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It's been awhile since I've shared a more personal post over here (they're usually tagged here), but today's a pretty big day at our house. If you're here for allll the deals and recipes (I love that!) scoot on past to the next penny-pinched post. I'm just so glad you're here!
After 20 years… this week marks my last . . .
last.
My last week to send a kiddo off to school.
To make sure they've arrived there safely.
To (at least think about?) whether or not they have something for breakfast and lunch each day.
And today is Reagan's very last official day of high school.
I started blogging when this girl wasn't even quite two. We needed some extra money, I wanted to stay home with our kids, and I knew one day this cute girly of mine would one day along head off with her big brother and sister to school.
When I barely even began typing over here (not knowing a single thing about the internet, online marketing, or blogging), this cute girl of mine dumped glue all over my computer hard drive.
She sat and helped me “clip coupons” all over the floor.
Loved helping me cook in the kitchen.
Taught me a few lessons about money,
Helped me learn to be forever generous,
And she grew right on up while I quietly sat typing here behind the scenes.
To top this last-last-week right off, just a few months ago her big sister graduated from college, and took her very first “big-girl-job” (her words, not mine).
And just this week, her big brother Jackson (who I really thought just graduated from high school yesterday), accepted his very first adulting job too after finishing out grad school.
To say I'm proud is an understatement.
Not gonna lie. If I'm being super honest? I'm reallllll relieved.
In fact, when Reagan turned 18 just a few weeks ago, I told my husband I felt like WE deserved the party to celebrate, not her. 🙂
Looking back now at all of it in hindsight with clearer vision now, I'm just so honored I've gotten to be their mom these last 25 years.
The best gift truly ever?
I was sitting here today, thinking on these babies of mine.
And how very fortunate I've been along the way.
I was able to be home with them when they got off the bus.
Able to do a WHOLE lot of driving as they ran around to baseball, softball, gymnastics, cheer, cross country, track, band, basically EVERY. SINGLE. THING.
I didn't have time really to volunteer or have oodles of friends (I do have a few friends I truly love!), but between my kids and doing work that I truly adore each day with a team that I'm forever thankful for, my soul is completely filled up to the very-tip-top, every. single. day.
Looking back, my biggest fear 25 years ago as a new-and-anxious mom, was ending here with some feeling of regret as these three cute kids walked out the door.
Regret that I wasn't home enough, that I didn't care for them well enough, or that I didn't soak up the season with them quite enough over these years.
But as I sit here looking back, there simply are no regrets here.
I've been able to love them fiercely, cheer them on enough hopefully, and be available when they've needed me ~
what an incredible gift.
I will never take that lightly, and truly do know just how lucky I've been.
Jackson, Caroline, & Reagan ~ I've done a whole lot of fun things I never even dreamed about in this last twenty-five years, but watching you each grow and succeed has been the absolute most amazing gift.
So today I'm counting not as only the last, last.
But also, as the first… first.
The first day that you all get to finally adult. (PHEW!)
You get to choose when you call, choose where you go, and choose your next path.
Dad and I will be right here quietly cheering you on (and visiting plenty), and truly just so proud, humbled, and grateful that we've been here to watch you grow up every day.
Y'all are amazing.
And kiddos, we are so crazy proud of each one of you.
Thank you for being the very sweetest gifts to me.
Reagan, I'm over here praying the most beautiful last, last for you today.
But also, praying for your very sweetest and wisest first that begins tomorrow.
You can do this, and I can't wait to see the future God holds for you next. I'll be watching from right over here always, and cheering you on every single step of the way.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face turn you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Goodness – I had to share this. This was I think our very first sponsored post with Nestle back in 2012 because we have always loved ALLLL the chocolate – long before quick Tiktok, easy video editing, and just about everything else. Watch around minute 3:15 😉 ~ bless this cute girl forever!
Congrats to Reagan and to you! Today was our (oldest) son’s last – last as well. So bittersweet! Hugs!
Bless you Beth – hugs!
Congrats to Reagan…. and to you and your husband! What an accomplishment for you all! Raising kids isn’t easy all the time, but always worth all the time and effort involved! We have been following you from the beginning! You have raised a great family and created an amazing business which will be a blessing for so many! Thank you!
Thank you Lori! I truly am so thankful every single day!!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve followed along since your kiddos were little and it’s so fun to see them grow and thrive. Would love if you’d consider a post some time about how you’ve supported your college kids—this next phase feels daunting!!
It is such a sweet but hard time! My biggest word of encouragement is to stop what you’re doing when they call and answer if you can at all. As often as I can, when the kids call I try to step away from my work and focus on them for a minute- they need it and I love that they’re calling (and to call one of them while driving to touch base and keep lines of communication open!) Navigating them into adulthood has been such a weird but also sweet space for us!
Congratulations on raising 3 children to adulthood!
Thank you Heather!!!
I have been over here on this side of the screen watching it all, honestly these post are my absolute favorites of any blogger 🙂 I have always loved these posts honoring your children. The absolute best thing is watching all your children become adults and thrive (we’ve been here a few years now)! What a blessing for not only them but we as parents as well………….praying for you because some days its still kinda hard. Karen
Oh Karen – that means so so much to me! Thank you for being here and encouraging me over the years too – I’m so thankful for you!
I began following you in either 2011 or 2012, and Reagan was A-DOR-A-BLE! I have loved watching her grow up, and you have grown a lovely business. Blessings to each of you as you all enter a new season!
I love that Lori! She really was so fun to watch growing up (it’s so crazy to me!)
This is beautiful! I’m an empty-nesting 48 year old mom who’s daughters are making their mark on the world. I’m over here beaming, proud of them both, but still a little heart-sick inside. So many mixed emotions, even 2 years after the ‘last last’. Thank you for sharing, and reminding us all of what we raised our kids to do….be adults. Make choices. And enjoy their lives…even if mom sheds a tear or two while thinking about it.
Yes Julie! Hugs to you as you start this season – it is so bittersweet but they were made for this!
So precious and what memories. You and Mr. PPP raised your children well with all the prayers and guidance. Tears flowing as I read this. Prayers over your children and you two as all go through another adventure in this world. Blessings ☺️
Hugs sweet Diane! Thank you for being a cheerleader for us for so many years along the way!!!
This is the SWEETEST! Oooh, my hope and prayer is to do exactly what you’ve done—to look back with a full heart and no regrets. What a beautiful legacy you’ve built, not just for your kids, but for all of us lucky enough to follow along on the journey. Thank you for sharing this sacred moment with us. Cheering on Reagan (and you!) as this new season begins—what a blessing to witness the “last last” and the “first first.”
Thank you for your kind words, Krystl! We so appreciate you and are so thankful for this community.