Happy Friday, friends! It's been a week; all of us at school are limping into the weekend like we've been around sugared up elementary school kids all week. Oh, wait; we have! I have a lot to catch you up on, so I'm going to jump right in, starting from last weekend.
I enjoyed reading for the first time in ages on Saturday morning! It was heavenly not having anywhere to be that morning. I got dressed after that and headed out to meet my mom and Trish for a day out together.
We had breakfast at my favorite place, then we went to John Mark's so that I could see the holiday goods he has out in the shop. It's stunning!
We ended our time together by stopping to see Dad's grave. I love it when the Christmas wreaths are out! This is one his wife put out, but I think it looks beautiful.
I love spending my birthday with Mom! After this I came home to relax before having to be at church that night. Sunday was more of the same.
I enjoyed a leisurely birthday morning spent drinking coffee, reading the many beautiful cards I received, and writing in my journal. I felt a little sad that day; I think it was discernment that something seemed off.
I wore my birthday top to church that morning! It's my favorite Umgee boutique top from a few years ago. I met Mom and Bill for lunch after church, then came home for a nap before heading back to the church that night. In the midst of all that, Chris came over and showered me with birthday love.
Monday was Grinch day at school, so I dressed in tacky clothing to celebrate. It's a favorite thing to have such a fun job! This week was a lot at school, but it really has been a blast.
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Freezing in the car line that morning was not my favorite, but...
...having a coffee truck at work was!
My sister Lisa calls this activity "taking to the bed". It's become my favorite thing to do at night lately, and it's what I did Monday night. I barely slept a wink the night before, so I was beat. This was around eight o'clock; I read blogs, I shopped on Amazon for Christmas, and then I talked on the phone a lot before finally calling it a night.
It was a favorite this week seeing what the naughty elves at school were up to each day. This was one day when 67 was posted all over the walls of the school.
It was a tacky but favorite week of dressing at work. Yesterday I wore the brown leggings with the sweatshirt that says Jenny Lake. Debi bought me this for my birthday, when she was in Wyoming this fall. She's the only person in the world who's allowed to call me Jenny, and that's why she bought it for me.
Something else that wasn't a favorite this week was Chloe being attacked by another dog. Our neighbor's dog bit her front paw Wednesday afternoon and just about tore off one of her "toes". Jonah had to rush her to the Vet after hours so they could stitch her up; they had to sedate her to do be able to do this, and sent her home with this cast and lots of medicines since she was bitten. I can never unsee this! Poor baby girl; blood was everywhere, and we're all traumatized.
One last favorite was hanging with my sons last weekend and Wednesday night. Drew and I did some Christmas shopping Wednesday night since I didn't have church, then we ended at the usual Rotolo's where he devoured his calzone and half of mine, plus an entire order of truffle fries. He loves food!
I wasn't ready to go home after choir on Friday night, so after a failed attempt to get ahold of Kendra, when I talked to Jonah, he invited me up to where he was hanging out with friends. It was such a fun night! They bought me birthday drinks, then we had fun dancing a little. I cracked up over Jonah being out on the dance floor; turns out he's the life of the party once he's had a drink or two, and he can dance! Also, he willingly posed for pictures for me for the same reason. Graham joined us, and I made it back home by eleven. It was such a fun night, and I had one of those moments of awe when I realized how much I love hanging out with my grown-up sons. They're pretty amazing!
As far as the start of my week, it was rough. I was glad to feel better with each passing day, but it was touch and go for a while. I learned some shocking news late Sunday night: my ex-husband is marrying the woman he left me for. I shouldn't have been so surprised, because I saw it coming and it's why I got rid of his name ASAP in my divorce; I knew that if he married her, there would have been a second Jennifer Goodwin (her name is Jennifer). I'm so thankful I did that, in hindsight! I didn't love finding out the way I did, and on my birthday no less, but it is what it is. I've always been an open book here, you know that. This is why my week started so badly. I said some things about this to him, let off some steam, and then I felt better with each passing day.
All that to day, it's been a week, and I am more than ready for winter break! I need a break from everything: life, work, responsibilities, etc. Unfortunately I'll only get a break from work, but I'll take that with much gratitude. I am so ready for time with my family and some fun things that we'll do once we're all together.
What's a favorite of yours from the week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!
Jenn
Wow Jenn, I hate that you had to hear that news, but I guess it was better to be aware of what's going on, so you're not blindsided in the future. Smart move on changing your name. And when I saw the "67" in your picture, I thought someone had vandalized your school! Have you looked up the definition of this? Just curious. I hope you have a better week and a great Christmas :) Oh and your poor dog!
ReplyDeleteThank you, friend! It's okay now, it just shook me in the moment. I can't explain my reaction, and why I reacted the way I did; it's not like I have any feelings for him, those are long gone. This is why Marilyn had to come over and crawl into the bed with me Sunday night. Moving on from that, isn't that funny about the "naughty elves" we've had at school all week? I know the meaning, which is what makes it so dumb that it was named "word of the year" for 2025. Poor Chloe, right?! She's pitiful. Merry Christmas to you, my friend. I'll still be around here blogging next week. Have a great weekend! xoxo
DeleteSo happy about the reading! So sorry about all the crappy stuff - ex and Chloe. So fun about going out with your sons! Lots of love on and near your birthday. I hope you know how much you are loved.
ReplyDeleteI pray that you have the most relaxing and rejuvenating break.
Me too! It turns out that I read that book last year, but I'm okay with that. I know I love her stuff, so it'll keep me entertained. I did have lots of love on and near my birthday; so much good made the bad more bearable. I do feel loved and treasured, and I am so grateful for all of my people! Thank you, friend. xoxo
DeleteI can imagine how shocking and hard that must be but just know- no one can replace you! I love how you are seeking the joy each day and surrounded by wonderful people- you got this my friend XO
ReplyDeleteI'm good with it now, it was definitely shocking in the moment, though. That's sweet of you to say, but he doesn't feel that way at all. It's okay, though. How things start is usually how things will end. Thank you, though! I am definitely seeking out the joy and the good in each day, and I have amazing people in my life. I couldn't be happier!
DeleteI have been around sugared up hormonal young teens so I can relate to your statement in the beginning! (My students are actually AMAZING; whatever they are dealing with, thankfully, has not impacted their behavior much anyway in the classroom for which I am thankful). The pictures with your boys are SO GOOD! How wonderful to have a great time being silly and having fun out together. Poor Chloe- that is awful. I hope your neighbor felt terrible about the dog attaching Chloe. I hope your last day at school for the YEAR is a great one and that your weekend plans include relaxing and spending time with those you love :).
ReplyDeleteThat's great that your kiddos weren't that affected by the crazy of the last week/day of school! I definitely can't say that, ha! It's okay, though; I love them regardless. Thanks for that, friend! I hope the same for you!
DeleteOh yes I remember those weeks of working with sugared up excited young kids (and knowing NOTHING I was teaching was sticking anyway!). It will be a relief to have some time off I'm sure. It sounds like you had a fabulous night out with your boys.
ReplyDeleteYes! Exactly. The last five days were totally useless for us in the SPED department; not so much in their classrooms, though. They had lots of tests this week! Poor kiddos. It will be relief! I'm already feeling it looking at Monday that's coming up.
DeleteOh wow —the remarriage news would be quite the surprise! Congrats on surviving a pre holiday week in the schools lol. Wishing peace and joy this Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAnd big hugs to Chloe— dog fights are terrifying! Why would another dog attack that poor sweet girl?!
DeleteYes, to say the least! I was shocked, but it's worn off by now. Thank you! I totally agree about dog fights; they're scary! I hope you have a wonderfully merry Christmas, my friend! xoxo
DeleteYay to the reading! I am glad you are enjoying it again. What a lovely day with your mom and Trish.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday! That top is so pretty, I love the colour.
It sounds like a fun but full on week at school. Those naughty elves. hehehe
Aww! Poor Chloe! I hope she us recovering well.
It looks like a fun evening with Jonah! Grown up kids are such fun!
So sorry about the rough start to your week but I hope you have a wonderful winter break!
I'm so glad to be reading again! Thank you for all of this, my friend. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!
DeleteI'm so sorry you had to get that news on your birthday - how smart you were to change your name. I'm also sorry to hear about poor Chloe. You managed to find some good things to write about despite a rough week. I hope your break is full of R and R.
ReplyDeleteThank you, friend. I'm so glad I did that! I didn't have a choice when I found out who she was. I also wanted to disassociate myself from him completely, so I'm proud to be wearing my maiden name again. I did still manage to find some good things from the week! I always try to seek out those moments, because I'd go crazy otherwise. I hope you enjoy being with your kids this week!
DeleteWell geez that is a doozy to find out in your birthday! I feel for you in all of this having been through some crappy things in relationships and watched my brother in law do what your ex has done (but with my sister in laws best friend).
ReplyDeleteYou are on the better end if this situation trust me because your conscious will always be clear.
Glad you and somewhat of a good birthday and love seeing you hanging with your boys. What a fun mom moment
Right? It wasn't the way I wanted to end my birthday, that is for sure. Thank you for your kind words; it's terrible going through or watching someone you love go through this. I definitely consider myself on the better end of this deal! Thank you for all of this, friend, and for taking the time to stop and comment today.
DeleteGood grief that didn't take long, however he'll probably be divorced in a year. Your poor dog, if those irresponsible neighbors don't offer to pay the vet bills, you should lawyer up and let the court sort it out.
ReplyDeleteRight? I just keep thinking that however things begin is how they'll end. They started in an affair for both of them, so I know it'll end the same way most likely. Isn't that terrible about the dogs? I told Jonah if they offer money to cover it, to take them up on it.
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