Graduation Checklist is Done!

I finally have everything finished for Tim’s graduation on May 16th, and it feels so good to have it off my plate—unless they come back asking for yet another revision of the parent speech. I’m not sure how much more I can trim it at this point. Keeping it under 250 words has been no easy task—it’s such a tight limit. I truly hope it’s acceptable, because making it any shorter will be a real challenge.

I have to admit, I’ll be relieved when all of this is behind us. Senior year has been pretty overwhelming with everything that’s had to get done. While I’m incredibly proud and excited for our son, I’ll also be glad to finally stop thinking about it all.

Homeschooling has been quite the journey. It’s not for everyone, but I’m truly grateful we chose this path—it’s strengthened us and brought us even closer.

So Many Thoughts...

So many thoughts have been running through my mind as I think about Tim turning 18 in just a month—and then graduating high school only five days later. It all feels a bit surreal. Some days it seems like just yesterday he was a baby in my arms. Oh, how I miss those days.

As a baby and toddler, he was such a character—full of energy and life. He went from crawling, to wobbling on his feet, to taking a few steps… and then he was off and running. From that moment on, he was everywhere and into everything—like a curious little explorer. We had to stay on our toes to keep him safe as he discovered the world around him. Somehow, even when he managed to slip away and take a few “express routes” down the stairs, he always came out without a scratch. Crazy, right?

As kindergarten approached, we knew traditional school might not be the best fit for him. With all that energy, we worried he’d be labeled instead of understood. We wanted to nurture his curiosity, not stifle it—so we chose to homeschool. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. He has absolutely thrived. He’s become an independent, hands-on learner who isn’t afraid to figure things out on his own. Honestly, he can do things on a computer that I can only dream of…LOL!!

In fourth grade though, Tim faced a significant medical setback that required him to repeat the year. When he reached high school, he was determined to graduate on time, so he took on an intense academic workload to make it happen. In 10th grade, he completed both his 10th-grade studies and half of his 11th-grade coursework. Then, during his senior year, this school year, he's finished the remaining 11th-grade work while also completing all of his senior requirements. We knew he could do it and in just 28 days or so he will have it all done.

Of course, we also knew he needed a strong outlet for all his energy. He began TaeKwonDo at just 4 years old and continued until he was 15. During that time, he earned his 3rd Dan black belt, along with countless medals and trophies. More importantly, he developed discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. He has dreams of competing on the world stage, but ultimately he realized that path would not come through TaeKwondo.

In 2023, he found Olympic weightlifting—and it was like everything clicked into place. This is where he belongs. His build, his mindset, his drive—it all fits. And all those years in TaeKwonDo? They weren’t wasted at all. They laid the foundation for the success he’s experiencing now.

It feels like everything is moving in fast forward as he steps into becoming his own man. Turning 18 is a huge milestone, and graduating high school just days later makes it even more significant. I’m so excited for what lies ahead for him, because I truly believe it’s going to be something special. He has a determination that can’t be taught—a fire to chase his dreams with everything he has. I have no doubt he’ll stand on that world stage one day, representing our country—or give everything in him trying. And through it all, he knows he has our unwavering support.

His dad and I are so grateful to have a front-row seat to this journey. Our greatest dream is simply to watch him achieve his own.

In just 31 days, he’ll turn 18. In 36 days, he’ll be finished with high school. With each passing day, the excitement builds as we get closer to these incredible milestones.

We are so incredibly proud of you - Tim! We love you to the moon and beyond! 

Thank You, God, for the gift of Tim. These nearly 18 years with him have been such an incredible journey. We’re so grateful for every moment and look ahead with excitement as we watch him continue to grow into the man he’s becoming. This next chapter may look different, but it’s one we welcome with full hearts and great anticipation.

Dream Home Design...Almost...

I love Barndo's. The only thing this barndo needs is a double deep garage and a front porch that is deeper and longer. Add a very large screened in patio off the kitchen with an accordion door between the kitchen and it. Then add an open patio off the screen in patio with a pergola, grill center and fire pit and you'd have my dream home. 

Luxiaojun Power Pro - The Horse Edition - Weightlifting Shoe...

Just ordered Tim these shoes yesterday! They only made 600 pairs of these limited-edition shoes, so they’re extra special. I can’t wait for them to arrive so Tim can finally wear them. He’s so excited to be getting them! Luxiaojun weightlifting shoes have become his absolute favorite go to shoe for weightlifting. He’s tried several different brands, but these are by far the ones he loves most.

Better Late Than Never...

April 6th marked the anniversary of my father’s passing. It has been 24 years since we lost him, yet I still remember that day as if it were yesterday.

Dad had many flaws, but we loved him anyway. He may never have won Father of the Year, but he was our dad, and that mattered deeply to us. In his own way, he truly loved all of us, even if showing it did not always come easily for him. He did the best he could with what he had.

Since his passing, he has missed the births of so many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Three of them undeniably have his eyes, and one looks so much like he did as a young man. Seeing those pieces of him live on in them is both beautiful and bittersweet.

This first picture in the collage was me as a baby with dad and mom. Second picture was taken at the birth of his last child. The last picture was taken at a family reunion, I think🤔?!

Mom's Knee Surgery...

Mom had total knee replacement surgery on Tuesday. She needed to stay overnight at the hospital, but she came home to our house yesterday afternoon. So far, she has done amazingly well.

Now the real work begins.

The nerve block they placed in her knee has worn off, which means the new knee is fully “awake,” and she’s feeling everything. We’ve been staying ahead of the pain with medication, but she is still hurting quite a bit even with it in her system.

Physical therapy comes today for in-home treatment. I’m not sure how much they’ll be able to do with her yet because she’s doing the best she can considering the pain she’s in. Even so, she’s faithfully getting up every hour to move and walk around just like they instructed her to do.

I’m looking forward to reaching the two-week mark because I’ve been told that’s when she’ll really start feeling thankful she had the surgery.

Once she fully recovers from this knee replacement, she will need to have the other knee done as well. The type of arthritis she has gradually destroys her joints, which is why she has already had reverse shoulder replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery, and now both knees.

We have lovingly nicknamed her "The Bionic Woman." 

From This, To This, To This....

Tim has been an elite athlete since the age of 8. From then until he was 15, his whole world revolved around Taekwondo sparring. He was a fighter—and a very good one. But what made it difficult for him to truly excel in that sport was his height. In Taekwondo sparring, height creates a major advantage because the sport is so leg-dominant. Taller athletes naturally have more reach, allowing them to strike from distances their opponents often can’t match. Add talent to that physical advantage, and it becomes an incredibly powerful combination.

Tim absolutely had the talent—there was never any doubt about that. The challenge was consistently facing opponents who were taller and had that reach advantage. No matter how hard he worked, it limited how far he could go in the sport. So, he made the decision to switch paths.

That decision changed everything.

When Tim discovered Olympic-style weightlifting, he truly found his calling. For so long, he believed Taekwondo sparring was where he was meant to be, but stepping into weightlifting revealed something even greater. In this sport, he has grown by leaps and bounds and found success right out of the gate—success on a level that simply wasn’t possible for him in Taekwondo.

I’ve often said since he switched sports that I wish I could get back the thousands upon thousands of dollars we spent on sparring. But the truth is, that journey laid the foundation for the success he’s having now in weightlifting. I don’t think Tim—or even we as his parents—fully realize just how much his years in sparring prepared him for this moment. The discipline, explosiveness, body control, mental toughness, and athletic foundation he developed all helped shape the athlete he is today.

Now, in just a little over a month, Tim will turn 18, and five days later he’ll graduate high school. He’ll continue pursuing his weightlifting dreams while also working alongside his dad in the family business.

Through it all, Tim has always carried the same dream in his heart: to represent our country on the world stage—at Worlds and the Olympics. The path to that dream may have changed, but the dream itself has not. His goals are still alive, stronger than ever, and he is relentlessly driven toward them.

We are beyond proud of everything this young man is accomplishing.

God has an incredible plan for Tim’s life, and we have the blessing of a front-row seat to watch it unfold. What a joy and privilege that is for us as his parents.

LH Class of 2026 Pictures...

This one is of the entire homeschool graduating class.

This one is of just the guys.

You might have to click on them to make them larger if you are looking at these from your computer.

Happy Resurrection Day...Easter!

He is Risen! ✝️

Today we celebrate the victory of life over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness. Because He lives, we are given new life, new mercies, and an everlasting hope.

May your heart be filled with joy, peace, and the overwhelming love of our risen Savior.

Happy Easter! 🌿

Don't Be Like This...

This describes my husbands parents and a friend of mines parents to a T. We have made great strides not be like this in our lives because of what we've seen from family members. No one - and I mean no one - should have to deal with a hoarding mess that's left behind from their family members. 

Down to the Wire...

We are officially down to the wire getting everything ready for Mom’s knee replacement surgery on Tuesday. She’ll be having her right knee done now, and then her left in July. At this point, she’s well on her way to becoming the bionic woman—with a new hip, shoulder, and soon two new knees!

At the same time, we’re preparing for Tim’s graduation and welcoming family into town. There’s been a lot of purging, reorganizing, and shifting things around to get the house ready for all that’s ahead in the coming months. One thing is certain—life is anything but boring right now.

In the middle of it all, we also get to celebrate Scot’s birthday later this month and Tim’s just five days before graduation in May. My heart is full just thinking about celebrating these moments with my guys, our family, and our friends.

Through all of this, we’ve learned so much about what truly matters—what’s worth keeping and what isn’t. From helping friends navigate hoarding situations with their parents, to sorting through what was left behind from Scot’s hoarding parents, it’s been eye-opening.

Life is too short to hold onto things that don’t serve a purpose or hold real meaning. Why leave behind a burden for your loved ones to sort through during an already difficult time? Instead, leave them with something far greater—beautiful memories, a lasting legacy, and the love you shared.

Be present. Cherish your time. Love deeply.

We’re not promised tomorrow—so live fully today.

Happy Good Friday!

 

Without the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there would be no hope of eternal life. Easter is the most sacred celebration for believers, marking the very foundation of our faith. Everything we believe rests on this one, powerful event—without it, there is no true faith.

May we celebrate this glorious occasion with hearts full of love and gratitude for our Lord and Savior.

Class of 2026 Pic Collage...

I made a picture collage of three of my favorite senior pictures that were taken of Tim. I'm hoping to get this done in a canvas to hang on our wall at some point.

Team Gear...

We just placed Tim’s first Team Gear order—$241 total for 3 t-shirts (because…Tim 😄), a pair of pants, and a hoodie. His coach wants the team to show up to meets looking unified, like a true team, and we love that.

Even with these added costs, we’re still spending far less in this sport than we ever did in the other one. If only we could get back the thousands upon thousands we poured into that—just imagine what we could do with it now!

Here's what the mock ups look like:

 

Tim's Pro Shots from Mr. Keller of Final Shot Photography...

Mr. Keller got some amazing shots of Tim on Senior picture day on March 22nd.  

Training Philosophy...

The Coach of Vero Beach Weightlifting’s Training Philosophy:

My programming philosophy is built around maximizing performance on the platform through structured, sustainable training.

I prioritize quality over quantity, using a 4-day training model that allows athletes to train hard, recover properly, and consistently progress without relying on excessive volume or frequency.

All programming is driven by measurable variables such as total lifts and average intensity, with volume gradually decreasing as intensity increases toward competition.

I take a phased approach to training - building strength, developing power, and tapering into competition-specific performance.

Rather than relying strictly on percentages, athletes work up to heavy efforts within movements to establish daily limits.

The goal is simple: consistent progress, healthy athletes, and results that show up on the platform - not just in training.

SQUAT DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

Squats are programmed multiple times per week, with each exposure serving a specific purpose.

Early in the week is the primary strength day, using varied rep ranges and variations to build force output.

Later in the week focuses on speed, posture, and barbell efficiency to improve movement quality.

A third exposure may be used to offset volume or increase intensity depending on the phase.

THE SQUAT DICTATES THE TOTAL

The lifts rise and fall with it, based on the ratios we've identified.

Build the squat, and you raise the ceiling.

Neglect it, and everything stalls.

PROGRAMMING STRUCTURE

• 4 training days per week
• Strength → Power → Peak progression
• Movement-based progression (hang → block → full lifts)
• Auto-regulated top sets
• Wave loading across week, block, and year

3-BLOCK TRAINING CYCLE

Early Block (Strength/Power Base)

• Mon/Tue: ~60~70% variations, positional work, controlled volume.
• Thurs/Sat: Work to heavy triples (power/variations), ~90% intent to puh PRs

Mid Block (Power Development)

• Mon/Tue: ~75~80%, emphasis on power variations, speed, and consistency
• Thurs/Sat: Work up to heavy power efforts followed by full lifts to transfer power into complete movement execution

Competition Phase (Peaking)

• Mon/Tue: ~80~85%, low volume, high precision
• Thurs/Sat: Heavy singles and doubles in full lifts, focus on execution and readiness.
  Key Principle: If it doesn't transfer to the platform, it doesn't belong in the program.

RESULTS

• 54 Team USA Selections
• 300+ National Medals
• 33 International Medals
• Multiple American Records
  

          

Built. Not recruited.

Baby-Tween-Senior Class of 2026...

                Baby                                 Tween                             Senior                   

Tim has grown up entirely too fast💨!

There truly aren’t enough words to capture just how quickly time has flown with this kid. Watching him grow into the young man he is today has been nothing short of incredible. As a mom, I deeply miss the days when he was little—when he’d curl up in my arms, use me as his jungle gym...LOL, and when our days were filled with museum visits and park trips alongside our homeschooling friends. Time doesn’t slow down for anyone, but I’m so thankful we made the most of those moments while we had them.

We’ve cherished every season—and we still are. There’s never been a dull moment. Watching him grow, learn, and step into who he’s becoming has been both a joy and a privilege. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it.

With graduation just around the corner and his 18th birthday just days before, we’re stepping into a new chapter. But one thing will never change: our support. We’ll always be right here, cheering him on as he continues to chase his dream of making the USA Weightlifting Team and one day representing our country on the Olympic stage.

Tim Through The Years!

I’ve been going through all of Tim’s pictures—from the day he was born until now—and it’s been quite a journey. Sorting through years of memories to choose photos for his yearbook pages, his graduation bio, and the senior slideshow has been both meaningful and overwhelming. On top of that, I’m putting together a graduation video for our family and friends. There’s so much to do, and with only 50 days until graduation, I know the time is going to fly. And just five days before he walks the stage, he’ll turn 18—another milestone to celebrate.

We are beyond proud of the young man Tim has become and all he has accomplished so far. There have been moments when the enemy tried to take him out, but God’s hand has always been on his life—protecting him, guiding him, and shaping him for a purpose. Tim has a calling on his life, and it’s our deepest prayer that he continues to honor God in all he does as he steps into this next chapter and becomes his own man. We pray he seeks God in every decision and stands firm against anything that would pull him away from that path.

We are so thankful that God blessed us with Tim later in life. There was a time I wasn’t sure marriage or children were part of my story, but God had a greater plan. And now, as graduation approaches, we place this incredible gift—our son—back into God’s hands, trusting Him to lead, guide, and direct Tim’s steps in the years ahead.

We know we haven’t been perfect parents, but we have loved Tim deeply—with a love that Father God has for us. He is an amazing young man, and we believe with all our hearts that God has an incredible future waiting for him.

Enjoy these picture collages: 

Dave Ramsey Repost...

I hope everyone will read this Dave Ramsey post about going cashless. It’s a two minute read and NO one has explained it better. Please take 2 minute's and read!

Dave Ramsey repost:

HERE'S WHAT NO CASH ACTUALLY MEANS:

A cashless society means no cash. Zero. It doesn’t mean mostly cashless and you can still use a ‘wee bit of cash here & there’. Cashless means fully digital, fully traceable, fully controlled. I think those who support a cashless society aren’t fully aware of what they are asking for. A cashless society means:

* If you are struggling with your mortgage on a particular month, you can’t do an odd job to get you through.

* Your child can’t go & help the local farmer to earn a bit of summer cash.

* No more cash slipped into the hands of a child as a good luck charm or from their grandparent when going on holidays.

* No more money in birthday cards.

* No more piggy banks for your child to collect pocket money & to learn about the value of earning.

* No more cash for a rainy day fund or for that something special you have been putting $20 a week away for.

* No more little jobs on the side because your wages barely cover the bills or put food on the table.

* No more charity collections.

* No more selling bits & pieces from your home that you no longer want/need for a bit of cash in return.

* No more cash gifts from relatives or loved ones.

What a cashless society does guarantee:

* Banks have full control of every single penny you own.

* Every transaction you make is recorded.

* All your movements & actions are traceable.

* Access to your money can be blocked at the click of a button when/if banks need ‘clarification’ from you which will take about 3 weeks, a thousand questions answered & five thousand passwords.

* You will have no choice but to declare & be taxed on every dollar in your possession.

* The government WILL decide what you can & cannot purchase.

* If your transactions are deemed in any way questionable, by those who create the questions, your money will be frozen, ‘for your own good’.

Forget about cash being dirty. Stop being so easily led. Cash has been around for a very, very, very long time & it gives you control over how you trade with the world. It gives you independence.

If you are a customer, pay with cash. If you are a shop owner, remove those ridiculous signs that ask people to pay by card. Cash is a legal tender, it is our right to pay with cash. Banks are making it increasingly difficult to lodge cash.

Please open your eyes. Please stop believing everything you are being told. Almost every single topic in today’s world is tainted with corruption & hidden agendas.

Pay with cash & please say no to a cashless society while you still have the choice.