Week 38

My After-School Crew 🖤

I took them shopping for Chase’s birthday gifts, and to their delight, they discovered all the Halloween items were already on display. Emma and Hunter picked out scary masks—and wore them proudly through the entire store, even making a baby cry.

Hunter has been talking about “Uncle Chase’s” birthday for weeks. He was absolutely thrilled to bake Chase’s birthday cake—and pretty much did it all by himself. That boy loves cooking, baking, and celebrating big!

We had the best time celebrating Chase!

Everyone gathered at our home, and while we waited for Justin to get home from work (and bring dinner), Chase opened his gifts. Each kiddo had written him a special card and put so much thought into their gifts—it made the night extra meaningful.

We dined, we sang, we laughed—a lot. It was one of those feel-good nights where everyone simply enjoyed being together.

And I think it’s safe to say Chase felt extra loved, too. 💙

Happy 35^th Birthday, Chase!

April recorded the first podcast with me, and Linda the second! 🎙 In between, I’ve been loving after-school hangs with Hunter—finishing art projects, celebrating his “100 Club” win, and just watching him shine. 💙 Parent/teacher conference went well—all great news from his 3rd-grade teacher!

Justin’s adorable little basketball team won their championship game! I’m so proud of my guys. What a season, what a team.

The podcast efforts continue! It’s been a lot of work to get started, and the kids have had to be extra patient with us on the weekends. Hopefully soon we’ll find our rhythm so it doesn’t feel quite so labor-intensive.

In the meantime, the kids have been making their own versions of the podcast—and it’s absolutely hysterical. Honestly, that’s where the real magic lies. ✨