If you’re new to here, once a month, I link up with Shay and Sheaffer to share with you what’s going on in our life! It’s a little a bit of everything. What we’re eating, what I’m wearing, what I’m looking forward to, what I’m dreading. A little life update in one post…

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK: Did you see my Trader Joe’s haul yesterday? I’m eating all the snacks from my TJ’s. It’s a blessing and a curse the week after a Trader Joe’s run, because I find myself at the pantry trying a different snack VERY FREQUENTLY.

As far as what we’re making this week, I’m making a BBQ shrimp boil in the Instant Pot, Pork Fried Rice, and my grandma’s sloppy joe’s recipe.

2: WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:

Remember back when we took vacations? I’ve got a serious itch to get out of KC for a little bit. Our very last family vacation was our trip to visit my parents in South Dakota in 2019…

And then my sister and I got away for a long weekend in Charleston just after this trip…

And the last time I got on an airplane, Nathan and I headed to NYC to celebrate our anniversary in November.

It is time to get the heck out of dodge!

3. WHAT I’M LOVING:

It’s PEONY SEASON! All of those fluffy white blooms have me 😍. I’m trying something new this year, too, chilling some of these buds that are ready to open, but haven’t yet. Hoping they will provide for peonies for the next few weeks when the blooms have faded. It’s such a short time, but it’s a lovely time in the garden and at home.

Also, have we all tried the La Croix Guava flavor???

This will be on regular rotation all summer!

4. WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:

I posted last week that Harrison’s spring soccer has just wrapped up!

We took Harrison to his very first Royals game earlier this month…

We had the BEST time! Even though the Royals lost…by a lot.

And we’ve been doing lots of playing both indoor and out! We’ve had some very soggy weeks and absolutely beautiful spring weather weeks!

5. WHAT I’M DREADING:

I’m kind of dreading bugs/pests in the garden. I love gardening, but by this time next month, it’s full blown pest season. Every week it feels like I’m fighting something new in the garden. Totally worth it, but I sometimes wonder all of these beautiful gardening accounts I love on Instagram how they never seem to have any pests. I have to remind myself that the ‘gram is just curated beautiful content. It usually doesn’t show the ugly.

6. WHAT I’M WORKING ON:

Picking out new light fixtures and living room couch. We got our whole first floor painted (AH!), and now that the walls look so good, we’ve got an itch to change more of the things that aren’t our style to our style. The couch we have is just old. Like ten years old. It’s lived a good life. Contemplating this chandelier for the dining room…

It’s simple and classic. My sister I’m sure will make fun of me because I always tend to pick simple, clean traditional styles.

7. WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:

I’m excited for some Splashin’ and Smokin’ this summer with the cousins. Our city pool was closed last year with COVID, and we desperately missed afternoons at the pool with our cousins. If you’re new here, a couple of years ago we started a Saturday tradition of taking Evie and Harrison to the pool Saturday afternoons, and then enjoying some smoked BBQ that Nathan cooked after the pool. We’d have so much fun wrangling the kids, and everyone would fall into bed in the evening drained and exhausted.

I’m also really excited because after twelve years, I’m starting a new job after the holiday! I’m staying with the same company, but I’m moving to a different line of business and a different role. I’m excited and a little nervous! I’ve been training for the last month, and I certainly have a lot to learn, but I’m really excited about a new challenge!

8. WHAT I’M WATCHING & READING:

Still reading Thomas Rhett’s wife, Lauren’s book…

I’m so close to finishing it….I swear. My Kindle says I’m 80% of the way there! But, we had a game changer this month. I realized that with our family Amazon Prime account, I have access to all of the books that Nathan has purchased on Audible. 😧. How have I not known that I can access this?!?! So in the past week, I’ve actually “read” an entire book. Mind blown, you guys.

It was so good! I love a good celebrity written memoir. They’re light hearted, and usually average writing. But this one, well. Mr. McConaughey really has a knack for writing and telling stories. It was really delightful.

Nathan and I are starting up on Million Dollar Listing NY again…

And I’ve been trying to finish up RHONJ

9. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:

Thomas Rhett came out with this new album…

It’s been on repeat at our house making dinner in the evenings.

And then I’ve gotten myself all caught up with this podcast…

Kate deep dives on pop culture topics. She’s intellectual, insightful, and very well spoken. Favorite episodes so far include the Rachel Hollis deep dive, and Childless Millennial.

10. WHAT I’M WEARING:

You all know I don’t buy many new clothes. I wear the same clothes I’ve had for years over and over and over again because I love them.

This lightweight sweatshirt is new from aerie.

The rare occasion I have to get dressed up these days. 😂. All old, though.

And…all old again. Because why get rid of something you love?

11. WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:

Nathan’s grandma is coming into town, so we’ll be seeing her at least a couple of times! Aside from that, I’m hoping we can spend a lot of time outside. If it’s nice enough, maybe we’ll even venture to the pool.

12. WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:

I’m looking forward to my new job. It’s been a really long time since trying something new. Like since college. So, I’m eager and hopeful that this new position is a really good fit for me!

Happy Wednesday, friends!