hello Monday

 

Happy Monday, friends. Before I get started today, I wanted to thank you for all the sweet comments, prayers, emails, and messages about Chris. I have to say that it was the prayers of people who love me who helped me through all of last week. I'm so grateful for all of you, and for this sweet community of people here who love and encourage me. I also have to say that I am so glad last week is over and that this week is a fresh start. I'm going back to work today, and I am so excited. 

I didn't do that much this weekend; Friday took everything out of me. I was fueled by a sick stomach and a ton of energy even though I didn't sleep a wink the night before. I had a lot of people coming over that afternoon after the funeral, so I stress cleaned all morning. I also did a little bit of laundry, and then I vacuumed. There has been a steady stream of people in and out of my house since Friday, August 7th. I've become accustomed to people just walking right in the front door, and I love that people feel at home enough with me to do that. 

Anyway, after a morning of cleaning and getting ready, it was finally time to leave for the funeral that I'd been dreading. I have pictures on my phone that I've hidden in a folder so that I won't see them every time I look for a picture; I won't share those here, because it seems very private. But I will share these two.

The funeral was lovely; I did a great job with the music, if I do say so myself. My friend Will did the service, and he did an exceptional job with sharing a message that was perfectly timed. There were so many people there, which I loved. Have you ever been to a funeral that wasn't well attended? I have, and it's heartbreaking. There was a great turnout for this one. So many of the people were there for me; it was for that reason that I kept the guest book. There was a moment at the end before they closed the casket that all of his racing friends went up there and prayed; they invited me up there as well, and I love that they surrounded me like this. I held it together that day really well, except for the beginning and again at this point. Then at the graveside, they all took off their leather racing jackets and laid them on his coffin. I lost it at this point once again, because it was such a beautiful gesture. 

We came to my house after this, and I only have these pictures to prove that to be true. 

I wish I'd gotten these when Trish was still here, but she had to leave a little earlier. People have been so sweet to continue to provide food for me; Missy told me this weekend that it will continue through the end of this month. I have been inviting people over to eat with me to help me eat it all; I don't want to waste the food, and I'm sending home leftovers with people. As I write this, I have so many desserts: a brownie trifle, strawberry cake, two chocolate bundt cakes, a cobbler, and some apple crumpets. 

Early Saturday morning, I took Lisa to the airport to get her back home. She was directing a wedding that same afternoon, so it was a busy day for her! I'm so grateful she could be here with me for a solid week; when she found out that Chris had died, she was in her car driving to the airport an hour later headed here to me. She flew a redeye flight to be here by 9:30 Saturday morning, and we didn't stop the whole day. I relied heavily on her and Trish all week, and I missed Debi; she couldn't be here because of a work trip later that she had to be on, but I know her heart was here with us everyday. I dropped Lisa off at the airport and then proceeded to cry the whole way home. I just drove, and cried, and prayed. 

It was my first "normal" day at home mostly alone. I did mundane things that needed to get done; I washed my sheets,  towels, and pajamas, I cleaned out my refrigerator and pantry, I cleaned out the hall closet, and then I binge watched America's Sweethearts. I took a nap, I ate some leftovers, I talked on the phone, I laughed, and I cried. But I made it through the first "normal" day/Saturday. I also watched a sermon from my old church that multiple people told me to watch, including the Pastor. And about church...

I loved my new church. I still love the new church. But I cannot step foot back inside that lovely place without Chris; I don't think my heart could take it, as sad as that makes me. It's funny how the thing that drove me away is the same thing that's bringing me back to my old church. I left my old church because of memories and because of the fact that people knew me and my story so well. But in the last week, it's been those very people who have surrounded me and reached out to me. The people from Living Hope have done the same thing, though...but I'm not as known there as I am at CFBC. So it's there that I started back to yesterday, right beside my best friend, Missy. I honestly don't know how long this will last; I started writing this before I went to church yesterday morning. It was so strange going in there yesterday; it didn't feel normal or even right. I realize I don't have to figure it all out overnight.

I'm so grateful for my friends and family. I know I keep saying that, but it's true and is worth mentioning a million more times. It's how I was able to go to church yesterday; I had people to sit by who love me and who just constantly surround me with support. I don't have to be anyone else than just me when I'm with them there, and that was what felt good. After the service, an older friend of mine invited me to lunch with her and some friends, so I took her up on her offer. We had a delicious lunch; I was so sleepy afterward, so I turned on a comedy show on Netflix (Leanne Morgan) and fell asleep on the couch. For the rest of the night, I took it easy. I ate dinner, I worked on my blog for the week, and I brainstormed with Jonah over what to do with these dogs of his that I still have. I went to bed pretty early to get ready for the new week at work. Wish me luck! 

I'm not sure how much I'll be here this week, but I'm going to try. I want to get back to all of my normal routines, because I think it will help me. Thanks for reading today, friends, and for always being here for me. Love to all.

Jen 

thank you

 

Dear friends, 

Thank you for reaching out to me lately as many of you have; thank you for always encouraging and supporting me. I'm devastated to tell you that my beloved Chris ran into the arms of Jesus on Friday night. We had thought he was getting better, but over the course of a couple of nights, he took a turn for the worse. His body couldn't handle the septic shock and double pneumonia, young as he was. He honestly shouldn't have died because of his age, his healthy lifestyle, and because he was in the ICU; but even if this shouldn't have happened, I have to remind myself that God numbers our days. He knew that Chris would be born at a certain time, and that he would die at a certain time. I believe that God knew that Chris had fulfilled his purpose here on earth, and then He called him home. 

I'm forever changed by this man. Through him, my damaged heart healed. Through him, my sons found refuge in having someone to talk to for wise advice, support, and encouragement. Through him, I found out for the first time what it is like to be truly loved the right way by a man. I'm grateful for the time I had with him, and I will miss him until my dying breath. 

I don't really understand why things like this happen, and that's okay. I have questions that I keep asking God, but I know that He loves me. He knows what heartache feels like and He records the tears I cry and treasures them. It's with Him that I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I will make it through this. I have Him by my side, and I have the love and strength of an army of people here with me. 

My sons have barely left my side. My sister Lisa flew in on a redeye flight Friday night/Saturday morning and slept in the Atlanta airport as she waited to come home to me. Trish has been here to do all the practical things that need doing, and I've FaceTimed Debi a few times since she can't be here. My Missy has been with me a lot, as well as Marilyn and my co-workers. It's been nonstop traffic at my house, and I'm grateful. I've also had to ask people to leave so that I could go to bed or take a nap. It's been so much, but again...the body of Christ in the form of the church is incredible, and I am surrounded.

I've received cards, food for the army of people that are here with me, flowers, Door Dash gift cards...and many words of love. Many, many prayers have been spoken over us all as we grieve. In the midst of my grief, I'm planning his funeral. Chris' dad is alive, but his mental wellbeing isn't in the best state. He's thrown out some opinions, but it's me and Lisa that have planned the funeral and fought the life insurance company to ensure it would be able to be held on Friday of this week. I've also had to deal with his truck and camper that were at my house, so we've been all over the city to see where we had to go to turn things back into the bank.. And his dogs are still at my house, y'all. I've decided to keep our little Reese, but I cannot keep his other two. Please pray that these dogs are rehomed to someone who will love them as much as Chris did. It tears me up to have to do that, but I simply cannot keep them. It's too much. 

I just wanted to write here for a bit and say hello and tell you what was going on. Please keep us all in your prayers as we walk toward Friday and his funeral. I anticipate the weekend being hard on me when the dust settles, so to speak, and it's after that final piece of closure, so I'll need some plans. I plan on going back to work on Monday, though, and I cannot wait. I need to be back there as soon as possible. I need to be with all of my people and I hope to stay busy. 

Life will look different for me in the coming days and I will have to adjust to a new normal again, but I'm okay with that. I have a plan in place and I have people that I will lean on; I'm also planning on returning to my old church, as they are the ones that are my family right now and I need them the most. And honestly, I don't think I can go back to the new one we'd been going to without Chris, because we loved it there so much. I need familiar right now, and my friends at CFBC are the ones that feel like that. I'm so grateful to have this "problem", though...how amazing is the body of Christ? 

I may be back here on Monday just to restart my new normal again...I can't say that with certainty, but being here is like therapy for me, and so is writing. Thank you for reading my words and encouraging me. Thanks for cheering me in on my journey with Chris this last year; it was unforgettable. I know I'll have joy once again soon...I know he would have wanted me to carry on with my life. 

Love to all.

Jen ❤️

Friday Favorites, 8.7.2026.

 

Happy Friday, friends; this one hits different for me since I worked all week! I hope all of you had a great one; I want to hear about it at the end of this post, so stay tuned. Here are some favorite things and moments from this week...

It was a favorite to welcome the students back to school this week! I was so over all the meetings; we all were, and were thrilled to finally see all the smiling faces on Wednesday of this week. How sweet are these little chalk drawings that were there to welcome us all in that morning? I'm ready and prepared for year two of being a Crosswind Eagle! 

Here's all the faculty and staff! I love one of our traditions: several times each year we have something called Legacy on the Loop, where we share a devotional and time of prayer. We started that way on Tuesday morning this week before the students entered the building the next day. I love belonging to a school like this one!

It was a favorite to swim each night after work this week while I dog sat for my friend.

And on that note, I am going to wrap this post up, friends. I'm writing this on Thursday, and I am exhausted in every sense of the word. I hope to be back here each day next week, but I'm releasing myself of that pressure while I readjust to working again. Grace upon grace, right? I'm trying to give myself plenty of that. Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. I hope you enjoy your weekend!

Jen 

weekly happies

 

Happy Thursday, friends! I'm here this week with another list of my weekly happies. I hope you enjoy and are inspired to start your own list!

• finally seeing students after too many days of meetings
• being a morning greeter in the hallway at school and being on the receiving end of hugs and smiles
• swimming/hot tubbing after a long day of work
• Chris finally starting to feel better
• easy dresses that are cool on the hot days
• being able to talk/vent with Chris about things that feel hard when I'm struggling
• the gift of laughter
• sweet times of prayer over my day and that of the people I love
• the prospect of something to look forward to
• dinner out/simple dinners at home
• family dinner night
• my sweet little M at school, and hearing her tell me she loves me
• celebrating a one year anniversary with Chris on Wednesday
• falling to sleep easily once my head hits the pillow

I'm so tired, y'all. I can't even pull it together enough to add pics for this post, but I will let it ride as it is. What are a few of your happies from the week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading today, friends. I'll see you here tomorrow, limping to the finish line that I'll be looking forward to! Love to all.

Jen 

currently hodgepodging

 

Happy Wednesday, friends! For the first part of today's blog post, I'll be linking up with Amy and Marsha. For the latter part of the post, I'll be joining Joyce! 

savoring:

I'm savoring family dinner nights, easy lunches, memories with friends, time with my sweet man, and morning coffee.

wrapping up: 

I'm wrapping up my favorite season (pool season) this coming weekend and swimming for what may be the last time this year; I'm trading in my swimming suit for school supplies as we start the 2026/2027 school year today with the students. Isn't my little Eagle the cutest? Our new principal Toni gave us all these over the summer when we met with her to meet her.

preparing:

In preparing for the new school year, I set up my little desk at work on Monday. I got some new school supplies and some clear organizers. Isn't my little emotional support heart plant adorable? 

remembering:

I've been remembering times that have gone by lately; I ran across this picture of Dad the other day with five of his seven grandsons. It's my four with my nephew Devin; how sweet is this? Time is a funny thing. I have been thinking of my dad a lot lately and missing him. There's no reason or trigger for this, I just genuinely miss him and the presence he was in my life. Even with dementia, he was full of love for Jesus, and I miss all of our deep talks that happened on Fridays.

organizing:

I'm currently organizing school rooms, my days for the school year, and everything in my house. I'm still on an organizational kick, and am loving having neat and tidy spaces. 

And now for the hodgepodge...

1. What's something on your August calendar that you're looking forward to (or dreading)? I'm looking forward to the routine of getting back into the school year; call me crazy if you want. I love a fresh start, and I consider August like another new year. Add to the fact that I got to buy new school supplies for myself and well...I am a happy little clam. There's nothing I dread at the moment! 

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls? My dad convinced me to try raw oysters as a young girl, and I wasn't a fan. If I was at someone's house and that was part of their meal they offered I would eat it, but it's not something I'd order. 

3. Tell us about a time when your felt like the "world was your oyster". I kind of feel like that at the beginning of a new season or year; honestly, August reminds me of a second new year. I've operated on a school calendar for so long now...45 years, to be exact!

4. Trip advisor lists seven islands in the U.S. that don't require a passport if you're a U.S. citizen traveling there. Have you been to any of the seven listed? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one of these islands...where are you going and why did you pick that particular island?

Catalina Island, California; Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; Mackinac Island, Michigan; Key West, Florida; South Padre Island, Texas; Kauai, Hawaii

Of these choices, I would pick Mackinac Island, Michigan; it's some place I've wanted to visit for a long time now. I have a friend who is from Michigan who first told me about this place when our sons were in elementary school; I was immediately enthralled.

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following...

"August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd, uneven time." 

Do you agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? I love this quote and think it sums up well the passing of one season to the next. August is not my favorite month, and it is kind of an odd time that is still summer but feels like it should be fall with school back in session. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

These images were generated by Chat GPT. I am going to paint my front door soon; these are the colors I've narrowed it down to. Do you have a favorite? Please chime in! 

Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. I will see you back here tomorrow! Love to all.

Jen 

a little bit of fashion, a lot about our weekly family dinner night

Happy Tuesday, friends! I'm here to talk about some things I've worn recently, and about the family dinner night that I reinstated this summer. I'm linking up with Amy for the weekly Fashion Files and Joanne for Tuesday Talk for this post. I'll jump right in! 

First up is all about the outfits I wore last week...

I wanted to look cute at work last week; I also wanted to be comfortable and cool as I worked in rooms getting my friends ready to teach for the school year. Because of that, I lived in gauze and tee shirt dresses all week, and I loved being all of those things I wanted to be. I wore a mixture of sandals and sneakers; this last picture of us is from Saturday night. I'd bought a dress to wear to a wedding this weekend, but I had a last minute outfit chance once Jonah took a picture of us outside and I saw what the dress looked like. Inside the house, it was fine; outside, it turned sheer, and I didn't love that. I went back inside at the last minute and threw this one on instead. 

Do you have thoughts on any of the outfits? I'd love to hear them! 

And now onto family dinner...

Most of you know that four weeks ago, I reinstated family dinner night. This takes place each week on Sunday afternoon at five; I go to church, then I come home to prepare for my sons and Mallory (plus any extras) to come eat dinner. I never take pictures of this during the main event, which is great because I'm living in the moment instead of being on my phone. This week I decided to try to take some pictures.

I try to keep things as simple as possible. The first week I made an Italian pasta dish they love with garlic bread; week two was requested by Noah: chicken poppyseed casserole, rice, and green beans. Week three found us Mallory's and Drew's apartment for swimming and poolside pizza! 

Mallory is a twin! This is her twin sister Meredith on the left.

Mallory's parents were also there; her mom is also a Jennifer, and she's there in the baseball hat in the picture above.

This was such a fun afternoon; I got there at two and stayed until six. The pool felt amazing! This week was back at my house for week four; I made French dip sandwiches, homemade macaroni and cheese (in the crock pot), and for dessert we had cookies with ice cream. Like I said before, I keep things as simple as possible, so I make the things they love that are easy. I also use paper products when I have them on hand.

I forgot to buy some this week, so I used these Christmas since I had them on hand. I loved this! It was like a Christmas in August party. I always have two liters of soft drinks for them, and bottles of water. Sometimes they bring their own alcoholic drinks, and sometimes I have some on hand already. The goal isn't perfection or a Pinterest worthy night; the goal is to be together, to laugh, and to have fun while we connect. They can't make it each week, and I don't expect that, but each week I provide a meal for them all. When it doesn't work out for my sons to be here, I invite Mom, Bill, Trish, Devin, and Tyler (the last two are my nephews). One week we'll invite Chris' dad and his girlfriend; another night I might decide to invite some friends. Next week our plan is to grill hamburgers and we'll swim in my neighbor's pool since I'll be watching their dogs for the weekend. I made sure to tell them all this last night while they were here. 

Drew made and left this little thing while he was here Sunday night. I love that he still loves to make things by folding paper and napkins. I have a collection of such things of his.

I have to give a shout-out to my Chris; he's the one that encouraged me to start this back up each week. I'm so glad he did and that I took his advice! I've loved each week and how it has turned out. Do you have thoughts or questions about this? I'd love to hear some recs or answer any questions you might have. Thanks for reading my blog today, friends! Love to all.

Jen 

p.s. Please enjoy the picture from last summer when Graham had us all at his house for family dinner night; he made salmon, potatoes, and garlic bread on that night and we took this picture with the spectacular sunset. I later had this put onto a canvas, I loved it so much, and it hangs in my living room today.