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.
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!
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.
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:
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 gardenparty 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.
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(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:
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!
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 colorGolden 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:
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!
How was your week? I’m not going to lie…this one felt like a doozy…so I’m definitely feeling TGIF!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Easter fun!…
…and a lovely Easter church service.
…followed by a great Easter lunch!
My mom visited us for about a week, and she was able to see a couple of track meets and a couple of my nephew’s baseball games. Plus, it was Easter weekend. She also helped by taking Hadley to her PT appointment, and even took the kids to school a couple of the days. It was a nice visit.
While she was here, we played Play Nine, and then Hayden randomly wanted to play BINGO. I think he has a future at church halls and senior living centers! He was very good at calling out the numbers.
Hayden and I went to my nephew’s baseball game on Monday night. I miss the baseball days! It was a fun game to watch and my nephew did a great job.
We’re making progress on our hall bathroom! The guy doing the work is our neighbor, and the hold up isn’t him! We’ve done a bad job with our ordering timeline. The shower tile finally came in, and he got a start on it yesterday. Our vanity should be in soon, and we have someone coming to do the wallpaper (I think!) early next week.
The track season continues…The kids ran on Tuesday night, and both of them ran well. Hayden’s fastest 1600m time is 4:47, and he’s been chasing his 4:40 goal. I know he’s been frustrated, and Tuesday night, he ran lights out! I haven’t seen him run so confidently or so smoothly in quite a while…and he ran 4:40, placing 3rd! He had a big smile on his face.
Hadley ran the 200 and 400 and was close to her standard times, even winning her 400 heat and coming in 4th overall. She’s still going to PT for her calf, so I think she was pleased with her runs and it had been a couple of weeks since she’s raced.
Travis was excited to start this new Netflix docu-series about horse racing and the races leading up to the 2024 Derby. We’ve watched the first couple of episodes, and he knows/is acquaintances with some of the guys. One of his clients provided some commentary in the episodes we’ve watched. I’m sure we’ll keep watching this series when we have time.
Have you seen the “send later” feature on your texts?
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This has come so handy for me. At 6:00, when I’m sipping my coffee, I usually try to get my day in order and often think about texting the carpool or other people I need to respond to, but don’t want to do so that early in the morning. So, I’ve been creating some of the texts and then scheduling them for 8 or 9 in the morning. I really appreciate this feature right now!
Favorite Mom Meme:
Ok, Hadley really isn’t a diva like this, but this one still seemed kind of relatable, and I did chuckle!
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts this week; I always appreciate my blog readers!
How is it already Friday? I feel like this week flew by which is actually just what I needed. After a busy weekend last weekend, this upcoming one isn’t too over-scheduled!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Track is in full swing, and Hayden had a race in Bardstown, KY last Friday night. We left as soon as we could after school to make it in time. While Hayden didn’t have a PR, he ran a fast race and placed 8th overall. It was SO windy that I think the runners felt like the were running into the wind no matter which direction they rean. The first lap around the track, I didn’t even recognize him. He looks so much older all of the sudden!
After his race, we drove to Louisville for the night, and stayed at Trav’s mom’s house. Hadley had to be at volleyball in Louisville at 7:30 AM. Her team played well overall and made it to the gold bracket on Sunday.
While the early call time was brutal, she was finished playing around noon. We went out to lunch with Trav’s mom and sisters before heading back to Lex. Boomtown Kitchen was good…the spinach artichoke dip was delish…so good that I ordered the grilled cheese that had the dip on it as well. I had half for lunch and then half for dinner that night.
Saturday night, Hayden and a friend went to he NCAA basketball games that were at Rupp. He saw Auburn play Creighton and then Tennessee played UCLA.
They had some good seat, and Travis picked them up at halftime of the second game which was close to 11:00. I was in bed. haha
After Hadley’s games on Sunday, we tried “Swig” in Louisville. I’d heard of it, but didn’t know all the details. They have lots of soda mixes. I had the “Texas Tab” which is Dr. Pepper + vanilla + coconut cream. It was delish.
Hadley slept most of the ride home on Sunday. We were all beat. It was a long but good weekend of volleyball.
Tuesday was the first outdoor track meet of the season. The kids looked nice in their new school warm-ups…but we needed a bit more clothing to stay warm once the sun went down.
They both had a great first meet. Hadley had a PR in the 400m, and Hayden’s 4×800 relay team placed first.
I’m not much for body spray, but picked up this Sweetest Song scent when Hadley and I went to Bath and Body a couple of weeks ago. I keep it in my purse, and it’s been nice to have on hand if I feel like I need a refresh.
I’ve seen many influencers share Colleen Rothschild products, and when Jen Reed shared this tinted eye cream, I bought it. It’s reasonable priced, a little goes a long way, and I like the lightness of it. I’ve applied it after I finish up my make-up.
I had to order a few school supplies to get me through the rest of the school year, and these paper clips were just what I needed. How cute are they?
Speaking of cute, my new Easter towels from the Target dollar spot are super cute. I hope to put out the rest of my Easter decor (just a few things!) this weekend.
Yesterday was the opening day for baseball, and the Royals had their first game. Hayden has had this date “circled on the calendar” for quite some time. I hope the “boys in blue” have a better year than the outcome of yesterday’s game. Oh well…plenty of ball left in the season.
New Fave Influencer:
I’ve been following Athena (@lightandlifestyled) on Instagram for a few weeks, and she’s a fun one to follow. I love her day in the life reels and her outfits are too cute.
Favorite Recipe:
I tried this recipe this week and it was a 10/10 as they say. Bonus was that I had leftovers that I could take for lunch yesterday and today.
A few tweaks I made were:
I did two pounds of ground turkey because where does the ground turkey go when you cook it? I feel like a pound doesn’t amount to much. haha
I put the chopped zucchini in the skillet with the ground turkey for the last couple of minutes of sauteing.
I cooked some Trader Joe’s Jasmine rice and added that to the casserole dish when I added in the ground turkey and mixed everything together before the final amount of baking time.
Besides shredded Parm, I also added some shredded to Mozz to the top of the casserole too.
Enjoy!!
Favorite Mom Meme:
You know as soon as I sit down, someone says, “Moommm. Will you come here?!”
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
When a new season of Royals baseball starts, I always think of the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Winning the World Series in 2015 was so fun…and these kids were so little! Hopefully, they won’t have to wait too much longer for a World Series championship.
Typically, this would be our final day before spring break…but we still have one week left! I’m not sure why our calendar is different this year, but check on your teacher friends who haven’t had spring break yet! We’re barely hanging on.
I hope you are having a great week. Today, I’m sharing a Thursday Thoughts post.
On the WordPress app, they usually post a daily prompt and this one struck a chord with me the second I saw it:
Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.
I immediately thought of the kids’ elementary years. Starting in kindergarten, I knew from the start to treasure that phase of life for them. While I know I’m blessed with two kids, having two at once just makes it feel like time moves that much quicker. And…I feel like I don’t get to experience certain phases of life and milestones again since we don’t have a third. There was one first day of kindergarten. There was one 3rd grade zoo field trip. There was one Dr. Seuss “Cat in the Hat” performance. So, I always made it a priority to help with the class parties, take a personal day to go on the field trip, buy them too many books at the book fair and more.
After elementary school, the “magic” of school and learning seems to slip away a little bit more every year. Also, there just aren’t field trips, field day, chorus concerts, class parties and all the other special events that elementary school provides.
The kids made so many memories during those years, formed friendships, learned so much and had so much fun. So many of their core values and experiences that shaped them as learners and little humans happened in the classrooms in that building.
Covid put an end to that. They went home on Friday, March 13, 2020, finished their 4th grade year on Zoom/Google Classroom, spent most of 5th grade doing work at home or at the neighborhood “pod” of classmates. They went back to school wearing masks on March 3, 2021 but with plexi-glass around their desks as an attempt to minimize germs. Their 5th grade graduation was held in the gym, but no family could attend. Instead, we watched at home via the live stream.
I’m so thankful the kids were celebrated and were together with their classes, but it would have been nice to have the option of an outdoor ceremony or even a limit of two family members per student.
I know the administrators were making the best decision at the time, and I’m grateful for technology to still “be there” for the special milestone.
Registering for Kindergarten:
First day of K:
Last day of 5th grade:
{I must admit that I did love being at home with them during the online school days. I’m blessed that I could be home with them thanks to my job as a teacher too. I was never a stay at home mom (besides in the summer), and (mostly) loved helping them with their school work and having some extra free time with them…but I do think we were out of school for entirely too long! We all should have headed back to the classroom sooner.}
I will always look back fondly on their elementary school years.
We owe a lot to those teachers and that school. It’s bittersweet that we didn’t have the proper goodbye.
showmeandsweettea.com 