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Friday Favorites {#284}: Fave Gifts

Posted on December 12, 2025December 14, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

TGIF, am I right? I’m typing this on Thursday when there’s a good chance for snow and a possibility of a snow day on Friday. What could be better than that?

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for Friday Favorites.

Today’s Friday Favorites post is a little bit different, but with less than two weeks until Christmas, I thought I’d share a few favorite gift purchases from the past and a few that are on current wish lists.

First of all, have you heard of the Giftful app? This is the second year Hadley has used it, and it sure has come in handy. She added some ideas for her birthday and Christmas, and they are linked with sizes. Then, you can “claim” the gift, so no one else purchases it. Also, you can follow people on Giftful which makes for easy shopping.

Her little captions are too funny…and she has a wish list for car accessories too. (FYI – the kids don’t have a car…yet) She’s a hoot!

So, let me start with her…

Teen Girls:

This sunrise alarm clock is on her list…and honestly, she needs some help waking up in the morning! haha

She loves hair tools, and this hair waver is something she has her eye on.

Are you even a teenage girl if you don’t ask for a portable speaker?

This compact vanity mirror was a hit a few years ago. She did get rid of it once we updated her room and got the bigger vanity, but this smaller one worked well too.

Teen Boys:

Well, Hayden is definitely harder to buy for, and certainly doesn’t give many ideas.

He didn’t ask for Ugg slippers, but I see so many boys wearing them. Of course, there are more budget friendly options too.

He hasn’t really entered the cologne world, so I thought this pack of solid colognes might be a good stocking stuffer.

I can’t remember a time when Hayden hasn’t had a mini basketball hoop. He had an over the door one forever, and then a couple of years ago he got one for the basement. Even though he doesn’t play basketball as much as he used to, he still will play on the mini hoop.

Are you even a teenage boy if you don’t ask for a Nike hooded sweatshirt?

I don’t even want to tell you how many water bottles I’ve purchased through the years, but this stainless steel one is very durable and has lasted him quite some time.

Husbands:

I bought Trav this “Battery Daddy” a few years ago, and it truly was a favorite. We keep it stocked and in the hall closet for whenever we need batteries.

I got Trav some “Goodr” sunglasses from a local running store a few years ago, and I see so many people wearing them. Some shops have quite the variety of colorways and styles. These seem popular too.

My brother had these joggers last year, and highly recommended them, so I bought them for Trav last year too. They are great! The fabric is smooth and stretchy perfect for jogging and working out. They have side and back pockets that zip as well. Trav wears them a ton.

Joggers (affiliate link)

These beer mugs are perfect for a frosty beverage. Trav loved this gift.

These grilling baskets seem popular.

A few other ideas:

Trav has horse sales in the winter, and these rechargeable hand warmers are something I got him a few years ago.

I gave a similar fleece wrapped shawl to my mom or Gma a couple of years ago. I love the pockets!

This electric tea kettle was something I asked for a few years ago, and then I got one for my mom. We use it quite a bit for things like Ramen and hot chocolate, and it’s perfect for tea drinkers.

A few other ideas: candles, pretty stationary, Story Worth subscriptions, and photo calendars are other favorite gifts I’ve given through the years.

These wireless earbuds are my current faves. I purchased them for myself last summer, and they have worked perfectly for my needs. They are wireless, waterproof and noise canceling. I love using them to listen to podcasts or my audio books.

Wireless Earbuds {affiliate link}

I feel pretty good about where I’m at with gifts, but I still need to purchase a few more. Mostly, now I’m just waiting for gifts to arrive. Then, it will be time to wrap everything…which isn’t really a favorite, but I did buy a couple of new rolls of wrapping paper….maybe that will put me in the spirit.

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts this week…

Share Our Lives

Holiday Home Tour

Hodgepodge

I hope you have a great weekend!

{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog.}

Uncategorized

Monthly Musings

Posted on November 20, 2025November 19, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

This time next week, it’s turkey day, so Patty and Holly are hosting this fun end of the month link up a week early. As always, I’m joining them.

That being said, before I get started with today’s post, I have to wish my kids a happy S I X T E E T H (!!!) birthday. Sixteen. Wow…it’s certainly hard to believe.

We’ve gone from babies…

to teen drivers in the blink of an eye!

I’m struggling a bit with this reality.

Now, on to today’s post…focusing on Thanksgiving Holiday Prep.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays…food, family, and football in the fall!

1. Favorite Thanksgiving dishes?

I’m pretty much here for it all when it comes to Thanksgiving food. I love turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and more!

This one doesn’t apply to Hadley; she loves a Thanksgiving meal as much as the next girl…but it made me chuckle.

2. Stuffing or dressing.

Not my fave, but dressing!

3. Are you hosting any holidays this year?

We tend to be the ones going out of town for the holidays. We are at home some years, but we have a rotation going as far as Thanksgiving and Christmas in Louisville or KC. On the years we travel, we always make sure to carve out family time at home for our own traditions, meals, and gifts.

4. Turkey trot or football game?

You won’t catch me running …ever! haha

It’s always nice to have the football games on in the background while we’re eating and catching up with family. This year, the Chiefs play on Thanksgiving, so that will be a fun change.

5. If you decorate for Christmas, do you decorate before or after Thanksgiving?

Well, I used to wait until after Thanksgiving, but on years we traveled to KC for Thanksgiving, I’d put up our Christmas decorations the weekend before we left, so we’d have all our festive touches out when we returned home. I still decorate before Thanksgiving, but now it’s whenever I have the chance. So far, all I’ve put out this year is one skinny tree. I just haven’t had a lot of spare time, but I’m hoping to switch from fall to Christmas this weekend.

6. Are your holidays sit down or more casual?

Whether we’re in KC or Louisville for Thanksgiving, it’s all pretty casual…but we definitely have a sit down meal. My dad’s cousin hosts us in KC, and her place settings are always so pretty…and we all get a chocolate turkey with our name on it. Such a fun and festive touch.

7. Pumpkin or apple pie?

I do like apple pie, but for Thanksgiving, pumpkin is my fave. I prefer it chilled with some Cool Whip on top! Yum.

9. Do you Black Friday shop?

No way, Jose’! I’m more of a Cyber Monday girl.

10. Thing you are most looking forward to this holiday season?

I always look forward to our traditions and some downtime!

I look forward to next week and having a few days off and enjoying some delicious food…but first, I have a few more days of school and a sweet 16 birthday to celebrate.

Thanks for reading!

Friday Favorites, Home Decor, Seasonal

Friday Favorites {#277}

Posted on October 10, 2025October 31, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

TGIF!! I had a great week back to school, but not having students on Monday threw me off all week. I never knew what day is was, but I sure do know that today is Friday.

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

This week, my post is all about my favorite fall decorations.

I don’t think I shared a fall decor post last year because most everything was the same as when I shared my 2023 fall home tour.

Just like with that post, much hasn’t changed, but I did move a few things around this year and made a couple of small purchases.

I typically spruce up my front porch mid to late September, but I just didn’t have time to do so before fall break. Trav got the mums right before we left, and then once we got back from the beach, I purchased pumpkins and cornstalks.

I love how it turned out…

I’m still loving the new doormat.

I got “fantasy” pumpkins at Trader Joe’s, and then purchased a couple more at Kroger.

These pumpkin pillow covers were such a pleasant surprise when they arrived. I mean, I ordered them so I wasn’t surprised to receive them…I just mean that I was really pleased with the quality and cuteness!

I usually have different fall pillows here, but I loved these so much that I wanted them to be in a central location. I’d forgotten that I had this blanket, and it’s a nice pop of color between the neutral chairs and pillows.

My living room coffee table tray stays the same year to year.

Fall me thanked summer me when I went to my candle shelf in the hall closet and remembered that I’d purchased an Antique Candle Co “apple butter” candle on sale a few months ago.

I made a couple of small purchases a Michael’s a few weeks ago including this gold metal pumpkin bucket.

I also purchased two of these pumpkin vases because I wanted a little height on the mantel.

This pumpkin votive was the last Michael’s purchase that I made. It’s a nice festive touch on our wine rack in the kitchen.

I have two of these “morning pumpkin” pillows, but they typically go where the new ones go. Anyway, I used one on the chair in the kitchen.

Last weekend, I did make it to Hobby Lobby and found four of the embossed pumpkin plates that I had my eye on. I only see the salad plates online, but this plate is more medium sized…so bigger than a salad plate, but smaller than a dinner plate.

I wanted some new place mats, and these that I found on Amazon are so cute.

These mini pumpkin cocoettes are a few find and so cute.

I don’t do much in the basement, but I decided to use a couple of pillows that I typically put in the sun room down there.

When I was at Hobby Lobby, I picked up two of these fall LED candles to put on the basement bookshelves. I love the glow of them when we’re watching TV in the basement.

In our bedroom, I have one of my favorite raffia pumpkins that I got a Michael’s years ago. Its twin is on the living room coffee table.

One last Hobby Lobby purchase…this cute mug! I couldn’t resist.

I have a few more decorations here and there, but I really only put out a few of my favorite things this year.

Weekly Recap:

I had a few posts last week…and yesterday’s post (Fall break trip recap part 2) went out late yesterday. Ooops!

Prime Purchases

Fall Break Trip Recap 1

Fall break Trip Recap 2

Share Our Lives:

We have our Share Our Lives link up on Monday; we’d love to have you join us.

This month’s topic is go to snacks!

What are your weekend plans? Ours are full of Homecoming festivities! No rest for the weary!

Uncategorized

Friday Favorites {#270}

Posted on August 8, 2025August 8, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

TGIF! I made it through two days of professional development this week, and today I get some time to work in my room before Open House.

There’s no tired like “back to school teacher” tired.

Overall, it’s been a good week though!

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week…

It’s volleyball season, y’all! Hadley and the JV team played in a tournament last weekend, and it was fun to see them back in action.

I hope they have a great season; I always love watching them play.

Walks with my guys and Homer are a favorite for sure.

Go for a walk…but make it cute. I really love the SSYS frill neck tops, and my Target flutter shorts have been a “go to” all summer.

I added some August book trackers to my Instagram highlight. As always, if you use them, feel free to tag me! I always love seeing what others are reading.

A few favorite things I’ve been watching…

Last week, I mentioned that Trav, Hayden and I had tried to see the F1 movie, but after we got in our seats, they couldn’t get them movie to work.

Well, we tried again, and we actually saw the movie.

It was so good!

Running with the Wolves has been a fun watch. Mark and Kelly bought a soccer team (Campobasso) in Italy, and there’s a four part series on ESPN following the soccer season. It’s fun seeing them share their lives and the behind the scenes decisions that are made when you own a team.

Leanne Morgan is one of my favorite comedians, and she has a new show out on Netflix. I’ve watched the first few episodes, and I can’t wait to watch more.

Favorite Mom Meme:

This one is definitely relatable…

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

With school starting next week, you know I’m reminiscing about all the first days of school in the past.

The start of Kindergarten actually feels like yesterday.

Share Our Lives:

Monday is our monthly link up, and we’d love to have you join us.

Weekly Recap:

I was pretty consistent with blogging this week:

Prime Purchases

Currently

ThrowBack Thursday: Before-K Hadley Day

One more favorite before I go…I’m not sure how I missed it, but this week was my “blogiversary.” I started blogging in 2019, and I’m still going strong six years later. This continues to be such a fun hobby for me, and I appreciate all who read, like, comment and connect with me.

As I move into “back to school” season, I’m sure I will continue blogging, but will probably just have to take it week with week and see what I have time to share.

Have a great weekend.

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Share Our Lives – April 2025

Posted on April 14, 2025April 13, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

Well, of course this Monday “hits different”…as I’m sure I’ve hit snooze a few times. That being said, after today, we only have five Mondays left in the school year!

Our spring break was great, and I will share a little recap later in the week. Now, on to today’s business.

Today, I’m co-hosting with some of my favorite bloggers for our monthly Share Our Lives link up.

So far this year we’ve shared…

Saving time on chores in January
Tips for falling asleep in February
Day in the life, an average day in March

This month’s topic is…creative outlets/free time.

Free time? What’s that? haha!! Just kidding. Honestly, as busy as we are in this stage of life, I know it won’t always be like this…and then I will have too much time on my hands.

I like how this topic is broken into two parts…creative outlets and free time.

Creative Outlets:

This blog is quite a creative outlet for me. Planning posts, writing posts, and sharing my thoughts and my life with readers is definitely a creative part of my life.

Another creative outlet for me is coloring…which makes me sound like a five-year-old! I miss the days of coloring with my kids, but a couple of years ago, I started coloring a bit. It just feels so simple and therapeutic. That being said, last fall is when I really took some free time to sit and color. These coloring books and markers from Amazon are my faves.

Cozy Girl is one of two that I have, and there seem to be many to choose from if interested.

I haven’t colored as much as I had been but in my Callie Danielle planner, I color the pages for each month. I just colored the pages for April yesterday.

I know being creative and generating ideas or designs for spaces or home updates is something some people love…not me! Right now, we’re planning for the bathroom, and I feel paralyzed making decisions in the shower tile section of stores! haha

Once we returned home from South Carolina, our floor tile was installed, so it’s nice to see that progress!

(Poor lighting, but we like it!)

Free Time:

I like to start my day with quiet time as I’ve shared time and time again. Just me, sipping my coffee, scrolling my phone and watching the news before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

I love reading when I have free time. I’ve really gotten into audio books which has surprised me. One thing about the audio books I’ve been borrowing from the library is that I feel a time crunch to finish them. So, I’ve made sure to only borrow ones when I truly know that I have time during the two week check out to listen to them. I’m almost finished with Let’s Call Her Barbie, and I’m loving it. I had to wait my turn, but it became available right before spring break which was perfect timing.

Another part of my free time is exercising. I was kind of in a funk at the end of 2024, but I started 2025 strong in January. Febrary was so so in the workout department, but I’ve found my groove again in March and April. My current goal is three days a week for workouts and two days for walks, and I’m trying to get 8,000 steps a day. We were in Isle of Palms for three full days, and I walked every morning, and got 8-10,000 steps every day.

I still do the (Beach) Bodi workouts or go to the gym and workout on the elliptical, but with the great weather lately (and me wanting to listen to audio books), I’ve been walking a bit more than I have previously been. I can’t wait to for summer when I hope to get back to reformer Pilates.

Of course, some of my free time is also watching TV whether it’s Southern Charm, Real Housewives, The Rookie, or even shows on Netflix. TV tends to be the last thing on my list when I have downtime, but I like watching it when I have time. I’m making a summer show list when I have more time to watch tv. Give me all your best recommendations!

I hope you have a great Monday!

Friday Favorites, Travel, Uncategorized

Friday Favorites {#253}

Posted on April 11, 2025April 10, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

Well, all good things must come to an end. Today is our last day of spring break. Of course, we have the weekend left, and I need it!

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week.

The first favorite is that we’re a week out from Trav’s surgery, and he’s doing great. He’d been having A-fib episodes, so we’re hoping the heart ablation will put those at bay. My friends were a huge help last Friday…from school pick up, track meet drop off, dinner and cookie deliveries, prayers, and texts, we felt the love and support.

Now, on to spring break…

This week, we spent a few days in one of our favorite places…Isle of Palms, SC (and the Charleston area). This vacation was only a “go” if Trav was feeling up to it, and it worked out for us to leave for SC on Monday.

We had friends who’d planned on staying in Charleston, so Hadley rode down with them last Saturday, so she’s had a couple of extra days of fun.

It was pretty blustery when we arrived on Monday afternoon, but by Tuesday, the sun was shining and it was less windy.

I’m sure I will do a more formal recap although with being there three full days, we didn’t do a ton and tried to relax as much as possible.

We’ve been to this area a few times through the years. The last time we were here was 2021, and it’s been great to be back.

Here are a few favorite pics from the week:

Coffee with a view.

Fun with friends:

…and family…

Sunshine & reading:

Favorite Mom Meme:

Turns out kids don’t pick up after themselves on vacation either 🤣

On this trip, the kids each had their own rooms and they definitely settled in like they were at home. Haha

They’ll help get everything picked up and tidy before we leave today.

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

We’ve visited Folly Beach/Isle of Palms/Charleston quite a times through the years. This pic from our first visit with the kids in 2011 will always be a fave. I actually have it in a little frame in the kids’ bathroom.

Weekly Recap:

I only had a couple of posts this week:

Prime purchases

Let’s Look

Share Our Lives:

Our monthly Share Our Lives link up is on Monday. This month’s topic is…creative outlets/free time. We’d love for you to link up with us and/or read our posts.

Well, while it did feel like a long wait for our spring break to arrive, now it’s mid-April with about six weeks of school left! I’m grateful for the weekend to get my suitcase unpacked, do laundry, meal plan and prep for the week ahead.

Thanks for reading,

Friday Favorites, Seasonal

Friday Favorites {#250}

Posted on March 21, 2025March 20, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday!

How was your week? Ours was good with a little bit of everything in regards to school, kids’ practices and other activities. On Wednesday night, I was on the struggle bus and made myself go to bed at 9:30. My Apple watch applauded me yesterday morning with over eight hours of sleep. Apparently, I was tired. haha

I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

I’m changing up my Friday Favorites format this week.

Now that it’s officially spring, I’m sharing some of my favorite spring things from decorations to clothes to recipes…and more!

I always put out a few Easter touches for the month of April. I picked up these wooden bunnies last year, and they are so cute.

I found a perfect spot for them on my entry way table. The exact ones I bought last year aren’t available but these look very similar.

Two years ago, I was “influenced” by Tina (@to_mimishousewego) and shopped Ruffled Nest, ordering two of their wooden bunnies. It looks like the shop should re-open soon.

I also love these flocked bunnies that I got at Walmart last year. Looks like Walmart still has a variety of colors. (I feel like I need to order the blue one to add to my collection.)

I’m pretty neutral with my nail color, but I will switch it up from time to time fall, winter, and summer. Not in the spring though…I’m always wearing OPI’s Funny Bunny or Bubble Bath.

Amazon even has a “nude nail polish” bundle with my two faves.

I love an easy jacket, and my new one from Target has been perfect. I’ve worn it on walks or while out running errands. Yesterday, I wore it to school with my comfy Matilda Jane pants. I felt comfy, cute and put together.

I always love SSYS, but their fun spring floral print leggings are definitely a new fave. FYI- their March athleisure drop is Sunday, March 30th… 😉

These Old Navy “kick flare” leggings are definitely perfect for the spring months when it’s not yet shorts weather.

I have two pairs and I’ve already worn them quite a bit the past couple of weeks.

I’ve had this dress for almost four years, and I still wear it quite a few times every spring. There are so many colors options, and it’s a great staple for your closet.

I’ve shared this cardigan time and time again. I have it in three colors and wear them often! (As I type this, it’s an Amazon lightning deal!)

The cardigan has been perfect to wear with my SSYS Sophia set until the weather warms up.

I ordered this top last fall (in two colors!), and I can’t wait to wear it this spring. It’s the perfect light-weight for when the temps finally do rise, and it can be dressed up or down.

Yay! for the sunshine…and wearing my two favorite pairs of sunglasses. (Pair 1 and Pair 2 is a two pack)

I’ve shared these sandals time and time again. Hadley has them in white, and I love my rose gold pair. (I did size up from my regular size 9 to a 10) I’ve had them for almost four years, and I might just order a new pair for the summer since these are showing their age.

I’ve seen these sandals shared, and thought I’d give them a try. They are so cute and very comfy. They are also 25% off right now…and when shoes and clothing are out of my “norm,” I consult Hadley. She approved of these sandals.

Every season is candle season for me, but…I love switching to more “spring like” scents of lavender and lemon. Bath and Body Works along with Antique Candle Co. are where I buy most of my candles.

Trader Joe’s really shines in the spring/summer, and I’m always on the lookout for their Brazil Nut products and seasonal candles and stock up when I see them.

I try to always do a good job drinking water throughout the day, but once the weather warms up, I really step up my sipping! I’ve had this tumbler for over a year and a half, and I take it with me wherever I go. I just ordered another one yesterday because most colors are currently $21 rather than the regular $30 price! #rundontwalk!

I wouldn’t get all my water intake in if it wasn’t for these Crystal Light packets…I love the grape flavor!

Nothing says “spring” like flowers! Flowers are my weakness…especially when I’m shopping at Trader Joe’s.

I made this Ham and Peas Tortellini recipe last week, and it was a hit. While pasta isn’t always thought of as a spring food, it was a quick dinner for a weeknight.

Asparagus fries are a frequent request from my kids during the spring and summer months. I tend to make these while Trav is grilling us something for dinner. They are easy and delish.

I often make the Betty Crocker in a box pasta salad as a quick weeknight side dish, but if I have more time, I make this pasta salad, and it’s sooo good.

Last but not least, of course a couple of my spring favorites include sunshine and going for a walk. It’s nice to get some fresh air and get some steps in. I can’t say that I walk much in the summer when it’s hot out, so I try to maximize my time in the spring.

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from the week:

Weekend Top 5

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Thursday Thoughts

What are your springtime faves?

Have a great weekend!

Friday Favorites, Seasonal

Friday Favorites {#240}

Posted on January 10, 2025January 9, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Friday.

Well, this time last week, I was prepping to go back to school…but as of today, I’ve had a three week winter break. In all my years teaching, I’ve never had a three week winter break!

As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.

Here are some favorites from the week:

Well, we didn’t do much this week, so I don’t have a ton to share. Most of my favorites are snow day (week) related!

I finally put up my Christmas decorations, and I switched out my “Merry Christmas” garden flag out for my “Let it Snow” flag which is the one I put out in January and for most of February.

I guess it’s a good luck charm…look at our snow (and ice!)…

Sunday, we got about six inches of snow followed by some ice. On Monday, it snowed even more and my teacher work day was canceled.

Tuesday was to be the kids’ first day back to school, but since it was a snow day, I made our traditional snowman pancakes! Trav’s farm didn’t have power, so he was home too to enjoy this breakfast too.

On Sunday and Monday, the kids bundled up and went sledding with friends. They had lots of fun.

I got this mug out of my cabinet for my morning coffee. Our neighborhood looked like a winter wonderland.

Last weekend, I went to Trader Joe’s for a few things, and they had their wreaths out, so I picked one up. Usually, I get their fresh garland for the front porch at Christmas, but we never decorated outside this year. This wreath is pretty, and it looks pretty with the snow.

I spy Homer…

Ice, ice baby! While I was outside taking a couple icicle pics, I heard a snap and I looked up to see a huge section of our neighbor’s tree fall with a thud in a neighbor’s yard. The top 1/3rd of the tree was leaning on the electrical line. Thankfully, we didn’t lose power.

One thing I love about being home in the summer and on other breaks is just making “snack plates” for lunch.

Sprite “chill” is so good, and I love the rosemary almonds from Trader Joe’s. I’d saved a recipe I saw on Instagram for a cream cheese dip. I made it on Sunday and snacked on it all week. It’s just cream cheese, chopped up pickle, dried beef (I never know what this is — I just always buy the little beef lunch meat packets), salt and pepper. Mix it all together…and we’ve been on a Wheat Thins kick around here.

After taking quite the workout break the past couple of months, I’m making it a goal to work out as much as possible in January. I went to the gym one day with Hayden and then with Hadley another day. It was a pretty walk to and from the car.

I was really dragging my feet putting up the Christmas decorations…I guess because I wanted a week of enjoying them after we got home from KC…and it’s an effort getting the tubs up and down from the attic. Then, as the days went on, I realized I had time to put it off. haha!

Anyway, I took everything down one day, and then put out my regular decor the next.

Trav had his brother take the kids’ pics last year, and I just never put this one out. I found a spot for it, and my Gma gave me this candle stick that my great great grandfather made. I like the juxtaposition of old and new.

Last night, a few of us moms got together to chat and we played Play Nine for a few hours. The general consensus was that we all needed out of the house (and have a break from our families?! #maybe)

Favorite Mom Meme:

There’s never been a meme more “Hadley” than this one:

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:

2014 – the first year of the froggy hats. #myfave

Share Our Lives:

We have our first Share Our Lives link up of 2025!

This month’s topic is…saving time on chores.

If you have a blog, we’d love to have you join us.

Weekly Recap:

I had a great week of blogging…

Prime Purchases

New Year, Same me

Throwback Thursday: Snow Days

Well, more snow is on the way today! Will we go to school on Monday? Only time will tell.

Stay warm,

Kids, Seasonal

Throwback Thursday: Snow Day Edition

Posted on January 9, 2025January 27, 2025 by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, another day, another snow day. With the frigid temps and still snow packed roads, we have another snow day today. My district has called off for tomorrow as well. In all my years teaching, I don’t think I’ve ever had a three week winter break!

I love a snow day…not so much five straight…but I guess we take what we can get.

Snow days with the kids through the years have been fun. It’s nice not waking up early and then just easing into the day. Today, I’m going to take a look back on snow days through the years.

First things first, I always put out my “Let it Snow!” garden flag after Christmas. I put mine out on Saturday, and Sunday is when we got our first round of snow. Maybe it’s a lucky charm?!

Obviously, in the various stages of the kids’ lives snow days have looked different. When they were little, they wouldn’t necessarily sleep in. We’d hang out at home, watch shows, play inside and kind of just have a chill day. Sometimes, we’d go outside for a few minutes.

As the kids have gotten older, they sleep in, go sledding with friends, and lounge around. I will say, at this point in our extra week of break, the kids have gone to the gym a few times (me too!) to get out of the house and have some sort of routine.

Snowman Pancakes:

No matter if the kids were five or fifteen, the first snow day of the season calls for snowman pancakes. Last year, our first day off was due to below zero temps, and I still made the pancakes. While we usually have at least two to three snow days a year, you just never know.

I’m not sure where I saw this idea, and I’m not even sure when I started making the snowman pancakes, but for sure once the kids started kindergarten.

Just last week, when I went to the grocery store to stock up on whatever we needed, I almost forgot to buy bacon and M&M’s as they aren’t always on my grocery list. I usually make sure I have my snowman pancake ingredients in early January.

Bundled Up:

There are stages of parenthood that I’m sad when we move on…the kids needing my help getting ready to go out in the snow or even going out in the cold with them…those stages I don’t miss!! Of course, they still need my help finding gloves…and maybe even a car ride to a sledding hill, but at least I don’t have to stand in the cold and snow with them. We’re like “call us when you need picked up!”

Here are a few bundled up in the snow pics…

January 2012 was the first time they were out in the snow. Hayden with his paci – OMG. I do remember we weren’t out there but a minute…they weren’t fans of the snow.

These pics are from 2014, and they are the last ones in our old neighborhood. We lived by a park, and we’d gone to walk around a bit and burn of some energy.

The froggy hats — I can’t!

2015 was the first winter in our new house. We had a huge tree in our front yard…and the only time it looked pretty was in the winter. haha

The froggy hats stuck around for a few years…

Looking older in 2016…and still loving the snow.

Trav’s brother took this pic of Hadley as she was trying to fog up his car window. It’s one of my fave pics.

2016 was a harsh winter, and we were off school for quite some time (maybe like we have been this year?)…and the kids were going stir crazy. Me too!

A snow day in 2017…

Snow day 2018…which was…

…my most expensive snow day…after the pic above, the kids got braces that afternoon.

Straight teeth on a snow day in 2019!

2020…

Sledding and Fun with Friends:

The first time the kids went sledding was the winter of our last year in our old house. I can’t remember where we got this red metal saucer, but we had it for years. The kids had lots of fun.

I love this sweet pic.

In 2016, the kids had lots of fun sledding with their cousins.

Sledding with friends in 2017.

More sledding fun in 2018.

This 2021 pre-sledding pic is always a fave. The colorful sleds in the white snow. This was the age where the kids were definitely more independent and going off to have fun with their friends.

We got tons of snow in 2022 which made for great sledding weather.

As the kids of gotten older, of course I have taken less pics. Hadley went sledding with some friends last year. Hayden, I’m sure did too.

Snow much fun:

Through the years, the kids made a few snowmen…

…and made a few snow angels.

Snow Ice Cream:

We don’t make snow cream every year, but when we do, it’s always delish. Last year, Hayden and friends made some.

It turned out pretty good.

Making snow cream is a fun memory from my childhood. We haven’t made any this week, but maybe this weekend when we get some fresh snow.

Homer:

Part Husky Homer loves the snow. I can tell he’s getting older (and more mature?!) as he doesn’t hang out outside as long as he used to. He will go burn off some energy in the backyard which is funny to watch.

The kids with Homer in 2021…

…and 2022.

He’s a handsome boy!

NTI:

Since Covid, we’ve had NTI days as an option. NTI stands for “non-traditional instruction” and the kids have online assignments.

This week, we haven’t used any NTI days since so many were without power Tuesday/Wednesday. Also, elementary school teachers weren’t instructed to send Chromebooks home before break, so that level of students wouldn’t have access to online instruction.

Like I said in yesteday’s post, I’m not sure what the plan will be for making the days up. We might not have to make them all up. Who knows?!

This week, the kids have slept in and hung out at home. They went sledding a couple of days, and I made them the snowman pancakes on Tuesday.

Whether the kids are big or small, as the snow days have continued, we head out to lunch to get out of the house. Sometimes, we’ll go see a movie, or I will force them to play a game with me!

It’s not often that Travis is home with us on a snow day. It takes pretty bad weather for him to not go into the office. That being said, his farm didn’t have power Monday/Tuesday, so he was home. He went back to work yesterday but is home again today due to no power at the farm again. He can work from home pretty easily. Let’s just say that he doesn’t know how to be lazy on a snow day…tries to kill our vibe. 😂

Today, is actually a teacher work day for us to make up for Monday. I’ve been getting up around 8:30-9 this past week, so I need to set an alarm for the 9:00 Zoom faculty meeting! Then, we have a work day. We can work from home or go to school. My plan is to work on my To Kill a Mockingbird lesson plans to pick up where we left off once we do return to school.

I hope everyone is staying warm. Also, I’ve been thinking about the wildfires in California. My heart goes out to those who have lost their home and for the brave first responders battling those fires. Two of Trav’s clients lost their home completely. I can’t even imagine going through that.

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites.

Holidays, Seasonal

Hello Monday! – Christmas Recap

Posted on December 30, 2024December 29, 2024 by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. A week from today, I’ll be headed back to school…but let’s not be negative, shall we?!

I feel like my two week break has been broken into two parts. The first part was all about the holidays and this week will be about having a bit more time to relax and accomplish some things on my to do list like tidying up and going through closets!

I’m linking up with the Hello Monday ladies to share about all our Christmas fun the past week or so.

Before we get started, I’m linking Friday’s post which was my…

…this is one of my favorite posts to write, but it posted late. I had scheduled last week’s posts ahead of time, and I apparently set the date for Saturday. Anyway, for me, it’s a fun look back on the year.

Now, on to Christmas…

Going all the way back to Friday, December 20th. This was our last day of school before break. Hadley and friends had their Secret Santa party that evening to kick off break, and they had lots of fun.

On Saturday I was feeling the Christmas “time crunch,” and made time to watch one of my favorite movies…The Holiday.

Sunday (the 22nd) was our Christmas morning for our family of four. In true teen fashion, the kids slept in a bit. Hayden was up first at 9:15, and went and woke Hadley up. I remember the days of telling them not to leave their rooms before 6:30! haha

Ready to open gifts.

Per tradition, they picked out gifts for each other:

My favorite gift was this necklace from Trav and the kids. It’s the kids’ birthstone.

Travis is always creative with the present tags…

Then it was stocking time, Homer got some treats in his stocking.

We said Homer looks like he’s smiling 😆

Hayden was excited for his new golf clubs and Hadley loves her new Dandy sweatshirt. (I think these sweatshirts were the #1 request from most teen girls)

That morning, I watched another favorite movie that I always watch around Christmas…While You Were Sleeping.

While we had breakfast and hung out, I used the simmer pot ingredients from one of my students. The house smelled delish!

That afternoon, my brother and his family came over, so the kids could swap gifts. While they were also going to KC for Christmas, we didn’t want to haul so many gifts back and forth.

We hung out the rest of the afternoon, and then Travis fixed steaks that one of his clients sent for our Christmas dinner.

Instead of pulling out the Christmas China (that I love), I just kept it simple with the plates from Target that I’ve had for years.

On the 23rd, we went to Louisville for Trav’s family Christmas. All the cousins are getting older, and some live out of state, but they all made it back to Louisville for Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, we continued our Christmas journey and drove to KC. Our first stop before hitting the road was Starbucks, of course. The cold brew with peppermint foam is my fave of the holiday this season.

We made good time to KC and got to my mom’s house after our seven+ hour drive. We had a few minutes to rest, and then everyone showered and got ready for Christmas Eve.

We got a good family pic!

We made our way to my dad’s cousin’s house who always hosts Christmas Eve. We hadn’t seen the Major in a few months, so it was nice to see him and our extended family.

That’s usually a late night for us after a long day, so we were ready for bed that night back at my mom’s house. The kids slept in a bit and then we had Christmas morning at my mom’s.

I got a gift from a blog reader! One of my mom’s friends reads my blog, saw this book and thought of me! So sweet. Thanks, Ann.

Then, while we lounged around, we (mostly me) watched…

…before breakfast.

My mom had baked and decorated cute cookies… (Hadley helped her make another batch later in the week)

Then, we went to my dad’s house for the afternoon. The Chiefs were playing, and won.

My dad had cinnamon rolls for us from a favorite bakery. They hit the spot.

On the 26th, we went to my Gma’s house to make waffle cookies. The kids have gotten used to making them on the 100+ year old waffle iron.

Success!

Almost too good to eat…almost…

That evening Trav, the kids, and I went to see the Plaza lights.

We hadn’t taken them there for quite a few years.

We walked around for a bit and popped in a couple of shops.

Then, we headed back towards where my parents live, and had dinner.

One of my Christmas gifts from my mom this year was an actual light from the Plaza lights. I put it on my tree as soon as we got home this weekend.

My Plaza pics don’t do it justice, but I’ve shared this professional photo before…

The Plaza lights are just a neat KC tradition, and I remember going to see them plenty of times when I was a kid.

My brother and his family got to KC that evening, and then on the 27th, we hung out with them a bit and just had a low key day.

I always make Shay‘s Peppermint Mocha Bunt Cake, but decided to make it in KC rather than for our earlier Christmas meal in Lex.

I figured more people could enjoy it that way…

That evening, we went to my Gma’s house for Christmas with her and my aunt and uncle.

We snapped a few pics.

It was a really nice evening. After that, we headed to see the Magic Tree to cap off our time in KC.

It’s just another neat little KC tradition.

The kids and GG.

My mom with my brother and me.

Glow up moment for Hadley! haha

…I apparently lied to my kids at my Gma’s house when I said those would be the last photos…

…of course, we needed one more family pic.

We headed back to my mom’s house after the Magic Tree and started to pack up as we were heading back to Lex the next day. I actually “hit a holiday wall” and was asleep almost as soon as we got back to my mom’s.

We had such a great week in Lex, Lou, and KC with friends and family. My goal yesterday was to not leave the house and stay in my pj’s all day. I, in fact, met that goal! I watched You’ve Got Mail (another fave I watch around the holidays), unpacked, did laundry, placed a grocery delivery order, so we had breakfast, lunch and dinner options, and even got a little nap in. While I’m always sad to leave my KC family, it was nice to be home and get my life together a bit yesterday. haha

The blogging world is often quiet this week, but I still have more favorite posts to share…like the books I read this year, including my top 5 faves…and a recap of 2024!

I hope you’ll come back!