Category: Me

Posted in Blog challenge, Holidays, Me

Happy New Year – 2026!

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy January 1st!

How was your New Year’s Eve? We hung out with friends and actually stayed up until midnight, but overall, it was a low-key evening.

A few years ago, I participated in “Bloganuary” that WordPress hosted with topics every day. While I don’t think they host this anymore, I think I might challenge myself to blog every day in January. What I remember liking about Bloganuary is it was an opportunity to write about topics big and small. Sometimes, last year I felt like I had “writer’s block,” and I’d like to start the year strong.

I plan on sharing my regular content, but I hope to sprinkle in some random topics even if it provides for a short post. Now, once I get back to school, we’ll see if I can keep this up, but I’m going to try.

Last night, we had more of an informal New Year’s Eve. I’ve shared in the past that a few friends, who all live within a few houses of each other, started a progressive dinner years ago. Well, they expanded the invite to a few other couples, including us, a couple of years ago, and that’s been lots of fun.

This year, they/we decided to scale back and just host at one house an informal game night with pizza for people to come and go as they please.

We had lots of fun watching football, playing a few games, enjoying apps and pizza and just letting the kids come and go as well.

One thing that didn’t change was that one friend still organized the “words of the year” that we pull from a pretty jar. After we draw our words, we all go around and share them.

Here are my words for 2026:

  • Boundaries: I think I’m pretty good at setting boundaries…I feel like this is something that’s easier to do as we get older. If a situation or relationship isn’t serving me, I’m ok with saying no or letting that go.
  • Encourage: One thing about me is that I’m a pretty loyal person, and I think I do a good job encouraging my people. I’m in the “thick” of raising two teens, and I’m going to keep encouraging them through the ups and downs of life…and honestly, I’m going to keep encouraging myself to do things for myself and give myself grace.
  • Celebrate: Low-key celebrating, ok? I’m too old for much more than that. haha (That being said, my birthday is a couple of weeks away, and I’ve already started receiving birthday emails from my school district and places like Ulta, etc…I ‘ve got birthday coupons to spend, apparently!)

I always keep the three words in my bedside table every year, and it’s fun to look back on them and reflect on the year.

Here were my 2025 words:

I hope you have a great start to your year!

Posted in Me, Self-care

Monday Memo: It’s the Little Things

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

This is the stretch of the school year where Mondays start to hit differently. Fall break is over, and it feels like Thanksgiving break is a ways away. That being said, I know it will be here before we know it!

The past few days I’ve done a few “little” things just to try to give myself a break and to remind myself that it’s okay for me to take some time when I need it. I’m sharing those things with you today.

I finally got a pumpkin cream cold brew at Starbucks. I don’t do pumpkin spice lattes anymore, but this sure did hit the spot. I also love the bacon Gouda egg sandwich at Starbs, so I get that occasionally. I never go inside Starbs, let alone sit inside for a few minutes, but I did so the other day. It was really nice to take twenty minutes to enjoy my breakfast sandwich and coffee.

I love hand creams. I have a few of the Bath and Body ones, and I always put some on my hands before bed…and then as needed otherwise. Anyway, Bath and Body had buy three get one free, so I stocked up. I put one in the car, one in my purse, one in my makeup bag, and one in my bedside table drawer. So, I have one wherever I need them.

I went to a new (to me) store…

I’ve walked past Paper Source many times, and I decided to go inside the other day. My oh my…they have so many cute things.

I actually showed restraint and didn’t buy anything, but I will definitely be back. I saw so many great gift ideas.

I purchased more pumpkins! A couple of weeks ago, I spruced up the front porch, but something was missing. That “something” was a couple more pumpkins. haha!

When I was at Trader Joe’s on Friday, I purchased a couple more to balance out the porch. Treat yourself!

I sat outside and got some fresh air. Instead of scrolling my phone, I did one of my favorite hobbies… a word search! I love doing word searches.

I’ve been trying a new beauty product…I was “influenced” into using this 3D lifting cream, and I really like it. Honestly, I can feel it working once I apply it. I’m not turning back the hands of time, but I am using this in my evening skincare routine.

I stayed in my pajamas all day. Saturday was such a long day…probably fourteen hours from start to finish. We were in Louisville at Hadley’s last volleyball tournament which meant a 6am wake up call, and we didn’t get home until close to 8pm. Yesterday was rainy and cold, so I gave myself permission to stay comfy all day. I briefly changed out of my pjs to go to Kroger…and of course I saw my brother and a neighbor…so I’m glad I wasn’t wearing my PJs for those brief moments. haha!

Anyway, the rest of the day was spent at home grading, doing laundry, getting ready for the week…

…and I watched one of my favorite movies…Father of the Bride. Man, we’ll miss Diane Keaton. I love Disney + for the sole purpose of watching so many movies that I loved growing up.

So, those were a few of the things I’ve done for myself lately. I hope this is a reminder to take care of yourself when needed!

Have a great Monday.

Posted in Me, Tuesday Talk

Tuesday Talk: Unfortunately I Do Love…

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

Yesterday, we finally got rain, and the gloomy skies, combined with my fall decor, made me want to hibernate at home!

Last week, I shared a Thursday Thoughts post about the “unfortunately I do love” trend for my Enneagram type. Today, I’m sharing an actual list that I compiled of things I “unfortunately do love…”

Unfortunately I do love…

  • A crispy Diet Coke: McDonald’s is where it’s at for a crispy (fizzy) Diet Coke. There’s nothing better!
  • A chocolate chip cookie with my CFA or Jimmy John’s order: It’s hard to resist a freshly baked cookie!
  • Making a list but adding things I’ve already done just to cross them off: It’s the feeling of accomplishment, for me.
  • A daily word search: I’m a little behind, but I’ve enjoyed doing a word search every morning this year. I love that it’s a mindless activity, but I also get a feeling of accomplishment from it.
  • Stockpiling my seasonal candles: I have a shelf in our hall closet for my candles that is organized by seasons, and I love purchasing scents throughout the year to use at a later date.
  • Justifying shopping because I have a coupon to use #girlmath: There is some saying about just because something is on sale, you don’t have to buy it. Well, what fun is that? haha But really, I don’t purchase things just to purchase something. I just mean if I need to buy my shampoo and conditioner at Ulta, I wait until I have a coupon. Same goes for Bath and Body Works and other stores. Travis likes his Kohls cash, so he can’t judge me!
  • Using the same coffee mug for weeks at a time: Of course, I clean the coffee mug, but I just mean I will use the same one for a month or so or even for a season as my “go to” mug. I don’t want to make decisions in the morning, so this simplifies things.
  • Using dry shampoo to get through another day without washing my hair: For as long as I can remember, I would wash my hair every other day. During Covid and spending lots of time at home, I realized I could stretch it an additional day. Now, I wash my hair every three days, and sometimes I don’t even need to use dry shampoo.
  • Watching reruns of shows: Is there anything more comforting than watching a show that feels so nostalgic? Of course, I love my Golden Girls, but recently, Hulu has had some of my favorite shows like Who’s the Boss? and Mad About You. My current show to binge is Designing Women. I love those ladies too!
  • Staying home: I am a homebody.
  • An over-sized t-shirt: I feel comfy in an over-sized t-shirt and leggings or sweats!
  • Using emojis in my text messages: Sorry not sorry! What did we do before emojis?!

This was fun to put together! Can you relate to any of these? I feel like I could make a second list! If so, I’ll share here.

Posted in Enneagram, Me, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday! Wow…this week seems to be flying by.

I haven’t shared a Thursday Thoughts post in a while. I’ve seen the “unfortunately I do love” trend on Instagram, and that idea coupled with my interest of Enneagrams makes for the perfect combo.

On Instagram, I follow @alignedsoulco, and saw the recent Enneagram series. It’s been a few years since I’ve taken the Enneagram test, but I’m a 5w6.

Unfortunately I do love:

Type 5:

  • Watching people from across the room: Why does this one sound so creepy? haha. I definitely love to people watch.
  • Having weird niche knowledge about random topics: It’s the teacher in me, I guess!
  • Disappearing for weeks and then acting like nothing happened: This summer, I had a few friends say they barely saw me at the start of the summer. I swear I become a hermit when I need to decompress after the end of the school year.
  • Observing social dynamics like a nature documentary: Again, I like to people watch!
  • Preferring texts over phone calls: Yes…most of the time.
  • Researching anything before experiencing it: I do like to have all my info and feel prepared.
  • Being an expert on things I’ve never actually done: This one isn’t me…this is actually a pet peeve of mine.
  • Emotional detachment as a lifestyle: Put this way, this doesn’t seem very healthy! I do kind of compartmentalize my feelings a bit.

Type 6:

  • Worst case scenario planning: I always tell Travis I’m a realist…not a pessimist!
  • Asking “what if” about everything: Again, I need to have all my info!
  • Seeing reassurance and then doubting the reassurance: For sure me if I feel uncertain about a decision.
  • Being prepared for apocalypses that never happen: I don’t know about this one, but in general, I do like to be prepared in situations!
  • Loyalty tests nobody knows they are taking: Ok, this sounds devious…but loyalty is important to me.
  • Anxiety as a personality trait: Unfortunately, yes…and something I’m working on.
  • Overthinking overthinking: I don’t overthink as much as I used to…I think letting some of that go has come with age.
  • Being suspicious of good things: Listen, someone has to be suspicious!

On a little lighter note, Shay shared this a few weeks ago…and while we’re just at the halfway point of September, there’s so much to look forward to in the “-ber” months.

  • Pumpkins arrive in the stores: I’ve been tempted, but so far I’ve held off!
  • Apple recipes in the kitchen: I haven’t made it yet this season, but this apple cider donut cake is a fave this time of the year.
  • Football season arrives: Well, the Chiefs are off to a rough start, but I’m hoping they’ll get it together. On the other hand, my Mizzou Tigers are 2-0 to start the season!
  • Oktoberfest is here: I don’t go to Oktoberfest every year, but it is a fun September activity.
  • Seasonal coffee drinks are out: I want to try Starbucks’ pumpkin cold brew.
  • The temps start to decline: Well, we had a “fake fall” a couple of weeks ago, and now the temps are soaring to the upper 80s/low 90s. Just yesterday, Hayden said, “It’s so hot! Isn’t it supposed to be fall?” Of course, he really notices because he’s out there running!
  • The slow cooker comes back out: So true! Of course, with back to school, I need as many slow cooker meals as possible.
  • My house smells warm and cozy: I do love nothing more than switching out seasonal candles. I have an apple/vanilla one burning right now.
  • Seasonal movies on repeat: Who has time to watch a movie? haha! But yes, I have some favorite seasonal ones.
  • The return of boots and booties: As soon as these temps drop, yes!

What’s your favorite thing about September?

Posted in Me

Monday Memo

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Mine was exactly what I needed it to be…slow mornings, errands, school work, pool time and a few other odds and ends. Moving forward, we’ll have some kind of kid activity most weekends for the foreseeable future, so I tried to savor this slow paced weekend.

For today’s Monday Memo, I’m sharing a bit about me lately…

I saw this “finish the sentence” graphic on Pinterest and thought it would be fun to share.

  • I’ve seen every episode of…The Golden Girls. These ladies are the best…they keep me laughing, and I get a feeling of nostalgia whenever I get a chance to watch an episode…or four. Since we’re talking about TV…do you know what I’ve started to “binge” watch?—Mad About You. It’s on Hulu, and I’ve started watching episodes here and there. I do the same with 227. These series are blasts from the past!
  • People say I look like…Hermoine Granger from Harry Potter movies…That character is played by Emma Watson, and when people have said I look like Hermoine, that’s what they say…and not specifically Emma Watson, necessarily. She’s ten years younger than I am, so I think it’s just the dark eyebrows!
  • I’m currently addicted to…Favorite Day Sea Salt Caramels from Target. I usually get the dark chocolate ones, but this last time, they only had the milk chocolate. They are 10/10!! I do show restraint and only occasionally have a couple of them.
  • Knows everything about you…a few good friends…and Trav. I’m pretty private, so I try to keep things to myself or in my inner circle of a few close friends.
  • The last text I sent…“No practice on Friday.” Volleyball carpool is underway, but we realized that the JV team doesn’t have practice on Friday, so I was filling another mom in on the schedule in case she didn’t see the email.
  • I wish I was living in..(truthfully, a few places…but for the sake of this post…Del Mar, California) It’s been a favorite place to visit through the years when Travis has work, and I don’t think I could live “just anywhere” in California…I’d have to be rich enough to live in Del Mar. haha

That being said, Cali is far away, but just saying…who doesn’t love no humidity and sunshine?!

This was a fun little post. I will share the graphic on Instagram in case you want to share your answers too.

Posted in Let's look, Me

Let’s Look

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

We were all the struggle bus yesterday …so tired and disappointed from that Super Bowl loss. While I didn’t have high hopes they’d win, I did hope it was respectable! haha.

Hopefully, we don’t have to wait too long for another Chiefs Super Bowl appearance.

Today, we have an NTI day thanks to snow that should be on the ground as of this morning. While I’d be surprised if this turns into more than one day off, I will take what I can get with sleeping in a bit before online school at home.

I’m linking up with Erika and Shay for Let’s Look.

I believe Shay said they were changing the day to the second Tuesday of the month?? If not, I’m a day early!

So far this year, we’ve looked at…

  • Low level goals for 2025 in January

This month’s topic is…let’s look at how you work on your marriage.

It’s hard to believe, but Travis and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in June.

Truly, it is crazy how quickly these past twenty years have flown by. We’re not perfect, but I still feel like we are perfect for each other.

I actually feel like we used to do a better job at making intentional time for each other…then, insert two kids with very busy schedules on top of both of us in the thick of our careers, and we’re busy and tired!

That being said, I still love when we go out to dinner, watch a show together, or sit on the back patio in the summer.

We both go for walks occasionally, and maybe we should do that together…but right now, when I walk, I just want silence after a long, over-stimulating day. haha!

Even better, is when we can find a short weekend to get away, but that doesn’t happen as often as I’d like.

While the kids and their activities shouldn’t completely overtake our lives, we both are in agreement that we aren’t going to miss their games, meets, and activities unless we absolutely need to. We’re going to blink, and the fast-paced high school years will be over.

We’ve had some glimpses of what “the next chapter” will look like when both kids are out of the house. While they might just be at a friend’s house and not at college yet, we end up having a spontaneous chunk of time to go out to eat or watch a movie.

So, while we might be as planned as we once were, now it just sometimes happens that we have some time to hang out together.

Communication is, and always will be, key. Travis hears it all from me…when I’m sad, happy, grumpy, tired or need to vent. There’s not another person in this world that I will turn to for all the things I turn to him for…and he’s always there for me. He’s never once let me down or disappointed me, and I hope he can say the same thing about me!

Our first dance at our wedding he picked out the song…and it was a surprise…just something he said he’d handle. He chose “Someone like You,” and it’s a sweet song, but I laughed because we’d seen the movie “Someone like You” that starred Ashley Judd. All men, of a certain age in Kentucky, have had a crush on Ashley Judd at some point in the 90’s! She’s a huge Kentucky fan. Anyway, it’s a sweet song that makes me smile with that memory as we took the dance floor.

We do have traditions like going out somewhere nice around Valentine’s Day and for our anniversary. I always look forward to the fall and spring when we go to Keeneland, and we usually go to Oaks as well in May.

I’m lucky that finding “my person” didn’t take too long, and I’m grateful for the years we’ve had together and all that we’ve celebrated and all that we’ve been through together.

And…he writes my name in bubble letters…what more can a girl ask for?

Marriage is hard work…but it’s worth it. My daily prayers include growing “old, old” with him.

So far, so good.

Posted in Enneagram, Me

Thursday Thoughts – Goals & Words

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I like sharing Enneagram posts, and @the.freckled.home on Instagram had some goal setting and words for the new year posts based on Enneagram types.

It’s hard to believe that we only have one week of January left. So, I’m taking a look at these before this first month of the year is in the rear view mirror!

I’m not a big goal setter for January, but I did have one goal which was to get back to working out. I figure if I have one thing to focus on, I’m more likely to be successful!

In the new year, I’ve completed 17 workouts in 22 days. I have done a really good job of getting workouts in most days which was a main goal, and I’ve enjoyed doing a variety of things: walking, elliptical, Pilates, and weights.

I’m a 5w6 in the Enneagram world, so these posts were fun to look at.

2025 Goal Setting:

Goal Ideas for 5’s:

Screenshot
  • Set reading goals: Yes! I’ve set a goal of reading 40 books this year. While I’ve fell short of that goal the past two years, maybe this will be the year I accomplish that goal again.
  • Monthly home minimalizing: Well, you’re talking to the girl who still has her skinny Christmas tree up in her bedroom! I just love the glow at night! I am going to take it down today. That being said, there’s nothing like putting away the clutter of Christmas. I do love having all my regular decor out.
  • Daily screen free time: I’m sure I’m on my phone the average amount of time, but I also do read my Kindle…that’s a different kind of screen time. One thing I’ve done in January, is do a word search every day. One of my stocking stuffers was a daily calendar with word searches. I love a word search!
  • Hike more: No ma’am.
  • Create a new nightly routine: My nightly routine does vary more than my morning one. That being said, I’m pretty consistent with showering, skincare, reading, and going to bed at a decent time. Of course, some nights I stay up later, or I will watch a show instead of read a book.

Goal Ideas for 6’s:

Screenshot
  • Try new quick workouts: Well, it looks like I’m off to a great start! I’ve been to a few Reformer Pilates classes lately, and I really have been enjoying them.
  • Make it through a whole planner: The only paper planner I use is my lesson plan book, and I always make it through that.
  • Create a morning routine: I think my morning routine is pretty good. As a matter of fact, I’ve done a really good job being on time to school this year. Not that I’ve been really late in the past, but I was always pushing it to be there on time. This year, I’ve started getting up ten minutes earlier, and I’ve also set an alarm on my phone for 6:45, so I quit sipping my coffee and get up and moving to get ready for school. Now, I leave around 7:30 instead of 7:45.
  • Connect with online friends: That’s what I do with you all, my blog fam!
  • Create a water goal: I’ve been pretty good at being consistent at drinking water for quite some time. I’ve had this tumbler for a year and a half, and I don’t leave home without it. I drink at least two tumblers of water a day. It comes in so many colors and patterns. Y’all, look how cute this heart one is!

2025 Words of the Year:

Thanks to our NYE progressive dinner tradition, I start the year with a few words in mind:

Ennegram 5 words for the new year:

Screenshot

Of the words for 5, better, growth, and balanced popped out to me. I’m always trying to do better while growing and finding balance in my life.

Enneagram 6 words for the new year:

Screenshot

For the words for 6, content caught my attention. I do feel very content with my life. We’re in a great phase of life with the kids, they’ve adjusted to high school, and Trav and I both enjoy our work. I want to continue to create, which for me, is writing blog posts. I’m a very driven person, but sometimes I don’t feel that way. I guess we all go through “funks” sometimes. I will say that I’ve really enjoyed having a few classes this year, and I’m very driven when planning lessons for them and adjusting to our new curriculum.

As always, the Enneagram topic is always interesting to me…and I love seeing how it applies to a variety of topics like goals and words of the year!

I hope everyone has a great 2025!

Posted in Friday Favorites, Me

Friday Favorites {#241}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Well, this was a different kind of week for us…three NTI days and then two days back to school. Yesterday, was a good day, but I’m tired! It kind of felt like the actual first day of school.

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

This week was basically about my birthday. If you know me, then you know that’s really “on brand” for me….as I always look forward to my birthday. haha

But, really –with all the snow days and the kids just in the practice phase of their sports right now, we didn’t have a ton going on. It was a good week though.

A few days before my birthday, we went to Jeff Ruby’s for a family dinner.

Jeff Ruby’s went all out for my birthday…just look at the menu! haha

We’ve been to this restaurant a few times, and I usually get sushi whereas Trav and the kids usually order steak. The sushi was delish.

Then, it was time for dessert. Jeff Ruby’s doing the most…

I didn’t want any attention, and out walks our server with my dessert on fire! At least no one sang to me!

We also ordered cheese cake and a gooey butter cake as well to share around the table. For special occasions, the server takes your picture, prints it out and gives it to you as a keepsake.

This one is a keeper:

On my actual birthday, we had a snow day. In 23 years as a teacher, I’ve never had a snow day on my birthday. That morning, I went to Pilates class and then picked up my free Starbucks. I got an email for a free Jimmy John’s birthday sandwich, so since we were home for the snow day, that’s what we had for lunch.

(BTW: I’m sure both of these freebies have a time frame in which to cash in…I just had the time to do so on Tuesday)

After dinner, Trav and the kids gave me flowers and a card…and bubble letters on the card, of course.

Then, it was cake time! Bundt cake for my birthday! It was delish.

Wednesday morning, I picked up another Starbucks (I’m loving the cold brew with peppermint foam) and had a slice of cake for a late breakfast. This is one of my traditions (if we have cake leftover. haha)

Yesterday, was back to school. I packed my lunch in my new containers that I got as a Christmas gift. These were my suggestion to Trav’s mom as she needed some ideas, but now that I’m using them…the lid only seems to snap on/stay secure on one side…which is a bummer. I will give them another try, but I might have to find a different brand on Amazon.

My lunch was perfect…and I was able to take one of my favorite things…a “snack plate” lunch to take to school.

I still love sharing what I’m reading on my Instagram account. When I started making the book trackers last year, I only had a couple for January and February, so I made a couple new ones to add to my Instagram highlight.

If you use any of them, feel free to tag me!

Favorite Mom Meme:

Only occasional swearing? j/k!

Screenshot

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week…

Share our Lives
Let’s Look
Currently

Well, we were back to school for two days, and now we have a three day weekend. It’s hard to get in a groove lately, but I will take the extra day of rest!

Thanks for reading,

Posted in Me

New Year, Same Me.

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello from snowy Kentucky!

Well, I feel with the start of the year, I usually “reintroduce” myself via a blog post whether it’s a link up topic or just a post I plan on writing.

Anyway, every year, I seem to have a few more readers which I appreciate so much. If you’ve read ten posts or one hundred, there still might be some gaps in what you know about me, and I always feel like I should re-explain the blog title for new readers.

My Share Our Lives post from last year is a quick way to get to know me with a few other posts linked as well.

So…here are a few things about me:

Missouri to Kentucky:

I was born and raised in a suburb of Kansas City and then attended the University of Missouri in Columbia for college. So, I’m a loyal Chiefs and Royals fan. In my senior year of college, I met Trav, who was working in the same athletic office as me. Working in college athletics was Trav’s real job while I was just working part time to earn money before and during student teaching.

Anyway, he eventually decided that he wanted to get in the horse business. He’s from Louisville, but went to school at UK, so he settled back in Lexington and started his work in the horse business. I moved to Lexington a year later. We got engaged right before I left KC, and then I found a teaching job just outside of Lexington.

So, my blog title is mesh of the “Show Me” state Missouri where I’m from and the “sweet tea” reference of the south.

Family:

We’re in the stage of life where life is centered around the kids and their activities. We’re typically shuttling them to and from whatever sport they need to go to. It’s nice when we are all home. Teenagers –they like their rooms –haha…sometimes, we’re all home and in our separate areas, but it’s nice to spend time together when we can.

Travis:

It’s hard to believe but Trav and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary this summer. Where has the time gone?

I joke that he’s stayed the same, and I’m the one who’s changed a bit throughout our years together. He’s just the steady, hard-working, likable guy that I met 23 years ago. I know I have good qualities too (haha)—but I was just younger when we started dating and I’ve certainly changed a bit from my 20’s to 30’s to now mid (wow!) 40’s.

I never would have imagined that I would have moved away from Missouri, but that “risk” has paid off. We have a blessed life.

4. Reading:

I’d say my #1 hobby (besides watching my kids’ activities and this blog) is reading. I love to read, and will take my Kindle anywhere. For years, I would usually read one actual book and then have one book on my Kindle, but in the past year, my Kindle has become my go to. On vacations this past year, I’ve only taken my Kindle to read.

Anyway, I don’t think a day goes by that I don’t read at least a few pages. There’s nothing better than starting and/or finishing a great book.

5. Teaching:

This year is my 23rd year in high school education. I taught for a year outside of Columbia Missouri, and then I taught a year at a school in KC when I decided to move back home. Then, I moved to Kentucky and taught for 12 years at a more rural school outside of Lexington. This is my 9th year at my current school, and I assume it’s where I will finish my career.

When I moved to my current school, my kids were in 1st grade. I remember thinking that this will be the school they’d go to one day, and this year we’re there together. Seeing them and their friends at school has been surprisingly meaningful for me. I do have some of their friends in my advanced class which was more of an adjustment for me than the students. haha

After this year, I have seven to ten years left just depending on my retirement. I have two Missouri years and then I was .7 for three years when the kids were little to spend more time with them. So, I get paid for my 23 years experience, but to get full retirement, I may have to stick it out closer to the ten years than the seven years, if that makes sense. It’s still quite a ways off, but wow!…it is crazy to at least even have retirement on my radar.

So, that’s a bit about me. I hope I didn’t bore you! haha

We’re off again today thanks to the snow/ice we got Sunday/Monday. My street is a bus stop street, and it’s still snow covered, so who knows if we will go tomorrow or Friday. So far, we’ve had “traditional” snow days as it’s at the start of the semester, and I’m afraid many elementary teachers hadn’t seen Chromebooks home yet. Also, we still have quite a few areas without power.

I have no clue what this means for us in regards to making these days up. We’ve relied on NTI (non-traditional instruction) the past five years without many traditional snow days. Anyway, there’s nothing I can do about the weather, and we have more snow on the way this weekend! I do love a snow day, but I also feel ready to get back to school. I like to space the snow days out if possible. But, I’ll enjoy the time off while I have it.

Thanks for reading,

Posted in Holidays, Me

Mother’s Day Recap

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Tuesday!

I know many of my readers are moms, but I also know that Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day) can be very difficult for some.

When those days roll around, I truly do also think about those who are sad on those days. I’ve been the woman wanting to be a mom, and I’ve also been the mom really grateful for her three-year-old twins, but sad after a miscarriage. You just never know what people are going through or what they’ve experienced.

I’m really grateful for the thought and care that my kids and Travis show me on Mother’s Day. We have a few traditions which I appreciate, but I do miss the days of hand print gifts and snuggles.

This year, I slept in a bit (we all did), and I woke up to flowers, a card, and a gift.

Travis picked up Panera bagels, so we had those before heading to church. We joined our church five years ago on Mother’s Day. Life can get busy, but I appreciate when we have time to go to church, especially on Mother’s Day.

Recently, our church started doing name tags, and Hadley wanted to write my name tag:

How sweet, right?

After church, we came home for a bit. I noticed the two hanging ferns on the front porch. That’s my traditional gift which I really appreciate. I keep the ferns on the porch until Labor Day weekend. Every year, we seem to end up with a nest of baby birds in one of the ferns. I love that my Mother’s Day gift ends up being a spot for a mother to care for her babies until it’s time for them to spread their wings and fly. (I’m not ready for that actual symbolism of my own birds flying the nest yet!)

We got a quick pic (another tradition/miracle!)

We wanted to go somewhere for lunch where we could sit outside. We’d never been to the Burl Brewery, but it was really nice. They had the garage doors open, the sun was shining, the Kentucky baseball game was on, and they had flowers for moms!

I ordered the avocado toast, and it was delish.

The kids played pool for a bit…

…while Trav had a beer, and I enjoyed a grapefruit mimosa….served by one of my former students!

We were there for a couple of hours, and then we came home. I put my flowers in a vase and set up my NEW KINDLE! Thankfully, that was a seamless process. I’ve had my other Kindle for six or seven years, and it wasn’t holding a charge for very long and was slow to download. I had told Travis I wanted a new one, but that I’d get one this summer. I was pleasantly surprised!

Then, I sat on the front porch and called my mom. We’d sent her flowers, and I’m glad she enjoyed them.

Travis had moved the TV out to the back patio to finish watching the UK baseball game. So, after I hung up with my mom, I decided to go out back and finish my book.

The Many Lives of Mama Love was so good…very inspirational.

Then it was time for dinner. Travis grilled steaks, Hayden put the asparagus in the oven, and Hadley was in charge of the (mircowave) Bob Evans mashed potatoes. When she asked me to stir them at the midway point, I said, “No ma’am!”…and she said with exasperation, “Being a mom is SO HARD!” 😆

We had dinner on the patio. I forgot to snap a pic, but here’s an old photo….which was probably my Mother’s Day dinner last year. haha

Hadley had volleyball, so I took her. Then, when I came home, I decided to do a few of my “mom responsibilities” that I’d neglected throughout the day. I made a grocery list, swapped out the laundry and then tidied up a bit.

I picked Hadley up around 9:15, and we ended the day with ice cream!

Overall, it was a really great Mother’s Day. I saw so many friends sharing their kids’ high school prom pics this weekend, and a few have graduation coming up soon. It was hard for me not to think the next four years are going to fly by. Ok, enough about that. I think I will live in denial for a bit longer 😉

I hope your week is off to a great start.