Walking downstairs to say goodnight to my husband, I noticed my son’s lunchbox placed in the entryway, prepped for tomorrow’s lunch. Preferring a packed lunch over the school menu of popcorn chicken and a cheese stick, he has made his choice clear. Curious if there were perishables to refrigerate, I opened the lunchbox and alongside blueberries, I found a small bag of Chex Mix.

Moments later, with my own Chex Mix in hand, I’m sitting at the computer, writing. Typical.

“Much love,” Lois said as we ended our phone conversation.

I’ve known my grandmother-in-law, Lois, for 20 years; yet, I still feel deeply honored when she chooses to call me instead of her grandson. This evening, we chatted about a wine shipment mix-up I helped her resolve, celebrated the good news of an MRI result, shared about how she and her husband, Stan, rang in New Year’s Day 2025 with lobster, and expressed gratitude on how she’s been faithfully praying over our family (with three boys under 10, prayers are so appreciated!)

Last year, I confronted lingering bitterness head-on by turning to my company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). For those who might not be familiar, EAPs offer confidential and voluntary services to employees and their families, addressing personal and work-related challenges.

I once read that a person should be hugged eight times a day – 8X. It stuck with me, especially when I thought about how many hugs I share with my boys. So, this weekend, I made sure to get my eight in and then some.

That’s all.

This past weekend, we said goodbye to my grandma-in-law, Dorothy, who passed away at the remarkable age of 101.

Twenty years ago, an obituary of just 221 words captured the life of a man whose death left behind his wife and four daughters. As I reflect on the past two decades without his gentle presence—without hearing his deep laugh, witnessing his generosity, and listening to his dreams—I find myself wondering:

Sometimes catching your breath, expanding in intensity within your chest.

This morning I…

Last year, I bought a stand up paddle board.

This declaration purchase came after finishing my master’s degree and welcoming my third baby. It may have been driven more by an ideal—friends having an amazing time on serene lakes with their boards—and by my need to incorporate a practice that allowed me to pause more.

Because my first time on a board was anything but serene.

To Knox, my spring equinox baby, on your 1st birthday. 🌱

God blessed me with you and the most beautiful Happy Birthday message to you today as he deeply sees the work of mothers. You are light, growth and a momentous poem among moments. You are my sacred ground. I love you.

The Routine: Musings of Motherhood