Today, I’m letting Hadley share about how she curls her hair with the heatless curl rod that she got for Easter this year.
Hadley is your girl, not me, for hair and makeup advice!
Here’s Hadley:
I have the honor of typing today’s “Showmeandsweettea” blog post!
I got this heatless curl set in my Easter basket this year and my mom wanted me to show you how easy it is to use if you want some cute curls in your hair!
First, I dampen my hair with a little water. Next, I put the rod in the middle and line it up so the sides at the bottom are even. I also put some kind of clip, (I use a claw clip) and attach it at the top of my head, so that it stays in place while I twist my hair around.
Now it’s time for the fun part! You choose what side you want to start with and you simply take a chunk of your hair at the root of your head and twist it over the rod. Once it goes over, you can pull it underneath and you take another chunk of hair to the same piece you started with. Then, you just repeat until you reach the bottom and tie it off with a scrunchie/hair tie.
Then, I repeat on the other side.
Then you simply have a good night sleep!!
In the morning, when I wake up, I go to the bathroom and this is what it looks like!😂
To take it out, first you take off the scrunchies and you just simply unwrap the hair starting from the bottom. Sometimes it gets tangled and other times it comes right out.
Here are the results!
It is so easy to use and I recommend letting them sit or shake it out instead of using a brush right away!
This time, I slept with the rod in my hair, but I’ve also used it and let it set for only a couple of hours. Even with that shorter time, my hair is nice and wavy.
Let my mom know if you have any questions.
Didn’t Hadley do such a good job? Of course, I went through and proofread this post, but my “English teacher mom heart” is proud…Sis used transitions, details, and a variety of sentence structures! (Other note: please excuse the bathroom mess 😆)
I should probably have Hadley write more posts! Let me know if there are any topics you’d like for my sweet teen to cover.
I feel like Fridays hit different in the summer…how is it already Friday again?!
We’ve had a good, but different kind of week again. Well, actually, I guess no two weeks have been alike this summer.
I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
This week, I’ve kind of shared what we’ve been up to and/or some favorites, so I don’t have much new to share today.
I’m going to keep it simple and break down my favorites with each of my people this week…
Hayden:
First up, is Hayden.
After Hayden got back from South Carolina with his friend, Hadley had already left for camp. That meant that Travis and I went from having 1:1 time with Hadley to having 1:1 time with Hayden.
This week, some favorite things we did were: watch sports together (as athletic as Hadley is, she doesn’t watch sports on tv), watch a movie, and run errands (yes, errands –Hayden went with Travis and I to Walmart, and then he went to Dick’s and Target with me on Wednesday.)
Having kids that are old enough to stay home alone means that sometimes we leave them while we run errands. Actually, Travis and I don’t run errands together too often, but we’ve started to do more of that recently. Anyway, it was nice to do some random things like that together.
Also, we loved watching Hayden run his first 10k on the 4th of July, and catch fireworks later that night. We’ve mostly eaten at home, but we did treat ourselves to breakfast after his race and some froyo later in the week.
Hadley:
Travis and I dropped Hadley off at a local church for camp pick up at 5:30 am on Saturday. She rode on a charter bus all the way to camp in Missouri. She had the best five days with her friends and leaders…and arrived home at 2am yesterday morning.
I took a nap from 10pm-1am before picking her up at 2! I was so happy to see her smiling face, and she was ready for her bed!
This is Hadley’s fourth year going to camp, and this one was the farthest away she’s been. When she got her phone back and texted our family group chat, she said the best part was “everything” and she wished that it lasted longer. I’ve always been thankful that Hadley has had the courage and confidence to go away to camp…and I truly think she could go for most of the summer if we’d let her…and could afford it. haha
She made some great memories this week, but we are happy to have her home.
How about this camp for me? 😆
My mom sent me this, and I feel it deeply.
Trav:
Today is this guy’s birthday!! It’s a big one…
We can’t wait to celebrate him this weekend. He deserves it.
I’m linking up with Andrea to tell you a bit about it.
Here are a few favorites from the week:
Hadley’s recital pics came in, and I couldn’t love them more. There were so many good ones, but these are the two I ordered:
Last weekend was super busy, and all of Sunday was spent at Hadley’s dance recitals. Her studio had two recitals. The first recital was the one where she had most of her dances, so my mom, Trav’s mom, Trav’s two sisters, and Travis and Hayden came to it. She danced in the large production opening number, one small group competition dance, two ballet, one tap, one jazz, and the closing number.
For the later performance, she was in the large production opening number, her other small group lyrical competition dance, and the closing number.
I loved all the colors in the background of each dance…so pretty!
So, over nine hours at the recital venue for two recitals with ten dances and seven costumes, she was one tired girl!
Hadley was also recognized for five years dancing at her studio.
We snapped a few pics after the first recital before grabbing a bite to eat. Then, my mom and I stayed for the second recital. We were all very proud of her.
Monday I had a busy day at school, Hayden played a round of golf with friends, and Hadley was at the pool for most of the day.
My mom continued her visit and watched the kids while Travis and I took a little trip.
We spent a few days at Julep Farms in Dillard, Georgia. I’m sure I will write a whole post about it, but it was a lovely getaway.
We stayed in the Magnolia cottage…
…which had the loveliest views.
Wednesday night, we even had dinner on the property.
Since we were dressed up a bit, we did a selfie using the timer on my phone. I sure missed having Hadley to take our photos…she always gets the high angle…haha
This one turned out pretty good!
Favorite Outfit:
I think I shared this SSYS dress when I got it in the spring, but this summer I’ve used it as a swim cover-up a couple of times, but then wore it to my brother’s birthday party on Saturday. I also got this belt bag recently…I wanted one that was a little bigger than my Lulu one, and this one is perfect.
Favorite Mom Meme:
Haha…I shared a similar meme last week…but this one also made me laugh.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
My sister-in-law had these cups made for my brother’s birthday party last Saturday…This “throwback” pic is too funny…
Weekly Recap
I only had a couple of posts this week, but they were fun link ups!
What are your weekend plans? Today, I’m playing catch up from being gone for a couple of days…and I need to prep a bit for the summer school sessions I’m running the next couple of weeks.
Of course, on Sunday, we’ll celebrate Travis for Father’s Day. My dad received his gift yesterday and is probably using it while watching the US Open.
We had a good one. We started off with hanging out with neighbor friends on Friday night, the kids had the state track meet all day Saturday, Sunday we were tuckered out and pretty lazy, and yesterday we enjoyed a day at the pool.
Friday was a our last day of school, and per tradition, I’m sharing those photos. We’re all ready for summer!
To finish out the school year, the kids had three Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) tests. They took the reading, math and science tests a couple of weeks ago. Then, they had a week of classes where they had a few tests and final exams.
The last week of school included two walking field trips, Clash of the Classes and a PBIS rewards day where they also signed yearbooks. By Wednesday of last week, they’d turned in their chrome books, and learning was officially complete.
Honestly, after all of the testing, I was glad they had a pretty easy week at school with their teachers and classmates.
Seventh grade was definitely harder than 6th grade, that’s for sure. As a high school teacher, it reminds me of the 10th/11th grade years where you aren’t the new kids at school, but you also aren’t the oldest either.
This year I wanted them to work on organization, time management, & self-advocacy…and they did. Also, they will continue to work on those learned skills.
I’m sure they don’t realize it, but I loved how excited they both were for “Cupcake Wars” in their Life Essentials class. Also, first semester, they were in the same gym class and I loved hearing those stories.
As I shared in last week’s Three Thingspost, they were involved in athletics and clubs too. They also had their first school dances since they didn’t have those opportunities in 6th grade.
They worked hard for the grades they earned. While they weren’t perfect, they did make the 3.5-3.99 honor roll every quarter. Also, they were both in Beta club in school. I was happy they were recognized for their effort and grades.
They probably handled their 7th grade year better than I did when I was their age. They are way more well-rounded than I ever was. I’d say it was definitely a year of lessons, and they learned a lot, both personally and academically, along the way.
While not school related, they both got their braces off. Hayden grew a few inches and is officially a head taller than Hadley. That’s probably his biggest accomplishment of the year. haha
They are finding their way and have grown both literally and figuratively.
The first day of school:
The last day of school:
Hayden:
What a difference nine months makes!
He said his favorite class was science and his favorite memory was field day.
Hadley:
I don’t see as much change in Hadley as I do Hayden, but she certainly has matured this year!
Her favorite class was also science (They had a FABULOUS teacher), and said her favorite memory was “Clash of the Classes” which is the field day Hayden was referring to.
Me:
As for me, I didn’t take an end of the school year photo, but this pretty much sums me up:
Overall, I had a great year 21 in education. It feels like time moves so quickly, but that’s doubled when you have two teens!
I have a faculty meeting this morning and graduation tomorrow. Then, it’s officially summer!
I can’t believe it’s already mid-week, and we are nearing the end of the school year.
The camp emails are starting to come in which had me thinking about what Hadley takes to camp every year.
I will be the first to admit that I’m not a camper. I went to Girl Scout camp in 4th grade, and I remember liking it…but I also remember being glad when I got home.
We went “glamping” for a couple of nights over fall break 2019, and we had a good time. One thing I knew about camping that this confirmed was packing for camping is so much work!
Hadley has been to summer camp for three years. I remember being so anxious the first time we left her at camp. Many of her friends had gone to this three day camp, but the first time Hadley went, she was old enough for the week long camp.
She was so excited, and she ended up loving every minute.
I searched for her face every night in the camp photos, and she always looked like she was having a blast.
That first year, when I picked her up from camp, I was one of the first parents to pick up. Hayden had a baseball tournament that we had to get to. I will never forever seeing her big smile. She gave me a hug and asked me to sign her up for the next year! She also told me she’d lost her toothbrush and hadn’t brushed her teeth since Tuesday! haha
Anyway, the other two summers she went to camp were easy breezy.
While it was weird not having her home, I was happy and less anxious knowing how much she loves it.
If you ask her if she would go to camp all summer long, her answer would for sure be yes. Honestly, I’d probably let her her…but dang —the cost of camp ain’t cheap…and she doesn’t even go to any fancy camps!
Of course, the camp sends a list, but today I’m sharing a few things that we’ve purchased through the years.
Some things we’ve previously purchased don’t seem to be currently be available, but I’ve found some similar options.
At the suggestion of my friend who had been sending her girls to camp for a few years, we picked up this tub with wheels to store most of what Hadley needed. It slides right under the bunk at camp. We found ours at Meijer.
A few other items:
Camping pillow – While Hadley does take her bed pillow to camp, this smaller camping pillow is similar to what she has and comes in handy when they have had rest time in the lodge.
Lantern – While Hadley doesn’t take the lanterns to camp, we bought them before our glamping trip and use them in the backyard sometimes.
Fan – This fan is similar to the one that has worked on most of her bunks because it clips right on. If not, sometimes, she just props it in the corner of her bed for some extra air at night.
Dry bag– This was a gift to Travis for Christmas because during cross country season, I realized how handy it would be to have something to keep clothes dry (or put wet clothes in). I also knew we’d use it during track season. While I don’t think Hadley will want to use it for summer camp, it’s a great item to have (and they come in a few sizes)
Sleep sack– Hadley requested this last year. She always takes her sleeping bag, but this is perfect for on top (or inside) the sleeping bag. She’s covered up, but it’s light weight. We also take a XL twin fitted sheet for her bed.
Laundry bag – This light weight laundry bag is perfect for her to keep up with her dirty clothes. We actually pack a Command hook to use to keep it off the ground in her bunk. She just hangs it on the wall, and then we take the hook down when we check out. Also, I’ve started keeping one of these with our suitcases, and if we go on a longer trip, I take one to keep up with our family dirty laundry.
Shower caddy- This shower caddy ends up being something that Hadley uses to pack. She will use it to hold bug spray, face wash, hair brush, toothbrush, etc…along with her soap, shampoo and conditioner.
A few other ideas…
We use large Ziplock bags to pack, and we label each one using permanent marker. So, there’s one for underwear/socks, swimsuits, dress (usually she packs one dress for the “nicer” chapel/dinner outfit), t-shirts, shorts, pjs, etc. Honestly, we’ve re-used the same bags through the years because by the time I pick her up, those are empty, and her laundry bag is full.
I send her with two swim towels and one bath towel. She probably showers twice if we’re lucky! I definitely don’t send her with the good towels.
We store everything she needs for camp in the tub until the next year…(and we roll it under the guest bed in the basement, so we always know where the camp things are)
This year, Hadley is going to a different camp…and she’s excited. I’m excited for her, and lots of her friends are going. That being said, since it’s not the camp I’m familiar with, I know I’ll be thinking about her that much more when she’s gone.
Hayden is definitely more of a homebody like me, and he’s never been to camp. I’ve never pressed the issue with him as most summers he’s had baseball and I’m not going to force him. Last year, he started talking about going to a running camp this summer, and I think he’s going to do that. It’s just a few nights away pretty close to home, so that’s a good start.
Of course, both kids aren’t going to camp at the same time…haha
One more story…
As I typed this post, I thought of the time Travis and I went camping after we’d been dating about eight or nine months.
We were living in Columbia, Missouri (where we met) at the time. One week, he told me he’d borrowed a tent from a co-worker and knew a place we could camp. Good thing he didn’t seem like a serial killer, and I was in love, so I obliged.
Wherever we went was about an hour away from Columbia, and we left on a Saturday morning. We set up the tent and other things, hiked, cooked out our dinner, drank beer and ate s’mores. The tent was fine, and we even cooked breakfast the next morning before hiking again and packing up the camp stuff.
I sure wish I had some selfies from that trip, but we didn’t even have cell phones then!
On the drive home, he told me what a good time he’d had, and joked that I “passed the test…” and went on about how he was ready to take me with him to Kentucky for a few weddings he was in over the next few months. While that moment was sweet, I was stuck on the “test” part and told him I was glad I passed the test because I would never camp again! lol
To this day, I love a good hike, don’t mind to roast a hot dog for dinner or s’mores for dessert, but I prefer to go back to the Marriott for a shower and good night’s rest.
What about you? Did you go to camp as a kid?
If you have a kid going to camp soon, I hope this post is of some help! Also, take comfort in the fact that they are most likely having the time of their lives and not missing you as much as you miss them. 😆
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
How was your week? Ours was pretty good. The week started off less busy than how it ended, but it was nice to have a couple of free evenings. We only have two weeks left of school, and thankfully, starting next week, we’ll start having more downtime in the evenings.
I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
Going all the way back to last Friday, one of my favorites was going to the Kentucky Oaks. It was such a beautiful day, and we had a great time.
Friday night, I was asleep by 10ish, and wide awake Saturday morning around 5. I decided to turn on King Charles’ coronation. I watched most of it but fell back to sleep around 8. I woke up at 11:30! Honestly, that threw my whole day off waking up that late, but I really needed the extra rest (obviously).
This made me LOL…
Hadley had a dance competition last week. The one they were supposed to attend in March was postponed due to the storms we had and no electricity. So, these girls hadn’t been on stage in a while, but they did awesome!
It’s so fun to watch the large and small groups perform.
The lyrical small group dance that Hadley is in earned a Judges’ Choice for best emotion, and Hadley accepted the award on stage.
Y’all know I’m pretty good about taking photos, but that’s too hard to do during her dance performances. I’d rather focus on watching her dance, and the quality of photos wouldn’t be great anyway…so I loved that this competition had the option to buy a photo package. There were so many amazing photos!
I started a new workout program this week. Another reason I love Bodi (Beachbody) is because I get to try programs that I don’t think I’d do outside of my own home.
This one has a bit of dancing, core, weights, and also some aspects that feel like Pure Barre.
The dancing combos would especially not be something I would do in public …but would certainly do in my own basement. (I do not have Hadley’s rhythm and grace!)
These workouts have been a good change in my routine.
Last Friday, when Travis and I were at the Oaks, the kids went with my brother and sister-in-law to watch Wyatt’s game. Hayden missed out the last time we went, so I’m sure Wyatt has excited to have both of his cousins there to cheer him on.
Track season is wrapping up, and can you tell that I don’t say “no” to a digital download! Hadley said the “action” shots were awkward…I think she’d prefer to smile. 😁
Favorite Kid Quote:
Hadley snagged this Olaf at a friend’s garage sale. She’s been calling him “her guy” 😆 How lucky is Olaf to get Hadley hugs?!
Favorite Clothing Item:
Sarah shared this Walmart dress recently (It’s less than $18!). I don’t go to Walmart often, but we were there a couple of weeks ago, and there was one in stock. I didn’t try it on until I got home, so I might have been able to do a medium, but the large is what they had.
On Monday, I wore it to school with one of my favorite cardigans.
Favorite Mom Meme:
The current state of our house right now…
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
I probably share this every year, but here’s a throw back to my first Mother’s Day in 2010.
What are your weekend plans? Y’all, this one will be a doozy. We have a track meet tonight followed by a weekend of Hadley’s last dance competition of the season.
How has your week been? Overall, we’ve had a good one. It’s been busy per usual, but productive as well.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week:
The kids had some awesome track meets this past week.
Friday night’s invitational was the best. We were very thankful there was no rain. The Friday before that, we sat in a torrential downpour for most of the meet. So, even though Friday night was still pretty cold, we were glad to be dry!
Hayden’s first big race Friday night was the mile. I’ve mentioned before that he had the goal to run a sub 5 mile….and he did it! (See below…4:59). I will cheer for them, but it takes a lot for me to jump up and get super crazy…well, I did when I saw the time on the clock! He also now holds the school record in the mile.
Then, it was Hadley’s turn. She’s been wanting to qualify for state in the 400. She’s been close, and Friday night she did it! The time she needed was 1:07.2, and she ran 1:07.03!!
Hayden didn’t run the 400 because he was still recovering from the mile. That being said, he ran the 800, and ended up qualifying for state in it!
They were so happy after their races on Friday night! My mom got these pics of them after the mile and 400.
Monday night, Hayden ran the two mile, and had a state qualifying time as well.
The kids are also on 4×800 relays, and Hadley usually runs the 4×100 and/or the 4×400. Hayden sometimes runs that one too. Anyway, those are fun to watch as well!
Both of them have had relays qualify for state too. At state, I don’t know if they will run everything, but it’s been fun seeing them achieve their goals!
On Saturday morning, we went to my nephew’s baseball game. He’s such a cute 1st baseman! I love that he’s using Hayden’s old baseball bag. Too sweet.
Saturday night, just Hadley and I were at home. She suggested Taco Tico for dinner, so we went there after some errands. Fun fact about Taco Tico: you can get a margarita to go. I can confirm that the watermelon marg is great!
Since my mom was in town, we celebrated her birthday a bit early with dinner at my brother’s house on Sunday. We brought dessert. Hadley made these Peanut Butter Blossom Bars, and they were a hit.
My mom was able to watch their track meets on Friday and Monday, so that was great as well.
On Monday, I went on a field trip with some classes. The Criminal Justice classes needed an extra chaperone on their tour of Eastern Kentucky University. We even saw the library. You know that made me happy.
Hadley brought home some artwork, and I love it…
How cute is my new purse strap? I picked it up at Joseph Beth when I was getting my mom a gift card.
Favorite Kid Quote:
Hayden wasn’t feeling well on Wednesday. Hadley thought Hayden was “faking” until a friend confirmed that he had his head down in class, so the teacher sent him to the nurse. When I asked Hayden what the nurse did for him, he said she had him gargle salt water and gave him some ice.
Hadley said not much happens when you get sent to the nurse. She said, “Mom, she literally just gives you a mint or ice for anything that’s wrong.” 😆
Favorite Mom Meme:
I’m telling ya what…I have to start my day with some quiet time.
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
This Facebook memory popped up this week. My mom took this pic in April 2013, and it’s so cute.
The kids still eat “pot hearts” for breakfast, but they do call them Pop-tarts now.
Monday is our monthly Not Just a Mom link up. This month’s topic is: pet peeves
We’d love for you to join us!
What are your weekend plans? I’m headed to the Oaks horse race with Travis today. Tomorrow is the Derby, and we don’t have any big plans. Sunday, Hadley has a dance competition that will keep us busy!
I’m really feeling the TGIF energy today. This week has been a good one but filled with lots of extras. Every day this week had at least one extra appointment on top of the usual evening activities, so I just kept feeling like I didn’t want to forget something!
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week…
Favorite Picture:
Well, I have to start with the absolute best news…look at Hayden’s new smile!!
No more braces! Also, why was I more excited for this milestone than he was? After over 2.5 years, the braces are off!
Both kids had “phase 1” braces in second grade. They had them put on in January 2018, and had them for less than a year.
For Hayden, “phase 2” started in July of 2020 with a Herbst appliance. A few months later he got the braces, and the appliance was taken out in July 2021. Then, he continued with braces until this week.
It’s crazy to see how much older he looks too!
Favorite Clothes:
I wore a new dress from SSYS to Keeneland on Saturday. I want to buy it in another color, but I think they are creating a sleeveless version for the summer, so I will hold off for now. I love lavender, and just couldn’t say no.
**Also, I was inspired by Amy and visited Sun Tan City for a spray tan last week. I hadn’t been there in years, but I was so happy with the results.
(A week later, and I still have a bit of color!)
SSYS also has the cutest athleisure pieces, and this quilted top has been perfect to throw on over my workout tank and leggings. I’ve already worn this one three times in a week. I think they have some cute new pieces dropping this weekend.
Other faves from the week:
On Monday, the kids had their yearly checkups, and they always ask for ice cream afterwards. Parenting teens is a tough job, so I deserved ice cream too.
Last week, Travis came home from Kroger with these flowers, and said they were free. They still hadn’t bloomed after a few days, and I told him that I thought that’s why they must have been free. 😆
Well, they finally did start to bloom, but I don’t think a couple of them ever will. They are pretty and freshen up the living room.
At the first track meet of the season, Hayden hurt himself doing the long jump, so he’s had to sit out the last couple of meets.
Hayden is the distance runner, and Hadley is more mid/shorter distances. She loves the 200m, and also runs the 800, 400, and some relays. In the off season, she started training, and it’s been so amazing to see that translate to her races. In the 200, she came in 2nd out of 100 runners and is close to qualifying for state. She’s also on some relays which are fun to watch too.
I can’t wait for Hayden to get back out there.
4×200 relay
Kind of random, but I have a new favorite podcast. I loved the show Hey Dude! on Nickelodeon in the 90’s. Christine Taylor and David Lascher talk about the show, but also have a 90’s guest on each week. I’ve listened to their interviews with the Hey Dude cast, Ben Stiller (Christine’s real life husband), Scott Wolf, Melissa Joan Hart, and a few others.
It’s a fun listen!
Favorite Mom Meme:
Real talk:
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday
Because I love the toothless phase so much, I have to share this one of Hayden.
*He actually had two loose top teeth and thanks to a play at first base where he crashed into the 1st baseman, he lost one and the other was super loose. The next morning, he woke up with the other tooth gone…we found it in his bed!
Truly, the toothless phase was my absolute favorite with both kids.
What are your weekend plans? The kids are running in a track meet tonight, and I’m hoping it’s not a torrential rain the entire time. The rest of the weekend, we actually don’t have much going on. I feel like we all need a bit of downtime to recover from this non-stop week.
Hello and happy Thursday! This is a Thursday that feels like a Friday which is so nice. We don’t have school tomorrow. Since we still have a couple of weeks left until spring break, I’ll take the extra day off!
Recently, on Instagram, Ashley was answering some questions and one of them was “What do you miss most about your kids being little and love most about them being older?”
This question really “hit” me…To be honest, I’d say this past year (2022) was probably the toughest parenting year so far.
First of all, I have teens now. That’s probably all I need to say. 😂
That being said, last year started with a health issue for Hayden. While we were pretty certain the source of the issue, we still had a few months of uncertainty and tests to rule out major issues. My “mama heart” stayed worried during that time which of course caused me to feel stressed and anxious. Thankfully, things are much better now, but it was a hard season of worry to navigate.
Also, I think I’m just very aware of how quickly time is flying by. Recently, I said to Hayden, “I can’t believe I only have five more years with you all in the house with us.” His reply: “I can just live with you when I’m in college too.” Well, that’s the thing…I don’t necessarily want that either…You know, I want to get them to the point of independence. Of course, if they are in school and want to live at home for a year or two, I wouldn’t say no. It’s just I know I need to maximize my time with them while also raising productive members of society 😉
I also think Travis and I have done a good job setting boundaries and expectations while also giving them some independence as well. Now, do they give us credit for doing those things? Not always! 😂..,but I know they know we’re just trying to help them in the long run.
They like to take turns keeping me on my toes. Truthfully, I know that most of what we deal with is “normal” middle school behavior. That being said, there have been some trying times and season of growth. Again, it’s probably typical “growing pains” (literally and figuratively), but sometimes I just feel like I’m doing this parenting thing all wrong. Also, since I’m with teens at school all day, I try not to let my patience be spread too thin at home after a long day, but sometimes that’s hard. Thankfully, Travis balances me out. I feel like we make a great team.
And…we are just very busy. I always say, “blessed to be busy,” but this is just a very busy season of life. There aren’t many nights when we are all home for dinner at the same time, and sometimes I feel like I only see the kids when they are just waking up in the morning and tired or very late at night when they are tired as well. Sometimes, I feel like I’m just fussing at them to use their time wisely or get things done. Then, there are nights they do everything they are supposed to when they are supposed to, and that’s amazing!
Anyway…
So, when thinking about the question…
What do you miss most about your kids being little?
When they were little, they loved me so unconditionally. I miss that. I miss them sitting in my lap. I miss their little voices. (A Facebook memory popped up with a video of Hayden’s little 2nd grade voice, and it stopped me in my tracks). I miss them wanting me to read to them, toothless smiles, and much more.
I feel this deeply:
If that meme doesn’t sum up thirteen year olds, I don’t know what does!
But…
What do you love most about them being older?
Of course, I enjoy who they are now. I can really see who they are becoming as people, and I love it. Also, it is nice that they have more independence and responsibility. They can pack a suitcase with minimal help (I still provide a list!), they can run into the grocery store with my debit card and pick up a few items we need, they can turn the lights off if I go to bed before them, I can trust them with their friends (I hope that’s always the case), and I’ve enjoyed seeing their relationship develop through the years. (Of course, if they want to quit fighting in the bathroom in the morning, I would be ok with that too!)
Anyway, I’d love any words of wisdom from those with older kids. I’m trying to enjoy this season the best that I can. Thankfully, they still hug me and tell me goodnight. That’s the good stuff, for sure! It just feels like they went from this…
showmeandsweettea.com 