An old hobby

Back in my mid 20's I got into scrapbooking. The other day I was cleaning out a closet when I ran across my old scrapbooks. Of course I had to sit down and look through them. As I looked through one I had cut out all different cards I had received over the years. Tears  rolled down my face as I read through cards. The hardest thing was seeing words of wisdom and notes from my great aunts who passed away this fall. I'm so thankful to cherish their sweet words. Then I came across words from my Big Mama and Mama Smith which just made my heart beam. Next, I came across a letter from my Pop. He had written me a letter the day I graduated college! Tears rolled down my face as I read it. His words of wisdom and love from my Pop are priceless! 

Even though I've stopped scrapbooking I'm so thankful I took the time to make a card scrapbook. 

                             Thankful for the memories!

                         Jenn

                      An Excellent Read

Last week Lori posted a picture of a book she was reading. Fight back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg, it immediately got my attention. You see I have had some friends go through some hard times lately. Sometimes it's hard to find the JOY in the circumstances you are deploring with. This book encouraged me, gave me tools and strategies to help others, but most importantly reminded me to fight back with Joy, and the power of prayer. I could not put this book down it is an easy read with short chapters. She used a huge trial and shared her story how she fought with joy! This is such a reminder of how we need to fight back with JOY! 

One of my favorite parts  was at the end when she gives a play list of songs!

I know some of you are going through some tough times but grab this book and be encouraged! 

If anyone has any other book selections I would love to hear them!

                           Finding the JOY,

                                  Jenn 

I'm not a Writer..

I'm not a Writer...

A few years ago, I was encouraged to start blogging... Well I was really good about writing for awhile.  Then I took a break...

Recently, Ive run into friends that say they have missed my blog.  If you know me to sit down and just write is hard bc I'm constantly on the go.  Now I can blog on my phone which is super handy. I write what comes to mind and might erase a sentence 10 times before writing the sentence. 

My reason for blogging are:

letting family and friends keep up with my adventures!

To encourage someone who might be going through a tough time

To bring joy and laughter to others

I apologize if I ever ramble.

I'm just a girl enjoying the adventure! 

Blessings,

Jenn

I'm Thankful...

I'm thankful for God and that he is working in my life, even when I cant see it.

Lately I have been given lots of opportunities to be thankful for so many blessings, like reuniting with sweet girls from college, and other friends at various stages of life.

I'm thankful my Uncle Charles is healing from open heart surgery.  He's handling it like a CHAMP.

Im thankful for the opportunity to teach students especially 6th grade Science/SS. 

I'm thankful for opportunities to build relationships with former parents and students!

I'm thankful for a team of co-workers who encourage, bring laughter, and make a difference in the lives of our students daily.

I'm thankful to be apart of sweet friends upcoming weddings.

I'm excited that Dec is coming and we are adding the sweetest addition to our family(just a little bit longer Kristen before you deliver sweet baby girl!! 

I've been blessed with amazing friends to make some incredible memories.

I'm thankful for my family that they are constantly encouraging me and my support system.

My parents have set many examples before me and I hope that I can be an example and serve others. I'm beyond thankful for their serving hearts!

I'm VERY thankful for my BIG MAMA- every girl needs a Big Mama.

I'm thankful to see prayers being answered!

I'm thankful God is at work!

I'm thankful for time off to spend catching up with friends and family. 

I'm thankful for the adventures that are to come!

Blessings,

Jenn

Right on Time

Recently I had a coffee/tea chat with a friend after school it was a last minute opportunity.  It did my heart so good to chat because she just gets me. Maybe its because she is an only child to!

I received some messages from several college friends that I have reunited with, they just happen to be going through the same stage of life as me. It's truly crazy how our paths have crossed and it has been the biggest blessing to me.

One of my favorite workout partners and I have started working out again. This has made life more enjoyable but its nice to lay out our hearts of what is going on in our lives.

Then a group of girls who I have had the pleasure to do life with have all of a sudden gotten back together. My heart is full. We have laughed together, made some crazy memories, and have prayed together. We have loved one another through really good times, and been there to wipe tears off each others faces during very difficult times. 

As always RIGHT ON TIME these girls come back together. 

Once again I'm reminded how blessed I am.  

At work I have been blessed with amazing co-workers who make work FUN and students who are Amazing.  

Today, I am reminded how everything happens right on time.  God's Perfect timing. I trust that and cling to it.

Im thankful for the peeps he has brought in my life at the most PERFECT time!

Blessings,

Jenn

I

 A Weekend of Firsts                         Football and  Lazy Dog

I've been to a lot of football games but never to any in the rain.  On Friday night after several delays it was time for kickoff. Literally played one play and then the sirens went off. So we had to leave the stadium. Then  Zachs game started at 9:00. It was a memory in the making with Becky, Gma, Nancy, Chris, and I. We were prepared for all the rain. Zach got to play after he's been recovering from an injury. He played until the last few minutes of 3rd quarter then reinjured his leg. I was very impressed with the opposing teams players. They came over and checked on Zachs re-injury. It rained the entire game! My fingers were so pruny, no dry bone on my body, but to watch Zachary play his heart out for the game he loves was all worth it.  

On Saturday night Elizabeth and I met up at the Lazy Dog in Addison. On the patio ppl brought their dogs to dinner. The dogs were all so well behaved. The food looked delicious. We just wanted desert to split. Let me just say that they had so many options. The prices were not bad at all! I will be going back there again! It was such a fun place. 

                             Making memories,

                                Jenn

A Weekend of Firsts

                   A Weekend of Firsts....

I've been on a roll since school started of trying new things to the point it's pushed me out of my comfort zone. 

After our fall picnic at school on Friday evening I drove down to my friends Elizabeth and Pavis apt. They live in uptown so we walked from their apt with a group of friends to the Aurora event that was happening. The streets were packed with so many different things. 

So the firsts begin:

* going into the Nasher

* free showcase work by artists from lots all over 

* AT&T Performing Arts center 

* DMA

While in the DMA I added a words of wisdom to a board, created a puzzle, and chose a tile to color to recreate a piece  of artwork to the wall. If you know me I'm by no means an artist but really enjoyed coloring my tile and adding it to the wall. We went and listened to live bands playing outside. My favorite was listening and watching the  digital shoe on certain buildings.

Sorry the pictures went in crazy order. 

The next first for me was on Saturday:

As you know Brooke and I love an adventure. This was a memory I'll never forget! From the moment we walked in till the time we left. 

I had won free tickets to a concert!

My first time to see Taylor Swift.. It was the best concert I've ever been too! 

It was my first time to stand holding a sign at a concert the majority of the time. 

My first time meeting Taylor's mom! 

We didn't meet Taylor but we will never forget this memory.. 

Here's what I've learned don't be scared to try or do things you may not have done before because you're scared you might not be good at it. 

I'm learning there are other firsts I want to do now and I can't wait to write about these adventures! 

                              God Bless,

                               JennSmith