Well then, hello! It is mid-May, Checking in to make sure we’re all doing okay??
This Friday Thoughts post makes me feel a bit selfish. I have some questions you would like or need answered! I’ve sprinkled a few little updates throughout, along with a recommended reading list and a few things I’m loving right now.
Let’s get started! (And thanks for being here!)
Question #1: Birthday Dinner Request
One of you recently emailed me and said he wanted to know what everyone was requesting for their birthday meal. I liked the idea. I want to know too!
Whether you prepare your birthday meal yourself, have someone else make it for you, or decide to skip cooking at home and eat out; Answer this:
➡️ What would you like to request or eat for your birthday dinner?
Over the past few years, We went out to eat as a family Even if it’s not my birthday, it’s a day that helps us all. We don’t eat out much, so it’s fun to go get some sushi or ramen (or something I didn’t make myself). Birthday meal at home I usually ask for grilled lemon chicken wraps or fish tacos. And there’s also molten lava cake for dessert. Or this amazing chocolate olive oil cake. Or vanilla bean white chocolate mousse cheesecake. To be honest, I usually have a hard time choosing. 😬
Question #2: Summer plans
I’d love to know what your summer plans are! Are you staying close to home? Balance between work and family? Do you have a lot of vacation time?
If you have children at home, how do you manage them? Do you have chore charts, summer jobs for kids, and free-range 80s summer life?
➡️What are your summer plans?
my second son I returned home after two years of missionary work in the Philippines in the third week of June! 💙 We are planning a quick family vacation to a lake cabin a few hours from here the week after he gets back. But otherwise, we will continue this summer to ensure our children are able to fit in and participate in all the camps and sports activities on the calendar.
my 17 year old I work at a landscaping company, mowing lawns. Since classes are held four days a week here, he has already started work on Friday. He also earned money last year to go on an HXP humanitarian trip to the Philippines.
my 14 year old I plan to make and sell sourdough bagels (still figuring out details/charges and timeline). She also wants to take care of her kids, practice tennis early in the morning before it gets too hot, and fill every corner of her time with reading, reading, and more reading.
I love 80s style grazing summers...but it’s not always practical because we live on 25 acres and there are always lots of projects on the 20 acres that need chickens, cows, weeds, electric fencing, and irrigation. Additionally, your teen will need to work to earn money to pay for all of his or her “wants” and save for college/future. We help with gas, car insurance, school fees, but basically everything else is paid for by them. We’re not sure if we’re doing things “right,” but for the most part, it seems to be working for us and our kids.
Now that our kids are all teenagers, summer is another ball game. When they were younger, it was filled with playing outside, reading, scooter rides here and there, trips to the library, more outside play, morning work, fun outings, craft projects, etc. It’s a little bittersweet to get past that stage. Thankfully, Cam still clings to some aspects of her childhood (last night she and I spent an evening coloring and talking together and it was the best).
(reference: My older son lives in Utah and is working full time between vacations this summer. He is working on the aviation program. We love it when he comes home to visit! It has been almost 10 months since my third son began his church mission in New Zealand. And I’m here to find out how long it will be until I can get everyone home for family photos. 💗)
What I’m Reading
- James McBride’s The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store: The narrator in the audiobook was fantastic and the writing style was great (the way the author weaved the characters and elements of the story together was fascinating). It’s not necessarily a light read and there are warnings about the content, but I really enjoyed it. It caught my attention and I liked many of the characters, especially Chona.
- Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks: I checked both this book and the above books on the Libby app. First of all, I liked that the narrator was Jennifer Ehle, who played Elizabeth Bennet in my favorite adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The topic and period of history (1600s America) was very interesting and gave me a lot to think about.
- Golden Theo by Allen Levi: Maybe we were talking about this book? It’s a wonderful, heartwarming and moving read. I actually started reading with my eyeballs and switched to audiobooks about a third of an inch in, and I enjoyed them a lot more than I did when I read them myself. The pace is a bit slow, but I think it warms my heart so much.
- Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club: It’s a very interesting book. It was humorous and insightful and I loved the writing style and the murder mystery aspect. After reading the movie, I watched it on Netflix. The movie was good, but I liked the book better.
- The Female Lion of Tehran by Marjan Kamali: I thought the plot of this book was really interesting and caught my interest. But when it’s over, you’re a little disappointed, right? The ending was a bit rushed and I wished it had dealt more with the adult life and experiences of my friend in Tehran (rather than his friend in New York). But overall, it’s still a story worth reading.
Please share your good book recommendations in the comments! ⬇️⬇️
And although I don’t watch a lot of broadcasts, If you have any good “videos to watch” recommendations, please leave those too! I really love the new Count of Monte Cristo series on PBS.
A few things I love
Some affiliate links to products below; Shop freely! I bought all of these myself and I truly love them.
- Around town pants: I love these pants. It’s light and airy, so it’s comfortable even in hot weather. There are blue and black. It’s really cute with a simple white t-shirt. I think they run big; I recommend wearing one size smaller.
- Cute trinket bowl: These little bowls are so cute. I received “I Love That You’re My Daughter” for Camryn’s birthday last month, and I bought one for a dear friend in Minnesota. The price is reasonable and it is the sweetest gift. There are versions for sisters, grandmothers, granddaughters, teachers, and more.
- Old Navy Linen Pants: These pants are so comfortable and cute! Love it and wear it often.
- J Crew T-Shirt: I’m picky about wearing white t-shirts, but I like this one! It’s a little boxy, but not too much, and fits just right at the right point on the waist. Not too long, not too short. Oh, and it’s not visible at all.
- best watering can: I’ve used a lot of watering cans, but this one is the best. It has proven to be leak-proof and extremely durable.
- men’s socks: I bought these socks for my father on Father’s Day, and it was so cute to see how happy he was wearing them. He sends me pictures when he wears them. They are a little quirky and fun.
- eyeshadow stick: This is my first time using a waterproof eyeshadow stick and I really like it (I have it in the putty matte color) very neutral and rose shimmer). It goes on smoothly and lasts all day.
- summer dress: Cam has this dress in Sage Green and I have it in Blue Gray. It’s incredibly flattering and lightweight for the warmer months, making it an overall great dress.
- swedish candy: If you like Swedish candy and a sweet and sour mix, this candy is really delicious.
- new card game: We are really enjoying this card game. It’s very easy to learn and can be played by 2-4 people. It’s really fun! You’ll need a big table as it takes up a bit of space (or you can play on the floor if your old joint can handle it – mine can’t do it 😜).
- The perfect container for overnight oats: I’ve been making overnight oats in my own container for the past few weeks because I’ve been on the road for a few days. This container is perfect! I love them so much. It’s great on oats, but you’ll use it in many other foods as well.
My sister also has those Around the Town pants, and a few weeks ago we both showed up separately to our middle schooler’s tennis game wearing the same outfit. 😜
And I think that sums up what this Friday Thoughts post is all about! It feels like there’s always more to say, but I don’t want to bore you.
I try to share little life stories in my Monday emails (and sometimes in my Saturday menu planning emails as well). If you’re interested, you can sign up here to receive emails.
Thanks for being here, friends! 💗 It means so much to me.
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