I am so looking forward to some R&R this weekend. Consider me fried. Dance pictures, doctor appointments, tennis lessons, swim team, music class, end of year parties, the wrap up of my women’s group, and preschool graduation. It’s been quite a week, but school is out for SUMM-AH! Let’s do this. But first let’s do this- Five on a Friday.

ONE: At preschool graduation (which was done so well- love our preschool!), they announced what each child wants to be when they grow up. Veterinarians, teachers, moms, Nascar drivers (we do live in Race City USA), policeman… and then there was our sweet Hailey.

I couldn’t stop laughing. Keep that youthful joy and imagination my sweet girl.

Pictured above: Top / Hat

TWO: I’m trying to chill out on shopping, put first I need black wedges (I just bought these) and am a big fan of my new neutral heels too because they are so comfortable and easy to walk in.

I bought this dress (below) and LOVED it. It was a little too long and I realized they didn’t send me the petite so I’m reordering it. Though now this almost identical dress is now on sale so I’m tempted to go that direction. It’s super flattering.

And don’t forget that Nordstrom’s half yearly sale is going on now through June 4th! It’s a great time to snag some summer stuff, but also even think ahead to fall. My favorite tunic is on super sale!

THREE: I’ve officially ordered all my homeschool curriculum and can’t wait to comb through it and share our predicted routine with you. So far every homeschool family I know is doing something different which is a testament to how many incredible options there are available.

Beyond that, our library keeps blowing my mind with their new offerings. Not only stories on CD (we just finished the Wizard of Oz and Hailey now requested the Disney Princess stories (refer back to post ONE), but they have books on VIDEO in a case that encompasses a power cord and a small screen. It’s similar to my Scholastic DVD favorites.

FOUR: I haven’t really meal planned in weeks. I’ve been cooking up all the produce from my CSA and pairing it with whatever protein I have on hand. I’ve also been eating pimento cheese on my freshly baked sourdough and calling it lunch. I’m ready to get back to some more order, but figure it will come now that things are slowing down. Finally! Some things I am excited to make:

• Any and all of Jen’s Memorial Day recipes
• These enchilada chicken roll ups
• My goat cheese and pistachio chicken (it’s been too long)
• Chocolate Chip Almond Butter Bars
• This Asian Ramen slaw (perfect for cookouts!)
• Baked Peruvian Drumsticks

FIVE: Our neighborhood places small American flags at each mailbox in honor of Monday’s holiday. Hailey asked about them and I did my best to explain the importance of Memorial Day and all the men and women who have died defending our freedoms. As she fired question after question at me, we skimmed the surface of the ideas of war, freedom, sacrifice, and gratitude. She’s at an age where she is craving real information, but I don’t want to scare her either. It’s a delicate balance. Seeing situations through the eyes of a child though really does make you wonder why the world is the way it is. For the life of her, she couldn’t comprehend why one country or person would want to be mean to another. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once.

Because the truth is there are some questions even mom can’t answer. However I can commit to doing my best to raise her valuing her life and others’, kindness, understanding, compromise, curiosity, bravery, inclusion, and above all, love. God knows I pray all the time for this world that my girls are growing up in. Not to end on such a heavy note, but truly, thank you so much to those that serve and those that sacrifice to protect our freedom here at home.

I hope all my American friends enjoy the three day weekend and that everyone worldwide may spend time this weekend with people they love.

Have a great weekend y’all!