The Good List – Sunflower Fields Edition
The Good List: The anticipation of sunflowers year after year. The way they remind me of my 30th birthday and being newly postpartum. I love how the petals contrast against the blue sky and the way their short time in bloom reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3. I love the detours and adventures. And i especially love the ice cream date with my favorite guys afterwards. This is the epitome of summer and I’m obsessed with it.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day always brings a soft ache and a full heart. A day to hold both the beauty and the breaking — because motherhood is both.
Becoming a mother cracked me wide open in ways I never expected. It asked more of me than anything else in my life ever has. And yet, somehow, it’s given me even more in return.
This little soul — entrusted to me, growing under my roof, holding my hand for now — is the greatest blessing I’ve ever known. And the greatest challenge.
We are raising children to leave us.
To build lives beyond our homes, beyond our arms.
That truth is both sacred and staggering.
And still — I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Motherhood has reshaped me.
I am different now.
More intentional.
More playful.
More curious.
More in awe of the ordinary.
There’s something romantic, almost holy, in giving so much of yourself to someone else and watching it come back to you tenfold — in tiny giggles, tight hugs, endless questions, and sleepy “I love you, mamas.”
But today isn’t just a day to celebrate me. It’s a day to honor the women who made me this mother.
The ones I can call in the middle of the night. The ones I text “is this normal?” and the blurry picture of the new thing he’s learning. The ones who’ve seen me cry — and who’ve cried with me. The ones who have whispered prayers on my behalf. The ones who remind me that I’m not alone.
Motherhood doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community. And I’m endlessly grateful for the women who go before me, who stand beside me, and who hold me up when I need it most. I am the mother I am because of them.
This journey is not easy, but it is mine.
And it is everything.
To all the mothers — in every form and every season — I see you. I honor you. I celebrate you. 💛
From Where I Stood: A March in Moments
One of my favorite ways to document the passing of time is through small moments—everyday snapshots that might otherwise go unnoticed. These ‘from where I stood’ photos capture glimpses of my life this March, each one holding a story of its own.
Two Different Shoes – Honestly, I thought I’d be a more put together parent. We left the house in a hurry, and I didn’t notice until we were already out that my dude had confidently chosen two different shoes. I laughed for hours over this.
Our Trail Spot – This month has been a big one for the trail! Lots of awesome birds spotted and heard – barred owl and great horned owl being our favorites. These walks are a reset button, a breath of fresh air at the end of busy days.
Reading Break – I carved out time for a book in the midst of wedding weekend. Lounging with my legs stretched out, a novel in hand, and the afternoon light streaming in—one of my favorite ways to pause.
Wedding Weekend – The stone pathway, my dress flowing around my feet, and the excitement of celebrating love. I don’t get dressed up often, so this moment felt special—two evenings of joy, laughter, and friendship.
Travel Time – I love to travel and airplanes are so fun to me. There’s something about looking down and seeing my feet in a cramped airplane seat that makes travel feel real. It’s the in-between space—no longer where I was, not yet where I’m going.
The Pitcher – A tiny glove, a bright red ball, and being told my tosses are why he can’t make contact. Wait until he learns that this is the point.
Walking Challenge – Dark sidewalks, cool air, and the glow of streetlights. Started a StepBet with my workout group this month and I’m all in on hitting my goal. Each step is a small victory and the dogs aren’t complaining either!
Farmers Market Shadows – The sun casting long silhouettes as we walked through the market. A simple Saturday morning, full of fresh produce, friendly chatter, and the feeling of community.
Blooms in the Yard – it’s Finally Spring – Bright yellow against the lingering frost, the first daffodil of the season. A tiny promise that winter is behind us, and warmth is on its way.
These are the moments that made up my March. The big, the small, the in-between—all worth remembering.
The Good List: A 10 Year Anniversary Retrospective Edition
A ring and a camera and a bridge that’s still one of our favorite places. A trip down the aisle, absolutely in awe that we were finally married. A surprise honeymoon that exceeded every expectation and that will rival all other vacations for us. A new job and apartment together. Handwritten notes. Getting a pup who was definitely not over the max weight requested by our landlord. Reading next to each other in bed. After dinner walks on the trail. The way we like to stick together on weekends, especially when it means we’re going to Sam’s club. Job changes and promotions. Late-night conversations that stretch into the early morning. A spur of the moment puppy adoption, turned tiny best friend. Being at home during COVID and not-so-secretly being thrilled to be together even more. FinalVibe, vlogs and all that comes with doing projects together. The life-changing joy of becoming parents. Watching him grow, learn, and turn into a mini version of you in the best ways. Making our houses “home”. Countless deep conversations, debates, and rants (mostly yours) about technology, politics, and everything in between. Making up songs. The ability to make each other laugh, even when life is hard. Especially when life is hard. Watching you be the best dad, the kind of dad our son will always look up to. The comfort of knowing, no matter what, we’re in this together.
The list goes on and on. A decade in, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. Because at the end of the day, the best part of our life isn’t the big trips or the big milestones—it’s the ordinary, everyday magic of being with you.
Happy 10th anniversary. Here’s to many more.
From Where I Stood: A February in Moments
Another month, another round up of photos documenting where I was over the last month. It honestly felt as dreary as it looks. I kind of love the muted tones of these photos because that is exactly how the month felt. Looking forward to a more springy selection in March.
• Callahan’s Tiny Things – I never want to forget Callahan’s little treasures, carefully collected and handled with love. A panda, a heart, a tiny dog—among many other things tucked safely in his drawer.
• Sick at Home – Too many days in February spent in pajamas, snuggled up in bed next to two cuddly pups. This month has been full of tissues, electrolytes, and naps.
• Golf – A winter escape to the indoor putting green (even if it’s just at Dick’s Sporting Goods), boots on artificial grass, trying to shake off the cold-weather blues. Our boy loves the sport and let’s be honest, I do too.
• Playing Outside – Sneakers on concrete, basketball in hand, soaking up every tolerable moment of fresh air before the next cold front rolls in.
• Ice Skating – Standing on the ice, watching tiny skates glide forward, slow and unsteady. Holding my toddler’s hand, feeling the wobbles and the determination.
• Family Exercise – A workout for three squeezed into the living room, weights on the rug, trying to get our pump on.
• Toys in the Living Room – A floor covered in stuffed animals and basketballs, proof of a day well played. My feet among the chaos, embracing the mess of childhood.
• Soda and Shopping Vibes – A weekend with my folks always includes a fountain soda grabbed by dad and a trip to target with mom always makes my day. Sidewalk slush, white sneakers, a small but familiar joy.
• Soaking up the Sun – Face tilted upward, spring finally in the air, melting the last bits of snow. Always thankful for glimpses that remind us that winter won’t last forever.
Thanks for following along here. 🧡