The Emotional Journey of Trying to Grow Your Family: Finances, Loss, and Hope
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The Emotional Journey of Trying to Grow Your Family: Finances, Loss, and Hope

I am a planner. Always have been. So when it came to family planning, I thought I could map out every detail—timelines, budgets, the perfect age gap between siblings. But the reality of trying to grow a family isn’t as simple as penciling in a due date. It’s emotional. It’s financial. It’s deeply personal. And…

The Mental Load of Being the One Who Plans Everything

The Mental Load of Being the One Who Plans Everything

Ah, the joys of being the designated planner, the mastermind behind the schedules, the keeper of the color-coded calendar, the one who remembers that your kid’s best friend’s birthday party is next weekend while also making sure everyone has matching socks for family photos. If you’re anything like me, a stereotypical first-born daughter in every…

Spring Cleaning Your Goals: What Stays and What Goes

Spring Cleaning Your Goals: What Stays and What Goes

Spring isn’t just for decluttering closets and dusting off forgotten corners, it’s also the perfect time to refresh your goals! As we move past the excitement of New Year’s resolutions and into the longer, sunnier days of spring, it’s important to check in with ourselves. Are our goals still serving us? Do they align with…

The Power of Saying No: Protecting Your Time & Energy in 2025

The Power of Saying No: Protecting Your Time & Energy in 2025

As a reformed (or mostly-reformed) people-pleaser, I am still learning that “no” is a complete sentence. Setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters has been a journey, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m still working on it. But as we keep pushing into 2025, I’m making it a priority to protect my…

The Beauty of Companionship: Why I Value Friendship & Partnership in My Marriage More Than Ever

The Beauty of Companionship: Why I Value Friendship & Partnership in My Marriage More Than Ever

Valentine’s Day is often wrapped in grand romantic gestures, flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. And while I’ll never say no to a well-planned date night (Carlos, take notes!), I’ve realized that the longer we’ve been together, the more I cherish the quiet, everyday moments of companionship in our marriage. Don’t get me wrong, I still…

The Emotional Side of Financial Goals: Why Paying Off Debt Feels So Personal

The Emotional Side of Financial Goals: Why Paying Off Debt Feels So Personal

Money is emotional. It’s more than just numbers on a spreadsheet or balances in an account, it’s tied to our security, our dreams, and even our self-worth. For my husband Carlos and me, tackling our debt has been one of the most challenging journeys we’ve faced together. It has forced us to confront our habits,…

30 Going on 20: Embracing the Chaos of Feeling Inexperienced in a Social Media World

30 Going on 20: Embracing the Chaos of Feeling Inexperienced in a Social Media World

Turning 30 is often hailed as a milestone, the big 3-0, the age where you’re supposed to have it all figured out. A stable career, a loving family, a Pinterest-worthy home, and a perfectly balanced life. But if we’re being honest, how many of us wake up, roll out of bed, and feel like we’re…

What My Athletic Background Taught Me About Marriage and Teamwork

What My Athletic Background Taught Me About Marriage and Teamwork

As a 30-year-old wife, mom, and former college athlete, I often find myself reflecting on how my athletic background has shaped the way I approach life. Marriage, much like sports, is all about teamwork, grit, and trusting others. My husband, Carlos, and I both share this perspective, having grown up playing sports and competing as…

Finding Joy in the Chaos: Tips for Managing Work, Family, and Personal Growth

Finding Joy in the Chaos: Tips for Managing Work, Family, and Personal Growth

Hi friends! Life—it’s a beautiful, messy, unpredictable adventure. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had days where you feel like you’re being pulled in a hundred directions at once. Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, and personal goals, it can feel like chaos is the default setting. But here’s the thing: even in the chaos,…