Praises of a Wife and Mommy

  Even though my kids are grown, there’s something so special about opening up a beautiful children’s book rooted in God’s Word. I recently had the chance to go through a few new titles, and while I may not have little ones at home anymore (hence the stuffed animals making a guest appearance in my photos 😊), I immediately thought of our church classrooms and the children who will be so blessed by these. I truly appreciate kids books that don’t shy away from truth but instead present it in a way that is both engaging and deeply rooted in Scripture. These four books do just that—each one offering something unique while pointing children back to Jesus. Jesus, Our True Friend Jesus, Our True Friend is a beautiful collection of seven stories from the life of Jesus that clearly and lovingly share the gospel message. Each story reminds children that Jesus came as our Rescuer—to mend what is broken, bring us back to God, and show us what true love really looks like. The storytelling is h...

 I think I wrote before about my  last appointment with my surgeon and the frustration I felt when he asked me to do something that, at the time, felt impossible — a single calf raise. In the moment I felt a little judged, especially when he said to my daughter, “Make sure your mom does her exercises.” I will admit… I was offended. Not deeply, but enough that it stuck with me. And honestly, I do not want to be someone who is easily offendable, so that in itself has been something for me to reflect on. This week I go back to see that doctor again. I know there is a good chance he will ask me to try the same thing. Yesterday I tried again, and once again the tears came. I still could not fully do it. In that moment it felt like failure. But my husband gently reminded me of something I needed to hear — progress. He pointed out that a few months ago I could barely put weight on my foot. Then I progressed to using both legs. Now I can shift most of my weight onto the right leg...

I love the idea of simplifying my mornings, so when I tried the Hazelnut Protein Coffee from Naked Nutrition, I was excited about getting my protein and caffeine in one scoop. As someone who values clean ingredients and fueling my body well, this felt like a great option. First, the positives. I really appreciate Naked Nutrition’s commitment to simple, clean ingredients without a lot of unnecessary additives. The concept alone is a win, protein plus coffee saves time and makes busy mornings easier. Getting that extra protein boost alongside my caffeine is honestly my favorite part. Now for my honest experience. The first time I mixed it, I used water and just a spoon… and quickly realized that was not enough. It didn’t blend well and was a bit clumpy. I also tried adding it to already-made hot coffee, and that didn’t work great either — it turned chunky and didn’t dissolve smoothly.  I also realized I don't need more caffeine because this powder is comparable to a full cup of ...

 If you are looking for a NLT journaling Bible with wide margins, elegant design, and built-in study tools, the NLT Wide Margin Bible, Filament Enabled is a beautiful and meaningful option. Whether you want a Bible for note-taking, creative journaling, or as a Christian graduation gift, this one truly stands out. What’s Inside the NLT Wide Margin Bible (Filament Enabled) The NLT Wide Margin Bible, Filament Enabled is thoughtfully designed for readers who love to engage creatively with Scripture. This single-column Bible includes 2.25-inch lightly ruled margins on every page — making it ideal for: Bible journaling Writing prayers Note-taking during sermons Highlighting meaningful verses Recording personal reflections Creating a keepsake Bible Beautiful design details include: Access to the free Filament Bible App High-quality white Bible paper perfect for journaling Single-column, line-over-line typesetting Easy-to-read 8-point Lexicon font ...

Well, here is a quick picture and update as I haven't said much in a few weeks.   Healing takes time and I am learning to accept it!    

  One thing that has felt so amazing since returning to work from Christmas break is my coworkers. I didn’t fully realize how much support I would feel just by walking back into the building without my scooter.  So many people noticed right away. Almost every day someone stops me, claps, or cheers me on, telling me how good I am looking and how proud they are of the progress I’ve made. It honestly feels like I have my own cheering section in the halls. Those small moments make such a difference in my workday. Healing can feel slow and lonely at times, but being surrounded by people who notice, celebrate, and speak life into the progress changes everything. I truly feel seen, and that is such a gift in any workplace. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.... I know I have shared that verse a few times but it is so so important!  I am learning that encouragement is powerful. It reminds us how far we’ve com...

  At PT this week I got on the bike. And let me just say, it felt so freeing to move my body more. After months of slow steps, careful movements, and learning how to trust my body again, this felt like a new chapter in my healing. There was something so joyful about pedaling. It reminded me that my body is capable again.  Not pain free yet. But capable. Healing is happening. Now I get to increase by two minutes each time, as long as it feels good. I love that part. Listening to my body. Respecting the process. Trusting that slow progress is still progress. I am learning that healing is not about rushing the finish line. It is about honoring every small step that gets me closer to it. The Lord keeps reminding me that growth often comes in stages. Just like faith, healing is built little by little, moment by moment, step by step. “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” Isaiah 58:11 I am choosing to celeb...

  I had a student write a writing probe recently, and the entire piece was about wanting to be more like me. Now let’s be honest. The first thought that crossed my mind was, Is this student sucking up or is this genuine encouragement? Even if there was a tiny bit of a goody two shoes energy in there, I truly believe his heart was in the right place, and on that particular day, it was encouragement I didn’t even realize I needed. Teaching, especially in seasons where healing is taking place, can sometimes feel like you are pouring out more than you are taking in. But moments like this remind me that relationships matter. Seeds are being planted even when I don’t see immediate fruit. I love that I get to build relationships with my students. I love that they feel safe enough to express admiration, gratitude, or even just honesty in their writing. Those connections matter far more than test scores or perfectly polished essays. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another...

  Well, PT sent me home with a bright pink band to do more exercises at home.   I noticed right away that when I use the band I get a much better stretch. And the biggest win of all is that when I walk afterward there is less pain with each step. How wonderful is that? It feels like such a simple thing, but it has made a noticeable difference. Stretching hurts in the moment, but it brings relief afterward. That feels like such a good picture of this entire healing journey. Sometimes the uncomfortable work is exactly what leads to freedom. This season keeps teaching me that healing is not just about rest. It is also about showing up, doing the work, and trusting the process even when it feels slow or awkward or uncomfortable. That little pink band is reminding me that progress often comes through consistency, not intensity. “Stretch out your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” Isaiah 54:2 I am learning that stretching creates...

I had my 18 week follow up with my surgeon yesterday. I left defeated. I went straight to physical therapy and cried. Then I came home and cried again with my husband. This is the reality of healing. There are good days and bad days, but sometimes one person’s words and actions can weigh heavier than they should and leave you questioning everything. Six weeks ago at my last appointment I was still in a boot and using crutches. Over these last six weeks I have gotten out of the boot and off the crutches. That should be celebrated or at least that is what I was thinking when I went to the appointment. Instead, I walked into an appointment that left me feeling like I had failed my recovery and felt shame trying to attach. The surgeon looked at me and said, “I see you are walking with a limp.” That part is true. Most of the time I still carry pain or tight stretching with every step. Regaining a normal stride and gait has been one of the most frustrating parts of this journey yet I am stil...

It was a great Saturday out an about!   I was feeling good walking and having some fun shopping local.   First Baylee got a kombucha and then Selah and I tried both of their drinks and then I had to get back in line and get some of my own.   When I got to the counter the guy saw my crutch and said "Who did you kick" just making lite jokes where I was able to tell him a little bit of my story.   We exchange a few more sentences and was just generally friendly.  When I went to pay he said this one is on the house, enjoy your free kombucha!  What a sweet little blessing!   Since that day I have actually been craving more of the kombucha and want to go back.  One thing that I really liked was that they do not put any ice in the cup and its a good size cup and only costs $4.00!  Its a steal of a deal compared to most coffee shop drinks.    

  I love this family!   Christmas Eve 2025!!!  Look at that confidence growing... Look at that healing!!!  Praise the LORD!

It has been a while since I last updated you all on my healing journey. I am now 18 weeks post surgery, and I can honestly say that the research about Achilles recovery is very accurate. Months four and five are hard. Stretching the Achilles and trying to return to everyday walking feels like one step forward, two steps back, then a few steps forward again. It is not a straight line, and that can be discouraging. I have had many good days, many hard days, and many days where my faith has been stretched just as much as my tendon. There are days I am asking the Lord to remove the pain. I used to think I had a high pain tolerance, but walking through this season has humbled that belief. Pain has a way of teaching you what you really can and cannot carry on your own. Over the past month I have moved from wearing the boot full time, to part boot and part shoe, to no boot with a crutch, and now to no boot and no crutches at all. Even without the boot or crutches, there are still moments of p...

  As pastors we often have a busy Christmas Eve to prepare for service and have service. So this year we determined we should go out for dinner after service.  We had a gift card to the local hibachi place so it made sense and it was such a fun evening.  We ran into some friends we haven't seen in a few years and we were able to share a table together.   It was Titus first time at hibachi where they cook and entertain you!   It was a good fun show and tasty food.    I do hope it is a new tradition that sticks!  

Singing happy birthday to Jesus on Christmas morning is one of my favorite traditions. Gathering around pancakes and candles warms my heart every single year. There is something so simple and yet so meaningful about starting Christmas by celebrating Him together. This year the pancakes were berries and white chocolate chip and chocolate and peanut butter chip. We also had bacon, ham, and eggs. It felt like such a feast and such a gift to share that table with my dear ones. Laughter, full plates, and grateful hearts filled the room. I love traditions. I love that my family looks forward to these pancakes and that they are always curious about what kind I will make each year. These moments feel like little markers of joy, reminding me that celebrating Jesus does not have to be complicated. It can be sweet, simple, and shared around a table. Lord, thank You for the gift of traditions that point us back to You. Thank You for laughter, food, family, and the joy of celebrating Jesus together...

  It was Christmas Eve and I was ready to Praise. I was super stoked to be wearing a pair of shoes I have not worn in so long and a new dress that was gifted to me. When I put those shoes on I didn't have pain- I was certainly praising the Lord for relief!   Christmas Eve service felt extra special because I did not have to wear the boot. That alone felt like a victory worth celebrating.  Getting dressed up reminded me how far I have come. It was more than just shoes and a dress. It was proof of healing. It was proof that progress is happening even when the journey has felt slow and full of ups and downs. For the first time in a while, I was not thinking about pain or limitations. I was simply present, worshiping, and enjoying the moment. To be honest, I actually felt really pretty. That may sound small, but it mattered. Healing is not only about muscles and tendons. It is also about confidence, joy, and learning to see yourself through a lens of grace instead of fr...

The Village by Selah  Nativity by Baylee Wood Burner by Anthony Marshmallow Fun Mountain by Titus Church Winter Camp by April The Backyard by Abigail This has become a great annual tradition that takes a few hours of time and allows for some sticky fun!   I think each year we try to think of new things to use and do and instead of just a house we now have a full scene and that is showing some talent!  :)    

A silly and thoughtful Christmas gift from a coworker caught me completely off guard this week. Before my injury, we were supposed to meet up with her and her husband to play pickleball together. It was something we had talked about and looked forward to. Then the injury happened, and that plan was quickly taken off the calendar. Instead of letting it fade away, she got creative. She showed up with a tabletop pickleball game. Yes, pickleball for the table. I can sit down and still “play.” I laughed out loud when I opened it, and then I felt something even better. I felt seen by her. It may sound small, but being remembered in the middle of a season where so much feels paused means a lot. She did not forget the plan that never happened. She found a way to bring it back in a new form. I should probably bring it back to school so we can play together after break!  Now, if I am honest, I do still want to play real pickleball someday. Even though the doctors have warned me that pickleba...

Titus is in his winter soccer season, which has made for some very late nights. Now that he is in high school, games start after 8 pm and sometimes do not even wrap up until after 10 pm, which still feels a little wild to me. Late nights are not always easy, but they are worth it. I truly enjoy being able to cheer him on. There is something so special about watching your kids do what they love and seeing their hard work come to life on the field. Even when I am tired, my heart is full watching him play with passion and determination. GO Titus GO. Lord, thank You for the gift of watching our children grow and pursue the things they love. Give Titus strength, endurance, and joy as he plays. Protect his body, guide his steps, and remind him that You are with him on and off the field. Help me to savor these late nights, knowing they will not last forever.  

Enjoying my daughter’s last high school Christmas concert felt extra special. I am always blown away by the talent of her choir, and somehow, even surrounded by so many voices, I am convinced I can still hear her voice throughout the entire group. A mom’s ears know as well as a dads ear cause we both can hear her. I love hearing her sing and being reminded that God has truly gifted her with a beautiful and unique voice. This concert also carried a quiet victory for me. At the last concert, I had my scooter, which meant sitting on the outside aisle. This time, no scooter. I was able to sit right in the middle. Woot. That might seem small to some, but to me it felt like real progress and another reminder that healing is happening, even if it comes slowly. As the music filled the room, I found myself grateful for so much. Grateful for the years of watching her grow, grateful for the discipline and heart she brings to her craft, and grateful for the ways God shows His faithfulness through ...