Wow, has the Christmas season snuck up and it’s moving fast! I wanted to share a couple pics since I haven’t done a personal post in a while. It’s now been 7 mos. since my X moved out and 3 mos. since the divorce was final. Recovery is still happening and I’m starting to wonder if you ever fully recover from divorce with kids? You probably do, but I had a double whammy because a month after my X left, my dad had a major stroke. 6 mos. later and he’s just beginning to use a cane rather then a walker or wheel chair. He’s lost over 50 lbs. and if anyone has been touched by a brain injury you know it just takes a while to get back to yourself. I’ve not shared this because my dad is extremely private but recovery is well under way and I’m beginning to see him come back to life. I actually think this has been harder then the divorce! As of now, things are looking up. It’s hard to explain but while married I was very isolated. I was overwhelmed in social settings and even going to a school function for my daughter would leave me exhausted. These days I’m at her school all the time, I’ve joined a bible study and have aspirations of becoming more involved in my church. I’m also feeling more open to the future and a little less squeamish about future relationships. I’m in a good place to be honest. AND let me tell you-not living with a man is NICE. As I write this, I’m sitting on my flannel bunny sheets that are ridiculous and prefect all at the same time. Even though my Friday and Saturday night date with Netflix is getting a tiny bit old, I still get to pick my own movie and if it’s Practical Magic AGAIN, no one is gonna say a word! Ahhh, priceless for an introverted only child like me! Plus, my girls need me home and truly, they are all that matter.
So, in true Jenni Raincloud fashion, I’ve said way too much but oh well. I share because I want to be open and honest and I also know I’m not alone-Some of you need to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I know a few of you are feeling me on the Practical Magic/bunny sheets thing!
One huge highlight is that we got 2 new kitties, Max and Rosie. Some of you may have read that we lost our kitty a few months ago. She was incredibly special and WOW it was such a loss for the girls and I. Weirdly I felt that we needed to replace her immediately. I just couldn’t deal with more loss and neither could the girls. Sofie and I, on a whim, ran to Pet Smart and there they were-brother and sister black kittens. I seriously did not want 2 cats-we already have one but there was no way I was going to separate them and I’m so glad we didn’t. They are the sweetest kitties and have truly lifted are spirits with their hilarious kitty wrestling and adorable personalities. I was a cat lady with 4 cats before getting married so why not take the title again?
This is such a hodge-podge of a post I might as well go ahead and share a couple of Christmassy moments around my house. I’m quite proud of my O HOLY NIGHT banner and that damn elf on a shelf is going to be the death of me. Seriously every morning I have a heart attack trying to quickly move her around in some clever way before the girls get up! The little creepy carolers were my grandmothers and are just a staple around the holidays.
This year there will be a lot of disjointed events for us but my X and I are coming together for Christmas morning-thank you to a wise reader who encouraged me to keep Christmas morning together for the girls. What I’m most excited about is my oldest being home for over 2 weeks! We’ve got no plans but a lot of relaxing and movie watching!
So, from my family to yours, We hope you have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Lots of hugs, Jenni
I enjoyed reading your update and seeing the adorable pictures of the girls and new fur babies. Your eyes look beautiful and happy 🙂 get out there in life and enjoy yourself with continued confidence! I’m gift giving this year some fun small size girl bundles with a few of your amazing recipes! Thanks again for sharing with all of us! Merry Christmas to you and your family and Wishing all a Happy New Year and continued recovery to your Dad! Time heals many things and I pray you have a nice morning with your girls and are able to come together for their sake. My parents after some time were able to do it for their kids and now grown grand kids having great grand kids a few times a year for the last 46 years and it has meant a lot.
Thanks for sharing your life lately post. It’s good for the soul and helps us as readers to relate to you. I’ve been purchasing some products to make some of your skin care recipes and I’m excited about what the new year holds! So…thanks for sharing your recipes and wishing you and your girls a Merry Christmas and the Best New Year!
Melanie! Hi! Thank you so much! I’m glad for supporters like you! I hope you had a good Christmas and Happy New Year!
Wonderful post, Jenni! You look happier in these new pics. The kittens are adorable (and so are your girls, of course!). I’m happy that things are falling into place for you. And I have to ask…what nail polish is that? Love!!!
Elizabeth! Hi! Thank you! The nail polish is Ruby Red from Sinful Colors (Target)!
Single can indeed be fulfilling. Black cats are my fav, especially the males. I too have litter mates, one male black, his sister is siamese color with ice blue eyes! My last cats, RIP, we’re not related, but these have never been seperated, and got them from a feral cat rescue!
You are blessed as I could never have children. The holidays are a strain for me being alone, but I am blessed and thankful.
Thank you for all of the great things you share with us.
God bless, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Julia-I agree with you all single being fulfilling! And black cats are the best, these 2 crack us up constantly-we got really lucky!
You are so right-I am truly thankful for my girls. I hope you holidays were good-I’m pretty glad Christmas is over-this time really tends to exaggerate the good and the bad. Happy New Year!
I really enjoy hearing updates on your life I’m truly rooting for you. You got this !
Thanks for sharing !
Kay!! Thank you so much!
I just stumbled across your site the other day while looking for some info on making eye cream/skin serums, and I am hooked! What great ideas you’ve got, such beautiful packaging and photography, not to mention your lovely family. I was drawn to your personal story as I can relate to the struggles you have been facing recently. You obviously have a great sense of self, family and ambition to make your dreams a reality. Looking forward to digging through your older posts and following you in the future. Thanks so much for a helpful and honest blog!
Heather-Thank you so much!! You’re so sweet to say this, I appreciate it!