Long overdue update that is just plain long. :)

My oh my, where does the time go? Is it really August 1st in approximately 1 day? Do I really still not have a job? Do I really feel the need to go get a very large Diet Coke before I go babysit this morning?

Answers: Who knows. Yes. Yes. And OH YES.

My poor blog. It has gotten no attention lately. I get a little frustrated with myself because I hate not being up-to-date on here, but life has just been so crazy lately. Not in a bad way, but my brain has just been taking in a lot of information, my heart has been making a lot of decisions, and my mouth has been doing a lot of talking about the things my brain and heart have been doing.

Even that sentence made me tired.

So in efforts to get myself up to speed, I will now present a not-so-short synopsis of my current living/work situation. I need to keep record so I can look back years (well hopefully more like weeks or months) from now and laugh at the craziness I once experienced. Good times, good times.

And just FYI, I will conclude this post with a picture of 2 little boys who are definitely not cute and/or adorable in any way.

Ok here we go.

Remember this lovely place?


Remember how I told you it was my new apartment? Ok, forget I ever said that. Just close your eyes, turn around three times, and hug a friend. That should do the trick.

Here is the (shortened) back story on that apartment you just erased from your memory.

Last January (so much for shortened version) I found myself in a predicament. My (very annoying) apartment complex decided that they needed to know by January 31 if my roommate and I wanted to re-lease. Well, that was real sweet that they wanted us and all, but I was just starting my last semester of school, still had no idea what I wanted to do post-graduation, and at that point (when 2008 was barely a month old), I did not have adequate time/mental resources to make a decision that would end with me committing to that apartment until July 2009. Call me crazy.

I mean it is hard for me to decide what I am going to have for lunch in a few hours.

Ok that's a lie. I'm having Subway. But still, I cannot be expected to make life decisions months ahead of time.

So we did not re-sign, and I continued on with my life. I went to class, I pretended to study, I counseled some kids, and I enjoyed my last semester of school.

Well it just so happened that at some point during that semester, I started getting this strong sense that I did in fact want to stay in Athens. It was just that familiar tug at my heart that told me God might not be done with me there. So I kept that in my brain and started trying to make the necessary arrangements.

For example, finding a job. And a place to live. Seems easy, right? Oh, if only.
It's not that either of those two things are all that incredibly hard. People obtain them each day. But as a young, single gal on the brink of educational freedom (hallelujah, amen), I found myself at a place I had not really ever been before. With school ending forever (here's to hoping), the next steps were not planned out, and the whole job and living situation became like a great big puzzle. There was no set map, and I was realizing with each passing day the enormity of the upcoming decision-making process.

Is Athens where God wants me to be? If so, where will I live? What do I want to do job-wise? How is this going to work? How can I use my education and experiences and passions? What about the money, my loan, and bills? How will I KNOW if this is right?

A lot of questions for sure, but I really kept the stance that if staying in Athens was indeed God's will for my life, I needed to pursue all types of opportunities and eventually things would work out.

So a little while later, when I ended up coming across a great apartment situation, I felt sure this was a sign that I really was supposed to stay in Athens. Through one of my professors, I met a family that had a carriage house behind their home that they wanted to rent out. They also wanted the person living there to do some babysitting for their two young children. Hmm, interesting. And then, when I told them I would not be able to begin renting until Aug 1 (because of my other lease), she said they would be willing to wait for me. For several months.

I'm telling you, signs all over the place.

Here I am the day I went to look at the apartment. I was taking pictures of the rooms to show my parents and decided to show them how I was feeling about the whole thing.

When my eyes get all squinty like that it means I'm happy.

So while I did not have a job in sight, I decided that I would go ahead and commit to this AWESOME carriage house apartment. The couple knew I did not have a job, and when they voiced concern about what would happen if August came and I was still unemployed, I (in all of my "this will work out because of all the signs" glory) said if that were to happen (yeah right, like I won't have a job!), I would find a way to honor my commitment.

Oh the foreshadowing. Oh the disappointment and tears to come.

Fast forward to about a month ago when it was becoming blatantly clear that I would not have a job come August 1. I had been looking and applying to things steadily, but nothing was turning up. I was by no means trying to get my dream job right off the bat, but it was hard trying to find jobs that I was qualified for/wanted to do/would sustain me/etc. But try as I might, no job = no money to pay for the what I thought to be the perfect, orchestrated-by-God living situation. To say I fretted about the decision that was before me would be an understatement.

It someone was looking to employ a fretter, I would have been hired on the spot.

I could not believe that I was going to have to call and tell this sweet little family who had waited on me for MONTHS and tell them that I was not going to be able to work it out. There was just no way it could happen at that time. I dreaded making that phone call, and was more upset by the fact that I would be breaking my word/disappointing these wonderful people than I was about the fact that I would not be living there.

I had been sincere when I said I thought God wanted me there, but if in the end He didn't I was fine with that. I just felt badly because it didn't just affect me.

But, I made the call because I am a big girl and that is what big girls do.

So, all of that brings me to last weekend when my parents, my dear sweet parents, came to Athens to move my stuff, it did not go to it's original destination. Most of it came home...

My stuff is taking over the world, one living room at a time.

Not everything came home, though. My bedroom furniture went to live with this girl, her husband, and their animal posse.

The fact that my dear friends Megan and Tyler have opened up their home to me during this period of waiting and trying to work things out job-wise has just cemented my belief that God's in control.

Who else would come up with a plan to give me friends that want me in Athens so badly, they will resort to having me as a roommate?

So, things are working out the way I planned or on my timetable, but lo and behold, they are working out slowly but surely. Yes, there are stressful days and emotional breakdowns are my friends sometimes, but Hope is still my BFF. I know things are going to be fine even when the pressure of wanting to make the right decisions, pray the right prayers, do what I'm supposed to be doing, and all the while desperately waiting to see it all come together take a toll.

But a girl's gotta pull it together, say a few more prayers, and be happy. These also help...


Ahh, the Ice Dream. I have never met a more appropriately named dessert item.

In conclusion (yay!), right now I am taking it week by week. Last week I was in Athens getting settled, working on some job stuff, and hanging out with Meg. This week I am back home hanging out with these two turkeys.


Camp Jenn Jenn has been in full swing for the past few days, as I am keeping these guys during the day this whole week.

Well, it was supposed to be the whole week, but interestingly enough, I won't be keeping the Friday because I GOT A JOB INTERVIEW Friday at 3 in Athens.

High fives all around for this news and for you reading this long update! Both make me very happy :)

Beachfest

It's hard to believe it, but Ash, the boys, and I have survived our second and final beach trip of the summer. When we got back into town early Friday afternoon, Ashley and I hugged and congratulated ourselves on another summer o' fun in which everyone arrived home alive and well and, dare I say, even cuter than before we left.

3 years ago when I ran into Ashley (a long-time family friend) coming out of Longhorn, I had no idea what was in store for me. I have come to learn that the greatest blessings are usually a surprise, and thus is the case with my relationship with this crazy little family.

3 years ago I just had no idea that I would have the EXTREME pleasure of watching two very funny, very spirited, and very adorable boys grow up. I also didn't know that I would form a very loving, very supportive, and very hilarious friendship with their mama.

I didn't know how many days I would pick the boys up from school, how many hours we would play outside, or how many stories I would tell them as they played in the tub. I could not have foreseen how much I would laugh, how much I would learn, and how much it would all mean to me. Not to mention how much I just love and adore them.

Totally didn't see that coming. And I know I'll reap the benefits of having them in my life forever.

Indeed, there were a lot of things I could not foresee happening as a result of that meeting outside a restaurant on regular ole fall night. I could type post after post about all of our crazy adventures and hilarious moments along the way. But there is one particular time of year when the gloves really come off and Ash and I take the craziness to the next level.

Oh yes. The beach trips.

For the past 3 years, starting when Will-man was a mere 9 months old and Brannen was (gasp) the age Will is now, Ashley and I have gone on 2 annual summer beach trips. The first is for her yearly conference for work, and the second is her family beach trip with her mother, 2 sisters, and their families.

As the years past by, the boys continue to surpass all levels of adorable, as well as get older and more independent. Thus causing the trips to just keep getting more interesting and fun.

Honestly, how could it not be fun when your traveling with these 2 little sugar cubes.

Family Beach Trip 2008 will go down in the memory books with all the rest, as we had tons of excitement. We enjoyed the beach, rode the boat, went out to eat, made a trip to ride the carousel when rain ran us off the beach, and laughed through all the moments of crazy as we worked to keep busy, hilarious, and spirited little monkeys (and ourselves) happy.


We saw the most smiles when we were covered by sand and looking out at the ocean. And the boys seemed to enjoyed it, too.


Will caught in a moment of beach glory.


Big B showing off his shoveling skills. I'm pretty sure we bribed him with candy to make him pose like this, but I promise he was living it up.

Will going down to get Brother some water in his bucket. If this picture had audio you would hear Will yelling for me not to take his picture. What is with these kids? Good thing they have cute little tushes and curly hair to divert my attention.

Will giving Brannen his input on the hole-digging process. This is a very serious matter, which can only be explained with extensive hand gestures followed by the obvious question, "Do you unda-stand dat?"

I think Homeboy just wanted to make sure there was room for all.

Once Brannen met Will's standards and succeeded with the hole, he moved onto drip castles.

Will concentrating hard on some sand related activity. If you see the tongue you know it's serious business.

It's definitely not all work and no play for these guys. Big B taking some time out to ride some waves. We were very impressed with his abilities to ride them in all by himself and the age of 5. Future professional surfer? Time will tell.

And we don't just bring the fun to the ocean. We take it into public, too.

I am powerless when it comes to this.

Will and his pretty mama.

The ice cream eyes. They practice it late at night when no one is around so they'll be ready at moments like these.

It's a tried and true method.

Also it's very important that when you get home, you make sure to chase the ice cream with chocolate milk out of a crazy straw. It's standard beach procedure.

Riding the carousel on our Rain Day. Too bad the horse did not enjoy it as much as the boys.

It doesn't get much better than when the "big boys" let you play board games with them at night.

I personally think it doesn't get much better than these faces, but that's just me.
Can't wait til next year. :-)

All over the place

So much (relatively speaking) has been going on in this world of mine over the past month or so as I continue on my quest to figure out my life.

It has proven to be no small task.

In addition to all the life figuring going on around here, I also managed a beach trip and a move in the past week and a half.

I'm just crazy like that, my good people. It's who I am.

I have tons of pictures of the the adorable little babes from our 2nd and final beach trip of the summer. It was actually my 3rd Annual Family Beach Trip with Ash and the gang. And let me tell you, it was full of all the joys and trials that come along with taking a couple of busy, spirited, and hilarious little guys out of their normal routine and placing them in a big house full of breakables, new furniture to catapult off of, and a 2nd story deck overlooking pavement with no railings.

Feed them candy for breakfast, and the memories really make themselves.

In addition to all of that, the boys found plenty of ways to entertain themselves outside of the house. For example: a good time can always be had whilst playing in the sand with your brother.


FYI: I had to use a beach shovel to scoop up all the sugar that dripped off of those little cuties during the making of this photo.

And no vacation would be complete without the friendly arguments over who gets to choose the morning movie.


Notice Will is not pictured. Guess who didn't get to pick and proclaimed, "I don't like Pee-ta Pan!" as he stormed from the room. Bless his little almost-three year-old soul. He's got attitude and he's not afraid to use it. And I'm not afraid to think all the dramatics are hilarious and beyond adorable. But don't tell Will that I said that.

I will deny it in a court of law.

I will have to share the comprehensive beach recap at a later date as I am short on time and have issues with condensing my words on things like that. I also have an update on my job and living situation. And I use the word "update" loosely in efforts to make sure I do not lead anyone to believe that there has been much progression.

There are some possibilities brewing and the living situation is working out great, but it is all still a waiting period with a lot of question marks. It's been an interesting ride so far, and I really can't wait to see how God works this all out.

Some days I am just the picture of patient. Some days I just bask in the realization that God loves me enough to teach me all manner of valuable life lessons while I wait for His perfect plan to unfold. And some days I just have tears.

It's a toss up, really.

But, this past weekend was way to busy for any of that tears nonsense as my parents and I came to Athens to turn this...


into this...

Saturday was full of blood, sweat, and tears. Well, minus the blood and tears. There was a lot of sweat though, as my daddy and my roommate's stepdad moved all of our (very heavy) furniture to it's respective new homes. I'm no meteorologist but I think Saturday was the hottest day GA has seen in the past year. Maybe the last 2 years.

Think FIRE.

But anyway, more to come on where my furniture landed. I will give you a hint though - when I walk out of my room, I could very well see this...


In conclusion, I would like to take this time to introduce my new friend.

I did not intend to purchase such an item yesterday. I even told Meg when we pulled up to Target NOT to let me buy anything that could not be worn for an interview type situation.

Simple instructions in my opinion.

Sadly, Target displays purses right as you walk in the door and no amount of preparation could have given me enough defenses to withstand the love that I instantly felt for this bag. I am very pleased with it as it covers all of the bases: cute, large (you can't tell by the picture but approximately 1 and 1/2 children and a cell phone can fit inside), and affordable.

SOLD.

If only making life decisions was that easy. :-)

Heading out once again!

I have been running around crazy all day packing up and getting myself in order for another fun beach extravaganza with these lovely people!


I'm not sure if I'll have computer access while we are gone, but if you check back and wonder what I'm up to, feel free to refer back to our last little vacay. I have a feeling it's going to look mighty similar.

Except we'll be missing the pretty girl pictured here on the left.


And we'll be adding these people. Plus their parents and some other stragglers.

Can we just take a moment to cry about how this picture was taken 2 years ago and how teeny tiny my children were.

:::::moment::::::

In addition, I hope we'll be adding this activity...

And I have a feeling I'll be doing another photo shoot on the beach for next year's Christmas card. Here are the little beach babes last year. If you need a moment to swoon concerning the adorableness of the button-up white polo shirts and khakis they are wearing, feel free to take it.


Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Date night with my boy

My Will-man and I had a date tonight. Brother was sleeping over at a friend's house, so I had the pleasure of having the curly blonde-headed one attached to me all night.

It was delightful.

We took a bath complete with a new bath time activity. Will Will's mama hooked him up with some crayons that you can use to color ON THE TUB.

BIG hit. And fun for all ages. At least up to 24.

After bath, we baked some cookies and settled in to watch a movie. The child tried to make sure that some part of his body was touching me at all times, which thrilled me to no end. I personally favored the position that found him laying on my stomach with one arm reaching up and curling itself around my neck, gently twirling my hair.

But that's just me.

Anyways, I didn't get any pictures from tonight because my camera was out in my car. Which wouldn't usually be a problem, but there was a massive amount of thunder and lightning dancing around out there. And I try not to make a habit of getting electrocuted while I have a 2 year-old in my care.

But that's just me, too.

Obviously me and my buddy just had the best time hanging out, having fun, and professing our love for each other--but what warmed my heart the most was the random and hilarious comments Will dished out along the way tonight.

*****

1. After we took a bath we were getting his pj's on and the storm outside was getting really bad. I was actually kind of scared (stay cool, Jenna, stay cool), and Will was acting a little concerned as well...

"I saw ligh-nin out dare!"

"I know it, babe. I saw it too."

"I sca-yerd." Bottom lip quiver.

"Oh my goodness! Well sometimes storms are scary, but we are just fine. But you know what, if we are scared, you know what we can do? We can pray for God to protect us!"

(We bow our heads, say a prayer, in Jesus' name Amen)

"I wish Jee-zuz was he-ya."

Bottom lip quiver (mine, not his).

*****

2. Later while watching a movie...

"Why is dey talkin?"

"Is dem sca-yerd?"

"Why is dey sca-yerd?"

"Do you know hims name?"

"Why hims do dat?"

(be aware all these questions were presented in a 15 second period)

*****

3. Sitting at the table eating his cookie with chocolate smeared all over his sweet face...

"Can I have a na-kin?"

"Well, sure buddy" (hand him the napkin)

"Thank you. (wipes mouth). Is dis good manner tables?"

******

4. Two random out of the blue questions at some point during the evening...

"Why did God send us pop-seeckles?"

and

"Do you like vee-hicles?"

******

5. Reminding me about his upcoming birthday...

"I'm gonna be gettin fa-ree in Sep-tender."

*****

Fa-ree in Sep-tender!? Does anyone know how to freeze children?

Grab a diet coke, this might take a minute...

Once upon a time, I was in a wedding.

It was arguably the best weekend in the history of the world. Or at least my little world. I laughed, cried, ran errands, enjoyed and hugged my people, looked on as two of the greatest people I know pledged their lives together, danced, hugged some more, wondered how I got to be the age where your best friends get married, enjoyed every last moment, and took 1 million and five pictures.

On Sunday, I parted ways with my people, drove to Athens, cried some more because it was all over, laughed to myself about all the funny moments of the weekend, went to hang with Meg and her gang, picked up some Zaxby's, prepped myself for an upcoming interview later in the week, and called it a day.

Speaking of the interview thank you all for the well wishes and prayers and for being interested in how it went!

Sweet, sweet, sweet.

I have to tell you that it worked out fine even though I didn't get the job. It's a long story but it wasn't the right thing for me and I sort of knew that going in. But, I walked on through that door, did my best, and in the end God closed it. Thus is life, my friends.

My hormones, on the other hand, were not amused. It was a fun week, let me tell ya.

I'll discuss the emotional breakdown and the subsequent high-powered job quest I have been on for the past week and a half at a later time. The following images are way to fun and beautiful to be inundated with any type of nonsense! I may not have a job, any money, or any clue as to what I want to do with my life, BUT....

I know what is important in life. And it's in the following pictures.

As so I now present to you, 10 days (feels like years) later...The Best Weekend Ever:

Remember this crazy scene that fun Thursday night?

Well, after all of Thursday's bag stuffing, ribbon curling fun, we were up bright and early to deliver all the bags. We had a few road blocks here and there, but by that afternoon every bag had been placed safely in the rooms of all Bri and Earle's guests.

Once we got back we spent a little time relaxing, hanging out with Earle, and getting ready for the big Rehearsal.

There I found my dear, delicate flower of a friend, Bri, waiting to practice walking down the aisle.

I also got to look at two of my favorite people/married couple, Kimberly and Josh. (to God) Dear Lord, you make some really pretty people. Thanks for letting them be my friends.

I think Earle was a little pumped up. Just a hunch. He also told me.

Because I feel hair is important.

Earle and Brittany praying before we got that party started.

Linnie, The BFF. Again with the prettiness of my friends, Lord! You're awesome.


With the bride
Because I think flowers are important (Bri's bouquet)

********

Rehearsal Dinner:

I didn't get a whole lot of pictures of the dinner because my stomach was infested with 800 butterflies due to an impending toast I was giving to my dear friends. Oh my lands, I was SO nervous. I'm pretty sure it was because I was planning on telling a story, and I was worried I'd go on and on and subsequently be asked to sit down.

You never know, it could happen. And I have been known to tell a long story or two.

Thankfully, the speech went great and when it was over, I could totally relax and enjoy the rest of the night in this lovely building.

Lin and Josh

Here I am with Stewart. My pastor, great friend, and wedding conductor. The man wears many hats. My favorite is the friend one. This crazy fellow is one of my greatest blessings!

The almost-newlyweds about to part ways for the last time as non-married people.

********

Wedding Morning!

We took over a salon in town the morning of the wedding. Hair spray, make up, and pedicures were in abundance.

Bri sitting in the pedicure chair getting a little massage action. Not that she needed it. She was cool as a cucumber.

Kara after her real massage. I think KK's exact words were, "that was the best 20 minutes of my life."

Bri opening her wedding day present from Earle that was delivered to the salon. It was a bottle containing a very sweet message in the form of a poem. This was a classic Earle present.

If this picture had audio, you would hear us all screaming for her to "read it out loud!" We needed more romance! We needed more sapp! We'd surely die without it. We've seen it happen.

Bri told us that sorry, but she would be unable to read it to us due to the tears. No big deal, one of the hair ladies was happy to read it over the loud speaker.

Then we were all crying like little babies. It was the best.

********

Wedding Prep:

Once we got to the wedding site, we all hung out upstairs and basically watched Brittany in awe. It was fun, amazing, surreal, hilarious, and sweet all wrapped into one.

The pretty bride getting even prettier. As if that were possible!

Just relaxing like it was any other day. No big deal.


Except NOT. Hello, someone in this room is putting on a wedding dress! Here we are supervising.

Aforementioned GORGEOUS/PERFECT dress.



Then it was time for the wedding photographers to earn their keep, so we headed outside to the wedding site to pose.

Here we are hanging around.

Time for some real pictures, my sistas. Line up like you mean it.

The "I'm getting married" face.

Last single guy kiss!

********

Reception (Party) Time!

First dance

Aww! Look who it is. Big Al and The Debster made an appearance. They had so much fun, which is not a surprise because they are party animals.


And, framer.


Ok, I am still having dreams about this cake. It was like eating a cloud. A cloud raining sugar and love.

And you think the bride's cake was good. Lin and I got ourselves a big helping of this chocolate masterpiece, and I swear I died and went to Heaven. How funny is this thing? Another classic Earle touch.

My dear girl Kimberly and me hanging out on the patio. If I look sweaty, it's because I was sweating. Profusely. Gotta love those hot summer nights in Georgia.

Because I think cute boys are important.

My mama!
My dear ole daddy.

My Merrywood Girls...

Wasn't it just yesterday we were here?


My fave.


********

The Morning After!

Lin and I decided that the only way to spend the Sunday morning of the best weekend ever was to eat at the Cracker Barrel. We are so wise for our 24 years.

Lin breaking bread. Then adding apple butter to it. She may or may not have licked the knife in order to savor every morsel. Don't tell her I told you that.

And what does a girl who has been spending the last 8 months trying to get a very beautiful bridesmaid dress to fit?

I may or may not have cried when I took the first bite. And the last bite. Don't tell anybody I told you that.

Well, it took 10 days to post this and probably about 10 minutes (feels like hours, I know) for people to read about it! We really did have the absolute best time, and I was just reminded 100 fold what a blessing it is to have friends like these in my life. Can't wait for the next one!

When busyness rains, it pours

Last Thursday marked the first day of Craziness '08, and now, a couple days post the most AMAZING wedding of all-time, I am still there.

I can't wait to post wedding pictures so I can display what a wonderful time was had by all, but I haven't had a chance quite yet for a couple of good reasons.

#1:

I've been asleep. The fun, the traveling, the love, the friendship, the tears, the joy, the helping, the excitement, the nerves, the laughing, the (many) emotions...it takes a lot out of a girl.

Not to mention...

#2:
I spent a lot of the weekend sporting this pose. That is a good thing of course, but it made for a LOT of pictures. While looking through the 400+ photos I took has brought me great joy over the past couple days (tears), it has been challenging finding time to blog it all out.

Usually, I would have PLENTY of time since my summer calendar has consisted of mostly blank pages with only babysitting and a few weekly lunch dates here and there to fill up my time. But...

#3:

I went straight from Wedding Central to Athens for a visit, and have been hanging out with this girl ever since!

I am in town for a job interview this morning, but decided to come a few days early to hang out with Meg and the gang.

This choice, it was wise.

We have had fun being ridiculous, hanging out at her new house, and riding around town visiting some of my old hang-outs such as Target, Hobby Lobby, and the Walmart Subway. Although Meg didn't go to Subway with me because she's not a huge fan. I know, how are we friends?

I have just learned to accept this character flaw, and love her for who she is.

Anyways, off to get ready to go to my interview! Hope y'all have a great Tuesday :-)