Life Update: It’s 2025!

Hi ReelChatters! I’m back and it’s time to play catch up. Let me get ya up to speed!

Since going on hiatus:

~My family has grown by 4 paws.

A few months ago we rescued a 1-year-old Cavapoo named Cooper. We are all in love with him, especially my son who is the animal whisperer! Coop is currently enrolled in an online training program and so far his progress has been amazing. It’s really all about training the humans!

Our cat Belle is also adjusting nicely and we are now all settling in. Make no mistake though, Belle is still boss of this house!!

~I can hardly believe I have a pre-teen! My daughter is now 11 and is shining as my little soccer star. I was 24 when I became pregnant with her and 25 when she was born. In many ways, she helped shape me into who I am today. I think it’s so important to openly discuss puberty and all the changes that come with it, especially with our daughters. My mom did a fantastic job maintaining an open dialogue with me at her age, and I’m committed to doing the same.

~Speaking of kids, my 8-year-old son is also doing well! He is my lover of all sports and my animal whisper. He is growing up so fast and is so unbelievably sweet and emotionally in tune. He’s gonna make one amazing husband someday- if he chooses that path or course!

~My marriage is thriving! My marriage is the best it’s ever been! Sure there will be plenty of bumps down the road but I’m FULLY confident we can take on the world. We really make it a priority to nurture our relationship, enjoying at least one date night each month and taking a few solo trips every year. I always say, especially when kids enter the mix, that taking time out to just be husband and wife is so important. Right now, we’re planning a special birthday/anniversary getaway for July, which I can’t wait for! My husband is genuinely my best friend and my favorite person to be around! If you ask me, we make one hell of a team. He’s pretty cute too 😘

~Life has been fabulous since getting my long-awaited partial hysterectomy. Knowing I will never have a painful period again is liberating. Since my surgery, I’ve started running again and have regained my energy and zest for life. I’ve even lost a few pounds and truly feel the best I’ve felt in years. TAKE THAT endometriosis!

~My mental health has been pretty good and stable lately. I think getting my hormones in check really helped. I’m also taking time to be mindful and moving my body as much as I can. Since getting our pup I am so much more active taking multiple walks a day and spending as much time as I can outdoors. Really helps with my mental health!

~I’ve been having an amazing year at Learning Ladder Gymnastics! I primarily lead parent and tot classes, along with a few other classes and events. This role feels more like a passion than a job, which I consider a real jackpot! I feel incredibly fortunate to have a part-time position that offers such flexibility. I’m always home in time to greet my kids when they get off the bus, and I can volunteer at my son’s school on Wednesday afternoons. I absolutely love what I do, and it brings me so much joy to watch the kids grow each week and connect with their families.

~We recently returned from a wonderful vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains during spring break, and it might be one of our best trips ever! We stayed in the most charming cabin nestled on a peaceful mountainside. Our adventures included hiking, shopping, indulging in delicious food, visiting family in Asheville, spending a day at Dollywood, and driving up Grandfather Mountain. We had an incredible time, and I’m already longing to be back in those beautiful mountains!

~I recently enjoyed a delightful girls' trip with one of my closest childhood friends! We settled into a charming little house in the heart of Amish Country, Ohio. We had an amazing time shopping, dining, crafting, and sharing laughter until our cheeks hurt. It’s so essential to carve out time for those cherished friendships in our lives!

~I’ve recently embarked on a journey of gratitude! Taking moments to pause helps me gain perspective and encourages me to seek out the things I’m thankful for. I’ve found that genuine gratitude often resides in the small, everyday moments rather than the grand occasions. By focusing on little blessings each day, I find that more blessings come my way. I make it a habit to identify 3-5 things I’m grateful for each day and take the time to truly reflect on them. Practicing gratitude has become essential for me!

What lies ahead? I can't say for certain, but I’m filled with excitement! With summer approaching, I’ll be stepping back into the role of a stay-at-home mom, and I’m looking forward to relaxing mornings and enjoyable days by the pool. I’ll also be leading a few summer camps at Learning Ladder, which I’m really excited about. I’ve got my 12th wedding anniversary in June and my 37th birthday coming up in July. I can’t wait to return to writing and blogging, and I hope to spend more time at church this summer to reconnect with God and nurture my spiritual life. My goal is to approach life with greater intention and reduce unnecessary drama. Life is too precious to waste feeling unhappy or remaining in toxic relationships. This summer, I’m excited to make lasting memories with my family and friends while continuing to embrace a positive path forward! Whose with me? Let’s gooooooooooo!