Five on Friday - Date Night, Soccer, School, & Other Faves

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Before I get started on my post today, I do want to say thank you for all of your kind comments on my post yesterday.  I’m behind on responding but I have read each and every one and you ladies were all so kind to lift me up when my spirits were down.  It felt pretty great to get it all off my chest even though I hate to complain in this little space of mine.  Today is another day and I have a much, much more upbeat post for you because today we’re focusing on all of the GOOD from the week!

O N E – Date Night

B and I were on a roll with the date nights at the beginning of the year, but lately we have been a bit too busy to plan anything.  Wednesday night, however, one of our very favorite singer/songwriters was performing nearby, so we bought some tickets and headed over because we don’t ever miss his shows. 

One of Brian’s co-workers joined us for dinner and drinks at one of our favorite restaurants beforehand, and then the three of us headed upstairs for the show. 

Chances are you’ve probably never heard of him, but Paul Thorn is one of those rare amazing talents who still plays at smaller venues, but in my opinion, he should be a superstar. If I had to categorize him in one genre it would probably be blues, but some of his songs are folksy, some rock-ish, some quirky, and some are religious.  He has an incredible voice – it’s so powerful – and he writes song lyrics that are equally as powerful, plus he is an excellent storyteller.  He always has a few clever and often hilarious things to say in between songs, and he is very charismatic in an unassuming way.  In case you can’t tell, I basically adore him.  B and I have been seeing him in concert for fourteen years and I will continue to follow him wherever he goes for the rest of his career.

The majority of the shows that we’ve seen have been acoustic shows – just Paul and his guitar – and that is my favorite way to see him.  His stories are always a bit longer, his voice a bit more soulful, and his lyrics seem to have more meaning, probably because they are so stripped down without the band playing behind them. 

Last night’s show was with the full band and it was a packed house.  They played their entire first album cover to cover (which is my favorite) and then they threw in a few of their other songs afterward.  It was a really great show and they had the crowd up and dancing by the end. 

We always stop by and talk to Paul after every show, and since we’ve seen him so many times and for so many years he always remembers us.  After the show last night when I walked up to say hi, he looked at Brian and then back to me and said, “You haven’t kicked him to the curb yet?”  Haha.  He then asked about the babies and then we chatted for a couple more minutes before finally snapping a picture.  He is so nice and so humble and I just can’t gush about him enough.  If you’ve never listened to his music, you really should.  You can find all of his albums here.

Also, my dress is currently on clearance and you can also get an additional 20% off of the clearance price for a limited time.  That brings the price down to just $16.78!!  I love that it's dark in color because I should be able to carry it into fall with some open-toe booties!  It's currently in stock in all sizes and it also comes in green.

T W O – A Whole Day with My Little Girlfriend

Monday and Tuesday Olivia’s school was closed for teacher’s planning, so B took Monday off with her and I took Tuesday.  She and I dropped Jacob at school that morning, shared a cinnamon roll at Panera, did a little bit of shopping at Target, and then all she wanted was for us to go home and watch Moana together.  We turned it on around 10 AM and snuggled up on the couch together, and it wasn’t long until I started dozing.  I had been sick the previous day and I was still pretty exhausted, so I letting myself snuggle up with my girl and do some light napping was exactly what I needed.  The movie was over around lunchtime, so I made some sandwiches for us and then we played her Matching Game.  She is so good and always remembers where everything is, so she held her own against me even though I was trying my very best.  Her memory is excellent. 

After the game, it was nap time for her and blogging for me, and then when she got up we had a snack and then got ready for “nastics.”  I rarely get to spend one-on-one time with her, so it was a real treat to have the whole day for just the two of us.

T H R E E – Jacob’s First Soccer Practice

It’s official:  I’m a soccer mom!  One of my co-workers has called me “Soccer Mom” for years, pretty much ever since Jacob was born, so that nickname now has a lot more meaning.

Jacob’s practice was at 6 Tuesday evening, but Olivia had “nastics” from 5:10 – 5:55, so she and I had to head over a few minutes late.  Jacob was already out there doing some drills when we arrived and he was loving every second.  We met a lot of the parents whose kids are on the team, and everyone was so nice and very welcoming.  I have a feeling it’s going to be a great season!

When practice was over I asked Jacob how he liked it and he shouted a very emphatic, “I LOVED IT!”  Later that night when B asked him what he loved the most about it he replied with, “Everything!”  And then when B asked him what he liked the least about it he replied with, “Nothing!”  His first game is September 9, so we are counting down the days until we get to see our little guy in action!

F O U R – Olivia’s First Day of Pre-K3

Our baby started Pre-K3 this week.  I can’t even believe it.  This will be her last year at her (and Jacob’s old) daycare and next year she will move over to Jacob’s school where both of them will stay through twelfth grade. 

We took some first day of school pictures and then sent her on her way.  Brian dropped her off and said that she was a little apprehensive at first, but that she ended up doing great when he left her.  She came home bubbling over with excitement talking about her day and she told us she had a great first day!

Where has the time gone?

F I V E – I Snagged This Fave

Of all the items available during the Nordstrom anniversary sale, I had my heart set on one beloved top – this Lush Ruffle Bell Sleeve Blouse in white with black dots.  I am not a cardholder so by the time the sale opened up to the public it was long gone.  I checked over and over during the next week and once the returns started rolling in I was able to snag it in a medium.  I needed it in a small, but I figured I could at least try to make it work in a medium, and if I couldn’t, I would just send it back.  Free returns, so why not try?  Well, my shirt arrived on a hanger, and unfortunately one of the threads right in the middle of the front of the shirt had gotten snagged on the hanger, and it had pulled and completely ruined the front of the shirt.  Also – they had left the ink tag on it.  What?!

Needless to say I sent it back, and I was so sad because I thought I had finally gotten my hands on one.  Well, over the next few days leading up to the end of the sale, I continued to check and check and check at random times, and finally, the last day of the sale, one small popped up, and I was able to grab it! 

It arrived late last week and it is so cute!  

I. Love. This. Top.

And what do you know, now that the sale is over the shirt is fully stocked in all colors and sizes once again.  I’m on to you, Nordstrom!  ;o) 

Anyway, I’m really happy that I was able to grab one in my correct size at the sale price before it was too late, and I can’t wait for some chillier weather so I can start wearing it.  If you’re looking for a great top to wear to work, church, or even out for a date night or a night with the girls, this one fits the bill for all of that!

Before I go, if you're lounging around on this Friday and you're looking for some more blog reading, be sure to check out everyone's favorite kind of post - my A Day in the Life post from earlier this week!  I'm giving you an in-depth peek into a day in my life.  :o) 

Hello, weekend.  I’m so glad you’re here.

*Linking up with A Liz Adventures and Carolina Charm for Five on Friday, A Little Bit of Everything for Friday Favorites,  September Farm and The Farmer's Wife for Oh Hey, Friday, Meet @ the Barre for Friday Favorites, and Cup of Tea for High Five for Friday.