20 years...

It's quite unbelievable that is has been 20 years since I was just a fresh out-of-college graduate, full of big dreams, a lifetime ahead of me, with a sparkly new diamond on my left hand. But those two ACU babies, rode off into the sunset and went and made a pretty sweet little life for themselves.... and they certainly aren't babies anymore! In fact, we are both sprouting gray, sporting all those coveted fine lines, and we both depend heavily on our own pillows and bed for a good night's sleep!

With May being such a busy time of year, we decided to squeeze in a little getaway to commemorate these past two decades! This past year, Micah had been bringing up the idea of taking me to Nantucket for our anniversary, as this has been at the top of my bucket list since my very first Jane Green novel (way back in 2007)!

So, we finally figured out how to get to this charming little island, booked the tickets, and I packed my suitcase with all things, navy, white and coastal!

Upon arrival, we were shown our room, which gave us a front row seat to the New England coastline! Without further ado, we dropped our bags, and popped next door to The Galley bar for an unwind and refreshment! I used my Blue Book as my most trusted travel companion on this trip,  and it led us to all the must eats & sees, including The Galley for cocktails! 

We got ready for dinner just a bit early, so that we could browse the shops of Main Street. Most of them had already closed for the evening, but I was dying to explore, so there was no waiting for this gal! In our pre-dinner stroll, I spotted the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce, which was super exciting since I had just finished reading Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand (this was a major location in the book)! 

Dinner was at Or, The Whale, which if you are a reader of classic American literature, you know is the subtitle to Moby Dick.... which I had actually just started reading specifically in preparation for this trip. If you are currently thinking to yourself that I may overthink the books I read, I, in fact, do!

After dinner, we had a little nightcap at The Rose and Crown, before calling our resort driver... who just happened to be one of Elin Hilderbrand's good friends! If it all sounds a little too magical to be true, well, rest assured, this little island it just that perfect!

Cousin Time....

At the end of May, is Micah and my's anniversary! This year, was a big one, but I'll share more on that later. However, so that we could celebrate properly, Anne & crew came up to hang out with the boys and dogs! 

I think they squeezed in everything from basketball, to pickle ball, to golf, pizza, snow cones and they even hopped on the kayak! Fun times were had by all!

Summer Kick-Off...

As soon as that last dismal bell rang, these boys were jet skiing, tubing and swimming!! And I can't think of a better way to kickoff summer!

Complete with Uncrustables and popcorn, spa-side!

Last Day of School 2026....

I can't really figure out where this school year went, but somehow, I now have a sophomore and a junior! This mama is nowhere near ready to have an upperclassman!

Somehow Remi ended up wearing the same shirt on the last day as he did the first, and I think it's safe to say both of these stinkers have GROWN!!

Lake Days & Pizza Nights...

Right before school let out (yes, I'm way behind on blogging), the boys had their first lake day, followed by a pizza night, and topped off with some star gazing! Being able to hop on a jet ski with your girlfriend and swim the afternoon away with your buddies at the lake beach, is hard to beat!! At this point, summer was so close, we were already jumping in!

Happy Birthday, Roen!!!

Once Remi got home from school (remember Roen played hooky for the afternoon), we let the birthday boy open all his presents! Lots of clothes, cologne and some new golf shoes! It is of the upmost importance to Roen to look good and smell good.... clothes and cologne always make this boy a happy camper!

After presents, he and Micah set off for some afternoon golf! Followed by the traditional birthday dirt cake and tacos for dinner (Roen's request). It was a pretty fantastic Tuesday celebrating the baby of the family! 

It's not hard to make this boy happy, and he was all smiles, all day!

A Permit for the Birthday Boy...

This boy went to school for a whopping hour before I checked him out to go get that coveted learner's permit! We were sure to bring everything but the kitchen sink, and after what felt like an eternity, we left with a little piece of paper that said Roen could now drive me around... woohoo! This passenger princess now has 3 drivers at her disposal!

Micah met us up at the DMV, and we took Roen out for lunch before we let him skip the rest of the day to do as he pleased... turns out, watching Flash on Netflix (in bed) was his 'playing hooky' wish!

This was Roen's first day to ever drive on a public road, much less in town with other cars, stop signs, crosswalks, and traffic lights, but he did great! He did request me as his co-pilot because somehow, I have been voted 'parent least likely to freak out in the passenger seat'! 

This was one happy day for our boy!!

Sports Banquet '26...

Both boys got recognized at this year's Sports Banquet! This is always a fun night for all the Wildcat varsity athletes, and there are so many reasons I am proud of this golf season!

Roen: Co-MVP of the Year, First Team All-District

Remi: Second Team All-District

This was also my very last booster club event to host, and there is no way it would have been as much fun without these ladies by my side. Closing this chapter, to soak up every last second of the next three years with my boys, because every mama knows they will fly!

Mother's Day 2026...

What a special day this turned out to be!

It started off with church, and I of course, wore a pink dress because special occasions always call for a pink dress... and pearls! Before church started, precious Elle greeted me with a new book, a bookmark, and a mug, which absolutely made my entire day! It was so thoughtful, so perfectly me; I don't think the smile left my face all service!

After church, we came home, and the boys gave me a beautiful basket full of goodies from my favorite boutique- clothes, a candle, jewelry... they really do spoil me! From there, I got on my comfies, and grabbed a spot on the patio, while the boys got going on a late lunch, the menu customized by yours truly!

I read, I listened to the rain, sipped hot tea, visited with the boys, we turned on some music, snuggled the dogs... it was absolutely perfect in every single way. I am so very grateful for the blessings God has put in my life, and days like this highlight the most important ones!

Awards Ceremony 2026...

Lots of hard work went into this year, academically, for both boys!

I really pushed Roen, and though he didn't come out with all A's, he definitely performed well and made us proud! I think he had two 6 weeks with all A's, and the others had a few B's sprinkled in. As I have mentioned many times before, he feels school is mainly for socializing and rotating his cologne scents on a daily basis. The actual learning is just an overall inconvenience for him *wink wink*

Remi really needs no pushing when it comes to school, as he has all the drive he needs. He works so hard and sets his own goals, maintaining success in the classroom and a good rapport with all his teachers. He really shined in his Honors Algebra II class this year, maintaining a 100 average every 6 weeks, except for one, in which he had a 99. I am thankful that math continues to be a place where he can excel, offsetting his harder classes like English. Though he did maintain an A in English, it was with a lot of extra time, extra work at home, and extra help from mom. It's a team effort, but I have to say, Remi and I make a pretty good team!

Roen: AB Honor Roll

Remi: A Honor Roll, Honors Algebra II Award

When Remi's Algebra II teacher called to let me know she was giving him this award, she told me she wished she could have a class full of Remis- that is a compliment I will take any day! In fact, it made me tear up! More than anything, I am proud of the hard work and respect he shows his teachers by showing up, eager to learn and take class time seriously.

It's been a year of grinding boys, now it's time to splash into Summer!!! WooHoo!