What a year! In 2025, we became a family of five! I also wrote and published a book, baked a whole bunch, and continued to homeschool Sadie. In between it all, we traveled a little, worked on potty training Mordecai, dealt with Dakota’s hemangioma and constant ear infections, and simply lived life!
It has been such a blessed year. Every high and low reminded me that God is ever-present. Here’s a quick reflection on the year behind us and a look ahead to 2026.
Books read 23 and Sadie and I read 23 kids’ chapter books together.
Best fiction reads Food Person by Adam Roberts and Resurrection by Danielle Steel.
Best non-fiction reads Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos and Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie. Sadie’s favorite chapter book was the newest Adventures in Fosterland book.
Travel As always, the Outer Banks, NC! Jimmy and I also stayed a night in Pittsburgh.
Different things Pausing Etsy and therapy dog work for maternity leave.
New things We welcomed our third child, Dakota, I wrote a book, started potty training Mordecai and began doing homeschool with him, too.
Favorite Amazon purchases Electric salt and pepper grinders, pie crust bag, whitening toothpaste, bed sheet organizers, enzyme face mask, and gift wrap organizer.
New recipes shared:
- Four Ingredient Energy Bites
- Cinnamon Raisin Granola
- The Best Pie Crust
- Coconut Peanut Butter Granola
- Cherry Berry Pie
- Mini Cannoli Bites
- Twice Baked Potatoes
- Black-Bottom Cheesecake
- Maple Chai Snickerdoodles
- Maple Apple Granola
- Fudgy Toffee Espresso Blondies
- Honey Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream
- Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Granola
- Secret Ingredient Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Cherry Granola
- Maple Pecan Granola
Fun baking projects Beach cupcakes, Stitch cake, wedding cupcakes, and a garbage truck cake.
Hard stuff Navigating Dakota’s hemangioma diagnosis, constant ear infections, Jimmy getting pneumonia over the summer, and any time the kids were sick.
Joy Becoming a family of five and publishing a book were two huge highlights! I also loved celebrating Sadie’s 7th birthday and Mordecai’s 3rd birthday!
Things I want to do in 2026 Lots of little creative projects like learning to make soap, lip balm, and other crafts. I’m hoping to visit lots of Pittsburgh attractions (museums and such!) with the kids and keep on writing as much as possible.
Thoughts 2025 was a big year! We had a huge adjustment with adding Dakota to our family, and it has been so fun getting to know her and who she is becoming.
Looking forwardAs always, I like to write my plans in pencil and give God the eraser. I don’t have anything big planned for 2026, but you never know where God will take you when you follow His lead! For now, my heart is set on continuing to homeschool the kids and serving God and my family.
Living My Full Life 
Thank you for the “Year in Review”! I love stuff like that!
Love You
Dad
🙂