weekending...3.9.2026.

 

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you had a great weekend! I can't wait to hear from you at the end of today's post. I'm linking up with Holly and Sarah for today's blog post. I'll jump right in! 

Most of you know that I call Marilyn before work every morning; I always pull over at my church to do this, and I park at the back of the lot. These are the beautiful trees that I saw when I pulled in on Friday! I love tulip trees, and these are in full bloom. My routine is that I sit here until eight o'clock and talk to Marilyn; and then I call Mom as I drive to work and wait to go inside until 8:20. 

Friday was so much fun with kindergarten! My co-worker Carla made this long sidewalk game out of chalk, so we had fun going outside with them that day since the weather was so nice. 

After work, I met some co-workers for a drink and appetizers, because Chris was coming to me a little later in the night. It was about 7:30 when Chris came over; we decided on a little place in town that has really good sushi. We ordered food to share, something we always do: a spicy shrimp roll, lo mein, and dumplings. This was so good! After dinner we drove over to the town square so that I could introduce Chris to this little place called Mensi's. They have all kinds of food (for cheap!) and the best soft serve ice cream. We got our ice cream and walked over to the square and sat on this giant swing. It was a fun night! 

This was the only thing on my agenda Saturday! I haven't had a pedicure since before Christmas, so this was way overdue. I love getting to pamper myself a little in this way; do you ever do things to take care of yourself? It was so rainy here all of Saturday; because of that I didn't do much. Chris was here, so we watched TV for most of the afternoon; by "watch TV", I mean that we both napped for the majority of the afternoon. 🤣

That night for dinner, we went to Memphis Pizza Cafe, then I took my friend Kendra some dinner. She's recovering from surgery, so we sat and visited with her and her man for a while before heading back to my house to finish Ted Lasso. I actually had tickets to go see a Broadway play, but I wasn't crazy about the idea of going with the rain and because of the long Sunday I had; also, there was the time change that had to be factored in. That being said, I gave my tickets to Drew and his girlfriend Mallory; they loved the show! Sunday morning I was at church bright and early! We went to lunch with Mom and Bill afterward, then we came back to my house before saying our goodbyes and having to leave for an extra choir rehearsal. 

I shared this post on socials in honor of National Women's Day; these are the most amazing and strong women I know. I'm so proud to call them Mom and sisters! 

Think of me while I'm at work this week; we have a four and a half day work week! The students go home and twelve thirty on Friday, then I'll get to leave around one. I might end up taking the whole day off, though...but more about that later. 

How was your weekend? I'd love to hear all about it! Thanks for being here to read today, friends. Love to all!

Jenn 

Friday Favorites, 3.6.2026.

 

Happy Fri-yay, friends! It's been a week. I feel like all of us who work in school settings deserve a metal for getting to this point. Ha! Yesterday was one of those days that if something was going to happen, it happened all in one day. It was the most crazy day! I'll jump right into sharing some favorites from the week. Buckle up!

This sweet baby is one of my favorites! Jonah took his baby girls to the vet on Wednesday for shots, and this one (Stella) had a very rough day there. She was so nervous that she had two major accidents in the kennel; it was so bad that they had to give her a full bath. Poor baby! She was exhausted afterward from all the trauma. 

This wall display of kindness is my favorite! I love seeing the students I work with show off their contributions they added to this display. 

I came across this picture yesterday and saved it to my phone. It's one of my favorite memories! Graham's first vehicle was a 1983 Ford Bronco, and these girls loved it. This was at a youth event one March weekend; they all climbed into his car and sprinkled glitter all over his seats, and then posed for this picture. 

Dinner out with Marilyn Monday night was my favorite! And so was this margarita.

 

Getting dressed each day is still my favorite! These are the Monday-Thursday outfits. I think Monday's was my favorite, with the oversized green button down.

Seeing Chris twice this week was a favorite! And so is Reese; look how big she's getting! She's so bad. 🤣

Other favorite moments this week have to do with my sons, and connecting with sweet students that I see everyday. This is the best part of my job! What was a favorite for you this week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all! 

Jenn 

moments of joy in the week

 

Happy Thursday, friends! I thought I'd share about some things that have have brought me joy during the mundane moments of the week. I hope you enjoy!

This week has felt much lighter at work. Whatever thing has been in the undercurrent there seems to have lifted, and things feel better...brighter, more hopeful. I love this feeling of lightness that I've sensed all week! Too many days of that heavy feeling really starts to take its toll.

The weather this week has been incredible! Tuesday literally felt like paradise: it was sunny, but in the mid seventies. Jonah even commented about it when I got home that afternoon.

The sunrises and sunsets have felt spectacular. 

I've been sucked into the show Love is Blind, thanks to Amy! I watched all of season nine (the US version) and have moved onto season ten. I feel like it's not all that often that I stay home and watch TV, but it's what I did last night. I skipped choir rehearsal and opted to stay in, instead. I came home and sat in a comfy recliner for an hour just to decompress, then I talked on the phone for a little while. Marilyn and I always have so much to talk about! 🤣 Then I talked to Jonah for a while. I tried to convince my three Memphis sons to have dinner with me, but none of them took me up on my offer; maybe the next time they will, or at least one of them. I ended up changing, having leftovers for dinner, and then planted myself in front of the TV and watched this show while I worked o blog stuff.

I have talked to my sister Lisa no less than a dozen times in the last week. She's helping me with the refinancing of my home to get it out of my ex-husband's name and into my own. I'm forever indebted to her many, many hours of work on my behalf. Not to mention that she was with me so much while I went through my divorce. I'm so close to all of my sisters! I am extremely fortunate to be able to say this. 

My co-worker Karen and I have laughed so much this week. It's been a tiny bit stressful because of state testing that's going on, but we've managed to laugh our way through it, and we're almost done! 

I've seen Chris once this week already; he came over Tuesday night and he's coming over again tonight. I can't wait to see him again! I always miss him when too many days go by without us seeing each other. This is a good problem to have, right? It is.

As I'm writing this, my niece is sending images of her baby girl that is still in utero! She had a 3D ultrasound yesterday, and the images are breathtaking. I am excited to see this newest addition over the summer! 

What are some moments of joy you've had this week? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for reading my blog today, friends. Love to all!

Jenn 

currently: March 4, 2006

 

Happy Wednesday and bonus blog post day, friends! I'm linking up with my friend Amy for this monthly blog post. Thanks for hosting us, Amy!

Here's what is currently saving my life, what I'm currently loving, cleaning/purging, planning, and taking a break from.

Saving my life: 

The calendar being turned to March is one thing that's saving my life right now. 

And words like these images above are as well. One is something I found on Instagram, the other is lyrics to a song that I stumbled upon yesterday. 

Currently loving:

I'm currently loving this kindness display in the halls at school!

Currently cleaning/purging: it's always my closet. I'm keeping it cleaned out as best I can! I'm also always just cleaning in general; I like to keep things clean from dust/dander, hair, and clutter.

I recently gave my home a little refresh by repurposing some of the decorative items I have. I do this a lot! It's a great way to change things up, and it's free.

Currently taking a break from: I am trying so hard to take a break from my past. I'm working on finalizing the last piece of my old life; once that is done, I am free and clear forever! 

I'm excited to read your answers to the prompts today! If you're interested, there is another post from today right under this one. the Wednesday hodgepodge. I'd love for you to check it out! Thanks for reading here today, friends. Love to all!

the Wednesday hodgepodge

 

Happy Wednesday, friends! I'm here with Joyce again today for the weekly hodgepodge...this is a post that I dearly love; thank you, Joyce, for your inspiring and thought provoking questions each and every week! I'll jump right in!

1. As the saying goes, 'March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb'. Did your March come in roaring or like some other animal? Every month carries with it certain feelings, which is why some people love and anticipate December and others dread it. How do you feel about the month of March? The month came in like my son Graham's dog, Oakley...gentle, quiet, humble, and happy. I'm ready for spring and all the promise of hope and new life that the season brings! I think of Dad every year at this time, because it was his favorite month and season. Well...I can't say that it was his favorite month, but it is his birthday month, so I feel his absence a little more than I do in other months. 

For me in my own little family, this is the month that birthday season begins. Jonah and Noah will turn 23 on the tenth, Graham will turn 27 on the eleventh, and Drew will be 26 on April third. 

I will always think of times like this every time spring rolls around. What I wouldn't give to go back to this day for an hour! On spring break Fridays, we always went to Dad's for birthday celebrations and Easter egg hunting. We always had picnics down on the pier that overlooked his lake; there were always grilled hot dogs, chips and French onion dip, and brownies. Those were the days! 

2. Where in your life are you a lion? Where are you a lamb? I am a lion when it comes to my sons, and to how people treat me. The old Mama Bear thing is no joke! As far as myself goes, I will never again be a pushover. I fight back now, regarding everything! This is a direct result of the new life I've adapted to in the last year and a half. 

I am a lamb when it comes to students at my work; their teachers are impatient with them a lot, but my heart genuinely goes out to these kids. Many of them are autistic, or at the least, have severe ADHD and are medicated. Some of them need medication, but their parents won't let them have it; it's very sad and is a huge disservice to them. 

I love my job and am so grateful to have such an impactful one.

3. The Hodgepodge lands on National Pound Cake Day. Do you like pound cake? If so, do you have a favorite flavor? Let's play a little game of 'this or that'. Whose pound cake am I eating? My answer to this is dependent upon that answer. If it's my mom's pound cake, I'll take hers any day of the week over any other dessert. Not all pound cakes are created equal, but Mom's is the very best! My favorite flavor is lemon, again, only if it's hers. Mom, if you're reading this, please take this as your hint from me to you. I love you, Mommy! 

• pound cake or cheese cake
• pound cake or layer cake
• pound cake or angel food cake
• pound cake or brownie
• pound cake or pie

4. What makes you feel childlike wonder right now? When I think of this, the first thing that came to mind was having the ability to be excited for life in general. I'm the type of person that  romanticizes life and I get excited over everything. I think we should all be in love with our lives, honestly. It helps with moods and perspectives...or at least it does this for me.

I loved this image that I found online!

5. What's one thing you need to add to your wardrobe right now to get ready for spring? I was thinking about this yesterday as I was doodling at work during some testing. I need a few essentials, honestly. I need some new sandals, I'd like some different colors of my favorite sneakers (I'm thinking Kelly green, and black with white trim), I need to replace a few dresses, and I might try to find some more short sets. 

These summer outfits were my favorite last year! I have several of the short one piece outfits (black, gray, red, green), and three of the short sets...that one came in cream, black, and chocolate brown. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I stumbled across a new song this week, one called God is Good by Phil Wickham, featuring the musical group Cain. It's so good! I loved these lyrics that I read yesterday while I listened. 

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

Jenn ❤️