Name: Jenna Donnell
Son’s name and age? Jake, 7
What’s something funny Jake did recently? He was excited about shooting off a model rocket with his dad and said, “It will be just like the fireworks for April 5th!” Of course he meant July 4th – it was cute.
How long have you lived in NWA and what brought you here? I have lived in NWA for 20 years now (feels like 10). My family moved to NWA when I was 16 years old. We moved here from our busy life in Southern California to my Nana’s little farm in West Fork.
Being the outdoorsy adventurous type, it was easy to fall in love with the area.
Tell us about a day in your life: I wake up with coffee in hand, pack lunches for Jake and myself, and head out the door by 7 a.m.
We pass in the halls of Shaw Elementary at least once a day as I drop my other 27 4th grade children off at their specialty class. We make it home in time to eat dinner and hopefully play outside before it gets dark.
Depending on the day of the week, I might go to the nearby gym, take Jake to practice, or teach a 1st grade Bible class at church. As we settle down and get Jake in bed after reading a good book, my husband and I talk about our day and what favorite shows are on that night.
In my jammies, I grade papers, type lesson plans, or do a little online Christmas shopping. Finally, I make myself go to bed… with house hunters on, of course. There is something calming about that show.
What’s been the most unexpected thing about motherhood for you? How 1 little person can bring so much stuff into a house!
What’s a piece of advice you received when your son was born that share with other new moms? To cherish every moment even if you don’t feel like it.
If you went back to college what would you study? If I went back I might study sports medicine or some type physical therapy. I originally started out with this but switched majors so I could work more closely with children.
What are three things you always have with you? My phone… I pack light!
Do you have any fun winter plans? The Liberty Bowl and playing in the snow!
Your favorite places to hang out with your family in NWA? Devil’s Den State Park, Farmers Market, Razorback games, local restaurants
If someone wrote a book about your life right now, what would the title be? Enjoy the Little Things
What’s something cool that happened to you recently? Friends of mine at school found out that a boy in my class was saving his own money for a pair of boots from Wal-Mart. Within an hour of finding this out, we had the boots bought and paid for by the efforts of 3 sweet teachers.
I have witnessed this many times from my colleagues. These random acts of kindness are my favorite moments.
What are your favorite hobbies? camping, snow skiing, exercise, mud runs, watching movies, painting, and shopping
One word to sum me up … Hopeful
