Happy Friday, friends! How's your week been? Mine went by really fast; it was a good one for me, for the most part. I've had a couple of days where I've experienced feelings that caught me off guard...and I'm tired of talking and thinking about this all the time. I keep wondering when this will stop! I am not going to dwell on this today, I just wanted to mention it, because to me, it's always worth talking about. I'm thankful that I can pull myself up out of the funk that I sometimes get in, thanks to the Lord, His word, and worship music. And maybe I need to get back to keeping track of the things I'm thankful for each day again, since I've gotten away from that daily practice. I know that helps, and it always changes my perspective.
Anyway, I'm going to move onto some favorite things from this week...
Salad Station is always my favorite! I ate there twice this week, y'all. It's so delicious!
It was a favorite this week to get this from my friend who teaches first grade. I love that so many of my friends and co-workers are believers! The Lord really outdid Himself when He set my life in motion by putting me there two years ago. This was always the job I wasn't looking for, but it's the one God gave me two times in as many years. How amazing is that?
Memories like this are so bittersweet; but they're also a favorite. This was when Noah asked Dad if he wanted to take a spin in his red Corvette one Friday. This one brought tears to my eyes.
Dinner and frozen yogurt with Marilyn were my favorite this week! Oh, how I love this woman with all of my heart. Words can't express what she means to me, and how much I depend on her friendship. Did you know that I talk to her every morning before work? I started this a month ago, and sometimes she's the last voice I hear at night. We never hang up without expressing our love to one another. She really is my soulmate, friends! Everyone should have a Marilyn in their lives.
Mel Robbins' reminders on socials are always a favorite!
Bunco at my friend Vickie's house this week was a favorite highlight! I love these friends so much, and how invested in my life they each are. This means the world to me! Also, bonus points for how cute her home was decked out for fall.
I didn't expect to see Chris Tuesday night, but it was a favorite spontaneous moment of the week.
One of my favorite little students drew this for me this week!
This visual reminder is my new favorite thing; I bought these little rear/side view mirror decals on from the TikTok shop a couple of weeks ago. I kept two and gave two to Mare.
These images were one of my favorite things from this week on Instagram. It reminded me of how grateful I am to be given the opportunity to sing in church this week. I'm so excited to do this, and to sing through a song that is so meaningful to me. I pray it's a blessing to others who are there to witness it this week.
Wednesday nights with Kendra are my favorite! We switched it up this week and went to Tony's Trophy Room; it wasn't our favorite, so next week we'll be back at Rotolo's. Also, that drink you see pictured was disgusting and I couldn't even finish half.
I want to share about my Thursday morning; I was having a heck of a morning yesterday, friends. I found out some information that upset me Wednesday night, and I was having a moment with it that morning as I was sitting here in the early hours. I had cried three times by the time I went upstairs to get dressed for work, if that tells you anything. But let me tell you how sweet this morning turned out...two of my sons sent me extremely sweet messages on TikTok saying something along the lines of what this one above says. I took a screenshot of one of the videos, since there were words on it to read. I wish I could remember everything one of the videos said, but it was along the lines of him thanking me for being his lifeline, his confidant, his best friend who always has his back. Y'all, I cried like a baby! God knew I needed encouragement that morning, and He sent it to me by my sons. And then there was a third and fourth thing, but stay tuned for those at the end...anyway, these moments when I can sense God near are my favorite. I wasn't praying or reading my Bible when this happened, but still, He was near. I am so thankful for this, and the relationship I have with Him. Do you know Him?
On a lighter note, these were my favorite outfits from this week. I'm missing one day, but the picture disappeared and I'm not about to go put clothes back on to recreate that pic.
Here's the third thing that happened to me on Thursday morning: I post to Snapchat every morning, and my sweet little cousin (by my ex's cousin) sent me this there in response to what I shared yesterday. How precious is she to encourage me like this? Once again, God knew I needed to be encouraged, and He did this for me three different times that morning. I cried at home, I cried at work when I first got there (thanks to my dear friend Karen that I work with), and it was just a rough morning.
And then when I got to first grade to help my little friend, B, she put her little arms around my neck and played with my hair, then she pulled me in for a big hug. I couldn't help myself, friends, before I knew what I was saying, I told her much I loved her. She squeezed me extra tight and told me she loved me so much, too. I don't know if that's wrong or right, but I needed her little hug and I believe she needed to hear a friend at school say that they loved her. I do! I care for each of these precious little ones so much, and I feel like I'm living out my dream by getting to work with students in elementary school for the third time in fifteen years. How fortunate am I? God is such a good Father to me; He provides for me and cares for me everyday of my life. He is so, so good!
What was a favorite from your week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for being here today to read my blog, friends. Love to all!
Jenn 🖤
What sweet and precious stories you´ve shared from your week- thank you! From your friendships, to your sons´ interactions, to your work relationships, I have enjoyed reading about your interactions with others and what they meant to you this week. The world needs more positive (like what you´ve shared) as well as the truths (you shared some not so great emotions/things) that point us to our heavenly father who knows what we need and provides it. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that, my friend! It's so out of character for my sons to do this kind of thing...I know they love me, and though they say those words, they're not very expressive about it usually. You can see why it meant so much to me. I'm so grateful for my people! I'm even more grateful for the love of God. He is always so good!
DeleteYou won't believe this! I have the same sticker on my car mirror as well! Yeah :) Lovin the fall fits and of course your time with Marilyn :)
ReplyDeleteThat's great! Of course you do...I feel like we have so much in common. Thanks for that, friend! xoxo
DeleteAw, that drawing is just the cutest! You have lots to be thankful for this week. I love how much everyone around you supports you and let you know!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the best?! I love things like that, and that little one made my day. I've kept it there all week and she asked me yesterday when she came to give me one of the two daily hugs I get from her if I'd enjoyed looking at it all week. Um, yes! Thanks for that, friend. xoxo
DeleteAwwww! I had students start saying "Te quiero" after or during the pandemic and they kept doing it. I can't see anyone being upset with someone for loving a kid! But, then the world is crazy! Even though you had hard moments what stands out to me is all the love you have around you.
ReplyDeleteSorry about that nasty drink. The big mason jar looked promising!
I love that! I can't see that either, but you never know with how many rules and regulations are now in public schools. Technically we're not supposed to be the one to initiate, and I don't do that, though I might touch the shoulder of someone doing something that is about to be harmful to him/her. I'll do that instead of saying something, which is what I saw another teacher do. I do have so much love around me! I'm so grateful for this. I thought the same thing about that drink! It was way too sweet and had way to much liquor for my taste. Bleh!
DeleteI love when God sends you little hugs like these. I hope you have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend :)
ReplyDeleteI do too! My friend Kari always called that kind of thing a kiss from the King. I am always grateful when He shows up like this in my life; it doesn't always happen like this, but I needed it yesterday for sure. Happy Friday to you, my friend!
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