Happy Friday! Well, this has been a week and a half and I am so glad it is Friday! It is the first 5 day week I have worked since the week of September 16th. It was quite a case of back to life, back to reality. Did you sing that?? I did.😊 There were quite a few surprises that were not so fun – my car battery died, I needed new tires, a staff meeting that I wasn’t expecting – but I made it through. I was in my pjs by 8 pm on Thursday, but I made it. I have some favorites for you so let’s get to it.

Favorite 1: AUTHOR! It has been a while since I have been to an author event and it was so fun to be back. I went with a group of media specialists which was perfect. We had a yummy dinner before seeing Kirsten Miller. She was here to discuss her book Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books. Kirsten was lovely and so entertaining. She was interviewed by a former colleague, but still friend, so that was fun. Our school system has been through quite an ordeal with books being challenged so this conversation was timely. I haven’t read the book yet, but it will probably be my first book of 2025.

Favorite 2: FREEZERS AND FRIENDS! Our freezer is beyond full right now. It feels good to have so many options, but it was a little stressful when our fundraiser frozen pizza order came in. I was so thankful for neighbor friends that were willing to share some space in their freezer for the night. We played freezer tetris and made it work. While I was shuffling everything around, I took note of what was actually in our freezer for future meal planning.

Favorite 3: SOUP! It got cold this week and I was ready for a cold weather dinner. I was inspired by the stew cubes I found in the freezer (see favorite 2) and tried a new recipe for vegetable beef soup. I used this recipe for inspiration but tweaked it a little based on the ingredients I had on hand and our preferences (I do not love peas in soup). It was delicious and I am excited to have leftovers for lunch today.

Favorite 4: GETTING DRESSED! I have been shopping my closet and wearing things I haven’t in a while. I wore a cardigan yesterday in a new way. I always wore buttoned with leggings, but I don’t really wear that much anymore. I love the striped cardigan and was excited to wear it in a different way. I reached into the jewelry organizer in the back of my closet for my necklaces this week. I love both of them! I also wore the LL Bean perfect fit pants that I have had FOREVER! They are bootcut and so comfy!

Favorite 5: HALLMARK! I may not have my Christmas tree up yet, but I am watching Hallmark Christmas movies. I have no idea which movies I have watched so far this year, but I love having them on in the background while I am putting laundry away, blogging, or reading. They are so full of joy!

Favorite 6: INSTRUMENTAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC! I have been listening to instrumental Christmas music playlists during the day and when I get home after school. It’s a little background noise and so calming. Christmas music is a favorite and I like listening without the words when I have a lot going on.

Favorite 7: BEACH AND FRIENDS!! I had a great weekend at the beach with my girlfriends last weekend. I woke up to the sunrise, went on a walk, and relaxed every day. I swam in the ocean, even though it was chilly, and soaked up the sun sitting on the sand. I visited a new to me gluten free bakery that was delicious! I did a little shopping. I caught up with the girls. We had yummy snacks and drinks. And all of that had the background music of waves crashing, which is my favorite!

Hello Monday
Gratitude Challenge

We have another busy weekend with Luke. He has a soccer tournament about 90 minutes away. It’s a tricky distance because it’s far enough to do a hotel stay, but not far enough that we must stay in a hotel. We aren’t staying but that will make for two long days. I am hoping to get a few things done around the house this afternoon to get ready for next week and to decorate for Christmas. I’ll be back on Monday for Hello Monday! Have a great day full of sunshine and books!