a very nanney easter

Despite the fact that my sinus infection flared back up and I had to study all weekend, we managed to squeeze in most of our annual Easter routine….all except dying of the eggs and making our coconut lamb cake—so maybe it wasn’t our usual annual Easter but it was Easter none of the less and thankfully, Easter isn’t about any of those things.

to check out last years Easter montage, click here.

and click here to see what Easter means to me (also from last year). 

Happy Easter!

xoxo

Jen

spring break 2012

As you can see, I had a fantastic spring break. Being at the beach for a few days was unexpected and wonderful. I enjoyed spending the time with both my brothers.

But I sure did miss this boy! 

I must say though that it’s good to be home. Ready for St. Paddy’s Day adventures all day tomorrow!

I hope you enjoyed your week whether it was a fun week or just an ordinary week. 

They really are what you make of them anyway.

life without facebook

After my leave of absence from facebook, I can tell you a few things that have drastically changed:

1)     I get WAY more school done during the day (and evening)

2)    I’ve gone to bed almost an hour earlier every evening

3)     I pay almost 100% more attention in class. I’m not tempted to get out my phone and mindlessly fidget with it wavering back and forth between facebook and/or twitter.

4)    All the “chatter” in my mind is more calm

5)     I’m glad that I don’t know what you’re doing today. And I’m even more glad you don’t know what I’m doing or where I’m going.

6)    I’ve had many more phone conversations and made more attempts to be fully present with the people that are actually IN my life (not on a screen)

7)     I feel less dumb

8)    I’m reading a lot more at night

9)    I’ve had more time to pay attention to what’s actually going on with me—instead of ignoring or evading things I need to be looking at.

10)                         I feel more “healthy” all the way around

I don’t know why it took me so long do to this. I’ve known I needed to do it for a while.

I hope your Lenten journey is one of thoughtful reflection and focus on why you do what you do. Why you believe what you believe; what changes you want to see in your life long-term; what’s keeping you from living the life you’ve always wanted to live.

In other news...

I made a brief trip home over the weekend—literally less than 72 hours but it was so wonderful to see my mom and dad—and of course my little nephew—who is almost 2!! This time I could really tell how much he’s grown. He’s talking more and his little personality is blossoming and let me tell you—he is ALL boy! That boy could play outside for 24 hours if we let him. He loves all our animals (by the way, we are now back up to 3 dogs and 3 cats! We haven’t had that many animals in years. My poor mom and dad)!

And now it’s back to the real world for me. The next two weeks at school are going to be the most hectic yet. We are getting ready to cram in a second round of tests before Spring Break—and while I’m maintaining a very B average this semester, I need to do well on these so I’ll have a little leeway going into our finals.

I have to tell you, I’m really ready to be done with this first year. The past few weeks I’ve realized how tired and worn-out I am of just my regular routine. My daily routine starts somewhere around 5:30am every morning and I usually never get into the bed before 11pm. But the end is in sight. Thank goodness. 

Blessings to you and yours!

With a full heart,

Jennifer

adieu sweet freedom

Our month long break is officially over.

 School starts back tomorrow and although this break has been absolutely amazing—I am ready to get back in routine, ready to learn more, and very excited about seeing my classmates!

This was the first time in years (probably about 6) that I've had a break this long.

 I’ve always been either working/schooling or both. And for once, I literally had 4 whole weeks free. Bizarre.

I hung around Jack town for a week after classes were over and did a lot of hanging out with this lady…

Spent the next week and a half in the Queen City mainly because of this guy…

And I also enjoyed spending a lot of time with this guy…

(and these guys)

Attended several Christmas parties…

Spent 3 days doing absolutely nothing…

Spent 5 days at a Monastery in Batesville, MS to welcome 2012…

Ran the Mississippi Blues Half-Marathon with my brother…

And finally, I got to spend my last week of freedom back in Jackson visiting with lots of dear friends that I don’t get to see often enough during the school year.

I had the pleasure of dining at Parlor Market 3 times during my break. Each time was supremely superb…

(the above desert tray was made by our very own, Lydia Grey Gamble. Do go visit her at Parlor Market. She makes the best sweets in town.)

I’ll sure miss these long breaks when I’m no longer a student.

That may be why I maxed out my 4 weeks…

But I’m ready to hit the books again……

I’m gearing up for my 30^th birthday in a few weeks… that feels a little strange.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season and are keeping those resolutions you made 8 days ago…

I’m still working on my second post about all that I learned at Magnolia Grove. 

And so now I’ll bid adieu to the break from responsibility…

Good-bye Freedom! See you in May!

What did you do over the holidays?

How did you spend your break?