Update on Mom...

 

This is what a total knee replacement looks like.

Total knee replacements are no joke—they’re incredibly painful. It’s taken about three weeks for Mom’s pain to drop to even half of what it was right after surgery. She’s doing her best to wean off the stronger pain meds. She still needs them occasionally, but far less than before—most of that progress has happened in the last week.

About a week ago Thursday, she broke out in hives, and it’s taken over a week for them to fully clear. What I’ve noticed is that as she tapered down the opioids, the hives eased up too—until they eventually disappeared. My best guess is that her system was overwhelmed by the medication, though I can’t say for sure if a doctor would confirm that. There haven’t been any changes in her environment or diet, so that’s the only clear variable.

When it comes time for her other knee replacement, I’m going to advocate for pain management options that don’t rely so heavily on opioids—if that’s even possible at this level of pain. Recovery is already tough enough without adding something like hives into the mix.

So where is Mom in her recovery now? She’s actually doing wonderfully. Her home PT has been thrilled with her progress, especially given her age. On his last visit, he even said outpatient PT is going to be impressed with how far along she is. Hearing that has been incredibly encouraging, especially considering all the challenges she’s faced through this process.

She starts outpatient PT on Monday. I will update again once she's gotten a few sessions in. 

That's all I have for now.

Keep Doing Your Best...

This message cuts deeper than simple motivation—it speaks to the reality of what high-level performance actually demands.

At the top, external validation is inconsistent at best. Crowds cheer when you win, go silent when you don’t, and critics are always waiting. If your drive depends on praise, you’ll burn out or break down the moment it disappears. The best athletes learn early: you cannot outsource your belief.

“Keep doing your best every day” isn’t about perfection—it’s about discipline. Some days your “best” is a personal record. Other days it’s just showing up when your body is tired, your mind is off, or life is heavy. What separates elite athletes is that they show up anyway. Consistency beats intensity over time. This is Tim—all day long. 

“And if no one is proud of you…”—that’s real. As Tim's parents we see it all—the highs and the lows and everything in between—and we are proud of him. What the phrase "if no one is proud you" is getting at is the outside world because—let's face it—there are long stretches where no one sees the sacrifices, the missed events, the quiet grind. Progress at the highest level is often invisible before it’s undeniable. If you need recognition during those seasons, you’ll lose momentum. 

So, “Be proud of yourself.” That’s the anchor! Not arrogance, but earned confidence. It comes from knowing you honored your standard when no one was watching. You stuck to the process. You didn’t cut corners. You kept going when it would’ve been easier to quit.

Tim has learned to be proud of himself. It's anchored him because he knows he's honored his standard when no one is watching. He's stuck to the process. He hasn't cut corners. He keeps going when it would be easier to just quit. 

Elite athletes don’t just train their bodies—they train their mindset to be self-sustaining. Because when the spotlight fades, when the noise dies down, and when it’s just you and the work…

That’s where greatness is actually built.

Correct Mind = Life Falling Into Place...

What we allow to take root in our mind will eventually shape the direction of our life. Our thoughts influence our attitudes, our attitudes shape our choices, and our choices determine our path. So when our mind is aligned with truth—God’s truth—everything else begins to fall into place in a way that reflects His order and purpose.

Correcting our mind isn’t about pretending life is perfect or ignoring reality. It’s about choosing to see life through the lens of who God is instead of through fear, doubt, or circumstance. It means reminding ourselves daily of what is true: that God is present, that He is faithful, and that He is working even when we don’t see it.

When our mind is fixed on God, our perspective shifts. Anxiety begins to lose its grip because we trust His control. Fear starts to quiet because we remember His promises. Even in chaos, there’s a sense of steadiness—not because everything around us is settled, but because our mind is anchored in Him.

But this doesn’t happen passively. It takes intention. It means catching negative or false thoughts and replacing them with truth. It means choosing faith over fear again and again, even when it’s difficult. Over time, that renewal of our mind begins to reshape how we live.

And when our mind is in the right place—centered on God—our actions follow. Our decisions become wiser, our reactions more measured, our heart more at peace. It doesn’t mean life becomes easy, but it does mean we’re no longer being driven by instability. Instead, we’re being guided by something constant and unshakable.

When we align our mind with God, we don’t just think differently—we live differently. And that’s where real transformation begins.

You are Never Alone...

We are never alone—not in our highest moments and not in our lowest valleys. There is not a single season of our lives that God is absent from. When everything feels full and joyful, He is there, steady and present, reminding us that every good thing flows from Him. And when life feels heavy, uncertain, or even unbearable, He is just as near—closer than we may even realize.

Joshua 1:9 reminds us clearly and powerfully: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” That promise—to be with you wherever you go—isn’t conditional. It doesn’t depend on your circumstances, your emotions, or how strong your faith feels in a given moment. It is rooted in who God is—faithful, constant, and unchanging. 

Just before that, God repeats the command to—be strong and courageous—3x. That kind of repetition carries weight—it’s a clear call to pay attention and take it to heart. This isn’t a suggestion based on how we feel—it's a command to be obeyed. Because He's always with us, we can, be strong and courageous.

His presence doesn’t come and go with our circumstances. In our victories, He is with us. In our struggles, He is with us. Even when we can’t feel Him, He hasn’t moved. There will be seasons where we feel confident and full of purpose, and others where we feel lost, weary, or overwhelmed. In both, God is not watching from a distance—He is walking with us. In our victories, He celebrates with us. In our struggles, He strengthens and sustains us. Even when we can’t feel Him, He hasn’t moved.

Sometimes, the lie creeps in that we’re facing things on our own—that no one sees or understands what we're carrying. But the truth is, God sees every detail. He knows every burden, every fear, every unanswered question. And He stays. He doesn’t leave when things get hard. He doesn’t withdraw when we falter. His presence is constant, not fleeting.

So when fear tries to take hold, when discouragement settles in, go back to that promise: He is with you wherever you go. Not just in certain places, not just in certain seasons—wherever. That means right where we are today. Then we will also be able to stand—with our heads held high—and Be Strong & Courageous!

Always remember that we are not walking through any part of this life alone—He is with us in every step and in every season. 

God Is Not Only Good...

Mark 10:18 (NIV): "...No one is good—except God alone."

This verse emphasizes that no one is good except God — his goodness is a foundational, eternal characteristic.

God is not only good—He is the author of everything good.

Every blessing, every moment of peace, every ounce of strength we didn’t know we had… it all traces back to Him. Good isn’t random. It isn’t luck. It flows from the very nature of who God is.

When life feels heavy or uncertain, it’s easy to question where the good is. But even then, God is still writing—still working behind the scenes, still bringing purpose out of pain and beauty out of brokenness.

He doesn’t just give good things… He is the source of them.

So today, whatever you’re facing, hold onto this truth:

If it’s good, it comes from Him. And He’s not finished writing your story yet.

Rise & Move Forward...

Every morning, I remind myself of this: there’s no such thing as a day without challenges. And if you find yourself in a season with none, it’s worth asking whether you’re really pushing forward at all.

Growth requires resistance. Moving forward means you’re stretching yourself, facing things head-on, and choosing not to stay comfortable. That alone sets you apart—because not everyone is willing to do it.

Life isn’t meant to be easy. It’s meant to test you, shape you, and push you. That’s how you know you’re alive. That’s how you discover your strength—the ability to keep going, to keep growing, no matter what comes your way. When you meet life head-on, you build the backbone to create the life you want instead of settling for the one handed to you.

I’ve always been someone who takes life by the horns. And when necessary, I’ve been a bit of a bull in a china shop too. I don’t sit back and let life happen to me—I meet it head-on. That doesn’t mean life hasn’t thrown its share of challenges my way. It has. But what matters is how you respond.

It matters that you face those moments and turn them into something that moves you forward. Something that builds strength instead of defeat. Because defeat should never define you—it should shape you. Refine you. Push you closer to who you’re meant to become.

Your life is what you make of it. Don’t let circumstances—or anyone else—convince you otherwise.

At 56 years old, almost 57, I’ve seen and experienced a lot. And I’ve raised my son differently than how I was raised. He’s forward-thinking. He goes after life instead of waiting for it to come to him. He faces challenges with the mindset of a warrior, not a worrier. That mindset has helped him become a successful elite athlete—but more importantly, it’s helped shape who he is as a person.

You don’t have to accept life as it’s handed to you. You can choose to rise, to grow, to become. Be intentional. Be driven. Be you—with purpose. And whatever you do, don’t quit.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) says, 

". . . Let us throw off 

everything that hinders. . .

And let us run with perseverance

the race marked out for us."

Romans 12:6-8...

Paul lists a number of gifts God has given the members of the body of Christ. Paul uses this word "gift" elsewhere to denote a God-given ability to serve the community of Christ in a particular way.

Whatever gifts we have been given, we are under obligation to our Lord to use them to serve his people. Other Christians need what each of us has to offer, so participating in the larger community of faith through the local church is a critical responsibility of believers.

Oh What A Day...

Today was quite a day. Mom was up most of the night dealing with hives and constant itching. She took Benadryl—the pill form—and I applied hydrocortisone, but instead of improving, it actually got worse.

We ended up at orthopedic urgent care this evening, and after talking with two doctors, we finally figured out the cause—she was having a delayed reaction to the prep cloths used before surgery. They advised me to thoroughly wash her to remove any remaining solution, keep her skin well moisturized, and give her liquid Benadryl around the clock for the next few days.

In the middle of all that, I also took the boys lunch at a commercial job and squeezed in some shopping. Thankfully, once we got home tonight, Mom has been resting really well.

What a day.

Mom's Appt. Today...

Just wanted to keep you in the loop with a little update. Mom’s 2 week post-op appointment with her surgeon went really well today—he was so pleased with how her knee is looking. She’s bending it really well (even though it’s still painful), and he said her range of motion is already at 100%, which is amazing for just a little over two weeks post-op.

She’ll continue home PT through next week, then start outpatient PT the week after. Getting up so early for the appointment really wore her out, so she’s resting now. We’re just so thankful to be seeing this kind of progress.

Mom's Total Knee Replacement Recovery...

Just a quick update: Mom is progressing well. She’s moving much better, which is encouraging. I’m looking forward to getting her off the oxy pain medication—she’s been taking it consistently since surgery, and I’m not a fan of it. 

She has a follow-up with her surgeon on Thursday. Home health PT wraps up next week, and she’ll start outpatient PT on May 4th—I’ll be taking her. Everyone we’ve talked to says that by the two-month mark, there’s a noticeable difference and you’re really glad you had the surgery. 

She’ll hit that two-month mark on June 7th—just a week before Tim’s Nationals Meet in Colorado—so I’m praying she’s recovered enough by then to house-and pet-sit for us. If not, we go to plan B which we are still putting together as I type this—it will include someone to be here for her as well.

I’m really proud of her—she’s a trooper. We’ve learned a lot through this, especially for the next time. The advice we’re getting is to wait at least 6 months, maybe even a year, before doing the other knee, so we’ll just see how her recovery goes.

Isaiah 55:6...

The people of Isaiah's day were faced with a clear choice: remain in unbelief or move forward in uncertainty. God was calling His people to exercise faith first and allow understanding to come afterward.

For the people of Isaiah’s day—and even for us today—this is no easy task. We naturally want to know exactly what we’re stepping into. We want full clarity before we commit. We prefer understanding first, and then we’re willing to place our faith in something.

But that’s not how it works with God. Faith comes first—that is His order. Understanding follows. It may not feel comfortable, and it may not be what we would choose, but it is what God asks of us.

Romans 12:4-5/1 Corinthians 12:1-31...

This picture is brought to you by Precept Ministries 

The church, Paul says, is like our individual bodies. It has many different parts, each with its own function. But all the parts form "one body," and each part is needed if the body is to function as it should.

I strongly encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 12 and if you have a study bible read all the footnotes as well. It helps in the understanding of the scripture. 

In my bible 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 has this footnote:

"Our is an age that delights to exalt Christian celebrities, to demand that our pastors entertain, have charismatic personalities, and display more spiritual gifts than any one Bible character ever had. Little wonder that burnout from full-time ministry seems to be at an all-time high and that failures of whatever kind—at times—results from the stress. We need to follow the model of servant leadership (recall ch.4) and allow our leaders and ourselves to spend the majority of our time doing those things at which we excel." 

To that I personally say, a big, AMEN!!!

When I was growing up, going to church looked very different. We sang from hymnals, accompanied by a pianist and an organist. Occasionally, a soloist would share a special song—something meant to encourage, uplift, and prepare our hearts for the message the pastor was about to deliver.

There was no production—no lights, no fog, no bands. The sanctuary truly felt like a sanctuary: a sacred, set-apart place. We didn’t bring food or drinks inside. It was understood that this was holy ground.

When the pastor preached, it wasn’t flashy. In fact, a lot of the sermons felt a bit monotonous at times, mostly because many of the preachers spoke in a steady, unchanging tone. There were no theatrics, no storytelling, no personal anecdotes—just straightforward teaching from the Bible. Simply what it said.

Looking back, I can’t help but think there’s value in returning, at least in part, to that kind of simplicity. A focus on truly learning and understanding Scripture. It might not appeal to everyone, but it would quickly reveal who is genuinely seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus—and who isn’t.

Burnout doesn’t have to be inevitable—if we, as the church, choose not to let it be. When we step back and refuse to let the pressures of this age define how we gather—pressures like turning worship into a concert with lights and fog, expecting pastors to entertain us, or believing they need a certain charisma or an extraordinary display of spiritual gifts just to keep our attention—we create space for something healthier.

If we resist those expectations and return to a simpler, more grounded approach, we’d be far better off as a church—spiritually stronger, more focused, and less exhausted.

No One Can Stop God's Plan For You...

No one can stop what God has already set in motion for your life.

People may misunderstand you. Doors may close. Plans may fall apart in ways you didn’t expect. But none of that has the power to override what God has purposed for you. What’s meant for you won’t miss you.

There will be delays—but delays are not denials. There will be obstacles—but obstacles are not the end. Even the things that seem to work against you are often the very things God uses to position you exactly where you need to be.

You don’t have to force it. You don’t have to fight every battle. What God has ordained will come to pass in His timing, not yours—and nothing and no one can stand in the way of that.

Stay faithful. Stay focused. Keep moving forward.

Because when God has a plan for your life, it will find you, carry you, and unfold exactly as it’s meant to. 

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God knows the plans He has for us and that they are good plans to give us a future and a hope. Let's cling to that—today and everyday—as we also cling to the knowledge that no one can stop His plans for us. 

Life Stops For No One...

Today was another reminder that life doesn’t stop for anyone or anything.

A friend of mine is walking through a difficult season with both of her kids, who are elite athletes, navigating challenges that come with that level of competition. At the same time, our son has been dealing with severe sinus congestion and an earache—caused by his allergies.

Then there’s my mom, who recently had a total knee replacement and is really struggling with the pain. Helping her through recovery and rehab is going to take a lot.

We’ve also been helping and supporting a friend whose parents are hoarders as she tries to relocate them, but we’ve had to step back for now because of everything going on with my mom. And another friend is facing multiple health concerns with her husband.

It just keeps coming.

Life doesn’t slow down. One thing hits, you handle it, and then something else follows. It’s constant, and it can feel relentless.

But at the end of the day, what matters most is how you respond. Your attitude in the middle of it all makes the difference. You meet life head-on, stay steady, and refuse to be taken out by the weight of it. Strength, focus, and determination carry you through—even when it’s hard, even when it doesn’t let up.

Scot's Birthday Dinner...

We took Scot to Bonefish Grill last night for his birthday while my cousin stayed with my mom, who’s recovering from total knee replacement surgery. It felt so good to get out and celebrate him together.

Bonefish is his favorite spot, and it worked out perfectly—his birthday landed on the night we could all enjoy their famous Bang Bang Shrimp at half off. That definitely didn’t hurt!

You could tell he truly enjoyed the evening—just being out, sharing a meal, and spending time together. We only make it to Bonefish a couple of times a year, so we always make the most of it when we do.

Scot's Birthday Gifts...

Tim officially bought his dad his very first gifts—completely on his own, no help from me. He let him pick out a couple of Lego sets from his wish list, which made it even more special.

And before you ask… yes, we still love doing Lego builds! Tim may not be as into it these days, but I have a feeling he’ll still jump in to help his dad put these together… LOL!

Happy Birthday, Scot!

Scot is the best dad and husband ever, and we are so blessed to have him leading our home. He provides for us so faithfully and takes such good care of Tim and me. God truly blessed us in a big way with him.

The strength of our family is because of who he is—dependable, selfless, and always willing to do whatever it takes to keep everything running smoothly. He’s the kind of person you can count on for absolutely anything.

I wish I could give him his dream Porsche, but for now, we’ll keep cheering on his love for all things cars and F1 racing related. He’s a true gearhead, and if he had his way, he’d be out racing without a doubt—and I love that about him.

I’m praying he has the best birthday yet and truly enjoys celebrating this evening with Tim and me. 💙

Empty Nester...

Everyone keeps asking how I feel about becoming an empty nester. The truth is—I’m not there yet… but I’m 32 days away.

I know life will feel different after graduation. That reality hasn’t escaped me for a second. I’m stepping into a brand-new chapter, and while it’s a little bittersweet, I’m also looking forward to the freedom that comes with it. For so long, school has been the constant in our lives. Soon, I’ll have more time—time to reconnect with friends I’ve barely seen, time to say “yes” to things I couldn’t before, and maybe even time to explore working outside the home. Who knows? It feels like doors are about to open.

For years, my life has revolved around Tim. I took him to every training session, handled his schooling, made the appointments, and met his every need. Our business made it possible for me to be there in all those ways, while Scot worked tirelessly to provide for our family. He’s been an incredible partner through it all—supporting Tim, helping with school when needed, pitching in at home, and even cooking meals when I was stretched thin. Life with Tim has been full, busy, and anything but boring.

And honestly, after graduation, not everything will change. Tim will still be at home, working with his dad, taking online college classes, and continuing his weightlifting. The biggest difference? I won’t be reminding him to do his schoolwork anymore—LOL. He’ll be fully responsible for himself. We’ll always be here to guide and support him, but now he’ll be the one steering his life and shaping his future. The “Tim show” is about to take center stage, and it’s his time to run with everything he’s been given.

As for me and Scot, I’m excited for what’s ahead. This next season gives us a chance to rediscover life as a couple—to go places, do things together, and simply enjoy each other again. It’s been a long time since it was just us. In many ways, this feels like a new beginning for us too.

Am I a little sad? Of course. My baby is all grown up. But more than anything, I’m excited—excited for Tim, and excited for us.

We’ll always be here for him, cheering him on as he chases his dreams. But it will be nice to have the time and space to explore life in new ways—together, and with the friends we’ve missed along the way.

Graduation Checklist is Done!

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 as a family.

That being said, 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 me to trim the parent speech some more. Keeping it under 250 words has been no easy task—it’s such a tight limit. I used a lot of these "&" to trim the word count. It's not counted as a word in word counters. 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 by me for his graduation. While I’m incredibly proud and excited for our son, I’ll also be glad to finally stop thinking about it all the time.

We know Tim is ready to move on from this chapter. His focus is firmly on weightlifting—earning a spot on Team USA and representing our country on the world stage. He’s really only participating in the graduation ceremony for us, his MawMaw, and for his aunts, uncles, and cousins—truth be told, he’d happily skip it. But he’s worked too hard, and we’ve worked alongside him every step of the way, for this moment to pass by unrecognized. Whether he likes it or not, it’s a rite of passage moment—and one worth remembering.

Next, he plans to take classes at Wake Tech Community College, where he hopes to explore opportunities in computer engineering and see where that path might lead him. His coursework will be online, allowing him to work alongside his dad while continuing to stay committed to his weightlifting training schedule.

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.