Just me

I love being a little different. Hence, new tattoo. It's ok if you don't like it, it wasn't for you.

I grew up desperately concerned with fitting in. I was always taller than just about everyone, had to wear boys jeans to get the length I needed, had big feet right from the start. Did I mention baby fine hair that wouldn't do anything? I started getting perms like in 3rd grade...

As I've gotten older I'd like to think that I've found myself. A huge part, if not all of the reason, was Josh. He loved me. He loved everything about me. It was kind of shocking, and definitely something that I wasn't used to.

I've come to the point where I actually kinda like myself. I still have days that I feel mannish and not girly enough, or not "sexy" enough, but there's a stronger voice in my head now that says "Hey Jeni, you are a really cool person." I try to listen to her a lot more now.

My daughter is a big inspiration to me. Although I was criticized behind my back for "letting" her be herself when she was younger (yes, I heard), I'm sure those people might take it back now... She's strong, she's an individual. She'd rather be quirky than "fit in". She shrugs off people that don't accept her because she knows what she wants. She isn't going tp give in to peer pressure because she has goals. We could all learn from watching her. She's so good for me. I've learned in part how to relax and be myself from her.

So, I guess I would challenge you to be who you are. Others won't approve, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. They probably don't get it yet. Hopefully they will some day.

And remember, Jesus wants us to love, above all else, first and foremost. That's loving people for being brave enough to live honestly, even if you don't approve.

So, as I clean my house today in my rockin skull pjs, admiring my new ink when I walk by a mirror, I'll wish for you to be happy too. :)

Hmmm

So I've decided to get another tattoo. This will be the 10th. I'm panicking a bit. It's a big step; a forever step.

But... I love my tattoos, I don't regret any of them because they are like a roadmap of my life.

Being bold with a one inch-er in college, the early birth of my nephew that spent two months in NICU, my first family inked together, courageous enough to give up the pixie, my marriage, the loss of a best friend and a dedication to never do what she did, my chosen family, my love for my sister....

This will be the biggest, most colorful. An expression of my heart song, that beauty is within and that's what I see when I look at people.

Yeah, I'm ready! Being it on!!

The simple life

I'm a simple girl. Example? I asked for boot socks for Christmas...

I would rather sit home and watch a movie snuggled up on the couch than go to a theater.

I would rather get something practical than blingy jewelry.-

I would rather go shooting than get my nails done.

I would rather buy thrift store clothes than step foot in a crazy mall.

I would rather have friends over for a BBQ than go out somewhere fancy.

I would rather mow my own yard than let anyone else do it.

I would rather clean my own house and take pride in its appearance than have someone come in and do it for me.

I would rather go to the park and run than pay a gym membership.

I would rather go tent camping than go to a fancy hotel.

I would rather have all the kids' friends over than have them somewhere else.

I'm quite sure I could go on and on, but I'm also quite sure you get it by now.

As much as I try, I'm a homebody that enjoys the simple things. I'm a stop and smell the wildflowers kind of person.

Me

I am changing gears with the blog, thinking about sharing more insights strictly from my brain. Eloquence, I cannot guarantee, but I do offer a glimpse into me... That was clever...

It's funny to me how views that I thought were so concrete in my mind have been modified so drastically. I am enjoying the wisdom that comes with age and the ability to see things more clearly. You may think me crazy, but it helps having teenagers.
My mind is challenged by their thoughts, and I chose to grow from them.

Do you glean from your children?