40 & Fabulous

I turned 40 and honestly… it was probably the best birthday I’ve ever had. Brad completely spoiled me—he started the day with a surprise yard sign and a homemade breakfast, then took the day off from work since it was a Monday, so we could go out to lunch and do some birthday shopping together.

The kids were so sweet and thoughtful, they each picked out a gift just for me. Logan got me perfume, Tanner chose bath bombs and a candle hilariously (and accurately) named “It smells like you’re not in your 30s anymore,” and Carson gave me a digital picture frame (which I love and have already filled with memories). Brad gave me the most beautiful aquamarine earrings (my birthstone) and the birthday card from all four of them had the kindest messages that honestly made me tear up.

Here's the cool card the kids got me:

My sister door dashed me cookies!

We finished the day with dinner and a key lime pie, and I felt so full—in every way.

And the fun isn’t over yet… Brad and I are heading to Sedona next weekend to keep the celebration going. I’m so excited!

Here’s to 40 and fabulous!  Feeling loved, grateful, and excited for what’s ahead!

Ski Purgatory

Another spring break in the books at Purgatory Ski Resort! It’s hands down one of our favorite family traditions—we just love the beauty of the mountains and the charm of Durango. There’s something about returning to this spot each year that feels like coming home.

This year was definitely one of the warmer ones we’ve had, and there wasn’t as much snow as usual. The second day especially got pretty icy. Still, the mountain was beautiful and we made the most of it.

This trip came with a few bumps—Tanner wasn’t feeling great on the drive up (we think he caught the flu from his best friend), and the first day on the slopes he was still dragging a bit. He powered through with a few extra breaks and still managed to enjoy the day. Then on day two, it was Logan’s turn. He rallied for a couple of runs in the morning but ended up napping in the lodge for most of the day.

Carson took off to do his own thing on the mountain, so Brad and I got some rare one-on-one time skiing together. We explored a few new areas of the mountain and really soaked in the views—it’s always so stunning there.

The trip always flies by, and before we knew it, it was time to head home. We decided to make the full 16-hour drive back in one day—long, but totally worth it to sleep in our own beds that night.

two sick boys taking a nap in the lodge after lunch!

Already dreaming of next year! ❄️⛷️💙

Lost and Found

I lost the diamond from my wedding ring.

I came home from work, looked down at my hand, and my heart dropped. The diamond was just… gone. The setting looked like it had snapped off. That ring has been on my finger for 20 years. My finger is literally molded to that ring. I was heartbroken.

I went straight back to work, retracing my steps. I scoured the parking lot, swept every corner of my classroom, and even dug through the trash—except for the one garbage can filled with melted ice cream from our Valentine’s Day party. I left feeling so defeated and sure it was lost forever.

Even though there was a small part of me that thought it could be fun to pick out a new ring, I just felt sad. I mean that is the ring that Brad asked me to be his wife with.

Then three weeks later Brad stepped on something in our bedroom carpet. He looked down, picked it up, turned to me and said, “Hold out your hand.” I had no idea what he was about to do… and then he dropped the diamond into my palm.

I was completely shocked. After all that searching, it had been right under our feet, stuck in the carpet of our bedroom the whole time. Our cleaning crew had even come that day, but it must have been so perfectly wedged in that even the vacuum didn't pick it up.

I’m still in disbelief and so incredibly grateful. Now I just need to get it repaired!

Lost February 13

Found March 6

Track

This spring Tanner decided to give track a try at school! It’s a no-cut sport, which means anyone can join, but with such a big and competitive school, actually getting to compete in the meets is a whole different story. They only take the top 3 students for each event—and Tanner earned one of those spots!

He trained hard, got up early for practices, and ended up qualifying to run the 800 meters (two full laps around the track!) at the meets. We’re so proud of his dedication, perseverance, and the way he pushed himself to reach this goal. Love cheering this kid on! Way to go, Tanner!

Sweet 16

Somehow, Carson hit the big 1-6!! Old enough to think he knows everything, but still young enough to make questionable snack choices at midnight.  

Hard to believe our once-little boy is now officially sixteen and stepping into a whole new chapter of independence and responsibility (we’re hoping to get that learner’s permit soon!).

Carson is growing into such a thoughtful, funny, and driven young man. Whether it’s helping around the house, being a great big brother, or working hard at school, he continues to make us proud every day. Watching him navigate this year—with all its ups, challenges, and achievements—has been such a joy. Carson we’re so proud of the awesome person you are becoming!  

We celebrated together as a family, some of his favorite food, and cheese cake! 

Love you so much and wish you an awesome year ahead—full of adventure, great friends, and just the right amount of mischief. Oh, and hopefully a drivers license so I don’t have to be your Uber driver anymore! 🚙

Happy Birthday, Carson! 🎂 🎉 

Running 🏃‍♀️

Just a few days after returning from Utah following the heartbreaking loss of our sweet Olivia, Brad and I laced up our shoes and ran the Rodeo Run 10k, sponsored by his company to kick off the Houston Rodeo season. We’ve done this race a couple times before the race winds through downtown Houston and ends at a park for a post race party,  Conoco Philips has their own private tent for employees and family filled with tacos, drinks, and much-needed smiles. 

It felt good to do something together, even in the midst of heavy hearts.

Then just two weeks later, it was time for my annual Blue Bell Fun Run with my girlfriends—our fifth year running as The Moo-llenial Moms (yes, a pun after a Blue Bell ice cream flavor!). We decided to tackle the half marathon again. Honestly, after Olivia’s passing, I wasn’t feeling strong—physically or mentally. My stamina had taken a hit, and my heart just wasn’t in it at first. But I showed up, and I’m proud of that. I know how important it is to keep moving, especially when life feels heavy.

This year’s course wasn’t quite as pretty—hardly any bluebonnets in bloom, unlike the last time when the fields were absolutely bursting with color. But finishing felt like a victory in itself. And of course, getting Blue Bell ice cream at the end is always a sweet reward. My time wasn’t a personal best, but it was strong, and more importantly, it was enough.