Friday Favorites ~ May 8, 2026

Happy Friday! It has been a good week, yet the week has seemed to go by slow.  By Tuesday, I was for sure thinking it was already Thursday.  Strange how that is sometimes with time.  Now on to some simple favorites from the week.....

I babysat for 2 of my great nephews, my nephews kids, ages 1 & 4, on Monday.  They are busy and I wrote down a few funny things the 4 year old said.  Afterwards, my 2 nieces were meeting at my sister's house with their kids...9 all together!  I dropped by there for about an hour and it was such a treat to see 11 of them!  I hadn't seen some of the crew in several weeks, so I was so thankful to get some running hugs from them! Last night, I went back to my nephews for a family gathering and saw all 12 of my greats who live in this area (I have one more that lives out of state, but will get to see her next month!)

Tuesday after work, Jenn came over for a Cinco de Mayo meal.  I made tacos and she brought chips, queso and margaritas.  Her son and his friend hung my tv, some lights and floating shelves.  I love, love the look of all the items I have picked out and it has been so fun to decorate by myself.  I want to wait on my daughter being home before I hang more pictures because I want her to add some of her things to the place. (this picture was clearly taken before the tv was hung on the wall).  I promise more pictures of the place coming soon!

One of my closest friends sent me this song called Joy! It is by Raye and her sisters, who I didn't realize were singers too.  Raye sings another song I really like, "Where is my husband?"

Watch & listen here...It is amazing

This weekend brings another year I won't see either of my daughters, but I am still beyond grateful for them and look forward to seeing them both in a few weeks.  I haven't seen them at the same time since Christmas.  If you get to see your kids at the same time, don't ever take that for granted!  Life is precious and short.  I will still enjoy Mother's Day weekend though & am so thankful I will get to see my mom.  With this day approaching, I wanted to share a quote by Chrystal Hurst:

As we come into the Mother's Day weekend, 

Mother’s Day can hold both joy and pain.

Some hearts are full today—overflowing with gratitude, laughter, and sweet moments.

Some hearts are heavy—grieving what was lost, what never came, or what still feels broken.

Sometimes Mother’s Day is happy.

If this is a tender day for you, I want you to know: You are not invisible. You are not forgotten. You are deeply loved.

If this is a beautiful day for you, capture the memories with your minds eye. Be present. Let them love you. I want you to know: You are presence is appreciated. You sacrifice matters. You are deeply loved.

Whatever today brings—celebration, silence, grief, or grace—

Know this: You are loved. You are seen. You are not alone.

May God meet you exactly where you are, and may you feel His comfort and joy in your story.

As I close today, would you say a prayer for my friend who lost her daughter last summer in the Texas flood as she experiences her first Mother's Day without her?  

Thank you and have a great weekend friends!

Everyday Images ~ May 7, 2026

Hi friends! Hope you are making through this first week of May well.

 I am linking up with A Fresh Cup of Coffee for Everyday Images. 

Saturday scenery & Current Project

 I am combining these 2 prompts because assembling all the things was basically my Saturday scenery and certainly my current projects!

Green

On my plate

Miniature

Tower

The tower below is in Savannah, Georgia.

This is the water tower in Destin, Florida.

Connected

I love how connected these girls are in their school program at college, and even more so after they lost their other friend in the Texas flood last year.

A sweet picture of my girls 17 years ago.

One more day until the weekend!

Currently Hodgepodging ~ May 6, 2026

 It is the first May hodgepodge and always thankful to be linking up with Joyce for this fun post! I am also linking up with Amy below for May's currently!

1. What's something you may do this month?

I may walk outside more before the summer heat comes. I also may organize some boxes in my garage.  

2. Hola! Hodgepodge Day lands just after Cinco de Mayo... how do you feel about Mexican food? What's your favorite dish? Do you make it at home or is it a strictly dine out option? 

I do love me some Mexican food & I will eat it out or home.  If I eat out, I either get tortilla soup, fajitas, or a taco salad.  At home, I am probably just eating tacos & chips & salsa :).

3. When the children of today grow up what do you think they'll say about this time period? What do you most hope they remember? 

We were always looking at our phones :(.  I hope my greats all remember the simple joys of life, how much they are loved & supported, and mostly that they are a child of God!

4. What advice would you give a new mother? 

Sleep!  Realize that everything doesn't have to be perfect or even close to it.  Don't let comparisons creep in. Let others help, even if they do some things differently than you would do it.  Focus more on the heart, acknowledge feelings, and apologize often.

5. What's a phrase your mother often said to you? If you're a mom do you say it to your own children? 

I can't think of a saying off the top of my head that my mom said to me.  A few things I have say to my girls are:

1.  Put your own oxygen mask on first.

2.  Wear sunscreen.

3.  Never ask a woman if she is pregnant unless if you can see the head :).

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Moving right along into Currently with Amy!

Digging – Literally or the 70s version meaning “loving”

My new home!  I am digging all of my new decor and furniture.  Nothing that is in my bedroom was in my previous master bedroom. I have a new dresser, bed, bedding, bookshelf, curtains, bench and pictures on the wall.  I have a chair that belonged to my grandmother, my nightstand that my parents had when they first got married, and a round table a friend gave me that was in my previous guest room. 

In the den, again, everything in there is new within the last few weeks or within the last 3 years.  

I am digging having an extension of my living space in my garage.  I actually have set up my home office in the garage.

I am digging being able to go on walks in a beautiful area.

Weeding– Literally or “cleaning out”

I am weeding through my clothes and boxes in my garage. I currently have a lamp section, a throw pillow section and a huge pile to try to sell on Facebook Marketplace.

Enjoying – foods, shows, books, clothing, people – whatever!

Eating/cooking at home!  I am still trying to eat from my freezer as much as a I can.

I am watching the last season of The Way Home on Netflix and I just finished the new season of Virgin River last week.

I purchased a few new clothing items from Shein recently.  It is my 2nd order from them.  I have liked what I have received, but don't think I will purchase from them on a regular basis.  I will try to share some of these on Tuesdays with Amy's fashion link up.

I enjoy my people.....my daughters, my greats, my parents and extended family, my church friends who are like family, Jenn and the rest of this blog community!

Eating/Drinking –

always frozen yogurt & sourdough bread!

Shopping for –

I recently purchased new furniture from Wayfair's recent sale- coffee table, entertainment center, bed, bar stools, & curtains.  I also purchased a new sofa since I no longer owned a sofa.

That's it for today y'all....thanks for reading and enjoy your day!

Fashion Files ~ May 5, 2026

 Good morning!  I have been telling our hostess Amy I would link up with Fashion Files.  I need to clarify, my post is more of what I wore than any fashion inspiration.  I did finally take a few pictures of some of what I wore last week. 

This is my go-to-work outfit last Tuesday. I got the shirt from Target a few years ago and the pants are from Shein.  Nothing fancy, but super comfortable!

Wednesday, I worked from home, did a quick grocery store pick up and went to bible study.  Nothing fancy, so it was a long sleeve race t-shirt and jeans this day.

Thursday, I wore an older Old Navy black dress to work along with my sneakers. I often wear sneakers if I am going to the hospital to make deliveries.

Saturday night, I wore jeans and a basic sleeveless black shirt to go see live music with the young folks :).

Sunday night, I went out again to hear live music and this fun mirror is in the bathroom there so it seemed like a good place to take a selfie!

Do I at least get a participation grade, ha??  

And other than the last picture obviously, I am enjoying my new mirror in my closet!

Okay, y'all have a great day!

Hello Monday ~ May 4, 2026

 Hello & Happy Monday!  It was a full weekend & I have lots of random photos, so hope you have/had your coffee or morning drink of choice!

My sister sent me this cute yellow jar to use for my K-cups.  It adds to the color of this corner!

Friday late afternoon, I started the assembly of my entertainment center.  I sorted the parts to start tackling the 30 steps.

This picture below is where I was on Saturday morning.  Take note of those 2 outside pieces....

About 2 hours later when I was on step 28, I realized those 2 side pieces were installed in reverse.  I could have cried.

I opted to indulge in dessert before noon instead.

And I watched a few episodes of Outlander in the background of working & my sadness over my installation error.

I took out a few of the camlocks, but realized I would literally have to essentially take this entire thing apart, which would be so much unscrewing & disassembly to switch the direction of the end pieces so I could screw in the doors.  I decided to prop the doors on for now & call it a day.  This has an electric fireplace that will give off heat or can just be for ambiance, like it was in this picture. I will have someone come and probably drill the holes I need on the correct side instead of taking this all apart. I will try to remember to keep you updated on this!

After being inside most of the day, I decided to take a quick walk outside.  When I opened my front door, this package was there.  I about cried when I saw these beautiful butterfly glasses!  There was no note inside of who they were from. However, when I was keeping nursery at church Sunday morning, my oldest daughter texted and told me they were from her as an early Mother's Day gift.  I did cry happy tears then!  I love these!

I went to a friend's house to babysit their 2 daughters for a few hours Saturday evening.  I made them mac-n-cheese and realized how much I will forever miss a gas stove! 

I introduced these 2 girls to the Kentucky Derby, which was amazing!

I left babysitting and went with my co-worker to hear a new to me artist, Brenn.  He is a young musician, but his music is pretty good if you want to give him a listen on Spotify.  I am going to tell you, it's been a long time since I have been out at 9pm to do anything! It was a fun time though.

I got home around 11:15pm and assembled a quick bookshelf that had arrived from Amazon. 

Sunday morning, I walked to church with my fan in hand, even though it wasn't warm at all.

I walked home and ate my lunch on my patio....grilled chicken, air fryer okra and a baked potato.

I followed this up with my dessert.  Have y'all tried Drizzilicious? I never thought I would be recommending rice cakes, but I am low key addicted to these.  There are also cookies and cream and french toast flavors in the variety box I have.  These are a low calorie treat that tastes good.

Sunday night, I went back out to hear a Huey Lewis cover band. So many random stories from the night, but I loved hearing his music played live since Huey can't sing/tour anymore due to loss of hearing.

 I enjoyed my nights out this weekend, but so love my time at home too.  Even though I am mostly settled inside, I still have several places to organize/sort.  I don't feel as rushed to get those things done though. I am so pleased with where I am after 2 weeks of living in my new home.

I hope you have a wonderful start to your new week!

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

 His mercies never come to an end;

  they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Friday Favorites ~ May 1, 2026

Happy May!

 The theme of this week has been exhaustion for me.  Just plain 'ol moving tired.  I am sore and tired, but I do love my new place!  I am really enjoying being at home.  It has been great to almost have a full week in my new place!  Here are a few favorites from the week....

Monday I went to meet my new great nephew who is 2 1/2 weeks old now.

I ate dinner on my little patio Monday night.

Wednesday, I took a walk before working from home and a walk that evening.  I am hoping to do this more and more after I get all my furniture assembled.

A few pictures from around the new place of some favorites....My new curtains!  I ordered these from Wayfair and love them. I still have some shelves to add and will move a few things around in this corner before I call it done.

I had so many boxes delivered this week and scooting them around by myself I think strained my back.  Ugh, this is one of those times I miss help. 

I assembled 4 new bar stools! My daughter's boyfriend did come by Thursday evening for a bit to help me assemble a new bed and a coffee table.  I have an entertainment center to assemble this weekend, but there are 30 steps to it!!  Oh Lawd!  I hope to get a lot more done this weekend and maybe, just maybe by the next weekend, I can have most of the inside complete, except for hanging a few pictures.  And just to say it one more time, but not the last, I am so thankful for my new home I am loving!  I am thankful for this good reason to be tired, busy and happy to be at home!

Other favorites are all the reels I watch that make me laugh every day!

This is part 1 of 2.....

Part 2 made me giggle, especially about assembling furniture!

Hope you enjoy your weekend and Happy Derby Day tomorrow!

Thanks for reading friends!