Jennifer Gonzales
Wife to my high school sweetheart, Ross, and mother to 5 children: Trip, Conner, McKenzie, Piper, and Sutton, I am a born and raised Southern Louisiana Lady. I am a graduate of Mt. Carmel Academy, received my Bachelor’s in English with a concentration in Secondary Ed. from LSU followed by my Master’s of Education from UNO, and for the past 15 years, I have been outwitting high school boys as an English teacher at Holy Cross School. When I’m not grading papers, driving to baseball practices, or making grocery runs, I can be found cheering on my LSU Tigers, cutting up with my girlfriends, and attempting DIY projects around the home. I’m all about sippin’ some wine during the sunset while the kiddos play in the yard and the hubby works the grill. I’m living my best mommy life these days and am always happy to share the journey with others!
Unique Ways to Thank Your Evacuation Hosts
So many of our neighboring regions have graciously opened up their arms, businesses, and homes to us over the last week due to Hurricane Ida. Without others’ generosity, so many of us New Orleanians...
Sometimes It Doesn’t Just Click :: Potty-Training Probs
“It’ll just click {snaps fingers} one day!” They said.
On the enneagram scale, I am a 3. I am a very driven person who loves to achieve her goals. I’ve been that way my entire...
That’s Not Self-Care, Boo!
It’s no secret that mothers are in need of self-care. We all know that in order to be the best mommy we can be, we must take care of ourselves, too – a notion...
{More} Unconventional Mom Hacks
Well, since my last hack article, I STILL don’t have time to deal with all the things life throws at me. So, I’ve continued to cut corners with a few more hacks and tips...
LSU Baseball :: More Than Just a Game
You don't need to be a baseball mom to know that LSU has a winning baseball program. I mean, LSU excels in many things, let's be honest, but its baseball program never disappoints. This...
I Didn’t Reprimand My Son the Way You Wanted Me To
I’m a big fan of play-dates. I think it’s important for my kids to build upon their social skills and to fortify those friendships that, for some, may last a lifetime. However, with all...
The Time I Lost My Toddler at a Football Game
“Jennifer! I lost Conner!”
“Wait, What?!”
“I lost him! He’s gone!”
“What do you mean you LOST him?!”
“He just took off and ran! I can’t find him! He’s gone!”
My world stopped when I got that phone call....
“Are Siblings Welcome?” :: 3 Birthday Party Etiquette Tips
Planning a child's birthday party is hard work. So much time, effort, and money goes into the process, especially during the early years when inviting an entire class from school is customary. Finding the...
Dear Joe Burreaux :: You’re Still Making Us Proud
Dear Joe,
I hope this letter finds you well, as I know my last one certainly did. What a year it's been! You've made us laugh, cry (tears of joy, of course), and beam with...
Don’t Take My Fashion Sense, Too!
“I don’t know how you’re wearing those heels!”
Man! If I had a nickel every time someone said this. I am THAT girl. I have always been THAT girl. In my mind, the occasion always...
My Son’s Class Has a Parent Facebook Group: Here’s Why I Love It!
Enrolling a child in school for the first time will give any mommy all the feels – good and bad. When I enrolled my oldest in pre-k4, I was excited, nervous, sad, and concerned...
No Gifts Please! {A Birthday Policy for My Friends}
Guest lists for my kids’ birthday parties are always an ever-growing task. There’s the obvious friends' list which includes my kids’ classmates or sports team buddies, and then there’s the understandable family list involving...
Dear, Sweetheart :: On Your First Day of {a Very Different Kind of} Big...
Dear Sweetheart,
You have made it to the first day of school, big kid school! You have waited for this moment pretty much your entire life. You have heard about this idea for so long;...
Cruising Motherhood with Four Kids: Why Four Has Been a Smoother Ride Than Three
“Are you done, now that you’ve got your girl?” Pregnant with my third baby (first girl), this question offended me. It bothered me. It always left me with a sense of lacking. Putting aside...