I Need Your Help!!

Okay ladies, I need your help! Since I'm coming up on 100 followers, I want to go all out and spruce up my blog. As I have shared with you before, I am blog designing illiterate and I really do not have time to learn how to! And let's be honest, I really don't want to spend hours trying to figure it all out!

So I'm looking for someone fabulous to design my blog! The whole shebang! Buttons, cute links, perfect signature, fancy schmancy profile picture....everything! I need some recommendations from you ladies! Do you design blogs? Do you know someone who does? Please, let me know!

And speaking of coming up on 100 followers, I'll be doing a giveaway once that happens! Help me reach 100 so you can have a chance to win something amazing!

Thanks lovelies!

xoxo, J

Oh How Pinteresting and Other Lovelies

Before I participate in my all time favorite link-up, I want to share with you a little find that has brought me so much happiness. It's sad, really, how happy a cute shirt makes me! Recently, I went to Kohl's with Justin to buy some jeans that he'll be wearing in a wedding later this summer. I walked past an adorable cream, lace dress that was on sale!!! Unfortunately, they only had an XS and an XL left, and since I won't fit in either of those, I walked away with my head down. I hit up another Kohl's to see if I could find the same dress in another size, but with no luck, I ended up wandering around. I came across Lauren Conrad's line and absolutely fell in love with this shirt! And, to make things better, it was on sale! I love a good sale!! It's probably the main reason I love this top so much.

Shirt: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's // Jeans: Forever 21 from Plato's Closet // Gladiator Sandals: Forever 21 // Bracelets: H&M and Forever 21

Don't mind the blue stains on my bracelet. The toddlers painted with watercolor and it, obviously, got all over the place. I don't know why I insist on wearing nice things to work.

I'm also really excited about these Madden Girl Banterr Sandals! I found them at TJ Maxx at half of their original price! You can call me Ms. Bargain.

Okay, so now on to the most important thing... OH HOW PINTERESTING WEDNESDAY!!!

 Link up with Michelle to join the fun.

This weeks theme revolves around DIY projects that I love! And let's be honest, that I'll probably never actually do! Maybe that will be my mid-year resolution.

{old pallet art}

 

{headband holder made from an oatmeal canister}

 

{doily lamp}

  

{window pane picture frame}

 

{aluminum luminaries}

 

{canvas wall collage}

 

{front door wreath}

 

{gift in a jar}

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo, J

You Might Be Surprised to Know

So the beautiful Erin and Lacy tagged me in this fun post yesterday. Here are 10 facts that you probably didn't know about me...

(1) You might be surprised to know that I'm not a natural blonde. Well, at least anymore. I was a blondie growing up until I was a Freshman in high school. The rest of my family are brunettes. I got my blonde locks from my dad, who grew up blonde, but his hair turned brunette around the same time I did. I once went brunette for a few years because I felt left out from the rest of my family.

Who doesn't do an Irish jig with their brother?

But that wasn't a good look. Believe me! I'll always be a natural blonde deep down no matter how dark my roots get.

(2) You might be surprised to know that I danced for seven years. Ballet, tap, jazz... I did it all! The part I don't like to tell people is that I started when I was two! But I did dance in two Nutcrackers, and let me tell you, I was pretty awesome. I danced at a studio that was run by a husband and wife who both danced at Juilliard. When we moved, the dance studio wasn't nearly as great as the one I had been dancing at, so I stopped. It's the one thing I regret most. I loved dancing and really wish I would of continued.

(3) You might be surprised to know that I'm terrified of spiders. I can't even look at them without feeling like they're crawling all over me. Something with eight legs and who knows how many eyes can never be trusted. If there is a spider in my room, I can't even kill it. I scream and watch it like a hawk until someone else comes and kills it for me. Disgusting little creatures.

(4) You might be surprised to know that I'm allergic to everything under the sun. Nuts, mold, cottonwood, dust, grass, horse hair, dog saliva, cats (even though I live with three), and probably more that I'm missing. I was blessed with all of my parents bad genes.

(5) You might be surprised to know that I hate confrontation. It makes me sweat and my face gets all red. I would rather be angry and keep quiet than confront someone. This is something that I've been working on! It's really important to be able to stand up for myself now that I'm getting into my career. Baby steps!

(6) You might be surprised to know that I'm really particular about my bed sheets. It drives me crazy when they're not tucked in. My entire body needs to be covered equally with a sheet, blanket, and comforter (if needed) and if it's not, I obsessed over it.

(7) You might be surprised to know that I'm ADD. I've never actually been diagnosed, but I'm almost positive that I am. For example, I shared with you all that Justin took me to the driving range this past weekend. There were numerous occasions when I was getting ready to hit the ball but was suddenly distracted by a chunk of grass laying too close to my ball or a car driving past the golf course. It's ridiculous how distracted I get.

(8) You might be surprised to know that I am the biggest eavesdropper ever. On mine and Justin's first date, he took me to a restaurant...the best place to eavesdrop. He thought I wasn't into the date because I seemed distracted but really, I was really into the awkward conversation going on between the teeny-bopper couple next to us.

(9) You might be surprised to know that I am OBSESSED with Michael Jackson (RIP). He was THEE King of Pop and one of the most amazing entertainers in the world. Sure, his personal life was a little sketchy, but his music is amazing. My cousin and I are so obsessed that we pre-bought tickets to his movie This Is It. Amazeballs!

(10) You might be surprised to know that I absolutely hate milk. Think about it. It's white, you can't see through it, and it gets chunky when it's old. BARF! Once in high school I watched a documentary and it talked a lot about milk cows and all of the antibiotics they use to counteract the puss that gets into milk because the machines used to milk the cows irritate the utters. So now when I think of milk, I think of puss. Yum. Enjoy that glass of puss!

I'm supposed to tag 10 other lovely ladies, but I'm running out of time. So please, forgive me! Happy Tuesday!

xoxo, J

Warning...THIS IS A RANT!

I've had something on mind that has been frustrating me lately. And what better place to rant (other than on the phone to Justin) than here in Bloggerville! If you don't feel like listening (a.k.a. reading) my angry rant, feel free to click on that red x...I won't be offended.

The topic for this rant: RESPONSIBILITY! What the h e double hockey sticks (remember when it was cool to say that back in second grade) has happened to responsibility and accountability these days? Yesterday's event put me over the top, hence my need to rant right now.

There is a three year old boy (sweetest thing you'll ever meet) in my class. I'll refer to him as Z. He has a rare genetic disease that has caused him to be delayed developmentally, so in the morning he goes to a Special Education class at a Head Start Program, and then we transport him to our school for the afternoon. Today, when the bus driver came flying up the driveway, I knew something was up. Z was bleeding profusely from the mouth and, when awake, looked like a zombie. According to what was told to our bus driver, Z fell off a slide at his other school and busted his lip.

Okay, sure, I can see how that happened, but there also is something else really wrong! Z was super delirious, not to mention the blood down his chin and on his shirt.

Like any normal human beings, my supervisor and I decided to call 911 immediately. The paramedics were there within minutes, since they're right down the road from the daycare. They tried to wake Z up...nothing. They were even lifting up his eyelids, shouting in his face (which also happened to be my face since I was holding him) and if that doesn't wake someone up, I don't know what does. Since he was breathing, but otherwise non-responsive, they concluded that he definitely had some type of head injury. My heart dropped to my stomach and I may or may not have gotten teary-eyed, especially when they took him out of my arms. I'm such a mom!

But thank the good Lord, once they put him in the ambulance and began stabilizing his neck and spine, he woke up and started crying. At first I was worried, but the paramedic reminded me that crying is a good sign! It means he most likely doesn't have a head injury. Being the most adorable toddler that he is, the good guys gave him a teddy bear and he went right to laughing and giving high-fives. They still took him to the hospital, just to be safe, and concluded that he had received a minor concussion. I was so relieved!

All of this to point out: WHAT WAS THE OTHER SCHOOL THINKING?!? They stuck him on the bus, delirious and bleeding without so much as an accident report. They are responsible for caring for him while he is there and report any and all incidents that occur. And what will they receive from all of this. A big slap on the wrist. A "next time you should do this."

I see a lack of responsibility and accountability in our parents as well. They receive free daycare through us, but they are not required to do anything. Oh, you don't want to work? That's okay! You don't want to get an education? Sure, it's your life! You don't want to participate in the Parent Day's offered at your child's daycare (which you get for free)? Don't worry about it! Just sit on your ass all day long and we'll hand you anything you need! Ummm...really?

As a parent it is your responsibility to:

• bathe your children regularly
• clothe them in weather appropriate attire
• teach your children how to respect authority and adults
• not neglect or abuse your child
• help them get ready for school in the morning (no preschooler should have to wake up and get dressed in time to get on the bus...ALL BY THEMSELVES)
• be involved in your child's education
• do whatever needs to be done to meet your child's needs -- especially if they are special needs and require additional support or programs

It's sad that I see all the above with the parents and children that attend my daycare. Listen, I completely understand that there are circumstances that make it unbelievably hard for people to provide the essentials for their family. The circle of poverty is often times impossible to get out of. All I'm asking is that they try! Responsibility, people! Things in life are not handed to you!

I'm tired of there being no responsibility. No accountability. And I'm so tired of seeing innocent children suffering because of it.

And to all of you super mommy bloggers - thank you! It is because of you that these beautiful children you are raising will have a better life than so many around us. There isn't an award big enough for you. You all are beyond amazing!

And that is my rant. I'm sure it was all over the place, but I feel better now! And thank you to those of you who were troopers and read all of this.

xoxo, J

Take Me Out to the... Driving Range

This past Saturday, Justin finally took me on a date to the driving range. We've been meaning to go for quite some time, but haven't been able to go. Justin loves golf (or anything athletic) but I've never played - putt-putt doesn't count! So I was anxious to get out there and learn to play real golf, so we can have another activity to do together. And let's be honest, I want him to take me to a golf course so I can drive the golf carts around!

To prepare for this big event, I reminisced about watching some of my favorite celebrity couples golf together. The first being Nick & Jessica. (Please, let's not talk about the fact that they're divorced because I'm still sensitive about it. I watched their show religiously. I was devastated when they decided to call it quits.)

And then there is my all time favorite celebrity couple. Giuliana and Bill! (I once made Justin watch a G&B marathon so we can work on being just like them.) But the "all powerful" world wide web let me down with this one. How is there absolutely no pictures or video clips of this?!? But if you're an avid G&B follower, you remember this episode!

I went into this whole thing hoping I was a natural. First swing, and it would be perfect. Well...not so much. Good thing I had a great teacher!

 

 

I was well prepared for the driving range. I walked into that place and everyone looked at me like danggg that girl is so athletic! I guess people don't know that real golfers wear skinny jeans and sandals. 

It was windier (yes, that's a word) than a tornado and I forgot to bring a bobby pin, hence the hot mess that is my hair. 

 

I mean, look at that form! It look's pretty similar to Tiger Woods', am I right?

Justin said I did great for my first time ever at the driving range, but I think he's supposed to say that. I think I sucked! I get really, really angry when I can't do something well from the very beginning; I need instant gratification. This is why I try to not participate in anything athletic. I'm super competitive deep down, but I hate that I'm not athletic! I had to refrain from throwing my clubs on the ground and shouting curse words across the driving range. And now I know why Justin get's so cranky when he doesn't do well after a round of golf!

I'm itching to get back to the driving range because it's driving me crazy that I'm not a natural! I'm not sure why I thought I would be a natural since there really isn't an athletic bone in my body, but I was hopeful.

It's necessary to get better so that whenever Justin takes me to a golf course, I can beat him. That will be the day! Is it too aggressive of me to practice in the front yard every day after work?

I can't wait until the day they ask me to compete in Masters.

xoxo, J

Week in Instagram

I hope you all had a great week and a great weekend! Sunday nights are always a little depressing, but it's a perfect time to review the previous week in pictures! Follow me on Instagram! You can find me at jenna__anne (that's two underscores!)

 

 

Pool day with some family and lots of pineapple for Memorial Day! That first picture is of my uncle's palm tree that he is so proud of. He talked about it at least twelve times while I was there.

 

I absolutely love when my kiddos cling to me, but it breaks my heart when I know there is a reason behind it. It was a rough week at the daycare. I will never understand parents who abuse and neglect their children. Unfortunately, I see that a lot with the kids I work with. But that's why I have a passion for at-risk youth. All the more reason to love on them!

 

This bundle of preciousness said my name for the first time ever this week. It filled my heart with so much happiness! Dang, I'm so obsessed with my babies!

 

I love my running shoes. 

 

The places you'll find babies. So strange.

 

 

J took me to the driving range for the very first time. I obviously was a natural. I mean, look at me! More about this lovely adventure in tomorrow's post!

xoxo, J

Friday's Letters

 

Dear Weekend, you have no idea how happy I am that you will be here in a mere 8 hours. Dear Week from Hell, ADIOS! You caused me way too much stress and a few emotional breakdowns. Dear Parents of my Kiddos, I'm literally 5 seconds away from punching you all straight in the kisser. It's not much to ask to take care of your children. Get your acts together and stop causing me so much emotional turmoil! Dear Rain, Go away! You know how much I hate you and the fact that you've been raining foreverrr now means it's time to stop. Dear Macbook Air, I want you so bad. But I need to refrain...just for now! I promise one day soon(ish) you will be all mine. Dear Charlie, you are the biggest diva of a cat that I have ever met. You were high-maintenance before, but since coming home from the vet, you've been acting like a straight up prince. You're lucky I love you. Dear Blog Friends, thank you for being so great all the time! Your sweet comments brighten up my day. And I love that you all entertain me on my lunch break with your hilarious posts. Starting the blog was a great decision! Dear Scentsy Lady, STOP E-MAILING ME! I'll get back to you when I get back to you! (I'm a salespersons worst nightmare.) Dear Agency, thank you oh so very much for a raise upon a raise, back pay for a month and a half, and a paid holiday! You've made this girl very happy. Dear Justin, well aren't you just the best boyfriend to ever walk this planet. Thank you for always cheering me up after a sad day at work and making me the luckiest girl ever. (Cue the "awes" and "gag me's"

Have a wonderful weekend ladies!

xoxo, J