Read more about the article I guess I’m just feeling grateful
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I guess I’m just feeling grateful

It's been a really good day. We started out rough and Emmett was sent home from school sick but we totally bounced back. I was able to get in a good workout and a couple miles at the track. It's really cold but I sorta like the cold. I'd rather it be cold than hot. I really enjoy walking at the park, regardless of the weather. It helps me stay centered and I need that in my life. I shot the picture while walking the track today. I was lost in thought and I realized that the path I was on reminded me of my life. I turn around and I can see all the footprints, from all the places I've been. Looking ahead is like a clean slate. My…

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March 29, 2022
Read more about the article I know so many of you can relate to this
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I know so many of you can relate to this

This morning I was reflecting on just how far the boys and I have come over the years. We're not without our challenges and that's okay. Last night, we had a family outing and it was so much fun. There was eight of us all together and everyone had a blast. I can remember when the idea of taking the kids anywhere was overwhelming for a multitude of reasons. There was always the financial aspect but also the emotional piece as well. I know so many of you can relate to worrying about whether or not an outing would lead to massive meltdowns later on. Basing your decisions on whether or not to do something, based solely on if you'll be able to deal with the potential fallout, sucks. Sitting…

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March 25, 2022
Read more about the article What is now is not necessarily what will be later
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What is now is not necessarily what will be later

For a number of reasons, the last few weeks have been physically and emotionally exhausting. There are a million reasons for this but I'm not going to talk about everything. I just want to focus on the ones that may be the most helpful to parents out there living in the trenches on a daily. I have so many positive things in my life and I appreciate every single one of them. There are other things going on that weigh heavy on me, cause me to feel overwhelmed, unsure, and even alone. I've been talking about some of the school-related difficulties and how as a parent, I'm just trying to do the right thing. The school issues have been going on since returning from Christmas break. I've been incredibly overwhelmed…

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March 13, 2022
Read more about the article When are we going to learn?
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When are we going to learn?

It's been a difficult couple of days for me and that's okay. Life isn't supposed to be easy, right? I'm really tired but having a terrible time falling asleep at night. There are things in my life that I'm worried about and again, that's okay. I feel like despite some of these challenges, I'm still incredibly lucky to be where I am, and I don't want to lose sight of that. The boys didn't go see their mom this weekend and that meant no break for me. Everyone is being extra cautious as a result of COVID, and if someone in either household isn't feeling right, we tend to pull the plug. Their mom was under the weather so the visit was canceled. The kids were bummed out but they'd…

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January 9, 2022
Read more about the article My life has changed in so many ways
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My life has changed in so many ways

The boys spent New Years day with their mom and I had plans of my own. We're keeping the circle of people we spend time with very, very small right now as COVID is worse than it's ever been in Ohio. Half of my family either has COVID right now or is getting over it. Everyone is staying away from everyone else right now, just to be safe. My circle is small and comprised of people closest to me. Every one is taking all the necessary precautions, including, limited public exposure, mask wearing and COVID vaccinations. That's just the way it is right now. New Years was great. We spent some time making vision boards on New Years Eve with the kids. They did such a good job and I…

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January 2, 2022
Read more about the article My kids had an exciting new experience today
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My kids had an exciting new experience today

As I'm beginning to live my best life, I'm finding myself exposed to lots of new and exciting things. I feel like I've lived a relatively sheltered life because I'm experiencing so many new things for the first time, and I'm in my early forties. One of the things I'm deliberately experiencing is food from different cultures. I'm being introduced to foods from all over the world and it's been an amazing experience. I'm lucky to have a great guide through all this stuff and I can't believe I've lived so much of my life, having not tried some of these things. For the longest time, I was waking up feeling like it was one day closer to my death. That's a shitty way to live. Now I wake up…

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November 6, 2021
Read more about the article A shitload of updates
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A shitload of updates

The boys are going to their mothers this weekend and that leaves me with a couple days to myself. Most of these days are going to be filled with rain but that doesn't mean I can't make good use of the time I'll have to myself. There are some things I want to get done this weekend. I'm working on the house and getting things better organized. Almost every room is going to be getting repainted and so there are obvious signs that we're working towards that. As I have time, I'm caulking and making drywall repairs. There are lots of projects underway but in various stages of progression. It's a bit stressful for me to see things like this but it's a means to an end. I'll maybe get…

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October 18, 2021
Read more about the article Emerging from darker times
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Emerging from darker times

I wanted to pop in and let you know I'm still breathing. It's been a minute but it's not because something is wrong. Quite the opposite actually. The boys are doing great and Gavin is continuing down the path to independence. I'm so proud of everyone because we've emerged from such a dark time in our lives, and we're living our best lives. As for me, I'm doing great as well. I've come such a long way and while I'm tired, I absolutely love my life. I have some amazing opportunities with work, and I'm even planning a trip for next year. I've reinvested in balancing my public and private life, which is why I don't share everything that's going on. I'm in a very healthy, rewarding relationship, and I…

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October 12, 2021