Category: Three things

Hello! It’s almost the weekend. I can tell you that I feel like I’m barely hanging on this week.

Anyway…

I try to do a “Three Things” post each “season,” but it looks like I skipped summer…my last Three Things post was in May!

Here’s what’s going on with each of us lately:

1. Sports: Now that school cross country is finished, Hayden has started club season which will go into early December. This was such a fun season to watch Hayden improve with each race. He hasn’t had the best luck at the state meet the past two years (last year, he was still getting over Covid, and this year, he’d hurt his leg). I know next year he’s hoping to have a solid season as an 8th grader. I can’t believe that next year will be the last year of middle school running. He’s also playing rec basketball to prep for middle school basketball in December as well.
2. Cooking: I have to give Hayden credit…he’s mastered making grilled cheese and quesadilla. He figured those two dishes out over the summer. This semester he has Life Essentials, so maybe he’ll add to his cooking rotation.
3. School: In 7th grade, students choose a foreign language, and Hayden chose Spanish. I think he’s enjoying it so far. Last Friday was “Heritage Day” at school, and the students in Spanish class had presentations, there was food to eat, and guest speakers in the gym. Hayden and his group earned 100%, so they were happy about that. Muy bueno!

1. Sports/Activities: Like last year, Hadley’s doing all the things. She’s still taking studio dance as well as competition. This year, one of her classes is lyrical, and she’s loving it. This has been Hadley’s first week of volleyball practice, and she’s excited for this season. She’s also on Student Council this year, and they are busy planning the Haunted House that’s coming up soon.
2. Life update: Hadley’s loving not having her braces. She does have to wear clear (like Invisalign) retainers for now, and she’s kept up with them so far. She said she’s most excited to bite into an apple now that she doesn’t have braces which I thought was a funny rite of passage.
3. School: Hadley chose French as her foreign language this year, and is enjoying it. She dreams of going to see the Eiffel Tower one day which is why she chose French over Spanish. haha

1. Travis is finished coaching the middle school cross country, but now he’s the Lexington area coach for club season. He’s got a good group of runners. I don’t know how he does it all, but he enjoys it. He’s also very busy with work because the Breeder’s Cup is in Lexington this year, and he’s also preparing for a sale next week as well as the November sales.
2. I just finished phase 1 of my Invisalign. Of course, I didn’t know what to expect, but so far so good. After my first 30 weeks, they took off my attachments and rescanned me. I have an appointment next month to get my new set of trays. So, right now, it’s weird to actually not have the trays in my mouth 24/7. I just sleep in my week 30 trays at night. How many more phases will I have? I’m not sure, but all along, my treatment plan was 18-24 months. And…this week has been extra busy because I’ve been giving the ACT at school the past couple of days. I feel like I haven’t really been in a regular routine at school, but I’m happy to help however is needed at school.
3. Homer – Nothing really to report with Homer besides the fact I do think he’s continuing to mature. It’s nice to leave him out in the house when we are gone…He’s living his best life taking naps and guarding the house. We love him a lot.

So…that’s just a bit about what we are up to. We are entering our most hectic time of the year as Travis is busy with work, the kids have their birthday soon, and of course, we have the holidays coming up too! Now, we’ve added volleyball and club running to our plates.

I hope you are having a great week. See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Hello! Can you believe it’s almost Friday? We’ve had such beautiful weather this week that I think we skipped spring, and it feels like summer.

It’s time for my seasonal Three Things post where I fill you in about what’s going on with each of us.

1. Hayden is tackling both baseball and track this spring. We knew it would be a lot to juggle but thankfully it’s worked out on the schedule (and his coaches have been sweet to work with him.) It’s been so fun to see him excel at track. Also, I can’t believe this is his 12-year-old year baseball season. He’s played since he was four, and I’m a bit “in my feelings” about closing this chapter. I’m thankful that he’s having a great season and continuing to build confidence. Baseball has always been one of my favorite sports to watch, but I know I will love watching him do whatever makes him the happiest.
2. Besides reading, which is a constant hobby, Hayden goes through spurts with various interests. Lately, he’s been back to drawing and tracing which means I have more artwork on the fridge!
3. Speaking of “spurts,” I think Hayden has hit a growth spurt. At his annual exam, he caught up to Hadley. He grew five inches this year. She still has a half inch on him, but he’ll catch her soon, I’m sure.

1. Hadley has had an awesome track season as well. It’s been so fun to watch her improve each week. She’s run in many different events, and really enjoys the team aspect of track. Dance competition season is over, and they really ended on a high note a couple of weeks ago. Now, it’s time to focus on the dance recital. She will be in five routines, and I can’t wait to see them all. She’s also enjoyed helping a class of younger dancers during the week. It’s extra special because cousin Layla is in that class. Whether she’s running or dancing, I love watching her do what she loves with a smile on her face.
2. Both kids are gearing up for our youth service at church soon. Hadley has been really involved in the youth group, and we’re looking forward to that service.
3. Like Hayden, Hadley goes through phases with her hobbies. She’s back to making friendship bracelets which is so sweet. I think all middle school girls like to tie them to their water bottles and work on the bracelets when they have free time during the day.

1. Travis is wrapping up a busy time of the year. The weeks leading up to Oaks and Derby are pretty hectic. He enjoys it though. He’s also been loving the fact that both kids ran track this season. It’s been fun for me to experience this season through his eyes as well.
2. I’m finishing up the school year which never provides a dull moment. We’ve had testing this week, and then of course, I have plenty of students to help push to passing before the year is over. I’m also planning my school’s ESS credit recovery summer session which is just four days right after school is out. It’s still a lot of planning and work, but not as big of a commitment as last summer’s sessions were for me.
3. Homer is almost three! I can’t believe he’s been in our family for almost three years. His Homer-versary is in early June.

Here’s a pic of Homer as a puppy to brighten your day 😉

So that’s a bit of what’s been going on with us! It’s almost Friday. Hang in there!

Hello! I hope your week is off to a great start. The weather was mild here yesterday, so the kids were able to play outside a bit on their day off. I was able to get caught up on laundry, place my Kroger order, run to Trader Joe’s, go for a walk and more.

Today, I’m sharing a Three Things post with just a little update on all of us.

{Three Things on a TWOsday. 2•22•22!}

1. Basketball season has spanned about six months for Hayden, and he’s been loving it. For middle school in our school district, the girls play mid-October until mid-December. Then, the boys have try-outs in December and play games in January, February, and maybe a bit of March. So, Hayden started playing in a rec league in September, then he continued playing with another team that he’s played with for a few years while also playing on his middle school team. So, there’s been some overlap of teams which has meant quite a bit of basketball for Hayden, but he’s really enjoyed it.
2. When Hayden started his “Phase 2” braces at the end of July 2020, his treatment plan was for 2 1/2 years. That being said, at his last appointment, they indicated that he hopefully only has 4-5 more months which would put him a bit before two years. We don’t want to jinx it, but hopefully we can close the chapter on braces soon.
3. Hayden enjoyed learning the game of Cribbage when my mom visited a couple of weeks ago. He just has quite the competitive spirit whether it’s on the court or on the cribbage board.

1. Hadley is all signed up for camp this summer, and she’s really excited. With middle school, she’s found that there are girls who went to the same camp that she recognizes and has become friends with in middle school. I think she will have extra fun this summer.
2. This is the first year since 1st grade that we haven’t been up to our eyeballs in Girl Scout cookie deliveries. That being said, Hadley has filled her time being active in school activities like Student Council, dance team, and chorus as well as attending youth group activities at church. Recently, the combined youth groups went to a local women’s shelter to help organize donated food and supplies.
3. Competition season started this past weekend, and it’s always fun to see Hadley up on stage. She’s in a large group musical theater number as well as a small group who performs a jazz routine. The small group routine begins with Hadley’s triple turn. She was nervous, but she landed that triple turn like a boss!

1. Travis is busy with work as usual. It’s foaling season, so he has lots of clients to keep up to date on how mama and baby are doing. The other night the laptop was open to live camera footage of the stall of a very important mama horse waiting to have her baby. Travis seriously works 24/7. I know why his co-workers and clients think so highly of him; he’s very committed to all he does. He’s also excited that it’s almost track season for Hayden and Hadley! You know he loves to see them run! (…and he was a really great basketball coach and “dance dad” this past weekend)
2. I’m really busy this time of the year with ESS (Extended School Services). We have tutoring three days a week that I organize, but I’m busy because we also offer credit recovery session from first semester. I run reports, send letters home, schedule students, buy snacks, meet with teachers, turn in payroll and more. I’ve really enjoyed this added responsibility this year, but it can be time consuming since I’m learning as a I go.
3. Homer is still Homer. He’s about 80% dependable now but when he’s the other 20%, it still means he’s destroying a remote control or taking a shoe out to the backyard. Poor Homer also still struggles with allergies. Allergy shots seem to help, but a few months ago we even had to change his food. Thankfully, they seem to be under control now.

So, that’s a bit of what we’ve been up to. I feel like I share the Three Things posts seasonally, so that’s our winter update…just in time to transition into spring activities and end of the year milestones! We’ll blink, and it will be summer.

I’m not sure if I will have a post for tomorrow, but I should be back Thursday and Friday.

Thanks for reading,

Hello! Shew! What a week. I swear we went from 0 to 100 which has left with less time to blog. It’s been a while since I’ve shared a little update on each of us, so today, I’m sharing Three Things.

1. The middle school cross country season is wrapping up, and Hayden has had a great season, especially considering the adjustment to running with 7th and 8th graders! His team celebrated their successes yesterday with a party after school. They still have the state meet left and then Hayden will also run a bit competitively this fall. He’s also started basketball which is another love of his!
2. Hayden finished reading the Hunger Games book and immediately started the second one, Catching Fire. I always love when my kids find books (or a series!) they love to read.
3. Hayden’s had a successful start to middle school. As the first quarter is wrapping up, he said his favorite class is art (and he’s not mad to have PE this semester as well!).

1. Hadley has doubled down on dance with dancing for her school and in the studio. In the studio, she’s taking ballet, tap, and jazz as well as competition team. Middle school dance was paused for a bit with some many out due to quarantine, but Hadley’s happy to be back with that crew and looking forward to cheering and dancing at an upcoming school basketball game.
2. Over the weekend, Hadley and a friend took a babysitting class at the YMCA and passed! Hadley is so good with younger kids, and now has the credentials to prove it 😉
3. Hadley is also loving middle school. Besides dance, she’s signed up for Student Council, and says her favorite class is Life Essentials. She’s extra excited because first quarter was all about kitchen safety, and second quarter they get to bake!

**I think it’s interesting both kids chose their electives as their favorite classes. Middle school perks!

1. Travis is glad to be back to work. Also, he’s officially recovered from his knee surgery and happy to get back to working out and running. He’s been helping Hayden with cross country when Hayden missed school. After the state meet, Travis will keep training Hayden for other races.
2. I’m happy to be back to school as well now that everyone is healthy and resumed their normal activities. This is the first “normal” year of my academic intervention job, and I’m really loving it. I feel pretty good about our school routine, and I’ve been able to get a workout routine going. I still love the Beachbody app, and have started a new program: Morning Meltdown.
3. Homer sure loved having us home so much over the past few weeks. While he’s still ornery, I really do think he’s maturing. It dawned on us recently that he hasn’t destroyed much lately! He still likes to dig holes in the backyard, but that’s better than chewing the remote or shoelaces!

So that’s bit of what’s going on with each of us. These feel like seasonal posts to me! I’m sure the next update will be in the winter!

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Hello! I like to do a Three Things post every few months just diving a bit deeper into what each of us is up to. So, here’s the summer version of:

Summer brings a mix of sports, activities, and more.

1. Of course, sports don’t stop for Hayden, even in the summer. He’s playing on a travel baseball team, playing summer league basketball which is very laid back, and playing golf whenever he can convince Travis to take him! He is spending his summer continuing with occasional hitting lessons and since he’s not doing swim team this summer, he’s had more time to attend athletic camps. He’s gone to basketball and baseball camp this summer and still has a golf camp to attend!
2. He’s getting the hang of wearing contacts. Again, we haven’t really made it a huge priority but about a month ago, he was able to put them in with less help from us (I will spare you the details 😉) On vacation, he put them in on his own a couple of times even if it took a few minutes. Hopefully by the time school starts, he will have mastered this!
3. Hayden flew through John Grisham’s Theodore Boone books, and he absolutely loved them. He’s also finished one of his summer reading books. It thrills me how much he loves to read!

1. Hadley’s summer activities include swim team and dance workshops. Since she didn’t swim last summer, this summer has been a big adjustment because she’s in the the younger end of the 11-12 age group and this age group starts swimming 50’s! She’s had a couple of practices where they swam twenty 50’s! They also play games during practices, make signs for the meets, and have donut days on the Thursdays after swim meets, so it’s typically more fun than serious for summer swim. For dance, she’s been taking a pre-pointe class which she’s been so excited about as well as a turns and tricks class as well.
2. Hadley is so excited to go to camp this summer. It’s definitely something she missed last summer, so she’s counting the days!
3. Another thing she missed last summer was being able to hang out with friends, go to sleepovers, and other social activities. This summer, she’s definitely making up for lost time, and it’s been nice to see her have so much fun with her friends and be a bit more independent.

Homer:

Homer, of course, loves having us home more again! Also, a couple of our neighbors have dogs his age and size, so he’s been able to burn some energy with them a bit lately. Even Homer is a social butterfly! Also, unfortunately, he’s been very itchy again this summer. So, he got an allergy shot in early June, and needs another one soon. The vet said it’s probably a grass allergy, and at least last summer, he only got about four shots and was fine the rest of the year.

Travis and Me:

Travis:

Travis is in full on sports dad mode! He’s helping Hayden start training for the middle school cross country season, and shuttling him to all the baseball practices and games!

Also, we are celebrating him today! Happy birthday, T-rav! (We actually did cake and presents last night since tonight is a much more hectic night with activities)

Me:

As for me, I’m helping again with summer school. Session 2 started yesterday. The first session went well, and it was nice being able to work a couple days a week for a few hours and still have a huge chunk of summer to enjoy with the kids. Now that the calendar has turned to July, I’m trying to enjoy these last four to five weeks of summer as well as mix in some productivity too!

So that’s what’s been going on with us! Tomorrow, I plan on sharing the details of our Isle of Palms trip and then Friday Favorites to finish up the week on the blog!

Hey, hey! Now that we are in the swing of things with virtual school and fall activities, I thought I’d share a little family update with what everyone has been up to recently.

1. Of course, the kids always have activities going on. For Hayden, this fall, he’s playing a short season of baseball with a new team. He knows most of the boys on the team, but this is the first season they’ve all played together. He’s also running cross country and playing the occasional round of golf (in the front and backyard or on an actual course) when time allows.
2. Their learning pod is reading Indian in the Cupboard. Well, Hayden liked the book so much, that he stayed up late a couple of Saturdays ago to finish it. Then, he borrowed and has already finished the second book. I’d heard of Indian in the Cupboard but didn’t know it was a series of books.
3. Lastly, Hayden is in a Fantasy Football league. Travis helped Hayden with the draft, and it’s funny how serious Hayden is when setting up his lineup each week. Of course, we’re over here cheering for the KC Chiefs this season, and Hayden’s FFL team, The Mahomies.

1. On the fall activities front, Hadley is running cross country, taking dance, and occasionally going to volleyball clinics. This year, we’ve kicked it up a notch with dance because Hadley decided she wants to try competition team. So, she’s taking ballet/tap/jazz one night and then her competition team meets once a week.
2. Hayden tends to be the drawer in the family, but Hadley is showing some artistic skills with her classwork. She’s enjoyed drawing for her morning work and in art class.
3. Fifth graders can take band, and Hadley is interested in playing the flute. Sign-ups started earlier this week, and she’s hopeful she’ll get to play the flute (back up choice: clarinet!). I think it will be a great thing for her to try!

Homer continues to enjoy having us home so much, and hasn’t destroyed any major property lately! His current hobby is finding cicadas and bringing them in the house. More than once, I’ve thought he caught a bird because those things are so big!

He’ll do anything for treat and is always on the hunt for food that’s dropped on the floor…or left on the counter. Ugh!

Good thing he’s cute.

I’m really enjoying the mix of working from school and home. I feel like my part time job is shuttling kids everywhere, but that’s mom life…and I love it. I’m continuing to blog when I can (obviously), keep up with school (both for my job and virtual for the kids), exercise as often as possible and read when I can as well.

Lastly, Travis is finishing up a busy month of work as well as coaching the kids’ cross country team.

So, that’s just a little of what’s been going on with us. I feel blessed that the weather has been so wonderful, we are in a good school/work routine, and the kids are able to socialize and burn off some energy with their activities. I mean, I’m forever tired, but it’s worth it.

I hope you are having a great week.