Before I begin today, just wanted to share something here and now!
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Welcome back to Finish The Sentence Friday Blog Hop (FTSF). We give you a sentence and you finish it (however long or short you’d like). Please feel free to link up and follow any or all of our hostesses, which are below.
And now for this week’s sentence to finish: “The best part of my day is..”
And the next sentence to finish: “One Halloween, I…”
The best part of my day is…
Some may say the first thing when they wake and all the possibilities if the day, but I am not, nor have I ever been a morning person. So scratch that off the list.
Don’t get me wrong once I am fine, but I need a few minutes to cope with waking.
Others may say when my kids get up for the day, but then no one has a Lily, who is about as much of a morning person as her mom. She cries to be able to take her pillow and blankie with her to breakfast. So not a fan of the whining, but this I suppose is totally my fate with two girls.
One may even say lunch or dinner, because of all the great food possibilities. Don’t get me wrong, I love meal time and definitely love to eat , plus Kevin is finally home for the day at dinner, but still not my favorite time of the day.
Others still may say the quiet of the night time to get to catch up before going to sleep and will agree I do love this time of the day, because I can totally finally unwind after the long day. And the new TV season shows or a great book helps this part of the day to be that much sweeter, but still not my absolute favorite part.
My absolute favorite part of the day is picking up the girls from school. The thing is, I am the one who drops them off daily for the 2 1/2 hours. Those hours go by quickly with all the work I get done and they are truly a welcome help to getting caught up a bit each day. But it is very quiet here and when I go back, I believe I get to miss them a bit, as well as they, too, get to miss me.
I usually pick up Emma, first, because her classroom is first in the hall and she always come running out with smiles, regaling all she did at school for the day. Them , we walk to the next classroom and Lily is usually one of the last to be dismissed, because I have to wait on the first line to indeed get Emma. But most days when she sees me, she comes running out happily with all smiles and usually giving me the biggest bear hugs possible.
I must admit it is the best feeling. After that comes the playground if it is nice out and will admit so not a fan. For those of you who read Mondays’s post, you may remember and know a bit more why, but if not click here..
So, it can go downhill if the beastly afternoon tantrums and meltdowns do occur, but for those few minutes when I do pick them up, all is well with the world.
Now onto the October Daily Challenge for today: Name at least 3 scents that trigger a good or bad memory~
That being said, if asked what my 3 favorite scents are to complete the daily challenge, I would say in this order:
- My girls fresh out the bathtub. They smell all squeaky clean and totally fresh. Off of this one was when they were first born and that fresh newborn smell. That truly was amazing and will say one of the best all time smells.
- The next is Kevin all clean shaven with aftershave and Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Cologne. I must say he has used this cologne as long as I have known him and just so him. Totally makes me feel like I am home for sure.
- The last one is why I love this season, because I am such a sucker for the pumpkin spice smell. I just cannot get enough of it and bonus points if it is with a vanilla cupcake, because that truly is heaven on earth as far as a scent goes for me!
Now thatI have told you mine, what is your favorite time of the day and do you have any favorite scents, too!!
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Lisa @ Golden Spoons says
Aw! That's sweet! As soon as my girls get in the car from school they start arguing, so that it NOT my favorite part! 🙂 The the scents, too. My hubby's cologne gets me every time!
My recent post Godspeed, Sweet Dreams.
Janine Huldie says
Oh trust me they do argue in the beck of the car just perfectly. The other day all I could do was sit in the front driving and laughing at the absurdity of it all. But that pickup, when they are just s happy to see me is the best in my eyes!! 🙂
nataliedeyoung says
What a sweet post! It reminded me of when I used to pick my little sister up from preschool (I'm way older than her, so she was like my baby), and I loved how excited she was to see me!
My recent post Freedom is the Best
Janine Huldie says
Totally it Natalie. They are just so over the moon excited to see me that I just can't have my heart swell a bit from how much love I feel!! 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
Ah, yes. Preschool pickup. The very best. And their little adorable faces are priceless! I am so not a morning person, either and would totally carry my blanket to breakfast if it wouldn't freak Tucker out and maybe make him do the same (he's a total morning person). Lovely!
My recent post Being Here is the Best Part of My Day
Janine Huldie says
Seriously Kristi, Lily is so my Linus, but still she is so damn cute carrying that blanket to breakfast that I just can't help, but smile. That said, still not a morning person myself, but thankfully I have been up before them to catch up a bit. And the faces at pre-school pickup are indeed priceless and just couldn't agree more!! 🙂
Billybuc says
That's an easy one…the best part of my day is when Bev comes home from work. 🙂 Gotta go young lady…have a great Friday.
Janine Huldie says
You too have a great Friday and think that sounds like the perfect part of your day indeed!! Thanks Bill 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
I love Victoria's Secret Very Sexy cologne!
And I have one daughter and one son, and the whining is about equal..
I am so weird because I have this weird anxiety about preschool pickup. It makes no sense but sometimes I feel queasy before it. I wish I knew what it was about but I don't have enough money to spend to lay on a couch to figure it out with a professional! It's probably about the usual stuff – change and letting go and fear and loss.
Still though, it sounds so sweet for you. And even with my anxiety before it happens, when she hugs me fiercely, I love it so.
My recent post 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Blastoff.
Janine Huldie says
I usually get anxious before picking them up, too, but mine is worrying that I am not running late, because I never want them to think I would forget them or not pick them up. So, I am constantly checking the time when I home working before going back to make sure I am not indeed running late. But OMG to the whining seriously, I thought it would be better if one were a boy, but you just made me realize that might not be the case after all!
Sarah says
My son lately has been literally leaping into my arms when I pick him up from school, and it is so fun. Great pictures ~ my children are cranks in the morning too!
My recent post Diamonds and Water: An Economic Analysis of Motherhood
Janine Huldie says
Sarah, I love when they run into my arms and hug me tightly when they first see me at pickup. Totally makes me feel so happy. They love school and look forward to going, but so nice to know they still do love me and are indeed happy to see me when it is over. And it is so funny, because Lily is so me in the mornings and Emma is usually so Kevin, who is such a happy, jolly guy int he morning!!
notinjersey says
I love when the big kids come home. Simon is so happy to see them and they are usually all smiles when they come into my car or out of the car from carpool.
My recent post Family Parties #31Days
Janine Huldie says
That was last year totally when it was just Emma going to school, Lily couldn't wait for her to come home!! 🙂
Jane Marsh says
Fuzzy wuzzy post of the day for me. 🙂 I love the pics of the girls. Happiness incarnate. xoxo
My recent post Any way they have to come: why you should throw out that birth plan and just have that baby
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Jane and xoxo right back at you!! 🙂
spiritedlife says
I can't wait until the day all the girls are in school. I feel bad that I want to put B in daycare, but she's so energetic and will not let up! I think she needs to meet some friends!
My recent post The Days Start to Run Together…another #FTSF
Janine Huldie says
I thought I would feel this way, but honestly it is nice that they are in school and I get a lot of work done during that time, but I do miss them and are truly happy when I do pick them up now. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder!! 🙂
Dana says
I used to love preschool pick up. I still love when my kids walk in the door after school – it's one of my best parts too!
My recent post Many best parts
Janine Huldie says
Dana, I know really is just a great time of the day and glad it isn't just me!! 🙂
tinarobmorley says
I love your answers for both writing prompts (finish the sentence and the 3 scents) and great photos – all three members of your family are cute and the cupcakes look yummy!
My recent post Make My Saturday Sweet – Blog Hop #54
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Tina and just couldn't resist those scents if I tried!! 🙂
Karen says
I wrote a few choices too, one of them being picking Dino up from daycare…I love it…the smiles and hugs are the best. Freshly bathed Dino is a wonderful smell. Tony doesn't often wear cologne, but when he does…swooooooons. LOL
My recent post THE BEST PART OF MY DAY IS…
Janine Huldie says
Heading over in a moment to check out what you shared and I loved that you and others picked more then one moment!! 🙂
lizzy allan says
Love how you wrote about the best part of your day … you had me guessing right up till the end! I miss my son too when he's at school, even though the day does go fast. Your girls are so cute.
My recent post The Best Part of my Day
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Lizzy and was hoping that it wasn't too obvious. And as much as I love the quiet, I do very much moss them when they aren't there, too!!
NuggetOnABudget says
I am very much looking forward to our next stage with Sofia and having her attend preschool come next fall. I can't believe that in less than a year my baby will be going to school! It's so crazy. But I agree with you that picking your child up from school would be a wonderful part of your day ~ it's nice to have them out of your hair for a few hours like you said, but totally worth it when you get to see their smiling faces when you pick them up! Glad to be joining in with FTSF this week and I hope you have a fabulous weekend bestie 🙂 xoxo!
My recent post it's here ~ our big halloween cash giveaway!
Janine Huldie says
I know it is crazy how quick they grow up and just still can't believe both my girls are in pre-school. Kevin dropped them off yesterday on his day off and he told me when he got back that it truly felt strange just leaving them there, but that they went in willing and happy. I told him that they love pre-school, but I totally remembered that feeling from only a few short weeks ago and now I have gotten used to it, but still do miss them, but nothing beats that pickup. So, he totally got to see what I was saying first hand. Seriously so happy you joined us this week and wishing you a fabulous weekend now, too!! 🙂
eddy says
Wonderful as always Janine and here's to so many more. I am in a bit of a rush today but couldn't go out before reading this. Have a great day.
Eddy.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks as always Eddy and just happy to see you stop by. Enjoy your day now again, too!! 🙂
Susan Zutautas says
I was planning to write a post for today and will try to get it done and link up. I think our favorite parts of the day change over the years. I used love picking up the boys after school. too.
Janine Huldie says
Totally awesome and hope you do linkup with us this week! Can't wait to see what you you find the perfect time of the day, but do very much agree it changes over the years!! 🙂
Cyndi says
congrats on the book~ you're awesome!
Happy Friday. 🙂 Sorry haven't been around much. Life is…busy. LOL
I enjoyed reading about your favorite time of the day. Mine, I think is the morning, even though I'm not a huge morning person. 🙂 Go figure, right? lol
My recent post Let’s Take a Moment…For the Earth
Janine Huldie says
No apologies and I know you are oh so busy. Just happy when you can stop by and say hi. And seeing your name here this morning sure did put a smile on my face. The morning, so not my thing either like I said, but just another reason I love you!! Wishing you a Happy Friday and a great weekend ahead!! 🙂
Kenya G. Johnson says
Love your bright spot in the day. I am a morning person, so if I were to wake up later than I like to in the throws of some whining, I wouldn't be off to a good start. All the years I wanted to sleep in… now I try to get up before everyone else.
My recent post It's not rocket science…
Janine Huldie says
As much as I am not a morning person Kenya, I seriosuly am the same now about getting up before everyone to get stuff done. I just can't get up after everyone, because I agree would totally throw my whole day off, too!!
Sandy Ramsey says
Funny thing, my favorite part of the day is when I drop my kids off at school. I know this makes me sound mean but I need that break. Being Mom is 24/7 and this is the only time off I get and I must have some quiet in my day or I will literally go insane. That said, I do love seeing them when I pick them up after a few hours off. I totally agree with loving the freshly cleaned kids smell…..my son (who is 9!) has a thing for Axe and Noir from Bath and Body Works and always smells so handsome! My favorite thing is to smell his clean,wet hair after his shower!
My recent post Blog Soup Challenge Day Nine: An Embarrassing Kid Moment
Janine Huldie says
Trust me Sandy, I love dropping them off for the 2 1/2 hours they are there, because I get a ton of work and it is oh so quiet, but I guess it makes me that much happier to see them again when I do pick them up. But yes the quiet time is definitely nice and am not going to lie about that!! 🙂
The Dose of Reality says
We totally hope you guys get to #1 on the best seller's list!! You totally deserve it bedcause the book is wonderful!! Go, Mother of All Meltdowns, GO!!! –The Dose Girls Ps. We NEED one of those cupcakes
Janine Huldie says
I am so buying those cupcakes at Stop & Shop again for sure now. And thank you both so much for saying that about the book. Seriously so excited and just still so proud to be a part of it!! 🙂
Rosey says
I laughed that you have people smells as two of your favorites, that's awesome!!
We go to the playground after most school days too. Winter's coming though, so that won't last much longer. 😉
Have a great weekend, Janine!!
My recent post Winner Announcement
Janine Huldie says
Rosey, totally won't last much longer and the way you put it could totally be thought a bit weird, lol!! 🙂
Jodi Flaherty says
I am so rooting for you all to hit the Best Seller list! I am so excited for you all! Loved the picture of those yummy cupcakes! I know they weren't yours but I desperately want one! LOL!
My recent post #AskAwayFriday with MrsTee Love, Life & Laughter!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Jodie and I had bought cupcakes like those recently and never took pictures. So I searched for something that looked similar to what I had purchased and put up. But they were amazing and need to buy again now!! 🙂
marykatbpcsc45 says
I love pumpkin smell too. I have to add a post. I have quit the October daily. I have been busy writing for November. 🙂 Thanks for hosting this week. I love mornings because I get to write and plan, but I love 2:30 equally when I pick up my Katie Rose. I think your daughters are adorable.
My recent post Five Minute Friday: Laundry
Janine Huldie says
Mary, I have just been trying to incorporate the October Daily when I can into my posts, but I know one time at least next week that I am skipping, because I have something else have to post and just can't incorporate it. Thanks so much Mary for all your kindness as always!! 🙂
tiffanigoff says
I love the smell of cleaned babies, there is nothing better. Have a great weekend and I am going to buy your book right now! Good luck getting on the best seller list. xoxo tiffani
My recent post The wife of a salesman…
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Tiffani for buying our book and hope you enjoy our meltdown tales. Seriously had so much fun sharing and venting a bit with this!!! 🙂 xoxo!!
Tarana says
I'm sure that's a wonderful feeling – picking your girls up from school! I'm yet to experience it, but I'm more worried about the dropping off part!
My recent post Countdown to Two: Dear Little Dude…
Janine Huldie says
Tarana, the drop off part was harder for me then them at first, but now it is so easy that my husband did it yesterday and was shocked at just how easy it was just to leave them. They both love pre-school so much and just have so much fun that they it really has become very easy for me now to leave them, but yes I do still miss them and that is why I love picking them up after the end of the day's sessions.
ourhomeonderanged says
Once again, you have the cutest sweetie pies! Too adorable. And that husby of yours…mmmhmmm….I know you're happy. 🙂
And if it's any consolation, both our girls bring their blankets to mealtime. And then promptly drop them on the floor when the food appears. Poor blankie.
My recent post Getting a great deal and the best part of my day
Janine Huldie says
Awe, thank you so much Melissa and you are so right the blankie does get cast aside when food comes to play!! 🙂
basicallyb says
All my life I've hated mornings so I feel ya there. I still remember the happy feeling once school was done for the day so I could only imagine the other side of that. Thanks for taking us through a typical day!
My recent post FTSF: My favorite part of the day
Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure taking you through my day here and so happy to share. Thank you for linking up with us, too!! 🙂
stephanie2006 says
Love it!! My favorite time of the day is, too, when after being separated I get to hold the girls again. Glad your girls like pre-school!! Can I trade you a 5:30 happily awake Violet for your "I don't want to get up"-Lily??? She could not like getting up with my Lily 😉 Have a great weekend, Janine, and thank you for hosting!!
My recent post The Favorite Part Of My Day
Janine Huldie says
Stephanie, Emma used to be my happy 5:30 am wakeup call after the colic subsided, but by that point I just wanted to sleep past 6 am with no interruption. So, god do I remember that all too well. My pleasure seriously and thank you for joining us again!
stephsprenger says
Congrats on the book! I bought it on the day it came out and I am enjoying it! And I agree- picking kids up is one of the best parts of my day, too. At least with my 2 year old- she is still all about the big hugs!
My recent post Motherhood and Grief: Where Gratitude Meets Reality
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Stephanie and I bought yours the day it came out, too!! Totally read and enjoyed, too! And I love those hugs and seriously couldn't live without them!
@wakefielddoc says
I know you Posted this before I sent hit 'Publish' on the Doctrine, so frankly, I'm delighted to see that you would appear to corroborate one of the three worldviews of the Wakefield Doctrine.
Very cool
My recent post Finish The Sentence Friday the Wakefield Doctrine (what? no oh-so-clever wordplay with the bloghop title?)
Janine Huldie says
I know what a coincidence, but love that it happened that way!! And thanks as always for linking with us Clark!! 🙂
lrconsiderer says
YESSSSSS to massive bear-hugs at school pick-up. I still used to get them when I was around to pick Neff up, and they are WONDERFUL 🙂 Glad that's the best part of your day 🙂
My recent post Ten Things of Thankful #20
Janine Huldie says
They really are and glad Neff has given you them too when you have picked him up!! 😉
lsdavidson says
Even though my kids are so much older, I still love to pick them up and see them after school. It feels like a reunion. They are glad to see me, i am glad to see them. I love how they are bursting with telling me about their day. It's pretty great:)
My recent post Quote of the Week
Janine Huldie says
Now you made my night twice, because so happy to hear that it doesn't end as they do get older seeing you after school, because I know there will most likely come a day when they will maybe not need me quite as much, but still nice to know that they will be happy to indeed see me when the school day is over 🙂
Katia says
Oh my gosh, your photographs lately, Janine, have been just amazing. That first photo of 'not morning person Lily' – ADORABLE!!! I love how you've constructed this post and interlaced it with photos to introduce each topic. Oh, and I am not a morning person either, by the way!
My recent post A Foot Squeeze Away – My Year on Mat Leave
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much Katia for saying that and will admit I just keep snapping away with my Canon (and every once in awhile with my iPhone, too). I can't help, but want to take a picture when the girls are doing something fun or cute and I am so loving being able to share them here with you all. And I love that you too aren't a morning person, because just another reason I think we are friends!!! 🙂
Sarah says
The beautiful smiles on your children's faces when you see them after a break are the best! I was out of town last weekend, and my kids joy and seeing me again at the end of it was so heartwarming.
My recent post Oh, bedtime, how I love you.
Janine Huldie says
I totally agree Sarah and so glad you got to have that wonderful feeling after being out of town, too last weekend!! 🙂
Nellie says
I love the feeling of picking up my kids, its like they haven't seen me in 10 years! LOL the girls are so cute in their mets tees but can we switch them to yankees? pretty please?? 😉
My recent post FFCI: That One Time I Gained 7 Pounds
Janine Huldie says
Nellie, my husband's family are huge Mets fans and I was as a kid, but was a Yankees fan when I was in my early twenties. Now, I just don't have the time to follow, but try for Kevin's sake 🙂
massholemommy says
I always thought preschool was perfect. It was just the right amount of time for my boys and enough time for me to get stuff done.
My recent post Recurring Dream
Janine Huldie says
I know so true and seriously can't believe all I do get done during that time!! 🙂
Dani Ryan says
I look forward to the whole school pick-up thing. It must be such an amazing feeling!
And I'm with you on the aftershave. My husband uses a Gillette product, and if my daughter is awake before he leaves for work and he gets some cuddle time in with her, she smells like it all day. It's THE BEST!
My recent post Worst. Business Trip. Ever.
Janine Huldie says
Dani, totally the best and the same here. If the kids are awake before he leaves for work, they totally smell like him, too!! 🙂
canigetanotherbottleofwhine says
I enjoy picking up my daughter at preschool too. I love coming home to them after I've gone someplace, even to the store. We're together so much that when I'm gone they miss me. I love that!
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Janine Huldie says
Not going to lie, Kate any amount of missing me does make me feel so good. 🙂