June Family Newsletter...

I'm adding the text below each of these:

CH-CH-CH-CHANGES...

Life is Changing...

We are halfway through 2026, and I wanted to send this out & share the changes that are taking place in our home now that Tim is finished with homeschooling and moving into adulthood while still chasing his goals in Olympic weightlifting. Even though life is different, from the outside looking in it may not seem that different with Tim still living at home. It's a little weird having another adult in the house. Tim is making his own decisions now. He's turned 18, graduated high school, earned his full Class C driver's license, & is getting his own bank account. While we are still actively involved in his life, it's his life now—he's calling the shots.

Graduation and Beyond...

So, what's next for Tim? Right now, he's taking a year to solidify his plans for the future. He's focusing on working with his dad while continuing to pursue his goals in Olympic weightlifting, with the hope of one day wearing USA across his chest. Everyone who knows him believes he can achieve that dream. It certainly doesn't hurt that he has his dad and me cheering him on every step of the way. We are, without a doubt, his biggest fans.

Our Family...

Our family is entering a new and exciting chapter. Scot and I continue to own and operate A Clean Solution, working side by side in both business and life as we prepare to celebrate 20 years of marriage this November. Looking back, it's hard to believe how quickly the years have passed. We've experienced our share of challenges and blessings along the way, and through it all God has been faithful.

After 12 years of homeschooling, life looks much different these days. For now, all three of us are working together in the family business, and I'm thankful that Tim and I can help Scot more often so he's not carrying the workload on his own. It's such a blessing to spend this extra time together as a family and to watch Tim grow into the young man God has called him to be. As parents, we are learning what it looks like to guide and encourage him while also giving him the freedom to make his own decisions and pursue his own path.

At the same time, there are more and more days when I can't work with them as I would like because I'm helping care for my mom. As many of you know, she recently had knee replacement surgery-which she's healed from beautifully. She is the last of Tim's grandparents, and there is no place I would rather be than making sure she is cared for well. The older I get, the more I realize what a gift time with our loved ones truly is. After losing so many family members over the years, I cherish every conversation, every visit, and every opportunity to make another memory. We are doing our best to make the most of every moment we have together.

Through every season, our family remains grounded in our faith, grateful for God's blessings, and excited to see where He leads next. We don't know exactly what the future holds, but we trust the One who does, and we look forward to seeing how God continues to work in our family, our business, and the lives of those around us.

Our Business is getting Stronger...

Being able to work together full time has made a tremendous difference. Working together as a team on client projects keeps everything running smoothly and lifts a huge portion of the workload off Scot's shoulders. It's an incredible feeling to have us all working together as we continue to grow our business stronger to better serve our clients.

Your Legacy Matters...

As Father's Day approaches, I've found myself thinking a lot about legacy.

Not the kind of legacy measured by bank accounts, businesses, or material possessions, but the kind that is built day by day through the investment we make in our children.

I recently saw this simple statement pictured above and it stopped me in my tracks:

Those words resonated deeply with me because they perfectly describe what Scot and I have spent years trying to do with Tim.

When Tim was little, we had dreams for him just like every parent does. We hoped he would be successful, responsible, and hardworking. But more than any achievement he could ever earn, we wanted him to know and love God. We wanted him to become a young man of character—someone who would stand firm in his convictions even when the world encouraged him to do otherwise.

The truth is that raising children isn't always easy. There are sacrifices that no one sees. There are countless conversations, prayers, corrections, lessons, disappointments, and celebrations along the way. There are days when you wonder if anything you're teaching is actually sinking in.

Then one day you look up and realize that little boy isn't so little anymore.

This year has been filled with those moments for me. Tim graduated. We officially closed our homeschool. He is working alongside his dad. He is pursuing his weightlifting dreams with determination and discipline. In just a few weeks, he'll compete at Nationals as a Junior athlete, chasing goals that once seemed far away.

As I watch him step into adulthood, I'm realizing something important: the investment was worth it.

The hours Scot spent teaching him how to work hard.

The countless projects completed side by side.

The lessons about integrity, responsibility, and keeping your word.

The example of a father who shows up every day, not seeking recognition but simply doing what needs to be done.

Those things matter.

In a culture that often celebrates instant gratification, fathers have the incredible opportunity to shape the next generation through consistency. A godly father doesn't have to be perfect. He simply has to be present. He has to be willing to lead, teach, encourage, correct, and point his children toward Christ.

I've watched Scot do that for years.

Has he made mistakes? Of course. We all have. But he has consistently invested in Tim's life, and today I can see the fruit of those investments beginning to emerge.

As Father's Day draws near, I'm especially grateful for the dads who understand that their greatest accomplishment may never appear on a résumé or a trophy shelf. Their greatest accomplishment may be the young man or woman they helped shape through years of faithful love and guidance.

One day, every father will leave a legacy.

The question is not whether you'll leave one, but what kind of legacy  will it be?

Money can be spent. Possessions can be lost. Titles and accomplishments fade.

But the impact of raising a son to love God, honor others, work hard, and live with integrity can echo for generations.

That's a legacy worth investing in.

As I look at the young man Tim has become, I can see so much of his father in him. I see the strong work ethic, the determination, the sense of responsibility, and the quiet willingness to do what needs to be done even when no one is watching.

This Father's Day, my heart is especially thankful for Scot. He has been an ever-present father throughout Tim's life—not just physically present, but fully invested. Through the everyday moments, the difficult seasons, the lessons taught on job sites, around the dinner table, and through his example, he has helped shape Tim into the young man he is today.

The older Tim gets, the more I appreciate the countless ways Scot has poured into his life. His legacy is already evident, and I am so grateful that Tim has had a father who chose to show up day after day, year after year.

That kind of investment cannot be measured, but its impact will last for generations.

Babe, Thank you for being the father our son needed and for building a legacy that truly matters. 

And as Father's Day draws near, I wanna to leave all fathers with this challenge:

Leave the impact of raising your children to love God, honor others, work hard, and to live a life of integrity that will echo for generations to come.

That's a legacy worth investing in.

And for all the fathers doing the hard, often unseen work of raising godly children—thank you.

Your legacy matters more than you know.

Count Your Blessings...

Sometimes we're so focused on what's missing that we forget how much we already have.

That thought hit me hard recently.

It's easy to get caught up in the things we wish were different. We look at our finances and think about what we don't have. We look at our circumstances and focus on the struggles. We compare our lives to others and wonder why certain doors haven't opened for us. Before long, our attention is consumed by what's lacking instead of what God has already provided.

I've been guilty of that myself.

There have been seasons where I've spent so much time worrying about the next step that I failed to appreciate where I was standing. Seasons where I focused on unanswered prayers rather than the many prayers God had already answered. Seasons where the challenges seemed bigger than the blessings.

But when I stop and really look around, I realize just how much I have to be thankful for.

I have a husband who stands beside me through life's ups and downs. I have a son who has worked hard, graduated, and is pursuing his dreams with determination. I have a home, food on the table, friends who care, and a God who has faithfully carried us through every difficult season we've faced.

Has life been perfect? Not even close.

We've walked through disappointments, financial concerns, health issues, and unexpected changes. We've had plans that didn't work out the way we thought they would. Yet through it all, God has remained faithful.

The truth is that gratitude changes our perspective. It doesn't make our problems disappear, but it reminds us that our problems are not the whole story. There are blessings woven throughout every chapter of our lives if we're willing to look for them.

When I think back over the years, I can see God's hand in so many places. Doors He opened. Protection He provided. Lessons He taught. People He placed in our lives at just the right moment. Even in the hardest seasons, there were blessings I couldn't see until much later.

Today, I'm choosing to focus less on what's missing and more on what's been given.

Not because everything is perfect, but because there is always something to thank God for.

So if you're walking through a difficult season right now, take a moment to count your blessings. They may not erase your struggles, but they can remind you of God's goodness and faithfulness.

Sometimes the richest life isn't the one that has the most—it's the one that recognizes how much it already has.

Count your blessings. They are far greater than you think.

Conn Smythe Trophy Winner: Jordan Staal...

Some players are known for their goals.

Some players are known for their statistics.

And then there are players like Jordan Staal—leaders whose impact can't always be measured on a score sheet.

When the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup Championship last night, there were plenty of players who could have been considered for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. But there was something fitting about seeing Captain Jordan Staal receive the honor.

For years, Staal has been the heartbeat of this team.

He isn't flashy. He doesn't seek attention. He simply shows up every night and does whatever is needed to help his team win. Whether it's shutting down the opponent's top line, winning key faceoffs, killing penalties, or providing leadership in the locker room, Jordan Staal has been doing the little things that championships are built on.

What makes this moment so special is how long he's waited for it.

Since arriving in Carolina, Staal has been part of the foundation that transformed the Hurricanes from a struggling franchise into a perennial contender. Through coaching changes, rebuilding years, playoff heartbreaks, and near misses, he never wavered. He remained committed to the organization, his teammates, and the city of Raleigh.

That's the mark of a true leader.

As captain, he has led by example. His work ethic is second to none. His teammates respect him. The fans love him. And when the biggest games of the season arrived, he elevated his play even further.

The Conn Smythe Trophy isn't just awarded for scoring goals. It's awarded to the player who has the greatest impact throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In many ways, Jordan Staal's entire career has been about making an impact that goes beyond the numbers.

He has shown that leadership matters.

Character matters.

Consistency matters.

Watching him lift the Stanley Cup as captain was emotional enough. Seeing him receive the Conn Smythe Trophy felt like recognition for years of sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to his team.

As a die hard Hurricanes fan, I've watched Jordan Staal give everything he has to this organization. This championship validated what we've known all along—he is one of the greatest leaders to ever wear a Hurricanes sweater.

Twenty years after Rod Brind'Amour captained the Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup, another captain has etched his name into Carolina hockey history.

Congratulations, Jordan Staal.

Stanley Cup Champion.

Conn Smythe Trophy Winner.

Forever a Carolina Hurricanes legend.

🏒🏆❤️🖤

Jaccob Slavin: Christian Athlete, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Stanley Cup Champion...

Some athletes become known for their talent. Others become known for their character. Very few are remembered for both.

That's what makes Jaccob Slavin so special.

For years, as a die hard Hurricanes fan, I have known what the rest of the hockey world is finally recognizing—that Slavin is one of the best defensemen in the game. Night after night, he quietly shuts down the league's top players, makes impossible defensive plays look routine, and leads by example both on and off the ice.

But 2026 elevated him into truly rare company.

In February, Slavin helped lead Team USA to its first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since the famous "Miracle on Ice" team of 1980. Wearing the red, white, and blue, he played a critical role on the blue line as the United States captured gold in Milan, fulfilling a dream that every hockey player has when they represent their country.

Then, last night, he helped bring Lord Stanley's Cup back to Raleigh as the Carolina Hurricanes captured the Stanley Cup Championship win.

With that accomplishment, Slavin joined one of the most exclusive clubs in hockey history. He became only the second American player ever to win an Olympic gold medal and a Stanley Cup in the same year, joining 1980 Olympic gold medalist and New York Islanders defenseman Ken Morrow.

Think about that for a moment.

Generations of American hockey players have dreamed of accomplishing what Slavin achieved in a single year. Winning one of those championships is extraordinary. Winning both in the same season is almost unheard of.

Yet if you've ever listened to Slavin speak, you'd never know it.

What stands out most about him isn't the gold medal around his neck or the Stanley Cup ring he'll soon wear. It's his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Through every interview, every success, and every accomplishment, he consistently points the attention away from himself and toward God.

In a sports culture that often celebrates self-promotion, Slavin chooses humility. In a world that encourages athletes to build their own brand, he chooses to build a legacy of faith, character, and servant leadership.

As a Hurricanes fan, I couldn't be happier to see him finally lift the Stanley Cup. No one deserves it more. He has represented this organization, this community, and his faith with integrity since the day he arrived in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Olympic Gold Medalist.

Stanley Cup Champion.

Christian husband, father, and role model.

Not a bad year for Jaccob Slavin.

And perhaps the most inspiring part of all is that if you asked him which title matters most, he'd probably tell you it's none of those. His identity isn't found in a medal, a trophy, or a championship banner.

It's found in Christ.

Congratulations, Slavo. Hurricanes fans couldn't be more proud.

🏒🥇🏆❤️🖤

Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup Champions...

Carolina Hurricanes are Stanley Cup Champions...

Lord Stanley's Cup is coming back to Raleigh, North Carolina!

What an incredible moment it was to watch the Carolina Hurricanes complete the journey and bring the Stanley Cup home once again. Last night's shutout victory was the perfect ending to a season filled with determination, sacrifice, and unwavering belief.

Bussi stepped into a huge role in the net and did an outstanding job after taking over for Freddie Andersen, who had an incredible playoff run himself. Throughout the postseason, every player on this team contributed in some way, proving that championships are won through teamwork, resilience, and a commitment to something bigger than yourself.

As a lifelong Hurricanes fan, this win feels especially sweet. We've waited twenty years to see Lord Stanley's Cup return to Raleigh, and seeing it happen on the 20th anniversary of the Hurricanes' first championship makes it even more special. It's hard not to think back to 2006 when Coach Rod Brind'Amour, the captain of that championship team, hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history.

What makes this championship even more meaningful is that Rod was at the center of both victories. Twenty years ago, he led the Hurricanes on the ice as their captain. Last night, he led them from behind the bench as their head coach. Very few people get to experience one Stanley Cup championship from either role, but Rod has now been part of bringing a championship to Carolina in both. That full-circle moment is something we Hurricanes fans will never forget.

This group of players worked tirelessly for this moment. Through the highs and lows, they never stopped believing, never stopped battling, and never stopped playing for each other. They earned every bit of this championship.

Today, as the Cup makes its way back to Raleigh, Hurricanes fans everywhere are celebrating. From the loudest fans in the arena to those cheering from their living rooms, we've all been part of this journey.

For me, it makes the moment even more special because Scot and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this year. We were married in 2006—the same year the Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup. To see them bring the Cup back to Raleigh on the 20th anniversary of that championship, with Coach Rod once again leading the way, feels like the perfect full-circle moment.

Twenty years in the making, and worth every second of the wait. 

🏒❤️🖤

Packing for National's...

Packing for National's...

Washing and packing for a long trip always seems never-ending—even when you have a list to guide you. You can check things off one by one, feel like you’re making progress, and then suddenly realize there’s always something you forgot or didn’t think you’d need. Of course, that item ends up being the exact thing you’re now trying to squeeze into your luggage at the last minute…LOL!

As exciting as the destination is, it’s the getting there that can really drain you. Between washing clothes, organizing gear, double-checking lists, and making sure nothing important gets left behind, it feels like the to-do list just keeps growing instead of shrinking. There’s always something else that needs attention, and it never quite feels “finished” until you’re finally on the road.

If you’re anything like me, lists are your best friends. Honestly, I don’t know how people keep track of everything without them. My family likes to tease me about how many lists I make, but they’ve also seen how helpful they are—so the jokes are only so serious. At this point, they know if it’s not on the list, it probably won’t happen.

But even with all the packing chaos, there’s still something special about it. It means Nationals is here. The preparation, the rush, the last-minute reminders—it’s all part of getting ready for something exciting and meaningful.

In four short days, we will be on the road traveling to our first destination—Uncle Jeff’s—before heading to our final destination: Nationals. Looking forward to the week ahead and all the fun we will have.

One Step at a Time...

I came across this picture recently, and it really made me stop and think.

At the top of the mountain is a flag labeled "Success." But what caught my attention wasn't the destination—it was the path leading there.

The stairs are marked:

Effort.

Patience.

Failure.

Hard Work.

Consistency.

Isn't that how life works?

We often look at someone's success and assume they got there quickly or easily. We see the mountaintop, but we don't see the countless steps they had to climb to get there. We don't see the early mornings, the late nights, the setbacks, the disappointments, and the moments when they wanted to quit but kept going anyway.

The truth is that success rarely happens overnight.

I've seen that firsthand in our own lives.

Whether it was homeschooling Tim through graduation, watching him pursue his weightlifting dreams, building our family business, or simply navigating the challenges that come with everyday life, none of it happened in a single moment. It happened one step at a time.

And honestly, some of those steps weren't easy.

There were days when progress felt slow. Days when it seemed like we were working hard without seeing immediate results. Days when plans changed, obstacles appeared, and disappointment tried to convince us to quit.

But that's where the signs on this mountain path speak volumes.

Effort means showing up even when you don't feel like it.

Patience means trusting that growth is happening even when you can't see it yet.

Failure isn't the end of the journey—it's often one of the greatest teachers along the way.

Hard work is what keeps moving you forward when motivation fades.

And consistency is what turns small daily actions into big results over time.

As believers, we know that success isn't measured only by achievements or accomplishments. Sometimes success is simply being faithful to what God has called us to do.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us:

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

In due season.

Not immediately.

Not according to our timetable.

But in God's perfect timing.

Maybe you're climbing a mountain of your own right now. Maybe you're working toward a goal, praying for a breakthrough, caring for a loved one, building a business, strengthening a marriage, or pursuing a dream that feels far away.

Keep climbing.

Keep taking the next step.

Don't let a setback convince you that you've failed. Don't let slow progress make you think nothing is happening. Every step matters, even the ones that feel small.

The people who eventually reach the top aren't always the fastest or the strongest. Often, they're simply the ones who refused to quit.

One step.

One day.

One prayer.

One act of faithfulness at a time.

And before you know it, you'll look back and realize that what seemed impossible was accomplished by simply continuing to move forward.

So today, if you're tired, discouraged, or wondering if it's worth it, remember this:

The path to success isn't a giant leap.

It's a series of faithful steps.

(picture is from Precept Ministries)

Where Do You Go When Life Gets Hard?

One simple verse, but it says so much.

In Acts chapter 4, Peter and John had just been arrested because they were boldly preaching about Jesus. They were questioned, threatened, and warned to stop speaking His name. What should have been a reason to become fearful only strengthened their resolve.

Then verse 23 tells us something important:

"When they were released, they went to their friends..."

After everything they had endured, they knew exactly where to go.

They went to people who shared their faith.

They went to people who would understand.

They went to people who would pray with them and encourage them.

That challenges me to ask myself a question: Where do I go when life gets hard?

When I'm discouraged, overwhelmed, or facing uncertainty, do I isolate myself? Do I try to carry every burden alone? Or do I seek out the people God has placed in my life for encouragement and support?

I've learned that some of the greatest blessings God gives us are faithful friends and family members who point us back to Him. They may not have all the answers, but they can pray with us, listen to us, and remind us that we're not walking through life's struggles alone.

There have been seasons in my life when I desperately needed that kind of support. Times when circumstances felt heavy, when decisions were difficult, or when I simply needed someone to remind me that God was still in control. Looking back, I can see how God used others to strengthen my faith when I was weary.

Peter and John didn't return to their friends to seek pity. They returned to share what God had done and to join together in prayer. The very next verses show believers lifting their voices to God with confidence and faith.

What a reminder for us today.

We weren't created to walk this journey alone. God designed us for fellowship, encouragement, and community. When challenges come—and they will—we need people around us who will help us keep our eyes on Christ instead of our circumstances.

So today, I'm thankful for the people God has placed in my life. The ones who pray, encourage, listen, and walk beside me through both the joys and the struggles.

And I'm reminded that when life gets difficult, the best place to run is not away from God's people, but toward them.

Because sometimes the strength we need comes through the very people God has placed in our path.

(Picture is from Precept Ministries)

Choosing Peace When It Isn't Easy...

If I'm being honest, this is one of those passages that sounds much easier to read than it is to live.

When someone hurts us, misunderstands us, criticizes us, or treats us unfairly, our natural reaction is often to defend ourselves or return the hurt. We want people to know our side of the story. We want justice. We want to prove that we were right.

I've certainly had moments in my life when I felt that way.

There have been situations where I wanted to respond immediately. Times when I replayed conversations in my mind and thought of all the things I wished I had said. Times when I wanted to hold on to frustration because, in my mind, I had every reason to be upset.

But over the years, God has been teaching me that peace is often worth more than being right.

That's not always easy to accept.

Romans 12 doesn't tell us that people will always treat us fairly. It doesn't promise that everyone will understand our intentions or appreciate our efforts. Instead, it challenges us to focus on our own response.

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

I love that phrase because it acknowledges something important: we can't control other people.

We can't control what they say.

We can't control what they think.

We can't control how they respond.

But we can control how we choose to act.

I've learned that there is a great deal of freedom in that truth. When we stop trying to manage everyone else's behavior and focus instead on honoring God with our own, life becomes much less exhausting.

That doesn't mean we become doormats. It doesn't mean we allow ourselves to be mistreated or refuse to establish healthy boundaries. Sometimes peace requires distance. Sometimes it requires difficult conversations. Sometimes it means quietly stepping away and letting God handle what we cannot.

What it does mean is that we refuse to let bitterness take root in our hearts.

I've discovered that carrying anger is a heavy burden. It steals joy, robs peace, and keeps us focused on the wrong things. God never intended for us to carry that weight forever.

Instead, He calls us to trust Him.

To do what is honorable.

To extend grace when possible.

To forgive even when it's difficult.

And to leave room for Him to work.

Some of the greatest moments of growth in my life have come when I chose peace over proving a point. Looking back, I'm grateful for the times God helped me hold my tongue, walk away from unnecessary conflict, and trust Him with situations I couldn't fix myself.

Was it always easy? Not at all.

Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Today, my prayer is that God would help me live out these verses—not just when life is easy, but especially when it's hard. That He would give me the wisdom to know when to speak, the humility to know when to stay silent, and the strength to choose peace even when my emotions are pulling me in another direction.

Because at the end of the day, I'd rather have God's peace than win an argument.

And I'd rather honor Him with my response than get even with someone else.