Life Lessons, Motherhood & a Rescue Dog’s Second Chance
Hi lovelies, welcome back! I can’t tell you how much it means that you see value in reading my blog. I had a really good chat with my boyfriend, Tyson, about how blogging can sometimes stress me out. I’ve built up this idea in my head that every single blog post needs to be some diabolical masterpiece—something that outshines the last. And you know what happens when I think like that? I freeze up. I overthink myself into writing nothing. Then, suddenly, it’s Sunday (my scheduled posting day), and I have… nothing. Not a single word. It’s a silly cycle of nonsense, isn’t it? Why do we do that to ourselves?
And the more I thought about it, the more I realized how common this mindset is in so many areas of life. We pile expectations onto ourselves—on top of the expectations the world already has for us and then wonder why we feel like we’re constantly cracking under the pressure. No wonder burnout is everywhere. No wonder so many of us are exhausted, overwhelmed, and anxious about what tomorrow will bring. Parenting, relationships, work-life balance, social media, holidays, you name it. We don’t even realize how easily we throw ourselves into pressure-filled situations until we’re drowning in them.
And look, I’m not saying that some of these things aren’t worth the effort. But I’ve realized something: sometimes, we need to remind ourselves that whatever we have to offer is enough. I don’t need to write a blog post that belongs on the bestseller list every week. And you? You don’t have to throw a birthday party that rivals a Disney World adventure every single year. Simple is enough, too.
Honestly, from November to January, life was such a whirlwind that I lost my balance a little bit. That’s why I took a step back. I needed to refocus, but also just… focus, you know? I was struggling. I felt overwhelmed. There was some health stuff going on, and Christmas which is my absolute favorite time of year, was going to look a little different this time.
But you know what? It all worked out. I got to enjoy an early Christmas with my kids and family, and then my boyfriend and I took off to Mexico for a week with my brother! It was only the second time I’ve ever been to a hot destination, and let me tell you it was amazing. We ate the most delicious food, sipped on incredible drinks, and wandered through the beautiful streets of Puerto Vallarta. And let me just say, staying in an Airbnb is a completely different experience from an all-inclusive! There’s something about being immersed in the local culture, exploring little side streets, and discovering hidden gems that makes a trip feel even more special.
And maybe that’s the lesson in all of this. Sometimes, stepping back isn’t just helpful it’s necessary. We get so caught up in trying to control every detail, striving for perfection, and pushing ourselves to do more that we forget the beauty of simply being. But when we pause, when we allow ourselves to breathe and release the need to force outcomes, we create space for clarity, for peace, and for life to unfold naturally. Sometimes, simplifying things isn’t a sign of giving up; it’s an act of self-care, a way to realign with what truly matters. And more often than not, the best moments—the ones that bring us the most joy and meaning happen when we stop trying so hard, trust the process, and allow life to flow exactly as it’s meant to.
It’s hard to believe we’re almost in March! Time is such a strange thing some months seem to drag on forever, while others fly by in the blink of an eye. And somehow, I’m about to turn 33 on March 2nd! It’s wild how quickly another year has passed.
February, though, was truly a great month. I found my groove again—the spark that makes this work feel less like work and more like something I genuinely love. I got myself organized, set clear goals, and really honed in on where I want to take this. The best part? I’m having so much fun with it again. It’s such a blessing to wake up feeling excited about what I’m creating and where I’m headed.
On the family side, one of the biggest things this month was my daughter’s dental surgery. Let’s be honest dental surgery is never fun, but I was so relieved to finally have it behind us. It was one less thing weighing on my never-ending mental “mom list” of things to worry about. And as stressful as the day could have been, it turned into something really special. I got to spend the entire day with just her, something we both needed more than I even realized. The sweetest part? She told me, multiple times, that this was “the best day of her life.” I couldn’t help but laugh every time she said it. Who knew that a day filled with surgery and recovery could be so magical in her little eyes? But that’s the beauty of kids they just want time, love, and undivided attention.
Balancing everything as a mom is never easy. There’s always that pull, that guilt, that feeling of trying to make sure each child gets what they need. But at the end of the day, we do the best we can, and sometimes, even in the midst of the chaos, there are these little moments that remind us we’re doing just fine.
The most exciting news?! Our family just got a little bigger—we welcomed a furry, four-legged family member into our home this past week!
I have always dreamed of rescuing an older dog, one who needed a second chance, a loving home, and someone to show them just how special they are. And now, that dream is a reality. Meet Onyx! Our sweet, gentle giant. He’s five years old and has the kindest soul, but you can tell he’s had a rough past. His demeanor speaks volumes. He's cautious, almost as if he’s asking permission before accepting love. It breaks my heart to think about what his life must have been like before us. He was found roaming the streets here in Regina, SK, severely underweight and clearly neglected. No one knows how long he was out there, fending for himself, but one thing is certain—those hard days are behind him now.
Every day, he’s learning that he is safe, he is loved, and he belongs. And let me tell you, he is soaking in every single second of it. Watching him settle in, trust us a little more each day, and realize that he is finally home has been the most rewarding experience.
The kids are absolutely obsessed with him, and the feeling seems to be mutual. Though I think he’s still trying to figure out their endless energy! He takes their chaos in stride, completely unbothered by their loudness, their meltdowns, or their constant need to smother him with affection. Need I say more?! He is perfect. He was meant to be ours. And I am beyond excited to give him the best next 10+ years he could have ever imagined.
Wishing you all the best week ahead, and as always - sending love.
