​These pants. I’m not big on black pants these days—they feel like they were part of my wardrobe as an administrative assistant and then occasionally a graduate student, and not now as a stay at home mom. They also feel like they need to be ironed and they collect dog hair. But I bought these at Target, and I’m in love with the fit, the cute retro-ish belt, and how I feel when I wear them. Thanks to A New Day for creating a great pair of black pants, and to Daniel, who made me laugh when he pronounced me Business Casual Jess once I donned my pair.
 
This article. Is it possible to have too many Jane Austen re-tellings? No!!!!!!! Check out this article for a list upcoming releases that are sure to melt your Elizabeth-and-Darcy-loving heart.

These flowers. Yesterday Raymond and I went on a little flower-buying spree at Home Depot, and in the afternoon I planted them with some help from Sam. Since we’ve moved to this house, I’ve been reminded of how restorative it is to work in a yard. I have felt calmer and happier under the effects of the sun and the work (hauling branches across a yard and down a hill to a brush pile has been unexpectedly enjoyable), and I’m taking a lot of pride in what I’ve accomplished. My husband—and others—do things like this all the time, but this is my first time really taking initiative with our outdoor space in a big(ger) way, and I’m loving it.
 
This vacation. Last week my family and I went with my extended family (step-mom, sister, step-sister and their families, + an aunt) to Hilton Head Island. We’ve made the trip for three years, and this was the best one yet. I tell myself that even if my boys won't permanently remember the specific details of the trip, they’re enjoying it now, and those feelings of happiness and safety and fun will become part of the general memory of their childhoods. We got in the hot tub and the pool, went biking, and played in the waves. I also stopped Sam from sliding headfirst down the stairwell, so another mark in the "win" column.
 
This article. [A few disclosures: I really like Joe Biden, and I think that he’s done a lot of good for a lot of people. I also think that he’s hurt people, particularly, as this article references, in the case of the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearing. I hope that we can continue to talk about past historical/cultural moments like that, and past decisions made, including those by otherwise largely well-esteemed progressives—so that we can figure out respectful, responsible, equal ways forward.]  With all that being said…I’m recommending this article because Lauren Duca’s work is incisive, it opens up my mind to consider something new, and for all its dry humor and facility with words, it’s caring. As Duca reminds us, there’s such thing as “making women uncomfortable” through touch while not committing an actual “crime” against them, and it’s something we need to think and talk about, particularly as we head into presidential election fervor. And also live life.
 
Other Things I’m Loving: wearing shorts and dresses and sandals (yay, Tennessee spring! Also, it feels hot already, and I can’t wait until I’m full on complaining again about the weather). Sam had the best time with his best friend in Hilton Head. Shout-out to his cousin, Hudson! They are maniacs together but also really cute, and Sam misses him when they aren’t together. And Raymond is talking more every day. He says “love you” and is trying to say all the words to “pat-a-cake.” He also says “no” a million times a day, with a special vigor that is annoying and somehow also cute.