Friday Things #574

1. I came downstairs yesterday morning to find the kids already awake, and the boys were just finishing unloading the dishwasher. I was stunned and so grateful! Joseph said he woke up, ate something, and was bored, so he decided to find something to do that was helpful 💙💙 Then Dominic and Isabelle got up and helped, too. It was the sweetest surprise!

2. Only a few more days of school for my kids next week, and then it’s officially summer here! Everyone is VERY excited!

3. A reminder from Atomic Habits:

“Time will multiply whatever you feed it.
Good habits make time your ally. Bad habits make time your enemy.”

4. I was so disappointed to learn that Billy Joel canceled all of his shows for the next year due to a health condition. My husband had gotten me tickets for my birthday for his show here in Pittsburgh this summer, and I was so looking forward to it. We last saw him when I was pregnant with Dominic, and we had tickets a few years ago but had to sell them because it was the week Dominic was undergoing radiation. Getting to go again felt a bit redemptive; maybe I’ll watch a recording of one of his older live shows!

5. Such a great read >> A Good Life is Inconvenient

6. I saw an idea on Instagram about picking out some books to read with your kids that also have a corresponding movie… read the book together out loud (either to them or everyone can take turns), and then once it’s finished, have popcorn/snacks and watch the movie. I mentioned it to my kids, and they all LOVED the idea… if you’re interested, the Instagram post has a whole list of suggested books/movies to get you started.

7. My “best ever” potato salad recipe was incredibly popular over Memorial Day weekend; if you haven’t tried it, put it on your list to make over the summer. It’s a recipe from an old friend’s grandma and it completely turned me into someone who enjoys potato salad!

8. I loved reading through this list >> 30 Things I Learned at European Cooking School

9. We’re still watching Gotham and are in the second season. What have you been watching lately?

10. TGIF! Freshly groomed pups are the coziest!