Category: Uncategorized

Oh yes! It’s that time of year again! Hoodies can be worn in the morning and evening, sweaters will be coming out soon, pumpkin spice is everywhere, the decorations are going up, and golden rods are blooming making us all sneeze like we’ve got the ‘Rona. It’s fall here in the south. I’m in heaven, mostly.

My sweet daughter in law asked me the other day if I was alright. She was wondering if I was feeling depressed or something. I have dealt with anxiety and depression before so it wasn’t a crazy question at all. One of my worst bouts of depression I neglected to do some of my favorite Christmas traditions that usually give me abundant joy. As she pointed out that I hadn’t decorated for fall and it was September 19th already, I realized why she was concerned. You see, in our home, fall starts Labor Day Weekend when Dove season comes in. AND I LOVE FALL!!!!! But this year has been different, for everyone.

I can only say that the Summer of 2020 was interesting. With the Corona virus still in full swing and two new babies, we hunkered down and in for a while. Our old pool had been taken down and a new one ordered only to be delayed two months. It didn’t get put up til July 12th which made for a short amount of summer in my opinion. My husband and son went to Nebraska Labor Day weekend for a duck hunt and the girls, babies, and I went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. My husbands Grandfather passed while we were away so we went straight into funeral mode when we got back. Work, busyness, and life continued and no decor went up.

I stayed awake that night after my hubby went to bed. I reflected on things and wondered, “Am I depressed?”. Honestly, no, I’m not. I am blessed! But for the first time as long as I can remember, was not ready to leave the summer behind. I hadn’t gotten enough pool days, or nights. I hadn’t danced on the deck enough with the love of my life. I hadn’t had enough ‘rivah’ time, or boat time, or beach time. I hadn’t had enough TIME.

So today, the second day of the actual fall, with my house decorated (the other night before I went to bed), and a cool evening rolling in, I welcome you back. My dear, old friend. For years I have welcomed you even before you quite made it in and I thanked God for you. I do so again today, I’m so glad you’re hear and that God has allowed me another rendezvous with you. Time is now more precious and I’m going to enjoy every. single. bit.

Sorry y’all but I’ve just got to say it!!

HAPPY FALL Y’ALL!!!!

“Wait, let me stand behind you”, “this isn’t my good side”, “can you hold the camera a little higher so you don’t see all three chins”. How many of us do this to ourselves? Or do you just stay out of the picture all together? If it’s not just right then we can’t put it on any social media, you know, because! Because they might see that you’ve gained 20 Covid pounds, you know 20 from the 30 you lost last year and everyone noticed. Because it might show that you’re trying to go natural with your hair color even after the salons opened. Because, Because, BECAUSE!!! It’s exhausting!

My daughter took a picture of me and my hubby playing with our granddaughter. She asked if she could put it on facebook or instagram as she showed it to me. I said yes because any picture of my grandchildren is just perfect in my book. She said that she wasn’t sure cause my hair was a mess and she knew how I felt about that. I am a hairstylist after all. Let me add that I was also in an super, baggy shirt that was less than flattering on me but I’m smiling! Loving and living the moment! Get in the picture!

A couple weeks later, while vacationing at the beach, I had another one of those moments. I was taking pictures of the girls with the babies and the sweetest two women approached us to tell us how beautiful the babies were. They were so sweet and very encouraging to the girls with lots of kind and uplifting words. Then one of them turned to me and said, “Please let me take a picture with all of you”. I of course started doing the, “Oh no, its okay, blah, blah, blah” junk that I would never let one of my girls get away with so I did it! It was a sweet picture, one that I will remember and cherish! Later in the week I kept getting in the pictures. When ever I could! Get in the picture!

I don’t have a lot of pictures of myself from when my kids were growing up. I was the one taking many of them as well as hiding from the camera. I will not make the same mistake with my grandbabies. My family will look back on these pictures with love and memories, not judgement of my hair or weight. I will look at these pictures differently too. I will see joy, love, and a life well lived. I will thank God for these gifts and pray that these children will always know how loved they are. I also hope my daughters will learn from me that they need to always GET IN THE PICTURE!!!

Jenni

Its taken me a little longer than expected to finally put my thoughts together for this new venture. I turned 49 years old August 12th and decided this is the day! I am a Christian, first and foremost. I am a wife to my husband of almost 29 years (32 years all together), Momma to two precious children and their wonderful spouses and Grandmomma to my 3 month old grandbabies! Yes, you read that right, and not twins either. My daughter and son in law welcomed a daughter on May 4th and my son and daughter in law welcomed a son May 8th. Good times!!

So during this crazy time of a world pandemic my family grew!! There have been days I thought my head would spin off. Days I thought my heart was gonna break for my girls for all that they were missing with their first pregnancies. Having full on pity parties waiting for the days they’d be born while not being able to be there. Well those days have come and gone, we made it, and the babies are growing, thriving, and changing. They have ZERO cares about some virus in the world and I praise God for that!!

We all have the greatest relationships together! Its such a blessing! You will meet them all as we go along. I can’t wait to introduce you all to each of my wonderful family!