Praises of a Wife and Mommy

  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!