Share 4 Somethings in July 2025

Since the last Saturday of the month is tomorrow it's just about time for Share 4 Somethings with Jenn. As always we're sharing some things we loved, some things we learned, some things that went well, and some things we let go of. 


Some things I've loved: We had a lovely 4th of July weekend!


 I LOVED how spoiled my whole family made me feel for nearly a whole birthday week-- I got to go shopping and out to lunch with my mom, we had a lovely birthday party over the weekend. I was spoiled with gifts and yummy food. 

 

We had a fabulous trip to the zoo earlier this week! I loved seeing how active the animals were and we got to hear lots of them making noises too.  




 Some things I've learned: I'm still learning how to use my Glimmer hot foil system I got for my birthday. I'm having lots of fun experimenting! 


 

Some things that went well: Alec has had some minor issues with this teeth shifting; his retainer no longer fit for him to wear but the orthodontist he had been seeing retired just after Alec had his braces removed. Well, we found out this month that new dentist that is taking over our favorite dental practice can make retainers for him so hopefully that will help. 

Also I was able to kayak for 45 minutes one day without my back or hips killing me afterwards! This was huge as both have been bothering me so much all month long. 


 

Some things I let go of: A lady at my gym has been doing a shoe drive this month collecting gently used shoes for her church (that then joins with another organization that sends shoes to struggling communities overseas). We got rid of 5 cloth bags worth of shoes between the 5 of us. My boys had lots of outgrown shoes that I am sure will be put to good use! 


 Linking up with: Spread the Kindness, 
 
 





Comments

  1. Amy ScottJuly 25, 2025 at 6:34 AM

    Our gym has a shoe drive as well. It feels so good to let go of things and know they will be used. You did your birthday up right! So fun! I love that you had a solo kayak. What a treat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 25, 2025 at 11:24 AM

      It really does feel so much better than just throwing it in one of those giant donation bins not knowing how it will ever be used.

      Delete
  2. Kathrine EldridgeJuly 25, 2025 at 7:11 AM

    What a fabulous time with family! I am obsessed with this card you made. What a stunning design!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Maria RineerJuly 25, 2025 at 7:54 AM

    Great job on getting rid of shoes and having them bless others who need them. Your foil cards are so pretty and I can imagine how you will get lots of use out of your new machine. Have a great weekend!

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    Replies
    1. Joanne July 25, 2025 at 11:25 AM

      I'm waiting rather impatiently for a few new plates to come in so I can play around even more. I like the floral image it came with but feel like I can only make so many cards with all the same images on them.

      Delete
  4. Penny @ Penny's PassionJuly 25, 2025 at 7:59 AM

    Your birthday week sounds fabulous! Hope you whole year is filled with happy times.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dara @ Not In JerseyJuly 25, 2025 at 8:17 AM

    Love that about the shoes. We probably have lots to get rid of!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 25, 2025 at 11:26 AM

      I was surprised at how many we had... but I guess I did accidentally give away a pair of flip flops that one of the boys was using this summer. Whoops!

      Delete
  6. Writing SparkleJuly 25, 2025 at 8:33 AM

    Great shares for "4 Things Your Love."

    ReplyDelete
  7. StacieJuly 25, 2025 at 10:06 AM

    Happy belated birthday!! Looks like it was super fun!

    ReplyDelete
  8. HollyJuly 25, 2025 at 10:36 AM

    So glad you felt loved and were spoiled on your birthday- you deserve it! XO

    ReplyDelete
  9. Linda StollJuly 25, 2025 at 11:18 AM

    What a delightful birthday celebration! And I love a good shoe collection ... such a huge need for so many ... and so many pairs just laying around our closets. Good stuff.

    Stay cool this weekend, friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 25, 2025 at 11:27 AM

      The lady was saying they've already collected tons and tons of shoes-- and best of all they've ranged from tiny little toddler shoes to men's sizes 13 & 14!

      Delete
  10. Kim CarberryJuly 25, 2025 at 11:33 AM

    This month has flown over and it looks like you have had a good one!
    It sounds like you family made you feel so special for your birthday! You deserve it!
    Ohh! That Glimmer hot foil system looks great, I love the card you made.
    How wonderful to clear out all of the shoes and for such a good cause too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM

      Thank you, it really has flown by so fast! We did have a great month though so I can't complain.

      Delete
  11. MariaJuly 25, 2025 at 11:46 AM

    4 great things indeed! Kayaking sounds so nice, makes me want to go outside (there is a warning for thunderstorms so I won't go, but still..) Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM

      We're having a major thunderstorm as I type this so no kayaking or afternoon walk for me today either.

      Delete
  12. Hall Around TexasJuly 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM

    So much happy and joy in this post!! Have a wonderful weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. mireilleJuly 25, 2025 at 12:50 PM

    Great summer memories! I am looking forward to my birthday this year and if my family doesn't do it up big (it's my 50th), I'll do it up big myself. Planning a few fun things for myself!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 25, 2025 at 2:46 PM

      Oh yes, I am not above planning and executing what I want for my birthday either. I sent each of my teens a wish list from Amazon a week ahead of time and reminded them wen my birthday was then asked Alec to make me a pineapple upside down cake.

      Delete
  14. Jodie's Touch of StyleJuly 25, 2025 at 1:08 PM

    So glad that you could kayak without pain...that's huge.
    And being spoiled for your birthday is the best.
    XOOX
    Jodie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 25, 2025 at 2:47 PM

      That did feel huge; at this stage just walking or sitting often causes pain! LOL

      Delete
  15. MELODY JACOBJuly 25, 2025 at 3:33 PM

    The birthday week spoiling and the active zoo trip clearly brought a lot of joy. It's great to hear about the progress with Alec's retainer situation and especially impressive that you were able to kayak for 45 minutes pain-free—that's a significant win. And donating those five bags of shoes is a fantastic way to let go of clutter while helping others.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Tanya July 25, 2025 at 4:13 PM

    That kayak picture looks so refreshing! I love that your family celebrated you so much for your birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJuly 25, 2025 at 5:20 PM

    I am so happy you were spoiled the week of your birthday! Yay!!!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jennifer JonesJuly 25, 2025 at 8:37 PM

    Great to see you had such a wonderful birthday and were so spoilt. I do love a trip to the zoo. We are planning a day there in the spring. I made a pineapple cake myself this week, as my partner likes to take it to work. It's not as fancy as your beautiful cake. Have a great week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  19. MarshaJuly 25, 2025 at 11:18 PM

    I'm so glad your family recognizes that recognizing you on your birthday is special and important. I do wish mine got that! I am ordering my cake soon even though my birthday isn't until October! I'm celebrating me this year even if no one else does! And, what a wonderful thing to do by donating those shoes. It's hard to find good places to donate...where you know they will go to those who need them. My granddaughter told me teens (at least in our town) go to the thrift shops, buy stuff, then sell it on Etsy and eBay!

    https://marshainthemiddle.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 26, 2025 at 8:46 AM

      Aw, thank you; I did start a week ahead of time with reminders and sent a link to my Amazon wishlist to all my guys. Then I asked Alec point blank to make me a pineapple upside down cake, planned the menu and even made some of the dishes ahead of time so my husband just had had to cook steak on the grill. They always mean well... but they are pretty stereotypical clueless men who rarely plan ahead. What entrepreneurial teens in your area! I think that's great.

      Delete
    2. Debra | Gma’sPhotoJuly 26, 2025 at 2:14 PM

      Ok, I was wondering how you were able to get your guys to do this for you! :)

      Delete
  20. AnonymousJuly 26, 2025 at 5:24 AM

    Hooray for being spoilt on your birthday! How wonderful to kayak pain free. Have a wonderful weekend.
    Ruth@playworkeatrepeat

    ReplyDelete
  21. GinaJuly 26, 2025 at 9:10 AM

    July sounds like it was a good month for you! Personally, I will be happy to see August...(:

    ReplyDelete
  22. FitFoodieMeghaJuly 26, 2025 at 9:59 AM

    Seems like you had a good time! All these experiences become cherished memories. Lots of love. Stay happy always! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. MelissaJuly 26, 2025 at 11:03 AM

    Happy belated Birthday! I am so glad you were able treated so lovingly during your Birthday week! All those little things really add up <3 Overall, it seems July has been a wonderful month in your neck of the woods! I hope August is equally so! Have an amazing weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Debra | Gma’sPhotoJuly 26, 2025 at 2:11 PM

    That shoe donation will make someone really happy! I need to go thru some clothes and shoes to take to our local thrift store operated by the church.
    You had an awesome July!
    Take care and best wishes.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Kim July 26, 2025 at 5:39 PM

    So much good stuff and the zoo! I wish we had one nearby, it looks like so much fun!!

    ReplyDelete

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