Monthly Musings ~ May 2024

 I am joining up with Holly & Patty as we say farewell to May and welcome summer 2024!

1.  What are you looking forward to this summer?

I am looking forward to Brook being home this summer from college!  And I have a few weekends when Isabella will be home too.

2.  Favorite summer traditions

We usually like to take a vacation and go swimming wherever we are invited.

3.  Favorite summer recipe

I like to cook fresh vegetables, especially zuchinni and squash.  I also love any treat with strawberries. This is one of my favorite strawberry recipes.

4.  Summer vacation plans?

We plan on going to Vrginia Beach for a few days this summer.  The rest of my summer will be working as usual.

5.  Cole slaw or potato salad?

Neither for me.  I would pass on both of these, although I do like potatoes preapred most any other way.

6.  Favorite ice cream or frozen treat?

If there is a Jenni's Ice Cream, I am in for it, especially if it includes eating it with these ladies!  Otherswise, give me all the frozen yogurt.

7.  Favorite summer beverage?

I like a diet lemonade, lime or lemon soda water, or a strawberry margarita.

8.  Beach, lake or mountains?

Do we have to choose just one?  For the summer, I would gladly go to any of these.

9.  Best ways to beat the heat in summer?

Stay indoors! Ha, other than that, plenty of liquids, a swimming,  portable fans, and loose clothing.

10.  Favorite sunscreen?

I use e.l.f. sunscreen on my face every day.  For the body, I prefer a spray sunscreen.

Due to traveling, I am not posting a favorites tomorrow, but wish you all a happy weekend ahead!

What's Up Wednesday/Hodgepodge ~ May 2024

 How is it the end of May?  It came fast, but I'm not complaining! Here is a What's Up and Hodgepodge all in one post.

What I'm eating this week.........

I am eating chicken alfredo, sourdough bread, Mexican food, and going out to eat this week due to some traveling.

What I'm reminsicing about............

Last month I was able to see Priscilla Shirer speak and her brother, Anthony Evans, led worship.  They are some of my favorites and I met them a few years ago when they were at another speaking engagement. The worship was so good and the prayers and message was so powerful.

What I'm loving.............

I am loving my new bedding. I still need to get another insert so that I will have 2 throw pillows on the bed.  

What I've been up to............

I have had a few days off this month for different things and it has been nice.  In between work and family, I am also organizing some items for an upcoming neighborhood yard sale.  I always think it is sometimes more work than it's worth, but it does at least make me get some things out of the house to sell or donate.

What I'm dreading..................

Unpredictable hot flashes....they hit me so often these days. I think it just may be a part of life these days, but I look forward to when these pass.  I now have a neck fan my co-workers gave me and it is helping.  I also still carry my pocket fan in my purse and keep a small tabletop fan in the bed with me at night.  I may not even realize it's summer, ha! Here I am shopping last weekend and trying to stay cool with the neck fan.

What I'm working on.................

Somehow over the last few months, I have told my greats we are going to have a "gummy" party.  Those little girls love their gummy bears, so they are going to come for a day in June and we are going to eat gummy bears!  I have been getting creative in planning a gummy party and it takes me back to hosting birthday parties for my girls, which I loved doing.  I am excited about this day!

What I'm excited about................

I bought a weed eater and I am excited that I am learning to use it.  I know it sounds a little strange, but I have wanted to learn how to use one and always admired a well trimmed yard.  Our backyard is full of trees and rocks, so there isn't much grass, but plenty of weeds and it is hard to get a lawn mower in the back.  I used the weedeater last weekend to start the process of cleaning up the backyard.

What I'm watching/reading.................

I finally started watching Tracker last week & have really liked it.  I know so many of you have watched it too!  

I am reading several books now and will share about those next week on Share Your Shelf, so join in with us then!  One of them is Still Standing, which we will discuss in an upcoming book club I am in with Jennifer.

What I'm listening to...............

I am listening to the sounds of the air conditioning and fans!  I am also listening to my normal podcasts, including a new favorite, The Best of You by Dr. Allison Cook.  

What I'm doing this weekend..........

I will spend time with my girls, yes they will be home again and then I have a dance recital for some sweet litlle girls to attend :). 

What I'm looking forward to next month...............

I'm looking forward to simple times with family.

What else is new....................

I just wanted to say thank you for your prayers last week.  I will update at a later time with some pictures from last week and how God showed up through His people. 

1. Growing up, at what age did you think you'd become an adult? At what age did you actually become an adult? 

I probably thought 21.  I would say age 23, because that is when I purchased my first home and started paying bills on my own.

2.  What's a favorite item you've bought this year?

See above and picture of me and my new weedeater!

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...are you a fan? If so, how do you like yours? When was the last time you had a hamburger? Besides the backyard grill, what's your favorite place to go for a burger? 

I really can't remember the last time I ate a hamburger. I do like them though!  I either eat it with a healthy, Keto bun at home or I skip the bun though. Because of that, I don't ever order a burger when I go out to eat.

4.  How have your priorities changed over time? 

With each new season, priorities have changed.  For example, last weekend when my girls were home, if they asked if I wanted to do something, I said yes.  I say a lot more yes's these days with them because I know time is precious.  

5. What's one thing on your June calendar you're really looking forward to? 

Hosting a gummy bear party with 3 of my great nieces :)

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Joy of the Lord is my strength and it is my prayer to depend on Him for day-to-day strength.  Sometimes that strength comes from a friend, a song, a stranger, a verse, or enjoying nature.  

Talking About it Tuesday/Weekend Wrap-Up ~ May 28, 2024

 I hope you all had a good Memorial Day weekend!  I feel like it is officially summer now, although summer looks so much different now that my kids are a little older.  But I still welcome summer and the different schedule it brings and less traffic on days I drive to work :). Here is a recap of the weekend.

Friday, my youngest flew home for the weekend!  It was perfect timing to have her home.  Saturday morning was a perfect leisure morning.  I found an episode of The Love Boat on Pluto TV and showed it to Brook.  We made it through about half the episode as it wasn't maybe one the best.  I use to watch this show every Saturday night as a kid.  

We went to lunch and then to Ulta, TJ Maxx and Trader Joe's.  I bought some of the body butter for me and my girls, along with a candle. I also saw this Enchanted Jangle, which I think must be the summertime version of Jingle Jangle.  I didn't buy any, but I think I the Jingle Jangle is still my favorite.

I picked some flowers from the yard, made some sourdough bread and wore my new neck fan.

Saturday evening, Brook cut some layers around my face and this was her first time to cut hair.  I really trust my daughter.

Sunday morning, I went to church, my oldest came home that afternoon and my heart was full.  It had been over 3 months since I had seen both of my girls at the same time!  

We went to a wedding that afternoon of a dear friend.  This friend has been one my oldest daughter's good guy friends since 6th grade.  His parents are great friends of mine and we just love their family.

The mother of the groom and I

My girls and I

Sister of the groom and my Brook

This is Isabella and her small group friends and leaders from high school.  I love that this group has been so close since 6th grade and going strong 5 years post high school graduation, even though they all went to different schools.

My heart was just so full having these 2 together, even for a afternoon.

As of yesterday afternoon, they are both back in their respective cities.  

But before Isabella left, we went to lunch together, went to a few stores and got frozen yogurt.  We went to a newer restaruant to our area where you can build your own salad.  I had also gone here last week and it is one of my favorite places now.  I was thankful for the one on one time with her.

I added several types of lettuce, zuchinni noodles, veggies, chicken and hummus instead of dressing.  It was delicious. 

Have a great day!

Hodgepodge ~ May 22, 2024

 Happy Wednesday Hodgepodge day!  I am linking up with this weeks Q&A.

1. What are you currently juggling in your life? 

I am juggling lots of emotions at this time, but that is life in this season!

2. How often do you buy new clothes? What was the last piece of clothing you purchased? 

I have bought several new dresses lately, but I usually just purchase things at the beginning or end of a season.  This is the last piece of clothing I purchased and just received in the mail yesterday.  This dress is from Loft. The verdict is still out if I will keep it or not.

3. What food festival would you most like to attend? If you need help here are links to some of the bigger and more popular food events around the world-

Oh, I found several from the suggested list in my state that look fun....

Bacon & Bourbon (I'm not a bourbon person, but I do love bacon!)

Grilled cheese festival

Margarita festival

A pizza festival sounds good too!

4. May is the 5th month of the year. Tell us something you remember about your 5th grade year. 

When I was in 5th grade, I remember my teacher got married over the Christmas break and it was so fun when she came back with a new last name.  I also had her in 6th grade as well.  Funny story, we have kept in touch on and off over the years and she will contact me when she is in town.  Here I am with her and another childhood friend whom she also taught.  My other memory from 5th grade (or maybe it was 4th...) is learning about Reagan being shot.  

5. What are your favorite five words right now? 

Jesus, Confidence, Strength, Laughter, and Hope

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am taking tomorrow and Friday off from blogging.  I would sure appreciate your prayers for tomorrow as I am entering a hard day, but am also so thankful for my tribe of people who I will get to see as well.  So in the midst of the sad, there will also be joy to be experienced!

Wishing you all a happy Memorial Day weekend!

 

Talking About it Tuesdays ~ Outdoor Plants/May 21, 2024

 Today I am sharing a little about my outdoor plants.  I am not investing much in my current flower beds this year, but am trying to focus on just maintaining my plants I have in some pots outside.

In the last 6 weeks, I have planted a few things and it has been fun to watch them come alive with spring.

You can see the growth from the plant in the pot in the middle from April until now.  I love watching things grow!

When I went to Louisiana for Easter, I brought home this Cajun Hibiscus.

The bloom is beautiful!

I also planted some succulents in this pot.

I forget what this plant below is called that I planted, but I like this and it has grown so much in 6 weeks!

My knock out roses have already died for the season, so they are probably not in the best spot.  However, the hydrangea bush is shining right now!

I also have these lily's, which are about to bloom any day now!  I planted these in this small flower bed at the front of the house.

I would love to be able to have cut flowers throughout the spring/summer season, but I end up buying more instead of cutting from my own yard.

What is your favorite plant that you put in a pot?  Most of my yard is part shade at some point of the day.  

Hello Monday ~ May 20, 2024

 Good morning and happy Monday!  Here a few highlights from the weekend.

First, I am sharing a photo of my new great niece born last week.  The new parents are tired, but doing well.

These are 2 new hair products I received last week.  One is an instant root cover up for gray hair.  Y'all, I am in my 50's and have never had my hair colored.  I just discovered a few weeks ago a few gray hairs, so I bought this touch up.  I always said I would embrace the gray when it came, but now I am more of the cover up the gray stage!  I also bought some styling powder to help give my hair some lift.  

I met a friend for lunch Friday at a newer, modern Mexican restaurant.  We had the best chips with a flight of 3 types of salsa.  We also both enjoyed a skinny margarita and chicken tortilla soup. It was all delicious!

A highlight of my weekend for sure was this next picture...

It had been over a year since I had done a video call with my dear friends who live in Brisbane, Australia.  We met Edwin & Laura while living in Colombia, they got married and moved to Australia to continue their studies.  Our family met Edwin 10 years ago and we always called him our Colombian son.  I just smiled so much catching up with them, speaking a little spanish, and hearing his accent and her accent while speaking English is now Australian.  It was just the sweetest time to talk with them. Of course, the one picture I took, I caught Edwin with his eyes closed :). 

Friday night, I went to a friend's house for dinner and it was good food and fun.  Saturday was low key at home until I went to visit my parents then on to a high school graduation party.  My dear friend, pictured below, hosted the party for her daughter.  Then we showed up at church Sunday in the same dress, ha!  Sunday afternoon I did something I do once or twice a year, and that is take a nap!  I have just been running on tired the past few weeks, so I guess I really needed the couch nap.  

How was your weekend?  

Friday Favorites ~ May 17, 2024

 Happy Friday! I am sharing a few favorites from the week.

Work

This week at work, we served breakfast and dinner to families at our local children's hospital.  Giving back to families in this way during a hard time is always a favorite.

Hobbies

I read more this week than usual and really enjoyed listening to a book, while reading it on my tablet, while walking on the treadmill!  I felt like it was a win/win!

I also read outside one day too, while enjoying this drink.

I met up with a friend Wednesday afternoon and enjoyed a sangria with rose'.  This isn't the exact picture, but it looked just like this one and tasted delicious!

Family

My niece had her baby (9 days late!), so I have a new great niece!  I will meet her later this summer when I go back to Richmond. 

Home

I got new bedding and am now officially sleeping with a fan in the bed with me!  Y'all, the hot flashes are no joke.  I love the lightweight fill of this duvet cover.  I purchased an insert for the duvet cover, but may not use that until the fall months. These are the stock photos.  I haven't made the bed this week, so I will share photos of mine at a later date, ha!

Have a great weekend!