Hello, wonderful readers!

It feels like ages since we last connected, and I sincerely apologize for my absence over the past couple of months. Life, as it often does, took a delightful yet demanding turn, pulling me away from my keyboard and into a whirlwind of personal projects, cherished family moments, and a significant commitment to my health. My last post, if memory serves, was around Easter, and a lot has unfolded since then. I’ve been eager to share all the exciting updates with you, from transforming our outdoor living space to experiencing the thrill of live music and embarking on a transformative wellness journey. So, grab a cup of coffee and settle in, because I’m thrilled to bring you up to speed on everything I’ve been up to!

Spring has always been my favorite season for yard work and bringing our outdoor spaces to life. There’s a unique joy in planting vibrant flowers, watching dormant plants awaken, and seeing new life emerge from the ground. This year, we decided it was time to give our existing patio a much-needed refresh. What started as a simple concrete replacement project quickly blossomed into an exciting expansion. Our vision was to create a more spacious, inviting outdoor oasis where we could relax, entertain, and make lasting memories. We meticulously planned an addition that would not only provide more room but also incorporate elements for ultimate enjoyment: a cozy fire pit for cool evenings and a practical yet stylish seat wall to accommodate more guests.

The transformation was truly remarkable. The new patio section seamlessly blends with the old, creating an expansive area perfect for gatherings of all sizes. The addition of the fire pit has become an instant favorite, providing a warm focal point for evening conversations under the stars. The built-in seat wall offers ample seating and defines the space beautifully. We also integrated larger, more elegant wrap-around steps leading from the house to the patio, enhancing both accessibility and aesthetic appeal. These thoughtful details have turned our backyard into an extension of our home, a place where we can unwind and connect with loved ones.

To maximize our enjoyment of this new space throughout the year, we invested in a fantastic gas heater. This allows us to extend our outdoor season, making chilly evenings much more comfortable and inviting. Now, even as the temperatures drop, we can still gather around the fire pit, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the ambiance of our newly designed patio.

And speaking of outdoor comfort, I absolutely **LOVE my porch swing**. This isn’t just any swing; it was lovingly crafted by my husband during his shop class in high school, making it a truly sentimental piece. A couple of years ago, for Mother’s Day, he surprised me by having it beautifully refurbished and a sturdy new frame built for it. It’s thoughtful gestures like these that truly make me appreciate him. Isn’t he just the best? It holds so many memories and is the perfect spot for quiet mornings or enjoying a good book.

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Beyond home improvements, my passion for live music was reignited with a bang this spring! After quite a dry spell without attending any concerts, I suddenly found myself with tickets to three incredible shows in just three weeks – a true feast for any music lover!

First up was the Miranda Lambert concert with my wonderful girls. The energy in the arena was electric, and Miranda’s powerful vocals and engaging stage presence made for an unforgettable night of country music. We sang along to all our favorite hits, shared laughs, and created cherished memories together. It was the perfect way to kick off our concert marathon!

Next, I had the pleasure of attending a Daughtry concert with my dear friend, Gigi. Daughtry’s rock anthems and Chris Daughtry’s incredible voice filled the venue, creating an atmosphere that was both high-energy and deeply moving. It’s always a treat to share such experiences with close friends, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the powerful performance, from the guitar riffs to the soaring choruses.

The grand finale of my concert spree was truly a rockstar experience! Regular readers might recall my mentions of my best friend and sister, Teresa. Her husband, Kris, is the talented guitar tech for Ryan Peake of Nickelback. So, whenever Nickelback rolls into Omaha, Teresa makes the trip from California to visit her Mom, me, and of course, her hubby! This year, Kris pulled out all the stops and treated us to the ultimate VIP experience at the show. We had incredible access, including a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour that gave us a unique perspective on what goes into a major concert production.

It was an absolute thrill to see the stage from a different angle, feel the rumble of the crowd from below, and soak in the incredible atmosphere. Kris truly gave us the rockstar treatment, making us feel like part of the Nickelback family for the night. My husband, Brian, and I, along with Teresa and Kris, even managed to snap a photo backstage – or rather, “under stage” – giving us a peek into the intricate setup that brings these massive shows to life. It was a truly unforgettable evening filled with great music, camaraderie, and a touch of backstage magic.

What made the Nickelback concert even more special was seeing my two oldest kids, Spencer and Kenzie, experience the excitement of a live rock show, especially with their Uncle Kris and Aunt T there. They absolutely loved the energy!

They even got their “heavy metal horns” up, which, as a lifelong rocker myself, truly made me smile from ear to ear! It’s wonderful to share my love for music with them and see them embrace the spirit of a live performance.

The highlight for Spencer and Kenzie was undoubtedly meeting Ryan Peake after the show. It was an incredible moment for them, one they won’t soon forget, and a fantastic end to an already amazing night.

And a final shout-out to my amazing sister, Teresa – moments like these are priceless when shared with family.

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May was a month of proud moments as well. Our God-Daughter, Leah, and her wonderful fiancé, Austin, both graduated from college during the first weekend of May! This significant milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of both of them for achieving their academic goals and stepping into the next exciting chapter of their lives. Seeing them succeed brings immense joy, and we know they have bright futures ahead.

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Mother’s Day this year was truly beautiful and filled with love. My amazing kids went out of their way to pamper me all day, making me feel incredibly special and appreciated. From breakfast in bed to thoughtful cards and homemade gifts, their efforts touched my heart deeply. That afternoon, we hosted my husband’s entire family for a wonderful gathering. The guys took charge of the grill, cooking up some delicious chicken and ensuring everyone was well-fed and happy. It was a perfect blend of relaxation, family togetherness, and good food – everything a Mother’s Day should be!

The aroma of grilled chicken filled the air as Brian and his Dad expertly manned the grill, making sure every piece was cooked to perfection. There’s something so satisfying about sharing a meal prepared with love, surrounded by family.

And I have to say, that grilled chicken was absolutely delicious – one of my favorite dishes for a summer gathering!

The twins had a special gift for me: a HUGE version of myself, which we affectionately call “BIG MAMA!!” It’s a quirky, wonderful piece that truly captures their playful spirit and my own. It now holds a place of honor in our home, constantly bringing a smile to my face.

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The very next weekend, our home was once again filled with joyous celebration as we hosted an engagement party and couple’s shower for Austin and Leah. To celebrate their upcoming nuptials, we opted for a fun, vibrant summer “beachy” theme. The atmosphere was light and festive, with decorations evoking sunny shores and ocean breezes. The party also doubled as a “Stock Their Bar” event, where guests brought gifts to help the happy couple build their home bar collection.

Everyone had an absolute blast, with laughter echoing throughout the house and backyard. There was plenty of good food, refreshing drinks, and lively conversation. It was a wonderful opportunity for friends and family from both sides to mingle and celebrate Austin and Leah. While I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the festivities, I also learned something rather humbling: I am definitely no longer a “20-something”! 😉 The energy levels required to host such a spirited gathering reminded me that some things change with age, but the joy of celebrating loved ones never fades.

The couple beamed with happiness as they sat down to open their gifts, surrounded by their closest friends and family. It was clear how much thought and love went into each present, helping them prepare for their new life together.

We were delighted to contribute to their “Stock Their Bar” theme with a selection of essentials to get their collection started.

As the evening progressed, many guests gathered around the bonfire, enjoying the warmth and conversation. It was a perfect ending to a beautiful celebration, under the glow of the fire.

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Last, but certainly not least, I want to open up about a significant personal journey I embarked on exactly eight weeks ago today. As many of you know, I absolutely adore cooking and sharing delicious recipes. However, I gradually realized that my love for creating “yumminess” often translated into a lack of self-control when it came to *eating* all that wonderful food. Slowly but surely, my pants started feeling tighter, and I found myself constantly saying, “I’ll do something about it next week.”

“Next week” came and went many times, and instead of taking action, I found myself baking and indulging even more. Eventually, I hit a point where I knew it was time for a serious change. The turning point was realizing that Leah’s wedding was just five months away, and I wanted to feel my best on her special day. So, I rallied my niece, Leah, and my sister-in-law, Sue, and we decided to embark on a weight loss journey together. “Chop chop, ladies!!” I declared, knowing that a strong support system would be key to our success.

My search for a sustainable weight management program led me to a local organization called F.A.S.T., which stands for “Families Achieving Success Together.” I had heard wonderful success stories from others who had joined F.A.S.T.; one friend had lost an incredible 90 pounds, and another was halfway to her goal of 50. Their inspiring results convinced me that this was the right path. When we attended our first meeting eight weeks ago, we were pleasantly surprised to find Brian’s cousin, Amy, there too! Instantly, we formed a little “team,” providing each other with invaluable motivation and accountability. Together, our team has achieved remarkable progress, collectively shedding roughly 85 pounds so far!

What truly appealed to me about the F.A.S.T. program was its flexible approach: I can eat anything I want, as long as I meticulously track my intake and commit to regular exercise. This balanced philosophy felt sustainable and realistic, rather than restrictive. Once I started, I dedicated myself fully to understanding the program and developing new habits. This intense focus on my health journey is part of the reason I temporarily stepped back from blogging. It wasn’t because I didn’t miss you all – quite the opposite! But I needed to immerse myself in this learning process, to build a solid foundation for something I deeply wanted to succeed at.

I’ve always admired bloggers who effortlessly maintained their discipline and made exercise a regular part of their lives. Now, I’m thrilled to report that I’ve just completed my 56th consecutive day of exercise! It’s an incredible feeling to establish such a consistent routine. Would you believe I’ve already clocked 221.83 miles on my trusty tennis shoes? All that pavement pounding meant my old sneakers were definitely “denigrating,” so I was incredibly grateful when my thoughtful “hubster” surprised me with some fantastic “new kicks” for my birthday. They were much needed!

On a personal note, I’ve proudly lost 27.4 pounds and am now exactly halfway to my ultimate weight loss goal. This journey has been about more than just numbers on a scale; it’s about regaining control, feeling more energized, and truly getting a handle on my life and my eating habits. I know I still have a ways to go, but I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and renewed determination. This positive change in my lifestyle has empowered me to return to blogging with fresh energy and a renewed perspective. I plan on sharing more delicious recipes – perhaps even some healthier twists on old favorites – and continuing to connect with all of you. Your support has meant the world to me throughout this personal transformation, and I extend my sincere thanks for sticking with me on this journey!

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Lastly, I recently celebrated my birthday this past weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it! The celebrations kicked off with a special birthday lunch with my Mom. Our birthdays are close – hers on the 7th and mine on the 9th of June – so it’s always a lovely tradition to celebrate them together.

My birthday-eve was a delightful evening spent wine tasting with two of my dearest friends, Lori and Toni. We sampled a variety of delicious wines, shared endless laughs, and simply cherished the joy of good company. It was the perfect relaxed prelude to my actual birthday.

The morning of my birthday began with a truly heartwarming surprise: my sweet hubby presented me with two dozen absolutely GORGEOUS red roses. Their vibrant color and fragrant scent instantly brightened my day and made me feel incredibly loved.

And the thoughtfulness didn’t stop there! After the beautiful gesture, he joined me for a refreshing 4.5-mile walk, making my consistent exercise streak even more enjoyable. <3 It’s moments like these, both big and small, that make me feel incredibly fortunate. We also spent quality time with our beloved family, including our furry kiddos, celebrating together.

Of course, no birthday celebration is complete without a delicious treat! We indulged in some delectable strawberry shortcake, a perfect sweet ending to a day filled with joy.

Finally, my husband and I enjoyed a lovely dinner date, just the two of us, reflecting on the wonderful day and all the blessings in our lives. It was the perfect conclusion to a truly memorable birthday.

Thank you all for taking the time to catch up on my recent adventures. I’m so glad to be back and re-energized, ready to share more with you. Stay tuned, because I have two exciting party recaps and at least five new recipe blogs coming your way very soon! I’m eager to get back to sharing delicious creations and life’s moments with my incredible community.