Book 19 was another book we are reading as a campus:
This blog won't capture the major milestones of life. Instead, this is the place where I hope to capture the little day to day realities of life...the little things that I want to remember when the little handprints have faded away.
Monday, July 14, 2025
Books 18 and 19
Thursday, July 10, 2025
And Now He's Off!
Yesterday he went 4-2:
He said one of his losses was to a guy who placed at state and he can see why!
With both kids away this week, Brad and I are actually enjoying our little preview of empty nest. We certainly miss them and love getting their updates, but we also are loving the time together and the ability to be a bit more spontaneous.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
She's Off!
I am so proud of how she is launching herself into new experiences, and I can't wait to keep hearing about her adventures.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
A Quick Trip North
We made a very quick trip to Wisconsin last week. The primary purpose of our visit was to see Papa Don and Grandma Nancy:
It was the first time we had seen them since they moved up there, and we are so grateful for the time together. We also fell in love with their little corner of Wisconsin.
One of the things on Brad's bucket list was to visit the House on the Rock, which features prominently in one of his favorite books. We had no idea it was fifteen minutes from their house! We stayed at the House on the Rock Resort, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his team. It has been beautifully maintained, and we loved sitting on our balconies and watching the deer in the evening.
The House itself was built by one of the most eccentric men in history, and pictures will never do it justice. It was the perfect way to celebrate 23 years, though:

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Book 17
It was fascinating to read about the key characteristics of each generation and how they impact each other. Working on a college campus, I can see some of those interactions so clearly now, and it was helpful to think about how the world is changing as Gen Z becomes adults. I highly recommend for anyone in leadership in any organization.
Monday, June 9, 2025
Books 15 and 16
The second book was a major goal of mine:
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Happy Birthday to Me!
Saturday we are spending the day doing nothing as the final celebration, which I am so very, very excited about!
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Best Part of My Job
Schools do this tour to learn more about the history of the community, and my students took back so many ideas about how to partner and utilize the community as classroom.
One of my students also captured this:
I'm so grateful. I love sharing places and spaces I love, and I love that they wanted to learn. This group was intensely curious, and they spent far more time in each place than any other group I have taken.
The most meaningful moment for me, though, was at St. Peter's. This is a Jubilee year, which means the Holy Door is open for the first time in 25 years. The morning we were there, the Pope started a new pilgrim's walk from the edge of the square through the door. Every 40 or so people, a monk carrying a cross lead a group in responsive prayer. We had prayer books, and it was an invitation and a call to unity across denominations. It truly was a Holy walk.
We put our feet in the sea, ate a ton of amazing food, and laughed so much. I have written a 45 page journal about the experience, and I can't wait to go back again.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Celebrations
The big news and biggest reason for his smile is our new family member:
And she has definitely claimed Evan:
It has been fun watching Buddy teach her how to be a dog:
And she is incredibly smart. She has come and sit down, and she is getting the whole house training incredibly quickly. She even sleeps through the night! She also got her first bath last night when she discovered our frog pond. We are all trying to find new routines, but I'm so glad she joined our family!
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Book 14
My new provost recommended this one, and it is really good. We are about to launch a new strategic plan, and I have a gut feeling this will be the guide book. While I really enjoy learning, I'm ready for a little fiction again.
Monday, April 28, 2025
Back on Stage
I have also loved listening to her talk about the process. She has made great friends, and she has enjoyed dancing for new choreographers. There was not one single bit of nerves--just pure joy--which made this Mama very happy.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Book 13
One of our presenters at HERS recommended this book, and considering her strategies have helped me negotiate two pretty sweet deals at work lately, I decided I should probably read it! It really just elaborated on all that she said, but it definitely helped me get a better understanding of my negotiation style and how I can improve my process. I have a feeling it's one I will refer to often moving forward.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
A Giant Catch Up
I'm still basking in the friendships I've created through HERS. Our GroupMe app still bings daily, and I have no doubt that will continue. I'm especially grateful for this little trio:
Yesterday, I pitched my leadership project to our new provost, and she loved my ideas. We are already planning how to move it forward. I can see doors in the future that would not have been there if it were not for this program.
The weekend after HERS, Issa and attended Tea for Two:
Later that week, I was also able to attend her induction into Psi Chi, the psychology honorary:
She is still loving her major, and I'm loving watching her thrive on campus:
We opted not to do an egg hunt this year, but we still decorated:
I made a little butterfly garden egg:
Brad made a sculpture commenting on the fragility of life:
Issa made a flower:
Evan played with the shrink wraps:
In the midst of all of that we have been doing April! It's always a whirlwind at work, and we are gearing up for an equally busy May. I'm just grateful for the experiences and the time with the ones I love.