Five on Friday

I had several bits of randomness to share, so I thought it was high time for a Five on Friday!

NEW COUCH

After talking about it for over a year, we finally bought our new couch to start our living room redecorating! We've had our previous couch for 16 years, so it was definitely time.

There is still a lot to do to totally revamp the living room - nothing is staying! And with it we're redoing the playroom to 'mature' it up a little bit - it was still very toddler/young kid focused and not a space for teens and pre-teens. It's a little overwhelming but also very exciting.

PERMANENT JEWELRY

I went to a Galentine's party and got my first permanent jewelry! I got 2 bracelets and am loving them. I wear 90% silver-toned jewelry but do throw some gold in there so wanted to have a little of both. I think I want to do a necklace too!

STANDING DESK

I've been hearing for over a year now that 'sitting is the new smoking' and have felt really bad about how much I sit every day. We've only had our office furniture for a few years, so we aren't in the market to revamp the office, but I wanted to find a way to stand more throughout the day. So I bought a little contraption off Amazon that enables me to stand and work during the day. I'm aiming for 30 minutes out of every hour and some days are better than others, but I'm definitely standing more throughout the day, yay! {Writing this post standing too!}

TRIFLE

You know what's super fun when you're selling over 1,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies? Driving over a case of them!

Crushed boxes, ugh.

But when the world gives you lemons, make lemonade...or a trifle with cookies! I googled recipes made with Girl Scout cookies and found so many options. I made this to take to book club, and it was absolutely delicious!

SMILING SAWYER

Guess whose youngest nephew started smiling?! And is turning into a butterball like all of his siblings? You guessed it, Sawyer! He is so sweet, and we all love him so much.

Five on Friday

I haven't done a Five on Friday post in a few months, and it felt like it was due as I have several random things I wanted to share!

ONE

New Fun Apps

I just downloaded the Storygraph app and it is really neat.

The app can connect to your Goodreads account and analyzes what you read.

This is one of the graphs from the app, 

I love all the ways it analyzes your reading.

Anyone surprised at how many 'emotional' books I read? {grin}

I also decided to pay for a membership to Cinemark and download their app.

If you never go to the movies, skip to #2, 

but this is so worth it if you like going to the movies.

It costs $10/month but EVERY month you get a free ticket and they roll over!

Every month it pays for itself just with that 1 free ticket.

Plus you get 20% off other tickets and concession purchases.

I've had it 3 months and have used my free ticket and discounts every month!

TWO

Back to School Outfits

How is it already time for me to start thinking about outfits for school?!

We have just over 3 weeks left of summer vacation!

{don't ask about my summer bucket list}

BUT the girls have picked really cute outfits for the first day of school, and I can't wait to share!! I'm sure Trent will wear a t-shirt and basketball shorts, ha.

First day 2019!

THREE

Sharon Says So Podcast

I have another new podcast to share! I love @sharonsaysso on IG,

and she started a podcast this week. It's really fun and I'm enjoying it so far.

FOUR

Squats

How much do you love the new tank I got for Body Pump?

FIVE

Williamson Group VIP

When your BFF owns her own real estate company and makes custom Yetis...

you get one because you are a VIP {grin}

Five on Tuesday

My mental blog drought continues. Sigh. I did think of a few things I wanted to share, so here's a Five on Tuesday for you! Not as catchy of a name but better than no post at all, I hope!

ONE

Tennis Lessons

At 40 years old, I've picked up a new hobby!

Our neighborhood has a tennis center, and they were offering beginner lessons.

It was a 6-week series and 6 ladies signed up.

When it finished, we decided to keep going because it was so much fun,

 and our wonderful instructor agreed to keep teaching us!

Are we good? Not really!

Do we care? Nope!

Abraham [who is maybe 25 ha] and his old ladies

TWO

Winter Puffer

I have been on the hunt for clothes for a trip we are taking in December.

Just realizing I don't think I've blogged about that?

[Takes note for a blog post idea, hallelujah since the wells are dry]

But check out this jacket I got for $21. Normally $120. 

Pretty awesome, right?

Gap Factory is having HUGE sales right now. 

I placed an order last week that would have been $575 full price...

my total was $184. Proud of myself for that one! {grin}

THREE

Barn Doors

These beauties will be ready for our house very soon!!!

FOUR

Quarantine

Trent and Drew are home in quarantine because of kids in their classes having COVID.

I am so glad we decided to send the kids back to school in September.

Because the last week having them home without help has been tough!

So thankful it isn't Paige's class in quarantine!!!

FIVE

Downton Abbey 2

I AM SO EXCITED ANOTHER MOVIE IS COMING OUT THIS YEAR!!!!!

I had heard rumors that the first movie did well enough to warrant another one,

but I had heard NOTHING about a 2nd one actually happening.

So to already have a release date?!?! EEK!

Five on Friday

Random assortment of fun on Friday!

ONE

Apple Music

I am probably the last person on the planet to talk about this,

but I finally started using Apple Music, and I LOVE it.

I made a Christmas playlist with all my favorite songs.

I'm listening to my favorite movie soundtracks during the day.

The girls are always able to get the Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, or Ava Max song they want.

Yes, it costs per month, but I think it is AWESOME!

TWO

Hair Wand

I finally got a hair wand!

I love how easy it is to use and the results. Big fan here, HUGE!

THREE

Middle Schoolers Be Like

Please I beg you to please watch this video. I haven't laughed this hard in so long. This is every interaction I have with Trent these days.

Bonus points if you can tell me why this especially tickled me. {grin}

FOUR

We are getting a piano!

Growing up we got a piano when I was maybe 5 or 6?

My sister and I took lessons for almost 10 years.

I have always wanted our kids to learn to read music and have wanted a piano.

But I assumed it was a want that would go unfulfilled. BUT!!!

Brent's mom's church is renovating and we are getting one of theirs, I am so excited!

It's really only in need of a good cleaning, it's in great shape.

And I've already cleared out a space for it.

Brent kept telling me 'no' all while he was plotting with his mom, that sneaky man.

Drew is going to start taking lessons very soon from a mom in our neighborhood, yay!

Needs a good cleaning but isn't she a beauty?!?!

FIVE

Drew's First Communion Dress

I mentioned a few weeks ago that Drew had her First Reconciliation in preparation for her First Communion this spring. And that my mother-in-law was making her dress.

I wanted to take a short trip down memory lane first. {grin}

This is Drew's Baptism wearing a gown made by my mother-in-law.

And now this dress has been worn by 3 little girls!

~Drew ~                      ~ Beau ~                   ~ Paige ~ 

So to say I'm excited about Drew's First Communion dress is an understatement.

We picked a pattern based on a few dresses I was loving.

As I looked at my favorites, I noticed they all had some similar qualities:

empire waist, long, flowy, lace/sheer overlay.

Then I found this pattern! And with a couple of different versions, I think this nails it! The length of the yellow dress, the flutter sleeves of the floral, and the overlay on the white dress. And my mother-in-law thinks it'll be simple!

I can't wait!!

Five on Friday

ONE

Birkenstocks

I am jonesing hard over these Birkenstocks. How cute are they?!

I bought my first pair of Birks this year and they do WONDERS for my old lady feet.

TWO

PB Whiskey Drink

Possibly the best drink I've ever had.

And PB whiskey by itself is also heavenly!

THREE

Christmas Dresses

Eleanor Rose has been KNOCKING it out of the park with their holiday dresses. I have already bought Drew and Paige's! Girl moms - hustle to their site ASAP and look at all the cute options! Any guesses as to which ones I got D and P?

FOUR

File This Under 'Things That Make Me Happy'

Holiday cups!!

FIVE

NO WORK OR SCHOOL!!!!

The kids and I have the next week off, and I am basically delirious with joy. I think we could all use a break from the alarm clock and zoom and masks and rushing around. We are going to decorate inside {outside is already done, yay!}, listen to carols, play, read books, watch movies, and just enjoy a lazy week!

Five on Friday

ONE

 Bookshop.org

I like supporting local bookstores, but sometimes they don't have what I need when I need it, and I end up turning to Amazon. Well, I just found out about bookshop.org where you can order books online AND support an indie bookstore. You select a bookstore, and a % of the proceeds goes to that indie store!

TWO

Grace & Lace shirts!

I hate shopping for winter clothes, but I got some cute tops finally!

I absolutely love Grace & Lace and am excited for some new stuff!

*Didn't plan on posting these pics online so my apologies for RBF*

THREE

I got a haircut!

I cut off about 8 inches of my hair!!!

It was SO long and unhealthy, and it feels amazing!

FOUR

Trent's braces

This little snaggletooth is about to get braces!

When we went to the dentist last week {cavities for Drew and Trent, sigh},

we took pictures for an orthodontist consultation.

After getting details from the orthodontist, Brent talked to Trent about timing - 

we didn't want to rush him if he wanted to wait a little while,

but he commented that so many of his friends/classmates have them

that he'd rather get them now and be done before high school.

Holy cow... how is he old enough for braces?!?!

FIVE

Someone got promoted

We turned Paige around to forward-facing!

My plan was to turn her around at 4, 

but I was trying to bribe her to be happy on the way to school.

It isn't working, ha, but she sure looks cute!

Five on Friday

ONE 

The one titled Guess who's wearing jeans in a size 6

TWO

Trent's Shelves

They are finally finished! I ran out of stain to finish the top shelf, but we've sanded, stained, and decorated the lower 4 shelves - and I think they look awesome!

THREE

It's beginning to look a lot like...fall! I pulled our fall decorations out over the weekend, and I'm so excited that the holidays are right around the corner!

FOUR

A Court of Thorn and Roses series

Guys. I have become obsessed with a new series. Erika raved about it on Goodreads, and her review was SO GOOD I just had to check the series out...and she was SO RIGHT. I stayed up until 4:00 AM Saturday morning reading. I cannot wait to talk about this series in my book review!

FIVE

150 Classes

Today I will hit my 150 classes in Jazzercise!

I hit 150 on December 31 last year - literally the last day of the year.

I am so excited to get my tank top this weekend!

Five on Friday

ONE 

School Pictures

I realized I never shared my babies' school pictures from last year! Look at how cute they are - didn't these turn out so great???

TWO

Nature Rules

I promise I won't write about every nature adventure the kids and I take {and I haven't!}, but over the weekend we went on a 2 mile trail and just had the BEST time. A lot of times Trent is grumpy and is rushing us to leave, but this time everyone got along really well and I was so proud of my little trio. We are right on pace for my goal of 20 with 12 under our belts!

THREE

Fall Activities

We're gearing up for some activities for all of the kids for the first time EVER. I'm so excited everyone has something they want to try, but I'm also curious how families coordinate more kids or more activities, ha!

Trent is going to play flag football for the first time - he has been obsessed with football for quite awhile, and I'm so excited to see him try!

Drew wants to go back to gymnastics - she's always only been so-so about dance. She's not competitive, so I'm not sure she'll ever enjoy a team sport - we tried soccer twice, and she definitely was NOT into it. She seems a little interested in volleyball, but all the leagues here start at 8. And we will get back into horseback riding too - she's going to be busy!

And Ms. Paige is ready to get back to ballet and tap!

FOUR

Lots of Pee

Paige has been 100% out of diapers for about 6 weeks. She has had zero accidents until the last week. And the highlight of this week was when she peed in her bed around midnight and then peed in our bed at 4:30. It was also amazing when our super expensive Sleep Number special mattress pad leaked onto our new bed. Sigh. 

Luckily, our warranty covers replacing the mattress pad plus the bed cover! But I did not enjoy changing clothes and taking sheets off beds in the middle of the night or washing a TON of bedding and clothes and towels the next day!

FIVE

Low Carb

I don't know if anyone has noticed my lack of weight loss updates...but it's because I am struggling and haven't had any losses to report, boo. I've actually gained back 6 pounds, and I'm so mad at myself.

I decided to do a couple of weeks of low carb to hopefully jump start getting back on track, and I've made it through 4 days. I've been really focusing on getting lots of vegetables in and 4 days in, I'm feeling really good! Definitely craving carbs and sugar, and I'll be happy to get back to macros in another week and a half ha. 

Five on Friday

ONE

Brent's New Truck

Once every decade, Brent gets a new vehicle.

Somehow, I manage to go through them much quicker - 

I've had 3 vehicles since Brent last bought a new truck.

Introducing...our newest family member!

TWO

Canvas Champ

We ordered a bunch of canvas prints from Canvas Champ,

and they were really affordable and came out great!

First, these are from our beach trip to San Diego in 2016.

{You can read about it here and here.}

I wasn't convinced we should print since Paige wasn't here yet,

but Brent thought they deserved to be printed.

I'm pregnant, so Paige has enjoyed looking at them and knowing she's in my belly.

We will most likely hang these on the wall here, 

but we are thinking of buying a new piece of furniture here,

so we want to figure that out first.

And of course our porch-traits!

These 2 are smaller and we are deciding where they will go.

These 3 will go together in the living room, and I'm so excited to hang them!

THREE

Headphones for the Girls

We are taking a weekend trip and wanted headphones for the car trip for the kids.

I found these cute ones on Amazon for the girls! Aren't these so cute?!

Drew picked a white bunny, and Paige picked Skye from Paw Patrol

FOUR

School Update

After my post from Tuesday about my worries for school,

we had several updates from our region.

Several schools announced they will go 100% virtual for at least the first 3 weeks of school.

They also wrote letters to our education agency stating they didn't want to return to campus until hospitalizations are 5 or less/day.

Right now we are around 70, so this is going to be a long time.

Then our education agency announced they would fund schools 100% even if they stayed virtual which they weren't doing initially.

Our school hasn't specifically made a statement yet...but I find this interesting.

FIVE

Can't Stop, Won't Stop

I got another bathing suit from Target and have another being delivered.

I also got a super cute romper! Nowhere to wear it but it is too cute.

Brent also gave me a thumbs up for each so high praise from him. {grin}

Reminder: I am not a fashion blogger and can only make weird faces apparently!

I think this is my favorite one yet!!! I didn't want to take it off, ha.

This is so cute, right?

Five on Friday

ONE

Bathing suit winners

I wanted to fill you guys in on the bathing suits I kept out of the 6 I bought.

I ended up keeping 3! 

One from Target and the Athleta and Summersalt ones.

Now my challenge is I think I want one more 'cheap' one to wear when we go on river adventures, ha.

I don't buy any bathing suits for 3 years and then buy 100 in 1 summer.

*And I can't believe I'm sharing these online ha*

TWO

EradiKate

I finally found an acne medicine that seems to truly be helping!

I had to switch back to my super unclean face wash because I have been breaking out so bad and my clean BeautyCounter face soap wasn't cutting it.

Things got so bad I was desperate, and a friend showed me EradiKate.

I've used it a handful of times and LOVE it. 

I have no idea if it is clean or not, but I seriously had 3 pimples in a row for over a MONTH and after using this for 3 days, they were GONE.

THREE

Trent's bookshelf

I finally found a bookshelf for Trent! I ordered the piping off Amazon,

and I can get the wood from Home Depot.

This picture isn't exactly like his - the pipes are black,

and we'll have 4 columns of pipes due to where the studs are in his walls.

I'm excited to build it {hopefully this weekend} and get his books off the floor!

FOUR

Black Pearl Bookstore

Y'all know I love to read but mostly read through the library.

I've started buying books occasionally and usually buy from a local indie bookstore.

Well, I found a local, independent, female, Black-owned business and wanted to share!

If you want to support more Black-owned business, check out Black Pearl!

FIVE

Blackout book challenge

I wanted to encourage everyone to participate in this.

I bought 2 books {from Black Pearl Bookstore!} - one for me and one for Trent.

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Offenders by Jeffrey Craft {Trent read another book by this author and liked it}

Five on Friday

ONE

Hair Wand

I really want a hair wand to make 'beachy' waves.

After a lot of practice, I figured out how to use my CHI to curl my hair.

BUT I want to be able to do the wavy look.

I know it's a subtle difference ha but I want one.

Anyone have one or know of a good one?

*Took this picture when I was experimenting with my CHI*

*See how it looks more like traditional spiral curls vs waves?*

TWO

Comedian warns her 'past self' about COVID

This is a few weeks old but if you haven't seen it, it's hilarious.

One of my favorite COVID videos.

THREE

Hamilton

Also old-ish news, but I am BEYOND excited that Hamilton is coming to Disney+!

Also, if you love Hamilton you need to watch this episode of 

John Krasinski's 'Some Good News'

Fast forward to about the 8:30 mark - we have watched this 10 times easily.

FOUR

Tie-Dye

I've lost my mind, and we're going to tie-dye shirts for the whole family.

Even Brent said yes if you can believe it!

I'll report back once we do it but after seeing it all over the internet,

we're going for it!

FIVE

Bike Rides

Another win for extra family time and a silver lining!

Not only did we get Drew riding her bike during quarantine,

but we have taken numerous family bike rides,

 and 2 of them have been over 5 miles!

It's been really funny because Paige starts out on her balance bike,

and Trent, Drew, and I are on our bikes.

Brent follows us in the golf cart to grab Paige when she gets tired,

so she can ride on the cart with him.

Five on Friday

ONE

Paige got into Goodwater!!!

The big kids go to a public charter school.
The way enrollment works is if more kids apply than there are slots for,
there is a lottery to decide who gets accepted.
Siblings do get first priority, 
but last year for Kindergarten more siblings applied than there were spots for.
Since Paige is in PK-3, I was hoping that wouldn't be the case, and she got in!
I will be so sad to leave our current school, and her current teacher,
but I am so happy to have all 3 kids at the same school again!!
Plus, tuition is cheaper, which is always a bonus,
and we know SO many guides and assistants for the primary classes.

Fist day of school - 2019

TWO

The Dixie Chicks have a new song!

I have been a HUGE Dixie Chicks fan since they first started.
I've seen them in concert 3 times and own all of their albums.

To say I am excited for new music is an understatement.
I have missed these girls something fierce and can't wait for the album,
which I've pre-ordered.

THREE

iPhone 8 Plus

I dropped my phone twice in about 30 seconds and really messed up the screen.
Luckily, it's a company phone, 
and you can get a replacement once a year from returned phones
[when people quit and have to return their phones].
Unluckily, I paid extra money to have more storage,
and you get access to what's in IT's stock.
Well, I majorly lucked out and went from an iPhone 8 to an 8 Plus for free!!

It's really not that different except for the camera has Portrait mode!
That's the one thing I was really sad about not having with my 8,
and it was such a nice surprise to get it with this phone.

FOUR

Kelly moved into RBC

One of my best friends, Kelly, moved into our neighborhood a few weeks ago.
Terrible timing with self-quarantining but I am so excited.
We ran track together in high school, lived together for a year in college,
and we were in each other's weddings.

She has stayed home the last couple of years after they had their 2nd child
but knew she would go back to teaching when their older child started kinder.
Well, he got into another local public charter school, and she got a job teaching there.
And it was way closer to us than it was to their old house.
They originally planned to move about halfway between their old house and new school.
And then I jokingly sent the listing next door to our friends, Susie and Riley.
AND THEY BOUGHT THE HOUSE!

Our early days as Aggies

And now as old hag moms {grin}

FIVE

Air Fryer

Brent and I have always had a toaster oven instead of just a toaster, and it died.
We decided to get a new version that is a toaster oven PLUS an air fryer,
and guys, this is a life-changer.

A lot of stuff that I used to cook in our big oven for 45 minutes
cooks in this for less than 10. And has an amazing texture - 
slightly crispy but also really tender.
We've made tamales, potatoes, chicken, and are amazed every time.