Because Life Happens After Coffee
There’s nothing quite like it… the rush of finding a hidden gem, the satisfaction of snagging a brand-name piece for a few dollars, or the joy of grabbing next season’s jacket for 75% off. Thrifting and clearance shopping aren’t just hobbies for me… they’re part of how I save, stay creative, and spark a little…
Another layer to our story? Vacations… while being a military family living far away from family. Every year, our “getaways” are really just family visits. Packing up the kids, spending hundreds on travel, and coordinating around everyone’s schedules to make sure the cousins get to see each other. And while we love our family deeply,…
Ever feel like your kids are tiny, chaotic coffee shop customers with wild energy and very specific demands? Same. This fun, lighthearted post imagines what the coffee menu would look like if toddlers ran the café—and spoiler: it’s extra, just like them.
Grief isn’t linear. Some days you smile for your kids, and others you cry in silence. This month, we lost someone who meant the world to us—and now we’re learning to live with that ache. This post is for anyone silently grieving: you’re not alone.
“I used to swear by hot coffee. But now? I’m an iced coffee girl through and through. Unless it’s freezing cold or holiday flavors are out—then I might go back. My husband? He’s all about those frappes that basically taste like milkshakes with a caffeine punch.
Our coffee orders couldn’t be more different—and that’s kind of the fun of it. Whether you’re classic, chill, or sweet-tooth sippin’, your coffee says a lot about you. So tell me… hot, iced, or frappe?”
A year ago, I broke down more days than not. Crying, exhausted, and overwhelmed as a mom of three — I finally decided to prioritize my mental health. With the support of my husband, I started therapy and medication. Now, as we prepare for another move and a new chapter outside of military life, I’m learning to give myself grace. This is my story of progress, even when it feels slow.
“It’s more than caffeine—it’s comfort.
It’s that first peaceful moment of the day that’s just for me. Whether I’m grabbing a caramel latte to kick off the week or sipping something seasonal when the weather changes, coffee has become more than a habit. It’s a ritual. A reminder. A little joy I never skip.”
We’re stepping into a brand new chapter—transitioning out of military life, moving to Tennessee to be closer to family, and embracing the unknown with open hearts. From temporary to permanent, this season marks the beginning of planting roots, grieving deeply, and growing together.
One year in, and I can still remember the day we first heard the words: ADHD and ODD. It felt overwhelming, like stepping into a world we weren’t prepared for. But over the past 12 months, we’ve learned to navigate the chaos with compassion, advocate fiercely, and celebrate progress—no matter how small. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been eye-opening, humbling, and filled with moments of strength we didn’t know we had. This post is a look back at everything we’ve faced, felt, and figured out during this first year of understanding and supporting our child in a whole new way.
I wasn’t always a coffee lover—but somewhere between flavored sips at Grandma’s house and the chaos of raising three kids, coffee became my daily ritual, my self-care, and my way to connect with the world around me. This is the story of how coffee slowly became a part of my motherhood journey—and why it still matters.
Our Christmas miracle baby, born at 28 weeks on Christmas Day, is now a thriving 8-year-old with a story still unfolding. From NICU warrior to navigating ADHD and emotional regulation struggles, our journey has been full of challenges, growth, and so much hope. This is where we are now — still fighting, still loving, and still celebrating every small victory.
“They don’t know what it’s really like. Not the chaos. Not the quiet crying in between loads of laundry. Not the war zone that mornings have become. They just hear my ‘I’m good’ and believe it. But today, I needed to speak the truth—even if only here.”