currently hodgodging

 

Happy Wednesday, friends! I'm linking up with Amy for this month's Currently, and Joyce for today's hodgepodge post. I'll jump right in!

I'm not really baking/cooking anything at the moment. I've been fed by friends for the last month, and it's been wonderful to not have to worry about meals. I'm so grateful for this! I will start cooking again next week, and I'll be glad to resume normalcy once again. 

I'm currently decorating for my favorite season: fall! 

I'm currently balancing my life with work, grief, a social life, and all the other feelings and emotions I have rolling around in my brain. I often laugh and then cry, in the same breath.

I'm currently learning who my people are. I don't feel "safe" with everyone, meaning that I don't bare my soul to just anyone. It's good to know who your people are.

And now for the hodgpodging...

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer but never got around to doing? I went back and looked at my summer bucket list and then got a little sad. One thing I never got to do this summer was to take that trip with Chris; we had one planned that had changed a few times, but he was asked to stay at work since his bosses had a death in their family. And then he started getting sick. I'm thankful for the things we did do over the summer, though, like enjoy lots of weekend days at a pool. We loved night swimming and did that a few nights as well. 

On a brighter note, I got a lot of things done over the course of my summer! I got a lot of things cleaned out of my house, and I love how I repurposed things here. I'm also grateful for the trip I took to Louisville; it was so much fun getting to spend time with Amy! 

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again, which would it be? I sat somewhere in the middle; I couldn't sit in the back because I got too distracted. This is the reason I won't sit in the back row of church. I spend too much time looking around! z

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher? I think a good teacher isn't afraid to laugh at her/himself. I love it when their humility comes out. I also love when they take a personal interest in the student, getting to know them and making sure they're seen and heard.

4. September 2nd is National Grits day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so, how do you like yours? Would people describe you as "having grit"?  I love grits, but I haven't had them in a long time. I love the homemade kind over the instant, opting to make my own cheesy version. I used to make beef tips with cheesy grits from a Pioneer Woman cookbook when my sons were little; it was a family favorite! If I'm eating the plain kind, I like them with butter, salt, and pepper. 

I think I have grit, because of what life has looked like for me the last two years. I will say it until I believe it: I'm stronger than I give myself credit for. 

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? I hope I'm never too old to enjoy a sleepover with girlfriends! I also feel this way about the summer. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. I quit my Bible study before I started. I want to participate in things like that again, but I think I bit off more than I could chew when I signed up, full of determination and hope. I texted the leaders yesterday afternoon and told them I wasn't in the right headspace to come and commit to that for the time being; they were so sweet and told me to come anyway on the nights when I just wanted to be social with godly women. 

It's a strange season of life, but I'm learning to live with it each day. Thanks for being here to read my blog each day, friends. Love to all.

Jen 

fashion files and some things I'm saying "yes" to this week

 

Happy Tuesday, friends! I'm talking about more things I'm saying yes to this week. I'm also linking up with Amy for the weekly Fashion Files and Joanne for Tuesday Talk. I'll jump right in! 

I wore this Old Navy denim dress to church on Sunday and to work on Monday. I like doing that! It always takes the guesswork out of what to wear to work on a Monday when I do this. 

I still love this pink boutique dress! I wore this on Tuesday to honor Dolly Parton's life; our principal reached out to us about this late Monday night, and I love that we all showed out.

Back to the gauze dresses for the rest of the week.

This was my Sunday outfit for family dinner night this weekend. 

This was yesterday's outfit, which I loved. 

It's been a minute since I've done a "things I'm saying yes to" post, so I thought I'd continue on with that now; it'll also give you some insight into my week and what I'm doing new this week.

I'm saying "yes" to:

• attending Bible study again
• meeting with new friends at my new church and exploring more options there about how I can get connected
• time spent with friends
• taking a drive to clear my head (it's been a while)
• spur of the moment plans
• laughter and companionship at work
• more reading in bed and at lunch
• easy lunches at work
• cool clothes for the hot week
• wearing more of the things in my closet
• being at home more and feeling content

What about you? What are some things you're saying yes to right now? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!

Jen 

hello Monday

 

Happy Monday, friends! How was your weekend? I'm linking up with Holly and Sarah to talk about mine. 

For starters, it was my mom's birthday! I am so fortunate that Mom is alive and healthy; it's something I don't take for granted. Life has felt awfully short lately, and it's a blessing to have a parent still living. I know this strikes close to home for some of you; know that I've been praying for you, if that's you. I worked as usual, then I met up with Mom, Bill, and Trish for dinner at Longhorn. It was delicious!

After dinner, I was killing some time and decided to go over to a store I've never actually been in. My friend Karen has gotten me hooked on the soaps and candles from Buff City Soap Company. Their fall candles are out, and I celebrated by buying two for my candle burning lamps. I picked Friday Night Lights and Sticky Fingers; one is staying downstairs, and the other will reside in my bedroom. After my little candle shopping spree, I went to Marilyn's and hung out for a while. We started watching the latest season of Leanne on Netflix, and I fell dead asleep on her couch. There's no tired like Friday night tired after a work week! I came home, showered quickly, and climbed into my yummy bed. I slept in until after 7:30 on Saturday!

Speaking of my bedroom, I did a thing.

I got my last set of curtains hung! I deep cleaned my bedroom, then Jonah and I removed the old blinds and got the curtains hung at long last. This makes me so happy, and I love how much more open it looks with the removal of dated blinds. I will close these each night when I go to sleep; they're blackout curtains. I have the same sets in my living room and the dining room/dog kennel room. That made me laugh, because it really is the dog kennel room now. I also cleaned my bathroom really well while I was upstairs, and later that night, I added this little olive tree next to my mirror. I love how it turned out!

I also did laundry, cleaned the house from top to bottom, and decorated for fall. I'll show you more later, but here's a little sneaky peak.

It might be hot outside still, but it's sixty five and fall like inside my house! And it smells like a dream, thanks to my new candle. That's really all I did on Saturday; I decided to call the day kind of early and by five thirty, I'd showered and gotten comfy and cozy for the night. I was okay with this, and it felt good to relax in my freshly decorated and cleaned home. As I was getting ready to get into bed to watch tv, Marilyn texted and we ended up going for a drive. It was nice to end the night with her; we probably spent about a half hour together before I got back home. 

The dogs kept me entertained that day, and both boys were home for a good chunk of the weekend as well. Sunday morning was church! I also scheduled a grocery delivery for Sunday afternoon to get ready for my work week. I did my early morning routine while watching Sweet Magnolias on Netflix, and then I got ready for church. I invited my guys over for family dinner before I forgot, and after church I saw Marilyn again for lunch. I loved that we saw each other a lot over the weekend. I also loved that I got to see my sons that night at home! 

The weekend might have felt long at points, but it was still restful, productive, and even restorative. How did you spend your time this weekend? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all! 

Jen

Share 4 Somethings...August, 2026

Happy Saturday, friends! Thanks for being here today to talk about something you loved, something that sustained you, something you're carrying forward from this month to the next, and something you're making space for. I'll jump right in! 

This month I loved working with students again. My job position has changed tremendously this year, as most of you know. Last year I co-taught intervention with Resource S students (kiddos who needed a little extra help with math and reading); this year I'm a one on one with a terminally ill student. I'm grateful for this change in my job; due to the turn of events that happened in my life this month, I couldn't have pulled out a math or grammar lesson if my life depended on it. This position feels easy and natural; I love getting to care for just one student and be there to support and encourage her. That being said, I miss "my" students from last year. I love seeing them in the hallways at school, and this week I was delighted to be with this year's fifth grade class again. I've missed them so much! 

I love getting to be in LAMPS with them, too! 

Something that sustained me this month was the support of my family and friends. I never would have made it through August if not for Jesus and them. I've leaned heavily on my sons, my extended family members, and my friends the last three weeks. 

Living proof. 

Something I'm carrying forward from now until next month is this feeling right now; I'm currently at home at 7:53 p.m. on Thursday night, sitting in my bed working on this post while the TV plans mindlessly in the background. I don't need much in life, friends, but this? This is good. It feels comfortable, natural, and peaceful. I'm learning to be okay with being on my own a lot again. 

Something I'm making space for this coming month is more of this: more friends, more family time, more hanging out with my adult sons and their friends, more being at home, and also more of being with my friends at their places. I'm going to make it just fine, friends. I don't need much of anything else. I'm taking things one day at a time, and I am trying to process all of the emotions and thoughts I'm having as they come. I'm journaling a lot, and that's coming through in my writing since my posts here have been more heavy on words and not pictures. I'm clinging to the Lord my God with everything in me. I'm listening to His word being read over me every morning, I'm singing His praises and worshiping Him  even on the days when I'm not "feeling it". I'm praying more, I'm being more quiet. These are all things that are helping me grieve and heal. 

As always, my posts lately keep on taking this turn, but I'm going to leave it as it is, since it's my life right now. Thanks for being here today to link up with me; I'll keep it open for another week or so if you want to join in later. Love to all. 

Jen 

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Friday Favorites, 8.28.2026.

 

Happy Friday, friends! How was your week? Mine was good with some ups and downs, but this is all to be expected. I'll jump in with a few things from the week that are my favorite.

I'll start with an exciting one: I signed up for a night at my new church to learn about becoming a covenant member. I love it that much there, y'all. I can't picture myself going anywhere else, and even if I walk in alone each week, I'm perfectly okay with this. I'm so grateful for this! I feel like it's where the Lord wants me right now. You can be happy for me; it's something that makes me proud of myself. I am stronger than I ever give myself credit for, and I can keep on doing hard things. 

These little lists that I keep and work on throughout the week at school are my favorite. This is what the students ask me about; I gladly share with them what I do and how it helps my attitude. I talked about this in yesterday's post...you can click that link in case you missed out. And while I'm on that note, I wrote a bonus post as well. Here's that one. 

Going out to dinner last night with a couple of work friends was a favorite; so was this empty margarita that you see and also at a beautiful place. I broke my one drink rule and had a second margarita! It was that good. 

My little M and I drew hearts this week at school; that is a favorite for us both! She loved mine and also went multicolor, but she did rainbow colors. I adore her! 

Reading at lunch has been my favorite pastime this week. I also loved this quote on friendship at the beginning of the chapter. 

It was not a favorite to hear that the beloved Dolly Parton had passed away. I loved this message that our principal sent out to us late Tuesday night. This was me wearing my pink to honor her on Thursday. I love that the majority of the staff showed out for this! It was so much fun doing this without the students knowing; one of them leaned over and asked me about it at lunch and i shrugged my shoulders in response. They don't have to know everything! 

Getting cards in the mail is a favorite. I sat and read these all over again this week; I paid particularly close attention to the ones that mentioned scripture. I want to go back and write them down in my journal; I mentioned that I've been using my journal a lot lately at work. I think it helps me process my feelings and thoughts more than I could (or would) anywhere else. 

This is such a great book! You know books are my favorite, and my collection is growing.

Monday morning's sunrise was my favorite. This picture does not do it justice! 

Seeing a big dog pretend to be little will always be a favorite.

Marilyn took this at my house this week; the way they're all looking at me is my favorite!

My friend gave this to me this week; it's my new favorite thing! I love the verses that are on the outside.

What was a favorite of yours from this week? I'd love to hear from you! Here are my other blog posts from this week...

Hello Monday

Fashion Files

Hodgepodge

And tomorrow I'll see you back here for Share 4 Somethings. Love to all!

Monthly Musings (August, 2026)

 

It's a bonus blog post day! I forgot about this one and wanted to participate in it, because I love the theme. 

1. Are you good at managing the weekly laundry at your house, or do you need help? Share tips if you're good at this. Well, I only do my laundry, and I only have to do it once a week. This is vastly different from when I had four kids running around underfoot. My biggest tip in those days was to complete one full load of laundry everyday; by doing that, I was able to stay on top of it all.

2. Best tips for containing the kitchen dishes and chaos? I clean as I go! I put things up fairly quickly, and rarely go to bed with a messy kitchen. I save the dishwasher for all the smaller things and wash the larger things by hand. 

3. What grocery items do you always have on hand to make a quick meal? Feel free to share the recipe. I almost always have some sort of meat and side on hand to make a quick meal. Often times, Jonah will grill and I'll do the sides. I like to keep the ingredients on hand for soups that I love in the fall.

4. Best tips for saving money on groceries? I shop online! I definitely spend more money in the store than I do when I order online. Most of you know that I joined Walmart + when I started working full time again; it's worth the $100 a year it costs to have them delivered.

5. Cleaning service...DIY or is house cleaning overrated? I have always done this myself, but I have friends who outsource for this. I had my house deep cleaned the weekend that Chris died; Trish is a pro at this and she got busy to help me since so many people kept coming over. 

6. Favorite cleaning products? Mrs. Meyer's all purpose cleaner is my favorite! I love buying their seasonal scents. I can't wait until the fall ones come out again! I also keep on hand glass cleaner (not the Windex brand, but a foam spray), 409, Pledge, Comet, and plenty of dusters. I also use old towels to clean with; I don't buy paper towels.

7. Do you use "green" products in your house? Since mine have been around forever, I'll say no, maybe with the exception of the Mrs. Meyer's.

8. Do you schedule certain tasks for certain days of the week? I really don't; but I need to house vacuumed every other day. We take turns. Cleaning happens on the weekends nowadays, though, whereas I used to do this every Monday and Friday.

9. What is the most overwhelming part of your week that you need help with right now? I need help with the vacuuming. They're not my dogs, so it shouldn't be my problem, but somehow it always ends up being me who does the majority of the vacuuming. I'm rolling my eyes. The dog hair is ridiculous.

10. What part of your week do you think you excel at? I excel at keeping things picked up; my house always appears to be clean, even if it's not. 

These were fun! Here's the link party where you can join in if you want. See you back here tomorrow! 

Jen

weekly happies

 

Happy Thursday, friends! I love this blog post day; I base it on what I do at work each day. I keep a running list of good things from my week at work and pull it out everyday while I'm there to add things to the list. It's good for us to be thankful in all circumstances, because it shifts our perspective from self to God (if you're a believer). It also helps me to see the good in most everything, and it's become part of who I am. Do you do this? This is my PSA to encourage you to try this for yourself! I'll jump right in.

I'm still receiving meals from my friends, y'all. This has been life giving! We have had some amazing dinners, and it's been wonderful to not have to think about that part of my life. I'll be in for a huge reality check when I have to start cooking again and figuring out my own food! 

It's been nice to have after work plans this week. It's made the week feel more normal than last; even on the nights when I'm receiving meals, I'll just eat it the next night or for lunch at work. I am grateful for this! Too many nights at home doesn't feel great, so this has given me things to look forward to each night. This week is busier, but that's okay. I've still been home early enough to able to go upstairs super early and shower, then read in bed. 

It's been so good to be able to get up and get dressed each day. Some mornings are harder than others to get out of bed, but even so, I am grateful to have a reason to get up and get going. Work is fun and I love being social. I love all the inside jokes I have with friends nearby, thanks to something a student said or did. These are all things that make the days fulfilling.

I'm so grateful to be in a fourth grade classroom; my job is a lot easier this year, and the Lord knew I wouldn't have the mental capacity to pull out a grammar or math lesson for students this year. I love that I'm a supporter of just one student. I help her (probably way more than I should) with every little thing, and it's made us be very close. I love this, and our sweet relationship; I also love that we tell each other we love each other everyday before she goes home. Her mom had a meeting at the school yesterday, and my friends in the meeting told me how much she sang my praises. This makes my heart so happy, but also, they've been a tremendous blessing to me the last few weeks. I am so glad that I get to be with this precious little girl each day! God knew I would need that this year. 

Life has felt very normal this week; I am back to all of my normal routines. I'm writing in my journal a lot at work when I have downtime, and I have started keeping lists of things that bring me joy each week both at work and in my normal life at home. I've had students ask me what I was writing, and it's always fun to share how life changing it is to keep a list of things that I'm thankful for or small moments that have made me smile. 

I'm so grateful that I stopped by a friend's house on my way home from dinner last night. She and I had been having a big misunderstanding of sorts, and it had been months since I'd seen her. I was driving home and went right by her apartment; I cold called her and she answered! I stopped by and I stayed an hour or so. It was good to hug her, catch up, and make plans to get together soon. I've missed her! 

Lastly, I'm so grateful that my friend at work introduced me to a new devotional put out by The Worship Initiative with Shane & Shane. You can go online to sign up and enter your phone number; each morning, you'll be texted a devotional. 

It looks like this. The reason I love it so much is because it's based on singing; there's always a passage to read and that they talk about, then they put it with a song and you sing along. It's been so good this week! I need this in my life. 

What's something you would consider a happy from the week? I'd love to hear! Thanks for reading today, friends. Love to all!

Jen