A Risk You Are Happy You Took
I am such a risk adverse person...this question is a tough one for me..but I would have to say having my babies later in life- I was 35 with Diana and 41 with Eva. Both considered "geriatric pregnancies" and risky but I am so grateful that we were all ok and I have these loves in my life :)
15. 3 Books You Are Grateful To Have Read
1. Night Road by Kristan Hannah
If you have teens and even before they are teens (that is when I read it)...it is a great reminder of how to act...what to say...how to support...and what can often times go wrong...though fiction, there was so much truth and pain in this novel...it was our very first Book Club read - 35 meetings ago- way back in 2018- I will never forget it- it stays with me- I actually want to read it again!
I was thrilled to share with both of my girls and ecstatic when the movie came out last year- saw it in the theater with Diana and very recently, Eva and I watched it together- the way this story was written truly helps to make puberty less scary
3. The Bible
Well in my own way via my daily devotional books that dive into the meaning behind the scriptures...so grateful to have the direction...the purpose...the faith...keeps me in check and reminds me there is nothing or no one greater
16. A Skill You Are Grateful For
Being able to "talk to a wall"
I love people- I feed off people- love learning about people's passions and jobs and love stories- I think that is why God made me a Recruiter. I could talk to anyone...well anything too...yes even a wall...ha! I am grateful I have that desire to talk...to learn and to be there for people
17. Something That Comforts You
Church- comforts me-gives me peace- gives me oxygen
18. Something That Makes You Feel Safe
Our Ring Doorbell and Cameras
19. 3 Things About Your Body That You Love
UGH..this is a hard one...not sure I can even come up with one
Well I can only think of one and that is the strength in my legs. They help me to walk very fast and they never let me down.
Hi Friends and Happy Monday! I am here with Sarah and we are sharing about our weekends. Hope you will join us! I have to preface my post by saying I was AWFUL at taking pics this weekend...yikes...I promise to do better ;)
Friday
First things first, Revitalize! I was so excited to see that they debuted the Wicked teas and shakes and most were designed by Diana!
After a busy morning of mass and work, I scooted out for a date lunch with my hubby- he had a gift card to Copper Door and we really enjoyed :)
My friends were sending me pics of our real estate mailing- this one was my fave yet. Our team picture and contact info is on the front and Thanksgiving cooking tips are on the back- my boss is genius!
One last FNL of the season- Quarter Finals and the Jags came up short but it was an exciting game. We didn't have cheerleaders but the girls all came to enjoy the game with friends and boyfriends...I was with my posse...Lea, Kat, Stephanos, Rob and Pidge
Saturday
We went out for a date walk because WE ARE BACK...ha! Life has been so crazy but we really need to start squeezing these back in even if it means getting out there at 6:30!
and this is where I really started slacking on the photo front. I brought Diana to work then headed up to Manchester and Bedford.
I ran to Hobby Lobby to find wreaths for our windows for the holidays. This is the first year we are experimenting with this. I also snagged some tulle to make some bows for the wreaths. Now we just have to get some spotlights and hopefully we can make it all look festive...check back after Thanksgiving Weekend.
After that, I drove over to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods since I was in the area. I got some different favorite treats to put a basket together for My Favorite Things Party. We are doing one gift each this year and my gift will be Trader Joes Faves.
At Whole Foods, I grabbed some food to make for dinner and some ingredients for Thanksgiving.
After unloading all of the groceries at home, I actually whipped up two of our Thanksgiving sides and got them into the freezer. This makes me feel less stressed leading up to the holiday.
Then Diana and I headed up to the high school to attend the Fall Show- Much Ado About Nothing...we enjoyed cheering on her fellow theater classmates and enjoyed the show too!
Diana and Ryan- fellow thespians since daycare :)
That night, Diana headed out with Tommy's family to celebrate his birthday. Eva had a friend over and I made dinner for all of us.
After dinner, the girls played and Rob and I watched some One Tree Hill maybe with a little dessert treat from TJ's- have you tried the mini peppermint ice cream cones? They will definitely put you in the spirit!
We crashed early!
Sunday
We were up bright and early for an 8 am hockey game!
Then there was softball, cooking, grocery shopping, organizing and a little decorating upstairs only...it's the only thing us girls got Robby B to agree to ;)
Last night, we wrapped our weekend by going to mass as a family. What were you all up to?
Lastly, I want to mention that Thursday is Monthly Musings with Patty and me. We are talking all things holiday fun and answering the questions below- hope you will join us!
Hi Friends and Happy Friday! We made it! Barely?! Ha! As always, sharing some glimpses of JOY today...
Wicked!
Have you scored your tickets to the movie yet? It opens on 11/22! We are going on the 24th. We can't wait. Girls Night and I may just be snagging some festive headbands for us to wear :)
Amazon
Some recent finds are just too good not to share
The coziest blanket- think Pottery Barn but on an Amazon budget- perfection
Heating Mat- think hot plate but 2024! This one is going to come in handy for all of our holiday gatherings for sure!
Slippers for Pidge- her request ;) She never met a Squishmallow she didn't like and now they make slippers!
Drybar AND Hallmark
I have been hearing such great things about Drybar...I have frequented another similar business "Boss Blow Dry Bar" which I love...but now Drybar is playing hard ball and showing Hallmark Movies AND offering a discount...wait what? Oh boy...may need to check them out! Have you visited them yet?
Wine Group
Last night, it was time for girl time and Robby B was back to hold down the fort. It was a Fall Faves theme and Laurel hosted us. The wines were from various regions in California and it was a great night...the QT with my besties was my favorite part
Last but not least...I have to brag for one sec but I survived most of this week solo- While Rob was traveling for work, I held down my full time job (which is picking up), my second job, the kids, the dog, our household and the daughter's boyfriend's birthday...I am not gonna lie I am WIPED...anyway..thought I would share a couple of recipes that were a big hit this week and have been requested again...here we go
Baked Chicken Meatballs
Find The Recipe HERE
Broccoli and Cheese Rice
Find The Recipe HERE
and...
Quick Bolognese
Find The Recipe HERE
and Tommy's Birthday Celebration was a fun success :)
That's a wrap! We have some Friday Night Lights on tap tonight....one more week...we will take it!
A Little Luxury You Are Grateful For
My Cleaning Lady
Grateful, as hard as the last few years have been financially that we can still keep her in our budget. I couldn't do it all and something has to give right? :)
The Best Advice You Have Ever Been Given
"Work Hard. Do What You Know Is Right. The Rest Will Fall Into Place."
Continuing on with Days 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12
Day 8
Three Things About Yourself that You Love
1. My Heart 2. My Work Ethic 3. My Loyalty
Day 9
3 People You Are Grateful For
I want to preface this one by saying I, of course, am always grateful for my hubby, kids, parents and best friends...goes without saying. I thought I would keep this one interesting and list three random people that have really helped me this year...here we go...
1. Tommy
In addition to these two being "lovebirds" they truly are best friends...and I love that they have each other...they each have someone in their corner...with no drama...he has brought a joy to our entire home...grateful that God brought him to her...he is a big answered prayer for sure
2. Carla
My colleague turned friend...I love that we are helping each other raise teenagers...no easy feat...we love getting advice from each other...and working together, too, has always been seamless and fun
3. Bethany
She has been a bestie of mine but we are appreciating her even more now that she helped Diana out of a very dark place and helped put her on the path to success- her professional recommendations, support, advice and love have made a world of difference and our entire family is grateful for her :)
Day 10
Your Proudest Moment
Any time my kids work hard is a proud moment but I would have to say Blackout 2024. I looked around at the big game...took in the 5,000 people or so and just felt proud and grateful
Day 11
3 Songs You Love
Ok...not faves of all time...but three faves from the last year or so
1. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart- Taylor Swift
2. We Can't Be Friends- Ariana Grande
3. Now That We Don't Talk- Taylor Swift
Day 12
Something In Your Daily Routine You Are Grateful For
My Healthy Teas from Revitalize- I love the flavors, but more importantly, love the goodness they add for me- a shot of collagen and a shot of an immunity booster
