Do you ever want to escape reality and get lost in a good book? A book that makes you smile, makes you laugh, makes you cry and in the end makes you want to be a better version of you? Or a book that reminds you that you are special, you are doing great things and that you are making a difference? If you answered YES to all of these questions, I have the perfect book for you!
For our 8th wedding anniversary, I wanted to share a special date with my husband, but I was looking for something a little outside our box. Ironically enough, a friend of mine recommended something inside a box: a Datebox.
Datebox is a subscription box company that you pre-order online and every month a unique box containing everything you need for a fun and creative date is delivered to your door step. Each month the box has a different theme and activity inside that allows you an opportunity to create a special memory.
If I could have asked my younger self where I would be at age 31… I promise you I never would have imagined a mom to two beautiful girls! I always thought that I would make a great boy-mom, and truly anticipated having a home full of dirt-covered little dudes and a family room covered in sports balls and legos! BOY was I wrong! God has a great sense of humor. Instead I have a home full of princess dresses, an over-sized bright-pink Barbie Dream house, drawers of bows and headbands, and baby dolls around every corner… and the crazy part is, I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
It is true when they say Jesus has you exactly where you should be. I have never felt so blessed for my family and my surroundings.
Urban Dictionary describes it perfectly:
Mom: The woman who loves you unconditionally from birth, the one who puts her kids before herself and the one who you can always count on above everyone else. Just telling her your problems makes you feel better because moms always know how to make it all go away. Even if you fight, know that she’s just looking out for your best interests.
When I became a mom everyone warned me: “life will never be the same again.” It always reminded me of the song – “It’s the end of the world as we know it.” I heard what they were saying but I didn’t truly know what they were saying until I became a mom 1,424 days ago. And it’s true, life has not been the same. It’s been better… better than I could have ever imagined it! Being a mom is truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life thus far!
How can this be… my daughter finished her 3K year of Preschool. My sweet first born really grew up this year and I couldn’t be more proud. I was really on the fence about putting her in 3K, I was worried that it might be too soon, but I am glad I went with my gut and allowed her the chance to grow.
If you are like me and you are not sure if your kiddo is ready for 3’s preschool, let me give you a little insight into what I learned this year.
Today marks my 8th wedding anniversary, I can’t believe I have been married for 8 years to my college sweetheart! I am so thankful for all of the fun moments and memories, as well as the hard times and difficulties. We have been through college, more college, moving to Washington, moving to Kansas, buying a home, having babies, career changes, losing loved ones… I could go on and on. The beauty of marriage is that you have a partner to do life with. Someone to lean on in hard times and someone to rejoice with in the good times. Marriage is a beautiful gift.
Disclaimer: my marriage is not perfect… far from it actually. But, we are fully committed to one another and do our best to love, serve, and respect one another on a daily basis.
Today is my birthday and I am turning thirty… plus 1 year, YAY! I am not one to obsess on turning another year older. To me, age is just a number. What matters to me is looking back at what I have done with that number and being thankful and proud of my time spent here on earth. I have been married for almost 8 years, I have 2 little girls under the age of 4 and a very happy home… this is what makes me cherish each passing year. I want to look back and think that my time has been well spent (relevant). What a shame it would be to look back one day and realize that I didn’t make an impact, or that I succeeded in many things, but that none of them mattered, or to realize that I hoarded God’s blessings and didn’t share them with others.
I know what you are thinking; “Jenna… you are turning 31”, and you are right. But it is never too early, or too late, to start working on positive progress in our lives. This article is all about the things we should be doing to improve life choices, use of time, and help prepare us for our future… yes please! Today, on this milestone day in my life, I wanted to focus in on these important things and make a change! Do you want to take that step with me?
I woke up this morning with a very heavy heart and overcome with sadness, and when I needed it the most… God provided the perfect song to speak to me. Trust In You by Lauren Daigle. I have always loved this song, but today it took on a deeper meaning for me. All of the words touched my heart so much and it was exactly what I needed to hear, as a reminder to continue to put my trust in God.
Sadly, a dear friend of mine unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind a loving husband and beautiful little girl. It has been a very emotional and sorrow-filled time for my family and I, and everyone that knew her. I know God’s plan is always perfect, but in times of tragedy and loss, it can be hard to understand what He is doing. I needed this song and this reminder to continue to trust in Him, even in the moments where it seems too hard. ❤️ If you are going through a tough season or struggling to trust in God’s plan, please know that He is in control, even in the darkest moments, and His way is good.
Praying for peace and guidance for all of you today! God Bless! xoxo
Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I’ve tried to win this war I confess
My hands are weary I need Your rest
Mighty Warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You’re by my side
When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!
Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There’s not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less
When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!
You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation; the rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There’s not a place where I’ll go, You’ve not already stood
When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I don’t know about you but sometimes I feel selfish when I want to do something on my own, or for myself. But, Mommy’s need “ME” time. I am so set in my mommy-hood lifestlye that sometimes I forget that I matter too.
I always feel like if I go on a little getaway or even an afternoon out… without the family, my home life will crumble or a disaster will strike. Mommy’s, why do we do this to ourselves?! We do so much for our families and loved ones, that we too need time to rest, regroup and recharge. Don’t let the fear of ‘I don’t deserve a break’ or ‘I picked this thing called parenthood’, stop you from being you! God wants us to flourish right where He has us!
