things I'm thankful for

 

Happy Thursday, friends! I thought I'd talk about the things I'm thankful for today. I'll jump right in!

I'm thankful for the morning time I have. I wake up at five, get coffee, and sit down to read/write blog posts. At six, Noah lets the dogs down, and I let them out and feed them while he starts to get ready for work. We're usually in the kitchen at the same point getting coffee, water, or packing a lunch. I try to pack mine the night before, but sometimes I wait until the day of. I love having extra time in the morning!

I'm thankful for phone calls. I don't know if I'd survive without them! I talk to Marilyn and my mom every morning just about. I talk to Amy one morning most weeks (I need to do this soon!). I talk to my sisters throughout the week at night when I'm at home or while I'm driving. I talk to my sons. I talk to my Missy at least every week and a half, usually on Saturdays. This helps me pass the time! 

I'm thankful for the gift that music is to me, even when I listen to something on repeat. I don't know how I'd make it through life without it, honestly. This is what I do each morning; I get my coffee and sit on the couch in the living room while listening to worship music. Most days find me listening to music instead of watching TV, and I change my playlists up all the time. I definitely have my favorites, though! 

I'm so thankful for work, for the precious little one I care for, the people I work with, and the relationships I've cultivated for the year and few months that I've had this job. I love getting hugs from students, and I've loved getting to know a lot of the parents. This job has been the biggest blessing to me, and I am so grateful that the Lord saw fit to provide this for me. I literally sit and think about this every afternoon, when I've reached the end of my day and I'm sitting talking to my co-workers in some much needed down time. 

I'm thankful for evening plans after work! I started back with Wednesday nights at Rotolo's last night; it's not a big deal, and the food is cheap since it's half priced, but it's the company. It affords me the chance to catch up with Kendra, and we usually stay until it closes at nine. When it's cool outside, we'll just keep sitting on the patio if we have a lot to talk about. 

I'm keeping it short and sweet this week, friends...and for no other reason than I need to leave in a few minutes. I'm also grateful for a great week at work. I haven't been as emotional this week, which is a good thing, too. What are you thankful for this week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog, friends. Love to all! 

Jen 

the Wednesday hodgepodge

 

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

1. How do you define beauty? To me, beauty is in the eyes and in the heart. You can be supermodel status gorgeous to look at, but if your eyes don't smile and there isn't kindness in your heart, then I think that mars the appearance. I think older people are beautiful; I love seeing all of the lines and crevices in their faces that tell years worth of stories. I am one who doesn't mind the thought of growing old gracefully. Also, I've been known to tell someone that they had a beautiful heart. 

2. Have you ever taken a trip by train? If so, where did you go and what did you think of the experience? If not, do you have any desire to do so? Where would you like to go? I took one short little jaunt on a train almost ten years ago; I rode from Long Island into Manhattan, New York. I loved it so much! I would definitely do this again and was looking at taking a trip by train with Chris at some point this year. I really have it in my mind that I want to take the train to Chicago for a long weekend; someday I will do that! 

Two years ago, my sisters and I were going to take a train up to Pikes Peak in Colorado; we got off, though, because it had started snowing up there, and we weren't at all prepared to be in snowy weather. Maybe someday...

3. Shell shocked, bombshell, bandshell, shellacking, in a nutshell, walking on eggshells...choose one and tell us why you chose it, or how it relates to your life in some way. I've been shellshocked a lot in my life in the last few years; you all know the reasoning behind this. Sometimes I still wonder how this is my life sometimes; I try to be grateful in all circumstances, though. I love my life at the moment, I mentioned this yesterday. Being at home brings me peace, and I'm here for that. I also think my life feels beautiful; I spend time with the people I love doing things that are meaningful. This brings me great joy.

4. Tacos, pistachios, oysters, clams, eggs...your favorite food on the list that comes in or with a shell? Of the foods listed, my favorite would be tacos. I just ate two on Sunday! I like all of these foods, though.

5. Are birthdays a big deal in your house? Is your own birthday a big deal in some way? Elaborate. Birthdays are a big deal in my house! I always host my whole family for a birthday dinner for my sons. I always love these nights and I try to make things I know they'll love. My own birthday is also a big deal to me; each year, I like to see my mom on the actual day. Additionally, I want to be made a big deal of, especially this year when I turn 50! Have I told you that my sisters and I are taking a trip to NYC for my birthday in December?! We are. We always make birthday trips together, and this one was all my idea. I've been to the city several times, but never at Christmas; we're landing the night they light the Rockefeller tree, and we're staying in Times Square, right where all the action is close by! We're doing all of the quintessential Christmas in NYC things, and I cannot wait.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My student was being independent on Monday morning during the ELA hour, so I worked on a meal plan for this week while she was busy. I wrote it out and then listed my grocery items, and checked them off as I added them to cart on my Walmart app. When I got home at 4:20, my groceries had arrived, and since Jonah was home, he got them from the porch and had put the cold items into the fridge. Walmart+ is worth the $100 a year it costs to join, friends. This has saved my sanity a million times over the last year since I work full time! And, when I order online, I save money. Here's what dinner turned out to be Monday night:

Grilled salmon, a slaw salad mix that I made better, roasted potatoes in the air fryer, and slices of cheese. Don't ask about the last thing, it just sounded good to me. This was the best salmon I've ever eaten. Jonah grilled it for us! 

Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. I can't wait to read your posts! I'll see you back here tomorrow, I think. Love to all!

Jen 

fashion files and some random thoughts

 

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! 

News flash: it's still hotter than Hades here. Have I mentioned lately how over this I am? For the love, it's the worst weather we've had in a long time. I'm still living in dresses and this weekend I wore the reddish/orange skort. I literally can't wait to even put on leggings again...or jeans...anything, honestly. Ha! 

Alright, now onto the next part of this blog...

I've noticed that people are fragile with me, and I am okay with this. There's someone I work with that likes to gripe to me a lot, and I've noticed that instead of coming to me with things like that, she now comes to me for a hug and to check in. I could get used to this kind of treatment.

I'm enjoying living a normal life again, one where I plan meals and cook. It was wonderful having meals provided for us, but I missed this part of it, honestly. Last night felt great to come home and prepare a meal with my son; he grilled salmon for us. It was the best I've had to date! 

I don't know what I was thinking letting my hair go darker. I have an appointment today to focus on my dark roots. I need them light again! I asked her to add lowlights, but I might change my mind. Stay tuned! It's a perk having a near daughter in law who does hair. 

I've been reading a lot on my lunch break and have almost finished a book since after the funeral. While I can read now, I can't watch tv. I've been re-watching Grey's Anatomy. Life is weird. 

I'm still in love with my bedroom after I rearranged it a couple of months ago. I love the curtains, my little candle warmer lamp and the delicious smelling candle that I keep up there, and I love the cozy feeling it gives off. I love going to bed at night! I don't know what this says about me, but...

Alright, well...I'll see y'all back here tomorrow. Love to all, friends!

Jen 

hello Monday

 

Happy Monday, friends! How was your weekend? I'm linking up with Holly and Sarah to talk about mine, backing up with Wednesday of this week. I'm starting there since real life took over and I didn't talk about any of this thing on Thursday's post; I was out to late that night to blog on Friday, but that's to be understood, right? 

Okay, I'll jump in...

My friend Kendra invited me to go with her to her friend Melissa's house for a pre-watch party; the movie of the night was Practical Magic. This was so much fun! We had pizza, snacks, sweet treats, and Midnight Margaritas! IYKYK. I was grateful to have something to do for two nights in a row after a rough start to the week. Then on Thursday after work, we all went to dinner, and to see...

Practical Magic 2! This time, Marilyn went with us. This was such a great movie, I'd easily go see it again. 

Friday was a full day! It was a field trip day for fourth grade; we went to the high school and saw the play, How to Train Your Dragon Jr. It was so cute! My little student loved it, and it made for a spectacularly fun Friday. That afternoon, I went home to rest for a while, then changed and picked up Marilyn for a birthday celebration. Mallory (Drew's girlfriend) and Meredith (her twin sister) turned 26, so we met them all at a restaurant called Hog and Hominy in Memphis. 

It was a fun night!

I love that they also invited Marilyn! This was such a fun night, and these girls kept all of us in stitches. For the rest of the weekend, I stayed home and cleaned my house. I skipped over that last weekend, so it was much needed! I went to Marilyn's house for a while on Saturday night, and we ended up working on our blogs while we watched Sleepless in Seattle. I went to church on Sunday, then I ran some errands before going back home after lunch with Mom and Bill. 

I'm anticipating a better week! I'm grateful that real life trumped my blog this week, and that I was so busy that I didn't have time to write for Friday. I love that! Did you do anything fun this weekend? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!

Jen 🖤

happies from the week

Happy Thursday, friends! I thought I'd share an uplifting post today, since mine have been kind of sad all week. I know you understand, and I love you for that. I'll jump in!

• good phone conversations that go on and on
• random text messages from people checking on me or telling me they just prayed for me
• seeing all of my sons on Sunday, though at different times
• a short week
• fun Wednesday night plans (tonight too!)
• good coffee
• God's new morning mercies
• fresh days
• a really great night of sleep 
• the friendships I have at work and the midday laughter they bring
• seeing students in the hall and hearing their sweet/hilarious greetings ("Good morning, ya cutie!" from the kid who called me Ms. Loyal all of last year)
• getting to know the kindergarten babies who drive me bonkers in the line each afternoon as we wait to exit the building for dismissal
• distractions that help me when I'm at home for too long
• my social media algorithms...it's all dogs, food, fashion, and grief
• knowing that I get to go back to the counselor today for my weekly appointment
• fun plans after and a weeknight trip to the movie theater (more on these things tomorrow)
• my job that I love and the sweet little girl I get to watch over...I taught her the sign for "I love you" yesterday and then she proceeded to sign that to me all day

What's something you're thankful for this week or something that brought you some joy? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. I'll see you back here tomorrow. Love to all!

Jen

the Wednesday hodgepodge

 

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

1. Are you ready for some football? On a scale of 1-10, how much of a fan are you (ten is team never miss a game and 1 is here for the snacks)? Who is your team? Theoretically, I love the thought of football and love it being on in the background for noise. I don't follow it super closely or anything like that, but I do like to have it on and watch on occasion. I'm not a die hard fan or anything like that, but I live in the South, and these are the rules. I don't make them, but I follow them. I suppose on a scale of 1-10, I would fall around the 5 mark. I don't really have a "team" of my own; I like SEC teams, though. I'll always pull for one of those, or I'll choose my own hometown team of the U of M Tigers. I follow a lot of these teams on Instagram, so it's fun to watch them from a different perspective.

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing? I'll choose to talk about everyday life here. When something traumatic happens in your life, it seems as if time slows down. People step in to take care of you and feed you, and it's honestly a wonderful thing to witness. But when that stops, you realize that life never stopped moving, it's just that you did. I feel as if I'm waking up from a dream sometimes, and then I remember it's real life. I'm taking things a day at a time and being easy on myself as much as I can, but I do have a game plan in place for managing my life again. Baby steps, right? 

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or any other flavor? What's a must have food item for you on a tailgate menu? This is something that I'll eat at someone's house (Bill, I'm talking to you) that I enjoy, but I never order this out. I would say that I definitely prefer the mild flavor of wings; Chris loved chicken wings and ordered them all the time when we went out. I would always eat one or two of his. A must have item for me on a tailgate menu would be chips and dips. 

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your "life playbook" that you think everyone should know? My unwritten rule of life is to leave a place better, or at least as good as, I found it originally. 

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you'd like. It's hard to believe it's been twenty five years since that day. I wonder if we knew then the changes this would mean for us going forward. Everything has changed since then, security wise. And understandably so! It's something I'm grateful for: the men and women who protect us.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I had a mental image yesterday of Chris looking down from Heaven, and it just about took me out at work. I could almost see myself running to him the minute I saw him, and he wrapped his arms around me. I know that this isn't theologically correct, so please keep unnecessary comments to yourself. (Talking to you, Anon.) It's almost like I was dreaming, but I was awake. I'd just watched a video from a grief counselor on TikTok, and it just about took my breath away. I was a wreck for the rest of the day. I came home and laid down, and I cried on and off all evening. 

I'm so glad I have plans tonight and for the rest of the week/weekend. I need to be busy again! Between that and my sweet friend Sarah from work texting me, and it was just a very emotional and long day. I know that this is all just a part of mourning the loss of someone I loved, but it sucks. There are no other words that will describe it as accurately as that. He wasn't perfect and we had our struggles that we had to overcome, but I miss him so much that it hurts. I feel a dull ache at all times, and it feels fake when I laugh and seem like I'm having a good time. 

I keep ending these posts on a sad note. I wish I could say that it'll change, but I don't know when that will happen. Thanks for still being here to read and encourage. I appreciate it more than words can say! Please keep praying for me, I still desperately need them. Thanks, friends. Love to all.

Jen 

fashion files & some ways I'm taking care of myself

 

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 think I shared this one already? I wore this one day last week; I kind of forgot that I'd purchased this skort thing from Old Navy over the summer! 

I'm missing a day of outfits...I don't know why or how I did that, but there was one morning last week when I was running later than I like. That's probably why. I went back and forth between the skort, dresses, and leggings/button downs last week, because of events going on at work. I'm so ready for different weather when I can vary my clothes again! I have to stay cool, and the only thing that keeps me that way is a dress. 

This was for Saturday brunch...

...Sunday church...

...and then for an afternoon spent poolside. 

Our weather isn't changing this week; we're still experiencing extremely hot temps, so this means indoor recess and more of the same outfits. Maybe next week it'll change? I'm hopeful!


And now for the second part of this blog...

I thought I'd share some ways I'm giving myself some love lately. Yesterday marks one month since Chris died. I wasn't sure how I'd feel on that day, but for the most part, I was okay. I cried on the phone with my Missy when she called to check on me, and then I moved on with the day. I played on my phone, I worked on my blog, and I watched TV. At one point when I went upstairs to make my bed and put on real clothes, I decided instead to crawl into my still unmade bed and take a nap. When I woke up and hour and something later, I took a shower and washed my hair. This felt amazing! I was kind of sad when I was laying in my bed; I was glad that I hadn't made plans to do anything that day.  

One thing I love to do for myself is take care of my home. I love for things to be clean and organized; I spent some time doing that yesterday in preparation of my work week. It feels so good to be able to get things cleaned out and ready for the work week. It's a place that I love to be, so it brings me joy to take care of things here. I love it all...the mundane and the frivolous. 

On the days when I'm at home, if I turn on the TV and start watching a show and feel myself growing sleepy, I succumb to that and will take a nap, even if it's a short one. I know that my body needs extra rest right now, so I try to listen to it and do what I feel in that moment. I don't always watch TV; sometimes I will choose music over that and actually prefer it, honestly. I'm listening to a catchy playlist as I write this on Monday morning. Other times I might read or scroll on my phone. 

I take my lunch breaks one day at a time at work. Some days I eat in the lounge by myself; while I do that, I read. Other days, I will sit in my friend Sarah's classroom since she's not busy when I eat. I let each day be different; she understands the need I have to be quiet sometimes, which is what I did last week. Sometimes I don't want to be alone; other times I feel like I won't be able to talk without crying. Each day is a little different, so I try to take it easy on myself. 

I'm taking care of myself. I treated myself to a mani/pedi on Saturday, which felt amazing. 

I never do that those two things on the same day, but it felt luxurious to be able to do that over the weekend. The pushing point was that all the polish came off my toes Friday night, and I can't stand to have them bare. Ha! 

I'm saying yes to people; dinner after work, weekday movie nights, birthday celebrations that last all weekend long...I'm saying yes to it all. I'm also saying yes to staying at home on the nights when I just don't have it in me to go anywhere else, or when I'm absolutely and utterly exhausted from work. 

I'm trying to take it easy on myself; sometimes this is easier said than done. It's been a long month. It does feel a little easier each day, and the new normal has set in. I am still hopeful of my future, and I'm starting to get to the point where I'm excited about things. It's very minimal, but it's there, nonetheless. I find myself being extremely grateful for the small things in life: time spent with people I love and even the most mundane and minimal of plans, and the offer of emotional support that Chloe consistently offers me. This is me trying to keep on with life to the best of my ability. 

Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all.

Jen