There's a certain magic in the way life unfolds its surprises, knitting together the most memorable stories of our lives. This Thanksgiving brought with it a tale that I will cherish. It was a day marked not just by gratitude but by a delightful surprise that would once again reshape our family landscape.

Thanksgiving ushers in a season of warmth, gratitude, and appreciation. It's a time to gather around tables filled with festive fare, sharing stories and laughter with loved ones. Yet, it's important to remember that not everyone shares the same cheerful experiences during these times. For some, this season may bring up feelings of loneliness, grief, or sadness.

There are moments in life so saturated with love and imagination that they seem destined to be unforgettable. In the gentle embrace of each evening, as the sun said its golden goodbyes, my children and I would gather for what I believed were such moments.

Life is a lot like making a cup of coffee, full of unexpected spills, surprises, and moments that don't turn out quite as we planned. Recently, I embarked on a coffee making adventure that not only left my kitchen in chaos but also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of embracing life's unexpected twists.

It's a universal truth that as parents, we often underestimate the impact we have on our children's lives. We may not realize that they are not just observing our actions, but also absorbing the essence of who we are. Our gestures of love, kindness, and resilience are all these facets that leave an indelible mark on their beings.

As a parent, there are moments that fill your heart with immense pride and joy, and witnessing your child achieve significant milestones is one of those unforgettable experiences. Recently, I had the pleasure of witnessing my daughter take a giant leap forward in her life; buying her very first house.

In a world that often glorifies the busy hustle, bustle, and constant striving, we often find ourselves caught in a tangle of making things seem harder than they really need to be. What if we could unlock the power of simplicity and embrace the ease of a relaxed Sunday morning? Every time I push my grand daughter in her swing, I’m reminded to slow down, stop rushing, worry less, and trust more.

Out of all the family trips, my favorite by far was out last trip together in August of 2016. Along with my Mom and Dad, all four siblings were able to make the trek out to California for my nieces wedding.

“Nothing happens until you decide. Make a decision and watch your life move forward,” - Oprah Winfrey. I don’t know about you, but I often find myself in a quandary over an important decision.

Recently, my first grand child turned one. How is that even possible? I swear it was just yesterday my son was having his first birthday, wasn’t it?

“I hate being sick, I feel like a superhero with no powers.” – Unknown

How’s your mood when you’ve been feeling sick and under the weather? Recently, I’ve been dealing with a nasty little cold bug that’s been hanging on for dear life.

“When we come full circle there is a feeling that we have come to a familiar place but we are somehow different” - Daily OM.

In my adolescence years, my Mom enrolled both my sister and I into the Wendy Ward Charm School in hopes of teaching us all we needed to know about manners and social graces. In those early days after we graduated, my Mom would often refer to the school and lessons if she questioned how we completed a task she was sure we were taught during class. She’d say something like, “Didn’t you learn how to do that in Charm School?”

“Love is in the air everywhere I look around. Love is in the air every sight and every sound,” - Tom Jones. If you’ve followed me in the past, you may remember how much I love Valentine’s Day and February; the month of love.

Shortly before the baby was born, Andrew asked if I would be willing to watch the baby one to two times a week. Although my head was telling me no, my heart was telling me yes. I didn’t have much help when my children were babies and I remembered how that made me feel. I felt alone, overwhelmed, and heavy-hearted.

I’ve been thinking a lot about traditions lately; creating new ones and remembering the old. It could be because the more time that passes, the more I reflect on my life and what I want my legacy to be.

Christmas Day is always celebrated at my brother and sister-in-law’s home. Each year we plan some sort of fun gift exchange. To date, this past one is my favorite. To set the stage, let’s go back a bit, actually several years to bring you up to speed.

My favorite part of Tuesdays, the day I stay with my grand baby, Emery, is when she is in my arms sleeping and snuggling close to my heart. At least once a day when she naps I rock her to sleep.