office.

I added one of my favorite bunnies and some eggs to the tray on our kitchen table.

The little “peek a boo” bunnies are cute up on the mantle.

And that’s it! Do you decorate for Easter?

This time of the year I also start switching out my candles for more floral scents. A trip to Bath and Body is on my to do list this week to pick up a couple of candles.

I hope it’s feeling like spring in your neck of the woods.

Posted in Gift Ideas, Holidays

Easter Baskets

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

**I set this post to publish before hearing about the tragic news in Nashville.

The unthinkable happened yet again yesterday. While I know this stopped everyone in their tracks, as a mom and as a teacher, I know it hits me particularly hard every time a tragedy like this one is happens. Why is this becoming the norm?

It’s not my story to share, so I haven’t, but Trav comes from an exceptional family who have first hand experience with losing a loved one this way. While no one takes these events lightly, they certainly hit our family in a different way.

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Covenant community. We need more than prayers to stop another tragic event like this from happening again.

Today’s post:

Well, I’m feeling better, but I’m still needing my voice to return to normal. It’s getting there.

It’s been funny because as I try to talk at home and use motions, the kids reply back the same way. I’m like…”You can talk!” haha

Anyway, I did take a moment to get my Easter ducks in a row and figure out what I’m going to get the kids. So, today, I’m sharing those ideas.

As I started this post, I did get to thinking…when I was a kid, we didn’t get all of these things. That being said, we always got candy and usually a stuffed animal or a few other odds and ends.

I guess it’s another thing (like birthdays) that I go “over the top” about, but I really do try to buy things they will use/wear in the spring and summer months and that I probably would be purchasing at some point anyway. So, most of their Easter basket items have always been new spring pjs, a pool toy, goggles, flip flops, etc.

Now that they are older and seem to have more expensive taste, I do try to keep that in mind and buy less.

Of course, they will get Easter candy in their baskets, but I like to buy a few other things too.

Hayden:

  • Hayden has a few polos, and recently he tried them on and most don’t fit. He just needs to go up a size in whichever brands he wants. He has a couple Vineyard Vines, but he loves his Under Armour polos that he’s had a for a couple of years. We donated the ones he’s outgrown to our neighbor. So, I’m going to get Hayden one or two more UA ones that I know he’ll wear them this spring and summer anytime I tell him to “look nice!”
  • I’d say the thing Hayden is the pickiest about is his swim trunks. Now, I’m not saying he has to have Vineyard Vines, but he won’t wear Target Cat and Jack anymore. 😆Since, even with a growth spurt, he tends to get at least two years out of swim trunks, I’ve started buying him a good brand, like Vineyard Vines, that I know will last and he will like them. That being said, that’s about the only VV he will wear now.
  • When I was at Walmart the other day, I picked the kids up each a new “cabana” style towel. I just saw them when I went to Walmart for some other things, and figured they’d be a good addition to their Easter baskets. Will they be excited about these? No. Do we need more towels? Yes.
  • This massage roller ball is something I know Hayden will use after a run. He’s good about taking care of himself with stretching and using the massage gun after his workouts.
  • These skip balls look like a fun addition to the pool bag!

Hadley:

  • This heatless curling set looks like something Hadley would love. She has the prettiest, thickest hair…I’m so jealous. She likes to straighten it sometimes and curl it other times too.
  • I bought Hadley her white Cushionaire Birk dupes in the summer of 2020. She still wears them all the time even though they are now at least a size too small. I decided to go ahead and get her another pair.
  • Hadley loves pjs as much as I do. She’s not really into matching sets anymore, but I thought these pj shorts look cute.
  • I got her the pink striped version of the Walmart cabana towel.
  • Then, I think I am just going to get her a Target gift card to go towards a new swimsuit or sunglasses. She’s to the age where she’s a bit more picky, and it’s probably just easier if I let her choose!

Easter will be here before we know it, and I’m glad it’s finally feeling like spring.

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in Holidays, Kids, Life Lately

Life Lately

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

How is your week going? Ours is…going.

Here’s a bit of our life…lately.

The kids had a big Friday night! They went to the 7th grade dance. Hadley was counting down the days, and we were all shocked that Hayden contemplated going. 😆

I’m not sure what their school did before Covid, but last year there weren’t any dances/mixers. This year, the PTSA has done an awesome job organizing something for every grade level. They had a school wide mixer (dance/game night) one Saturday evening in January, then the 6th graders had a casual after school dance in early February. The 7th graders had the Valentine’s Day dance on Friday night, and then the 8th graders have a more “formal” dance in the spring.

It’s been so nice to see the kids and their friends have these opportunities.

Here they are all dressed up and ready to go.

One of the moms organized a pre-dance get together with appetizers for the kids at a local restaurant. The moms stayed as well, so that we could then get them to the dance. So, from 5:15-6:45, the kids hung out, ate, and we talked them in to a few photos before they headed to the dance from 7-9.

This really is such a great group of kids. I’ve said it before, but Hayden and Hadley have held on to their close elementary friendships and the new friends they made last year have been such an added bonus. We’ve enjoyed getting to know the parents too.

Hayden rode with friends, and I got to drop these lovely ladies off at school.

Hayden texted about a half hour in to the dance asking when it was over. 😂Some of my friends were chaperones and reported back that both kids were having fun. Hadley gave us all the details when she got home, and Hayden actually said he had a good time.

This was such a nice “rite of passage” for them, and I loved seeing every moment.

Go Chiefs!

On Saturday, my mom decorated Chiefs cookies with the kids. I was impressed.

Sunday night was game time.

I picked up some balloons and a cookie cake. We’d ordered pizza the two previous play off games, so we continued that tradition too. Everyone was up late for the big win! We were all so excited.

Valentine’s Day

I think the kids had a pretty good Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, I’ve been sick this week, so I wasn’t up to make a special breakfast. I did put out a couple of decorations once I got up…

After school, we gave them a few gifts.

I got the kids some candy and donuts. Then, they both got a new alarm clock/sound machine. They both have the same sound machine from when they were babies (seriously – their sound machines are now 13 years old!), and Hayden’s is kind of glitchy. I’m going to put Hadley’s old one in my suitcase, so we always have it on hand for travel. I’ve decided the kids need to start setting an alarm in the morning, so that combined with the sound machine was a good little gift that they “needed.”

A couple of months ago, I picked up a heart necklace for Hadley when Shay had her collaboration with Victoria Emerson.

For Hayden, I also got him this running calendar and Toughness by Jay Bilas. (*I may end up reading it too!) 😉

Then, for dinner, we had heart shaped chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. An easy and delicious dinner made us all happy.

The past couple of years, I’ve made a special weekend Valentine’s Day lunch, but with our already hectic weekend and then V-Day falling on a Tuesday, we made the most of it. Travis and I hope to go out to dinner this weekend.

Have a great Wednesday,

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Posted in Holidays

Happy Valentine’s Day

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Valentine’s Day!

A few festive touches:

I realized I never shared my Valentine’s Day decorations with you, but honestly, they are exactly the same as last year!

I change out the garden flag and door hanger…

….and then add in a few little touches in the living room and kitchen.

The XOXO banner is one I’ve used for a couple of years.

…and that’s about it! I will probably leave the outside things up the rest of February, but take down the inside stuff this weekend.

V-Day photo:

Well, we went from this:

…to this in the blink of an eye…

Every year, I take a pic of the kids and use it for a Valentine’s Day card for family. Most years, I use a snow day pic for the card, but other years, we seem to have more mild temps, so I have to take what I can get.

Here’s our card this year:

…and that’s about it. I bought donuts for the kids for breakfast this morning, and picked them up a couple of gifts and some candy. I’m sure they’ll feel the love 😉

Travis and I were supposed to go out to dinner on Saturday night for an early Valentine’s Day dinner, but I was under the weather. So, we’re hoping to try again this weekend. We’ll see.

Do you have any big Valentine’s Day plans?