Category: This and That

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Did you catch my post yesterday? I was late hitting publish, but I always love sharing my Prime Purchases…just as much as seeing what others purchase as well!

It’s been a few weeks, but I’m linking up with Joyce for her weekly Wednesday Hodgepodge post.

Here are my answers for her prompts for the week:

1. Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)…what was your favorite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now?

When I was a kid, I loved running around the neighborhood and playing with friends. We didn’t belong to a pool, but there was one in the neighborhood that we’d occasionally go to, and we’d go to my grandparents’ club as well.

We spent a lot of time at the Lake of the Ozarks which was always fun! I remember thinking it was so neat taking a “bath” in the lake. My grandpa would put shampoo in his hair and jump in! We always had fun on the boat as well as swimming and fishing….and playing cards.

A couple of summers ago, we took the kids and met up with one of my college friends at her family’s house at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we all had a great time.

Right now, I do actually kind of like that we all get a chance to do what we want in the summer. There is a kind of rhythm and routine in that the kids still have workouts, we’ll go to the pool, we eat lunch out sometimes…but then Hayden will go to the lake with friends for a couple of days, Hadley loves camp, I love pool time, and Trav likes hanging out outside. Of course, we do things together, but I’ve tried to embrace letting the kids do what makes them happy since we’re so busy during the school year. So far this summer, we’ve had lots of family dinners together which has been nice.

I do miss when the kids were little…and honestly, we spent a lot of time at home or in the neighborhood. We’d walk to the play ground, do a craft at home, go to story time at the library, they took naps, and it was just nice being a “stay at home mom” for a couple of months.

Last summer, I shared a few “Throwback Thursday” posts that I really enjoyed writing.

Maybe I’ll bring that series back!

2. Something you’ll celebrate this summer?

T-rav and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage next week!

3. Summer tastes like? Smells like? Sounds like?

I think summer tastes like watermelon, smells like coconut and citrus, and apparently, summer sounds like cicadas!! Yikes!

4. June 18th is National Splurge Day…what’s the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today?

I bought a new Barrington bag a few months ago. I’d had my other one for at least five years, and it was showing its age.

Today, it’s not really a splurge, but it’s a “splurge” in that I’m taking the time for myself…I’m going to Reformer Pilates class and getting my monthly facial today. It’s a “self-care” kind of day.

5. Share a favorite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme.

Here are a few funny summer memes:

6. Insert random thought here.

Hayden’s 6am cross country practices/conditioning started this week. I’m grateful Trav is taking the morning shift! Crazy to think that next summer…I guess he can drive himself!

Hadley is getting her PE credit out of the way by taking online gym last week and this week. Every day, she’s had some kind of physical activity and then a research/writing portion due. So far, they’ve done a fitness test, worked on volleyball, badminton, and soccer skills and practiced CPR. It’s been interesting to say the least. haha!

That being said, apparently she prefers this way to sweating during the school year.

Have a great Wednesday.

Hello and happy Wednesday!

Yesterday was non-stop with family things, friend things, and school things, so I’m late linking up with Joyce, but these are my summer hours, ok? haha

Anyway, let’s get to it…

Here are my answers for her prompts for the week:

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up?

I will start with the last question first…I always had great birthdays growing up! It seemed that we had family over to celebrate, and some years I’d have birthday parties with friends. I had a few parties at Show Biz Pizza, but there were even years where we had snow on my (January) birthday, so we went sledding down our front yard hill.

For my kids, I guess just because I love my birthday so much, and I have one day to celebrate both kids, I’ve always made a big deal about birthdays. For a few years, we’d have a family party for them and then when the kids got a bit older, we’d have a friends party and a separate family party. Some years I baked the kids’ cake(s), and then we moved to cookie cakes or Bundt cakes.

Some traditions included the “birthday” banner until they were 10. This was probably my first Pinterest craft, and I just kept it and changed out the number year to year.

Also until they were 10, I bought them birthday t-shirts. I think I’m practical enough to know when it’s time to let a tradition go…haha….but the t-shirt years were cute!

I still always hang streamers from their door, so they wake up to some fun! We’ve certainly eased back on some of the celebrating just as they’ve gotten older and busier, but I still think they feel very loved and celebrated.

As for mine and Trav’s birthdays, we feel the love too! There’s always cake, a gift or two, and we go out to dinner.

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses…what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct?

Listen, I’m not picky if someone wants to send me flowers…haha! I don’t know that I’ve ever received roses, but they have been in some bouquets. I definitely don’t see the world through rose colored glasses. I’m not jaded, but I’m definitely realistic/practical as to how I view the world.

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day…will you celebrate? What’s something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese?

Ohh…just last weekend, I made one of my favorite pasta salads. I took it to my brother’s house for dinner last week. My ten year old nephew wasn’t going to put any on his plate…but he did…and then went back for seconds! So, there you go –that’s all you need to know. 🙂

The link to the pasta salad (via Pinterest) doesn’t seem to work anymore, but it’s just…

• Pasta
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Salad Supreme
• Italian dressing
• Mozzarella (So, there’s the cheese part to answer this question!)

4. ‘Tis the season…any weddings on your June calendar? What’s the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage?

This is a season of weddings for us. We have a niece getting married this weekend and a nephew getting married in July.

Travis and I will celebrated 20 years this month too!

The first word that comes to mind when I hear “marriage” is “partnership.” I really couldn’t do this life without T-rav!

5. What are you most looking forward to this June?

Summer! Pool time, family time, friend time, a wedding, and more.

6. Insert your random thought here.

For whatever reason, nothing random is coming to mind! That’s a first.

I hope you are having a wonderful summer day!

Hello and happy Wednesday!

This is publishing a bit late today (better late than never!), but I didn’t want to miss out on linking up with Joyce for this week’s Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Here are my answers for her prompts for the week:

1. Let’s compare this May to last May. What’s changed? What remains very much the same?

The hustle and bustle of “Maycember” is the same…

I kind of feel like I’m just hanging on from the busyness of school and our evenings with the kids’ activities. I’m kind of going day to day at this point and not really planning ahead very much.

A change from last May to this May is this time last year, the kids were wrapping up middle school … and somehow, their freshman year is almost over.

2. What’s something you may do this month?

Maybe we’ll get our summer planned out. Last summer, we had our big trip to Oregon and Washington all planned out.

While I’m fine not to have anything major going on, I do like to have a plan. I always want to plan a visit to see family in KC, I need to write down when the kids have their camps and other odds and ends. I hope we can find a few days to do some kind of travel.

3. Mother’s Day is approaching…in what way(s) are you like your mother?

I get a lot of my humor from my mom. I think my sense of humor is a good mix of both of my parents, but my “quick wittedness” I get from her.

I also think it’s neat that we are both educators. She taught 7th grade (bless her!) Language Arts for 31 years. I’m wrapping up year 23 teaching high school English.

4. Did you have a favorite book as a child? What was it and why was it a favorite?

I think I’ve shared this at some point before, but my favorite book when I was a kid was Madeline. I even had not just one, but two, Madeline dolls through the years. I’m not sure what drew me to that book, but it’s just one I always think of reading and loving as a child.

My mom, me, and my Madeline doll!

5. Are you more of a tortoise or a hare?

Well, if we are talking exercise, I’m a tortoise. haha

Unfortunately, with little downtime right now, I feel like I’m the hare. Running through this season of life.

I’m hoping that “slow and steady” does win the race. It’s almost summer, and I can’t wait for that!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

You know I love Trader Joe’s, but when I saw this “mamaroo,” I was like, “What in the world?” Not that it’s that hideous of an idea, but this two for one planter isn’t on my Mother’s Day wish list!

I hope you’ve had a great Wednesday.

Hello and happy Wednesday! I hope your week has started off right!

I’m linking up with Joyce for Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Here are my responses to this week’s prompts:

1. The Hodgepodge lands on National Picnic Day. Will you celebrate? Do you enjoy picnics? Dining out of doors picnic or otherwise? What are three or four things I’d find in your picnic basket?

National Picnic Day sounds lovely! Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be having a picnic today. Maybe I can pack one of my “adult lunchables” and pack some snacks for lunch today.

I enjoy picnics, but I don’t think I’ve been to one recently. During Hayden’s baseball years, at the end of the season, we’d have a big end of season celebration that was potluck/picnic-ish. That was fun to decorate and bring lots of different apps, sides and desserts.

As far as dining outdoors, once the weather is perfect, I love to sit on our patio or a restaurant patio for dinner.

In my picnic basket, I’d bring watermelon, charcuterie items like crackers, cheese and salami, and some chocolate chip cookies.

When the kids were little, sometimes we’d have lunch on our covered front porch in the summer. It was just something different to do, and I’d put a blanket down on the porch, and we’d eat our PB&J sandwiches, chips, and fruit.

2. A time recently where you felt ‘antsy’?

I feel antsy when things aren’t in order and right now that is more often than not. I feel like “Maycember” has hit early. We truly have something every night of the week and even sometimes until late in the night. I finished up this post at 10:30 last night!

On top of that, we’ve had busy weekends, so even that time feels hectic. I need to get caught up on laundry, or mail is piling up, or things I need to do for the kids like sign them up for things make my “to do” lists overwhelming. It will get all get sorted out, but I’m officially in the part of spring where I have a “take this off my plate now and move it to my official summer ‘to do’ list” #workingtitle haha

I feel antsy driving on the highway at night…which thankfully isn’t very often. Last Friday, Hadley, my mom and I drove home from Louisville late, and it was fine, but I just felt like I had to concentrate the whole time. I just don’t love the long stretches of highway at night especially when there’s a lot of traffic or if there’s construction. We didn’t leave Louisville until 10:00, so the whole time I even was thinking about how late (11:30), we’d get home which made me “antsy.”

3. As the saying goes…’when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ Do you like lemonade? When did you recently need to make lemonade out of lemons, figuratively speaking?

I do like lemonade but rarely have it. Hadley orders it quite a bit at restaurants.

This isn’t that big of a deal, but during track season, a couple days a week, both kids are at track at the same time. Hadley doesn’t go to track every day because some days she also has club volleyball practice. Anyway, there are times where it just makes more sense for me to stay at school rather than go home. While I often can’t wait to get home and sometimes am at home for 45 minutes to an hour before going back to get the kids, I’ve also just stayed at school and made the most of the time. I go make copies, get caught up on grading, read my Kindle, work on a blog post, run an errand close by, or even bring my tennis shoes and get some steps in. Pretty soon, the kids will be able to drive themselves home from all of these things, and I will take too much time on my hands.

4. Recently five ‘celebrities’ made a brief (11 minute) foray into space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket. Did you hear about this? Your thoughts? If money were no object is this something you’d like to do someday?

I did briefly hear about this but not all the details. My immediate thought was “no.” haha I wouldn’t want to go in a rocket or even into space.

If money wasn’t an option, I’d buy a private plane. In the past, when I’ve said that, Travis tells me it’s more fiscally responsible to lease a plane. Why’s he trying to tell me how to spend my fictional money?!?

5. Favorite thing about the ‘space’ you’re sitting in now?

*I took this prompt – as “space”/ “season” in my life:

Right now, it’s the downhill slide to summer. That being said, I don’t necessarily want the summers to come so quickly anymore. While the kids had a great freshman year, the passing of time is really getting real!

I will say that I can appreciate that the kids are more independent and reliable/responsible. I can sit in the car, give them my debit card, and they run into Kroger for a few things. Or, if they have to be at a track meet an hour and a half before I have to be there, I can drop them off and they don’t need me to manage their every move. I can do what I need to do and come back later to cheer them on. That being said, I apparently have to remind Hayden at the end of every meet to make sure he has hasn’t left his track jacket at the finish line!

*physical space* – I finished typing this post at my kitchen table while eating dinner at 10PM. I’m tired 🤣

6. Insert your own random thought here?

Sooo random, but this little soap dish is saving my sanity.

When we re-did our primary bath a few years ago, we made design decisions thinking that one day, we’d put a primary bedroom addition on our house and the current bathroom would become Hayden’s. So, instead of doing tile with a couple of inserts for soap and shampoo, we just have the microfiber stall with a couple of small glass shelves. Well, the dang soap slides off those shelves all the time which drives me crazy! I saw @christineonpoint share this soap dish and these “soap saver” sponges, and I purchased them immediately!

..and now my soap stays put!

It’s truly the little things!

Hello and happy Wednesday! I hope your week is off to a great start.

I’m linking up with Joyce for this week’s edition of Wednesday Hodgepodge.

This week’s prompts have a few April Fools related ones…

Our spring break isn’t until next week, and I know it’s always typically been this week because we’re never in school on April Fool’s Day!! I did survive yesterday without any student tricks!

1. No foolin’! April is here. What’s one fun thing on your April calendar?

Spring break is always a highlight in April. Whether we are at home or away for a few days, spring break is always a favorite. It’s nice to have some time at home or getting out of town for a few days.

Last year, we went to Washington, DC and had a great time.

Also, I love Keeneland in April; I hope we’re able to get out there for some races this month.

2. It’s often said, ‘A fool and his money are soon parted’…what’s the last thing you wasted your money on?

Has anyone heard for the website PinkLaura? There was an add on Facebook, and the lady was sharing about this cute dress, so I ordered it. It took about a month to arrive….and then the material definitely wasn’t what I expected. I always check return policies before ordering, and when I emailed customer service like the site says, the email kicked back. Thankfully, I didn’t spend much more than $30! I will probably try to wear it a time or two and then donate it. I’m annoyed and not sure why I ever “cheated” on my favorite shop…SSYS. They would never steer me wrong like this site did.

3. April 2nd is National DIY day. Are you a do-it yourself kind of person or maybe you’re married to one? If so, what’s the last thing you DIY-ed? If you’re not a DIY-er, what’s the most recent job you had to hire someone to complete?

I’m not really a DIY-er, but years ago, I went through a crafting phase where I made a few Christmas decorations and wreaths. I also had a (few) moment(s) with chalk paint. I still like chalk paint and think it’s easy to use, but just haven’t had any projects.

Travis isn’t a DIY-er, but he likes to take care of whatever he can himself. We’re just getting started updating our hall bath…and the first step is demo…and Travis and a neighbor started that over the weekend. There’s currently a dumpster in my driveway for the next couple of days.

I will keep you posted with the progress! We’ve lived in our house for ten years, and this is the final project to update. That being said, after living in our house for ten years, it’s basically time to circle back to some of our initial projects.

In recent years, we updated Hadley’s room last year and added shiplap to our living room wall three years ago.

4. Do you eat lamb ? If so, do you have a favorite dish that calls for lamb?

Is a gyro lamb? I quick Google search said yes but also other meats as well? I love a gyro, but haven’t had lamb otherwise. Or, maybe I’ve never eaten lamb if that’s not what a gyro is?! haha

5. Do you fit a stereotype in some way? Explain.

I’m not sure? I guess it depends on who you ask? A couple of weeks ago, I had a student ask me my favorite shows, and mentioned some shows on Netflix and The Real Housewives, and she said that sounded like “basic mom” shows…That sounds harsher than I think she was trying to be. haha

Teens…they give their opinions, even when you aren’t asking for them.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Amy’s “Leaving Space” post yesterday got be thinking about ways that I “leave space” in my day. As I often share, getting up 45 minutes to an hour before the rest of my house really starts my day off right. I need quiet and calm before a busy day. I’ve been so tired the past few weeks, and I’ve been hitting snooze. Yesterday, I was dozing back off and reminded myself how much I needed my morning quiet time…so I got up.

I’ve also been intentional with “making space” in my day to get some steps in. My goal most days is 8,000 steps, and the past couple of nights when I’ve been a couple thousand steps shy of my goal, I’ve made the decision to go for a walk to get the steps in. Even at 8:00 at night, when I’d rather put on my pjs, I’ve gone for a walk to reach my goal.

And…after doing my annual(ish) dresser and closet “purge,” I have more space which is so nice. My closet and drawers are still full, but here’s space now which is less overwhelming when putting away clothes or making choices on what to wear for the day.

What about you? How do you “make space” in your day?

Hello and happy Wednesday!

We’re chugging right along this week, and so far so good.

It’s been a bit since I’ve joined Joyce for her weekly Hodgepodge post, and that’s what I’m doing today.

This week’s questions are mostly St. Patrick’s Day themed which is very festive!

1. St. Patrick’s Day was on Monday. Did you mark the day in some way? Wear green? Make a special meal? Watch or participate in a parade?

St. Patrick’s Day has always been a holiday we’ve celebrated. Of course, Monday was a school day, so it just kind of felt like a Monday. That being said, our principal encouraged all to wear green with a department challenge of which department had the most participants wearing green. The English department won the challenge!

I’d say for at least the past ten years, I’ve made the corned beef and cabbage recipe that I got from my dad and the Irish Soda Bread recipe that I got from my mom. My brother’s family comes over and I double the recipe…two slow cookers with corned beef and veggies and two loaves of Irish Soda Bread. It’s a fun tradition that I hope my kids look back on and love. Since I made everything for Sunday dinner, Hadley kept smelling the deliciousness all day and couldn’t wait for dinner.

I don’t think I’ve been to a St. Patrick’s Day parade since college! I also feel like the Lexington parade gets rained out most years. I know it did this past Saturday.

2. Do you think luck plays a part in your life? Explain.

Here are some “notable”” luck quotes:

• “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” – Thomas Jefferson
• “Luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” -Oprah Winfrey
• “Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Good luck has its storms.” – George Lucas
• “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” -Dalai Lama

I love a good quote, and these definitely ring true. I especially think that the harder you work, the luckier you get! Hard work pays off and helps accomplish your dreams.

That being said, I don’t like to get ahead of myself for fear of “jinxing” something. It’s nice to feel like all is going well and that luck is on your side.

3. Of the 15 green foods listed, which one is your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Any on the list that are a hard no for you? In general, do you like fruits and veggies? As a kid did you eat them willingly or did you hide peas in your napkin hoping your mom wouldn’t see?

{list: asparagus, avocado, broccoli, celery, cucumber, grapes, green beans, kale, kiwi, lettuce, lime, pear, peas, pistachios, spinach}

I’d say from this list my favorite would be avocado —but for guacamole!

Hard no’s would be peas! Absolutely not. My kids like peas (or at least won’t pick them out if they are part of a meal), so I always think that it’s funny that they like them and I can’t stand peas.

I also remember my high school Spanish teacher talking about “guisantes” (peas in Spanish), and just how she would say the word as she knew I didn’t like peas!

A funny story about kiwi…When I was in probably 3rd or 4th grade…my dad said I couldn’t leave the dinner table until I tried the kiwi that was our fruit for dinner. I sat there for a long time and refused to try it. My dad wasn’t giving in and then told me if I tried it, I’d get a surprise. Finally, I tried it, gagging and then finally spitting it out. I asked my dad what my surprise was since I’d tried it…and he said the surprise was that I would like it! haha!

If “side eye” was a thing back then, I’m sure I gave him major side eye. A little bit later, he took me to Dairy Queen, and I got an Blizzard! He’s soft-hearted for sure.

Although I haven’t had kiwi since, I think it was the texture of kiwi more than anything.

I do like fruits and veggies…right now, it’s nice that at the store, there’s starting to be more of a variety of fresh fruit now that it’s spring. Of course, summer is the best time when it’s watermelon season, and I will also get pineapple a lot in the summer. It’s just nice being able to buy the Cuties now…those are easy to pack in lunches. I buy apples year round.

Green beans are the #1 veggie for dinner in our house. I buy the fresh cut ones, blanch them in water, and then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. My kids actually like asparagus too, but usually just when I make this “asparagus fries” recipe. It’s a hit in the summer.

As a kid, I think it did okay eating veggies, but like I said, there were definitely veggies I said “no” to like peas. I also didn’t eat or like eating? asparagus until I was an adult.

4. What’s something that makes you ‘turn green’? (with envy or with illness)…

I’m not a fan of heights, big roller coasters or blood. Those things can definitely make me “turn green.”

5. Did you spend a lot of time outdoors as a child? Doing what? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors now? Doing what?

As a child, I do feel like I was outside a lot. I had a couple of friends in the neighborhood, and I remember running around with them…back and forth from house to house. We had a swing/play set in our back yard and would spend a lot of time on that in the summer. We’d go to my grandparents’ pool in the summer too!

In the spring, I love going for walks. Truly, the past couple of weeks have been so nice getting exercise in while listening to a book. I love to sit on my front porch in the summer. It’s covered, so even in the hot weather, there’s shade, and I’ll read. Of course, I love going to the pool in the summer if I can find a spot under an umbrella.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I sometimes miss the phase of the kids dressing up for holidays like Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and the 4th of July.

Cuties…too cute to pinch 🙂

Thanks for reading!

Well, we made it to school one day this week, and today we’re home due to the cold temps. I’m optimistic we’ll be back to school to finish out the week, but it’s been hard getting into a routine!

It’s my first Hodgepode of 2025 and I’m linking up with Joyce to share my answers to her fun prompts.

1. What’s a winter memory you treasure (can be from any winter in your lifetime?)

I have a January birthday, so of course there’s always a chance of snow. I can’t remember which elementary age birthday it was, but the plan for my party was to go to Show Biz Pizza. Well, we got a ton of snow, so we changed the party to a sledding party. The house I grew up in until 7th grade sat on top of a big hill, so it was perfect for sledding.

I hope my kids always remember the fun they have had sledding with friends on snow days and the snowman pancakes that I make for the first snow day of the year.

2. Tell us about the last time or recent time you were caught up in red tape.

What does this mean? Well, actually I Googled it, and I get it, but I don’t know that I have dealt with any red tape recently. We did complete my health insurance for the kids and me, and while it doesn’t really change year to year, the amount of flex spending we choose does. For example, we always took out more when the kids had braces. Anyway, I guess when Travis submitted it, he didn’t change the amount. We applied to take out less, but they denied our request.

I hate dealing with things like mortgages, health insurance, etc., so I appreciate that Travis takes care of that! I hate to even book a hotel room on my own!…like what if there was a better rate that I missed?!?!

3. Do you eat/like fish? Do you cook fish at home? What’s your favorite fish dish? Ever been ice fishing?

I do like fish, but I’d say the fish I eat the most is sushi.

Hadley’s favorite fish is salmon, and it’s about the only fish I cook at home. We actually don’t eat it as much as we used to. What I like about the salmon at Kroger is that the butcher will put it in aluminium foil packing and add in spices and herbs. I always get butter and parsley or rosemary in the package. Then, it’s easy to cook and throw away.

Growing up, my aunt made a delicious clam pasta that I loved. My mom got the recipe and would make it occasionally. I might have the recipe in my recipe box, but I don’t think I’ve ever made it. I haven’t had it in years.

I’ve definitely never been ice fishing, but I feel like I live in Alaska with these freezing temps we’ve been having!

4. Did you watch any of the US President’s Inauguration coverage on Monday, Jan. 20? On a scale of 1-10, how interested are you in politics in general? Do you follow local politics?

Since we were home from school on Monday, the TV was on most of the day, so I heard bits and pieces of the commentary. I saw the clip of Carrie Underwood singing America the Beautiful, and I thought she did an amazing job. I did like seeing what people wore and who was there. I thought the First Lady looked stunning in her black and white dress during the dance with President Trump. I only saw clips of these moments thanks to the news and Twitter.

On a scale of 1-10, I’m probably a four when it comes to politics. I’ve just shamed my family, I’m sure! I will be hearing from my dad and my brother. haha

I follow local politics like what’s going on in Lexington and in Kentucky. I actually taught at the same school as our Lt. Governor for a few years, and I trust her and the governor and appreciate their focus on education.

5. What’s the coziest thing you own and what makes it so?

Right now, I’ve been loving this fuzzy fleece vest. I got it a few weeks ago, and have worn it a few times already, including yesterday to school. It was on sale when I bought it, but it’s very cozy and easy to wear with leggings, jeans, or pants.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

On Sunday, I hadn’t placed my Kroger order yet, so I went to Aldi and then to Kroger for a few things. On a whim, I decided to make an easy dinner of Hamburger Helper…which I haven’t had in probably a decade…and my kids turned their nose up to it! Here I was trying to go easy on myself, but apparently I’ve spoiled them with my fabulous meals through the years.

At Aldi, I was pleasantly surprised with my haul. It had been quite some time since I’d been there, and I spent about $50 picking up a few odds and ends.

A couple of faves…

I usually get my little plants at Trader Joe’s, but I bought this little guy for my classroom.

These iced mini oatmeal cookies are the absolute best! I actually keep them on a shelf in the basement, so I’m forced to pace myself with these things! I threw one in my lunch bag yesterday, and it was the perfect afternoon treat.

Do you have any Aldi faves?

Hello!

It’s been about a month since I last linked up with Joyce, so I’m doing so today.

Here are this week’s prompts:

1. What’s one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?

I can’t wait to have some downtime this weekend and after the holidays., I haven’t watched a single Christmas movie yet and hope to do so during the time off…even if it’s after Christmas.

I hope to go into 2025 feeling refreshed.

2. What’s something that brought a smile to your face this year?

Going on our summer vacay to Oregon and Washington was definitely a highlight of the year. We enjoyed all of it from the city to the college town to the outdoors and more. Going to the Olympic Track Trials was an amazing experience as well.

Another highlight of the year has been seeing my kids adjust to high school. The transition from middle school to high school has gone pretty seamlessly. Now, I’m spoiled seeing them and their friends at school, and it’s been a highlight of my teaching career!

3. What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety?

I’m not much of a cracker girl. I usually like Ritz crackers if my stomach is unsettled or I don’t feel well. I’ve picked up the little “Balance Break” snack packs, and they have a Triscuit and cheese one that I like.

4. Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year?

The past couple of years, our friends have invited us to their side of the neighborhood for a progressive dinner. It’s always so fun to hang out …we start at a place for apps, then eat dinner, move to another house for dessert, and end the evening toasting to the new year. So, the past few years I’ve made it to midnight. If it wasn’t for that get together, I’d be fine to be in bed my 10!

5. What are three words that describe you in 2024?

Oh…this is a good one –busy, proud, growth.

The kids keep us busy, I’m proud of them for the people they are becoming and the milestone of high school, and I’m growing professionally thanks to a new schedule (that I’ve enjoyed) this school year.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I feel like Christmas season has gone by too quickly, and we still have a few traditions/activities to do before the Christmas season is over. I know there’s still time, but it’s fleeting!

Well, the next hodgepodge will be in 2025!

Hello!

It’s been a bit since I’ve linked up with Joyce for her weekly link up, but I’m doing so today.

Here are this week’s prompts:

1. What was your favorite part about growing up in your hometown?

My hometown is a suburb of Kansas City, and it was a great place to grow up. I wasn’t pleased when we moved there at the end of my 7th grade year, but once I found my friend group, I settled in.

I loved that the town was big enough to have things to do, but that it also wasn’t far away from the city. I have lots of memories of going to the Plaza, ice skating at Crown Center, going to Royals games and more. But, in my hometown, we could go to the movies, play putt putt golf, eat at many different restaurants and hang out at parks.

2. Do you prefer ‘material’ gifts or ‘experience’ gifts?

It’s not that I prefer material gifts, but they are probably more practical. Christmas is the one time I will give Travis a couple of ideas that I wouldn’t buy for myself. It’s nice to get a thoughtful gift. Travis is a really good gift giver, and I’ve received many gifts that I didn’t ask for and loved.

That being said, for Valentine’s Day and our anniversary, we give each other cards (which is my favorite to receive), and we’ll go to dinner at a nice restaurant or to a movie. I appreciate that time together too.

3. Is brown a color featured prominently in your home decor? Your wardrobe? What’s a favorite brown thing that you own? Favorite brown foods?

I don’t love brown, but I do like neutral colors like tan and gray…those colors go for my home and my wardrobe.

I can’t really think of anything brown I own…buy I do love this trunk that I have in the living room that’s at least a hundred years old from my dad’s side of the family.

As for foods, you know my favorite brown “food” is coffee! I love pretzels too, and my favorite brand is Dots. We eat brown rice when we can, and I buy whole wheat bread from the grocery. I do prefer sour dough from Trader Joe’s though.

4. Which ‘Charlie Brown’ character do you relate to the most?

I took one of the quizzes, and got Marcie…an introverted bookworm…that’s me!

My dad typically sends me Peanuts cards for my birthday and Valentine’s Day when he can find them, and I try to do the same for his birthday and Father’s Day. Peanuts cards are definitely hard to find now….a lost art.

5. What’s a favorite item you’ve purchased this year?

The first thing that popped in my mind is Trav’s new car that he got in August….mostly just because it is nice!

We aren’t new car people, so it’s always “new to us” cars that we get and hold on to for years. But, it’s a nice feeling to have a good, dependable car.

After more than fifteen years and 275,ooo miles, he finally let go of his 4Runner. Honestly, it was still holding on, but last spring when it needed a repair, Trav deemed that the last time he was going to put money into that car.

His new one is nice, but has more bells and whistles than he knows what to do. He’s never even had a backup camera. haha

6. Insert random thought here.

How am I a mom of two fifteen years olds!? Today, is Hayden and Hadley’s birthday!

Five

to fifteen has gone by in a blink!

Lucky them! I’ll be joining them on the freshman field trip today! haha

Tonight, we’re going out to dinner, and then of course, there will be cookie cake!