A recent WordPress prompt suggestion was “What jobs have you had?”
I was with Hadley at a dentist appointment recently, and I was telling her how my first job was at a dentist office, so this prompt is timely.
I got my first job when I was 16 and was able to drive. I was lucky because a family friend had a dental/orthodontist practice in our neighborhood and needed some part time help after school. Starting my junior year of high school, I worked 3-5:30 a couple days a week and then 8-12 a couple Saturdays a month.
At the dental office, I pulled patient charts, called for appointment reminders, organized insurance claims, answered the phone, and scheduled appointments. At first, I think I mostly just pulled the charts and made phone calls. As time went on, my responsibilities grew to other things and sometimes I even developed the pano x-rays and got patients ready to see the technicians. My freshman year of college, I stayed home for school, and I worked more hours at the dentist office.
When I went away to school my sophomore year, I worked at the front desk of the dorm that I lived in. The summer after my sophomore year, I babysat my cousin’s son. I really enjoyed that. My junior year, I still lived in the dorm and I was in charge of the front desk workers and worked the desk myself too. I can’t remember my actual job title, but I did get a single room paid for my junior year. The summer after my junior year, I worked at a church preschool with some of my friends.
My senior year of college, I worked for Missouri Athletics in the ticket office. I’d answer the phone, sell tickets, and work some of the games at will call. It was a really easy job and one I was able to do a bit on the weekends when I student taught second semester of my senior year. BONUS: while working the ticket office, I met Travis.
(Before working in the horse industry, Travis worked in college athletics. First her worked for UK, then Mizzou, and then moved back to Kentucky to enter the horse business. I moved to Kentucky after my second year teaching.)
After my senior year, I became a teacher…21 years later, that’s still my job!
What was the first job you had or your favorite job? Trav’s first job was doing landscaping in Louisville…I assume in high school. One of his friend’s parents had a family landscaping business. There are still some parts of Louisville we drive through and he points out the trees he planted. haha!
Anyway, I haven’t thought about my work history in quite some time! This was a fun walk down memory lane.
I’ve been looking forward to this post because I know everyone’s story will be different, and I can’t wait to read them.
While our journey to become parents wasn’t too long of a road, it did have a few twists and turns and bumps along the way.
We’d been married a couple of years when we decided to try to start a family in 2007, I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was always really private about it all. After about six months, I had an OBGYN appointment, and started medicine to help regulate my cycle and eventually started a low dose of Clomid. After six months of using Clomid as well as other medications, she sent me to a fertility specialist.
He was really nice, and I had other friends who had used him as well. The next step was a test/procedure called HSG. It’s where the doctor injects dye through the cervix into the uterus. This checks to see if the dye can move through the uterus and into the tubes. While this procedure wasn’t super painful, it also wasn’t pleasant. During that procedure, he did say the dye moved through my tubes but very slowly. He joked that the HSG test was like an oil change.
What I liked about him was that there was no pressure to jump into other fertility measures like IUI and IVF. He suggested a few more months of Clomid, and we’d go from there.
During all of this time, I was never really down. I had friends who had successfully started their families using IUI and IVF, so I felt like if we needed to do that, it would work for us too. Also, I wasn’t even 30 yet, so I knew time was on my side in that regard. That being said, there were a lot of appointments and medicines. I had a pocket calendar that I kept in my bathroom to track my cycle and medications and other things.
After a couple of months, I felt a little off…I was really tired. So, I took a pregnancy test, but it was negative. I remember feeling defeated a bit at that point. Then, it was Easter. On the ride home from Easter with Trav’s side of the family, I cried. A few people had asked when we were going to have kids, and it finally got to me. They weren’t being insensitive by an means, and I’d been asked those questions before, but it just got to me.
Well, a week or so later I was still feeling really off…so I took another test. I couldn’t believe that it was positive. So, while I was apparently “in my feelings” at Easter…I guess maybe it was hormones!
I was so excited, and showed Travis the positive test that morning. He was excited for us too.
I called the fertility doctor, and they had me come in for blood work. When the nurse called to confirm I was pregnant, she said my numbers looked “really, really…really good.” I thanked her and set up the appointment to see the doctor.
We went to the appointment the next week, and apparently I was so excited, that I misunderstood, and we were a week early! They still had me see the doctor, and when he walked in, he said, “Let’s see how many are in there!” We just nervously laughed, but I guess from my hormone levels with the blood work, he knew we were having multiples. Fun fact about Clomid: while taking it, the chance of having multiples is 5-10(ish)%…and we fell in that percentage.
As soon as I looked at the screen, I could see the two sacs. Obviously we were shocked. The first thing I wondered was if we’d have to buy them each a car when they turned sixteen. haha –I’m not sure why I skipped over things like sleepless nights, changing diapers, and more…
Since I was early in my pregnancy, only baby B (Hadley) had a heartbeat. He told us not to worry and come back in two weeks. We did, and baby A (Hayden) also had a heartbeat. We saw the fertility doctor one more time before being released to my OB.
We told family pretty early on, but waited a bit to tell others.
Throughout my pregnancy, we had many doctors appointments. One of my best friends was pregnant at the same time I was with a singleton, and she, I think, only had a couple of ultrasounds. We saw the kids at almost every appointment.
At our 14 week appointment, we found out that baby A was a boy and baby B was a girl.
Back then, there were no gender reveal parties…not sure we would have gone over the top, but feels like a missed opportunity for me to have a party. Haha
Whenever I see these sonogram photos (from later in the pregnancy,) I’m always blown away at home they really do look like the kids!
I also saw a high risk doctor throughout my pregnancy. My OB always sends pregnant women with multiples to a high risk doctor.
There was a point in my pregnancy where the high risk doctor had some concerns about Hayden. That was a stressful time for us…but especially for me. Around that time, we were meeting with pediatricians. The doctor that we felt the most comfortable with is who we still take the kids to. During that time in my pregnancy, when I felt stressed, both the doctors in the practice reassured us that they thought everything would be just fine.
I was due on December 18th, but by 36 weeks, I was so tired and Friday, November 20 was going to be my last day of work. Honestly, I was so excited for a week or two at home before the kids came…and we had big plans to go to a movie and Cracker Barrel for Thanksgiving the next week.
On November 19th, I wasn’t feeling great, and I finished up some things at school and called the doctor. They had me go to the hospital, and Travis took me. They checked everything out, and we were there for a couple of hours. They sent me home.
There was a basketball game on that Travis wanted to watch, so we picked up dinner and headed home. He said my car needed gas, but he’d get it in the morning…
Well, surprise…my water broke that next morning! We called the doctor, and I showered while Travis went and got gas in the car. I was exactly 36 weeks, and there was no turning back. We arrived at the hospital, and I had a c-section. Funny story — in the operating room, Travis had on the gown and kept mentioning how hot he was. The anesthesiologist asked him a couple of times if he was ok…and he said yes. I could tell he looked a little pale and told him if he fainted, I’d be mad…this was my moment. 😆
The nurse gave him some water, and he was just fine. The kids arrived at 12:08 and 12:09 pm.
Hayden was delivered first, and as soon as they showed him to me, I got tears in my eyes. He looked like Travis from day one. When Hadley was born, they only showed her to me briefly…and then rushed her off to take care of her. Travis went with them while the doctor finished with my c-section.
I could tell that something was going on with Hadley. When they said their weights — Hayden was 4 lbs 7 oz and Hadley was 4 lbs, I remember thinking that couldn’t be right because at my 34 week appointment, they were estimated to be over five pounds.
While in recovery, Travis and the NICU doctor came to see me, and they said both kids were doing fine, but Hadley would be in the NICU for 12-14 days.
I could probably write a whole post about those two weeks when she was in the hospital and we were home…but I need to wrap this up.
We stayed four nights in the hospital, and the kids were reunited for a couple of photos before we headed home.
I always wish we had a family photo in the hospital, but we finally got one when Hadley came home, thirteen days later, on December 3rd.
It’s so crazy to think they were ever this little.
I received quite a few “bless your hearts” when we were out and about. 😂
If I thought I was tired back then…
Oh…the things I could tell that new mom now!
This post could have been so much longer, but I’m typing it really late on Sunday after a really busy day….Hadley had two dance recitals, so we were gone most of the day.
If you wrote about how you became a mom, we hope you’ll link up with us.
Also, I’m pretty sure my “target audience” is in the throes of motherhood, but please know that I know how it feels to want to start a family and be a mom when it wasn’t necessarily easy. I always have extra prayers for those who are struggling with infertility.
Next month we are sharing Top 5 Favorite Family Activities
Make sure to check out the other ladies’ posts! Have a great week.
I know I’ve had a really great life. I’m lucky to think of only a few times in my life that were difficult for an extended amount of time, and they really do pale in comparison to what others have gone through.
With some of these blog challenge topics, I just go with what pops in my mind first and write about those ideas.
Here are a few difficult times that came to mind…
When we moved…
When we moved, I was in the 8th grade. To my parents’ credit, they were trying to give my brother and me a better life in a great school district and bigger house in a wonderful neighborhood. Well, try telling that to my thirteen year old self.
Also to my parents’ credit, since we’d only moved about twenty minutes away, they let me finish out the year at my previous middle school when really I could have started my new school in March of my 7th grade year.
Middle school years are just weird anyway…and then I was a new girl in a new school missing my friends.
I “rebelled” in a sense and refused to play volleyball or run track like I did my 7th grade year. I just decided to not come out of my room and just be miserable…and probably made them miserable too.
My brother was only in 5th grade, and made the transition to a new school better than I did. I kind of think boys have an easier time anyway….and he was younger.
By 9th grade, I settled in, branched out, and made friends. I think freshman year helped because it was a fresh start and many ninth graders were coming from a couple of schools.
That being said, being the “new girl” did stick with me through the years. To this day, I pay close attention and try not to let anyone, whether it’s my friend group or a student, feel left out. Due to a hectic season of life, we don’t have people over like we used to, but it’s always hard for me to know when to stop on the invite list. Again, I don’t want anyone feeling left out. Also, even as an adult, sometimes I still feel left out, and I’m sure it’s not intentional on anyone’s part. At least I don’t think so. Ok, I will stop spiraling now. 😆
Anyway, it all turned out for the best, and I had a great high school experience, made great friends, and learned a thing or two about starting over. I’d say those lessons helped me when I moved to Kentucky as an adult after living in Missouri my entire life.
Starting a family…
We struggled to start a family. I’ll probably talk a bit more about this more in June’s Not Just a Mom post, but…it took a couple of years, many doctors’ visits, medicine and more to have Hayden and Hadley. I kept it all really private because that’s just how I am. I didn’t want anyone to worry about me. It was a lonely time though.
After we had the kids and tried for a third, it took even more doctors’ visits and even stronger medicine to get pregnant again. Then, I had a miscarriage which was obviously difficult. Truly, after that, when I look back on my infertility struggles, the time (and the years following) after the miscarriage was the hardest.
I was never able to get pregnant again, and eventually I had to move on. The cost, physical discomfort, mood swings, along with having two little kids got to be too much for me to rationalize continuing on that journey. I felt like I was letting go of a dream which was sad for me. I’m a type A goal setter who usually achieves what I set my mind to …so it was hard feeling like a failure.
I realize I wasn’t a failure, but I think most who go through what I did know that feeling.
It’s hard not to have a happy ending after a traumatic loss like that. Sometimes that kind of grief is hard to shake even after all of these years.
Job transition…
When I left my former school to move to my current one, it was a difficult decision. I was really close with my department and had great friends there. I knew it was best for my family for me to work closer to home and in the same district as my kids, but I guess that decision did impact some friendships.
Then, that first year in my new school was really hard. It was year 15 for me, but I was in a new building that was double the size of my former one. There were times I truly felt like I’d made a mistake. It was the hardest year of my educational career, and I even thought about quitting. That being said, the next year was one of my best in my teaching career, so I’m glad that I stuck with it. Plus, the years following led me to my current interventionist position, and I’m definitely grateful for that.
This was kind of a “heavier” blog post…sorry! That being said, this is another reason why I’ve enjoyed my “self-imposed” blog challenge…It’s pushed me to write about things maybe I wouldn’t have otherwise?
Tomorrow, I will have a more light-hearted Friday Favorites post.
I’m continuing with my *never ending* Blog Challenge today. I really have enjoyed looking at different topics!
I left off covering topic #18, and today I’m writing about #19 and #20.
19. My worst habits
Well, I’m a worrier by nature. I do think I’ve gotten better at worrying less as I’ve gotten older. That being said, now I think I worry about “bigger” things rather than “smaller” things. I guess with age you do learn not to “sweat the small stuff,” but I sure do worry about other bigger things…Also, how can you have kids and not worry?
Also, I am type A in most aspects of my life, but I can procrastinate on things that I don’t want to do…and it’s usually small things like put away a stack of papers, pack a suitcase, or tidy up my closet.
Lastly, I play with my hair a lot. It’s a nervous habit that turned into just a bad habit!
20. Where I want to be in 10 years…
Retired. 😆
Seriously.
I’m finishing up year 21 in education, and I really don’t see myself going past year thirty. The “practical” part of me even likes the “math” of it…At the end of my 30th year, the kids will be 22 and graduating college (assuming it takes them four years). So, we can all check off big milestones.
I’ve loved my time in education, and it’s been the perfect job for me. I’ve learned so much, met so many great people, taught so many great students, accomplished so much professionally and more.
Could I get to that 30th year and decide to go one more because it will make my pension better? Yes…and I just might. Our retirement system has changed a bit. It used to be 52 years old and thirty years gave you a pretty optimal pension, but now I think it’s 55 (or a combo of age + years if you started teaching later). I know more and more people who are retiring at 27 years which is when you can start getting a pretty good pension. I have a few years in Missouri, so my thirty years would be 27 if I retire then.
But, for me, 30 is the goal. Then, I will be ready to do whatever I want…whenever I want!
I was just talking about the first day of school with some students. Even in August of 2020 when we started the school year virtually, I still went to school and sat in my classroom. I’ve had a first day of school in a classroom for over 40 years! I didn’t want to end the streak.
I’m not sure what I will do when I retire, but it would be nice to have more free time and do what I want. I sure hope Travis and I have raised good, productive kids who are ready for their own bright future, so we can enjoy ours (but be there for them whenever/however they need us to be). I’ve always dreamed of spending the month of February somewhere warm, travel a bit more, not be in a rush to drink my coffee in the morning, and more. I think I would be open to subbing. I honestly didn’t think that would be the case, but the money is good, and of course you can pick and choose where you go and whose classroom you sub in. After my mom retired, she worked at the public library. That sounds like something I’d enjoy as well. We’ll see.
I still have eight years go to, but I’m proud of myself for sticking with education even during some really tough years. I’ve earned two Master’s degrees, had various classroom jobs, held leadership positions, and more. I help provide for our family, and have modeled for my kids what it’s like to have a career and balance home life as well. It’s been the best decision for our family. Plus, I get the extra time at home with the kids on breaks and in the summer.
I know students sure have changed my life for the better, and I hope many can say the same about their time in my classroom.
Year 1 to year 21 sure escalated quickly!
I hope your week is off to a great start. It’s been a busy one for us, but I hope to be back with two more posts this week.
Today, I’m continuing on with my “Blog Challenge” and answering…
Prompt #11…
Most Proud Moment:
Not sure if this means a time I was proud of myself or proud of others, so let me tag all the bases…
That being said, per usual, it’s difficult to write about myself, but my first thought was that I was proud of myself when I finished my second Master’s degree…
I completed it in about a year and a half while the kids were really young. My school was a part of a grant, and I had less than two years to complete the Reading Specialist degree that went with my literacy specialist job. I didn’t have to have the degree, but the tuition was free and the program was all online. The kids were two to three years old during that time. There were many late nights where I’d write papers and submit assignments through those years. Travis was Super Dad during that time too. I always think about the opportunities I’ve had in my career thanks to my two Master’s degrees. They’ve opened a lot of doors for me, and I’m grateful that I took the time to complete them when I did.
Also, I was proud of myself when I made the decision to move to my current school. I knew it would be hard to say goodbye to a school I was at for 12 years with so many wonderful friends and then start fresh in a very established school. That being said, I knew it was the right call for my family. The kids were just starting school, and I needed to be on the same schedule as them in the same district. An added bonus is that my current district pays more and the drive is less. The first year was a major adjustment, but the second year was much easier. The years are definitely flying by…it seems like yesterday that I started there!
Moving on…
I’m constantly proud of Travis. He’s a hard worker and is just an all around good guy. He continues to work hard for our family, and has really accomplished so much in his career. Everyone who knows him know what a great person he is, and they always tell me so. I joke that it’s hard being married to someone who is so perfect when I’m a hot mess. lol
Of course, I’ve been so proud of him for coaching cross country both at the kids’ school and for the club team. As his wife and also as a teacher, I know he’s making an impact on so many kids’ lives and he doesn’t even realize it. That’s the best kind of teacher.
Also, of course I’m proud of my kids. Parenting is such a tough job, and they aren’t perfect. We’re doing the best that we can, and so are they. That being said, I see them interact with their teammates, support their friends, use their manners, and try their best, and I’m proud of them for that. I’m grateful that they’ve stayed true to friendships and know that it’s important to be inclusive, and that’s come really naturally to them. Also, they’ve both gone through things, especially Hayden, that haven’t been easy, but they’ve persevered. I hope they always know how proud we are of them.
I didn’t have a lot of time for this post, so these are just my quick thoughts…
How was your week? Ours was pretty good. I feel like we are finally back in a pretty good routine after break…it always takes a few weeks to get back on track.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea and Erika for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Y’all, for the first time ever, on a Friday, I don’t have much to share. I mean, we did things…but I didn’t really document. Hadley tried out for a club volleyball team and is excited about her team.
Hayden had his first 7th grade basketball game, but I only took a few pics and they are mostly blurry. Oh well. I try to just enjoy the game most of the time anyway.
I thought I’d do something a little different and share some of my favorites.
I feel like this month I’ve shared a bit more about only me thanks to the Bloganuary challenge and my other blog post topics…so let’s keep that going, I guess.
I saw this on Pinterest and thought it looked fun!
Favorite gum: I don’t chew gum.
Favorite candy or treat:My sweet tooth is a real problem. I love a mini snickers or scoop of ice cream.
Favorite emoji: I feel like this one is pretty much on brand for my life right now: 🫠
Favorite color: My house is mostly gray, cream, and hints of light turquoise
Favorite ice cream: Mint Chocolate Chip (and peppermint during the holidays)
Favorite breakfast: cream of wheat
Favorite store or brand: Besides Amazon, I love Target.
Favorite season: FALL!
Favorite dinner: pasta!
Favorite dessert: Rice Krispie treat
Favorite sport: I love watching most sports…college basketball and NFL are usually my top two. I love watching Hadley play volleyball. I love watching Hayden run. I love having an MLB (KC Royals if I can) game on in the background while at home.
Favorite activity: reading (and napping. haha)
Favorite way to spend a Saturday: not waking up to an alarm, watching my kids play a sport or activity, spending time at home
Favorite song: Luke Combs’ Going, going, gone
Favorite subject: English (obviously)
Favorite magazine: People
Favorite book: too many to count!
Favorite band or music: country
Favorite flower: peonies or hydreangeas
Favorite team or player: Chiefs
Favorite restaurant: y’all…I love Jason’s Deli for something quick. As far as a family restaurant, I love Puccini’s, and for a nicer restaurant, I love OBC Kitchen and Carson’s. (all local places)
Favorite place(s): San Diego, CA, Siesta Key, FL, and Charleston, SC
Favorite movie:The Parent Trip (original)
Favorite game: Wheel of Fortune on tv, but as a family I like most any game except Taco, Goat, Cat, Pizza
What are some of your favorites?
Favorite Mom Meme:
Relatable, right?
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
2014 …the first time the kids went sledding. We had that red saucer until last year…it was the best on the snow…until one of them ran over a big rock! #bigkidsdoingtricks
Weekly Recap:
I’m on a roll posting in January thanks to Bloganuary.
What are your weekend plans? We have no real plans tonight or tomorrow night. Hayden has a race on Sunday, and then we’ll cheer on the Chiefs. Let’s hope Mahomes’ ankle holds up. #fingerscrossed
I will have a post tomorrow too. I’m joining the Share 4 Somethings link up, and then I might as well share a Bloganuary post on Sunday to round out the month.
Confession: Instagram is my favorite form of social media. Instagram stories are what suck me in …and sometimes reels.
Anyway, over the past year or so, I’ve started to follow a few educators who are mostly English teachers, and today I’m sharing a few of my faves to follow.
Momfessionals:
@momfessionals:
I read Andrea’s blog every day and have for years. She’s a busy mom of three, and a middle school math teacher at a Christian school in McKinney, Tx. On both her blog and social media, she shares about her life, her family, her home, and her classroom. She occasionally shares lesson ideas, teacher tips, and classroom organization. She will share “Doodle Town” coloring pages too! Both her blog, and her Instagram are fun to follow!
Update: Coincidentally, Andrea has a Teacher Tuesday post up today too!
Educator Andrea:
(@educator_andrea)
I’ve been following Andrea for about a year. She’s a public high school English teacher in the San Diego area. Her reels are so fun…she often shares classroom scenarios and how they differ at the elementary, middle, and high school level. She’s so sarcastic which I can appreciate, but it’s evident that she cares so much about her students and is creative in providing them with a variety of learning opportunities. I actually earned my last PD hour this year when I joined her online session, and heard her chat about “Connection and Culture in Secondary ELA.”
Her website has digital resources and merch. She’s even on Cameo! Anyway, I always enjoy her stories and teaching advice that she shares with her followers.
My Teacher Face
@myteacherface
Dr. I is a hoot! She’s been an English teacher for 30+ years. Her reels as “teacher 1” and “teacher 2” are so funny. She says she’s been both teachers at some point, and I can probably say the same! She also has the coolest light up board behind her when she shares the reels. She put a strip of LED lights in between the border and uses the remote to make the board different colors. I just thought that was a fun idea.
The Daring English Teacher
@thedaringenglishteacher
Christina is a HS English and Journalism teacher. She shares so many great lesson ideas like engaging end of novel activities, goal setting, prepping for a sub (her sub binder is 100!), and writing tasks.
Laurencella
@laurencella
I just recently started following this account, but Lauren is a History teacher, and her reels are so funny…especially the “Gen Z Teaches History” ones.
The Caffeinated Class
@thecaffeinatedclass
Marie is another high school English teacher, and I’ve only been following her for a little bit. She also shares resources like bellringers and other units too.
I want to check out her “Brave New Teaching” podcast next.
Cool Miss P
@cool.missp
I started following Miss Phillips when I saw her reel (which was really popular) of her 2nd graders arriving to school, and she has them look in the mirror share their affirmations. She has so much energy and makes learning so fun for her kids too! My kids would have loved being in her class!
Also…
While I’m on the topic of teaching…one of the WordPress Bloganuary prompts is: What was your dream job as a child?
Long story short…I always wanted to be a teacher. Literally…no other backup plan.
When I was a kid, I would often play school. I always loved setting up my “classroom,” lining up my stuffed animals and Barbies as my students, and writing on a chalkboard.
I remember when I was old enough to help my mom grade papers. She’d hand me a red pen and let me grade spelling tests and worksheets.
My mom taught 7th grade Language Arts for 31 years, and she spent many of them in the classroom next to one of her best friends who was a Reading teacher. They would slide open the divider wall, and co-teach when they could. Besides wanting to be an English teacher, because of them, I knew I also wanted to help students in reading. I now have a Master’s in Literacy and a Reading Specialist degree.
Also, I always had wonderful teachers, but especially amazing English teachers. There wasn’t an English teacher I didn’t enjoy in both middle school and high school. I even remember my 9th grade English teacher who was hard core! She had us all memorize every preposition and then we each had to stand up in front of the class and recite them in alphabetical order. I’m sure most of my classmates can’t say the same, but that paid off for me in the long run. haha
Anyway, I was one of the only people I knew who didn’t change their major in college. I even have college friends who majored in Education, but left the profession after a few years. Honestly, I can’t say I blame them. I had those same thoughts a few times in my early teaching career….and I do think it’s a more difficult profession now for many reasons. It really is a rewarding profession, and thankfully, I’ve been really happy in the classroom with my intervention work the past few years. This is my 21st year and while I’m not counting down, I don’t think you’ll see me in the classroom past year 30…but we’ll see.
I noticed on my WordPress home page, they have “daily writing prompts” — I don’t think this is the same as Bloganuary because these are different than the daily suggested topic emails.
Anyway, one of them was: write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc., so that’s what I’m doing today!
I know a bit about my name, but for a “refresher,” I hit up babynames.com
My dad chose both my name and my brother’s name.
Well, “Jennifer” is currently #493 in U.S. births. Guess what number it was in 1980? …#1. (and for few years after that) When I was younger, I would occasionally wish my name wasn’t Jennifer since there were always a few in class with me. My dad would say, “Well, how was I supposed to know in January of 1980, it would be #1 for the year!” 😂
He chose my brother’s name, Connor, after reading the book Trinity. At least Connor was a more uncommon name. It didn’t become more popular until later.
In 21 years teaching, I’m pretty sure I’ve never had a Jennifer in class, so clearly it has fallen off in popularity.
In high school, my friends started calling me Jen, and that kind of stuck with most. A few family members still call me Jennifer and so do people I don’t know. And…I’m Jen with one ‘n.’ I figured if I was going to shorten it, might has well have the one ‘n.’
some other facts:
Origin: English
Meaning: fair, soft
Jennifer is originally a Cornish version of Gwynhwyfar
**I just learned that the name became more popular after the main character in the novel and movie Love Story in 1970.
Famous Jennifers: Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Aniston
While I’m talking names…
*update* after reading this post, my dad called to provide a few edits 😂 Apparently, he liked the Celtic version of Jennifer which means: white wave. *My bad.
Naming your kids can be difficult and even more so when you are a teacher. There are definitely names that Travis suggested that were an immediate “no” because of a kid I had in class.
Honestly, I didn’t really have a list of names I liked before I got pregnant. The only name I really thought we might use was Harper. I love that name, and it’s a nod to the great Harper Lee. Travis said, “no.” I was annoyed.
Once we found out we were having twins, I did have a few combos in mind: Cooper and Carter if we had two boys, but I also liked the name Hayden…and liked the combo of Hayden and Cooper. Travis loved the name Addison, and I liked Ainsley. He was kind of iffy about Ainsley, but I think he would have gone with it. (As you can see, Travis almost had stronger opinions than I did about names!)
At around 14 weeks, we found out the twins were boy/girl and for a couple of months, we really thought we were going to go with Cooper and Addison. I remember that people had opinions which surprised me. I’ve never really thought twice about what others name their kids.
Anyway, the summer of 2009, I started watching a reality show called “Southern Belles Louisville,” and there was a girl on there named Hadley. I’d never heard that name before, and she was a sweet girl. I just mean if she was an antagonist on the show, I probably wouldn’t have liked the name. I mentioned that name to Travis and he liked it but wasn’t all in. I told him to watch the show for a bit, and he ended up liking it.
Then, we decided to double down on the H’s…and go with Hayden and Hadley. Again, I remember people wondering about the name “Hadley,” but I really liked it.
The kids’ middle names were easy…we used both of our dads’ middle names. Hayden is Hayden Joseph after my dad, and Hadley is Hadley Rae after Trav’s dad.
So that’s how their names came to be!
I can’t imagine them being anything other than Hayden and Hadley now.
Anyway, I just thought that was an interesting topic to share…and now I have a little history on my name and the story of their names to look back on with this post.
What’s the meaning behind your name? Did you like your name when you were a kid?
Happy Saturday! I’m keeping up with the Bloganuary prompts…
One of the Bloganuary prompts this week was …what’s a color that fits your personality and why?
Y’all, the first thing that popped in my mind was gray. 😂
I didn’t think of gray because I’m moody…well, not moody all the time. Haha
That being said, my personality isn’t outgoing/bubbly like I think yellow would be. I’m just more mindful, cautious, conscientious. You know, gray.
I just try to blend in. I guess I could have been khaki as much as gray. I don’t need to stand out or be “loud” like bright pink or red, for example. Gray is more subtle, and I think I am too.
I’ve always just kind of hung out on the peripheral until I’m comfortable in a situation whether it’s at work or in a friend group. Once I’m comfortable, I reach out or speak up.
I feel like gray goes with everything. Gray can go with navy or khaki but it also matches bright colors too. So, I think that kind of goes with my personality. I’m adaptable and can fit in wherever…but on my own terms, I guess.
I feel like there’s a lot to “unpack” here. 😂
What about you? I think this is so interesting. What color fits your personality and why?
Recently, Amy shared her “best of 2023” post…and it got me thinking…
…I should try to do a better job appreciating the “little things.”
When the kids were little, we’d always ask them about the best part of their day. Unfortunately, I feel like that has fallen to the wayside. Instead, I feel like I’m always asking about grades and schoolwork. I need to be more intentional with asking them about the highs and lows of their day.
Anyway, I try to take a moment in the morning to think about the day and set good intentions. I fail a lot at this, but I remind myself that I’m trying.
It goes without saying that I’m grateful for the health of my family and friends, a lovely home, a rewarding job and more. It’s easy to think about the bigger things for which to be grateful, but there are some other “little things” that do help make life a bit easier.
One.
Cozi app.
I’ve shared about this app a few times, but it’s been a great way to keep all of my family members organized. If my kids are old enough to have phones, then they are old enough to take responsibility for due dates, test dates, and knowing their sports/dance schedules. The Cozi app has been perfect for keeping all of our family members “in the know” and on the same page.
Two.
Grocery pick up.
Kroger Clicklist continues to be a life saver for me. Groceries are still an effort, right? I have to make a list (or add to the Kroger app throughout the week), check our inventory, meal plan, place the order, pick up the order, and unpack the groceries. Thankfully, I usually get help unpacking the groceries, and at least I’m not spending an hour or more in the store every week too. Honestly, because I do grocery pick up (and have since 2015 at least!), I really don’t mind running in the store mid-week for a few things if needed.
Three.
My Kindle.
Kindle – what’s better than reading a good book? I do love to hold a book in my hands, but I also love the convenience of my Kindle. (The library’s Libby app makes it easy to check out books, and the Good Reads app makes it easy for me to track what I’ve read.)
Four.
Quiet time in the morning. This is must for me and a good way to start my day.
Five.
The scent of a good candle. It’s simply the best. I have a shelf in the hall closet with my candles, and there are quite a few that I rotate. That being said, if we are home, I’m probably burning at least one fave.
As I put up my Christmas decorations, I realized I was missing the glow of the Christmas lights. So, I ordered a set of LED flameless candles from Amazon, and they are perfect for a cozy vibe.
Six.
Picking my kids up from school. I always wished that I was able to pick them up in elementary school, but when I did, it was always more special, I guess. With our schedules now, middle school starts after the high schools start. So, that means they get out after I do. Most days, I pick the kids up from school when they don’t have sports or other activities going on. I like being the first one they see after school if I can help it.
Seven.
Sleep….and all the things that help me get a good night’s rest – I’ve loved my weighted blanket for years. Then, about a year ago, we bought mattress topper that gives the bed some extra fluff. I don’t travel without my sound machine, so of course that means I use it every night. Bonus – OLLY Sleep melatonin when needed. One gummy…that’s all I need. It’s legit.
Eight.
A cup of coffee in the morning. A few months ago, we got a Keurig and Starbucks Toasted Graham is my favorite. I look forward to that first cup of coffee every morning.
Nine.
An impromptu night with my friends. Last Friday night, I was already in my pjs, but got a text from a friend asking if a few of us wanted to come over to hang out. We all love a charcuterie tray, wine, and some good laughs, and it was a nice evening. Sometimes I feel like every hour of our lives is scheduled, so it’s nice when a night with friends comes together on a whim.
Ten.
Slippers. I am a slippers girl. I officially have three faves and these are my newest ones. They are soft, and I love that my feet don’t get hot in them.
*Some of these are modern conveniences thanks to an app. YAY 2023!
Honestly, as I got to #10, I realized I could go on an on a bit longer…goes to show that I should pay attention to “the little things” a little more often.
What’s a “little thing” in your life that you appreciate?
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