Category: This and That

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!

Hello and happy Wednesday.

I’m really loving these hodgepodge posts when I get the chance to write them. To me, they are link a mini diary of sorts.

I’m linking up with Joyce for another edition of Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Here are this week’s prompts:

1. Monday was National Apple Day…did you eat an apple or enjoy something made with apples? Do you like apples? Do you prefer your apples raw, baked or in cider? Do you have a favorite variety of apple?

I don’t think I had any apples on Monday, but an apple and peanut butter is one of my favorite snacks. I definitely prefer raw apples, and I will buy apple cider when it’s in season.

One of my favorite childhood memories is picking apples at the orchard across the street from our house.

My favorite variety of apples is Honeycrisp. Every time I go to Trader Joe’s, I buy a bag of their Honeycrisp apples. I love their bags of them because the apples are on the smaller side, so they are perfect for a snack.

At Kroger, I buy the individual packs of peanut butter, and that’s the perfect combo of a snack with the TJ apples.

2. Do you think there’s any truth to the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ What healthy habits are the easiest to incorporate into your life and which are the most difficult to adopt?

I’m not sure about “an apple a day,” but of course, it pays to take care of yourself as best you can.

Some easy habits for me are trying to get enough sleep, drinking water, not smoking, exercising, limiting alcohol, and including fruits and vegetables in my diet.

I get at least seven hours of sleep a night, and sometimes I get more. This past weekend, I went to bed around 11:00 on Friday night, and I woke up at 9:45 on Saturday morning. I never sleep in like that on the weekend, but obviously I needed the rest.

I still fill up my favorite tumbler with water at least twice a day.

Truthfully, I’ve been in a workout funk. Of course, we are busy most weekdays, but even this week, I’ve come home and taken a little nap after school instead of working out. Now that Hadley’s volleyball is over, maybe I will get back in a routine.

A couple of harder habits include eating breakfast and managing stress. I never eat breakfast, and I’m ok with that. Occasionally, if I’m hungry in the morning, then I will have toast with my coffee.

Also, I’m not super stressed…it’s just more about being busy…and that’s just the season of life we’re in right now.

3. Who taught you to drive? Do you enjoy driving? Would you rather be the driver or the passenger? Do you have a favorite scenic drive near you?

I was just thinking about this because it’s hard to believe that my kids will be driving soon. My parents taught me to drive, but I also took driver’s ed for a few weeks the summer when I was 15 1/2. When I was growing up, we could get our permit at 15 1/2 and then our license at sixteen.

My kids will be able to get their permit at sixteen, so they have about a year left.

I truly am mind blown that they will be behind the wheel of a car in the near future.

I do remember taking driver’s ed with friends, and sometimes our instructor would let us stop and get snacks at the gas station.

The car I learned to drive on was my mom’s “mom mobile,” and it was a stick shift. When I got my permit, I was so excited to try to drive that we drove to my aunt and uncle’s house. They lived in our neighborhood but a couple of miles away. It took forever to drive there because I kept “killing” the car at the stop signs! I remember laughing so hard and being embarrassed.

I guess driving a stick isn’t really something that we need now, but it’s nice to say I could do it!

I don’t mind to drive, but I also don’t mind to be the passenger. If I’m in the passenger seat, then I am probably reading which is nice.

There are lots of pretty scenic drives, but I’m usually driving in the city or in neighborhoods. On my way to school, there are many pretty tree lined streets. Travis always has quite the view driving to the horse farm; there are many pretty views on his drive.

4. What small habit has had a big impact on your life?

Truly, since having kids, getting up early before everyone else has had a big impact on my life.

There have been a couple of times when I’ve overslept, and I just hate feeling rushed and out of sorts to start my day.

Also, as much as I possibly can, I try and prepare for the day the night before. I like to at least know what I’m going to take for lunch and what I plan on wearing for the day, so I don’t have to make those decisions in the morning.

5. Tell us about something nice that happened to you recently?

There’s nothing worse as a teacher to be gone and not have a sub for the day. A couple of weeks ago, I had Covid, and I had a sub the first day and not the second day that I had to be out. I always appreciate when teachers step in and cover classes. Plus, it was nice knowing that my students had a teacher who would make sure they completed their work.

Before Covid, we were expected to cover classes if needed, but now we do get paid for our hour of coverage if we complete the stipend form. It is nice to be reimbursed for our time if we don’t get a planning period.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Just when I think Homer is maturing, he escaped from the house again yesterday! The only way we can get him back is to pull up next to him in our car, call his name, and he will hop in. Well, when my neighbor alerted me that Homer was out, I called Hadley who got his leash and went to find him. Unfortunately, I was near school to pick up Hayden from practice, so she had to follow him for about twenty minutes until I could get back with the car.

Doesn’t he know we are providing him with a good home? Why does he try to escape when given the chance? When I left to get Hayden, he was on Hadley’s bed with her. It goes to show how smart he is because he heard I didn’t close the door all the way behind me and apparently hopped off the bed and left…without Hadley realizing.

My dad mentioned a documentary on Netflix Inside the Mind of a Dog…maybe I can watch that and gain some insight into his mind!

I hope you have a great day!

Hello and happy Wednesday!

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve linked up with Joyce, so I’m doing that today.

This week’s prompts are so fun, so let’s get to it:

1. How did you meet your significant other?

We met at the University of Missouri when I was a senior. Travis worked in college athletics at the time, and he’d moved to Columbia for a career move. I worked in the ticket office my senior year, so I met him there. One Saturday football game, they needed someone to work the player pass gate area, and I thought to myself, if he volunteers me to do it (because he’d also be there), then he must like me.

Well, that Saturday, I was the one to work the player pass gate with him, and I was so excited…until he made fun of my tennis shoes. He called them “buddies.” (which would be “dupe” now!) Listen, I didn’t have quite the budget back then…and Shoe Carnival was the answer. haha

Anyway, a couple weeks later, we went out on our first date.

This wasn’t our first day, but we’d only been dating a few months:

2. It’s Department Store Day. Do you still shop in department stores? If not, do you miss that shopping experience? Do you have a favorite department store? Any fun memories of department store shopping when you were a child?

I don’t shop much at department stores, but I will still look there occasionally for dresses or shoes. I don’t usually have much luck, but I will still pop in every once in a while. I like Macy’s and Nordstrom, but mostly order from them online.

I don’t really have any department store memories as a child, but I do vividly remember going to the mall, and that was kind of a big deal. Ward Parkway mall in KC was my favorite. I remember the cinnamon roll place that we’d go to as well as Ms. Field’s for a cookie!

3. Something you’re currently nuts about?

It’s candy corn season…and I really only like candy corn when it’s paired with peanuts. You know what’s even better?

This little mix:

4. What’s your favorite nut and is there a favorite recipe?

My favorite nut is for sure a cashew! I don’t have any recipes, but I do love chocolate covered cashews.

5. On Wednesday, we officially reach the 70 days until Christmas mark. Have you purchased any gifts?

I haven’t purchased a single item. Unfortunately, I usually feel like I need to “get through” the kids’ birthday in November before I can think about Christmas.

I do have some gift ideas for a few people though as well as some birthday gift ideas I have for the kids too.

6. Insert random thought here.

Shew! It sure feels like fall this week! That being said, I think we skipped the 70’s! We went from mid-80’s to 60 degrees real quick!

That being said, I’m not mad about it. I’m sooo ready for fall. It’s my favorite season.

Have a great day,

Hello!

How is your week going? With no school on Monday, I’m feeling “off,” and can’t believe it’s already Wednesday.

It’s been a few weeks, but today I’m linking up with Joyce for this week’s Hodgepodge questions.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. Something you’re working on currently?

I’m currently working on continuing to figure out Canvas (our online grading/assignments platform) and getting use to grading papers again. I haven’t had to do that for quite a few years.

2. Tell us something about your first job. Was it a positive or negative experience for you? Did your parents insist you work while in school or did you work because you wanted to?

My first real job was working at a dentist/ortho office in my neighborhood. When I was sixteen and could drive, that was the perfect place for me to work a few hours a week. I usually worked two to three afternoons from about 3:30-5:30 and then a couple of Saturdays a month from 8-12.

It was a positive experience. I answered the phones, schedule appointments, and pulled and put up patient files.

My parents didn’t really insist that I work, but it was a natural “next step” once I got my driver’s license. It was nice having some spending money and paying for gas for my car.

3. Have you ever had a job that required overnight travel? How did you feel about that? Have you ever had a job that required you to wear a uniform? Do you work better in the morning or at night?

I never have had a job that has required overnight travel. You know how much I hate to pack? I’m so glad I don’t have to do that often. Although, I assume if I traveled a lot for work, I’d get pretty good at packing!

I’m thankful to not travel for my job. As you know, I like being at home! I’ve also never had to wear a uniform. Besides the dentist office, I worked the front desk of my dorm and then in Missouri’s athletic office for a couple of years in college.

I definitely work better in the morning! I like to get things accomplished and then move on throughout the day.

4. What’s something you bake or cook that is labor intensive? Is it worth it?

I can’t think of anything I make that’s really “labor intensive.” Honestly, if it takes too long to make, I’m probably not making it.

That being said, I make my brother’s stuffed peppers a few times a year, and they do take some effort but are worth it!

5. One thing you’re looking forward to in the month of September?

One thing? How about a few like…cooler temps, apple cider, and football season!

6. Insert your random thought here.

I’m really grateful that we’ve had a smooth start back to school.

Between the kids starting high school and the fact that I have a couple of classes now, it’s been a big adjustment. So far, so good!

Thanks for reading!

Hello! I hope you’ve had a great start to your week.

I’m linking up with Joyce and answering this week’s “hodge podge” questions.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. What’s a task you do on a regular basis that feels like it should be an Olympic event?

Change the sheets on everyone’s bed! I hate this task, and it always takes multiple loads of laundry to get it accomplished. I change sheets every couple of weeks, but then I wash the comforters and quilts once a month, so it just takes a lot of time. Of course, there’s always a fight with a fitted sheet too!

2. What’s in the trunk of your car right now?

Not much! While my car isn’t spotless, I do keep it picked up. In my trunk, I always keep a bag that I mostly use during track season that has a blanket, sunscreen, a towel, etc. I also have my stadium seat that I sometimes use for volleyball games and always use for track meets. In the storage unit below, I keep my umbrella and rain jacket.

3. Summer foods vs. fall foods…which do you prefer?

I love lunches in the summer, but I prefer fall dinners.

I just love having the time for a longer lunch in the summer, and I typically make a “snack plate” of whatever I want to eat.

I love hearty meals in the fall. Give me all the casseroles, chili, and soups…and I’m happy!

Would you rather…

• watermelon or caramel apple? Watermelon for sure!
• iced coffee or pumpkin spiced latte? I don’t drink PSL like I used to, and I rarely drink iced coffee, but that would be my preference.
• potato salad or sweet potato casserole? Can I say “pasta salad?” That’s definitely my preference. I don’t like potato salad (actually, I don’t even try it…no thank you to mayo!), but I will have a dollop of sweet potato casserole on Thanksgiving.
• BBQ ribs or roast turkey? My kids LOVE ribs. I do not. I do love turkey though…Thanksgiving is my favorite meal.
• Ice cream sandwich or apple pie? I rarely have apple pie, but I like it. I don’t think I’ve ever made one. Ice cream sandwiches definitely hit the spot in the summer.
• Corn on the cob or candy corn? I like corn, but not the messiness of corn on the cob. I only like candy corn if it’s mixed with peanuts.

This little mix is great too!

4. August 7th is National Lighthouse Day. Have you visited any lighthouses? Do you have a favorite? Is a lighthouse something you seek out if you’re visiting an area known for theirs?

When I was in high school, we took a vacation to the northeast…and I’m sure I saw some lighthouses in Maine. I’d love to see more lighthouses one day.

5. Light at the end of the tunnel, out like a light, give the green light, a light bulb moment, in a new light, in the limelight…of the “light” idioms listed which applies in some way to your life lately? Explain.

Oh…a couple of these apply right now…

• Light at the end of the tunnel: It’s always very overwhelming going back to school, but I know that I can see the first few days of school lesson plans coming together as this week goes on and I’ve had time in my classroom.
• Out like a light: Uh…me every night! There’s no tired like “back to school teacher tired!”
• A light bulb moment: I have plenty of those every day as I get back in the swing of school!

6. Insert random thought here.

One of my friends mentioned Kroger Boost recently and how great it is to have groceries delivered when needed. Well, a couple of weeks ago, Kroger had the “same day” option for $50 for the yearly subscription instead of $100. I went ahead and purchased, and I tried it the weekend before last. I used the Kroger app like usual, and I appreciated that the Instacart shopper texted with substitution options.

A couple of things that would take getting used to is everything was in plastic bags, and Kroger pick up is always paper bags. Whenever we have a lot of plastic bags, we do take them back to Kroger for recycling. Also, our garage is in the basement, so usually I unpack basement fridge items and then bring up groceries. This time, I had to take basement items downstairs since she delivered to the front door.

Anyway, these are first world problems/adjustments. This past Sunday, I did my regular Kroger pick up, but I know I will use the Boost service every once in a while.

This week has been a big adjustment for me, but I’m trucking along. Today, my PD is on Zoom…It’s like turning back the hands of time…all the way to 2020! Really, I appreciate this option today!

Hello! How is your week going? We’ve had a couple of cloudy and rainy days which I guess we need, but I’ve been wanting to make the most of the time I have left for pool days. I have been able to be productive at home when not taking the kids where they need to go.

Anyway…

I’m happy to link up with Joyce for her fun Hodgepodge post.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. The Olympics kick off this coming weekend. Will you be watching? If you could watch just one event in person, which one would you choose?

We will be watching as much Olympic coverage as we can! Of course, after our trip to Eugene for the Olympic track trials, we will definitely be watching track!

That being said, there probably isn’t an event I won’t watch. I always love watching gymnastics, swimming, and beach volleyball.

It’s not the summer Olympics, but I was on maternity leave with the kids in the winter of 2010, and I remember loving watching all the coverage since I was mostly at home during that time. It was an added bonus to maternity leave for sure.

2. Have you ever been to Paris? Is this a city you’d like to visit? What’s your favorite ‘French thing’? 

When I was sixteen, I went on a tour of Europe for high school band. We started in England and ended in Germany and visited a few other countries in between…including France (Paris). I do remember being in awe of the Eiffel Tower and enjoying Paris. Of course, I’d love to go back at some point.

I’d say my favorite “French thing” would be a baguette! I love bread! I also remember eating a lot of ham and cheese on baguettes while there, and this may explain why my love for a Jimmy John’s Slim 1 runs deep!

3. Macaron, creme brulee, chocolate soufle, mille feuille, or an eclair…your favorite French patisserie from the ones listed? 

Hadley loves macaroons, and I do too! I even included this macaroon print (top right) when we redid her room this past winter.

If she sees a macaroon, she wants one…including when we went to Pike Place Market in Seattle.

4.  July 24th is National Cousins Day…do you have many cousins? Are you close to them? Will you see any of your cousins on July 24th? 

I have six cousins…and they are all on my dad’s side. My dad has three brothers, and they all had two kids. We grew up seeing each other quite a bit, but two of my cousins have always lived in Chicago, and they could come in town for some holidays and in the summer.

My dad has quite a few cousins, and I see them at holidays, and often refer to them as my cousins too…since that’s easier and we see them when we can.

My brother and I are the only kids on my mom’s side, so we always got all the attention 🙂

I’m very thankful that my kids have so many cousins who are they are pretty close with even with the age ranges.

My mother-in-law celebrated a big birthday this past weekend, so all the cousins were together which was fun to see.

Also, my kids get to see my brother’s kids all the time since they live nearby. It’s fun going to their games and seeing them when we can.

5.  Last time you went somewhere that felt like ‘everyone and his cousin‘ was there?

I feel that way any time I go to the mall. haha

I don’t fly often, but I flew a few times this summer…and the airport definitely always felt congested and hectic!! (and delayed! haha)

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Woof. It’s only been two days of Hayden’s 6am cross country practices, and we are all on the struggle bus. Well, not Hadley; she can sleep through almost anything.

That being said, I’m not even the one waking up early to take him. So far, Travis has gotten Hayden up and taken him, gone to workout himself, and then brings Hayden home before going to work. That being said, neither of them are very quiet in the morning, so of course I hear both alarms and all their walking up and down the hall, filling up the water bottle, and more.

This summer, I’ve often wished my kids could drive. I know when that time really comes, I will be a nervous wreck, but truly, if they could drive within a five mile radius of my house, I think I’m ready for that.

Enjoy your day!

Hello!

I love Joyce’s Wednesday link up, so I’m joining in again today.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. It’s National Splurge Day…What’s something you might splurge on today? What have you splurged on recently?

Well, I probably won’t splurge on anything today as yesterday was a pretty expensive day. I did treat myself to a pedicure, and I took Hadley and my niece with me. Hadley wanted a summer manicure, and my niece just had a birthday…so we brought her for a manicure as her birthday gift.

What’s more expensive than paying for a pedicure and two manicures? Getting a new a/c and furnace installed yesterday!

Our a/c and furnace are close to thirty years old, so it’s been on our radar that this might be the summer to get a new system. I wish we’d taken care of this earlier, but of course the week that we’ve finally hit the 90’s, we were on the list to have it installed. Our house has been in the 80’s the past five days, so we sought reprieve in the basement and in the sunroom (where we have an a/c unit) as much as possible. Homer won’t go down the stairs to the basement, but we’d find him on the cool sun room floor by the a/c unit. He’s a smart pup! haha

So, the nail day was a splurge and the a/c was a necessity.

2. Do you have a beach bag? What’s in it? Is a trip to the beach on your summer bucket list? Do you have a summer bucket list?

I do have a few beach bags, and I wrote all about them in my first Summer Sunday post.

We don’t have a typical beach trip planned this summer which is a first for us. We have a fun vacation planned though that we are all excited about.

We haven’t made a bucket list in a couple of years, but we’d make a “summer fun” list when the kids were little.

3. What’s a song that makes you think of summer past? What comes to mind when you hear it? What memories does it stir up for you?

The first song that popped into my head when I think of “summer past,” was Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” in the summer of 1996. I swear that “Fast Car” was also being played a lot that summer too. Proof that things that were popular come back around again!

The summer of 1996 was a really carefree one. I had my license, and I remember hanging out with friends, going to the pool, working a little, and just really feeling like a high schooler.

I’m the worst when it comes to remembering song titles, so I checked out a list of “hits” from 1996. Here were a few more of my faves that I remember singing a long to on the radio:

• “Ironic”- Alanis Morissette
• “Follow You Down” -Gin Blossoms
• “Sittin Up in my Room”- Brandy
• “Insensitive” -Jann Arden
• “Name” -Goo Goo Dolls
• “Who Will Save Your Soul” -Jewel
• “Wonder”- Natalie Merchant
• “Breakfast at Tiffanys” -Deep Blue Something
• “1979” -Smashing Pumpkins
• “Only Wanna Be With You”- Hootie and the Blowfish

What’s a song that you think of when you think about summer?

4. Sushi – yay or nay? Have you actually tried it? What’s your “go to” order?

Definitely “yay.” I like sushi, and it’s one of the meals that Travis and I have in common when we think about a “date” night.

He’s probably a bit more adventurous than I am…I usually stick to shrimp, yellow tail, salmon, and crab.

5. I own a ridiculous amount of…

Pajamas! The ones I turn to the most this summer are the ones I got recently from Walmart as well as the guazy pajamas (I have three pairs!) that I got from Target last summer.

6. Insert your own random thought here:

This past weekend, I was placing an order for a cake for Trav for Father’s Day. When I asked him what flavor he wanted and showed him the options, he mentioned “Snickerdoodle.” Both kids thought it was an odd option, but it was so good. Let’s just say they both had more than one slice!

Don’t sleep on the “Snickerdoodle” cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes. (The key lime flavor is good too…we picked up a small one of those for Trav as well.)

Here’s to staying cool this summer…and letting cake solve all our problems!!

Hello!

My life kind of feels like a bit of a ‘hodgepode’ lately, so this post is timely. I’m linking up with Joyce for her weekly link up with responses to her “hodgepodge” of topics.

Here are my answers to this week’s questions:

1. It’s National Cheese Day (June 4)…Does anyone not like cheese? What’s your favorite? Last thing you ate or made with cheese?

I always joke that I’ve never met a cheese I don’t like!

For lunch, I often pack Babybel cheese or put pepper jack, turkey, lettuce and mustard on a wrap.

Every time I go to Trader Joe’s, I buy the Havarti Cheese with Dill. It’s one of my favorite things to add to my summer lunch plate.

The last thing I made with cheese was quesadillas for lunch yesterday using rotisserie chicken, shredded mozzarella and “Carb Savvy” tortillas from TJ.

2. Last time you were instructed to ‘say cheese!’? How does you feel about having your picture taken?

Well, for having a blog, it’s pretty ironic that I don’t love having my picture taken. Hadley doesn’t think twice…she will just stop and smile. Not that Travis loves having his picture taken, but he’s more like Hadley. I like to know that my hair and outfit are ok! haha

Hayden despises getting his photo taken. This picture after their 8th grade promotion ceremony was a miracle to get taken:

That being said, I like whatever my phone camera does for a selfie…apparently, “flipping the camera around” for a selfie provides my better angle…in my opinion.

3. What’s your travel packing strategy? Are you typically a light packer or do you throw in everything but the kitchen sink? When flying, do you check a bag or aim for carry on only?

I am definitely not a light packer. I think I mostly just want to feel at home wherever I am which means I pack “all the options.” I’ve gotten better through the years. Instead of a large suitcase, I can get by with my medium sized one. That being said, the other three in my family can pretty easily pack in a carry-on suitcase, so I know they wish I’d do the same. haha

I do swear by packing cubes. I’ve used these (we have lots of different colors) for years.

Three piece set // Five piece set

Not once, but twice last summer, I packed in a carry-on sized suitcase for a few days in Florida with Hadley and then a few days in California with Travis.

This was such a shock that I packed in a small suitcase, that I documented it in blog post.

My mom let me borrow these “compression” packing cubes last summer.

They did “smoosh” everything down a bit more.

4. What is it about people’s cell phone habits that you find most annoying?

I think we’re all “guilty” of being on our phones a bit too much. Of course, it’s annoying when people talk so loud that we all have to hear their conversation.

One habit I noticed with students is that if there are even a few seconds of “downtime” between instruction or waiting their turn to talk to me, they think they have to be on their phone. I struggle with this with one of my own kids…who just can’t seem to realize I expect eye contact when talking to me…even briefly. I think kids are learning bad habits…and don’t even get me started with phones in school.

5. What will be your summer mantra/slogan?

Make the most of it? I want to find time to do a little bit of everything. I want to be productive, but relax. I want to read, go to the pool, travel, catch up on sleep, watch TV, eat ice cream, go to the movies, and more.

June is definitely our busier month, and I’m trying not to let it stress me out. Summer, for me, is eight weeks, which I know is a blessing, but it used to be 9-10 weeks of summer…I feel like summer is shrinking and I know with the kids being busy that makes summer fly by as well. While I have had a bit of downtime over the past few days, it still feels like every day has a “to do” list.

Hopefully, I will find my “summer groove” soon.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

The Kansas City Royals have been fun to watch. I grew up watching the Royals as a kid, and there were many bad years of baseball. The 2014 and 2015 teams were so fun to watch, and I’m glad my kids have memories of some good baseball.

Of course, living in Kentucky we don’t get their games very often. The past few years haven’t been great, but my brother and I have split the MLB app subscription, so we can stream on our TVs whenever we want. This year, thanks to my TMobile account, I get the MLB app for free for one year. Anyway, it’s been nice to turn on the games and see them winning.

(Unless you were watching last night…ugh!)

Well, this was a fun mid-week post that included a little bit of everything…cheese, selfies, packing cubes, baseball, and more!