Category: Let's look

Posted in Let's look, Meals and Recipes

(Let’s Look) Meal Planning

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Well, this four day week has apparently gotten me all messed up! I was off on my days and shared my posts on the wrong days (insert hand on forehead emjoi!)

Yesterday, Shay and Erika shared Let’s Look: Meal Planning, and I’m doing so today. #betterlatethannever

I was a girl who always needed a plan before I was ever a working mom with two very busy kids who most definitely needs a plan because…

There are mornings that my kids wake up and ask me what’s for dinner!

Meal Planning:

Here’s a little look at my process:

  • I have a paper calendar on the fridge where I write down all of our weekly activities. I sit down on Saturday night or Sunday to write those activities out and then I plan the meals accordingly.
  • Then, I make my grocery list before placing my Clicklist order. I can’t live without Clicklist. Sometimes, if I can’t figure out what I want to make, Travis just tells me he will go to the store mid-week for whatever we need. I act like I can’t go to the grocery store more than once in a week! 😂 . Honestly, for years, I did Clicklist pick up and that was it. As the kids have gotten busier and I can’t always plan the whole week, I will do grocery pick up on Sunday and then go to the store Thursday if we need something for dinner that night or if they were out of stock on something during my weekend pick up.
  • For me, Clicklist pick up is usually Sunday afternoon. Occasionally, I will do Monday pick up after school. If I do that, sometimes I will run to Kroger for whatever ingredients we need for Sunday night dinner.
  • I do try to cook Monday-Thursday, and my general plan is to make something on Sunday with leftovers for Monday. Mondays just seem to be the hardest day of the week, so I like not having to think about what to make for dinner. Then, Tuesday is either a slow cooker meal or we do rotisserie chicken with Bob Evans mashed potatoes and fruit (That’s what we had for dinner Tuesday night). For Wednesday, I often make a pasta that will make enough leftovers for Thursday night. Both Wednesday and Thursday dinners, I will serve with salad, broccoli, or green beans.
  • Like I said, once we went back to school in March and our lives started to be busier again, I at least plan for Sunday-Wednesday, and then pop into Kroger or Fresh Market for Thursday dinner if needed along with a few fresh items like strawberries or other fruit that we might want for the weekend. I’ve noticed I don’t dread going into the store if I know that it’s only for a few things.

Other Thoughts:

  • It’s easier to double up recipes in winter for things like soups, chili, and casseroles.
  • We grill a lot in the summer which is nice to only have to think about quick side dishes like baked beans, pasta salad, and watermelon.
  • I always forget about breakfast for dinner. We did that recently, and everyone was so excited for dinner.
  • I go to Trader Joe’s every other week or so. I might go once a week in the fall and winter when there are more seasonal faves that we might want more often. There’s not really anything that I buy at Trader Joe’s that I’d also buy at Kroger. For example, I typically get produce at Kroger and not at Trader Joe’s (unless we are out of something at the time). I go to TJ for Trader Joe’s only items like buffalo chicken dip, Chomps, my favorite Havarti/dill cheese, pumpkin bagels, and more!
  • If I can get organized, I prefer grocery pickup on Saturday. I’d love to get to the point where I pick up on Friday after school! I’d really be on top of my life if I could do that!
  • At least once a month, I try to just buy what we need for dinner that week. That forces the kids to finish up whatever chips we have on hand, eat the two yogurts that are left in the fridge, etc.
  • I’m not great about meal prepping for breakfast, but I did make an egg casserole a couple of weeks ago, and it was so nice to have on hand throughout the week. I tend to eat the same kinds of things for lunch or have leftovers from dinner the night before.
  • I do try to make one new recipe a week. I tend to do a really good job of this starting in January. I pin a lot of things on Pinterest and tell myself that if I have the time to do that, then I should make sure to try one new recipe a week.
  • I use my slow cooker at least once a week and even more so in the fall and winter months.
  • I have an Instant Pot and do use it but more so in the fall and winter months. If I had to choose, though, the slow cooker is my favorite!

What about you? How do you meal plan? I really enjoyed reading so many posts yesterday about how others meal plan. It’s amazing to me that those who meal plan/prep do so a bit differently.

I’ll be back tomorrow for Friday Favorites. I’ve lost track of time this week, but I definitely know that tomorrow is Friday!

Posted in Home Decor, Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! It’s the second Wednesday of the month, so Shay and Erika are hosting their Let’s Look link up.

  • In January, we looked at our coffee bars (I shared my favorite coffee mugs)
  • In February, we looked at our love languages.
  • In March, we looked at the perfect night in.
  • In April, the topic was: fridge and pantry.

This month’s topics is: outdoor organization.

Well, kind of like when I shared my recent spring cleaning post, I should probably just let Travis write this post. I’m not sure the method to his madness, but he does have our garage and outside area pretty organized.

Today, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share our outdoor spaces.

Warning: photo overload. I will never have to do a yard post ever again 😂

We took this photo on Mother’s Day, and I love it because my Mother’s Day gifts can be seen. The kids and I are so far away that I joked with Travis that he wanted everyone to see the planter boxes he had made for my gift! Every year, I ask for a card and two hanging ferns, but this year, I got the bonus of the beautiful planters and flowers!

Here are the kids picking out my ferns last year:

Mother’s Day 2020

Someone at Trav’s work made the planters.

We also got new cushions for the front porch chairs. The front porch is great for sitting in the afternoon and evening.

I love the button detail on the back cushion, and the accent pillow is my favorite color palette. I found them at the At Home store….and I was lucky to find these because the outdoor section looked like a patio cushion graveyard!

(Do you spy Homer?) 😉

Every spring these pretty bushes bloom, and the flowers smell so pretty. I know nothing about flowers (again, that’s Trav’s expertise), but they are such a pretty surprise each spring.

Every spring, Travis plants New Guinea impatiens in the front. Last year, Hadley helped him!

2020

I have a feeling Travis will fuss at me for showing this area. Every year, he plants something new over here, and this area is just getting started for spring 2021.

In our backyard, we have our fire pit. When we moved in, we had a massive tree in the front yard that was dying, so we had it cut down. We used some of the wood from the trunk for seating around the fire pit.

S’mores roasting last spring…

2020

In June/July the day lilies bloom, and they are so pretty against our fence line.

2016

We try to use our patio as often as possible, and the lights make it feel extra cozy at night.

2019

Travis power washed the patio last weekend. I wish I had taken a “before” photo because the difference is always amazing!

Here it is freshly power washed with flowers and new cushions.

The Japanese Maple is one of my favorite parts of the back yard. The kids climbed on it each time we looked at this house when it was for sale.

They’ve continued to play in it and climb up in through the years…

2015
2016

These green cushions were on our front porch chairs. They are in great condition because our front porch is covered, so we are using them out back now.

While at the At Home store, I picked up the yellow pillows and the riser on the table.

The planters on each side of the loveseat are from Pier One and were on our 2005 wedding registry. They are perfect for the patio.

**We usually put a smaller pot of flowers on the bottom rack of each planter, but last year, Homer snagged the flowers and ran around the yard with them in his mouth! So, the small ones, in the white pots on the table, are going to be a test for Homer 😉

We’ve had this table and chairs since 2004 when we moved into our first home. This set has sat on three patios in the last seventeen years. The are black, and Travis just recently spray painted them to bring them back to life. I kind of rolled my eyes when he said he was going to do that, but they look so great! I can’t believe I forgot that spray paint can fix anything! haha

The seat cushions are new from At Home as well. All of our cushions were at least 5-7 years old, so we’d penciled in replacing them as a “to do” for this spring. Also, the ones before these, were just the seat cushion, and a few had been #homered over the past two summers.

My “home” flower pot is one that I ordered from Etsy last year. I’ve shared the shop in previous posts.

The pots are hand painted and so pretty! We’ve used them as teacher and birthday gifts in the past year.

Speaking of spray paint, this little table was from my childhood backyard. I’ve had it for years, and at one point, I spray painted it green. This year, I wanted to put pots of various sizes and flowers of various colors on it.

Besides peonies, hydrangeas are my favorite flower. We had a hydrangea plant at our last house, and Travis planted another one when we moved into our current house. Also, our hostas get bigger and bigger every year!

I love pink and purple flowers in the spring!

In one week, this will be my view as I sip my morning coffee! I’m pleased with how it turned out.

Next month’s topics is: summer bucket list.

Last summer’s bucket list included: baking, tie dye, vacation, going canoeing, drawing, and golf lessons. I guess I need to get the kids thinking about what they want to do this summer.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by and reading today’s post! Make sure to check out the other ladies’ posts too!

Take care,

Posted in Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! So far this week, I’ve shared Hello Monday! and Tuesday Talk. Today is Let’s Look Wednesday with Shay and Erika.

  • In January, we looked at our coffee bars (I shared my fave coffee mugs)
  • In February, we looked at our love languages.

Today’s topic is: Let’s Look at the perfect night in.

Winter Months:

I’d say the “perfect night in” may vary based on the season. In late fall and winter, I love to have the fire going in the fire place.

Reading a book is always relaxing for me.

Playing games as a family is something we like to do. Our current fave is Bananagrams.

We will also watch a movie or do a puzzle!

Honestly, with the hustle and bustle of school and activities, just making the time to slow down and do something as a family is always fun. That being said, I also don’t mind a little quiet “me” time to enjoy a glass of wine and finish a show.

I also love cooking, but on a “perfect night in,” I’d rather have carry out with easy clean up afterwards!

Warmer Months:

During the warmer months of spring and summer, it’s fun to sit around with neighbors and chat and enjoy a cold beverage.

Sometimes, we’ll go for a family walk or a bike ride.

On weekend nights, Travis will fire up the grill for steaks, hamburgers, or chicken.

We enjoy sitting on our back patio. Sometimes the kids are running around or the neighbors join us (or we join the neighbors). Other times, Travis and I just hang out for a bit out here and catch up.

We use our backyard fire pit quite a bit to hang out, and we often make s’mores.

So those are just some of the ways we spend a “perfect night in.” What about you?

Next month’s topic is: Let’s Look at…your fridge and pantry. Our pantry is much like our coffee bar…non-existent! haha

Make sure to check out the other ladies’ posts! I hope you have a great St. Patrick’s Day! Thanks so much for reading.

Posted in Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How is your week going so far? Monday was a little rough after going to bed a little later than usual thanks to the Super Bowl. Hayden’s still reeling from the Chiefs’ loss, but his attitude is improving a bit each day!

We have some winter weather on the way, so I’ve front loaded my week with errands and crossing things off my weekly to do list.

Today, Shay and Erika are hosting their monthly Let’s Look link up, and I’m joining in on the fun.

In January, we looked at our coffee bar areas. I don’t have a coffee bar, so I shared a few of my favorite mugs!

Today’s topic is Let’s Look: Love Language.

So, I’ve had this book for years…but haven’t read it. #andtravissighswithrelief

I know the Five Love Languages are:

  • Words of Affirmation
  • Quality Time
  • Receiving Gifts
  • Acts of Service
  • Physical Touch

Well, since one of the love languages isn’t Amazon, I’m guessing Acts of Service is where I’m at in the “Love Language” department.

I guess just with the hustle and bustle of the day, I appreciate when Travis steps in to help with little things like unloading the dishwasher, doing the dishes, and even just bringing the laundry upstairs.

That being said, I love cards. Words of “written” affirmation must be one of my languages as well. I appreciate a sticky note with “have a good day,” and cards on special occasions (or for no reason!)

I don’t think Trav will mind me sharing this story, but I remember after we’d been dating for exactly one month, he bought me a card and just wrote a few words reflecting on our first month together. It was very sweet, and I think that’s when I realized how much a few written words or words of encouragement mean to me.

Travis “upped” his card game and at some point and started writing my name in bubble letters. While he’s no artist, I appreciate the sentiment.

I should probably dive a bit deeper into this love language business, but I’m sure Travis appreciates that I don’t. 😆 ! That being said, I do see the benefit in knowing and understanding your spouse’s emotional needs. Marriage is a journey, and the better you understand your partner, the better it is for everyone.

I still keep hoping Travis will master reading my mind, but until then, I guess I should remind him that acts of service is the way to go!

What’s your love language and how does it compare to your spouse’s language?

Next month’s topic is: perfect night in!

Thanks so much for reading. Make sure to check out the other ladies’ posts too!

See you tomorrow for a Three Things post.

Posted in Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! It’s already the second Wednesday of the month which means that Shay and Erika are hosting their Let’s Look link up.

Let’s Look is a post where bloggers share a peek and their thoughts on a certain topic.

Today’s topic is…Let’s look at your…coffee bar area.

Well, y’all, this is it: This is my coffee bar area. 😂

The cabinet above, holds the coffee and filters…and that’s it.

Cream, No Sugar:

I quit sugar and Splenda years ago. Now, I just add a splash of creamer to the bottom of my coffee mug, pour the coffee, and I don’t even have to stir! Stirring is just to much of an extra step when I’m tired and just need my first sip!

We are basic with our creamers around here. Basically, year round, I use Sugar Free Hazelnut. In the fall, I use that creamer, and add a dash of pumpkin spice (and stir) for more of a fall flavor. Then, in December (and January if I can still find it), I use a splash of Peppermint creamer during those months.

Favorite Mugs:

Since my coffee bar is underwhelming non-existent, I thought I’d share some of my favorite coffee mugs!

Through the years, we’ve collected many mugs and they range from sentimental to funny to practical and more.

My most used mug since this summer is this one from Amazon. I love it so much that I’ve taken it on vacation with me, and I’ve given it to a few friends for birthday presents! I don’t use the lid often as it’s the one I use at home most mornings, but it definitely keeps my coffee warm the longest which is a must!

{Affiliate linked photo}

Here it is this fall with my pumpkin spice concoction.

This mug was a Christmas gift this year, and I use it frequently as well.

Other mugs in the rotation:

My Magnolia mug which I purchased a few years ago, the green mug that my mom brought me back from Ireland, and the “J”mug that a friend gave me as a birthday present a few years ago.

I’ve had the Starbucks KC mug for years, and then my dad gave me the KC Royals handcrafted one after the Royals won the World Series in 2015, and then my mom gave me the KC Chiefs one after last year’s Super Bowl win!

**My Royals mug is chipped, but I still drink out of it occasionally!

My “going back to bed” mug was my take away from a family white elephant exchange, and the “Hey, Y’all” mug was a purchase when we stopped in Paula Deen’s store while in Savannah, GA a couple years ago.

I love my Golden Girls mug…

front and back…

As far as sentimental mugs go, Travis and the kids gave me the “Thank you for being the greatest mom” for Mother’s Day 2020. The mug is black, and when you pour the hot coffee in it, the photo and saying magically appear!

The pink handprint mug from 2015 was the sweetest gift that the kids’ sitter helped them make. It’s seen better days, but I still use it. There’s one with Hayden’s handprint too…but I can’t find it! (Don’t tell him!). I’m wondering if it’s in Trav’s car…he tends to wander off with our mugs!

So, while my coffee bar sitch is lacking, my mug collection is thriving!

Next month’s topic is: Love Language. So interesting! I need to research this one…off the top of my head, I think my love language is “putting the dishes away” and “doing the laundry!” 😆

Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts, and thanks so much for reading!

Posted in Holidays, Let's look

Let’s Look: Holiday Cards

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

It’s Let’s Look Wednesday! This is a fun link up with Shay and Erika where you get a little peek at a certain topic.

In 2020, we’ve looked at:

  • January: your bedside table
  • February: your winter wardrobe
  • March: what’s inside your purse
  • April: Easter at your house
  • May: your weekend
  • June: what’s in your carry on bag
  • July: your summer wardrobe
  • August: your desk
  • September: your school pics
  • October: how you pumpkin
  • November: your holiday menu

Fun fact: My January Let’s Look post was (I think) my top viewed post of the year. Almost 700 people apparently wanted to check out my bedside table! 😀

This month’s topic is Let’s Look: holiday cards.

Well, my holiday cards haven’t arrived just yet, so I thought I’d share our holiday cards through the years.

Travis and I had some form of Christmas card off and on before we had kids, but once the kids were born, I did a better job of taking and saving photos, cards, and other momentos.

Here’s a little trip down memory lane…

2009:

The kids were barely a month old by the time Christmas rolled around in 2009. So, we combined a Christmas card with their birth announcement. I still have this Christmas storage box, and it sits under the tree each year until I start putting wrapped presents under the tree.

2010:

Well, here are the kids are in 2010, and they barely fit in the Christmas storage box anymore!

They also refused to sit still for the Christmas card photo! I literally remember sweating as I would get one situated, back away to take the photo, and then the other would move! 😅

I couldn’t find the card, but I know we used those pics!

2011:

In 2011, I put them in a laundry basket to sit still for the photo! 😂

Hadley’s signature move at that age was giving all the hugs…in a very “you have no choice but to hug me” way!

We included our dogs, Shiloh and Scout, in the card that year!

2012:

My brother got married in the fall of 2012 which provided the perfect opportunity for some memorable photos. Again, Shiloh and Scout made the cut again to be included on the card and the kids continued to make use of the Christmas storages boxes.

2013:

The card for 2013 was definitely a Pinterest idea, and it wasn’t a fail. I love this pic of Hayden and Hadley. So little and cozy in their jammies.

2014:

Again, for some reason, I can’t find our 2014 Christmas card, but my brother used his fancy camera to take these photos. This was our first Christmas in our current house.

I still have these individual photos framed, and they are in our gallery wall in our kitchen.

So sweet.

2015:

For the 2015 Christmas card, my brother took these photos as well. I remember it was pretty mild weather around Thanksgiving time, so I asked him to take a few photos of the kids.

They turned out so precious…

and the back of the card shows Hadley’s personality perfectly! 😂

2016:

This is another favorite card of mine that we shared with family and friends. You can’t tell from the photo, but Hayden was playing football with friends a few minutes before picture time and ended up with a busted lip! Of course he did! I made sure when I took the photo not to zoom in!

2017:

My brother helped me by taking these photos as well. Man oh man, I remember the kids acting ridiculous while he took some of these photos….especially Hayden. I had to be thankful for whatever good ones he got!

2018:

For fall break 2018, we went to South Carolina. One night before dinner, I told the kids I wanted to take their pictures by the water at sunset. Well, I ended up asking someone to take our family photo, and I couldn’t believe how great it was.

Once December rolled around, I was so happy to have a perfect family photo from one of our favorite places.

And, again, Hayden fell victim to Hadley’s silly and sassy personality…Hadley throwing up the peace sign behind him, and he had no clue.

2019:

The kids didn’t fight me on wearing nice clothes for the 2019 photo if we could bring Homer along for the photo. Well, this time, Homer stole the show! We got a great pic with him and the kids.

Even with Homer, this was one of our easiest photo sessions to date. I snapped a few photos with my phone, and that was all we needed.

2020:

As I previously mentioned, my 2020 cards haven’t arrived yet. I took a few photos of the kids the Friday after Thanksgiving…

…and Homer was invited back again for the photo sesh.

The Henry Clay Estate provided for the perfect place (with perfect weather that day) to take a few pics of the kids for this year’s card.

I can’t get over how big they are getting!

Until this post, I hadn’t realized how many times I’d asked my brother to take the kids’ photos. I should really get him a gift card or something!

Ironically, Trav’s brother is a professional sports photographer, but I don’t want to bug him like I bug my brother!

It’s that time of the year when the “picture perfect” cards start to roll in. Of course, I try to find the most perfect picture too, but I like to include an outtake or two on the back!

Behind every “perfect” photo, there’s usually a stressed out mom handing out bribes for the photo 😂 I’m forever trying to keep it real around here!

When my 2020 cards arrive, I will definitely share those closer to Christmas. I really do love giving and receiving cards. I’d say with all that’s gone on in 2020, I will appreciate receiving those cards more than in previous years. I hope sending Christmas cards is a tradition that never fades.

Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts as well!

Thanks so much for reading.

Posted in Holidays, Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Today is Let’s Look!

This is a fun link up with Shay and Erika where we take a peek on an assigned topic for the month!

This year we’ve looked at:

  • January: your bedside table
  • February: your winter wardrobe
  • March: what’s inside your purse
  • April: Easter at your house
  • May: your weekend
  • June: what’s in your carry on bag
  • July: your summer wardrobe
  • August: your desk
  • September: your school pics
  • October: how you pumpkin

This month’s topic is holiday menu. Since it’s November, I’m thinking Shay and Erika meant Thanksgiving menu, so that’s my focus for today’s post.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It always has been. I’ve always loved watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade even as a kid. Also, there’s no stress of buying presents, and the Thanksgiving offers the best food you’ll eat all year!

I saw this graphic on Twitter recently, and thought it went perfectly with today’s topic. I’m from Missouri, and yes, I love all the carbs…including rolls. Kentucky’s most popular side is apparently broccoli casserole which would not be my vote for favorite side. #hardpassforme

We usually are in KC with family for Thanksgiving, and my cousin always out does herself with the table scape and decor.

And…there are always sweet little touches like these personalized chocolate turkeys.

Growing up, Thanksgiving was always spent with my dad’s side of the family. Even now, when I go home, we still celebrate with that side of the family.

One Thanksgiving my dad visited us here, and my sister-in-law and I made the turkey, mashed potatoes, etc. It was quite a successful Thanksgiving, but it confirmed what I already knew….hosting a holiday is hard work!

For a couple of Thanksgivings we’ve gone to Trav’s side of the family in Elizabethtown, and the food is great there too.

We are now kind of on an every other year rotation with staying home or going to KC. We’ll be home this year, and I’m not exactly sure what our plans will be.

Thanksgiving Menu:

No matter where we are celebrating, the menu seems to be mostly the same:

  • Turkey
  • Mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Green beans or green bean casserole
  • Hash brown casserole
  • Cornbread casserole
  • Stuffing
  • Mac and cheese
  • Sweet potato casserole
  • Rolls
  • Pumpkin pie + other pies for dessert

Turkey Soup:

For a tradition with my mom, we typically make a turkey soup with the recipe that I’ve had for years…. We got the recipe from my high school boy friend’s dad probably back in 1998(ish). 😅The relationship didn’t last but the soup tradition continues! 😂

It’s one of the best ways to use the leftover turkey, and I’ve even made it with chicken at other points in the year.

Ingredients:
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can cream of celery soup
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can chicken broth
  • 4 cans water
  • 1/2 an onion, chopped
  • 1-2 c. shredded carrots
  • 2 c. uncooked rice + a little bit more
  • leftover shredded turkey
  • Creole spice (I usually have the Tony Chachere brand)
Instructions:
  • Saute the chopped onions in some oil.
  • Add in soups + cans of water and heat for a few minutes.
  • Add in the the turkey and shredded carrots. Stir to combine.
  • Pour in 2 cups of rice, and I add in a little bit more rice.
  • Top the ingredients with Creole spice plus a bit more. Stir.
  • Cook for 20-30 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

I make this soup every year whether I’m in KY or in KC. It’s definitely one of my favorite turkey day traditions.

Next month’s topic is Let’s Look at your Christmas cards!

I can’t believe that next month’s post will be the last Let’s Look for 2020!

As always, thanks so much for reading. I truly do appreciate it!

Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts, and I will see you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Take care,

Posted in Holidays, Home Decor, Let's look

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Today is Let’s Look!

The second Wednesday of each month, Erika and Shay host this link up, and it’s a fun way to get a peek at different aspects of our lives.

So far this year, we’ve looked at:

  • January: your bedside table
  • February: your winter wardrobe
  • March: what’s inside your purse
  • April: Easter at your house
  • May: your weekend
  • June: what’s in your carry on bag
  • July: your summer wardrobe
  • August: your desk
  • September: your school pics

This month’s topic is how you “pumpkin.” Well, we don’t mess around when it comes to pumpkins. As I’ve mentioned repeatedly, fall is my favorite season, and I especially love the month of October.

Here’s a peek at how we “pumpkin.”

Food and Drinks:

Once October hits, I add a dash of pumpkin spice to my creamer and coffee. It definitely hits the spot on a cool morning.

We love the Pumpkin Sausage Penne Pasta recipe that I got off the back of a Kroger coupon pack many years ago. I make it a few times during the fall season.

The kids, with the help of my mom and my Gma, made the first pumpkin pie of the season a couple of weekends ago. I hope to make another one soon.

A new recipe we tried this year was Andrea’s Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. So good, and definitely a family favorite!

Decorations:

I’ve shared about the fall decor at our house. I think I love fall decorations better than Christmas ones because we get to enjoy them a bit more.

Pumpkins everywhere you turn!

Trader Joe’s came in clutch this year for my porch pumpkins because my regular place had hardly any of the fun fantasy pumpkins to choose from when I stopped by in mid-September.

Fall front porch, y’all.

Pumpkin Patch:

As I shared in yesterday’s post, going to the pumpkin patch is a family tradition. We were able to go last Friday to pick out our carving pumpkins, get some apple cider donuts, and enjoy the lovely fall weather.

Pumpkin patch pics through the years…

2019:

2020:

Homer:

We can’t leave Homer out of the fall fun…I’ve purchased him a banana the past two fall seasons. He tolerates wearing them for a bit.

2019:

2020:

2020

And…

Another family tradition for us is to watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown together as a family. I need to be on the lookout this year for it, so I can record it for some forced family fun! 😉

Next month’s topic is Let’s Look at your holiday menu!

Thanks so much for reading this fun (for me!) post.

I’m going to take a little blogging break, but I hope to be back with a new post the beginning of next week or so.

Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts too!

Have a great day.

Posted in Let's look

Let’s Look: Your School Pics

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

I can’t believe it’s already the second Wednesday of the month which means I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for Let’s Look.

So far this year, we’ve looked at:

  • January: your bedside table
  • February: your winter wardrobe
  • March: what’s inside your purse
  • April: Easter at your house
  • May: your weekend
  • June: what’s in your carry on bag
  • July: your summer wardrobe
  • August: your desk

**I must have skipped March and July.

This month’s topic is: Let’s Look at …your school pics!

Of course, I immediately thought of my own kids’ school pics! Those are easy to find because I have a “Twice as Nice” frame on my bedside table which holds each year’s updated pic.

My kids know that on picture day, I’d like to have them look presentable and cute ;)…which basically means I’m asking Hayden to wear a shirt with no words or sports figures on it!

Each year, I’m always so pleased with their photos. It’s a fun surprise to open the envelope to see how they turn out! In 1st grade, the company the district uses started giving background options. So, they take one photo, but then have basic backgrounds as well as school related backgrounds from which to choose.

Here are their photos:

Kindergarten

Toothless photos are my fave!

1st grade

I clearly remember when Hayden saw his 1st grade photos, he said, “Mom, I look like the President!” (#flaginthebackground)

2nd grade

Second grade cuties!

3rd grade

Looking so big in the 3rd grade…especially Hayden with his glasses!

4th grade

I love the 4th grade photos so much…Both of them chose their outfits…and Hadley was really into the side ponytail last year!

Of course, this stroll down memory lane has me wondering about school pics this year. Hopefully, we’ll get back in the building at some point and get a keepsake for this year.

Blast from my past:

Of course, I know some will post photos of their own school pics…so I figured why not. I texted my mom to ask if she had any of my photos handy, and about 30 seconds later she replied with one photo of lots of school pics. I even replied, “Well, that was quick.” She so happened to be at my Gma’s who was sorting through photos at the time.

Anyway, the quickest way to humble yourself is to look at your 1988 permed hair 🤣

O. M. G.

I showed these to Hadley, and she said I look the most like the bottom row, peach cardigan photo. I think that was 8th or 9th grade. At least she didn’t say I still look like top row right… 😉 I think I look like little orphan Annie!

An of course, I had to share my 1998 senior photos! My mom gave me the trifold display of these a year or so ago. It now collects dust on a shelf in storage in my basement.

Listen, y’all, overalls were very in style …at least in Missouri!…and I’m guessing my suit was purchased at 5-7-9 in the mall! And…I’m sure I spent too much time trying to get those wispy bangs just right!

So, there’s a look at our school pics! Next month’s topic is: How You Pumpkin.

Thanks so much for reading! Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts too!

Posted in Let's look, School

Let’s Look: Your Desk

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How’s your week going? I’m getting in the back to school groove myself this week (in a very 2020 way!) Y’all, today should have been the first day of school. Real talk: Hayden and Hadley aren’t mad about having a couple extra weeks of summer 😉

It’s the second Wednesday of the month, so I’m linking up with Shay and Erika for their Let’s Look series.

So far this year, we’ve looked at…

  • January: your bed side table.
  • February: your winter wardrobe.
  • March: what’s inside your purse.
  • April: Easter at your house.
  • May: your weekend.
  • June: what’s in your carry on bag.
  • July: your summer wardrobe.

**I must have skipped March and July.

The topic for August is, Let’s Look: at your desk.

Of course, my first thought is my desk at school. On my desk at school, I have:

  • Files and folders with school info, lesson plans, committee notes, and more.
  • Desk calendar: My lifeline. 😉 I have appointment and meeting dates and times as well as things I need to remember to complete.
  • Supplies: Tape, stapler, paperclips, binder clips, scissors, and more.
  • MU pencil holder: This used to be my brother’s (I think!) and I’ve had it on my desk for many years. It’s where I usually keep extra pencils for when a student needs one.
  • Family photos: I like school to feel like home, so of course, I add a few pics of my loved ones. (Fun fact: that smaller photo of Travis has been on my desk for all 18 (this is year 19!) years of my educational career!)
  • Books: I keep a couple of my favorite books that I reference from time to time on my desk.
  • Inside my desk: I keep more supplies in my top desk drawers like: pens, my favorite Paper Mate felt tip pens, my hall passes, notecards with student names for easy group sorting or calling on students at random, sticky notes, Expo markers and more. In my larger drawer, I keep file folders with school and student information.

2020 at Home Desk:

Well, I’m going to be working from home 2-3 days a week, so I needed an at home desk situation.

We actually have a desk in our “office,” but it’s where we keep Trav’s work computer and the kids’ schoolwork and laptops. So, I try to move out the way and set up my own space.

When I sprawl out at the kitchen table, I have:

  • My laptop: of course, I need my laptop most of the day to check and respond to emails, complete work tasks, and engage in Zoom calls.
  • Pad of paper: I love colorful notebook paper. I usually use my blue one for meetings and notes and my pink one for my to do list or casual notes.
  • Paper Mate felt tip markers: I use the markers daily in my lesson plan book and for taking notes and writing down ideas and to do lists!
  • Pencils: I prefer to write in my lesson plan book in pencil (besides dates and appointments)
  • Sticky notes: These come in handy for quick to do lists. Once I have a longer list of tasks, I usually break those tasks down onto sticky notes for morning and afternoon.
  • Lesson plan book: As an interventionist, I don’t have my usual schedule of English 1 and English 2, but I still use a lesson plan book to keep a schedule of what students I need to work with, which teachers I need to contact, meeting dates, and my own kids’ activities.
  • Coffee mug: (or something to drink). Coffee in the morning and water in the afternoon. Maybe a Diet Coke as a treat!
  • Glasses: if my tired eyes need them.
  • Pictures: Like at school, I figure a few pics help my space feel more homey…even at home! (I probably won’t put the pics out every day, but it makes the space feel more official ) 🙂

I was able to unpack my room at school this week which always makes me feel better about the start of school. I sure hope I get to use it soon!

Don’t forget to check out the other ladies’ posts. Next month’s topic is Let’s Look at Your School Pics.

Thanks so much for reading! Have a great day.