Life Lately

Posted on April 7, 2020May 15, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! We are getting back in the groove of school and work (the at home edition) this week. I thought I’d share some of out activities from “spring break” in this Life Lately post.

I thought I’d start with a laugh. This meme below had me chuckling with the Oregon Trail reference.

Scavenger Hunts

Hadley actually had the idea for an indoor scavenger hunt. I started to look on Pinterest, but she put one together herself based off some that she had seen.

Of course, this activity didn’t take long and I had to set some rules (no running in the house, no pushing each other, …my kids are both very competitive…especially with each other…haha), but they had fun. Home base was the couch, so first one with their item and on the couch won the round. For the record, Hadley won 8-7!

After that activity, I thought it would be fun to do a (non-competitive) outdoor scavenger hunt. Again Pinterest has lots of ideas, but that evening I so happened to see Jen Reed post this (a re-share) on Insta Stories.

Hadley started to write it out, and I helped her finish the list up. We wanted to put it on a clipboard as we walked through the neighborhood. So, last week the kids and I took about thirty minutes to just walk through the neighborhood and see what we could find. We found most everything—even Christmas lights. We never found a license plate that spelled a word or a camper in the driveway. We had fun and got fresh air at the same time.

April Fools Day

Hadley brough her “A” game to April Fools Day! She tricked Hayden by offering him the last sips of my Diet Coke, but she had put soy sauce in the bottle instead! Then, she put Vaseline on his door. Her third prank was she offered him two “mint” Oreos filled with toothpaste. He doesn’t like mint Oreos, so he declined…and also realized what day it was!

I’m no good at pranks, but I tried to help him out. She didn’t fall for apple cider in her apple juice, but he did make a comeback filling her pillow case with baseballs and then freezing her toothbrush overnight. So, the morning of April 2, she had the frozen toothbrush surprise!

Outside Activities

Hayden “played” golf a bit in the backyard. He really started liking golf last summer, but then other sports kind of took over as usual, so it was fun for him to get back at it. We learned our lesson last summer after he broke a neighbor’s window; now he uses plastic golf balls in the yard! Also, I cracked up because he used one of our decorative 4th of July flags for one of his holes!

The kids ride their bikes pretty often, but we’ve tried to go on at least one bike ride as a family each week.

We use our fire pit pretty often in the spring and fall (and sometimes in the summer). Who doesn’t love s’mores?! 🙂

Hayden helped Travis with some yard work on Saturday. Real talk: the yard work came about as a punishment, but Hayden ended up having a good attitude and being quite helpful. Hayden and Travis ended up playing catch in the yard afterwards.

We woke up to a sweet surprise yesterday morning. We were “egged”! Unfortunately, I didn’t realize until around 11am, and some of the chocolate had melted in the eggs we found. This was definitely a fun (and sweet!) treat.

School

Last week, the kids had some trial runs with Google Meet with their teachers and classmates. I went in to wake Hadley (early for her—at 8:40) on Friday for her 9:00 meeting to find her still getting her beauty sleep!

Homer wanted in on the 4th grade meeting!

Arts and Crafts

This craft popped up on my Pinterest feed. When I clicked on it, it just sent me to Google, so I winged the project! It’s probably a craft I would have planned when the kids were younger, but Hadley loves to paint, and we have plenty of eggs (cartons) on hand.

I just used good scissors to cut the bottom of the carton into three flowers. Then I snipped around the edges and cut in the “V” for each flower to make the “petals” better. Then, Hadley and I each painted a flower. I have cute straws in a jar on our kitchen table, so we each grabbed one and I taped them on the flowers for the stem.

Finished product:

I put them out to freshen up the sun room…and then realized they’d probably get attacked by Homer sitting out there that low and unattended! So, I moved them inside. This would be a cute craft to leave on a neighbor’s doorstep or stick in a pot of real flowers as an addition.

Homer

I honestly think Homer loves having us home so much! He continues to keep us on our toes…and Saturday he got in trouble because he pulled the box of Trader Joe’s Molasses Cookies off the counter and ate at least 7 of them!

So, that’s a bit of what we’ve been up to lately. While it wasn’t the Spring Break we envisioned, I’d say we definitely made the most of it. That being said,…

More real talk, y’all: Some days are difficult. I feel like we are all ok being at home (well, Hayden and I are…Travis struggles with having time on his hands, and Hadley misses socializing with her friends), but I just feel like there are times when our best sides aren’t showing…whether we are stressed, anxious, tired, missing friends, etc., I just feel that it’s a rarity for all of us to be on the same page and bringing our best attitudes to the table at the same time.

So, these activities have been fun and some of them we wouldn’t necessarily do but for the fact we have this extra time on our hands, but we are still navigating these waters every day. I do love that most days I’ve done all the things I love in one day: reading, watching a show, working out, napping! BUT my kids get sent to their rooms every once in awhile; heck, I send myself to my room just to get through the next half hour.

Thankfully, the weather continues to be in our favor, and I do feel like this new school routine will continue to provide the structure that we need. The kids love seeing their classmates and teacher in their daily Google meetings, so that brings some sense of normalcy to their lives.

I know we’ll look back on this time and cherish the extra time at home, the extra time together, and the extra slow pace that is being forced on us, but some days are difficult juggling all the hats all the time.

See you back here tomorrow for the Let’s Look (at Easter at your house) link up with Shay and Erika.

Take care,

Life Lately

Posted on March 11, 2020May 16, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Wednesday! We are slowly getting used to the time change. Once I make the adjustment, I do like it being lighter longer, but now it’s odd to wake the kids up, and it’s dark outside. It will all start to even out as the days go on, and it will be summer before we know it!

We’ve been up to a little of this and a little of that, so thought I’d share about our life…lately!

Activities

Hadley’s volleyball session finished up, and Hayden’s baseball season officially started. Thankfully, Travis helps coach baseball, so while I always write the practice schedule on the family calendar, it’s Travis who gives up so much of his time helping with the team!

Books

I finished reading American Royals last week. In this twist on history, the US won the revolution and Washington became king. Set in modern day, Princess Beatrice is being prepped for the throne. I think this book is technically “young adult,” but I loved it. The sequel, Majesty, comes out this fall; I can’t wait to read it too.

I finally finished The Broken Girls yesterday. The story is set in Vermont with chapters taking place in 1950 and 2014. There is a girls’ home called Idlewild where girls who aren’t wanted or who are trouble makers are sent back in 1950. In the 2014 setting, journalist Fiona Sheridan is investigating the details surrounding her sister’s death twenty years earlier. Her sister’s body was found near Idelwild. When renovations begin on the property in 2014, it has Fiona wanting to learn more and put together the pieces of two different puzzles.

Recipes

I read Andrea’s blog daily, and she shared her recipe for 7 UP biscuits. I made them last week, and they were a hit. They were easy to make and so delicious.

Homer

Newsflash: Homer has energy to burn! Travis decided to take him to a local doggy daycare on Thursday. The first session was a “Meet and Greet” session, and he stayed all day. I picked him up after school, and he was sooooo tired. Hadley was super concerned about how exhausted and well-behaved Homer was! We hope to take him a few times a month…Dogtopia wore him out…and he was able to work on his social skills! 😉 Double bonus.

Hadley

Friday evening, Hayden went to a birthday party, and Hadley and I had dinner at A&W. I thought a root beer float sounded good, and Hadley loves their chicken tenders. We had a good evening together.

I volunteered to be one the of chaperones (and drivers) for Hadley’s Girl Scout Troop field trip to COSI in Columbus, OH. COSI stands for Center of Science and Industry. I’d never heard of it until signing up to chaperone.

Hadley is so blessed to be in a troop with so many sweet girls. Some of my best mom friends are because of the moms I met when Hadley joined this troop in kindergarten.
We left Saturday afternoon and drove to Columbus, OH. The girls were participating in the COSI Camp-in that started at 6:00. Apparently, there were around 1,000 Girl Scouts there that night!

We arrived a little early, so the girls played on the playground outside the science center. Then, we checked in and were escorted to our area for the overnight. We were so lucky because we were assigned to the Simulator Room. The Simulator Room was closed for the evening, so we were able to house our belongings and had a private space to ourselves. Other troops were sleeping in the hallways, the large meeting rooms, and other nooks and crannies of the center.

After we got settled, we had dinner in the Atomic Cafe. Then, we went to the Welcome Meeting in the theater where we got our schedule and other information. From 7:30-11:00, we explored all the things. Our first stop after the Welcome Meeting was the Planetarium. This was my favorite part! I love a good planetarium 😉 Then, we went to Progress Town where the girls explored through the different time periods and decades. They loved the news station the best at Progress Town. We also visited the Ocean exhibit, the DC Super Heroes exhibit, the Just Dance party, the Electrostatic Generator program, the Hands On gallery and much more.

They provided us with a snack at 10:00 and then the girls explored some more. Around 10:30, we went ahead and set up our sleeping area. Then, some of the girls went to the dance party from 11-11:30. They made an announcement for lights out by midnight. Someone (a guy named Jake!) came around to turn the lights off. We were all tired, so everyone pretty much fell right to sleep. Of course, with Daylight Savings Time and an early 7:00 wake up call, that meant we got about six hours of sleep…on the floor…#Imnotaboutthatlife 😉

The lights came on at 7:00 while the “Good Morning” song played. We packed up, took our things to the car, and then came back inside for breakfast. A few of the girls were dying to ride the Tightrope Unicycle, so I stood in line with those ladies. It’s a popular attraction and each person’s turn is around 5 minutes by the time they check their height, strap them in, tell them what to do, share fun facts, and then say go! So, some girls decided not to wait any longer…and would rather explore. Again, I hung with the four girls who wanted their turn. I was proud of all of them…they were excited and then had to put on their brave face when it was their turn 🙂 Hadley had a great time and was glad she did it.

After the unicycle, it was time to go, but the ladies hit up the gift shop first. Then, my group of three wanted to look at the dinosaur exhibit, so we took a quick spin through there. Then, it was time for a quick snack, and we left!

The girls were awesome in the car. Of course, they watched a movie or two, but I loved that they wanted to play “Would You Rather” or the Alphabet game. It’s good to know they don’t need technology to be entertained.

I’m not sure if they realize it, but they are certainly blessed to have such a great group of friends.

For fun, a sweet little flashback pic of the girls when they were in 1st grade. There have been a few new members as the troop as grown. So much fun to see them all together.

Top left: Welcome Show; Top right: in the news station; Bottom left: the view in our room at night; Middle: Hadley at the Electrostatic Generator; Bottom right: a couple of super heroes!

Bottom left: Hadley on the tightrope unicyle; Other pics: dinosaur exhibit

School Stuff

Springtime in education means testing–field testing, ACT, KPREP…My kids as well as students at my school took a field test a few weeks ago, and yesterday, all high schoolers took the ACT. It seems like this time of the year is test after test after test. Now that I have my own kids at the age where they are taking tests, it’s become apparent to me how early all of this starts and the pressure that kids face all too often at school!

Hayden

Hayden brought his artwork home from school yesterday. They were to draw a fruit person…Hayden drew “Lil Fruit X” 😂😂

Flashback

Facebook memories kill me! Look at little H&H prepping for Easter 2010!

I hope you are having a great week. We are prepping for a visit from my dad, the Major, as well as the Homster turning O N E! Come back for Friday’s blog post…it will be all about Homer! 🙂

See you back here on Friday. Take care,

Life Lately

Posted on January 20, 2020May 16, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Monday! Long time, no talk! Because…the flu tried to kill me! I was so sick last week…I even missed the entire week of school. Hadley was sick as well for a couple of days. I think she shared her germs with me 😉 I’m feeling much more like myself, but very thankful for this 3 day weekend to get back on track with life while continuing to get my energy back as well.

Before I got sick, sweet Travis threw me a surprise 40th birthday party on Saturday, January 11. I was shocked; I had no clue. At all. I was genuinely touched at the friends and family who were at the Bear and the Butcher (one of our favorite places) to help celebrate.

When we got home that evening, Travis said he’d been planning it for weeks, and of course wanted to include as many friends who have been in our lives through the years. I so appreciate his thoughtfulness!

Me with Travis, long time friends and our sweet sitter, some of my “mom” friends who are the best, and my neighbor friends. I’m so blessed.

Travis and I with some of the best long time friends!

My brother, sister-in-law, myself and Travis

I’ve felt pretty indifferent about turning 40, but I did have a few goals for myself before turning the big 4-0. This past year, I focused on finding a church home for our family, and I feel like we’ve found a place that’s a great fit for us. Also, starting this blog was another one of my major goals. My only regret is not starting it sooner!

I’m also working to find the time to make working out and clean eating a priority again. I’ve done so for the past few years, but November/December (and now the beginning of January) proved to be quite hectic and I’ve put those good habits on the back burner a bit. I do love to work out. I feel so much better while eating clean and getting exercise in 4-5 days a week. I’m going to continue getting back on track with healthy eating and get those workouts in after I get my energy back from the flu!

All last week, Travis was Super Dad taking the kids to activities and practices while also helping with homework and finishing up the kids’ school Science Fair Projects. Thursday night, I couldn’t attend Science Fair Night, but Travis sent me the pics of the kids with the good news! Hayden received Honorable Mention on his project and Hadley is moving on to the district competition. They really put in so much time and effort, but I’m the most proud of their presentations. I know both kids were pretty nervous talking to the judges on Thursday, so I’m proud of them for pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone (especially Hayden who is pretty quiet and shy) After school on Thursday, when I asked Hayden how the judging went, he said, “Good, but my face was as red as an apple!” haha

Sunday was a big day in our house. Since I’m from Kansas City, I’ve been a Chiefs fan for my entire life! Of course, that means both kids are too (especially Hayden—Patrick Mahomes is his fave!) We cheered the Chiefs on during the AFC Championship game, and now they are on to the Super B O W L! Hayden said, “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this!” (Me too, kid. Me too.)

Just watching the game, I exerted more energy than I had in the entire week. haha

That’s just a peek at our Life Lately. I hope you have great week. I’m so ready to get back into a normal routine.

Take care,

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Life Lately, Trader Joes

Posted on December 12, 2019May 18, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Well, I’m off my Monday, Wednesday, Friday posting schedule because Life Lately included both Travis and myself being sick this week. We are both on the mend and hopefully back to our normal selves ASAP. Thankfully, the kids are old enough to somewhat fend for themselves…but I joke it’s mostly Hadley doing the “fending” for both herself and for Hayden. Who else would warm up Spaghetti O’s for dinner? #Haydenwouldstillbehungry

Trader Joe’s

I stopped in to Trader Joe’s last weekend and picked up some of my regular items, but I also picked up some holiday edition items as well.

Chocolate peppermint cake mix (can’t wait to make this!)
Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s …I love getting these every year.
Jingle Jangle–I’ve heard so many good things about Jingle Jangle and wanted to try it for myself. It’s a mix of all kinds of chocolate-y goodness.
Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper soup
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (We always have multiple boxes of this at our house!)
Sesame Crunch Chopped Salad (I love these bagged salads–they usually provide me with two days of lunch at school)
ONE bar–gingerbread flavor. I thought I’d give this flavor a try and enjoyed it.
Black bean and cheese burrito- I usually buy a couple of versions of these.I usually eat half of one–and give the other half to the kids.
Mini chicken tacos- family fave

2nd Christmas tree

For the past 4 years, we’ve purchased a real Christmas tree. This year, as we hauled decorations down from the attic, Travis mentioned that maybe we could bring down the artificial tree, and put it somewhere else in the house. I decided to try it out in our sun room because it’s about the only extra space we have, and we can see it from the kitchen. It was also a good place to put our leftover ornaments. It’s tough to get behind it to plug it in. I remembered Carmel at Our Fifth House mentioning she bought The Clapper for her tree. I found one at Walgreens…two claps and the tree turns off and on!

Homer turned 9(ish) months recently. Since he’s a rescue, we don’t know his exact birthday, but I’ve been taking monthly pics (thanks to an idea from my friend Natalie who does the same with her pup!). It’s fun to see how much he’s grown. Only a few more pics and he’ll be ONE (ish)!

Gingerbread houses

Our elf usually brings a gingerbread house for the kids to decorate. This year, one of our neighbors bought them for all the kids when our families got together last weekend. My kids weren’t there when the others decorated, so they did the decorating on their own on Sunday night. These houses were already assembled (#praisehands), so they just focused on the decorating!

Red

Speaking of our elf, Red is back! The kids still look forward to his return and finding out what he’s been up to each morning. When Hadley saw him, she said, “Mom, he shops at Trader Joe’s too!” I wasn’t sure how to take that, so I said when I saw Red had returned, I realized I had forgotten to give them the chocolate advent calendars.

Southern Lights

Monday night, we made our way to the Kentucky Horse Park to see The Southern Lights. We’ve done this every year for as long as I can remember. The kids (and adults!) love it. It’s fun to see the traditional lights (like Santa playing basketball, Keeneland, and the 12 days of Christmas), but each year they add something new. This year, they had some Star Wars lights that Hayden loved.

What I’ve been reading …

At the end of November, I finished One Day in December and really loved it. It’s was such a sweet book.

Then, I started the Winter Street series and have read the first two books: Winter Street & Winter Stroll. I just started the third book, Winter Storms. I now hope to read Winter Solstice as well to wrap up the series. I’ve been enjoying the Quinn family as well as the charming Nantucket setting at Christmastime.

It’s not that I’ve had that much time to read…I technically finished One Day in December in November as we drove to KC. Then, there was the nine hour drive back!! haha. The Winter Street series books are pretty short as well. They’ve definitely been perfect reads for this time of the year.

That’s just a little bit of our life lately. Never a dull moment !

Take care,

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Life Lately

Posted on November 6, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Happy Wednesday! Just a little post about life lately.

I’m one of those weirdos who loves the “fall back” daylight savings time. It’s always an adjustment for all of us even with the gaining an extra hour in our favor, but I like that evening time seems to start sooner and we get a bit of daylight in the morning to get everyone out the door.

I’ve made multiple batches of pumpkin bread and pumpkin muffins from the Trader Joe’s mix…I’ve even frozen some of what I’ve baked….but on Sunday, I made my first pumpkin pie of the season. It was so good, and definitely is a family favorite.

Homer is a hot mess. I love him, but he’s like having ten toddlers sometimes. On Saturday, Hadley let Homer in from the backyard and asked me if I’d seen his collar. Well, I found it…in three pieces in the backyard. I’m assuming it was too loose (which makes me nervous as I hope he didn’t get stuck on something), but the three parts were also chewed on, so I’m assuming that was his doing. Later, when it was time to trick-or-treat, I put his harness on him and then the leash…only to realize he had chewed through his red nylon leash. Instead of my #WeHeartHomer hashtag, I feel like #HotMessHomer should be trending.

Hayden started his indoor soccer season on Sunday. They had an exciting victory over a really good team. I love watching indoor soccer since it’s fast paced and the clock doesn’t stop! haha.

We had a day off yesterday for Election Day. I love that the kids come with me to vote. I’m trying to instill in them the importance of exercising their civic duties.

I love a good cookie cake, so that’s what we usually get for birthdays (and Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc). I used to just get one from the grocery store, but a couple of years ago some friends mentioned the Great American Cookie cookie cakes, and I haven’t looked back. Monday night, the kids chose their cakes for their party this weekend.

Then…we stopped by Party City to pick out balloons and pick up party supplies. I lost Hadley for a minute…but then I found her!

I started a new book on Sunday: The Affair by Colette Freedman, and I’m really enjoying it.

With barely a break in activities, basketball has started up for both kids and Hadley is doing club cross country. I really wish there was a safe Uber option for kids…oh wait–I think that’s me!

That’s just a little peek into our Life…Lately.

I hope you are having a great week.

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Life Lately

Posted on October 2, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Where did September go? I think we are finally in the groove of school and activities while trying to find the balance of relaxation and productivity on the weekends.

I’m so happy that it’s finally October, and I think by the end of the week it may actually feel like it in our neck of the woods. October has always been my favorite month as it usually means cozy sweaters, apple cider, and pumpkin picking. I’ve always loved this quote by Anne of Green Gables.

On Friday night, we went out for a pizza dinner at a place we hadn’t tried before, and it was delish. Then, our niece was in town playing volleyball, so we watched her game! The kids are her biggest fans!

Homer is so funny. On Saturday morning, it was just the two of us at home. I was looking for him to put him in his kennel, and found him on Hadley’s bed snuggling her stuffed animals.

Hayden’s artistic mind has always amazed me…especially his attention to detail. Apparently, the art class assignment was to draw a mermaid of any kind. Well, Hayden focused on his love of the Kansas City Chiefs, and drew a Patrick Mahomes mermaid. Note the yard line markers, the receivers in the ocean with him, as well as the commentators on the top left of his painting. Ocean Chiefs Touuuucchhhdown!

Saturday afternoon was spent at the kids’ cross country meet. Dang, it was hot! They ran 2000m in the 95 degree heat. Their perseverance and focus always amaze me, and it’s so fun to see them cheer for each other! Both had top 10 finishes. Having happy and healthy kids is something I’m thankful for each and every day.

Sunday was exciting as we actually got the Chiefs game on TV. Hayden wears his Mahomes shirt(s) pretty consistently on Sundays. The Chiefs made it a nail biter of a game, but they came out on top with a W! (And, we watched the last Royals game of the season. Not their best year, but it’s always fun watching them as a team, and it was a bitter sweet ending with Ned Yost’s retirement…We are looking forward to the 2020 season!)

Another Tooth Fairy visit for Hadley! She probably only has a few more left to lose!

Homer is nervous that the TF is coming for him. 😂

Sharing a few of my Amazon Prime purchases because a couple of them are my faves. The Meyer’s dish soap and the OPI Funny Bunny nail polish are two of my must haves. A couple of years ago, someone gave us a house warming gift of lots of Meyer products, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Bubble Bath nail polish used to be my go to polish, but now it’s Funny Bunny. The leopard sweater arrived, and I was so pleasantly surprised. It’s thick, comfy, and cute!

The other items are kind of random. The single air mattress is because we need some extra bedding for our fall break trip. (I will let Hayden review it later as to if it actually stayed inflated or not 😉 ) Exciting stuff—new replacement toothbrush heads for my my Dazzle Pro sonic toothbrush. Lastly, the Bissell pet hair vacuum has been a life saver. A friend recently told us about it, so I purchased it to use on our couch (and other areas of the house). After having two Boxers who had short hair, Homer’s fluff is a major adjustment!

I always love seeing what others out there are purchasing with their Prime account, so I thought I’d share.

A little book update…

Real talk: I started Summer of 69 and couldn’t get into it. I read about 100 pages or so and kind of gave up. I’m not sure what I wasn’t loving about it, but I decided to put it aside.

I’ve been reading Ask Again, Yes and love it. I’m more than halfway through and can’t wait to finish it.

I’m also reading The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House and I’m enjoying. The historical perspective and information have peaked my interest.

That’s a little bit of our life lately. Today is our last day of school this week as we get a four day weekend fall break. I always wish we got a little more time off, but I will take what I can get. We are headed off on a little get away with our friends for most of the break. I can’t wait to share about it when we return.

I hope you are having a great week!

Jen

Instagram: @showmeandsweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea

Life Lately

Posted on September 4, 2019May 19, 2020 by jgalvinwhite

Just a little bit of this and that from the past few weeks…

Hadley was at a sleepover, so Hayden had some quality time with us 🙂 We went out to dinner at a local restaurant we love: The Bear and the Butcher…and then Hayden talked us into ice cream at Graeters.

We wrapped up summer with our church’s back to school picnic. The kids had a great time running around, eating (too many) desserts, playing on bounce houses, and even going on horse rides with friends.

Official big kid status—the kids have been riding their bikes to school once or twice a week. While I’m kind of bummed we aren’t walking together as much, I know they are excited to feel like big kids having a little more independence. My friend who is a teacher at their school (hi, Cari!) sent me this pic at the end of the school day because I was a bit nervous about them making the trek (.5 miles ;)) home. All was good.

GG (my mom) and Gma (my grandma) visited a couple of weekends ago. They always come bearing gifts. Hayden and Hadley were both excited about their new KC Chiefs shirts, but Hayden was extra excited for Mahomes Magic Crunch. He’s still torn on if he should eat it or not. 😉

Lots of Homer snuggles going on at our house. I’m losing the battle of ‘no Homer on the couch.” #TGHC (thank goodness he’s cute!)

Dressed in their Sunday best. I always love seeing what they pick out to wear to church. Hadley’s dress is courtesy of Gma…and super cute.

I attended Curriculum Night at the kids’ school. I always love going to this event at their school (I’m a teacher nerd, ok?!)…and hearing about what’s going on in the classroom. Hayden’s teacher included this handout in the packet…and I loved every word of it. Real talk. Truth.

Most Saturdays at the fall are spent at Kroger Field cheering on the CATS. I’ve said it before…I don’t bleed blue…but I’m not mad about it that my kids and husband do. While Hadley and I don’t always make it into the stadium, we did last weekend. Sometimes, we just let the guys go into the game and cheer for the CATS while we stay outside and socialize 🙂 (or when it’s less than 60 degrees, stay at home and watch the game on the couch!_ It was a super hot Saturday, but we made the most of it and had fun with friends…and the CATS won…so that’s always a good thing!

These girls have my heart. Hadley is so blessed to have such great friends…and even better, Travis and I are friends with their parents. It’s such a blessing. These ladies were super serious about their tailgating football game…but stopped and let me snap their photo…and then…

My friend Amy said we should recreate the same pic! #momlife #friends

Travis and I had an impromptu date night on Saturday. Both kids were invited to a birthday party, so we had a couple of hours free and no sitter to have to pay! 🙌🏻

I honestly wanted to stay home and get takeout (#homebodystatus), but glad Travis insisted on going out to one of our favorite places: OBC kitchen. (Bacon in a glass with peanut butter dipping sauce—best appetizer in town).

That’s a little bit of our life lately. We are in the throes of back to school, sports, routines…but walking the fine line of not wanting summer to end but ready for all things fall.

Life lately, y’all.

Take care,

Jen

Instagram: @showmesweettea

Facebook Page: Show Me and Sweet Tea