Joy To Everyone

This Mother’s Day was filled with slow moments, meaningful memories, beautiful places, and the people who give me courage and strength — my family. From brunch at Pink Pistachio Cafe to exploring Quarry Trails Metro Park, it became a day I’ll hold close to my heart for a long time.

Storm clouds rolled in, but we went anyway! This weekend, we tiptoed through the tulips at Timbuk Farms- chasing beauty even with rain on the horizon. What we found was more than a field of blooms… it was a reminder. A reminder that even with storms at our backs, we can still turn toward the sun. That growth can be quiet, steady, and deeply rooted in love. And that some of the most meaningful moments happen when we choose to show up anyway. From vibrant tulip fields to burgers and fries, belly laughs, and a little face paint to finish the day- it was simple, sweet, and full of perspective. This wasn’t our first storm, and it won’t be our last… but together, we’ll keep blooming.

Saturday mornings look a little different for me lately- slower, more intentional. But even in the stillness, my mind often drifts back to the work week… the to-do lists, the pressure, the growth. Six months into returning to work after five years at home, I’ve learned that the biggest challenge isn’t the job- it’s getting out of your own way.

“Livin’ life in color. Everything around me looks so beautiful and sweet.” — I Feel Good by Pink Sweat$ This spring, those lyrics feel like more than just a melody—they feel like a mindset. A choice. Each day, I wake up and decide to notice the color around me: the soft greens pushing through the earth, the golden light stretching a little longer into the evening, the quiet sweetness tucked into ordinary moments. That doesn’t mean life is without its storms. There are still setbacks, missteps, and days that feel heavier than others. But even then, I remind myself that rain is not the opposite of beauty—it’s part of it. Without the clouds, there is no rainbow. Without the rain, nothing grows. Spring itself depends on both. Lately, I’ve been reframing the way I see challenges. Instead of something to avoid or dread, I’m learning to see them as invitations—opportunities to grow, to stretch, to become a little wiser and a little stronger. The obstacles in front of us aren’t roadblocks; they’re stepping stones, shaping the path forward if we choose to walk it with intention. One idea that has stayed with me is this: slow down to speed up. In a world that constantly urges us forward, there is quiet strength in pausing. In stepping back. In taking a breath before the next move. When faced with a challenge, I try not to react immediately. Instead, I pause. I breathe. I give myself space to think clearly. It’s amazing what even twenty minutes can do—for your perspective, your problem-solving, and your peace. So this season, I’m choosing to live in color. To embrace both the sunshine and the rain. To trust that every moment—easy or difficult—is adding depth, richness, and growth to the life I’m building.

“Spring is in the air”… and if you pause long enough, you can feel it. The scent of fresh earth, blooming flowers, and memories waiting to be remembered. Some of my favorite moments growing up were spent hiking with my family- breathing deeply, slowing down, and taking it all in. Those simple pauses shaped how I see the world today. When you close your eyes and take a deep breath… where does it take you? I shared more about these memories, our Hocking Hills adventure, the beauty of nature, and how it inspires my creativity.

St. Patrick’s Day has me thinking about luck… but maybe not the kind we usually talk about. This week I caught myself saying, “I am so lucky.” Not because life has been easy, but because every challenge, mistake, and struggle has helped shape who I am today. In my newest blog post, I share a reflection on the kind of luck that comes from within—and how the hard things in life can become stepping stones instead of roadblocks. And because life also needs a little fun and sweetness, my kids and I are sharing our “Leprechaun Bait” recipe that we made together (pictured here). It’s sweet, salty, messy, and perfect for making memories with kids.

Sometimes you need to look back to look forward—but if I’m honest, I don’t like looking back. Even my best memories can get colored by insecurity or the feeling that something could’ve been better. I’m a seeker of perfection, and while that drives me forward, it can also keep me from accepting what is. But what if imperfections are perfect? What if we allowed ourselves to fully live in the present—without judgment, without rewriting the past? Lately, I’ve been practicing that. Grounding myself in what is true instead of getting lost in “what ifs.” Choosing acceptance over control. Choosing peace over perfection. A recent challenge with my sister reminded me of this. When communication stopped, my mind filled in the gaps with fear and doubt. But instead of spiraling, I chose to stay grounded. I reached out with love, while still respecting her space. And when she responded, I met her with the same intention—to listen without judgment and simply allow her experience to be her own. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress. And even small progress is still a win. Today, I feel at peace. Not because life is perfect, but because I’m choosing to see the beauty in it. This life—my life—is a gift I get to unwrap each day. You can find joy despite pain. You can find peace in acceptance. And maybe the real superpower isn’t perfecting everything— it’s learning to accept it.

You make my heart pop, skip, and flutter! Motherhood means your heart walks around outside your body—and somehow grows even bigger. A quiet lunch with my mom reminded me of that truth. The worry, the pride, the letting go, and the deep love that connects generations. What you give as a parent is enough. Today, my kids and I baked Pop Hearts—sweet, simple, and full of love.

The flurry of emotions are still present, and if I’m being honest, they feel more precious today—because I know what it took to get here.

What if the first win of your day had nothing to do with productivity… and everything to do with how you care for yourself? • This morning ritual has changed how I show up—not just as a mom or at work, but as me. I shared the story, the why, and the lesson I learned along the way on the blog.

What story are you telling yourself right now? I didn’t realize I was believing a lie—one that slowly pulled me away from my voice, my body, and my truth. This week reminded me that holding back doesn’t protect us… it disconnects us. Coming home to yourself is always the bravest move.

An unrushed Sunday isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about letting the day unfold. Snowflakes, quiet lake walks, couch snuggles, silly heart messages, and dinner made from curiosity instead of a plan. A reminder that beauty shows up in muted colors and worn edges, and that presence is often the most meaningful part of the day.

How do you stay engaged in your personal life? How do you remain present in the present moment? Over the holidays, a simple comment from another mom made me pause—and reflect on what it really means to be present. For me, it looks like getting down on the floor, snapping photos, and seeing life through my children’s eyes. Presence doesn’t always mean doing less. Sometimes it means leaning in more.

I’m a planner at heart… but some days, the ones with no agenda, end up meaning the most. From fuzzy blankets and snow outside our window to “brown noodles” at the mall food court, this simple day reminded me that life doesn’t have to be extravagant to be beautiful.

Some December moments feel like they’re sprinkled with magic—flour in the air, little hands rolling dough, and a kitchen full of warm chaos and holiday music. Kenton and Ruby made cookies today… and somehow, in the swirl of sprinkles and aprons, they looked just a little more grown up.

This November stretched me, challenged me, and transformed me in ways I didn’t expect. I learned what it really means to get comfortable with the uncomfortable—and how leaning into growth (even the prickly kind) can change everything. If you’re navigating your own season of transformation, I think this month’s reflection will speak to you.

My son began to draw an image only he could see at first. I began to write a story only I had within me. And when we finished, we became connected through our chosen mediums. His drawing allowed me to step into his world; my writing allowed him to enter mine.

Life has a funny way of teaching us lessons when we least expect them. Sometimes they come through moments of loss, other times through moments of pure joy — and often, through the quiet in-between. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much life feels like a game of chess. Each move we make — every risk, every pause, every choice — sets the stage for what comes next. And as I sit here reflecting on my daughter Ruby’s 4th birthday, I can’t help but see how every move, every challenge, and every moment of grace has led us right here.

Sometimes the best way to move forward… is to pause. Put down the phone, grab a notebook, and sit with your own thoughts. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how easily our professional and personal lives blend — and how important it is to protect the space between them.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what home really means. For me, it’s where my heart rests, where I can be vulnerable, where laughter lives and dreams begin. After two weeks in my new full-time role—after years as a full-time mom—I’ve learned that home isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling… and sometimes, you can find it in new beginnings too. 💛

Can I take you into a little piece of my story? When I used to think about creating change for myself, I thought the motivation had to come from a place of discontentment or dissatisfaction. I would say things like, “I am making this change because I want a better life.” But that’s not necessarily true. Life is all about change. And I would argue that if you are not going through change, you are not alive. To live is to grow, and to grow is to change. It’s what I teach my children, and it’s a lesson I am finally appreciating. You don’t have to be dissatisfied to make changes. <<>> A few months ago, I saw a job posting in a department I’ve been hoping to transition into—within a company I both respect and admire. Two years ago, I had interviewed there for a different role in another department. During that process, I pulled myself out, realizing it wasn’t a good fit for my family’s lifestyle. But I knew then: this was the company I wanted to work for.

Kenton, today I celebrate you—and every person you’ve touched along the way. You leave a mark on everyone you meet. You are outgoing, kind, and endlessly curious. You want to know more about everything and everyone. You’re a ball of energy. When you listen to others, you show them that they matter. And in doing so, you show yourself value too. You don’t have to agree with every opinion, but by opening your mind you expand your world and grow into a better version of yourself. <<>> For Kenton’s birthday celebration, we visited Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky — our family’s first time there, and we had the best time!

Fall is here, and we’re officially in pumpkin mode! 🎃🍂 Ruby and I kicked off the season with mini pumpkin carving, seed roasting, and jack-o’-lantern coloring. Our favorite pumpkin spot? The Groovy Plant Ranch—a fall wonderland full of gourds, mums, and cozy garden vibes (plus coffee from Bushel and a Bean ☕️). We brought home six pumpkins and can’t wait to go back for more! 🧡 Happy Fall!

While pregnant with both, Steven and I went apple picking in September. Hand in hand, we walked down the rows of apple trees. Some years the weather was cold and other years the weather was hot. Some years the trees were overflowing with juicy apples and other years you’d have to search for an apple to pick. But what remained true regardless of the harvest- apples and children, we were walking hand in hand. Grab the hand that thrills you and boldly walk the apple orchard of life hand in hand. Regardless of the weather, you’ll make it together because you’ll never let go. Hold on tight!

This morning I hold my daughter on my lap near our firepit in our backyard. Our grass is dry from the past August we had. Leaves have begun to gently fall to the ground, only adding to the earth’s crunchy dryness. My little girl loves to cuddle. She loved being close. I tell myself to remember this moment. Take a mental picture of it and pray it never fades. I remind myself just how lucky and blessed I am. In this moment I am happy not because I know this moment will never end, but happy I can experience it fully. I know it will eventually end, but knowing something new is around the corner keeps me motivated for more.

Today the weather was overcast with cooler temperatures making us decide to remain indoors for a cozy afternoon. Included you will find our Baba Ganoush recipe and a fun rock painting activity, perfect for any toddler! Moments like this, laying on the floor with my daughter, paint on our fingers, and smiles on our faces are what parenting is all about. It’s about simple moments with a lot of heart. Whatever you do, do it with all of yourself- your whole heart. Pour you into the moments that don’t seem so meaningful. When you do, you’ll look back and realize those were the most impactful moments of your life.

For me, sunflowers represent hope. No sunflower seed is promised to grow. No sunflower is guaranteed success and yet it does what it was meant to do, grow. Regardless of the conditions the plant faces it responds accordingly. And when conditions are favorable it grows tall, strong, and beautiful. In the past, the conditions of my “soil” were not always healthy. I had challenging times that caused my “garden” to become unhealthy. But this did not stop me from working to make positive changes. I was honest with myself and others and chose a different path. With patience and hard work the garden I chose to protect grew abundantly. That growth was not easy, but once the conditions were favorable life was permitted to flourish. Today I walked the sunflower field with my husband, son, and daughter. The bees buzzed and the sun blazed in the blue sky. The breeze gently blew and I was yet again filled with hope. We found toads hoping in the grass, goats eating in their pens, and a bunny rabbit resting in it’s home. Life is never perfect, but life always finds a way, even if conditions are not ideal. Change will happen even if it’s different from what you initially intended.

“I am a good mom. I am a good mom.” With shaking hands, I repeated this message over and over to myself in my bathroom alone. Eyes closed. Tears streaming down my cheeks. I tried to steady my breathing. I tried to calm the fire and anger that was rumbling within. I tried to make myself believe the words that felt hallow within me. As you know, summer break for our kids is rapidly coming to an end. It’s hard to believe, but my son’s first day of school is next week. This summer, like every previous summer I’ve had with my two children, I’ve poured my heart and soul into it. I tried to plan and execute creative and fun activities that sparked both educational opportunities and fun adventures geared to their interests. “You are a human that loves her children. You are a good mother because you are simply good. Stop fighting to control something that isn’t yours and bring your focus back on your behavior. What words are coming out of your mouth? What reactions are you having? The phrase, “do as I say not as I do” doesn’t apply in parenting. As mentioned earlier, this summer will soon be a thing of the past. Before you know it, you’ll be preparing and making school lunches and snacks for your kids. You’ll take on a lot this school year. If I can, I’d like to help, if only a little. Below is a nutritious and delicious recipe that is perfect for school lunches or after school munchies. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus!

Over the summer, one of my favorite things to do with Kenton while he is on summer break is try new recipes at home. I love having him in the kitchen with me chopping, smelling, and enjoying the cooking process. I always tell him, if you don’t season your food you might as well stop cooking right now because flavor is everything when it comes to making a delicious meal! With flavor in mind, I don’t know if you noticed, but I’ve been slightly obsessed with making salsa’s. I love them so much because it’s an easy and creative way to use up a lot of fresh produce at one time. It’s such an easy way to incorporate both fruits and vegetables into one dish. And did I mention, it’s perfect on any hot summer day! My son, in particular is a picky eater so having something like a salsa with different textures and flavors has really helped him explore more options. Previously we made a Watermelon Salsa and Peach Salsa that were both great! Today we want to share with you our fresh, juicy, and oh-so-sweet honeydew melon salsa recipe! It simply can’t be beat!

On this day, my children and I celebrated our current summer season by purchasing fresh produce. One of the best things about the summer season is the overabundance of produce. As with any overabundance, the price of the goods goes down! Four ripe peaches were purchased for only one dollar. Wanting to try something new, we decided to take our peaches and turn them into a satisfying salsa! Below is our recipe! We suggest you turn up music when you make this salsa. Dance a little as you chop up the produce. And take in this awesome moment you have. You are alive. Smell the food. Listen to the sounds around you. Look at the people beside you. This moment, although not perfect because no moment is perfect, is exactly where you need to be. It’s your opportunity to see the good, experience the joy of life, and feel the gratitude of living right now.

You’ve heard the famous quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” right? Her words are just as truthful today as when they were first written. She reminds us we have a choice in how we respond to negativity and that our internal feelings are impacted by our own perspective.  A wise person knows their inner strength, but doesn’t have to explain it to others. A wise person simply lives, allowing their true self to shine without the need to prove their worth. A wise person doesn’t feel the need to diminish their light so they are accepted by others.  Recently, while my kids and I played at our community pool, we found ourselves learning a similar lesson and one I’d like to share with you.

Now that you know what tastes like summer to me (watermelon), I want to share with you my son, Kenton’s favorite dish during his summers in Ohio: Crawdads! Scroll down for our crawdad adventure! For those that do not know, a crawdad is a freshwater crayfish and are not related to fish, but are a type of freshwater crustacean that looks more like a mini lobster. In the summers where we live, the streams here are overflowing with these little creatures. If you sit quietly near the water for a few minutes, you will see them scurrying around on the river floor as the water rushes over them. Although fairly small in size, they taste very similar to lobster.

And that’s when it hit me. “Joy, the adventure you planned for today is already happening. You don’t have to stress about making one great moment. The great moment is happening now. It’s found in the build up and preparation. It’s found in the moments that don’t seem meaningful. The truth is, all of it plays a roll in the goal for the day. Nothing is wasted.” As soon as I processed this, I found myself beginning to relax. Rather than feeling anxious about getting to our destination and “having fun,” I realized our destination was right now. We were living our adventure right now. The difference remained in my perspective, in my ability to choose an attitude of joy, patience, and gratitude. “Thought is not reality, yet it is through thought that our realities are created.” Sydney Banks

As a graduating third grader, he along with his classmates, made posters featuring images showcasing who they are. This week those posters went on display in the front school lawn. As we pull up for drop off, he lights up when he sees his poster. As I observe my son doing this, I can’t but feel his excitement. It’s contagious! He has so much potential in front of him. He is sensitive, self-aware, and honest. He has high expectations of himself and of others. He wants to perform at the highest level possible all the time. Sometimes critical of himself, however he still has the innocence of a nine year old boy. He still hugs me tight and shares openly with me about his feelings. On occasion, those feelings show up in the form of tears. Those tears remind me he is allowing himself to be brave and vulnerable. I value his current stage in life so much because, like all stages, it will soon be a thing of the past.

The state of our life is significantly more a factor of our perspective than our circumstance. Our internal state is not defined by our circumstances. It is defined by our interpretation of the circumstance. Isn’t this amazing? If we simply shift our focus, we can change our future!

While sitting on the floor together with our bunny ears neatly placed on our heads, memories from tea parties from my childhood filled my mind. I remembered a tea set with the loveliest flowers painted on the glass. One of the teacups was my favorite as it had, what I considered, the most beautiful flowers displayed. I always wanted to use it when my mother prepared our time together. On a few mornings she’d wake me before any of my siblings. Darkness still covered the house as we tiptoed to her bedroom. My father would already be dressed and gone by this point for work. Once inside, I’d find a breakfast tea party set for just the two of us. She’d prepare my two favorite things, hot chocolate and cinnamon toasted bread. For whatever reason, her hot chocolate was the best. Always warm and always creamy. Quietly we sipped on our drinks and ate our toast while nine of my siblings slept. I felt like we were having a secret moment only the two of us could share. I knew moments like this took extra preparation and care on my mother’s part. Because of this, I felt deeply grateful to her. I also felt deeply loved by her. To this day, when I smell the warm spice of cinnamon I am transported back to my childhood home. I was safe and I was loved. Wanting to memorialize and share this moment, I snapped a few photos of my daughter and myself and sent it to my mom. I texted the following, “We’re having a special tea party with the tea pot you gave me!”

Today as I write, I am no longer employed at this school. My daughter sits next to me in my bed. Her pink stuffed bunny wrapped in her little arms as the covers are pulled up to her chin. She glances up at me from time to time. When our eyes meet her smile widens as her teeth shimmer with happiness. She is so precious. In this moment I do not feel disappointed in myself. I do not feel shame for quitting my job. I do not feel like a failure. Instead, I feel thankful. Thankful for my husband and children. Thankful we are united in giving what we feel is the best for our family. Thankful my husband supports me and believes in me. Thankful he wants me to be the best version of myself so that our family receives the best version of me. If I am being honest, I surprised myself during this time. I learned I can take on way more than I thought I could. I could lead and love little ones in ways I didn’t think were possible. I tell people this all the time, “I am horrible with remembering people’s names!” And yet, in just a few days in the classroom I had all of my eleven student’s names memorized and I could recite them with ease. I changed diapers, cleaned booger filled noses, rocked sometimes three kids at once to sleep, and comforted every child when they needed extra love. And I did it all in the most chaotic environment I had ever been in. The little ones around me were in a constant state of noise. The overstimulation was palpable as I could see their fatigue on their faces. How do you find balance in the midst of so much unbalance? Somehow, I remained calm in the midst of chaos. I distinctly remember one day patting one child’s back with each of my hands while they laid in their cots for nap time. A third child was nestled in my lap as I sat crossed legged between the two. As I patted and rocked the children to sleep, I said the following to myself, “in the midst of the chaos, you be the peace. Remain true to you and you will not be shaken. Feel yourself breathe. Inhale. Exhale. You are okay.” In that moment, I took control of the room’s atmosphere. I made it peaceful by providing the peace from within. And you know what happened?

Today our new chapter begins! Today Ruby begins her first day of preschool! And today I begin my first day of employment! We both are very excited, but a little nervous. I would be lying if I told you I didn’t have worries like, “Will my co-workers accept me? Will I catch on to the training quickly? Will my daughter adjust well to the change?” Because of life experiences, I know it’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to put yourself out there without fully knowing how you will adjust. What matters is your perspective on it all. Remind yourself that you won’t know it all and you won’t get everything right 100 percent of the time. You are learning and growing. Try, experience, and explore. The more you become comfortable with the uncomfortable the more you realize you can handle anything life throws your way. You have what you need right inside of you. You just need to shake it up or wake it up from time to time. Tap into your strengths, be forgiving with yourself, and begin again when mistakes happen with humility and determination.

Life is unexpectedly beautiful and fun. But the best part about life is living it while it happens. Stop looking to your past or looking towards your future. Both do little to add to your happiness. Life exists only in one place and that place is right now – this very moment! Come on an adventure with us! We’ll explore outside, craft a pot of gold, and end with a delicious gluten free cookie!

Compassion – We need more compassion in our world and compassion begins with you. Think about the day you were born. You had no preconceived ideas or biases. All you did was act upon your instinct to survive. Over time, however your view of not only your world, but the view of you was shaped. You grew into the person you are based on the predisposed genetic makeup you received, and the life experiences you faced. What am I trying to communicate here? Much of what you face is outside of your control. Much of what happens to you is beyond your authority. By understanding this, I hope you will see the need for more self-compassion. It’s okay to be you. It’s okay to embrace all parts of you. When you allow yourself the freedom to do this you open your eyes to a world of understanding and forgiveness. Begin by compassionately accepting yourself and you’ll see that we all need more compassion. Compassion, it’s my word for the year and one I will work to understand and embrace more fully as I continue to journey around the sun!

I have been blessed to have two children, Kenton and Ruby on this earth, with one additional baby in heaven. They are a part of me. My son and daughter literally have a piece of my heart and to let them live is accepting the fact that my heart is out in the real world. “Having a child is like having your heart walk around outside of your body.” Ruth Beck. My heart is vulnerable to dangers outside of my control. If I could, I’d protect both of them forever. But I know I cannot do this. And deep down, I know I wouldn’t want this for them. Let’s say I could shield them from all pain, I would be holding them back from truly living and therefore causing more pain in the long run. I’d prevent them from feeling the rush of falling in love for the first time, saying “yes” to the proposal, or welcoming their child into this world. All of life’s experiences, the good and bad ones contain levels of risk. Thankfully, most of us never taste half of the potential pain scenarios.

Love, therefore, is an intentional emotion that comes from a conscious choice within us. Love is not contingent on external things. I can still feel loved despite of my surroundings and that includes other people. I don’t need someone giving me or telling me I am worthy of love! Isn’t this realization powerful? It is for me! You, yes you are loved! And you can experience love regardless of external factors!

If you would have asked me on my wedding day what I thought my marriage would look like fourteen years into the future, I wouldn’t have told you how many kids I’d hope to have (“I’m not sure I even want one!” I’d clap back in my overly confident naive voice.) or where we’d be living. I would, however, tell you I hoped to have my best friend by my side. My partner in life, sharing life with me. I’d hope to have someone to connect with through all of our highs and lows.

Rather than mindlessly getting through the day, I wanted to make sure I was an active participant in my life. Have you ever caught yourself on autopilot? Just coasting through almost at a zombie like state? In the past, I’ve done this as a coping mechanism, and it only left me feeling dissatisfied and unhappy. From experience, I’ve learned this is not how I want to live my life going forward. Rather, I want to take the steering wheel with both hands and guide it in the direction I see and hope for myself. This is my life, and I want to live it with eyes wide open! I hope you do too! – Yoga – Beet Play Dough

The thought came to me, “What should we do next?” Can you relate to this? As a mom I am constantly thinking about our next moment – our next activity. I caught myself, thankfully this time and responded inwardly, “But we’re already doing it.” Why was I looking to cut this moment short? Why was I looking for something else when I was already living something? If we’re not careful, even special, fun, meaningful moments can be overlooked, devalued, and simply missed. – Winter – Days seem to fall into a slower rhythm of rest. The hum from the heater drowns out unneeded noise from the outside world. The cold wind and snowfall remind us we are not in control and so much of what we experience is random. Tight fitting clothes become a distant memory and are traded for sweatpants and cozy sweaters. Winter asks us to rest and not resist. Embrace what is. Experience the now. And simply live in the moment.

Vegan Bacon Bits. And yes! I did just use “Vegan” and “Bacon” in the same sentence. This recipe is very simply, but it packs a ton of flavor! It is the perfect crunchy addition to any salad or roasted veggie dish.

What does this all mean? It means that without a savior we have no value because our value, our worthiness comes from something outside of ourselves. This is an invisible threat to keep us feeling guilty and dependent on something other than ourselves, pulling us further back in an effort to distrust ourselves. The insecurity we feel continues to perpetuate this thought and we soon create a cycle. A cycle of dependance and a message of one where we should not trust ourselves. External validation is required for internal peace. This peace, however, is only found in someone else, Jesus Christ.

It’s currently winter where I live. Snow covers the landscape in a beautiful blanket of white. The season we are currently in will not always be. Soon the temperature outside will increase, and the snow will be a thing of the past. Rather than hoping for something different – warmer days – focus on the present season. What can you learn from this winter? What areas of your life need replenishing? Focus on today. Tomorrow will worry about itself.

2025 is here whether you are ready for it or not. You might be hitting the ground running right now and if you are, I want to applaud you! Get after it and get what is yours! But if you can relate to my experience above, just know it is okay. There is no shame here! And it’s okay to feel scared. It’s okay to be worried. Guess what? You are human! You are allowed to experience fear, frustration, sadness… fill in the blank! Your feelings are valid! And you should have the space and freedom to share them. For the year ahead, let’s challenge ourselves to share more of those feelings. Let’s challenge ourselves to remove our perfect mask and reveal what is under it. Because what is under it is priceless. You are priceless and your experience is priceless. I might be scared, but I am not afraid to admit it. I will boldly and openly step into this new year with all of my emotions and trust that they will guide me in the days ahead. I can and will do things that will scare me. I might not get it right 100% of the time, but I am not going to allow my worries or insecurities to stop me from moving forward.

Accepting others is a powerful thing, but it’s even more powerful when we choose to accept ourselves! As I reflect on my Christmas experience, I am grateful for the moments lived. My time with my family was meaningful and special because we gave ourselves permission to honor what we wanted for the celebration. We set boundaries for ourselves and remained true to our desires. We did not schedule or plan additional events out of a sense of requirement or expectation. We lived up to our desire as a family of four. This Christmas filled me with love and laughter. It inspired me to embrace the life I have and encouraged me to keep on protecting it. As I think about beginning this new year, I want to work on accepting myself more. I will do this by trusting and believing in myself. I’ve come to understand I’ve lacked the awareness to see that what I possess is enough and to see myself for who and what I am. There is a lack of self-acceptance that needs to be rebuilt. Now that I realize this deficiency I can begin to work on it. This is a goal of mine and one I look forward to exploring more in the coming year.

What happened is now history. Today is unwritten and today is what matters. Begin again and write your story differently. Yesterday’s mistakes are tomorrow’s victories! My Mother knows who she is. She doesn’t try to be anyone but herself. She is honest and vulnerable. She is who she is and doesn’t apologize for it. She often times overshares. She often times says things most people would be petrified to say. She is strong and knows the value of her thoughts.

Today I am spending some much-needed quality time with my son, Kenton! Before heading out, we had to grab our shades and leather jackets because we’re cool like that, and I LOVE matching with him whenever possible! Today we are on the hunt for unique and fun Christmas stocking stuffers! We decided to start this adventure first after he told me one of his favorite things about Christmas morning is dumping out his stocking to see what Santa filled it with. Where do you think we went? Once done with our shopping adventure, we decided to warm up with a hot beverage at one of our favorite spots! Prior to Kenton beginning school, we use to come here all the time. We’d spend hours learning in his activity books and reading together on their cozy leather couches. In some ways, we lived life here. Today as we sat together, memories from our past began to bubble up in my mind.

Without fail, my anxiety levels increase as I plan for the events of the holiday season. For me, it’s not that I do not enjoy gatherings or parties, I actually love creating holiday moments, it’s the other players involved that stress me out. I won’t beat around the bush here; I have anxiety around spending time with family.

Gratefulness Recently I was having this thought as I drove. For whatever reason, I began to think back to all the close calls I’ve had while in a motor vehicle. For some of them, I was the passenger. I didn’t have control over what happened to the vehicle. But for most, I was the one behind the wheel. Regardless of the scenario, all of them abruptly and sometimes, painfully reminded me that I am not in control. – Remember gratefulness? Having a spirit of gratefulness is about embracing the good and the bad. It is about appreciating the moment for what it is. We may not have control over a lot of things in life, but we can influence it by choose joy, kindness, and graciousness. Remind yourself, that life is uncertain, but that uncertainty is what keeps you learning and growing. It makes you a better, stronger, and wiser.

When the weather is gray and cloudy, like it is today, you need all the feel good, positive energy boosting vibes you can get! What I like to do is literally brighten up my whole space. I do this this by turning on all my lights, putting on my favorite music, and lighting candles. The warmth from the flames and the scent of the candles always puts me in a good mood. Keep reading for a cozy craft and delicious dish to brighten any gray day!

For me when I think of Thanksgiving I am reminded of my mom’s homemade pies. Pumpkin to be specific. Every year she would make this pie and would serve it with pride after our Thanksgiving dinner. It’s smooth, custardy texture and warm cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg spices would fill my mouth with a burst of flavor. As I’ve gotten older however, I made the conscious decision to remove gluten from my diet completely. I also eat very little animal products. For these reasons, I have not eaten her pies in years. This year, I decided to do something about it. I made pumpkin pie my way! Spoiler alert! My pumpkin pie was imperfectly perfect. The crust wasn’t what I had hoped for, but it still tasted great! And you know what the best part was? I did it all with my daughter. We shared a special moment in time. A time of learning for us both. As we sat on the floor near our fireplace with our pie in hand, the sun filled the whole space with warmth. I closed my eyes and smelled the pie before me. It was perfect to me. It smelled like home. It filled my whole body with the glow of the season. This is what the holidays are all about. Embracing the moment.

3/04/2021 Journal Entry Dear Baby of Mine, Regardless of what happens, I will love you. My hand is laying on my belly, praying you are safe and healthy. I pray we meet on this earth one day, but if that day should never come, I know I will see you in heaven with your sibling who is already waiting. For now, I will simply love you. Present Day It’s hard to believe the little baby I wrote to is now three years old. Ruby Anne Joy is officially three! Today, I celebrate the life she has had thus far and embrace this moment in time. She comforted my hurting heart after a miscarriage and filled my world with more love than I could have ever imagined.

This is Halloween! It’s funny because as much as I’d like to hold onto this moment, it’s the moments ahead that make this moment worth it. The day ahead is yet to be written. And each part- the highs, lows, good, and bad are needed to tell the whole story. Children are a lot of work, but the work you experience births meaning and purpose into your life story.

Isn’t it amazing what delicious food can do? It brings us together and allows us to create meaningful memories. Some of my favorite memories growing-up is in the kitchen with my mother and siblings. When we were mixing, building, creating, and cooking together we were sharing ourselves. We weren’t trying to prove anything to anyone. We weren’t being anything other than ourselves. Those simple moments shaped us. They allowed us to embrace ourselves and our family. They helped to unite us in a peaceful way. There was no debating or fighting required when we were simply making food together. I’ll always cherish those moments, and those moments are what matter most to me.

Relaxation. Just the sound of it sounds relaxing. But as I mentioned, it can be an adjustment when you finally have it. Today I have the opportunity to relax. Both of my children are out of the house. And while I have two major duties being covered for the afternoon, I still feel the urge to fill the blissful silence. “You should be doing this.” Or “Now would be a great time to do this.” My body is still in “go mode.” It isn’t accustomed to slowing down because it’s always in a state of urgency. As if on autopilot, I ask myself what needs to be done next.

Parenthood is very humbling, isn’t it? When you become a parent, you realize your areas of weakness. Every theoretical button in your being will be pushed by the little human that both drives you crazy and fills your world with more love than you could ever imagine. You say things you wish you could take back. You are sleep deprived. You worry you aren’t enough for your child. You do the best with what you’ve got and hope like hell it’s enough. Our past, our present, and our future are stories that will be written in time. What was and what will be will shape us. Don’t fear change. Don’t fear getting it wrong. Life is about learning and growing. Embracing a spirit of humility is so beneficial to not only others, but yourself. Take time to reflect and remind yourself that it’s okay to change your view on something. It’s okay to live a life different from your upbringing. It’s healthy and good to challenge what was once thought. You are not your parents. You are your own person, and you have the ability to live your own life; to do the things you desire, to believe in the principles you choose. You are not what others say you are. You are who you say you are. Believe in your power and embrace yourself for who you are!

Life is absurd. Humans are many things, but what we all need is a reason for living. We all need to know our “why” in life. That is why we all ask the same question… “Why am I here?” Spoiler alert! I don’t have the answer for you. And while I can pull an answer out based on the principles I learned from Christianity, not even that can be reliable or proven. Religion aside, I don’t think the answer to those above questions can be answered by anyone but the individual.

“Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness.” Jane Austen I couldn’t agree more! The fall season just isn’t complete without the smell of a homemade apple pie baking in the kitchen. For me, the scent evokes memories of childhood on cool, crisp days. My mother with her blonde hair pulled into a messy bun on the top of her head. Her apron covered in flour as my younger siblings ran around her. Those were the days when you felt like anything and everything was possible as you jumped into a big pile of crunchy leaves your dad just completed. Next, hearing him say, “You need to rake those back when you are done.” Oh, fall! How I love you!

Hand in hand, I asked my daughter what she liked to do most. She responded with, “Run and play and eat dinner.” I smiled at her simply response. I thought to myself, “I want to be more like you!” Isn’t her response just so cute? It’s straight forward. It’s simple. My toddler lives in the moment. She lives for today. Maybe I should try to see her perspective more often. Maybe I should try to see the world threw her lens more often. Perhaps by doing this, I would be a better parent to her as we navigate through this toddler stage.

“I don’t want to go in too soon and they send us home. And besides, my contractions aren’t that bad yet.” Don’t ask me why, but I thought labor would be very painful. This is not always the case. So, I kept stalling. After getting a shower, I couldn’t deny the labor pain any longer. I called my midwife, Pat and couldn’t talk as a contraction hit me. “Joy, I think it’s time you head to the hospital. I’ll meet you there.” Her calm words of confirmation were all I needed to hear.

I let her continue in the direction she wanted to go. Before long, she announced she was done. “Oh wow, Ruby! This looks amazing,” I exclaimed. Her little face beamed with pride. As the shoes dried on the counter, I couldn’t help but think to myself the importance of seeing things from a different perspective. Rather than making a quick judgement about something ask yourself if there is a different perspective, a different use, a different way of seeing and understanding something. As we age, we have experiences that shape our learning and worldview, but just because something was done one way doesn’t mean it cannot be modified the next time.

For me, becoming healthier means becoming more at peace with what is going on inside me and around me. I am no longer a slave to external influences. I can center myself and remain true to myself. This is powerful!

Happiness is found in the pursuit rather than in the actual achievement of your goals. The pursuit is what you are working towards- dreams, desires, and life legacy. Why do I say this? The truth is, you will have many different big goals in your life and many of them will never be realized for a number of reasons. You may reevaluate your course of action and therefore abandon a goal of yours. Life is change. Happiness is a byproduct of our choices. But if you find satisfaction, interest, and passion in what you are doing as you work towards your goals, you’ve found what I would describe as happiness. Keep those three descriptors in your mind – satisfaction, interest, and passion. All are very personal to the individual experiencing it.

Life is one big adjustment. Every day we are faced with choices, questions, and challenges. When it comes to what we make for mealtime, it shouldn’t be complicated! But life isn’t perfect and trying to find a satisfying, veggie forward dish can be challenging when your time is limited. That is why I want to share with you one of my favorite salads! Chickpea Salad! Why do I love this salad? It can be modified depending on what vegetables you have on hand, and it can be prepared in advance.

Recently, while out with my children, I overheard a mother talking to her child. “No. We can’t do that because we have your lessons at that time and then after that we have your brother’s lessons.” The itinerary she was rattling off felt like it would never end. If I felt this way, could you imagine how her child must have been feeling? If the child is anything like my kids, it tuned out the second it realized its request was fruitless. Her response felt like a never-ending loop of activity. From the sounds of it they would be running from one thing to the next for the foreseeable future. It reminded me of my younger siblings’ hamsters. Running and running on the wheel in their cage. As a young girl watching them, I wondered if the hamster realized its efforts were pointless.

Have you ever noticed how the words you yell at others are often times the same words you say to yourself? “What is wrong with you?” I’ve said this to myself more than I care to admit. In that moment I was angry she wasn’t following my instructions. I was frustrated she wasn’t complying with my demands. I saw myself from her vantage point and I looked scary. I was the adult in this scenario and yet I was allowing my emotions to overtake my better judgement.

Find your center. Dig deep. And remain true to you.

I’ve heard that red is the color of passion. If this is true, Ruby and I are passionate about baking our chewy, red apple oatmeal cookies! Not only is this recipe super easy to make, but it tastes delicious…. deliciously fall!

Through this experience, I learned that just because you’ve done something in the past, that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing now or it’s the right time for this specific situation. I called my almost employer and apologized for wasting her time. Once again, I was humbled at my distortion of reality. She said to me, “It’s okay Joy. If you decide you are ready just let me know. It could be next week or next year. You are totally fine. I am a mother too and I understand. You have to do what is best for your family.” I thanked her and relief fell over me.

I wanted to say to her, “I do want to enjoy it. I truly do! Every day I strive to enjoy it, but it’s hard, long, tiring, and sometimes lonely. Sometimes my hands are too full. Sometimes I angrily respond to my child after repeating myself for what feels like a million times. Sometimes I place more responsibility and expectations on my children then they are ready for. Sometimes I fail as a parent. Yes! I want to enjoy it and I hear you, but I’ll never fully grasp the gravity of those two words until I am saying it to another younger, tired, unprepared mother who is just like me.”

When you have little ones at home it is hard to think, plan, and digest what you are doing and how you are feeling. Thinking beyond the current moment is challenging because you are constantly reacting to the present. It’s noisy and its constant. Your toddler jumps from one emotionally charged topic to the next. One time I stopped long enough to hear my response to her. “Okay honey. Oh, wow. Good job.” Over and over, I repeated myself. It was as if my response was recorded and was playing on loop.

As I drove up and parked, I could see him in the distance with a group of friends. To no surprise of mine, they were in the gaga ball pit. After announcing my arrival and signing him out of his after-school program, I could see on my son’s face it was heated. The heat I was seeing wasn’t coming from the beautiful sunshine we had that day. It was heat from within. “Something happened,” I thought to myself as we neared our vehicle.

Mom, thank you for being your authentic self. Thank you for sharing with me stories from your past. Thank you for encouraging me even when I didn’t deserve your support. I love you for who you were. Who you are today. And who you will be tomorrow. Because of your influence in my life, I know I can withstand anything life throws at me. Happy Mother’s Day!

A mother is a person just like you and me. She is a human trying to raise little ones. Her children may not have come from her, but regardless of how they arrived she has been given the duty of caring for them. The responsibility is great, and the workload is heavy. The job of a mother never ends. Once she receives the title of mom it never goes away. A mother will never fully know what is expected of her until she is called upon. A mother tries her best but fails from time to time. She is imperfect but does the best she can with what she has. A mother needs forgiveness and encouragement. A mother needs to be reminded of her strength.

For the past few months, I’ve talked to Ruby about her pink potty that currently resides in our pantry near the kitchen. She sits on it. Her stuffed animals sit on it and even her older brother has demonstrated for her. We have a few age-appropriate potty books we read to her. They talk about how to use the potty and how fun it is to no longer need a diaper. I believe Ruby is ready for this change so yesterday, while the weather was nice and warm outside, we practiced potty training all afternoon.

Mom, you are amazing, and your kids are amazing! What you decide to do with your day is your business. When you receive criticism (and you will) try to see the situation from an outsider’s perspective. Remember how I told you the good news? You are not required to explain yourself to anyone.

Yesterday, while spending the day outside with my daughter, I caught myself feeling agitated and frustrated. Not with her, but with me. I thought to myself, “What is wrong with you, Joy? You are spending this beautiful day outside with your daughter. You should be so happy and content right now!” But in that moment, I wasn’t feeling content. I was feeling like I wasn’t doing enough. In other words, I was feeling like I was not enough. Can you relate?

I know I sound biased when I say this, but my son Kenton is so smart. He’s only eight years old and I swear the boy knows more about science and the universe than I ever did at that age. He is also innocent right now and although I’d like to keep him this way… Read more: Navigating Difficult Conversations!

My toddler, Ruby finally fell asleep for her nap. Her older brother, Kenton is playing on his switch for “quiet time.” He’s home this week for Spring Break. I have a moment of silence. This rarely happens and I want to make sure I fully embrace it. But for whatever reason, I struggle to sit… Read more: Intentionally Living!

On the drive home from school after picking up my son, Kenton I heard from the backseat my daughter, Ruby yell at him, “YOU ARE SMART!” Next, her hand flew in the air as I saw one of her toys fly in the direction of her brother. The poor creature was catapulted with force and… Read more: Language

Do you ever go back and read what you wrote? If I am honest, I do it all the time and each time I do I take something new away. Often times I view the writing as a past version of myself. I’ll think to myself, “What was I feeling when I wrote this? What… Read more: If I Am Honest…

Lately, I’ve been trying to find time to reflect on my recent birthday. The ways I’ve changed over the years, my relationships with those closest to me, and the goals I have ahead of me. All of them, as you can imagine, require focused thought. And to be honest, my time to pause is limited.… Read more: Growing Up And Faith

Last week, while Ruby napped, I began reading through my Mom’s diary when she was pregnant with me. It was fun to read her thoughts and feelings during this busy time in her life. She had my three older sisters to care for and had just started teaching kindergarten to the oldest. I learned that… Read more: “Joy truly is a Joy!”

Happy Presidents’ Day! I let the kids sleep in this morning and luckily they slept in for an additional hour! This gave me time to set-up a breakfast tea party! What I’ve learned since having two kids is that you don’t rush the days when you’re all home together – holidays and snow days specifically.… Read more: Every Day Is A Gift!

Literally anything and everything can be turned into an activity with your toddler. Yesterday Ruby couldn’t quiet herself enough to nap. We busied ourselves with needed housework. What I’ve found works best for my two year old daughter, Ruby is to give her tasks. For example, while I load the laundry I have her help… Read more: Winning My Daughter’s Heart!

“When you share your best it’s a match made in heaven.” I heard this phrase in passing and it caught my attention. I thought to myself, “A match made in heaven… who wouldn’t want that! What was the first part again?” “When you share your best.” After thinking more about this I agreed whole heartedly.… Read more: Me, Myself, and My Valentine!

It’s been days since Ruby napped and today she finally fell asleep! You’d be amazed at all the things I can accomplish when my overly curious, determined two year old slumbers. But above completing housework, when she naps I have the opportunity to write. Writing, for me has become my way of reconnecting to myself.… Read more: A Mother’s Self Talk!

I have this sentiment every year, it’s hard to believe we have been married for 13 years as of today! Fortunately, this is Taylor Swift’s lucky number so we should be off to a good start! When I think back to our wedding day I can’t help but be amazed at the life that was… Read more: Our Lucky # 13!

In this moment I just need to write. I just need to shut everyone and everything out. I just need to complete one, just one, whole mental thought! It’s not even 6:30 am and I feel bombarded by outside voices and unneeded noise. This morning I woke for the day at 5 am and saw… Read more: In This MOMent!

If you live in a climate like mine, snow in the winter is common. You want to know what else is common in the winter? School cancellations due to, you guested it, snow! This past week, along with a national holiday, Kenton only went to school for two days. As you can imagine, we had… Read more: Surviving Snow Days!

“It’s okay to plan for tomorrow, but you will struggle getting there if you don’t first recognize today. You don’t have to be everything and do everything right now. Tomorrow will worry about itself.” Do you ever wake up and feel like you’re already exhausted? For me, as soon as I open my eyes I… Read more: Staying Positive!

I want to talk about the worst thing you can call a mother. It begins with ‘S’ and all mothers try to avoid it like it’s the scarlet letter. SELFISH If you call a fellow mom selfish, beware! I am here to tell you, please call me selfish! I want to break down this word… Read more: What Did You Just Call Me?

From the time I learned to formulate and write sentences I started journaling. As a young girl, if I was lucky enough to wake before my Mother called us from our beds, I would slip into her room. In there I’d find her sitting on her bed journaling in a large notebook on her lap.… Read more: My Hope!

What is it about beginning a new planner that is so exciting? If you’re anything like me, you held your new planner like it was a roadmap to your future. Although it only held the dates ahead, you knew each of those calendar dates would eventually be filled with your life. How cool is that?… Read more: A New Planner = A New Story!

This is it! A new year, a new day, a new opportunity! How are you feeling? I am going to guess you are tired. But that’s okay! We all need to start somewhere. I am a big believer in setting an intention for the day. Really what I am doing is setting a goal for… Read more: Happy New Year!