Tuesday, November 30, 2021

What's Up Wednesday (12/1/2021)

It's December 1st and I can not believe this year is almost over.  It's not the last Wednesday of the month, but it is the first Wednesday of the last month of this year, so I think that counts right? We've had a slammed November, and I wanted to share a peek at what we've been up to. I don't think if you were to ask many people, that they could have predicted how 2021 would shape out. Another year in the pandemic and a year filled with so much loss. This little blog gives me a platform to reflect on memories shared with my family, and a positive outlet to focus on. Thanks for being here, let's make the last 31 days of this year full of memories that we weren't able to last year! 

On the last Wednesday of the month I link-up with Shay and Sheaffer to answer these questions:


1.  What we're eating this week...
Thanksgiving leftovers! My mom shared her turkey bone soup recipe with me, and it came out so good! You boil the bones to create the broth and add in celery, onion, carrot, turkey and egg noodles. Other ingredients can be added as desired, but this has been perfect for the dip in local Tampa Bay area temps...

2.  What I'm reminiscing about...
We had a great Halloween and Thanksgiving holiday with our family! These kids are the perfect age to soak up all of these special moments with them...






3.  What I'm loving...
Things are feeling a little more normal around here, as we are allowed slowly back on campus at the local Elementary school. I am loving helping out around the school and feeling closer to my kids a little more each day. I also love twinning with this girl, my built in bestie!

4.  What we've been up to...
We had a relaxing fall break, but we are back to our regulr schedule with these kids. 
Flag Football season just ended...

Soccer is getting colder...

Basketball season is my favorite right now (indoors)...

Arianna is getting ready for her Winter showcase with her dance studio...

In between all of that, Mike and I took a little trip to Austin, TX for the Compass conference and got to spend time with my family while we were there...




We also kicked off the Fall Break weekend with a trip to Busch Gardens to see their amazing lights! This really put us in the holiday spirit...



5.  What I'm dreading...
I was dreading Vincent getting his braces, but he did great! I really was so very proud of him! He has been handling them like a champ and has been making it much easier than I anticipated.

Something that I am dreading is wrapping all of the Christmas presents, I need to block time on my calendar now, to make sure that it gets done! I saw a great tip the other day to wrap the presents as you get them, that way they're done when you're done. Haven't done that yet, but I might try to get caught up this week.

6.  What I'm working on...
I am working on an Advent season bible study, "Our Hope Has Come", to bring me closer to the reason for the season, our savior's birthday! It is my quiet time, prayerful moments just for me, and a great way to start my day! 

7.  What I'm excited about...
Tonight is one of my favorite nights of the year! My Dixie Chicks annual get together! I had to miss out last year, and I literally can not wait to see these ladies tonight. Here's a pic from our last annual night that I was able to attend in 2019.

8.  What I'm watching/reading...
I loved watching this year's season of Dancing With the Stars! I also love that a true non-dancer was crowned the winner!

I am reading Liane Moriarty's new book, "Apples Never Fall" and it's so good! I've only just started, and I can't wait to see how it ends.

9.  What I'm listening to...
Christmas carols and all the festive music!

10.  What I'm wearing...
I got myself another pair of those Free People shorts that I love when we were in Austin. I love them and can't wait to wear them. I don't know if I can wear them with leggings like the model has shown below, but maybe it's something I should try? What do you think?

I have been wearing mostly leggings and sweatshirts, layers to keep me warm while working from home and running these kids to their activities every day!

11.  What I'm doing this weekend...
This weekend we have some fun and festive events planned. Soccer Saturday and our neighborhood Christmas party with the return of the train on Sunday!

12.  What I'm looking forward to next month...
The start of a new and hopeful year!

13.  What else is new...
Mike and I returned to Disney for the Wine and Dine 10k! The weather was the worst (cold rain and wind) but we did it, and I am so proud of us! After the race, we scooped up the kids and had a little staycation at our resort and felt the Disney experience without every setting foot in the park. We finally got to ride the skyliner too!







I plan to be back here at the end of the month to share a peek at all the holiday fun we are packing into this month! I know this is not the easiest season, especially for those grieving the loss of a loved one or battling their own personal struggles. Please know that I see you and I'm thinking about you too! 

XO

Shari