Q&A | Mom Struggles, Life Regrets, Making Friends | Spring 2019

[@88lakeshore]

Please don’t ever delete your myhousewifelife channel. I love going back and watching your old vlogs it truly brings me such happiness:)

[@RissLovesMakeup]

Same!!

[@LIVEINPEACE2023]

Same. I coincidentally was watching your Thanksgiving prep when this vid appeared. Don’t ask why I was watching Thanksgiving prep because idk. 😂

[@johannab7168]

Same!!!!

[@michaelafuchs3299]

same!

[@readingteacher1168]

I love watching those videos, especially during my conference period. So relaxing.

[@tamimills3136]

Please don’t apologize for long videos as these chats help others who struggle with anxiety. I really appreciate your openness!

[@nicholem3573]

I love Jen's videos so much they make me feel better when I'm having a bad day, I deal with depression so her cheerful happy self makes me smile

[@WithWonder]

I'm so happy you enjoy them! We all know I am incapable of making a short video 😜

[@debipowell9509]

CC's first year in school you'll be SO busy with new friends!

[@kaylaladez8729]

Loved watching this video and thinking how fortunate your children will be to one day look back at not only your scrapbooking/ memory keeping projects but also these videos that show little moments in your life and growth as a human and mother. I wish we all could look back on our younger parents to see more of their journey!

[@amarella_rue]

Making friends as an adult is SO hard, especially for introverts.

[@jackierose4876]

So true!

[@WithWonder]

YES! But it can be done! With a LOT of self pep talk ;)

[@island661]

It's hard for extroverts too. 😂

[@charliesimmons2312]

I could listen to you forever so don’t ever feel the need to cut it short. It’s part of who you are and that’s pretty wonderful!

[@kimberleeMP]

As a fellow introvert....I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!! You give me a sense of comfort and you are a reminder that I’m not alone. My feelings(fears) seem not so scary. I’m now 31 and I have noticed that things are much better as I am starting to come into my own. My anxiety is more manageable now. That’s actually how I found your channel so many years ago!!! Thank you so much for being my voice(friend) in my head. 🥰😇😉

[@ashlielgrant]

Jen, I loved this Q&A. To be honest, I've seen this wonderful change in you since having Charlotte. I truly enjoyed your videos prior to motherhood, but something happened! It seems like you share more of your heart on camera. There is this light that shines so brightly out of you.

[@JodieC26]

Completely understand how overwhelming an office/craft room can be to organize. I decluttered my entire house before my second baby came but I couldn't get motivated to tackle the worst room in my house. Good luck!

[@livetheadventure5504]

I have been watching your channels for gosh maybe 7 years? Lol you are such a relief on a platform like this and are a constant reminder of why this platform is here. Thank you for always sharing and being a little corner of real and joy on KZbin! !

[@kait0531]

I know it is strange because we have never met.... but, I feel like you are one of my friends.I have watched you since my son was an infant (he is about to turn 8). I have enjoyed watching you grow as a person over the years and seen the same within myself. I completely understand the "talking in your head", I often do similar. Although at the time, I do not see it as a full fledged conversation. I have caught myself a few time, answering back to you as if I were in a conversation with you (insert laughing emoji here). Anyways, your content has been a blessing to me over the years. Continue to do you Jen! I hope to one day meet you! Come to Kentucky!

[@TheGoldProject]

Girl, yes, I would take my 30s over my 20s any day. I feel more relaxed and myself now. Less worrying about what other people think of me. I have discovered so much more about myself in my 30s too.

[@lucyluvz12]

You will LOVE your 40’s and the 50’s truly are freeing.

[@WithWonder]

YES! 🙌

[@AAB-intheATL]

Wait until you hit 50! Better than my younger years!

[@jenniferskeens8606]

Jen, thank you for another great video! I so enjoy sitting down, unwinding, and “hanging out” with you. I look forward to seeing that new video pop up. I have to say thank you for sharing so openly, you’re an inspiration.

[@maurahomerski33]

Jen, I’ve been watching you for years, and the older we both get, the more I relate with you and wish we could be friends in real life! You are so sweet and authentic. Love you.

[@jackievanwinkle]

You have such a talent for communication and a skilled command of language. It’s such a pleasure to listen and watch! Bravo!

[@bridgette712]

Thanks for sharing, Jen! I feel like your authenticity comes through and makes you so relatable on your videos- like chatting with a good friend.

[@WithWonder]

That's what it feels like to me! I'm glad to hear you have that experience, too 😊

[@heathershea8716]

The fact that you love Thomas Cole and the vastness of nature and landscape, definitely makes sense of your love of Utah. Thanks for sharing your life with us.

[@kiuka]

You really do make a difference in my life

[@WithWonder]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mbbee83]

I feel the same way you do, as an introvert (and an only child) I spend a lot of time by myself and have conversations with myself. I think in a way that's why I like KZbin, I feel like I'm able to connect but at my own pace. :)

[@WithWonder]

Me too 😊

[@mashakaslifejourney8253]

Best Q&A ever. You shared so much with us without being overly out there. I am so happy that I follow you as you’re very calming. 😀

[@jananderson8149]

Hi Jen! If I remember correctly I found you in about 2013 when I purchased my first Erin Condren planner and have been following you ever since. You were my first KZbinr! You are my daughter's age but I identify with you so much. It took me a long time to accept being an introvert. I lost my mom at 13 but she had been ill before that. She and I were best buds. Back then no one talked about losses and I didn't know any different. I agree that all those events and our choices make us the people we are now. I agree with your therapist about the Myers Briggs (spelling?) test changing for you. I thought I imagined my change. After teaching a lifetime and working with parents I came out of my shell. I wanted to keep them informed and the child, teacher, parent relationship should be strong. So... I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Even making phone calls to companies, for instance, was hard. Over time I became comfortable initiating conversations and maintaining them. I still prefer not to be in crowds, to be one on one with friends, etc. People laugh when I mention that I'm an introvert and need "down time " to regenerate. They think I am outgoing. You are a wonderful mom and I enjoy watching you. I also live in a Chicago suburb so would love a meet up.

[@melissakirkm4194]

"The man wouldn't notice if I painted the whole house black." haha! You're the best!

[@WithWonder]

It's the truth 😉

[@lakb45]

You will be a great “mom friend” when the kids are in school. I can see you loving all the little kids and being there as a great support for their moms!

[@shereegarrett9241]

I moved to the country and basically had to start over with making friends as most didn't want to travel even half way to meet. So I got on local planner groups and asked who lived in my town or close by it and want to meet for lunch. One direction I met up with 3 ladies for lunch. Another direction from my house I met 2 ladies for lunch. Hubby couldn't believe I went and met up with total strangers as I'm an introvert also. But I realized people are not gonna beat down my door to meet me so I had to take the first step. It was great.. Made new friends and found I could do things I set my mind to.

[@kimberlyliberty7798]

Jen, thanks for being open and real in your videos. I’ve followed your channel for a few years now, and always enjoy the content you share. Hope you have a lovely summer and enjoy all your travels! 💛

[@kcaldwell07]

I just want to say you were so confident in this vlog and I truly enjoyed it! Particularly around not having a justification for so many things you say. You answered questions with a very matter-of-fact attitude and with no qualms. I love seeing you blossom with that, because I know it's something you've mentioned you've been working on :)

[@sarazapp936]

I’ve hit my late 20s and I’ve been quietly freaking out. Good to know it may actually be greener on the other side of the big 3.0.!

[@annschindel3330]

Hi Jen, I met all my closest friends when my boys started elementary school. I joined the PTA and Volunteered all the time at their school. They are 19 and 16. Try to get involved at school and you’ll see you will meet great people, plus as they meet their friends you will get friendly with their parents. You have so much to look forward to 🤗

[@Ellenllee]

Winnie Yay! And once again Don's lovely qualities come through...thank you for another heartwarming,entertaining and comedic chat! You made my Tuesday shine :)

[@colz83]

I loved my 20's. It was so free and fun for me. I never had an issue with not loving myself. 30's are hard. I'm struggling in my new roll. Life is also hard with aging parents, etc.

[@tropicalbchick]

colz83 same for me! 30s have sucked for me (struggling marriage, lost my son) and i have a aging mom ive had to help with as well. My 20s were wild & free.

[@WithWonder]

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. I hope things look up soon. Sending lots of love 💕

[@tropicalbchick]

Pretty Neat Living thanks Jen! 💕subscriber since the very beginning

[@greengiant3421]

So excited to watch a new video!!! As always, you're one of my very favorite KZbinrs.

[@janeenskelly7504]

Jen, I've been such a fan for so long and meeting you @ GW was my absolute favorite. Just like someone else stated, I hope I catch you out and about in UT since we're practically neighbors. Loved seeing you having fun, all the photo ops we had and for making my first GW so memorable because you were there. Thanks so much ❤💜❤!!!

[@WithWonder]

It was awesome to meet you! I miss it - it was so much fun! 💜

[@laurah6381]

I'm 56 and still don't have close friends.... I'm way too introverted and find people exhausting, but would love to have a close friend who understands this. Thanks for sharing, Jen! I'm in Illinois too!

[@Gavinsrents]

Love your channel. As far as your craft room goes - don’t worry. I am blessed to have a craft room as well and you know what I discovered: a moms craft room is the equivalent of a child’s playroom. There is just no possible way to keep it clean 100% of the time no matter how organized you are. So don’t worry.

[@bettyo8668]

You were my very first KZbinr Jen. I was exploring and wondering what all the hype was about and one of your videos was in my feed. You were just a kid but totally enchanting. Then I met Winnie! She had me hook line and sinker, lol. Happy belated Mother's Day.

[@WithWonder]

Aw, Winnie. Let's be honest, she's the real star of the show ⭐️

[@Lrschristy]

You have made such a difference in my life. Thank you for sharing everything.

[@lizholland823]

I just started adding weight training to my workout regimen and nothing has changed my body like it has. I was very wary of anything with lifting for many years but now I'm sold. I have found cardio is easier for me after beginning this new routine as well! Love you and your videos 💓

[@WithWonder]

I've been hearing similar experiences to yours from others as well, which has be interested!

[@kelleysigler9759]

Love you. You are a sweet , real, compassionate, intelligent, deliberate women. I've watched you on all your channels and have always loved who you are. I will continue to follow you as you are quite an example of grace and patience and kindness. ♥️

[@AimlessAllee]

Regarding traveling alone...I think many females struggle with doing things alone. I would love to see you talk about your solitary adventures. Did you go out to restaurants, museums, sightseeing, movies, etc? I imagine traveling alone to and being in Paris you did differently than when you went to Utah.

[@JustCallMeAnnie]

Aimless Allee I traveled alone last summer to Venice, Italy. It was cool because I spent the first day solo in Venice... then traveled via train many hours south for a group tour with KZbinrs Kara & Nate... and then I headed back to Venice for another day solo at the end of the trip. Kind of a best of both worlds! I even made a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKSrhqCGet9_a5I. Traveling solo is pretty empowering for me, but I understand how it can be very intimidating too. 💕

[@WithWonder]

I actually really love doing all of those types of things solo - even eating alone has never bothered me

[@jafa219]

Jen, I’ve been following you for years now and absolutely love your personality and your content. And you look stunning! You’ve always been beautiful but you are now glowing from the inside. Lots of love from Germany

[@TheErinCaitlin]

I found it difficult to make local friends when my daughter was little. When she started kindergarten, I joined the PTA and found a lot of great friends. I live in the same town as you, and it is such a wonderful school district! Getting involved is a great way to find friends. 😊

[@dottieburd]

I enjoy these Q & A videos so much ! It has been wonderful watching you go through so many years of life changing moments. You are doing motherhood like a pro ! As far as going grey...I got my first grey this year and I turn 65 in November. My mother greyed late also....So maybe looking at your mom it will give you a clue to when it's coming.

[@AgingGracefully]

Great video. I think enjoying yourself and your own company is key to enjoying and loving life. It doesn’t sound strange at all. Seems like it is that one thing that is missing in a lot of people.

[@melissathorpe6011]

Maybe with the office, splitting it up into desk, closet, middle workspace, etc. would help?

[@omghandbags1]

Loved the chat and should I ever see u I would definitely come to say hi! You are an awesome person who has had a positive impact on many people just by being you!

[@brittanyleigh1715]

Love you Jen!! My boyfriend got me hooked on your Disney vlogs, but I stuck around because of how wonderful you are!

[@michaeljachera5394]

Jen! I loved hearing about your favorite artist! I am a current Art History student and would love it if you would make a video about your experience in studying art history or an overall college story time video :)

[@Gigi-fv9ky]

Sorry to repeat myself, but your kids are so fortunate to have you as their mommy.

[@kylielawson9029]

Love these videos Jen. Like some of the other comments said they are just so calming and make me happy!

[@esmereldapinchon1422]

Regarding selling bags, you could probably do a few postings on Poshmark a week so that it’s not a huge huge project. Once you start selling things, you’ll get energized about it. Just post three things a week and keep it manageable. Doesn’t have to be all the stuff all at once.

[@studio.liatiti]

Favorite parts: The ring story (Love it!!!), this talking to the camera smile (‘it’s the easiest to be. me’), and the rest of it too (can remember the first time I went away leaving my child for a few hours... oh that was HARD!). Can’t wait to see the mud room and the office’s videos. Also - I’m now studying interior design (2nd semester) and I’d LOVE to help with any home / room / corner plans/change you have in mind. Just as another (quite experienced) eye. Smiles from Liat.

[@lucyluvz12]

Oh !On another note about you craft room ,my opinion is it is a vast space that accommodates many aspects of your crafting interests, I’m sure you know what areas need downsizing,but don’t feel compelled to empty the place as this room will “IMO” play huge part in your roll as room mother,school events ,assisting other parents who will be less crafty etc.My guess is your interest in creative projects will not drastically change ,as I see your joy in it, just something to think about.

[@CatherineShoresHMN]

Your office: what if you tackle one section at a time. For example, do each desk separately. Do the book shelves separately. Do the center table separately. You get it... that’s what I do when I’m working on a space that’s overwhelming.

[@kimberleyr8952]

I was want to respond to the ending and say I always find your videos inspiring after watching for so many years and I always wave back :)

[@WithWonder]

Aww, my awkward waves 😜 Thanks for waving back! 👋

[@anjawiniger5151]

Oh come back to Switzerland... thank you for your content. Love, from another Planner Girl xxx

[@WithWonder]

I would in a heartbeat! Such a beautiful country 💕

[@elizabethtodd1946]

YES TO HIGHLIGHTS! it would brighten you up and look so so pretty on you. And yes, it does help hair look fuller/thicker.

[@MrsRebW]

What a great last answer! You should definitely do a Chicago meetup so I can meet you! And maybe you’d find some good local friends? ❤️

[@WithWonder]

Thee seems to be some interest in this, so I'm going to brainstorm a bit 😊 Truthfully I'm always surprised when anyone wants to meet me but I always, ALWAYS enjoy it

[@annas1802]

Yes, another vote for a Chicago meet-up! As a suburban Chicago resident, I’d most definitely be up for a get together!

[@martacapriola1340]

I think there are a lot of us in the Chicago/burbs that would enjoy a meet up!

[@laurah6381]

I'm in the Chicagoland area too!

[@dgrade89]

IMO I don't think one should have regrets. You made the best decision you could at the time under the circumstances, if you look at it that way it doesn't sound so...scary I guess as "regret".

[@vicinalucinda]

I visit a mommy and me playgroup to find new friends. It takes time but it helps, I have some new connections now and I hope to become good friends with them

[@lucyluvz12]

Jen this was s great truly authentic Q & A.I feel like I’m getting to know a lovely lady indeed.

[@HannahBMann]

Best Q&A yet, Jen!

[@mgster100]

Very nice video, Jen! As far as your office/craft room...do it when YOU are good and ready. You have decades before you need to think about grey hair. Lol. Hair dye is a fabulous thing. You will make so many new friends through your children and their school activities. I am a grandmother and still have these very special friendships! Take care😚

[@kazhanlon]

I seen your thumbnail and said ‘OMG it’s my baby girl, I get to see her’ 😂 I only just realised how LONG I have been following you and I could honestly watch you every day. I’ve seen how much you have grown, and I feel like we have grown together 🙂. Have a fantastic rest of the week 😚

[@simplyfunctional6451]

Making friends as a stay at home mom is very hard! I am also lucky to be surrounded by my family and am very close with my mom and sister but I have always wanted a very close friend. Also love your Q&As!!!❤️

[@RachelClareable]

You are lovely and we’re all your friends 😊

[@ambermjsch]

I would love to be your pop-over friend if we lived closer (or in the same country!) - we have so much in common. Thanks for sharing, Jen! xo love and best wishes from Ottawa, Canada!

[@WithWonder]

❤️❤️❤️

[@FrancesAlicia]

Thanks for sharing Jen. Lovely video as always. Sending all my love to you and your family 💕 you have a friend here🙋🏼‍♀️

[@WithWonder]

❤️❤️❤️

[@pamelakn4947]

I love and appreciate your openness Jen, I really enjoyed your vlog and your sweet and calm personality♥♥

[@rebeccamadigan6735]

I totally agree with your thoughts on regrets. I had my son at 16 (27 now) with a boy who was wrong for me in every way. I struggled for years with regretting the time wasted on that boy, and the bitterness associated with the situation he left me in. I have dealt with that bitterness and no longer feel the regret because life has turned out wonderful despite the challenges I faced. Do I still occasionally wish I had made different choices? Sure. Would I go back and change it if given the opportunity? Absolutely not.

[@TANNED21]

I think I have that same tee! It's pink with gold spots, from Target and from at least 3 years ago. Love that you wear things longer than a year! (even if I'm wrong on the shirt, I know you do this!)

[@MelissaTreyFamily]

Don would LOVE a golf simulator in your basement! We put one in our house and my husband loves it! 🏌🏻‍♂️⛳️

[@jenniferferrara6315]

Thanks for sharing with us!! I actually started laughing to myself when you brought up Don not noticing if you painted the whole house black..... my hubby is exactly like that...every time I change something around it takes him a few days to actually notice 😂 not because he doesn’t care, same with your hubby, as long as I am happy, he is fine with whatever.....anyways it made me smile 😃

[@debcrauthers1454]

Jen you are just the best. I don’t know the modern day lingo. Lol. Besides that about that craft/office room...no judgement from here. OOOO

[@WithWonder]

Haha, I don't either, but I find it entertaining when I do hear snippets of it - I guess I'm just a granny at heart 👵

[@Ali-zn6sg]

I definitely get the whole shifting introvert thing. I definitely think I'm an introvert more so because of nurture rather than nature. Having social anxiety throughout high school and college - when you really figure yourself out & how you interact with the world - I think I got used to having a certain amount of alone time vs with people. Knowing my personality, I think without that social anxiety I'd be a lot more extroverted naturally. And girl, that mudroom, I'm there.

[@skorkes]

It's always nice to get to know you a little bit more. Thank you for sharing!

[@HowdyHandbags]

Ah! Your first baby! Love Winnie ❤️ great Q & A lol! I stopped at 2 in my 30s but regretted not being able to have another one in my 40s but I had my tubes done at my last c section.

[@lakb45]

I would think the quiet time routine would be more important than nap for Charlotte. She gets some rest, but sometimes she won’t feel sleepy (or won’t know she is!) I could use some quiet time in the middle of my day!! 🙃

[@elizabethharper9133]

Just love watching your long videos! Thank you for your time!

[@taiesewilliams3279]

Good morning Jen Happy Belated Mother’s Day 💐

[@WithWonder]

Thank you 💕

[@taiesewilliams3279]

Your welcome Jen 😊

[@shivp22]

Thoroughly enjoyed the last one! So looking forward to this 🤗 let’s hope baby stays asleep for 44 minutes!! Delighted you’ve been to Ireland would love to see you go back 🥰

[@WithWonder]

One day I will! We were there for such a short amount of time and there is so much more to see!

[@Eslater345]

I love that you are an introvert! I am one too! Do you feel at all pressured to become more extroverted? I was a teacher and used all my energy each day with children. Since I retired I have gotten back to my authentic introverted self and my acceptance of that has made me less anxious.

[@anatechera9852]

Always nice to watch your Q&A videos!! Thank you for sharing!! I usually talk with my self too.. maybe its an aquarius thing :D (my birthday is on 25th Jan)

[@WithWonder]

Aquarians unite!

[@janettesquires]

Your such sweet gentle person ☺💟

[@HeartBreathings]

What you said about friends sounded so much like me! I'm an author, so like you, my work is mostly online and it's been tough to make really close local friends. I would so love to have a great friend to spend time with locally on a regular basis, but I don't even know where to start. I have a few author friends locally but they are mostly younger with no kids! I'm about to have a new baby, and I'd love to have a good friend with young children. Wish we lived closer, because I think we would get along!

[@vicinalucinda]

I always love how warm and caring your goodbye is at the end of the video. You have a beautiful smile! Where have you been to in The Netherlands? It's my country 😊

[@sharoncresenzi3016]

You are great at what you do! Nobody better.

[@35tracyw]

I think most women would consider you very likable. And a nice person. You're putting yourself out there more, so it's inevitable. You will have even more opportunity once CC is in school. Don't stress, obviously there is something cool about you or we wouldn't watch you.

[@sharonm3283]

I enjoy your videos very much. I am old enough to be your Mother, but I consider you a friend I have never met. I live in Southern Illinois. Go Salukis.

[@grannaboo03]

DON’T!!! Don’t dye your hair to conceal gray hair. Consider this.... in my 40’s I dyed my hair to conceal the aging process, and continued till late 50’s when the maintenance became a chore. Then of course I became a Grandma ( love it by the way💕💕💕) So I decided I should start letting my natural hair grow out. It was a PAINFUL PROCESS, that took over a year for it to grow out ( my hair is shoulder length, a bit shorter than yours). Imagine this: 1” of gray showing in your part, then 2”, and so on. I felt so unkempt. At family events I didn’t want to be in pictures, I felt so uncomfortable all the time. Not only that my brain took that whole time to get used to my new reflection in that mirror. I don’t want to seem vain, but it was a real head trip! The natural process of going gray is so much better emotionally, your brain has time to get used to a few grays at a time. I am not against a few highlights, but then again there will be a “Grow out period “.

[@lakb45]

I enjoyed this video a lot, Jen. I commented a lot because I just felt like we were having a conversation. I needed a friend, today, so thank you! 🌷🌸🌷

[@lottejacobs8579]

Hi Jen, lovely video. For your information, Brussels is not actually a country. Belgium may be very small, but it is much more than Brussels alone. I love your video's keep up the good work.

[@prettypixychick]

Does anyone know why the videos don’t automatically go to full screen when you rotate your phone? Is it an updated setting I cannot find? It’s driving me crazy!

[@couponville1]

I enjoyed the video. I enjoy listening. Thank you for sharing. Let's hope we don't have to come after you in October. Get her done. Lol I don't know if people still say that these days. We should all learn and grow as individuals and mothers throughout our lifetime. You seem to be doing it.

[@alexandramacias1122]

Thanks so much for sharing!!! Great and very relatable video!

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Agreed about 30s being better than 20s! I enter my 40s 😬😬 next year and I’m hoping they get even better!

[@sznnsmthjj]

I felt the same way in my 20's!

[@mz.b6652]

Hello! What does DVC stand for? Thanks.

[@morningmom6]

Thedia Buchanan Disney Vacation Club

[@neahkurtis2537]

Thank you for sharing! I love your videos and am inspired by you.

[@cleoduquette-michaud5557]

Love your longer videos! ❤️

[@ZephyrsWhimsy]

That was a great Q&A. Very interesting to watch! :)