Category: Thursday Thoughts

Posted in Enneagram, Me, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

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

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

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

Unfortunately I do love:

Type 5:

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

Type 6:

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

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

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

What’s your favorite thing about September?

Posted in Kids, School, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I hope you are having a great week. Today, I’m sharing a Thursday Thoughts post.

On the WordPress app, they usually post a daily prompt and this one struck a chord with me the second I saw it:

Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

I immediately thought of the kids’ elementary years. Starting in kindergarten, I knew from the start to treasure that phase of life for them. While I know I’m blessed with two kids, having two at once just makes it feel like time moves that much quicker. And…I feel like I don’t get to experience certain phases of life and milestones again since we don’t have a third. There was one first day of kindergarten. There was one 3rd grade zoo field trip. There was one Dr. Seuss “Cat in the Hat” performance. So, I always made it a priority to help with the class parties, take a personal day to go on the field trip, buy them too many books at the book fair and more.

After elementary school, the “magic” of school and learning seems to slip away a little bit more every year. Also, there just aren’t field trips, field day, chorus concerts, class parties and all the other special events that elementary school provides.

The kids made so many memories during those years, formed friendships, learned so much and had so much fun. So many of their core values and experiences that shaped them as learners and little humans happened in the classrooms in that building.

Covid put an end to that. They went home on Friday, March 13, 2020, finished their 4th grade year on Zoom/Google Classroom, spent most of 5th grade doing work at home or at the neighborhood “pod” of classmates. They went back to school wearing masks on March 3, 2021 but with plexi-glass around their desks as an attempt to minimize germs. Their 5th grade graduation was held in the gym, but no family could attend. Instead, we watched at home via the live stream.

I’m so thankful the kids were celebrated and were together with their classes, but it would have been nice to have the option of an outdoor ceremony or even a limit of two family members per student.

I know the administrators were making the best decision at the time, and I’m grateful for technology to still “be there” for the special milestone.

Registering for Kindergarten:

First day of K:

Last day of 5th grade:

{I must admit that I did love being at home with them during the online school days. I’m blessed that I could be home with them thanks to my job as a teacher too. I was never a stay at home mom (besides in the summer), and (mostly) loved helping them with their school work and having some extra free time with them…but I do think we were out of school for entirely too long! We all should have headed back to the classroom sooner.}

I will always look back fondly on their elementary school years.

We owe a lot to those teachers and that school. It’s bittersweet that we didn’t have the proper goodbye.

Excuse me while I go grab a tissue! haha

Posted in Everyday Life, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts: What’s Not to Love?

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I guess February is the month for love with Valentine’s Day last week.

That being said, the past couple of days, I’ve made note of a few things that come to mind that I love.

Now, of course, I love my family, my friends, and Homer; things like “health,” “travel,” and “traditions” would be on the list of things I love, but today’s list is a look at some of the “littler” things I love

For starters, I love a Thursday. It’s my favorite day of the week. It’s a great day to be productive, and the weekend is right around the corner.

Here are some other things I love…in no particular order…

A cup of warm coffee to start my day.

A good book.

A rainy day.

A good snow fall. (And a snow day!…We have another one today.)

A “crispy” Diet Coke…McDonald’s does it best, followed by Chick-fil-A. There’s nothing better than that fizz.

The glow of a Christmas tree.

All my family being at home at the same time.

*This pic –we aren’t at home, but I like the pic. haha

The school copier not jamming when I have copies to make. Literally…I say a little prayer every time I make copies.

A new set of pens.

When a lesson in class goes well.

Clean sheets!

A beach sunset.

Turning the page on my desk calendar. The fresh start of a new month is always something I look forward to.

(Old calendar, but you get what I mean…)

When someone gives me a compliment about my kids.

*The same goes for a good sub note and compliments on my students.

A word search.

A three day weekend with no “Sunday Scaries.” (Although, I must admit that I’ve had a great year with very few Sundays dreading Monday!)

A bowl of cereal. I’m on a Cap’n Crunch kick right now.

Mint chocolate chip ice cream. It’s the superior flavor.

Being tan.

Funny memes.

Appointments like getting my nails or my hair done. I also love my monthly facials.

A good nap.

A card.

A snack plate.

A cookie cake.

A show to binge watch. Currently, Travis and I are making our way through the second season of The Night Agent. I also love most of Bravo’s “Housewives” franchise.

Emojis. If you get a text from me, you know that it will almost always include an emoji….

Some of my faves: 🎉🙃🤣👀☠️😬😭🙋‍♀️👸

Unfortunately, I’ve had to use this one the past couple of days 🤒…because Hayden has the flu.

…and we have yet another NTI day thanks for snow and cold temps so…🥶

What about you? What’s something simple that you love?

Posted in Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! It’s been a while since I’ve done a Thursday Thoughts post…

…and after reading John Stamos’ memoir…

I got to thinking about the title and…if you would have told me.

Here are a few if you would have told me thoughts from my life.

1. Moving away from KC

If you would have told me…that I’d move away from my hometown…

My homebody tendencies started young and run deep. I didn’t even want to leave home for college. I stayed home my first year, and then went to Columbia to MU for my sophomore year. Some people want to move away from their hometown for various reasons, but I never felt that way. I truly always thought I’d move back to KC and live there forever.

When people ask what brought me to Kentucky, I always say, “I was young, dumb, and in love.” Now, that’s not to take anything away from Travis and our relationship, but how many times are you 24 with nothing really tying you down, so that you can take a leap of faith? Today, Travis could get the job offer of a lifetime now, and I really think I would hesitate to move anywhere besides where we are. This is our home, but I do say that the word “home” is complicated for me. I feel “at home” in KC and in Lexington.

Also, guess I’ve always been pretty practical…and when Travis wanted to branch out of working in college athletics, and get into the horse business, the horses are in Kentucky. I could teach anywhere.

Obviously, things work out how they are supposed to, and we have a very blessed life, but it would be nice to be close to family.

A few KC/MO memories through the years…

2. Twins

If you would have told me…that I’d have twins, I think I’d be speechless. In fact, I was speechless when I found out. haha

Never in a million years would I have guessed that I would have twins. Thankfully, we knew pretty early on, so we had lots of time to prepare. Also, it’s kind of amazing that Travis and I each ended up with a little “mini me.”

Having twins is really special for us as parents, and I am grateful that my kids are boy/girl twins, so it’s easy not to compare them really. My kids have been different from day one, and it’s amazing to see their personalities stay pretty consistent through the years.

They are very lucky to have each other, and I hope they realize that. I do think Hayden could work on appreciating his sister a bit more… but she does know how to drive him crazy. 😉

I think it’s special that they have their own friends, but those friend groups overlap. I hope that continues into high school, so they can keep each other in check.

I think it’s been fun for them (whether they will admit it or not) that they’ve had a couple of classes together this year.

Also, as busy as they are with their activities, and they each have their own interests, it’s really special during track season that they have that in common. That being said, true to their strengths and their personalities, Hayden runs the distance events, and Hadley runs the shorter distance events.

3. Blog

If you would have told me…that I’d have a blog, I might have believed you. 😉

I guess for being a pretty private person, it’s a contradiction that I share so much about my life. I am more of an introvert who is forced to be extroverted.

When the kids were babies, I remember someone suggesting blogging as a new stream of income for some…so that would be have 2010 or so. Who knows…had I figured out how to start a blog then, maybe this gig would have become lucrative. haha

That being said, I blog because I like to write. It’s my outlet, a way to have my voice heard, and a way to capture the moments in life.

As the kids have gotten older, I’ve tried to respect their privacy a bit more although they are pretty indifferent about what I write.

I’m really grateful to have this space as a scrapbook of the past few years; I truly wish I’d started blogging sooner.

Thoughts:

This was a fun topic to write about. Like most things, I’m really grateful that my if you would have told me examples are pretty light-hearted and not serious. I know many people have been faced with health issues, deaths, and other challenges in life that are much more serious.

What about you…

What’s your “If you would have told me?” moment?

Posted in Blog challenge, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

I hope you’ve been able to stay warm this week. I know many of us are dealing with winter weather…and we are on NTI day #3 around here.

Today, for…

…I’m continuing with….

Besides WordPress ideas for blogging topics, I have a few ideas saved on Pinterest. One journal prompt was:

Favorite part of my evening.

Is there anything better than getting home after a long day and getting settled for the night?

Today, I’m sharing my top five favorite parts of my evening.

Not counted in the count, but something I love is when I get home, and I know that I don’t have to go back out. Of course, we’re in a busy season of life, so a night at home is a rarity and a treat. If that’s the case, then these five things really apply:

Pajamas!! Now, many times I get home from school, change into workout clothes, and head to the basement for my workout. Even workout clothes are a nice change from wearing school clothes, but as soon as I can put on my pjs and slippers, I’m a happy camper.

Leftovers for dinner! While I love cooking, it’s so nice to just pull a meal out of the fridge to warm up for everyone. Often times, even if we have leftovers, I still add something new to the meal like rolls, salad, or green beans.

Family dinner/everyone is home!

Again, being in a busy season with all of the kids’ activities, we don’t get to eat dinner together every night. So, the two to three nights a week that we are able to do so mean so much to me. That’s one of those “mom things” that I don’t think the kids know that parents appreciate.

I can’t remember if I’ve shared this, but the kids have Language Arts class together this year…and this semester, they have Tech Ed together too. While Hayden doesn’t share as much, Hadley usually has funny stories or the kids end up falling into a conversation about school or the classes they have together, and it’s nice to hear about their day…even if they don’t always like to give us all the details. haha

Hot shower/skin care! Usually right after dinner, I take my evening shower, do my nightly skincare, and put those pjs (back?) on.

I’m still loving a shower steamer when I remember to throw one in the shower. I’m still using body butter, and the Candy Cane one from Trader Joe’s is my favorite this season.

Then, of course, I like washing my face and using my Dime Beauty products along with a few other things. It’s nice to have a clean face that’s ready for bed.

Reading! Once we got back to school, I didn’t have as much time to read. That being said, there are many nights that I scroll my phone for a few minutes, so now I’ve decided to be a bit more intentional about reading time.

When I read on my Kindle, I always read before bed, but if I’m reading a book, that’s harder to do…because Travis is ready for me to turn the lamp off.

Anyway, for the past week, I’ve been reading this book and making sure to read for 20-30 minutes after my shower which has been nice to do.

If Travis and I have time to watch a show together, that’s always good too. We just finished The Night Agent two nights ago, and we loved it. It’s been a long time since we’ve “binge watched” a show together.

Many times, we’ll watch Kentucky or Missouri basketball games too. He’s lucky to have a wife that loves sports…haha

I’ve also started Fool Me Once, and I’m almost finished with The Crown. While those are shows just I watch, it’s nice to have an evening at home to watch them.

What’s your favorite part of your evening?

Posted in Enneagram, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts: 5w6 Relaxing

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an Enneagram post. I always think it’s interesting to see @Ashton.creates posts on Instagram where she breaks down each Enneagram type for different categories.

Today, I’m breaking down “relaxing” for my 5w6 self.

Summer is definitely the time to relax! Of course, we’ve been pretty busy, but when I do have time to relax, I do! Sometimes when I share these posts, I think I’m more of a 6 than a 5, but this one I think I relate more to the 5.

Enneagram 5:

Sweet silence- Yes! You know I love moment of quiet when I can. I’ve found this summer that I’ve sought silence on my front porch more than ever. Not that I need silence more than ever — just I’ve been embracing the front porch quiet time when I can.

Quiet time-I’ve you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know that I always start my mornings with quiet time of coffee and blog reading. It’s the best way, for me, to start my day.

Being home- Yes! I’m the very definition of a homebody.

Docuseries-I do enjoy docuseries. We’ve been watching Quarterback, and I love it. of course, I love seeing more about Mahomes, but it’s interesting to learn about the other quarterbacks too. I find myself cheering for them too.

Walks- I enjoy a walk when I can. It’s about the only time I get to listen to a podcast, so I try to walk a few days a week.

Favorite mug-

I’ve been using my new Julep Farms mug this summer ever since our trip there.

A good book – Of course! I’m currently reading Lessons in Chemistry, and I’m loving it.

Sunrise- For being a morning person, I’m more of a sunset person. I have caught a sunrise or two at the beach through the years.

Enneagram 6:

Flowers – I love flowers…whether I pick them up at Trader Joes…

…or Travis and the kids buy me some.

A solid schedule – Yes! I always feel better with a schedule. I like having a plan whenever possible. I’ve realized through the years that I’m better about reading and working out during the school year than when I have time off in the summer. I guess I embrace the downtime and can become lazy.

Sunsets on the beach – Yes! I love nothing more than a beach sunset.

Multiple drinks – Coffee, Diet Coke, Pinot Grigio…& water in my Stanley…lots of different beverages.

Phone calls with a bestie -Admittedly, I’m not a big phone call person, but of course it’s nice to chat and catch up with family and friends.

Movie night – I love a movie night when we are able to do it. I also enjoy watching favorite movies over and over. Some of my favorite movies are: Parent Trap (original), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sleepless in Seattle, While You Were Sleeping, Swiss Family Robinson and more are ones I re-watch often.

Documentaries – I like docuseries and documentaries.

Sappy playlist – I’m not much a of a playlist/music person…that’s more Trav’s speed. That being said, there’s nothing better than hearing a favorite song on the radio.

What about you? What’s your favorite way to relax ?

See you tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Posted in Books and Shows, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Last month, when I shared the books I read, one of them was The Paris Library. While reading it, there was a quote that stuck out to me and got me thinking…

“We all have books that changed us forever…one that let us know that we’re not alone. What’s yours?”

Recently, WordPress also had a suggested writing prompt: Three books that have had an impact on you.

So, I’m combining those idea’s for today’s Thursday Thoughts post.

Honestly, there are many books that have impacted me or changed the way I think about things or view others.

The list is probably longer than this, but ones that immediately came to mind were:

  • Long Way Home
  • Where the Crawdads Sing
  • A Woman is No Man
  • Little Fires Everywhere
  • American Dirt
  • A Quiet Life
  • The Things We Cannot Say
  • This Tender Land
  • The Rent Collector
  • The Four Winds
  • The Girls in the Stilt House
  • The Giver of Stars
  • We Were the Lucky Ones
  • A Hope More Powerful than the Sea
  • The Paris Library

Three books that had an impact on me…

  • Tuesday with Morrie– My dad gave me this book right as I entered college. I remember reading it in only a few days. Then, through the years, I’d occasionally read some parts (or all) of it again. I even used it during student teaching and my first few years of teaching. I’d read a chapter aloud, and students would write their thoughts. I guess, with this book, it was the first time I realized why someone would read a book or parts of a book over and over/when needed.
  • To Kill a Mockingbird – Believe it or not, I never read this book in high school. It’s such a classic 9th grade text, but I hadn’t read it until I was about to teach this unit during my first year teaching. From the first page, I loved it. I taught it for many years, and loved it so much that I wanted to use the name Harper if we had a girl…obviously, Travis didn’t feel the same way. We even named one of our dogs Scout. The students I’ve helped with English 1 the past few years have been reading the graphic novel version of the text, and it’s actually really good. This shorter version holds their attention better, the pictures are great, and the main points of the plot are still there. Anyway, I guess this text felt like a “rite of passage” as a teacher. It will always be the first book I remember teaching.

Scout (left) Shiloh (right)

  • The Dinner List – I read this book in 2018, and I remember sharing that I read it and loved it in my Instagram stories. Quite a few friends had asked what books I’d been reading, and I shared that one as one of my favorites in 2018. In 2019, when I started my blog, I was excited to start sharing more of what I’d been reading. In a way, I guess having a few people tell me I should share what I read helped push me to finally start my blog.

So, these three books were pivotal or meaningful to me in some way.

What about you? What is a book that’s impacted your life?

See you back here tomorrow…I’m excited to finally share the details of our trip to Julep Farm last week.

Posted in Kids, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday! This is a Thursday that feels like a Friday which is so nice. We don’t have school tomorrow. Since we still have a couple of weeks left until spring break, I’ll take the extra day off!

Recently, on Instagram, Ashley was answering some questions and one of them was “What do you miss most about your kids being little and love most about them being older?”

This question really “hit” me…To be honest, I’d say this past year (2022) was probably the toughest parenting year so far.

First of all, I have teens now. That’s probably all I need to say. 😂

That being said, last year started with a health issue for Hayden. While we were pretty certain the source of the issue, we still had a few months of uncertainty and tests to rule out major issues. My “mama heart” stayed worried during that time which of course caused me to feel stressed and anxious. Thankfully, things are much better now, but it was a hard season of worry to navigate.

Also, I think I’m just very aware of how quickly time is flying by. Recently, I said to Hayden, “I can’t believe I only have five more years with you all in the house with us.” His reply: “I can just live with you when I’m in college too.” Well, that’s the thing…I don’t necessarily want that either…You know, I want to get them to the point of independence. Of course, if they are in school and want to live at home for a year or two, I wouldn’t say no. It’s just I know I need to maximize my time with them while also raising productive members of society 😉

I also think Travis and I have done a good job setting boundaries and expectations while also giving them some independence as well. Now, do they give us credit for doing those things? Not always! 😂..,but I know they know we’re just trying to help them in the long run.

They like to take turns keeping me on my toes. Truthfully, I know that most of what we deal with is “normal” middle school behavior. That being said, there have been some trying times and season of growth. Again, it’s probably typical “growing pains” (literally and figuratively), but sometimes I just feel like I’m doing this parenting thing all wrong. Also, since I’m with teens at school all day, I try not to let my patience be spread too thin at home after a long day, but sometimes that’s hard. Thankfully, Travis balances me out. I feel like we make a great team.

And…we are just very busy. I always say, “blessed to be busy,” but this is just a very busy season of life. There aren’t many nights when we are all home for dinner at the same time, and sometimes I feel like I only see the kids when they are just waking up in the morning and tired or very late at night when they are tired as well. Sometimes, I feel like I’m just fussing at them to use their time wisely or get things done. Then, there are nights they do everything they are supposed to when they are supposed to, and that’s amazing!

Anyway…

So, when thinking about the question…

What do you miss most about your kids being little?

When they were little, they loved me so unconditionally. I miss that. I miss them sitting in my lap. I miss their little voices. (A Facebook memory popped up with a video of Hayden’s little 2nd grade voice, and it stopped me in my tracks). I miss them wanting me to read to them, toothless smiles, and much more.

I feel this deeply:

If that meme doesn’t sum up thirteen year olds, I don’t know what does!

But…

What do you love most about them being older?

Of course, I enjoy who they are now. I can really see who they are becoming as people, and I love it. Also, it is nice that they have more independence and responsibility. They can pack a suitcase with minimal help (I still provide a list!), they can run into the grocery store with my debit card and pick up a few items we need, they can turn the lights off if I go to bed before them, I can trust them with their friends (I hope that’s always the case), and I’ve enjoyed seeing their relationship develop through the years. (Of course, if they want to quit fighting in the bathroom in the morning, I would be ok with that too!)

Anyway, I’d love any words of wisdom from those with older kids. I’m trying to enjoy this season the best that I can. Thankfully, they still hug me and tell me goodnight. That’s the good stuff, for sure! It just feels like they went from this…

to this…

in the blink of an eye!

Posted in Everyday Life, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts: No Power Pro Tips

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday…and hallelujah! …the electricity turned on Tuesday night…right in time for bed. haha We were all so excited!

Well, most of the time I plan out my blog posts. Other times, I just let the blog topics come to me. Having no power for over four days, has me thinking about some of the things that came in handy during our days on the prairie (without power.)

When the power went out on Friday at 5pm, Travis was out of town for the night. Hayden went to the basement and came up with a bag. He said, “Dad said if the power went out, we might need these things.” In the bag were some hand warmers, which we thankfully never needed, his running headlamp, batteries and more.

I do want to start by saying it could have been worse. From Saturday – Monday we had very mild weather. I spent a lot of time on the front porch. It was warmer outside than in my house.

The kids were able to play outside most of the days, and even on Tuesday, when the temps were cooler, they still kept busy during the day with friends. If the power had gone out in the winter, we would have been freezing. If it went out in the summer, we would have been hot. Also, we were pretty busy most evenings, so we only sat in the dark for about an hour before bed every night.

Our thermostat never dipped below 60 degrees, and it was easy to keep warm with sweatshirts, fuzzy socks, and blankets. We had no damage to our yard or house, and others definitely can’t say the same.

Anyway, here are a few other things that came in handy during our days without power:

Who knew when I purchased the flameless candles in January for decorative purposes, they’d be our lifeline at night? Also, I’m so thankful I bought the seven pack! I kept one on in the hall over night, the kids each kept on in their rooms and their bathroom, and then we had one in our room too.

On Saturday morning, when Hayden woke up, he asked when the power came back on. I told him it didn’t –it was only daylight! haha

Anyway, as he bounced the basketball around the house, Hadley said she really needed him to have a charged phone. That’s when she told him he could charge his phone through his chromebook! Genius.

So when we could, we charged our computers at friends’ houses because they worked as another opportunity to charge our phones. We also charged them in the car occasionally.

Dual USB chargers that we bought a couple years ago to use during baseball tournaments also came in handy. I don’t think I’ve charged them up in years, and when I found one Friday night, I was able to charge my phone! So, these clearly hold their charge. I ended up charging these when I could too.

One thing I missed the most was just being able to drink coffee first thing in the morning. A friend brought me some on Saturday morning. Then, on Sunday, we were at the hotel. Monday and Tuesday, Travis did a Starbucks run before going to work. He suggested putting my second cup in my travel mug because it would stay warm until I could drink it. Again, genius!

My Kindle was the real MVP of this time. I was able to finish the second half of Spare, and read almost all of Wrong Place Wrong Time. Thankfully, my Kindle holds a charge for quite a while.

Hadley was really missing her sound machine at night. On Sunday night, I remembered that her old sound machine (that I keep in my overnight bag for travel), will run on batteries. She was so happy…that night, she put on her “snuggy” –the blanket with a hood-, blasted her sound machine, and slept like a baby.

Thankfully, our water heater is gas, so we could still take hot showers. That being said, I think I had a claw clip in my hair Saturday-Tuesday!

Also, my brother and sister-in-law let us hang out here…and especially on Tuesday, as I started this post, we’d hung out here for most of the day. I was able to work on some school things, and the kids did too. I also did laundry and charged all the things (again) since I never knew when we’d get power.

Another helpful tool was this travel power strip that I got Travis for Christmas. We were able to charge everything at once just using one outlet.

While our fireplace doesn’t put out much heat, we were grateful for some warmth (and light) in the mornings and nights.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have a plan for the fridge and freezer. I thought about saving a few things but also hoped the power would come back on. Obviously, it didn’t. So by Sunday night, our fridge and freezer looked like this:

*silver lining* The fridge needed a good clean, and now it has it.

In my almost 20 years in Lexington, this is only the second time we’ve been in a house that’s lost power. In January 2021, we lost it for a few hours. So, this was obviously more extensive, but we’ve never thought we needed a generator. As friends started to get power, one reached out and offered us their generator which was so thoughtful of them. Tuesday night, we went to dinner and continued to see the utility trucks on our street. So, I was hopeful we wouldn’t need the generator. Right as we were going to bed at 10:00, the lights clicked back on! We appreciated the kind offer, but I’m glad we didn’t end up needing it.

While I’m sure hoping we never need a generator, maybe we should add that to our household list for the future!

Again, counting my blessings. It could have been worse.

Posted in Inspiration, Me, Thursday Thoughts

Thursday Thoughts: It’s the little things

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Thursday!

It’s time for some…

Recently, Amy shared her “best of 2023” post…and it got me thinking… 

…I should try to do a better job appreciating the “little things.”  

When the kids were little, we’d always ask them about the best part of their day. Unfortunately, I feel like that has fallen to the wayside. Instead, I feel like I’m always asking about grades and schoolwork. I need to be more intentional with asking them about the highs and lows of their day. 

Anyway, I try to take a moment in the morning to think about the day and set good intentions. I fail a lot at this, but I remind myself that I’m trying. 

It goes without saying that I’m grateful for the health of my family and friends, a lovely home, a rewarding job and more. It’s easy to think about the bigger things for which to be grateful, but there are some other “little things” that do help make life a bit easier. 

One.

Cozi app.

I’ve shared about this app a few times, but it’s been a great way to keep all of my family members organized. If my kids are old enough to have phones, then they are old enough to take responsibility for due dates, test dates, and knowing their sports/dance schedules. The Cozi app has been perfect for keeping all of our family members “in the know” and on the same page. 

Two.

Grocery pick up.

Kroger Clicklist continues to be a life saver for me. Groceries are still an effort, right? I have to make a list (or add to the Kroger app throughout the week), check our inventory, meal plan, place the order, pick up the order, and unpack the groceries. Thankfully, I usually get help unpacking the groceries, and at least I’m not spending an hour or more in the store every week too. Honestly, because I do grocery pick up (and have since 2015 at least!), I really don’t mind running in the store mid-week for a few things if needed. 

Three.

My Kindle.

Kindle – what’s better than reading a good book? I do love to hold a book in my hands, but I also love the convenience of my Kindle. (The library’s Libby app makes it easy to check out books, and the Good Reads app makes it easy for me to track what I’ve read.)

Four.

Quiet time in the morning. This is must for me and a good way to start my day. 

Five.

The scent of a good candle. It’s simply the best. I have a shelf in the hall closet with my candles, and there are quite a few that I rotate. That being said, if we are home, I’m probably burning at least one fave.

As I put up my Christmas decorations, I realized I was missing the glow of the Christmas lights. So, I ordered a set of LED flameless candles from Amazon, and they are perfect for a cozy vibe. 

Six.

Picking my kids up from school. I always wished that I was able to pick them up in elementary school, but when I did, it was always more special, I guess. With our schedules now, middle school starts after the high schools start. So, that means they get out after I do. Most days, I pick the kids up from school when they don’t have sports or other activities going on. I like being the first one they see after school if I can help it. 

Seven.

Sleep….and all the things that help me get a good night’s rest – I’ve loved my weighted blanket for years. Then, about a year ago, we bought mattress topper that gives the bed some extra fluff. I don’t travel without my sound machine, so of course that means I use it every night. Bonus – OLLY Sleep melatonin when needed. One gummy…that’s all I need. It’s legit.

Eight.

A cup of coffee in the morning. A few months ago, we got a Keurig and Starbucks Toasted Graham is my favorite. I look forward to that first cup of coffee every morning. 

Nine.

An impromptu night with my friends. Last Friday night, I was already in my pjs, but got a text from a friend asking if a few of us wanted to come over to hang out. We all love a charcuterie tray, wine, and some good laughs, and it was a nice evening. Sometimes I feel like every hour of our lives is scheduled, so it’s nice when a night with friends comes together on a whim. 

Ten.

Slippers. I am a slippers girl. I officially have three faves and these are my newest ones. They are soft, and I love that my feet don’t get hot in them. 

*Some of these are modern conveniences thanks to an app. YAY 2023!

Honestly, as I got to #10, I realized I could go on an on a bit longer…goes to show that I should pay attention to “the little things” a little more often. 

What’s a “little thing” in your life that you appreciate?