High Five for Friday (9.6.24)

 

One

I forgot to include this high five last week, and since I need it to live on forever here on the blog, I've given it a slot this week.

Senior Sunrise: when seniors gather together to watch the sun rise on their senior year.

This is a beautiful tradition, and one I'm so glad Will chose to participate in. 

I didn't expect to tear up every time I explained Senior Sunrise to someone that day though - I can only imagine how well I'll handle Senior Sunset...

Two

On Friday night we went to our first high school football game of the year...except it wasn't our high school's football game. Instead, we went to our cross-town rival high school's game, so we could watch our friends "take the field" for the first time as members of the College Station High School Strutters dance team.

The company was excellent, our friends - and all the dancers - did a fantastic job, it wasn't unbearably hot outside (it was hot, just not unbearably so), and the Cougars won, so all in all it was a great night!

Three

On Saturday Hallie had her first Nutcracker rehearsal: a 7+ hour choreography day for the Snow and Waltz scenes. When they finally wrapped at 4pm, Hallie was mentally and physically exhausted but otherwise happy and looking forward to the season ahead!

All three shows sold out this year, so if you plan to come, I would recommend purchasing your tickets soon - they're on sale now at the MSC Box Office or online here.

On a related note, I think I've mastered Clara hair! I practiced on Hallie, and then did Avery's for her first news broadcast. There was concern that Avery's hair couldn't hold a curl - it's a COMPLETELY different type of hair than Hallie's, but I knew I could make it work. 😉

(A bow goes over the rubber band.)

Avery and Katharine did a great job in their
interview, and those curls held up perfectly! 

Four 

It's always amazing to me that by Labor Day - just two-and-a-half weeks into the new school year - we're already so in need of a day off. It's always hard to shift from summer schedules and mentalities to school schedules and mentalities.

The kids are off to a solid start academically, but both are feeling a little overworked/overwhelmed by at least a couple of their classes. Labor Day didn't play out exactly like we'd planned (let's just say that there was a locksmith involved 😑), but the extra time to sleep, decompress, and then catch up/get ahead on homework and projects was appreciated by all.

Five

Happiness Highlights

Flashback Friday #1 - Hallie and Avery reacting to friend
Deliah's broken ankle and cast. (Deliah fell out of a tree just
hours before their Mini Company auditions, and so while that
wasn't the best day, it did lead to Hallie's love of knee rovers
and her eventual request for one from Santa. 😂)

Flashback Friday #2 - Will's first (I think) year with Cavalry.
He and three of these boys still play together for the Lads.

My nephew's soccer team won their
first tournament of the fall last weekend. 

I love that my parents were able to make it to the
tournament, and I love this photobomb by my BIL.

I miss my puppy nephew.
For those wondering about where this
photo was taken, yes, he's on an airplane.
He's a better traveler than most humans.

LOVING my new Nutcracker cold brew glass! 

My first ace in mini disc golf (I took this shot from my
bed while icing a pinched nerve in my back/neck, which
makes it that much more impressive 😂 ).

The tiniest, cutest little salamander from my friend
Carla, who owns and operates Salamander Hands Pottery.

Popeye sporting his new pop bead (remember these,
friends who were alive in the 80s?!) collar. He doesn't
mind wearing clothes, jewelry, etc. but this collar was
too fun to just wear so he promptly removed it and
played with it instead.

Happy weekend, friends!

Monthly Medley: August 2024

 

Reading

The Breakaway, about a mid-thirties woman finding her way and herself as she leads an eclectic group of bikers (that includes her mother, her two-years-prior one night stand, and a teen in crisis) on a ride across the state of New York, was a great "break away" from the suspenseful mysteries toward which I usually gravitate. Jennifer Weiner doesn't usually disappoint, and she certainly didn't with this novel - it reminded me how much I enjoy her as an author and that I should pick up her books more often!

Watching

It makes me so sad when the Olympics come to an end. I LOVED the Closing Ceremonies though (Tom Cruise ziplining into the stadium and then Mission Impossible-ing his way to Los Angeles? Yes, please!), and I can't wait for the 2028 Summer Olympics!

As I type this on August 27th, the Paralympics haven't yet started but you can bet I'll be watching these events throughout the end of August and beginning of September!

This month I watched season two of The Lincoln Lawyer (I'm thrilled a third season is in the works) as well as the documentaries Blackfish and American Murder: The Family Next Door. I didn't realize how many interesting documentaries are available on Netflix, so while these two were only average in my opinion, I'm happy they opened my eyes to a whole new world of show options on our streaming services! 

Listening To

While I don't think I'll listen to the podcast Acquired on a regular basis, I LOVED the episode on Costco. I will never not shop there after learning the business' origin story and how they care for their customers, employees, and suppliers.

Following

Right before the Olympics started, I stumbled upon the Instagram account belonging to Ilona Maher (@ilonamaher), a member of the United States women's rugby sevens team. She was/continues to be a breath of fresh air in my feed, providing an up close and personal look at what goes/went on in the Olympic Village, supporting other athletes, and introducing and promoting the sport of rugby to her rapidly growing number of followers. Perhaps most importantly to me, however, is her commitment to and focus on content that promotes healthy minds and bodies. Her website reads, "Beast. Beauty. Brains." I love that, and her, for the important work she's doing on behalf of women and girls everywhere.

Dear girl with the big shoulders,

You are not undesireable.
You are not built like a linebacker.
You are not manly.
You are not unattractive.

You are beautiful.
You are imposing.
You are powerful.
You are magnificent.

Put your shoulders back, hold your head high,
and walk into any room like you own the place.

Love, Ilona
(her post with this photo)

Trying/Using

I have a bunch of little - but cool - things things to highlight this month! 

These updated hair clips are fantastic. I can't figure out why it took so long for us to create something more functional than what we used back when I was in high school.

I gave in and purchased these bug trappers to help us get a handle on all of the fruit flies that come out this time of year. I won't show you everything the little glue cards have captured so far, but trust me when I tell you they work.

I picked up these Pep Talk Postcards for Hallie and me to send to friends this summer. They're all super sweet and a great way to let someone know you're thinking about and rooting for them. And who doesn't love getting mail!

The outdoor patio chairs at our house in Tulsa had places to hold your cup AND your phone AND your keys AND your sunglasses. I can't find these exact chairs online, but if you're like me and need a safe place to put all of these items while lounging by the pool, just know that a chair that can deliver on all fronts exists out there in the world. 

Wearing

We've reached the point in the summer where I hate getting dressed. I'm tired of all of my summer clothes, but I can't start wearing my fall clothes because as tired as I am of them, I'm equally tired of being hot and sweaty and don't want to make it worse by wearing jeans. 

But speaking of jeans... I picked up this pair in the light wash and I *think* I like them. I still miss skinny jeans, but I feel ok in these and they've been given Hallie's seal of approval so I guess I can (plan to, when it's finally cooler outside) wear them in public. They're on a great sale right now, so I'm trying to decide if I should buy a second pair in a different wash...

Eating/Drinking

This Slow Cooker Shredded Beef was delicious. I had intended to serve it on rolls or hamburger buns, but we ended up having it alongside potatoes instead and it was a huge hit. 

Also quite tasty was this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken. I'd once again intended to serve it on rolls or hamburger buns, but we all opted to put it on top of big salads with french bread on the side.

Last but not least, this pancake recipe was *chef's kiss* - I don't usually eat breakfast, but I LOVE breakfast for dinner and this was a perfect addition to last week's Sunday night menu.

Smiling About - Olympics Themed

Just a few of my favorite moments...

• This show of sportmanship during the women's gymnastics floor routine medal ceremony.
• The first-ever medal won by a member of the Refugee Olympic Team.
• Poolside knitting projects
• Simone Biles overcomes years of physical, mental, and emotional challenges to claim her rightful place atop the podium.
• Katie Ledecky becomes the United States' most decorated female Olympian of all time.
• It took new coach Emma Hayes only 81 days to completely return the USWNT to its former glory.
• His job is Pommel Horse.  
• Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez competed while seven months pregnant.
• Perhaps the most relaxed competitor at the Olympics: Turkey's Yusuf Dikec. 
• Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's performance in the hurdles was breathtaking. (Like I think I actually held my breath for that entire race.)
• Tara Davis-Woodhall and David Woodhall 😍
• Last but certainly not least, SNOOP DOG.

On to September!

High Five for Friday (8.30.24)

 

One

A friend and I had been trying to schedule a coffee date for close to a month, but we weren't having any luck finding a morning that worked with both of our work, volunteer, and kid schedules. She came up with the idea of taking our get-together "on the road," so last Friday we caught up while on a hot, sweaty walk. We didn't take a picture (see: hot, sweaty), but we had a great time!

Two

On Friday night, friends and I returned to Primrose Path, our favorite drinks and tapas establishment. Great drinks, great food, and most importantly, great company!

Three

On Saturday, we officially kicked off our 2024 Nutcracker season with our annual Let's Get Crackin' event. It's so fun to feel that excitement in the air once again! (I sure would love to feel that excitement along with a chill in the air, but alas, I live in Texas...)

Four

Also on Saturday, Will's orchestra season started with an Olympics-themed afternoon of games followed by a casual concert (they invite all of the intermediate and middle school orchestra kids and their families to attend) and ice cream social in the school cafeteria. They have a new director this year, and while it was hard for Will to say goodbye to the previous director, who he'd had for three years and really liked, both he and I are excited for what the new director will bring to the program. (Sadly Hallie and I missed this concert - we were still Crackin'.)

Five

Football season kicks off this weekend! 

High school games - at least those in our area of Texas - start tonight, and while our team plays away, our cross-town rival plays at home and we're planning to attend that game...to watch our friends dance at halftime. 

In the college football sphere, my Hawkeyes play their first game tomorrow midday and tomorrow evening we'll watch the Aggies take on Notre Dame and the Michigan Wolverines take on...a team they'll probably beat. And if we make it home from Friday Night Lights in time, I'll try to catch the end of the Wisconsin Badgers game tonight. 

Are you ready for some football?!

Happy weekend, friends!

Bucket List: Museum of Illusion

While not exactly a Texas-specific bucket list item, I've always wanted to visit an illusion museum. I found one in Austin and one in Houston, and so on a free day in July, the kids and I road-tripped to Houston (which is closer and a much more enjoyable and smoother drive than Austin) to check it out. While the museum was smaller and shorter than I thought it would be - we traveled through it more quickly than I had anticipated - we had a lot of fun. I also liked that the kids were old enough to understand the hows and whys of the illusions, and so even though Hallie doesn't like to "learn stuff" during her off months, I think she couldn't help but absorb a bit of the science behind the exhibits.

The Museum of Illusion in Houston is actually in The Galleria mall, which we'd never visited before. When we finished touring the exhibits, we wandered around a bit (Hallie and I planning for a future visit), ate Auntie Anne's pretzels for lunch (I can't say no to those pretzels), and then popped over to a Houston soccer store (College Station doesn't have one) before heading back home. 

We didn't fit in as many day trips as I would have liked this summer - travel to Nashville, Ann Arbor, and Tulsa took up a lot of our days - but the ones we did take were excellent.