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tips to pack smart in your carry on

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Headed to my first solo girls trip since having Charlotte a year ago. I know there’s this big misconception that having kids will keep you from traveling. But Having kids shouldn’t stop you from traveling and doing the things you love if you have the right partner. So be discerning ladies when choosing who you decide to marry and have kids with. They should make your life easier not harder! Thankful for my hubby, and all he does to make sure I’m taken care of. Even if that means taking a couple days to rest, recharge, and hang out with my girls! Seriously I am so spoiled by him because he’s such an amazing father to our babies. No wonder why I can’t say no to more kids.😉💛

I would be lying to you if I didn’t tell you I was a little bit sad to see my son get a little older, but gosh eleven is such a fun age! This is the first birthday I’m actually excited to see him get older. It’s the first time you see them and the future adults they will become. And honestly being able to have a real conversation without babying them, or not having to worry about them as much is nice. It means we can do more fun things and not have to worry about them getting kidnapped without having the ability to fight back or voice when they are in trouble. And honestly after having three little babies back to back, I’ll take an occasional eye roll over changing poopy diapers any day.😅 So if you are a mom who hasn’t reached the preteen stage yet and it worries you, I promise you it’s not as a bad as everyone says, in fact you might actually love this stage the best!😄

It’s 2016 and Kate Spade and ✌🏻 signs were in.😅 I’ve definitely evolved so much in these past 10 years, and motherhood has changed me so much. Jayden was just one years old. I was figuring out how to be this new version of myself and honestly I hated how skinny I was in these pictures. I felt like nothing fit right hence why I ended up getting a boob job.😩 These past 10 years taught me so much about myself, and I can honestly look back and be so proud of the woman I’ve evolved into. Thankful for these past 10 years blogging has given me. Thankful for the community, and just being able to share the things I love. If you are still here 10 years later. Thank you.💛 p.s. I still love all the color and will never be a neutral girly.🤪

Some years we are just thankful everyone made it alive, happy and healthy.😅 This past year challenged me as a mom. I honestly look back at this year and surprise myself on how much I’ve grown. Gave birth to my fourth child unmedicated was such a beautiful experience, solo parenting for more than 2/3 of the year while my husband was away for work, homeschooling my son for a second year, and dealing with 3 under 3, and getting both my toddlers potty trained, but most importantly building a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. It was a year of growing pains for me. Pushed beyond my max and yet I still showed up everyday with a lot of prayers and trust in his plans. Being a mom has been my greatest acts of service, my ministry, and my most rewarding role. I can’t tell you the days aren’t hard and the nights are long, but gosh time flies and there’s nothing more beautiful than watching your children grow into all God has destined them to be.🥹 2025 you challenged me, you made me stronger, but you also showed me so much and gave me so much. I might be a tired mama, but I’m also a very thankful one.💛🙏🏽

God will put the right people in your life for a season and a reason. I’ve been so blessed to have friends from all seasons of my life who have been there for me thick and thin. Even married for 11+ years nothing can replace those friendships. This season in my life I’ve had to step up as a parent while my husband was gone more than 2/3 of the year. Having my life partner, my best friend, the person I could lean on be gone for so long was and is still very hard for me. But I show up everyday for my children even when I feel like im not doing the best job. But God always provides, and having those friendships I could turn to when I just need to vent or support has been a Godsend this year. It isn’t easy having adult friendships when you’re a mother. So being able to have those friendships who uplift you and bring you closer to Jesus is truly a blessing. Tag someone you are thankful for this year.💛🙏🏽

I had to hop on this trend. How did ChatGPT do?😅 I love how the kids turned out! I’m still on the fence with how Josh and I are depicted lol! Funny thing is I was given a book of a compilation of Norman Rockwell’s paintings from my grandparents when I was a kid, and I always admired his work. So seeing this with our own family photos just shows how amazing how AI is. #normanrockwellchristmas

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