Welcome, Friends!

I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. Whether you stumbled upon this space or came with intention, welcome. I’m a stay-at-home mom on a journey to connect, share, and grow—and I’d love for you to join me.

This blog is a place where real life takes center stage. I have stories to tell—some filled with success, others steeped in lessons learned the hard way. My hope is that by sharing both, we can build a space where honesty, grace, and mutual support thrive.

Here, you’ll find reflections on motherhood, marriage, finances, adoption, infertility, mental health, and all the beautiful (and messy) moments in between. I’ll share what’s worked for us, what hasn’t, and what we’re still figuring out. Along the way, I’ll post articles, resources, favorite products, and the occasional adorable animal video—because we could all use a little joy.

Let me tell you a bit about myself: I often refer to myself as an “older” mom—I’m 45 and have a 9-year-old daughter. Many of my friends have teens or grown children, and if they have younger ones, their youngest is often around my daughter’s age. I’m part of that in-between microgeneration known as the Xennials, but I identify as Gen X through and through. I graduated from high school and college before the rise of social media, and sometimes I wish I’d known how much life was about to change—maybe I would’ve savored the quiet a little more.

I got married later than most in my community—maybe that’s a Midwestern small-town thing? My husband and I have traveled, moved, renovated homes, and grown together through every twist and turn. We’ve faced infertility, walked the path of adoption, navigated job changes, embraced counseling, and learned a lot about mental health along the way.

This blog is for you as much as it is for me—a safe, supportive space to ask questions, share your journey, and know you’re not alone. I’m here for open-hearted conversations, real talk, and maybe a few laughs when we need them most.

So grab a coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive in. You’re doing an amazing job—and this momma is cheering you on every step of the way.

Daily Favorite

I’m a self-confessed control-freak turned stay-at-home mom who finds inspiration—and a reality check—in Brené Brown’s TED Talk on vulnerability. Her honest take on embracing life’s messiness speaks to me, because the unknown terrifies me even as I live in it every day. From stepping into the uncertainty of adoption to leaving my career and relying solely on my husband’s income (hello, no-job–no-loan life!), I’ve learned that real courage is admitting we can’t keep everything in neat, labeled boxes. So join me as I swap perfection for authenticity, trade fear for curiosity, and navigate motherhood, marriage, and money—one beautifully imperfect moment at a time.