Monthly Musings ~ June 2024

Good morning. Today I am linking for June's Monthly Musings talking about summer traditions.  

1.  Share your summer plans.

I am working my same schedule, so that part looks the same to me year round.  I have a few weddings and a trip planned for August.  Other than that, I am just enjoying the time my daughter is home from college.  I know there may not be many more of these left as her summers will get busier and lead her to other places.

2.  What are your summer traditions?

Even though summer looks so different now, I still enjoy the slower pace of summer.  I love that traffic is not as bad when I drive to work.  I love that there are outdoor events and a relaxed state of mind for most people.  I don't have any huge traditions, other than trying to get in a trip at some point.

3.  What is your favorite summer destination?

I would say a beach or a cruise destination, but really anywhere!  I also think an amusement park and going to a MLB baseball game is fun too...if it isn't 100 degrees in the sun.

4.  Do you prefer the ocean or a lake?

I prefer to see the ocean from the beach and wade my feet.  For a lake, I would like to just ride in a boat.  Of course, I would love riding on a cruise ship in the ocean!

5. Do you have any pool time planned?

I have been in a pool twice this year, but hope to go at least a few more times either to my sister's house or a friend's house.

6.  Best travel or packing tips?

Like so many of us, packing cubes are amazing for so many purposes.  I keep my travel bag essentials (travel size items, medicine, travel mirror, small bags for chargers, medicine box) ready to go in my suitcase at all times.

7.  Favorite summer movie?

The first one that comes to mind is one of my all time favorites, Sweet Home Alabama.  I just love this one.

8.  What songs say summer to you?

Boys of Summer, Don Henley

Anything by Jimmy Buffet

Mambo No. 5 (takes me back to a cruise I took)

9.  What do you like on your burgers or hot dogs?

I don't remember the last time I had a hot dog, but I do eat a bratswurst from time to time, which I would eat plain.  For a hamburger, I like avocado, lettuce and tomato with the meat, but usually don't eat the bun. 

10.  Charcoal or gas grill?

I don't grill outside, but I would go with gas vs. charcoal I think.

 

What's Up Wednesday ~ June 2024

 Here we go finishing up half of 2024....And usually, the second half seems to go by fast.  That being said, the fall seems like a long time away as we have such hot weather this week! I am joining up with What's Up Wednesday and Hodgepodge.

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

Sunday - frozen pizza

Monday - celebrated with my parents for my dad's birthday

Tuesday - enchiladas

Wednesday - ravioli or chicken nuggets

Thursday - out

Friday - out

Saturday - ??

What I'm reminiscing about...........

A part of my job is collecting children's books and we are always in need of baby/toddler books.  Yesterday, someone dropped off donations and one of the books was "Pajama Time".  I read through the book again and it brought up such sweet memories of reading this to my girls when they were little.

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

Brook being at home for the summer!  I love every minute of her being around. 

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

I have been keeping my 2 year old great niece this week, with Brook's help of course!

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

Holidays and a few other major things sadly, however, I'm pressing on in this hard world with hope.

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

I am working on blog posts, reading a book, regular work stuff, cleaning up around my house and trying to maintain the yard in this summer heat.

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

I have planned a trip for myself this fall!

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

I am excited that the new season of The Bear comes out today!  I also resumed watching When Calls the Heart this season and enjoyed it.  I had taken 2-3 years off from watching this. I have also been watching a little bit of baseball on tv.

I am reading a book for book club next week!

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

I am listening to podcasts and a few random audiobooks, but more about those in next week's book post!

What I'm wearing..............

I am wearing dresses, dresses, and more dresses. I just don't photograph myself often to show what I've worn.

What I'm doing this weekend.............
We have a fun wedding to attend of a dear friend's son. I also hope to do a little more house organizing/cleaning. 

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

I have just a few things on the calendar next month....another wedding to attend, a baseball game and a soccer game.  I always enjoy watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics too! 

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

New today is this week's Hodgepodge:

1. What do you think has remained the same about you your whole life? How has your perception of yourself changed over time? 

I am a loyal person and love to keep in touch with people. I love keeping up with old friends!

I realize I am valued and worthy of love for who I am & my identity is in Christ, not fulfilled by anyone else.

2. What was the first thing you learned how to cook? Do you prefer to cook or bake?

The first recipe I learned how to cook is a chicken and rice casserole.  That was my standard go-to for so long. I probably prefer cooking, because I am more nervous about if my baking will turn out okay or not.  But I do enjoy doing both and bake more now since I bake sourdough every week.

3. What are some of your current priorities in this season of life? Elaborate. 

My current priorities are to care for myself. I am caring for myself by trying to get rest, not put pressure on myself to do too much, freedom in saying yes and no's, and by reminding myself of God's promises towards me.  A part of caring for myself helps me to care for my daughters as best I can. 

4. How much time do you spend on your hair each day or, put another way, what's your hair care routine? Do you get it cut regularly or just whenever the mood strikes? Do you go to the same stylist every time? Do you tell your stylist everything? Any other beauty treatments you indulge in throughout the year? 

It depends on the day as to how much time I spend.  If I shampoo/condition my hair in the morning, I usually just dry it, brush it and go.  If I am using dry shampoo, I may using a styling tool, like a straightner to smooth my hair or a curling iron.  Sometimes I will use hot rollers and a few times, I have slept in curlers to have wavy hair in the morning.

My next door neighbor/friend is a hair stylist and has a studio in her home.  I literally walk right next door to get my hair cut and usually just do it when I feel like a I need a haircut.  She is the best neighbor!  

I have just recently seen a few grays appear,so I will spray some highlights in my hair and have started using some styling powder, but I don't use super expenisve products on my hair.

5. What is the most awe-inspiring place you've visited? 

I have been to some beautiful places, but two places come to mind....

In the USA ~ Glacier National Park, Montana

Outside the USA ~ Machu Picchu, Peru *one of the 7 wonders of the world*

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am tired. I have been going to bed by 9pm every night this week after caring for a 2 year old.  Shout out to all the moms.

Hello Monday ~ June 24, 2024

 Good Monday morning!  It is going to be a fun, full week for me.  I will fill you in on that by the end of the week.  Until then, here is a weekend recap!

I worked Friday morning then made some sourdough focaccia rosemary muffins.  They were delicous....Like too good to have these around the house every week.

I went to the grocery store, then spent a quiet Friday night at home.

Saturday morning was a super fun morning having breakfast with my 5th/6th grade teacher and another one of my classmates.  I went to elementary school through high school with him. Our teacher lives in Florida now and it is always so fun when she comes in town. 

Nothing says you've grown up like your elementary school teacher bringing you a bottle of wine! And I still can't call her by her first name, even though she insists every time we see her!

Saturday afternoon, I went to see the play Come From Away.  If you get the chance to see this play, go see it.  I was blown away and this could be one of the most impressive things I have seen.  It is based on the true story of 38 flights that landed in Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11.  7000 people stayed in a town of 9000 for 5 days until the airspace was cleared. This play tells the story of a flight and the people who have come from so many different places.  

I met my parents and sister at the beautiful theater.  My dad took this picture of us...by the way, it's my dad's birthday today!

Sunday after church, I got to hang out with some of my favorite people. I love this picture Brook took of me with my great nephew resting on my back.

Sweet girls

It is off to a hot start this week, but I hope to stay inside, near a fan, or near water.

Have a great day!

Friday Favorites ~ June 21, 2024

 Happy Friday friends! With the holiday this week, I lost track of days, but either way, I am glad it is Friday!  Here are a few favorites....

ONE

Monday, I was really thankful to sit inside that evening and listen to the rain.  A summer rain is nice to water the yard and plants!

TWO

Tuesday after work, I met up with a friend for a coffee at Starbucks.  It was so nice to catch up with her and talk about life, laugh and encourage one another.  Later that night after my volunteer night, another favorite was dinner with Brook and her boyfriend.  I felt honored they invited me!

THREE

Wednesday, I had the day off work due to the holiday and it was so nice!  I took Brook for breakfast at one of my new favorite places.  After eating, she looked at my blog online on her phone. 

I ordered the chicken omelet with avocado and salsa on top...it is so good.  I also ordered the fruit and yes, sourdough toast with it.

Afterwards, we went to Target and while waiting on Brook in the dressing room, I was happy to see a fan there!

Laughing with her in the car over a funny thing that happened with a friend request on Instagram is a favorite!

I was back at work Thursday and am working this morning.  Enjoy your weekend!

Hodgepodge ~ June 19, 2024

1. It's National Splurge Day...what's something you might splurge on today? What have you splurged on recently? 

Today I am taking my daughter to breakfast at my new favorite breakfast spot & to Target, however no other splurges are planned for today.  However, I would say my most recent splurges have been on dresses!  While none of them have been extremely expensive, I have purchased several this spring.  

2. Do you have a beach bag? What's in it? Is a trip to the beach on your summer bucket list? Do you have a summer bucket list? 

I have a swim bag that I use for trips to the pool.  I have sunscreen for my face, spray sunscreen, towel, and a hat.  

I do have a beach trip planned for later this summer.  Even though I have one daughter home for the summer, I don't have an official summer bucket list.  I do have a few things I would like to do though, like attend an outdoor music concert.

3. What's a song that makes you think of a summer past? What comes to mind when you hear it? What memories does it stir up for you? 

I have a summer beach playlist that I created probably 10 years ago when I went on a cruise.

4. Sushi-yay or nay? Have you actually tried it? If you love it what's your go-to order? 

I have not tried sushi, but I would say nay.  

5. I own a ridiculous amount of  summer dresses! 

10 of these are new this year...with another scheduled to arrive from Amazon today. Dresses are just so much cooler and easier to wear in the summer.

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

After being out of the house for 12 hours yesterday with work, meeting a friend for tea, and volunteering, my daughter and her boyfriend invited me to go have dinner with them.  I usually don't eat that late (8pm), but went to a pizza place and had a no sauce slice with chicken, spinach and cheese.  It was delicious.  And a fun thing is when we got back to the house, I asked them all of these questions above and it was fun to hear their answers!

Have a great Wednesday!

Talking About it Tuesday ~ June 18, 2024/Serving Tuesday

 Good morning.  I am linking up with Joanne today talking about serving on a Tuesday.

Once a month on a Tuesday, I serve breakfast at the local children's hospital, along with the rest of my work team.  We serve local doughnuts and have 250 Chick-fil-A doughnuts donated to serve.  It is a joy to serve families in the hospital.  Here I am last Tuesday morning bright and early serving.

Later that evening, I picked up Brook and we went to volunteer and serve dinner at a local ministry called Service Over Self, better known as SOS.  From their website, "SOS exists to glorify God by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in underserved neighborhoods through home repair and leadership development."  This ministry hosts high school campers who replace roofs in a low income neighborhood.  We go in and serve dinner to the campers and staff after their day outside working. 

(Yep, that is my neck fan I am holding!)

Our family worked with this organization for 5 years when our girls were little.  I even worked in the kitchen one summer as the camp cook!

The girls use to come to the ktichen with me and help in little ways.  We had to re-create this picture of Brook sweeping the floor.

Also, this guy loved on our girls when they were little bitty.  He is still working there, has an amazing testimony of how the Lord changed His life and we also had to re-create a picture with him.

It was such a fun night and I am thankful to be volunteering again this summer with this organization!

I encourage you to find a place to volunteer and it is especially rewarding to do this with your child. 

Hello Monday ~ June 17, 2024

 Happy Monday!  I am back today after taking a few days off last week.  I started strong last week, but then wasn't feeling good the last part of the week with a lot of exhaustion in many ways, so the blog took a backseat.  Here we are pressing on through mid-June with some highlights from the weekend.

Friday morning, I worked for a few hours then ran an errand.  That evening, sweet Jennifer came over and it was so fun to have a friend at the house!  We ate, chatted, and did the first steps of making our sourdough!  I passed along some sourdough starter and some tips on how I make my sourdough.  It is always a learning process, especially as the weather changes and I see how people use different methods of making it.

You know you are real friends when she pulled out a fan to help me during a hot flash!

I tried to lower expectations to her for the bread, because every once in a while, my bread just doesn't turn out great.  That being said, even those loaves still taste good.  Thankfully, this batch turned out good and I baked my loaf Saturday morning.

I also enjoyed this beautiful sight when I went to water flowers Saturday morning.  I love a Stargazer Lily!

Saturday was our first really hot day of the summer.  Brook and I went to run a few errands.  One stop was the grand opening of a new cookie place called Cookie Plug, where they are known for different flavors and thick cookies.

"This is not a crumble box"

From left to right flavors:  snickerdoodle, peanut butter, strawberry cheesecake, oreo cookie, the small ones were keto chocolate chip and keto peanut butter, original chocolate chip, 2 red velvet oreo and triple chocolate.  The triple chocolate was my favorite, but the oreo cookie was a close second.  

We went into Home Goods and were inspired with lots of decor.  I loved these little lights and lampshades, which were only $15, but I didn't get them.  

We also went to our local Clothes Mentor.  Another store here told me about them the other day and then I saw Amy mention this store on her blog.  We traded in some clothes and got a few things.  I got these 2 dresses and a ring.  Brook got a pair of shoes, so it was an even trade for us.  I had just told Brook that morning that I have so many dresses.  In fairness, I did clear out a few from my closet that morning, but I quickly replaced them it seems!  

The rest of Saturday was spent doing a little laundry and going through some things as I am starting to get rid of things surely, but very slowly. Also, Brook ordered a guitar to learn how to play, so she serenaded me as she tuned it and tried to learn some chords.

Sunday morning was church, a quick lunch at home, then time at my sister's with her family, kids and grandkids aka...my greats.  My parents were also there so I was thankful to be able to see my dad. The only picture I took of the afternoon was my 3 year old niece jumping off the diving board and swimming to the ladder!  I was so impressed at doing this at such a young age.

Also, this is me before church in one of my new Amazon dresses this season. I call this hairstyle, "my college daughter is home for the summer"!  I love having Brook help me style my hair and her opinion on clothes and accessories!

I'm back off to work this morning and hope you have a good day!