Friday Favorites

I'm happy to report that we made it through our first week back from break and the only person in our house who had a total tired meltdown was me :) 

 Erika and I are so happy that lots of y'all are linking up with us and if you're linking up with us make sure you grab our graphic, link back to one (or all!) of us and share your own Friday Favorites post.

First up on my list of FAVORITES wis getting WAY ahead on planning and lessons.  This year has entailed a lot more prep than normal since I'm teaching both in person and online so time to get ahead is my absolute FAVORITE!  Sidenote: I'm going to pretty much be on vacation 4th quarter since I made all of my videos, google forms, etc. last year during quarantine teaching

Reading Recap

I can't remember who recommended  Such a Fun Age but I'm so glad they did!  The story was compelling and grabbed me right from the beginning and what kept me so engaged was how well the author developed the characters throughout the book.  The two main characters lives intermixed in a really unique and unexpected way (I don't want to give too much away!) but it was super compelling.

Walmart Grocery Comparison - January 2021

I've talked a few times now about how much we love Walmart grocery delivery and I'm happy to report that the novelty is yet to wear off.  We went back to school this week and I realized on Sunday night that we were short in the "school snack" department (baby carrots and a Christmas cookie, anyone???) so I hopped on the computer, placed my order and when I arrived home on Monday afternoon THERE IT WAS!!! 

Ravioli Soup

I LOVE cooking during the winter months but when it's dark by 5:30 it for sure cramps my blogging style!  We're all going to agree to ignore the AWFUL lighting in these pics and instead focus on how awesomely delicious and EASY  this soup is, ok?   

7 questions

Day in the Life: Christmas Break Edition

 Happy Thursday, friends!  I thought it would be fun today to share a "day in the life" Christmas Break edition!  This was Monday of last week and Dave was at home so it was a super productive family day - woo hoo!

I don't set an alarm during break but am typically up around 8:00.  Apparently on Monday I was up at exactly 8!

Friday Favorites

It's officially been way too long since we've had Friday Favorites!  These are some of my favorite posts to write and I'm so glad we're back ;)

 Erika and I are so happy that lots of y'all are linking up with us and if you're linking up with us make sure you grab our graphic, link back to one (or all!) of us and share your own Friday Favorites post.

First up on my list are these two cuties :)  They took a break from jumping on the trampoline to let me snap approximately 3 photos and I sure lucked out!  A sweet friendship is my FAVORITE!

God, our nation needs You now more than ever. 

We’re praying for Your unity and peace in our country. 

We pray protection and wisdom over our leaders and Americans today. 

God, may Your will and Your peace reign in our hearts and in our country. 

In Your name we pray, Amen.

"Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God." – Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)

(source)

Ben's Banana Pudding

We were hanging out with friends for a game night after Thanksgiving and had the most DELICIOUS banana pudding EVER!  Turns out one of their kids, Ben, had made it and so it forever be known as Ben's Banana Pudding in our house :)  I made it earlier this week and it lived up to the hype in my memory and we all mmmmm-ed as we ate it.  Seriously.  So good.

Amazon Lately

 I grabbed  this heart bowl and I love it SO SO SO MUCH!  The heart pattern is a nod to Valentine's Day without being overly theme-y and the size is fantastic!  Perfect mixing bowl, salad serving bowl, movie night popcorn bowl, etc.

Weekend Recap: NYE Edition

Dave worked on Thursday and we had plans with friends that night so the kids and I had our own special little NYE lunch complete with balloon drop :) 

Word of the Year: JOY

 I'm typically not a "word of the year" or a resolutions person.  Being in the classroom for 15 years for me my "fresh starts" tend to come in August as I operate on a school calendar BUT this year I'm breaking out of my New Year's box and picking a "word" for 2021 - JOY!

This devotion from First 15 really stuck with me and joy just felt fitting. 

"It’s only in setting him always before us that we will be fully strengthened by the joy that comes from relationship with him. And it’s only in continually seeking his presence that we will discover the fullness of joy and pleasure meant to be our portion as his children."

Seeking joy in all things, doing more of what brings joy to our family (and less of what doesn't!) and strengthening our relationships with the Lord and experiencing the joy that comes from that closeness. 

I'm curious - do you pick a word for the year?  Make resolutions?  Let me know!

Happy (almost) 2021, friends!!!