Tag: cross country

Posted in Weekend Top 5

Weekend Top 5

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday! How was your weekend? We had a great one filled with some downtime, a cross country meet, the Breeder’s Cup and more.

Today, I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday…

…to tell you about my:

Here’s a peek at our weekend:

On Friday after school, I had a few errands to run. I stopped by Bath and Body because I was wanting to pick up a few fall candles (hoping they’d have them on sale). Well, there were no fall candles to be found, but I picked up a few winter ones because they were on sale.

I got:

  • Marshmallow Fireside
  • Peppermint Sugar Cookie
  • Snowy Coconut Frost

Then, I stopped by Ulta for shampoo, and then I picked up my Kroger Clicklist order. I was home by 4:30 and felt so accomplished!

We were up sooo early on Saturday to go to Louisville for Hayden’s cross country race. This was his first club race of the season. Travis has been coaching the Lexington group, and it was so fun to watch runners come together for this Middle School National meet. Hayden was running with the 7th and 8th graders, and had an PR for the 4k race. Last year, I remember the weather was so cold for this race. This year, was warm with major winds. Crazy November weather.

The kids stayed in Louisville with Trav’s family, and Travis and I hopped in the car, changed our clothes at McDonald’s and headed to…

…the Breeder’s Cup at Keeneland. We had such an amazing day (and night) with our friends. (More about Breeder’s Cup tomorrow!)

After such a busy Saturday, I was all about “falling back…” Travis was up early on Sunday for work, and I slept in a bit. That being said, by 9:00, I’d changed the sheets on two beds, unloaded the dishwasher, and put up one of my favorite skinny trees.

I will keep this tree here until we get our real one after Thanksgiving. Then, I’ll move it to our bedroom.

A few lights seem to be out, but it makes me happy.

Not only did Hayden run a 4k on Saturday, he then got up early yesterday and ran 6.5 miles yesterday with his cousin. Then, he had an amazing basketball game. It’s always fun watching him do his thing.

Well, this week is off to an odd start. We don’t have school today due to sickness. We were already scheduled to be out tomorrow for Election Day, so I guess they are hoping having today off will give those who are sick an extra day of rest, and I know the custodians are going to deep clean the schools. I will say on Friday that my school had over 30 teacher absences with 18 of them unfilled. So, I’m guessing today’s decision was also due to lack of subs.

Anyway, I hope everyone stays healthy! I know flu and RSV are rampant.

I hope you have a great day,

Posted in Clothes, Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#132}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Happy Friday, y’all! How was your week? I’m definitely ready for the weekend… I can tell you that much!

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

This week’s favorites are just my favorite(s) of each day. I’m trying to take a moment to look at the little and big moments of each day.

Saturday:

As I shared in Monday’s post, Hayden had state cross country on Saturday. It’s hard to believe that his second middle school season is over. He’s ready to come back stronger and faster next year.

Sunday:

Sunday was one of my favorite days of the year…we went to the pumpkin patch!

Then, it was Hayden’s turn for the “you are special” red plate for the end of his 7th grade cross country season.

Monday:

On Monday, the temps cooled off significantly, and I was ready to dress for fall! I picked up this plaid flannel at Target and love it. It’s a high/low style, so it’s long enough to wear with leggings, but I wore it with jeggings to school. It’s definitely oversized, and I settled on the medium after the large seemed too roomy (I ordered both sizes and returned one). I didn’t realize when I ordered it, but it has pockets. Win, win!

Tuesday:

After school on Tuesday, I stopped by the library for a couple of books I had on hold. Like last year, I wanted to read at least one Christmas book in November before reading a few more in December. I decided to go ahead and request a couple and these were ready for me:

{Side note: please let me know of any holiday/Christmas book recs you have!}

Tuesday evening, Hadley joined Trav’s club season group for a run. I reminded her how cold it was outside and to dress warmly. She came out wearing sweats and said, “I look like Major!”

His “Majoriform” is definitely sweats and tennis shoes. He likes to keep it comfy 24/7.

Wednesday:

Wednesday afternoon, we were headed out the front door, and our trees stopped me in my tracks. The sun light was hitting them just right. I always love how beautiful the leaves are, but then I feel like they don’t stay on the trees long enough.

Thursday:

On Monday, I saw that Antique Candle Co. was offering 25% off their Tree Farm candle, so I went ahead and snagged it! It arrived yesterday. While I’m still savoring the days of fall, I know this will be a favorite scent in colder months.

Also…

Cross country photos came in this week. Trav’s brother took the team photos, and they turned out amazing!

And…I know this guy! Travis was interviewed on TVG. So proud of him.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Y’all this is a bone of contention at my house. Nothing drives me crazier than the cup upside down in the sink (I tell Hayden he’s like the Wet Bandits…this is his signature move!), the toilet paper roll on the counter, or the backpack in the middle of the floor!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

OMG…this pic from 2012 is one of my faves. This was before Kroger Clicklist. The kids loved riding in the car shopping cart. My first stop would always be produce to pick them up an apple to snack on (of course, I’d pay for them at check out!). This kept them busy while I shopped as quickly as possible!

Do you know how many “Bless your hearts” I got while out shopping with these two?! I sure miss those days.

Weekly Recap:

I was a busy blogger this week. Here are my posts:

Weekend Top 5
Pumpkin Patch Recap
Fall Break Vacay Part 2
Three Things

What are you up to this weekend? Travis will be working quite a bit, but the rest of us don’t have as much going on. A Saturday with no sports…what is this life? The same can’t be said about Friday evening and Sunday afternoon! We’ll make the most of the weekend, I’m sure.

Thanks so much for reading.

Posted in Meals and Recipes, Weekend Top 5

Weekend Top 5

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. Ours sure seemed to go by so quickly.

Today, I’m linking up with Sarah and Holly for Hello Monday…

to tell you about my:

Here’s a peek at our weekend:

It’s probably a lame #1, but the fact that I was able to come home straight after school on a Friday with no errands or other things to do was a highlight of my day. I was home by 3:45 and had time to workout, tidy up, and get ready for the weekend. The kids had an after school activity, and I picked them up at 5:30. While we were out, we went ahead and picked up dinner to eat at home. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to watch a movie as a family because Travis worked really late. Instead, the kids and I ate dinner and watched a few episodes of The Goldbergs. We’re almost caught up with last season. Anyway, it was just a great way to start the weekend.

The weather on Saturday was perfection, and there were touches of fall everywhere.

I had a few minutes to eat lunch after running some errands and decided to sit out on the front porch and get some fresh air. I had the best fall view.

It was the state cross country meet in Paris, Kentucky on Saturday. Travis had a long day because his 6th graders ran in the morning, and then the 7th and 8th graders ran in the afternoon.

Hayden hurt his IT band while playing on the beach, and he’d been to PT and stretching all week. He didn’t feel 100%, but he felt good enough to run. While Hayden was disappointed with his finish, he still had a PR for the 4k and scored points for his team. The boys finished in the top 10 in the state which is so amazing. They’ve worked so hard, and Travis has done a fantastic job training them this season. I’ve loved watching Travis coach Hayden and the team. We had a fantastic group of 8th grade boys that we’ll miss next year! Overall, it was an amazing season.

Hayden will continue to rehab his injury and run in the post season with Travis as one of his coaches. (More on that, I’m sure as that season gets going!)

We made it to the pumpkin patch yesterday. The weather was overcast, but we headed there right after church and beat the rain. The kids went straight to get hot apple cider and apple cider donuts.

Then, they picked out their carving pumpkins before we headed home.

I remember when we used to spend hours at the pumpkin patch, so they could run around and do all the activities. Now, we probably spend more time in the car getting there than wandering around, but I’m still glad we can make this tradition happen.

Besides the memories, the second best part of the pumpkin patch is picking up the apple cider donuts. Ugh…I had two yesterday, but they were worth it. Back on track today!

This week, I’m trying three new recipes, so I thought I’d go ahead and share those too!

  • Amy inspired me with her lasagna cups. I used to make an appetizer (recipe courtesy of a friend) that used wonton wrappers, and thought I’d give a new recipe a try. I found this Muffin Tin Lasagna Cup recipe on Pinterest, and we had it last night for dinner. They were delish!
  • I saw this soup recipe on Instagram, and I’m going to make it tonight or tomorrow.
  • On Wednesday, I’m going to make Andrea’s One Pot Bow Tie Pasta recipe.

This week’s meal planning feels a little “carb heavy,” but ’tis the fall season.

How was your weekend? Let me know a highlight! Also, what are you eating this week?

I hope you have a good one!

Posted in Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites {#129}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello! Happy FRIDAY!

How was your week? We had a really good one. It was busy of course, and I kind of hit a wall on Wednesday with life just catching up with me, but it was a really great week.

Bonus: it felt like fall all week!

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

I have so many favorites to share this week.

Last Friday night was raging with a late evening trip to Trader Joe’s. My cart was full of fall goodness though…pumpkins, mums, bagels, donuts, and more.

Saturday morning’s breakfast was my favorite kind: an apple cider donut and coffee.

Travis and the kids went to the football game. The kids were early tailgaters with Travis joining them later. Hadley really does love football Saturdays in the bluegrass state.

The Major came to visit which means we had to take the traditional porch pic.

On Sunday, we went and watched Wyatt play flag football. I remember when Hayden used to play. So fun.

Hadley and I tried a new recipe: Pumpkin Crinkle cookies. We made them for Sunday night dessert, and they were so good.

Layla (and Wyatt) came over after school on Tuesday. They played outside, and Layla made an impromptu masterpiece.

It’s been spirit week in middle school this week. I joke that no one loves a theme more than a middle school girl!

Tuesday night was a big cross country meet. It was the end of the season county meet. My nephew who is becoming an amazing photographer, snapped some awesome action shots of Hayden.

…and this one of Travis and Hayden. I love it so much.

Hayden pushed himself to the max, had another PR (personal record) and placed 4th. The team placed 2nd in a very tight race. It was an exciting evening of racing. (And we were all thankful that the weather finally cooled off for a race.)

He was pretty wiped out after the race. I know he gave 110% in the race, but the next day he complained of a sore throat. Yep…Hayden’s turn for strep! (obviously not a fave…)

Wednesday I was so tired. I decided to dress really comfy to make myself feel better. Outfit courtesy of Amazon. I’ve worn these joggers a few times already, and added this light weight sweatshirt to my wardrobe. {affiliate links}

(Also, in an attempt to keep my closet tidy, I put a similar black top that’s too big in my donate pile. One in, one out!)

Favorite Mom Meme:

Daughter and Son Day sure snuck up on me! I hope the kids know I love them even if I didn’t post about them on the social medias. 😉

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

Going to Wyatt’s game was timely because this memory of Hayden popped up in my Facebook memories this week. He did flag football for two years. We loved going to his games.

Weekly Recap

I had a week full of posts…

Memes
Tuesday TAlk: Cozi App
September Books
Monthly Musings

Well, this is the best kind of Friday. It’s our last day of school before a week long Fall Break next week. Our district has never given us a week in the past. My previous district gave us a week, and I never really felt like I needed a whole week off at this point in the school year. That being said, I’m not mad about it! We’re looking forward to be a bit of R&R.

I should be posting pretty regularly next week, but I will just see how the week goes.

Thanks so much for reading.

{This post contains Amazon affiliate links…Thank you for supporting my blog!}

Posted in Friday Favorites, Kids

Friday Favorites {#124}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Well, we made it to Friday! This week was a doozy with school (of course) and then plenty of kids’ activities every night. We’re ready for the weekend, but it looks like I will need to set an alarm for Saturday wake up. Oh well…it is what it is…

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

Here are some favorites from the week:

Favorite Pic:

We got Hadley’s dance studio headshots back, and there were so many good ones. It was hard to narrow down a fave, but this is the one I ordered…I can’t believe how grown up she looks!

Favorite Moment:

Speaking of grown up…Hayden (and Coach White!) had his first cross country race of the season, and I apparently need to train my eyes to look for a big kid out there running. I almost missed him as he ran by. He’s off to a very solid start with a second place finish. He’s put in a lot of time (and miles) this summer, and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes this season!

Favorite Clothing Item:

I’ve been making a point to “shop my closet” (Travis really appreciates that too!), and I’ve shared my school teacher outfits the last couple of Wednesdays.

I was reunited with these Matilda Jane pants during my closet clean out, and I really loved Monday’s outfit. I felt put together and comfy all at once.

Favorite Scent:

Sunday started off cool and rainy, so I did exactly what you’d expect me to do: I lit a fall scented candle, of course. I’d been saving this Antique Candle Co. one for just the right time. The warm caramel crumble scent was a favorite way to start the day.

Favorite Food:

I tried a new slow cooker recipe (Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken) this week, and it was a hit. I will definitely make it again. I only used two chicken breasts, and next time will use at least one more to guarantee leftovers.

Favorite Kid Quote:

Nothing in particular stood out this week, but instead just some extra one on one time with Hayden. Travis has been extra busy in the evenings (Hadley too), and it was just Hayden and I for dinner on Wednesday night. It was nice to have some solo time with him.

Favorite Mom Meme:

Or unload the dishwasher!

Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday

With cross country starting back up, here’s a little throw back to the kids’ first ever race when they were in Kindergarten. I’ve shared this before, but they were even in the local online magazine. They were so little…

Weekly Recap:

Here are my posts from this week…a little of this and a little of that…

Hello Monday
What I wore Wednesday
Monthly Musings

What are your weekend plans? I don’t think we have much going on tonight, but Hayden has a cross country meet tomorrow, and then we have some other odds and ends to get accomplished this weekend.

See you back here Monday for some of my favorite memes this month.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Kids

Friday Favorites {#94}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! Well, we made it to the end of the week!

Today is the best kind of Friday…the last day of school before a two week break!

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

The kids both had a very busy Saturday last weekend. Hayden had his last club cross country race of the season, and Hadley’s dance studio had their Winter Showcase.

I missed Hadley’s first performance trying to get to Hayden’s cross country meet, but I was able to make it to her second performance. My mom was in town, and was able to see both her grand daughters’ performances.

Hadley performed in both a ballet and competition jazz routine.

Hayden was supposed to run at 11:00, but the race got pushed back to 12:30 due to the storms. I thought I could watch Hayden run, and then make it to Hadley’s second performance, so I tried to do both. Well, it’s a forty-five minute drive, and Travis warned me about the long line of traffic to park. Right as I reached the mile long line of cars, it started to rain again. Travis texted me that the race got pushed back again to 1:15. So, I drove all that way just to turn around in order to make it to Hadley’s performance.

This was a USATF National race with top runners from throughout the country…and these were the running conditions:

While I know Hayden didn’t finish where he wanted to, he still ran a great race. He gave it his all which is all we can ask for from our kids.

My mom was visiting, and brought the kids these hot chocolate bombs which, of course, were a favorite.

Then, they helped her bake cookies. This is definitely a favorite Christmas tradition.

On Sunday, my brother and sister-in-law hosted us for an early Christmas dinner.

The kids were excited to open some gifts! My mom was able to stay a couple of extra days and help with school drop off, pick up, schoolwork, and was able to see my nephew’s Christmas performance too.

Homer welcoming us home is always a favorite. He’s been such a good boy this year with the trees and ornaments.

Wednesday night, we were able to carry on with another favorite tradition. We drove through the Southern Lights at the Horse Park. I love this tradition, and it was the perfect night to see the lights.

Red has been back in action at our house…

He hasn’t been getting into too much trouble.

Hayden brought home this ornament he made in art class. The wooden Santa belt is the perfect addition to our tree.

Usually, I share a “favorite mom meme,” but this one seems fitting right now as a teacher:

Weekly Recap:

I was a busy bee blogger this week. There are my posts:

NJAM: Holiday Movies
Day in the Life on Insta
Holiday Home tour
This or that: Christmas Edition

What are your plans this weekend? Hayden has a basketball game, I have a friend’s birthday party, and we hope to make time to let the kids shop for their gifts for each other!

Thanks so much for reading,

Posted in Weekend Top 5

Weekend Wrap Up

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Monday! How was your weekend? We had a super busy one, but it was great. I have so much to share, so here are the details in the Weekend Wrap Up.

I had a few errands after school on Friday before my friends came to town from St. Louis. My friend from college, her husband and another couple were coming to Lexington after making a few stops at distilleries on the Bourbon Trail.

They came over for a bit before we headed out to dinner at one of our favorite Lexington restaurants: OBC Kitchen. Hot off the Bourbon Trail, we took them to Old Bourbon Country Kitchen. 😆 . The bar is quite impressive!

The girls and I split a salad and ordered sushi! Afterwards, we got drinks at Drakes and had a great time catching up!

Saturday morning, my kids joined us and we met them at one of our favorite breakfast spots: Winchells.

Travis gave them a crash course in handicapping at breakfast. Then, we all freshened up and headed to …

Keeneland!

My friend, Leslie, had been with me to Keeneland a couple of times through the years, but her husband and friends had never been to the horse races. Well, we came out of the gate hot ….one of Trav’s clients had a horse in the first race who won! So, we ended up in the winner’s circle after only a few minutes at the track.

Unfortunately, our Saturday was pretty booked because Hayden had state cross country. Travis left after the second race. I hung with our friends a bit longer and showed them around Keeneland. I left after the fourth race to get to Hayden’s meet. Our friends stayed a few more hours and enjoyed their time at the track. The weather was beautiful, and they got the hang of betting! 😉

We had so much rain on Friday that we didn’t know how the course conditions for the cross country meet would be, but they were pretty good. Hayden ran a great race, and he was happy with his finish.

This is my favorite photo of the cross country season. Travis has been Hayden’s #1 supporter these past few years as his elementary coach, and continuing to work with him this year during his first middle school season. There are some mornings when Travis helps Hayden with workouts before school, and he certainly coached him during our couple weeks of quarantine.

We are always proud of his effort, but I know Hayden had to dig a bit deeper and push a bit harder while still feeling the lingering effects of Covid. Now, Hayden will continue to train with a running club the next few months.

Saturday night, we had our friends over for pizza and to watch football. It had been a long day, and, well, we aren’t 22 anymore! 😂

On Sunday morning, our friends stopped by with donuts, and then we headed to Trav’s farm, so he could give him a tour.

They saw some stallions,

some mares in foal, and some yearlings.

It was a beautiful morning, and Kentucky was showing off.

We’ve been friends for over 20 years!

They headed back to St. Louis, Travis stayed a work a bit longer, and I headed home.

Once I got everyone settled, I watched some Netflix. I read the book Maid last summer, and it it a book I will never forget. I was excited to start the series, and ended up binge watching three episodes throughout the day.

Then, I headed to Hayden’s basketball game. He’s had a handful of games so far this season, and this is the first one I’ve been able to attend. Shew–we’ve moved up to big boy basketball! It was fun watching them play, and Hayden did great.

Then, it was time to head home, have dinner, and help the kids finish up some school work! Now, we’re ready for the week.

I feel like I need a weekend to recover from the weekend! That being said, the weather was beautiful, and the company was even better!

Have a great week!

Linking up with Heather and others for Hello Monday.

Posted in Friday Favorites, Holidays, Kids

(Flashback) Friday Favorites {#42}

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and Happy Friday! This week has been so different for me! I’ve had lots of time spent on the mend with napping and Netflix. That being said, Travis has definitely had to wear his Super Dad cape this week! I greatly appreciate all he does for me and for our family to keep us a float while we are a (wo)man down!

The kids still had activities, I still worked from home, friends continued to bring us meals and desserts, and we are just taking one day at a time.

Today, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for their weekly Friday Favorites post.

Today’s Friday Favorites has a Flashback twist. With Halloween around the corner, I thought I’d share the kids’ costumes through the years.

2010:

Lil Pumpkin and chubby skeleton…

2010

2011:

M&M’s…

2011

2012:

Fireman and Princess…

2012

2013:

My favorite costume combo: Batman and Robin! (Being Robin was 100% Hadley’s idea after Hayden said he wanted to be Batman)

2013

2014:

Captain America and Elsa (from Frozen)

2014

2015:

A ninja and a pink Power Ranger…The neighborhood was very safe that year 😉

2015

2016:

A bee and Luke Skywalker…

2016

2017:

Super Girl and KC Royals player Mike Moustakas…

2017

2018:

Soccer player and 80’s party girl #omg

2018

2019:

A Ghostbuster and a nerd 😂

2019

Last year, our Halloween trick-or-treating was moved due to weather. So, we had a fun dinner at home on Halloween. Andrea had shared about her spooky dinner, and I recreated the fun. I hope to do this again this year.

I thought that would be a fun trip down memory lane! Now, on to some favorites…

Favorite Picture:

After a string of dreary days, the sun finally came out! I went outside to tell Hadley to come in for dinner and saw one of our front yard trees showing off.

now…who is going to rake up all those leaves? 🤔

Favorite Clothing Item:

My pjs or comfy clothes on repeat.

Favorite Food:

Again, we’ve been enjoying so many wonderful foods that friends have brought us for dinner. We’ve had soups, lasagna, chicken enchiladas, and a quiche. As well as too many delicious desserts.

Cupcakes made by H&H

Favorite Moment:

When I had my surgery last week, my goal was to rest up and be able to attend the kids’ district championship cross country meet on Wednesday. I’m so glad I was able to attend! The boys and girls teams have come so far, and I’m so proud of Travis for taking on the coaching responsibilities again this year. They’ve had a pretty good season considering the late start due to Covid.

Hadley finished with her best time and highest finish yet with 4th place. Then, Hayden finished again in first. They’ve grown so much as runners in the past year, and again, it’s so awesome to see teammates cheering each other on!

I caught this pic of Hayden right as the race started. He had on his new bright cleats and was chasing the daylight!

On the run…

left: Hadley and her friend leading the pack; top right: Hadley almost to the finish line; bottom right: Hayden at the finish!

Twinsies with their hardware.

Their cousins came to cheer them on 🙂

It was such a beautiful day, and definitely a fun race for all.

Favorite Kid Quote:

This quote goes back to last week. Hadley had her first band class via Zoom for playing flute on the Wednesday of my surgery. That evening, when I Facetimed the kids from the hospital, I asked Hadley how band went, and she told me how the teacher taught her a few notes. I said, “Hadley, I’m so proud of you!” She said, “No, mom, I’m so proud of you.” ❤️She knew I was anxious about my surgery that morning, and that I was so relieved to be on the recovery side of it.

She’s such a sweet girl…when she’s not being sassy 😉

Favorite Mom Memes:

This one popped up in my Facebook memories. Thankfully, I haven’t had to cook in over a week! 😂

Travis is the real MVP this week getting the kids where they need to go. Technically, I’m not supposed to drive yet, so it’s on him to get them to school pod and activities…as well as other errands.

Weekly Recap:

It was a short blogging week for me, but here are my two other posts from the week:

October Memes
Currently

Y’all, by some miracle we don’t have any real plans this weekend. No sports or other major commitments on the schedule which means I will continue to get some much needed rest.

Thanks so much for reading, and have a great weekend!