Category: Kids

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!

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#278}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

I don’t think I’ve needed to make it to Friday this badly in quite some time! This week has been a doozy. I feel like re-entry after fall break the past couple of weeks has felt like the first few weeks of school all over again.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

HoCo:

Last weekend was all about Homecoming! The kids went to the football game, and had a great time.

Saturday morning, Hadley and friends got together for “brunch and bouquets.” One of the moms hosted, and I thought it was such a thoughtful idea and a fun way for the girls to hang out.

They had a great time eating brunch and arranging their flowers.

After that, one of Hadley’s friends came over for a bit before they joined a few friends to finish getting ready for the dance.

Around 5:00, a big group of kids met up for pictures. Hadley’s date had a beautiful bouquet for her which was a lovely gesture.

They’ve been friends for quite a few years, and he’s one of Hayden’s friends too.

Hadley and her bestie and their dates…

All the girls looked so pretty…and loved taking all the photos. The boys were good sports about it.

We snagged a pic with Hadley before she went to dinner with her date.

He actually goes to another school, but both of the Homecoming dances were on the same night. So, they took pictures with Hadley’s friends (he knows quite a few of them too), and then they went to dinner with his friends and the dance at his school.

Afterwards, Hadley came home and gave us a few details of the evening. Then, she went to a friend’s house for the after party. Hayden went too and joined some of his friends there. He was home around midnight while Hadley spent the night at the friend’s house. I had to wait up until midnight, and I guess I’m getting a glimpse of my future.

After the pics, Travis and I went out for an early dinner at a place we’ve only been to once before. We sat on the patio, and said “cheers” to surviving all day HoCo prep!

Other faves:

While we were on fall break, one of the breakfasts that was planned was cinnamon rolls. I buy Sister Schubert rolls often, but I’d never seen the cinnamon rolls. Once we got home, I added a couple to my Kroger order. I made a pan on Sunday morning…

…and they were delish!

I went to Hobby Lobby (again) this week, and picked up a couple of LED pumpkins for my classroom. I have these same ones at home, and just thought they’d be a nice festive touch at school. Some of my students have commented on them!

I have this cute one on my desk:

Yesterday, our principal treated us to ice cream which was so thoughtful. It truly has been such a long week, so this was a great way to cap off the day.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Oh…we really need to get it together in the morning…all of us! haha

Weekly Recap:

Well, I didn’t mean to ghost you this week. I shared a post on Monday, and I had good intentions of at least writing one other this week, but it just didn’t happen.

Share Our Lives

This weekend, Hadley has one final volleyball tournament, and then it’s a wrap for the JV team. Sunday looks to be rainy, and I hope to spend some time reading and maybe watching Father of the Bride in honor of Diane Keaton’s passing. What a legend!

Have a great weekend!

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids, School

Friday Favorites {#274}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Where did this week go?…but also…TGIF! We had a good but busy week. I feel like we’ve finally gotten into a school and evening routine which feels nice. Of course, this is just in time for us to have one more week and then a week off for fall break! I’m not complaining, but after that week, we’ll have to get back into a routine again.

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

Here are a few faves from the week:

Last week, I went to Bath and Body and picked up a few fall things…three hand soaps and one candle. See, I can show restraint in Bath and Body! haha!

One of my favorite seasonal things to do is to swap out the hand soaps in the bathroom and in the kitchen. I only purchased one candle, because I have quite the fall candle stockpile in my hall closet.

I also purchased a set of three candles from Trader Joe’s, and they’ve quickly become a favorite as well.

Last week, I had a dermatology appointment. It had been over two years since I made a skin check appointment. The PA had no concerns, and I was happy to cross this off the list. I did joke with her that they should just team up with a gynecologist, so we can get two awkward appointments over with at one time!

Last weekend, I spent time in Tennessee with Hadley and the volleyball team. They had a fun weekend of volleyball, but they also were able to hit up the indoor water park. I had fun with some of the moms, and I also enjoyed a bit of downtime at the hotel.

The girls were 5-2 on the weekend and the runner up in the silver bracket. Overall, they played well, and I feel like they found their groove.

The weather was pretty and the views were pretty too. I got a walk in on Saturday morning before the games.

The kids’ school pics were available to download this past week, and they turned out sooo good! I asked Hayden to wear something besides a t-shirt, and he obliged!

Hadley “understood” the assignment too!

A couple of weeks ago, I shared Hadley’s volleyball pics….

…and Hayden his pics last week! My boy is growing up!

We had breakfast out one morning at one of our favorite places. Not the best food pic, but it hit the spot!

Other than that, this week has just been about school, sports and family time.

Favorite Mom Meme:

How many times do you all go to Chick-fila-A in a week?!

Weekly Recap:

After taking a few days off from blogging, I bounced back with a couple of posts this week:

Trader Joe’s
Thursday Thoughts

I hope you have a great weekend! It’s so hot here, our pool decided to stay open for yet another weekend! I’m ready for some fall temps, for sure!

Posted in Kids, School, Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday: Before K-Hayden’s Day

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

We did it! We made it through the first day of school, and all three of us had a great first day back to school.

Speaking of school, last week I shared a special day I had with Hadley before she started Kindergarten, and now I’m sharing about the day I spent with Hayden.

Hayden had similar day, but he still got to choose some of our activities. After dropping Hadley off at the sitter’s house, Hayden and I went to the same park to walk the same trails…

…and he completed the same nature scavenger hunt. My other cute little lefty:

It was a nice morning!

Then, we headed to get a gas station treat. He chose Twizzlers and an Icee.

After that, we spent some time at a pet store. During this summer, both kids had gotten little fish bowls, and his fish didn’t last very long. So, on this day, we went and picked out a new fish…

…and took it home to put it in the fish bowl.

Then, it was time for lunch…at Chick-fil-A.

Like Hadley, we went and played a couple of rounds of putt putt golf.

I’m sure he beat me! 😉

Then, it was time for tennis!

He used to spend lots of time running around these courts.

After tennis, of course we had to cool off with some FroYo!

A sweet treat to cap off a sweet day with Hayden! It was a special day, for sure.

Posted in Kids, School, Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday: Before-K Hadley’s Day

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday! Well this week is just trucking right along. With school starting next week, it got me thinking about the kids and their elementary school years. I feel like I’m always nostalgic for those days. Today, I’m taking a look back on something fun I did with each kid before they started kindergarten.

I was so nervous, but also excited, about the kids starting kindergarten. I wanted to spend a day with each of them before we all went to school. So, I chose a day and let them both choose a few activities, and I sprinkled in a few as well.

Here’s “Hadley’s Day” in 2015 before school started.

I dropped Hayden off at the sitter’s house, and Hadley and I went for a walk in a nearby park to get our day started.

We did a scavenger hunt while we walked. My cute little lefty:

We’d been on these trails before, and she had a great time.

We found everything on the list!

After that, we made a pit-stop at a gas station, and she could choose whatever she wanted…apparently, her love for sour candy started early!

Then, we stopped by the dance studio and signed her up from classes. In kindergarten, she took a combo ballet/tap class, and that was the start of her falling in love with dancing.

(This pic is at one of the classes once those started…missing a tooth and smiling!)

Then, it was Taco Bell time. Hadley still loves Taco Bell…I think she’s had it twice this week!

After that, I took her for a pedicure. This was her first time getting one, and I found a place that had the chairs for kids. She’s been a diva ever since. haha

Then, it was time for putt putt golf which was the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.

One more treat for my sweets…we stopped by the cupcake place, and she chose a cupcake for herself…

…and for Hayden. She’s still a very thoughtful girl.

As you know, I’ve always made a big deal about going back to school. I want the kids to be excited about the start of a new year. We used to take a day to get back to school haircuts and go by school supplies followed by lunch. Sometimes, we still make it to the outlet mall for them to get some new shoes. At this point, some years, we’re just winging it!

During the elementary years, I did a back to school breakfast …

…and in middle school we did a back to school brinner.

Last year, we went to IHOP for dinner a couple of days before school started. I hope we get to do the same thing this year.

Anyway, this was a special day with Hadley, and I will share Hayden’s day soon!

Do you have any back to school traditions?

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids, School

Friday Favorites {#261}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello Friday but let’s slow down summer!

How was your week? Ours was really good. Some mornings, the kids have slept in; some mornings they’ve gone to sports performance training. We’ve been to the pool a bit. Hadley had a sitting job, volleyball, and pool time. Hayden has power washed for a few people, gone golfing, and continues to run. So, every day has been different, but we’re settling into a bit of a routine.

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

With this first full week of summer under our belts, I have a lot of favorites to share:

Last Friday, we celebrated my niece’s birthday! She’s 8 and oh so cute. We had cake…

…and then kids swam in the pool for a bit. It was a lovely Friday night.

Saturday was the state track meet, and Hadley ran in the 4×200 relay and the 400m race. When the kids started this season, we truly had no clue what to expect. Of course, with every race, they do their best, but qualifying for state is different than qualifying in middle school. Hayden was a very supportive brother for both of Hadley’s races, and she also had a lot of family there cheering her on.

Her relay had a PR and placed 7th overall, and she ran a solid 400, placing 8th. She’d hoped to break 1:00 in the 400; she was close, but fell short of that. The top 8 receive medals, so I think earning a medal for both races eased her mind a bit. No matter what, it was such an amazing experience for her to run those races as a freshman coming out of one of the toughest regions. Hayden had an awesome season as well.

We were blessed with some amazing photos…a friend of my brother-in-law’s is a photographer for a local news outlet and took these photos of Hadley to share with us:

…and…one of the kids’ friends and teammates has some serious photography skills. She took these pics which I love.

Hadley with her bling:

It was a beautiful morning for a track meet…and then it was time for Railbird.

After the meet, we made a pit stop at Chipolte because my girl was hungry and she went home to shower and change for the Railbird music festival. She was gone from 3:00-11:00 hanging with friends and listening to some of her favorite country music artists.

Also, how brave is she? We ordered these boots last minute, and she wore them to the festival. Who breaks in new boots while on her feet for eight hours? This girl! haha

Oh the things we do when we’re young! Also, bonus — we wear the same shoe size!

Sunday was fun as we went to a graduation party…and the sweet graduate is headed to MIZZOU this fall. What a small world.

My mom came to visit, and we went to First Watch for breakfast before she headed out on Tuesday morning. The avocado toast I ordered was delish, but even better was the “Watermelon Wake Up” juice that I ordered. 10/10 recommend!

On Wednesday, Hayden caddied a round of golf for his friend who was playing in a tournament. It was a hot day, but I know he had so much fun.

While Hayden was on the course, Hadley was driving me around town. She drove me to Hobby Lobby, so I could check out their bulletin board paper selection. So, because of Tik Tok, I’m just now realizing that Hobby Lobby has quite a few school/teaching supplies! This roll of cute polka dot paper is exactly the width of the bulletin board. My mind is blown. I’ve always used the rolls of paper that we have at school, and you end up having to overlap the paper. Please know, that the last time I put up a bulletin board was five years ago…and I won’t do another one for a few years. High school teachers are very different than elementary teachers. haha!

I’m changing rooms for the upcoming school year, and Travis helped me move my stuff on Tuesday. After Hobby Lobby, Hadley drove us to Chipolte (she loves a burrito!) and then to school where she helped me put up my new bulletin board. My August self will thank me later! That being said, I’m finished thinking about school for now!

I added a few June reading trackers to my Instagram highlight. Please feel free to use them and tag me. I love sharing what others are reading.

I was out front watering my ferns and flowers, and noticed that I have two pretty blooms on my hydrangea bush. Hydrangeas and peonies are my fave flowers in the summer.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Hello, summer!

Share Our Lives:

It’s hard to believe but we’re almost halfway through 2025…and we have another Share Our Lives link up…We’re sharing unique things about where you live. I can’t wait to read those posts.

Weekly Recap:

This was a fun week of blogging for me:

Monthly Moments
Summer Reading List
Target Tuesday
Wednesday HOdgepodGe

I hope you have a lovely June weekend.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids, School

Friday Favorites {#260}: The Last Day of School

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

TGIF! Today is officially my first day of summer, and I’m ready for it.

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

Well, I’m keeping it short and sweet this week!

We haven’t had a ton going on besides wrapping up the school year, so today I’m sharing the last day of school pics.

It was raining on Wednesday morning, so the traditional last day of school pics were taken on the front porch. Wednesday afternoon and evening turned out to be lovely, but Hadley had track practice and Hayden went and played golf with a friend. I’m glad I snagged the pics when I could that morning.

Ready to wrap up the school year:

I hopped in a pic since we never got a Mother’s Day pic a couple of weeks ago. Then, I had to rush off to school and they went in the house to have breakfast.

We all had a really good school year. The kids did a great job navigating a new school, keeping up with their classwork, earning good grades and juggling their schedules with academics and athletics. I think they learned a lot this year, both in the classroom and in regards to how high school works, in general! It’s tough being a freshman…and they made it! haha

I had a really good year overall. Of course, I had a couple of classes this year which I hadn’t had in a while, and I had to get used to having some of my kids’ friends in my classes. The class of 2028 will always hold a special place in my heart for quite a few reasons!

I’m thankful for a great freshman year for my kids and the same can be said for year 23 for me!

Besides the last day of school, I have a driving update….riding in the car with them has been a bit easier lately. Obviously, they’re still getting the hang of driving, but each drive has gotten better. Hadley drove us to Starbucks on Sunday, and that was quite the treat! Hayden drove me to get ice cream the other day, and did just fine on quite a busy road.

I’m glad we have some down time in the summer to keep working on their driving skills.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Isn’t this one so true? haha

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week in case you missed one:

Monthly Memes
May Books
Monthly Musings

Tomorrow or Sunday, I’ll share my Monthly Moments post to recap May. It’s hard to believe that we’re about to turn the calendar page to June!

Have a great weekend,

Posted in Amazon, Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#259}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

This my last official Friday of school, and it’s the first day of final exams. Nothing like a wonky schedule to make everyone feel even more off kilter as we wrap up the year. We still have two more days after Memorial Day. I feel like we should always be finished before Memorial Day weekend.

Also, there’s still a whole week of May left, and I feel like “Maycember” has already done me in.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Another week of track being a favorite. Last Saturday was the regional race, and both kids ran. Hayden had the 1600m, and Hadley ran the 4×200 and the 400m race. I hate for Hayden that his season ended without a PR. While his time is great by most everyone’s standards, he was aiming for under 4:40 and didn’t get close to that time.

Hadley’s relay team ran well, and Hadley had almost a two second PR in the 400m. We’ll find out for sure soon, but she’s mostly headed to the state meet in both events.

I know I share a lot about their athletic accolades, but they know that what’s important is getting good grades, being polite, helping others, being a good teammate, being a gracious winner and loser, and always trying their best. I promise, it’s not all about the athletics in our house.

One thing they don’t tell you about having twins is how hard it is when one struggles and the other succeeds. I’ve always said that I’m thankful that my twins are boy/girl because if they were boy/boy or girl/girl, I’d probably compare them more. Even now, for example with track, one runs longer distance and one runs shorter distance. That being said, as you know, Hayden runs year round and Hadley runs just during the spring. So, I know he was bummed about how his season ended, but I know he’ll rally to support his sister in a couple of weeks at state. It’s just hard seeing your kids feeling defeated when they’ve worked really hard, but they have great perspective on it all. Some athletes run to be a part of team, others run for health reasons, some run for fun and others are a little more competitive and all of those athletes have a spot on the track team…which is one of the reasons I love track season. That being said, track season is long, y’all!

Another favorite this week was seeing so many peonies at Trader Joe’s.

Of course, I picked up a bouquet as well as this candle. I hadn’t seen the garden party scent before, but it’s lovely!

Homer is always a favorite. The other night I was home alone and couldn’t find Homer. I called for him with no luck. I checked outside one more time and then I spotted him in Hayden’s room! I think I interrupted his nap.

Fave Outfit:

I know last week that I shared about my new Target “wide leg sailor” jeans/pants that I got in blue and beige.

Well, on Monday I wore the beige ones with this new button down Amazon sweater, and I got so many compliments on my outfit!

This is one of those light weight sweaters that is perfect for spring and summer, and now I want it in another color.

Screenshot

(Sizing note – I’d say the sweater is true to size. I did size up one because if I think something is going to be fitted/tighter on my chest, that’s what I do. I’m assuming I could have ordered my regular size based on how this one fits, but this one fits just fine…it fits, but it’s not too loose if that makes sense) (Also, the pants come in so many colors if you are interested, just an FYI)

Also, a skinnier sandal (like the ones in the pic with the blue pants) would have been better suited for these pants, but my feet needed more support that day, and these sandals continue to be a fave.

Favorite Milestone…

At least I think it’s a favorite…is we have two new drivers in the house. This past week, both kids passed their permit test.

The state of Kentucky recently passed the age for permit test from 16 to 15. I was 15 1/2 when I got my permit, and then we could get our license at 16. Since my kids are almost 15 1/2, I felt somewhat ok with moving forward with this process. Also, this summer, we’ll have a bit more time for them to practice driving.

I truly can’t believe we are here. I’ve told the story before that when we found out we were having twins, the first words I said to the doctor were, “When they turn 16, will we have to buy two cars?” I’m not sure why I thought sixteen years ahead, but wow…that feels like yesterday! Also, no, we aren’t getting two cars any time soon! Thankfully, they’re used to sharing what they need to share.

I thought I was ready for this, but it turns out that I’m actually not!

Favorite Mom Meme:

Please tell me this will get easier…

Like for real….will I ever feel at peace about this?!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday”

Take me back to the only “car” they wanted to “drive” was attached to a grocery cart!

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week in case you missed one:

Weekend Watch, Listen, Read
Teacher Talk Tues
Bathroom Update

I hope you have a wonderful three day weekend. We don’t have much on tap which is exactly what we need. Hadley has big plans to make her first drive to Starbucks. Oh, how exciting!

Posted in Amazon, Friday Favorites, Holidays, Kids

Friday Favorites {#258}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

TGIF! After today, we only have one more Monday, one more Tuesday, two more Wednesdays, one more Thursday, and one more Friday…but who is counting?! haha

I saw a meme that said, “Am I finishing this school year or is it finishing me?”…and I think I’ve never related to a meme more!

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

With such a hectic weekend, I didn’t really recap the volleyball tournament in Gatlinburg or Mother’s Day last weekend, so let’s start there.

Last weekend was Hadley’s last volleyball tournament for club season. I’m glad they were able to go somewhere fun for their last tournament and a place that they’ve been to before so we knew the lay of the land. We arrived around 8:00 on Friday night and got settled in. Hadley found friends and hung out…and I found friends too and enjoyed a glass of wine. It was almost 11:00 before we went to bed and then had to be up at 6:00 both mornings since their team played in the early brackets on Saturday and Sunday.

With the early mornings, I guess the trade off is that we had most of Saturday afternoon and all of Saturday evening to do whatever we wanted. After the three Saturday games, the girls hit up the water park, and I was lazy in the hotel room! We ordered pizza for dinner and while the girls ate pizza and played cards, I hung out with a couple of the moms.

Sunday, they had two games in the silver bracket. They played well overall, but were bummed to lose their last game on Sunday to finish up the season. That being said, it was a great season and a fun weekend!

We got home around 4:30, and when I pulled down the street, I saw hanging ferns which are my traditional Mother’s Day gift, and new planters for the front porch. I got a bit of a nap before taking a shower. Then, the kids gave me flowers and a card, and Trav made a steak dinner!

The flowers are from this flower bar that we have in town…meaning it’s a bar where you can get a beverage but also pick out flowers?! I’ve never been, but the flowers Hayden and Trav picked out are so pretty.

We finished the night watching American Idol, and I was absolutely ready for bed.

I missed the tradition of church, pic with the kids and brunch for Mother’s Day, but this one was still good overall! I felt the love 🙂

I’ve made a commitment to get back to moving this week. On Monday, I went to the gym and did the elliptical for 30 minutes. Tuesday, I did a 20 minute workout at home and took Homer for a walk. Wednesday, I went for a 30 minute walk and then swung back by the house to pick up Homer for a lap around the block. He wasn’t his usual hyper self, and I was going to go further, but when he saw our street, he turned to go down it. I told Trav that later and that’s when Trav told me he’d already taken him for a walk that afternoon. Obviously, two walks isn’t too much exercise, but he must have been tired!

I have a couple of favorite outfits this week…

Y’all, I’ve shared these linen pants before (I have two pairs!), but then I saw a shorter version (by a different brand), and wanted to give them a try for spring/summer. I love them too! I did size up one based on the original ones I ordered and returned. I paired them with this button down that I love as well. Also, I purchased a new pair of my favorite sandals. I looked back and I bought my other pair that I wear all of the time in 2021. It’s crazy how the straps/buckle are still in great shape, but I’d worn them to the ground. When I put my new pair on, it was like my feet got a hug! Apparently, I really needed a new pair.

Another favorite outfit from the week includes my new favorite pants (jeans?) from Target. I’ve seen these “high-rise sailor wide leg ankle jeans” (try saying that five times fast!) everywhere, and last weekend when I was scrolling my phone, I noticed that they were $16.80! So, I ordered them and the blue and the beige color. I did size up one since they are high rise, and they fit perfectly. The price seems to be back to the original $28, but maybe they’ll go on sale again…and if not, they are definitely worth $28!

I wore them with another favorite Amazon blouse and my tried and true Amazon cardigan.

Look at this fun mail that I received! One of my mom’s friends who reads the blog (hi, Sheila!) sent me this search AND color Golden Girls book. Can you even?! This is such a thoughtful gift!

Bathroom update…we had the tub resealed, and it looks brand spanking new! We’d debated pulling the tub out and getting a new one, but our neighbor who has been helping us suggested getting our tub resealed. That saves on labor and cost, and it’s the original iron tub…so most likely whatever we replaced it with wouldn’t be the same quality.

She’s beautiful!

This weekend, I think we’ll get the shower head and tub fixtures installed, and that should pretty much wrap up this project! I truly love walking by the bathroom and seeing her in all her glory! I will share a before/after post soon.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Haha! This one is so true!

Weekly Recap:

The end of the school year schedule is really catching up with me, so I only have two other posts this week, but they were fun to write:

Share Our LiveS
Let’s Look

What are your weekend plans? We have a busy Saturday and a chill Sunday…which is kind of our “normal programming” these days.

The weather on Sunday looks beautiful, and I’d love nothing more than to sit on the back patio, get a little sun, and read a book!

I hope you have a great weekend.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Home Decor, Home Updates, Kids

Friday Favorites {#256}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Another week down and another weekend on the horizon. I’m ready for it.

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Last Saturday, I was in Louisville with Hadley for her volleyball tournament, but Travis and Hayden were in Lexington for Hayden’s track meet. He’s kind of hit a “plateau,” not making much progress with this times despite his training, and I know he’s been frustrated.

I shared last week, that he had a PR in the mile and he did the same on Saturday in the 3200m. I can’t tell you how much it seems a weight was lifted off his shoulders having run two really good races and making progress toward his goals. I know not every race will be that way, but he was due, and I was happy when Trav sent this pic and told us Hayden’s time.

I stayed home on Sunday, but a friend sent me a couple of pics and a video of Hadley serving. Thank goodness for the live stream, so I could watch her two games on Sunday.

Y’all, I was influenced by Athena (@lifeandlightstyled)…

How cute is this little rug? I’ve had a black and white checkered one for a few years and I was just thinking how I need to replace it.

Honestly, I still don’t understand Walmart shipping, but I ordered the rug Friday afternoon, and it was on my porch by Friday evening! While I was at it, I ordered the brown striped one too for the fall and winter months.

My Target also had the “hello” door mat that Athena shared, so I placed a pick up order, and my porch refresh was cute as a button by Saturday!

An up close look…

I love a moment for scallops!

…speaking of scallops…When we were at my brother’s house for Easter, I saw this cute little lamp. My sister-in-law had a couple of them, and I thought they were so cute. I’ve always wanted one for our front hall table as there’s no outlet for a traditional lamp. I’d saved a few to an Amazon list, but just never ordered one. This one is from Walmart, and it’s sold out…but she had a third one that she hadn’t really used, and gave it to me! I love it so much.

I tried to find it to link it in case it comes back in stock, but I can’t find it on the website…which is a bummer because I’d love another one.

BTW – she also has this blue and white one that I’ve seen shared as well, and it’s so cute too…and in stock!

Circling back to the front porch, we moved two of the chairs that were in the sun room to the front porch to replace the ones we’ve had for over fifteen years. The lovely weather, the lilac bush, and the swivel chairs have been a great way to spend evenings recently.

We’re making progress on our hall bathroom update. Truly, it’s basically back together, but there’s a few little things to complete.

Trav has been helping our neighbor who has been doing our bathroom update. Well, Hadley was tasked with painting the baseboards…and she understood the assignment. haha

You know I’ll share a whole before and after, but the wallpaper went up this week, the vanity was installed, as were the sconces. The biggest highlight is that we now have a working toilet! It’s the little things over the pretty things at this point!

The mirror is the “chef’s kiss” to this wall.

Remember last week when I shared that Trav and I have been watching Race for the Crown with the races leading up to last year’s Derby?

Well, we sat down to watch episode 4, and in that episode, they were at the Derby draw where the post positions for the races are announced. Trav said, “Remember, I went to that last year? Maybe I’m in this episode.” Well, yep –there he is!

He’s going to be so difficult to live with now…haha!

On Wednesday night, Trav went to a Derby week dinner with work, and he came home with some food and some flowers. He made a big deal about “bringing me home flowers…” even though I’m pretty sure they were just the table center pieces.

I put them in this cute vase that I have, and they smell so great.

Favorite Mom Meme:

I feel so seen!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

Today is Oaks and tomorrow is Derby. I don’t think I’ll never not share this pic of the kids in kindergarten. At school, they’d made their own Derby hats.

This pic of Hadley playing dress up with my (borrowed) accessories is so cute too.

Unfortunately, this year I’m not going to the Oaks like I have the past few years. I love that tradition, but with the iffy weather and just a lot going on at school, I opted out this week. Maybe it will work out to go next year.

There’s truly nothing like Louisville and Churchill Downs the first week in May!

Weekly Recap:

I had a couple of posts this week:

Monday Memes
Monthly Moments

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to finish my post about what I read in April, but I will share that next week!

What are your weekend plans? The kids have a track meet, and you know we’ll be watching the Derby on Saturday.

I hope you have a great weekend.