Life Update – Birthday Weekend Reflections

This past weekend was my birthday, and while it started off a little stressful, it turned into something really sweet. The kids were just down the road with family in town visiting, so they got some grandparents time while I had a little “mom time.” By early evening everyone was back home, and we still managed to have a decent birthday celebration together — just the way I like it, surrounded by my people.

Of course, life doesn’t always go as planned. Definitely not the news we were hoping for, and it put a different weight on the day. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that joy can still be found even when things feel heavy.

We didn’t do our usual meal prep this week, but it worked out in its own way. Between all the smoking and grilling for my birthday, the fridge is packed full of leftovers. No one’s complaining about that — and honestly, having food ready to grab has been a quiet blessing.

Life feels a little out of sorts right now, but we’re leaning into the slower rhythm and taking it one day at a time. It’s in these moments that I’m reminded how important it is to look for the little joys tucked in between the hard stuff — a fridge full of food, the sound of kids laughing, and the gift of being able to slow down together. Even when life gets messy, there’s still beauty to be found if we pause long enough to notice it.

As I was looking for pictures I realized, I didn’t take many. The ones above are the only photos I took that day. I was more focused on being in the moment and not trying to capture the moment. Which I am totally fine with.