Friday Favorites (March 14, 2025)

 

Hi Friends and Happy Friday!  Yeah!  Can I get a what what?  This was a productive and tiring week for me...glad that the weekend is almost here!

 

Here are some recent faves...

 

 

 

 St. Patty's Dinner Tradition

 

One of my favorite traditions that we (the fab four) started back in 2018 was our St. Patty's Dinner out.  Most of us aren't even Irish but we made it a tradition and now we depend on it.  It's an excuse to get together to decompress, catch up and enjoy our treasured quality time together.  Tonight is our big night- it will be Year 8- can't wait!  We typically hit Hanover Street Chop House and have dinner at the bar- one of our fave restaurants of all time!  Some years we even hit another spot after.  Here is a little trip down memory lane...

 

2018- The First Year- Hanover Street Chop House then Old School

 

 

 

 2019- Hanover Street Chop House then Old School

 

 2020- Hanover Street Chop House then I think we hit Red's?  (Not sure- the world shut down one week after this)

 

 

 2021- Hanover Street Chop House and then Red's

 

 

 

 2022- Change of Plans- We headed into Boston to do some bar hopping and enjoyed dinner at Ocean Prime and an overnight in the city- fun but missed our tradition

 

 

 2023- Back to Our Place- Hanover Street Chop House and then a night cap at XO on Elm

 

 

 2024- Hanover Street Chop House and then back to our house to enjoy some nice wine

 

 Tonight...we will do it all again :)

 

 

 Fave Memories

 

Timehop can be a killer

 

My Pidge loving her Daddy

 

 

 and my Diana...some things never change ;)

 

 

 

 My Girls!

 

 

 

 

 College Visit #3

 

So Diana and I toured UNE on Tuesday (University of New England). We had a great visit- it is a beautiful, small school on the ocean in Maine with a great culture and strong education program.  We also got to meet with the Cheer Captain which was really fun and informative.  Definitely on her list even though she thinks she wants to go down south and be at a big school.  It will help to have options and with us working with a college consultant, I am happy that Mom and Dad are on the right track with this journey!

 

 

 

Voting Day

 

Tuesday was also voting day in town.  There was really nothing controversial on the town or school ballots this year.  Our one school board candidate was uncontested.  The good news is that a plan passed to conduct a study on the costs and feasibility for a track at WHS!

 

These goobers sent me a pic of them voting during Rob's lunch break.  The kids got to vote on something at their school- my girl is hoping that the school dance won- we shall see!

 

 

 

Amazon Readers

 

 

 

FTW!  Find them HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Nugget

 

We love the daily pics and snapshots of JOY we get from Kayla :)

 

 

 

 

 

States!

 

 Well they did it!  They placed 3rd at states and they are now advancing to New Englands/Regionals!  It was an emotional night!

 

First...a really fun team dinner for the girls and their parents on Wednesday night...

 

 

 and then their winning performance...

 

 

 

 

 

 At the end of the night, Diana said, "this cheer season saved my life." My thoughts?  It truly did- we are grateful for so many reasons.  It reminds us that when we hit rock bottom...or so we think...God always has a better plan...and he will provide.

 

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Few Thoughts On Lent

 

Hi Friends....well it's Lent.  This is my favorite time of  the year in church.  It's a time of self reflection...one of rebirth...the ability to start again...refresh...work to get closer to Jesus and God...a time to cleanse my soul...to repent...to focus more on the right things...and doing good.

 

It all starts on Ash Wednesday.  I went to mass first thing this year and enjoyed it along with getting my ashes.  

 

I did have to wash them off pretty quickly this year as I showered and headed to my first listing appointment that night.  My husband reminded me, however, it is not the length of time that you keep the ashes on your head but the ceremony and the reminder that we are dust and we are repenting.

 

Each year, we choose to give something up and do more good.  Last year, I gave up my teas but this year I know that it is not possible as I have given up coffee all together and have focused on getting 1-2 healthy teas in per day- I am actually making them at home now.

 

Other years, I didn't give up anything but I challenged myself to do two good deeds per week.

 

This year, I have decided to give up sweets.  I didn't think it would be very challenging as I have not been craving sugar as much as before but I swear it is psychosomatic and as soon as I know I can't have something,  I want it more- ha!

 

I am also trying to do good deeds every week.

 

Stay tuned...will keep you all posted.

 

A helpful website that I often refer to is EWTN.  I also follow them on Instagram and I saved a couple of resources they posted which pertain to Lent.  I wanted to share them with you.

 

 

 

 

 and....more thought provoking...

 

 

 If you observe Lent, how do you practice? What would you like to share?