Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom: Family Food Traditions

Posted on July 11, 2022July 10, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your weekend? We got back late Saturday night, and I’m still up to my eyeballs in laundry, suitcases, and errands. I’m going to continue to chip away at that stuff today too.

I swear…after the 4th of July, the summer just really starts to slip away. It’s already the second Monday of the month, so I’m co-hosting this fun link up with some of my favorite bloggers.

So far this year, we’ve discussed:

Favorite bloggers in January
Day in the life in February
Reading habits in March
What’s for lunch in April
Go to gift ideas in May
Dream travel locations in June

This month’s topic is: family food traditions.

Today, I’m sharing the first few food traditions of ours that immediately came to mind.

Corned beef and cabbage:

My entire family looks forward to March 17th! They know this means we get to have corned beef and cabbage as well as Irish soda bread for dinner. I’ve shared those recipes before, and here they are again!

I grew up on these dishes around the holidays, and I’m glad to have carried the tradition on for my family.

Cookie cake:

We are big cookie cake people. Honestly, I think we started having cookie cakes around the time the kids were born. I remember picking a double stuffed one up at Sam’s Club for my brother’s birthday in 2010. Then, it just became a thing we do for birthdays, anniversaries (sometimes), Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

We always look forward to this sweet treat!

Christmas cookies:

Like many families, we make Christmas cookies every year. Again, I grew up baking cookies, and started doing that with my kids when they were little.

The kids always loved making the Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies, and when they were little, the best help they could be was peeling off the silver wrapper on the kisses. Now, they can make the cookies without any help from me!

Years ago, I added in the chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies I found on Pinterest, and those are our two main cookies. Sometimes, the kids will use cookie cutters on sugar cookies and then ice them, but we don’t do that every year like we do the other cookies.

My mom always sends us Christmas cookies, and then when we visit KC at Christmas, we make cookies as well. We make Spritz, Pfeffernusse, and Lebkuchen cookies as well as waffle cookies using the waffle iron that’s been in our family for well over 100 years.

Back to school:

Another tradition we have is our Back to School Breakfast. I started doing this when the kids were in kindergarten. I keep most of the supplies in a box and just bring them out the night before school starts. This is a fun tradition….

…that I tweaked last year. With the start of middle school, I decided to have a Back to School Brinner the night before the first day of school.

It was a success, and I think that will be the plan this year too. Honestly, it felt weird waking up on the first day already having that traditional meal over with, but it also was the perfect time for that transition.

Red plate:

Growing up we had the “You are Special” red plate. My mom served us dinner on it for anything from getting a good grade on a test to passing our driver’s test!

She gave one to us maybe four or five years ago for me to carry on the tradition with the kids.

The kids get it after report card time, after a game/performance/sports season, for being extra helpful and more.

So…those are some of our traditions. I’m sure I’m forgetting some, but those were the first to pop up in my mind!

What food traditions do you have in your family? I’d love to hear!

Next month, our topic is binge watching tv shows. Considering in binged all six seasons on Schitt’s Creek in the past month, I know that will be the first on my list!

If you have a blog, we hope you’ll link up with us. There are always so many great posts to read too!

I hope you have a wonderful Monday.

Not Just a Mom, Travel

Not Just a Mom: Dream Travel Locations

Posted on June 13, 2022June 12, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your weekend? We had a great one that was mostly centered around Hadley’s dance recitals. Hayden also had a basketball game, and we enjoyed some family time too. The weather was great, and we savored our time outside because this week the temps are definitely cranking up a notch into the upper 90’s!

It’s the second Monday of the month, so I’m co-hosting our Not Just a Mom link-up with these fun bloggers:

So far this year, we’ve discussed:

Favorite bloggers in January
Day in the Life in February
Reading Habits in March
What’s for Lunch in April
Go to Gift Ideas in May

This month, we are sharing dream travel locations.

I wrote this post in March because I think I was getting excited about Spring Break and summer being right around the corner!

My “bucket list” is on there, but my top five dream travel locations include:

Hawaii
Nantucket
Europe, especially London and Paris. I’d love to get to Italy and Ireland too. (I went on a 10-day tour of Europe when I was in high school, but obviously that was a long time ago, and I’d love to take my kids)
Virgin Islands
Pacific NW
….and one more: Mexico. We haven’t been since 2005 (on our honeymoon)…and we are crossing that one off the list this summer!

Where is somewhere you’ve been that I need to go? I’d love to add it to my list.

If you are a blogger, mark your calendar for next month when we share family food traditions.

In the meantime, we hope you’ll link up and/or read the other posts about dream travel locations.

I hope your week is off to a great start!

Gift Ideas, Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom: Gift Ideas

Posted on May 9, 2022May 8, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday. How was your weekend? We had a really good one. We started with going to the Oaks on Friday (more on that tomorrow)…

….lots of down time on Saturday while watching all the Derby day races…

…and then yesterday was Mother’s Day which of course is a favorite.

Today, I’m co-hosting our Not Just a Mom link up with some of my favorite bloggers:

So far this year, we’ve discussed:

Favorite bloggers in January
Day in the life in February
Reading habits in March
What’s for lunch in April

This month, we are sharing about go to gift ideas.

When I think of gifts, I usually think of Etsy for some reason. I often shop there for gift ideas for family and friends.

Etsy:

From sweatshirts to picture frames to jewelry and more, you can find most everything on Etsy. I like to support small shops when I can, and Etsy is easy to search to find what you are looking for.

Here are some of my Etsy posts:

Etsy 1

Etsy 2

Etsy 3

Go to ideas:

My “go to” gift ideas usually include:

candles
books
scarf
flowers
gift card

Recent gifts:

Last year, for Mother’s Day, my brother and I purchased Storyworth for my mom. It’s been fun getting her weekly responses. I guess it’s time to order the book now, and it will be a fun keepsake to have for years to come.

This year, I sent her a candle from Antique Candle Co. for Mother’s Day.

When I got on their site to pick a candle, I saw they had this gift set option:

My mom’s birthday is soon, and her gift arrived a bit early. She went ahead and opened it. I purchased this seasonal door hanger for her. It’s cute, shipped quickly, and she loves it.

(Shout out to mom for taking these photos of her gifts, so I could share) 😊

What are some of your “go to” gift ideas? I always love a card and a candle or fresh flowers. I honestly really appreciate a gift card to use whenever I have time.

Please join us next month when the topic is: dream travel locations. Ahh…just in time for summer! If you’re a blogger, we certainly hope you’ll join us.

I hope your week starts off right! Only three more Mondays in the school year for us, including today. Summer can’t get here soon enough.

Meals and Recipes, Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom: What’s for Lunch

Posted on April 11, 2022April 10, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! How was your weekend? We had a great one with quite a bit of downtime. We have family visiting, so we hung out at my brother’s on Friday night, and we all went to lunch on Saturday. Travis and I went to a concert with friends on Saturday night, and then Sunday’s weather was beautiful. It finally felt like spring.

Today, I’m co-hosting our NJAM link up with these awesome bloggers:

So far this year, we’ve discussed:

Favorite bloggers in January.
Day in the life in February.
Reading habits in March.

Last Monday, I shared some easy dinner ideas, and today I’m talking about: What’s for Lunch…

I’ve a few Let’s Lunch posts in the past…

Post 1

Post 2

….and an easy lunch idea:

Chicken Rice Bowl

I have a love/hate relationship with lunch. Somehow it always gets brought up with my students, but in 20 years as a teacher, I only buy the cafeteria lunch once a year for the Thanksgiving meal! That means, I pack my lunch the other 175 days in the school year…

It’s not even that I get bored with lunches, I just hate having another task like packing a lunch.

I often make something that will at least provide two lunches for the week like shrimp fried rice or a salad. Otherwise, I will pack cheese and crackers, a chip (pretzel, popcorn), carrots and hummus, a hard boiled egg, or fruit (strawberries or grapes). I typically pack a protein shake as well. Sometimes, I will include a small sweet bite like a Built bar or granola bar.

Lately, my “go to” has been a Cheeseburger salad. It’s delish.

If I’m home, I love to make a “snack plate.” I’m not sure why, but it feels like a treat!

The kids often took their lunches in elementary school. Now that it’s middle school, Hayden buys lunch every single day, and Hadley brings her lunch every single day. She tends to eat the same thing every day in her Yumbox: an Uncrustable in the big section, Gushers or fruit snacks in the small middle circle, fruit or vegetable in one section, and then a chip in the last part. She typically packs a granola bar for a snack. She occasionally will pack something in her thermos and then bring a chip and other snack for lunch.

What are some of your “go to” lunches?

We hope you’ll join us next month when our topic is: go to gift ideas.

If you are a blogger, we hope you’ll link up with us today.

I hope you have a great week. We have lots going on, but I hope to post pretty regularly.

Books and Shows, Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom: Reading Habits

Posted on March 14, 2022March 14, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday! How was your weekend? We had a super low key Friday night and woke up to 4 inches of snow on Saturday. Thankfully, our Saturday activities were pretty light which gave me time to run some errands and finish my book. I hate springing forward although I know the benefit is that it will be lighter outside longer. I think I just feel like I have so few hours to accomplish things and now I lost one! Oh well…

Today, I’m hosting this month’s Not Just a Mom post with my fellow blogging friends:

So far this year, we’ve discussed:

Favorite bloggers in January
Day in the life in February

This month, we are sharing about reading habits.

So far this year, I’ve read:

January books

February Books

Some of my reading habits are:

1.

I keep a list of books I want to read. I used to use the Notes app on my phone, but I’ve been using the Goodreads app for over a year, and I really enjoy it! I have different bookshelves (chick lit, mystery, bio/auto bio, etc.) to keep my book list organized.

2.

I always have a stack of books to read and at least one book on my Kindle. What if I start reading a book and don’t like it? I want to have a back up book just in case. Also, I keep my Kindle in my purse, so I like to have a book on the Kindle as an option to read while waiting on kids’ practices to finish or any other spare time I may have.

3.

I try to have a cozy atmosphere when read if possible. I will light a candle, grab a blanket, and sip my coffee or glass of wine while reading.

4.

I try to read for a bit every single day. It’s honesty pretty rare for me to have a solid chunk of time to read; that seems to only happen in the summer while at the pool…

…or on vacation.

I at least try to read a bit before bed; sometimes I drift to sleep in only a few minutes, but at least I tried!

On Saturday, I carved out 30 minutes because I knew I wanted to finish my book. I love when I’m able to do that.

5.

I keep track of what I read and set a goal for the year. I always had an idea of how many books I wanted to read in a year, but 2021 was the first year I set a Goodreads goal of 40 books.

I never want reading to feel like a chore, but it’s nice to have a goal in mind. That being said, I’m “behind” for 2022, and I’ve never been behind in reading. Hopefully, I can make up for it over Spring Break, and I know I always read more in the summer.

Reading Habits:

I grew up with two parents who read a lot. My dad always had a stack of books on the side table by his recliner. My mom, a former English teacher, always took us to the library, and of course she loves reading too. {After she retired from teaching, she worked at the public library for ten years!)

When my kids were little, I loved taking them to the library. We’d go at least once a week for story time, and every summer we did the Summer Reading Program at the library. They were always so excited to get the book they earned at the end of the summer.

Once the kids started elementary school, they loved bringing home books from the school library as well.

Hayden has always been my avid reader, and Hadley has to be reminded to read. They’ve enjoyed so many wonderful series like the “Who was” books, Diary of Wimpy Kids, Magic Tree House, Babysitter’s Club, and so many more. Hadley loved graphic novels. (I think they were perfect for her attention span.)

Until middle school, Hayden would read every night. He still loves to read, but now he has homework to juggle or activities that go later into the evening, so he doesn’t read every night.

Last summer, they both read books from the 6th grade reading list because they knew they’d need to start the year earning AR (Accelerated Reader) points. They have to have 20 AR points each quarter. (After reading a book, they take a test to earn the points.)

I hope my reading habits are rubbing off on my kids and that they look back with fond memories of all the great books they read in their childhood.

For the love of reading…

What are some of your reading habits? Do your kids like to read?

We hope you’ll join us next month when we talk about “what’s for lunch.”

Well, this week, the weather is going to feel more like spring, and we only have a four day school week! Yippee!

Thanks so much for reading,

Everyday Life, Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom

Posted on February 14, 2022February 13, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday! Also, Happy Valentine’s Day. My mom sent me a text with these candy hearts. So funny and so true.

Today, I’m blogging with these ladies for our monthly link up.

In January, we discussed favorite bloggers. This month, we are sharing a day in the life.

I’ve shared some day in the life posts a few times a year. While writing this post, I looked, and my last day in the life post was in September.

I’ve never shared a weekend post, so I thought I’d give you a peek of a Saturday. This didn’t seem like a typical Saturday because my kids didn’t have any sports. None. Zero. Can you believe it? Well, they had a few other things going on, but our weekend started off slowly which seems to be a rarity.

Well, all I wanted to do was sleep in, but Homer had other plans. He woke me at 6:45. After I let him out, I kind of dozed back off and got out of bed around 8:15.

I poured myself a cup of coffee and played Wordle. Travis decided he wanted to try Wordle as well.

Then, I had about 45 minutes, so I sipped my coffee and watched Food Network (Giada)…and the kids were still sleeping.

I did my morning skincare routine, made the bed and got dressed.

With out kids not having any sports that day, we were able to go to cousin Wyatt’s game. He did great! Hayden and Wyatt had fun playing around after the game.

Hadley headed off to a church youth group activity, and the rest of us (my brother and his family, and my mom) went to one of our favorite places for lunch. Really, this is a favorite for breakfast, but lunch was being served. It was good too.

When I got home, my second Antique Candle Co order had arrived. I had hit up another 40% off sale, and ordered:

Sarah Joy’s Warm Caramel Crumble
Pumpkin Spice (that I will save for the fall)
They also gave me the Lemon Eucalyptus which I can’t wait to try.

Then, I had a couple of errands to run. I picked up Valentin’es day cookies for the kids (and for Trav!)

Then, I went to Ulta. (Tell me you’re a dance mom without telling me you’re a dance mom…)

After my errands, I had couple of hours at home. Hadley was still gone, Travis was watching sports, Hayden was playing a game with my mom, so I ….read my book for a bit, watched some curling, and fell asleep…for an hour and a half!

Then, Hayden went to the Transylvania basketball game with teammates right as Hadley got home.

Hadley and I had a few errands. She used her gift card a month ago for an SNS manicure. Well, it was time to get those nails off!

Then, we ran to Target for a few things including some goodies for her dance competition buddy. The older dancers are paired with a younger dancer to encourage and support each other which I think is cute!

Travis always asks me if I’m capable of spending less than $100 at Target when I go there.

Well, yes, in fact I am capable, T-rav! haha

Is there anything better than being showered and in pajamas by 7:00 on a Saturday night? I don’t think so! When Hadley and I got home from our errands, I went ahead and took a shower.

Then, I did my nighttime skincare routine.

I picked up a couple of new nail polishes while at Target, and gave myself a Valentine’s Day inspired manicure.

The kids went to hang with my mom at my brother’s house for a bit, so Travis and I watched episode 7 of Ozark. We watched the first six episodes a few weeks ago, but hadn’t had time to watch this last episode of Part 1, Season 4. Wow!

The kids came home and had a couple of things to do before bed like get them signed up for school track tryouts in March.

Once they went to bed, I tidied up a bit, brushed my teeth, got into bed and watched some of the Olympics.

Then, it was lights out around 11:00.

So, Saturday was a “not so average” Saturday for us, but it was a good one.

We hope you’ll join us next month when we chat about reading habits.

I hope you have a great week.

Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom: Favorite Bloggers

Posted on January 10, 2022January 10, 2022 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Happy Monday! I’m excited about today’s post because it’s our first Not Just a Mom link up of 2 0 2 2 !

We had so many fun posts in 2021, so I’m excited to continue this link up this year as well.

Today’s post is very fitting because the topic is: favorite bloggers

Before I get started, I’m re-sharing some previous posts where I shared favorite blogs and Instagram accounts.

Favorite Blogs

Fave Blogs & Instagram

Honestly, my favorite blog list is ever evolving. When I first started reading blogs years ago, I started with Bev and Shay. Then, that list continued to grow and expand.

I love starting my day with a cup of coffee and reading some of my favorite blogs.

Of course, some of my faves to read are in the NJAM link up (see list above!)

I also regularly read:

Amy (Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa) Amy is a teacher, and she is so funny. I love that she often shares a recap of her weekend, meals she’s making, and what she’s wearing. Her weight loss journey is inspirational.
Sarah (Sunshine and Books) Sarah is one busy lady! She’s an elementary school librarian and mom to two boys. She loves to travel, and often shares where she’s been and what she’s been up to. Her book suggestions are always the best!
Holly (Pink Lady) Holly is one fun lady! Her personality seems so bubbly, she’s the mom to two beautiful girls, and she always seems to be on the go! I love reading about all the fun she has with her girl friends, Saturday morning walks with her husband, and all about her pup Remi.
Tanya (The Other Side of the Road) Tanya hosts the fun Amazon link up each month, and I love reading about her travels. She just shared all about their travels to Hawaii before Christmas. She’s such an awesome mom to two great kids, loves to read, and shares so many other fun tidbits!
Lauren (Sunwashed Linen) Lauren is a mom to two sweet boys. I love reading her Dear Jonathan and Dear Harrison posts along with the Quick Takes posts about her boys. I miss having kids that age, so I am always reminiscent while reading those posts. Her gardening skills are next level, and her home is so lovely!

All of these ladies have such awesome posts to read, so please check them out!

Ok, if you know me, then you know that I’m always afraid I’m forgetting someone or leaving someone out! I hope that’s not the case here. Some blogs, I get the email updates for new posts, some I follow on Word Press, and other I just check in on and catch up reading on Saturdays. I like to spread out my blog reading. It’s one of my favorite hobbies!

Speaking of blogging, next month’s topic is Day in the Life, and we’d love to have you join us.

Well, our 9+ inches of snow melted yesterday when we set a record for rainfall! I haven’t even looked at the forecast for this week. As much as I love a few snow days, we need to get back into a routine. We’ll see!

Thanks so much for reading.

*corrected link up code

Books and Shows, Holidays, Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom: Holiday Movies

Posted on December 13, 2021December 12, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Happy Monday! How was your weekend? We had such a good one, but it was extra busy. Hadley had her dance showcase, Hayden had a cross country meet and basketball, we baked Christmas cookies and more!

I plan on sharing some of those details later this week, but first I want to say thanks to those who reached out checking on us after the storms, destruction and devastation in Kentucky and surrounding areas.

We had some major storms blow through, but the real destruction was to the west. I can’t imagine how those communities are feeling with so many lives lost. Those communities will certainly be in our hearts and in our prayers during this time.

Today, is our last Not Just a Mom post of 2021!

I’m linking up with these ladies to share our favorite holiday movies!

Before I get to that, here’s a look back on our topics for 2021:

Getting cozy/small comforts in January
Healthy habits and staying motivated in February
Favorite phone apps in March
Favorite family memories in April
Concerts in May
Quick family dinners in June
Home tour in July
Daily must haves in August
Morning routine in September
How we handle busy nights in October
Favorite small shops in November

Over the weekend, I actually saw these graphics by @ashton.creates about Christmas movies for each Enneagram type. I’ve shared her graphics before, and I love what movies she had for my 5w6.

Funny enough, we watched A Christmas Carol on Friday night. The kids are reading it in school, and I shared with them how my mom taught it to her 7th graders this time of the year for 31 years! I do enjoy this classic.

Sometimes I swear I might be more of a 6! Home Alone is one of my all time faves, and one I had listed for this post already!

Favorite Holiday Movies:

A Christmas Story:

We watch this movie every year on Christmas Day, and we are usually at my dad’s house when we watch it. It’s such a classic, and my kids love it too.

Home Alone:

Home Alone is probably my favorite holiday movie. We usually watch it a couple times during the holiday season. My kids often watch it in the car on long drives throughout the year too. They get a kick out of Kevin’s antics as much as I do.

The Holiday:

This movie is just so cute. I love the premise, and I’m always intrigued by the English village at Christmastime. The cast is amazing too!

While You Were Sleeping:

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I always think of this as a Christmas movie because it takes place in Chicago in the days before and after Christmas. Sandra Bullock has always been one of my favorite actresses, and Bill Pullman is the best! Again, the cast is amazing, and I just love Jack and Peter’s family.

A Charlie Brown Christmas:

When the kids were little, we’d always watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. I’d always record it on the DVR, and we’d watch it when we had time. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ve watched it in a few years, but it’s such a good one!

We won the movie gift basket at Trav’s work party. It came with a few movies that I’m hoping we can watch over break.

I also want to watch the new Home Alone over break too. I know it’s just a part of the kids being older and busier, but I do miss having time to watch movies and carry out other traditions without having to plan “family fun.”

What are some of your favorite holiday movies? I can’t wait to see what ones others share!

Also, we have a new graphic and have planned our topics for 2022. We’re still hosting the link up on the second Monday of every month. We’d love to have you join us by linking up and/or reading our posts. Our first post for the new year will be on January 10th, and the topic is favorite bloggers.

I hope to post pretty regularly this week and then here and there leading up to 2022. I’m just kind of taking it day by day. Minute to minute sometimes! 😉

I hope you have a great week.

Gift Ideas, Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom

Posted on November 8, 2021November 7, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Happy Monday. How was your weekend? We had a pretty good one with a bit of downtime, but also a few activities like Hayden’s cross country meet and basketball game as well as the UK football game.

I’m one of the weird ones who likes to “fall back” an hour. Don’t get me wrong, I also enjoy when we “spring forward,” but during the fall months, I like to embrace the early darkness and enjoy time at home.

Today, I’m linking up with some of my favorite bloggers for our Not Just a Mom series.

Today’s topic is: favorite small shops

I’ve written a few posts about my favorite Etsy purchases. When I think about shopping small, I immediately think of Etsy. Through the years, I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed with a single purchase from Etsy.

Of course, I try to support local small businesses too. If you are in the Lexington area, some of my favorites are: The Front Porch, Peggy’s, Story, Queen Bee, and Peacocks and Pearls.

Etsy Shops:

Here are a few of my favorite Etsy shops:

SprinkledWithPink:

I ordered this bag from SprinkledWithPink as an end of the year teacher gift last year, and it was so cute.

Hadley’s teacher told me she took it to the beach with her, and I know it’s perfect for toting books as well.

They have so many cute items that can be personalized like bags, pouches, phone cases and more.

RiLeeMDesigns:

I’ve bought these flower pots from RiLeeMDesigns a few times, both for myself, and as gifts.

The handpainted detail is amazing, and so cute.

As a gift, I’ve potted some flowers for an extra added touch.

Also, she has so many cute door hangers!

SummerDuffyDesign:

SummerDuffyDesign has so many cute gift options, but this pencil sign/door hanger was the perfect graduation gift for our sitter as she started her new teaching career!

Other really cute items in the shop include key chains, ornaments and bookmarks!

SweetMommaBlair:

I’ve purchased sweatshirts from SweetMommaBlair a few times, and they are cute and great quality.

Check out the Etsy shop especially if you are in Missouri. Tons of KC and St. L options!

MelandMae:

Hadley loves a cute sweatshirt as much as I do. This one from MelandMae is so cute, and it’s one she wears often!

I also got Hadley this “Merry and Bright” one that she wore last holiday season.

AveandAshDesigns:

These books from AveandAsheDesigns are one of my favorite pieces of home decor.

I have “Hayden and Hadley” ones, and I’ve gifted these to my mom with the grandkids names.

According to Etsy, it looks like this shop might be taking a little break? I found these similar personalized books from a different Etsy shop.

That Inspired Chick:

ThatInspiredChick has so many awesome gift options. From wood signs to tumblers to mugs to earrings, and so much more… You won’t be disappointed with the cuteness and the quality.

Many of the items above are linked in these posts, but there are even more gift items in these as well:

June 2021

February 2021

May 2020

What are your favorite small shops?

Next month, our topic is: favorite holiday movies

Make sure to check out the other posts, and link up if you can!

Thanks so much for reading,

Not Just a Mom

Not Just a Mom: Busy Nights

Posted on October 11, 2021October 10, 2021 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday! I know most people either love Mondays or hate them. I fall somewhere in between, but today I’m loving this Monday. Even though fall break is now over, this is the first Monday in almost three weeks that all of my family is going to school or work after being sick and/or in quarantine. Travis went back to work last Monday, Hayden went back to school last Tuesday, and now it’s Hadley’s turn to head back to school. Hallelujah!

Today is our Not Just a Mom link up, and I’m co-hosting with these lovely ladies:

Our topic this month is: how we handle busy nights.

Well, I know this is shocking, but I always have a plan! 😂

Every Sunday, I write our weekly activities and dinner plans on our fridge calendar. I always try to use my slow cooker or have leftovers on busy nights, so I plan those meals accordingly.

Also, if we are double booked with the kids, I make sure Travis can pick up or take one of the kids while I handle the other one’s activities. Also, I have a great group of mom friends, and if we can carpool, we do.

If our evening is so busy that we don’t have time to come home after school or between activities, I pack a few snacks for the kids to grab if needed. I try to make those options as healthy as possible: granola bar, Chomps, cuties, variety pack of chips, etc. That way they eat something somewhat healthy to hold them over until dinner.

Also, if needed, I make sure the kids have practice clothes laid out (or packed) in the morning, so we can use our time as efficiently as possible after school.

Since the kids are in middle school now, they have to manage their time wisely with completing homework on busy nights. On Sunday, we try to look at their evenings and deadlines for assignments, so they know on less busy nights, they may need to complete more work to make up for more hectic evenings when they may have less time to complete schoolwork.

…and then…

What about you? How do you handle busy nights? I will take any tips I can get!

Next month’s topic is: favorite small shops.

Make sure check out everyone’s posts. I hope you have a great week!