Praises of a Wife and Mommy

I have to laugh at myself because I was so nervous to start physical therapy! I don’t know what I was expecting, maybe something out of a fitness boot camp, but it has actually been gentle and even relaxing at times. The first two sessions have felt more like a massage appointment than anything else. Still, right in the middle of enjoying my ankle and foot massage, my therapist snapped me back to reality and said, “I like to build trust the first couple of visits, but you’ll be using this equipment soon enough.” Hello, reality check! I know the hard work is coming, and that’s okay. These first visits have focused on rebuilding trust with my body, stretching, small up and down movements, and even using my foot to “write” the ABCs. It’s simple, but wow, those tiny movements come with tightness and moments of discomfort. It’s humbling to realize how much work the smallest actions can take when you’re healing. I also learned to walk with one crutch—baby steps, literally! I can use it aroun...

  Source When you're someone who loves being creative, fueling that is always a lot of fun. But what happens when you seem to have lost your creative spark? Whether you don't tend to have much time to be creative or you just want to rekindle your love for it, in this blog post, you'll find five different ways to help you get started. 1. Be More Present First of all, one of the best techniques to help you be a lot more creative in life is to be present. We live in a time of life where we're always tied up with something. If we're not scrolling on our devices, we're trying to do two things at once, and it can be very overwhelming. So no wonder we're limited in creativity. All it takes is for you to take that step away and aim to be more present in your everyday life, and you'll find that you feel more inspired. 2. Start a New Project Next, you could look to start a new project. It's easy to think that you have to wait for creativity to strike in order...

Since my daughter missed cross country practice for All State, we headed to the track together so she could get her workout in. As I watched her stretch and warm up, I realized—why not take this opportunity to stretch myself too? After all, physical therapy starts soon, and I could use a little practice. So I grabbed my crutches and started walking the track. One lap… then another. The cool air filled my lungs, and I felt thankful for the movement. Then, something stirred inside me—courage. I decided to take a few steps without the crutches. It wasn’t pretty, and it certainly wasn’t fast, but it was progress. It was freedom. That moment reminded me that healing doesn’t always come in leaps—it often comes in steady, faithful steps. Each step, no matter how small, was a declaration: God, You’re still strengthening me. My daughter and I may be training for two very different races right now—hers on the track, mine in physical therapy—but both require endurance, faith, and focus. She’s tra...

Another wedding… and honestly, it felt a little strange even thinking about it. You all know my injury happened at a wedding, so just the thought of going to one again stirred a few emotions. Thankfully, there was no wedding dance this time, which made it easier on the nerves and the ankle. But let’s rewind a bit. The night before the wedding, I was at a CD release party where there was dancing. And I made up my mind that I would not let fear win. I wasn’t going to let that moment from my injury define me. So yes, I danced, carefully, joyfully, and still with my crutches nearby. Then came the wedding morning. And oh boy… not the kind of battle I expected. It was cold outside, and I couldn’t find anything that felt right to wear. The beautiful dark green dress that looked perfect in my head? It felt like it was suffocating me. Dress pants? Nope, not with this boot. So there I was, standing in front of the mirror, wearing blue jeans and a sweater, feeling completely self-conscious. And ...

This weekend was another milestone moment for my daughter’s senior year. She auditioned for All-State Choir! It’s a big deal because not many high school students make it in, and the process is intense. On Saturday, she and her group sang beautifully together, and then came the exciting (and nerve-wracking) moment: she got a callback to sing individually. And guess what? She got in!  When she told me, my heart just about burst with pride. I’ve watched her pour her heart into music, balancing practices, academics, and cross country, and to see her hard work and determination recognized like this is such a gift. But what really made me pause was a phone call I received from one of her friends that day. She said, “Your daughter is so calm. She doesn’t seem nervous at all. She’s just sitting and waiting for her call back with her binder on her lap. No one else is like that.” And I smiled because I knew exactly why. My daughter carries the peace of Jesus. She knows Jehovah Shalom, the L...

Hebrews 10:36 has been my anchor lately. I’ve written it on photos of my scar and legs, because I need the constant reminder: “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” — Hebrews 10:36 (NLT) Those two words, patient endurance, carry so much weight. They sound so simple until you’re in the middle of the process. Healing has a way of showing us what those words really mean. It’s the patient part that stretches me, waiting for progress, waiting for strength, waiting for normal. And it’s the endurance part that builds me, pushing through the pain, the swelling, the setbacks, and still choosing to believe that better days are coming. This season has reminded me that both can exist together. I can be grateful and frustrated. Strong and sore. Hopeful and tired. Healing is not linear, but it is purposeful. God is using every ache and every delay to shape me into someone stronger, not just physically bu...

Taking a little break from my own healing journey today to simply admire my two kiddos.  Selah sent me a side-by-side picture, one from this week and one from last year and I can hardly believe the difference. In just one year, so much has changed! Selah’s hair might be a little wild from running her big race on a windy day, but that’s part of her beautiful spirit — determined, joyful, and strong. And Titus? Gone is that little boy face… he’s truly stepping into manhood. My heart just swells when I see how they’re both growing, not just physically, but in faith and character. Their names carry such meaning:  Selah — “to pause and reflect.” She reminds me to slow down and notice God in every moment.  Titus — “defender.” He carries a strength and compassion that shows what it means to protect, to serve, and to love. Watching them grow is a reminder that these two are not just mine, they belong to the Lord, and He has incredible plans for their lives. “The Lord will fulfill ...

Well, Monday brought another doctor appointment. He looked at my scar and seemed pleased. He asked about weight-bearing and again seemed pleased. Then he said the words I knew were coming but still made my stomach drop a little: “It’s time to start physical therapy.” Three times a week for six weeks. Whew. That’s a whole lot! I know it’s necessary, and I know it’ll help me get stronger, but I also know it’s going to hurt. How does one prepare for that kind of “good pain”? How do I wrap my brain around the fact that something that’s going to be uncomfortable is actually exactly what I need?  (When I got to the PT place to make appointments they actually only scheduled me two times a week and said the PT would discuss if we needed a 3 one.) So, I’ve asked for prayers — and I treasure every single one.  I’ve noticed I’m starting to bear more than 50% of my weight now, which feels amazing. At school last week, I found myself using my crutches more and scooting less. Every small v...

Oh boy, what a day! This was the last time as a high school cross country runner that I’ll see my girl race on that tough, hilly course. What a mix of emotions — joy, pride, nostalgia, and awe. Earlier this season, I was still being wheeled around in a wheelchair. But this time, victory! I was able to use my knee scooter and make it from spot to spot, cheering Selah and her teammates on. That freedom felt amazing, another reminder of how far God has brought me in my healing. And the victories didn’t stop there. Selah and her team crushed the competition and are heading to State next week! 🙌 Selah met her individual goal of qualifying, and I could see her determination in every stride. She’s focused, grounded, and surrounded by such an incredible group of teammates. As they prepare for this next big race, my heart is full of prayer: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not...

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Nine weeks post-surgery. It’s wild how a single week can make such a visible difference — the scar looks softer, the scabbing less noticeable, and the tenderness has faded little by little. Each day I can feel strength returning. I’ve started noticing things I couldn’t do a few weeks ago. The little victories — less swelling, more balance, fewer tears — all matter. I find myself whispering, “Thank You, Lord, it’s happening.” Still, I can hear my doctor’s voice ringing in my ears: “April, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Those words have become a theme for this journey. I’m learning that healing takes time — not just for the body, but for the mind and spirit too. I love things fast. I love results. I love checking the box and moving on. But this season? God is teaching me to slow down — to abide rather than rush, to trust rather than control. Healing has become a classroom for patience and presence. Every step, stretch, and scar is a reminder that God isn’t just restoring my tendon; H...

Friday night rolled around, and I realized I hadn’t been to a high school football game yet this year. Abigail and I decided it was time! I was so thankful for the golf cart ride from the parking lot to the entrance — small blessings like that mean a lot these days.  I ran into a few teachers who cheered me on for being on my crutches instead of the scooter, and it felt so good to see familiar faces. At first, I didn’t even notice that the bleachers didn’t have a ramp, but thankfully there was an elevator! With both of us asking how to use it, we laughed our way up — it moved slow as molasses, but it sure beat trying to crutch up steps with big gaps between them. We enjoyed the second half of the freshman game as they crushed the competition and then stayed to watch varsity, who were ruling the field. Half time came, and we got to enjoy the band, the cheerleaders, and Sparkles — our all-inclusive cheerleading team. Every student shined so bright! When the halftime show wrapped up, ...

  Another big cross country meet happened last week, the conference meet, and what a day it was! 💛 My daughters team swept the conference and everyone did so well!  Not gonna lie, my mama heart has felt a mix of emotions lately. Between my husband’s surgery, my own healing journey, and the extra weight it’s placed on our family, I’ve wondered how it’s affected my daughter. Yet, through it all, she’s continued to lace up her shoes, put one foot in front of the other, and run with such strength and perseverance. She took 13th place individually , and her team won 1st overall! I couldn’t be more proud. There’s something sacred about watching your child do what they love, pushing through exhaustion, and finding joy in the journey. Still, as proud as I was, I could see the frustration in her eyes at the finish line. She wanted to do just a little better. She’s poured four years of heart, sweat, and countless early mornings into this sport — so those emotions make sense. I gent...

It was another beautiful fall day, the kind that makes you want to stay outside forever. The sun was shining, the breeze was just right, and I was so thankful to be watching my son play soccer again. There’s just something about seeing him out there on that field, focused, determined, and giving it his all. Now, let’s talk about the funny part of the day.  At halftime, I told myself, “You’re fine. You don’t need to go to the bathroom. You can hold it.”   With only a little left of halftime, I realized... nope. That was  not  going to happen.  Baylee was going and I could have just gone with her but I wasted that opportunity and had to recruit my husband to come with me.  Walking in the grass with crutches I don't feel the safest so it was nice to have him follow me.   So, I grabbed my crutches and started the long journey, what felt like a half-marathon, to the restroom. Every step was an adventure. I’m sure the people I passed could read my ...

 Eight weeks post-surgery. Some days, I feel strong and determined… other days, I just stare at my leg and feel a wave of discouragement wash over me. The muscles are still missing — visibly gone — and it’s hard not to notice. Vulnerability hits deep when you see the evidence of what’s been lost and feel how much work it will take to rebuild. The scar, though, is starting to heal nicely. It’s a strange mix of pride and humility — pride in how far I’ve come, and humility in realizing how much more healing is still ahead. I’ve started looking for the right cream to help the scar fade and the skin soften, but honestly, I think my heart needs its own healing balm too. These last two weeks have brought waves of emotion — highs when I take new steps, and lows when the pain or fatigue reminds me I’m not there yet. But through it all, God keeps meeting me right where I am — in the soreness, in the slow progress, and in the quiet moments when I need to be reminded that He’s not finishe...

 I was so proud of myself! I walked with my crutches through the downtown of my town — a longer walk than usual — and it felt so good to set a goal and reach it! The weather for fall was so beautiful as well and I wanted that Vitamin D so much!  Later that night, I had to make a Walmart run and thought, “Why not keep walking? No scooter tonight.” Well… once I got out of the car, I quickly realized how sore my hands were from all that crutching earlier.  So I humbly decided to embrace the Walmart scooters. Let’s just say… going backwards is so incredibly slow , but I still had fun! While zooming (or creeping) through the aisles, I ended up talking to three other people using scooters, too. One couple, probably in their 80s, completely made my night. The gentleman looked right at me and said, " Darling, never stop smiling!" His kind words and twinkling blue eyes just melted my heart. I instantly thought, Can I adopt them as my grandparents? You see, I didn’t have any...

  Wearing a boot, I’ve struggled with finding the right socks to wear with it. I wanted something so my boot wouldn’t develop a stink, but my first attempt was a fail — the socks were too tight, and by the end of the day, I was in pain (yep, that same day I wrote about earlier!). So, I tried again and ordered socks specifically made for the boot — and let me tell you, THEY ARE AMAZING! The stretch is perfect. No pain taking them off.  Yay for stretch! And speaking of stretching… I feel like this whole healing process has been a season of spiritual stretching too. The Lord stretches each of us in different ways to help us learn, grow, and strengthen our faith. Sometimes that stretching feels uncomfortable — even painful — but He’s preparing us for something greater. “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” — Isaiah 54:2 This verse reminds me that God doesn’t just want to heal what’s...

  A week ago, my Naked Collagen Creamer from Naked Nutrition arrived, and I eagerly cracked it open. I chose the Caramel flavor and I’ve been stirring it into my morning coffee every day since. I’ve been particularly motivated to try collagen because I’m healing from a full Achilles tendon rupture, and I know collagen plays an important role in connective tissue repair. This felt like a perfect fit for my body’s needs right now. What I Loved   Flavor The caramel is dreamy. It enhances my coffee with just the right hint of sweetness — not artificial, but genuinely creamy and indulgent. It’s the kind of flavor I’ve missed in my daily cup.   Mixability One of my biggest pet peeves with powders is clumping. But this one dissolves beautifully — no lumps, no gritty bits, just a smooth, silky addition to my coffee. Clean & Focused Formula On their site, Naked Nutrition describes it as: “Add a flavorful boost of wellness to your morning beverage with our dairy-free Naked ...