June 2026
Month in Review
June was a month that reminded me grief and joy are perfectly capable of sharing the same seat.
It began with a trip to Indiana to bury my Uncle Paul. A few weeks later, we made the drive again to celebrate the life of my Grandma Gen. Somewhere in between those two weekends, I came across the Italian word Scarpetta, using a piece of bread to wipe up every last bit of sauce on your plate because the meal was just that good.
It struck me that maybe that's the goal of life, too: to leave nothing behind. To love big, laugh often, gather your people around the table, and soak up every last bit of earthly deliciousness.
Both Paul and Grandma Gen lived Scarpetta.
Paul's world was small, but his heart wasn't. He found joy in the simplest things, a fresh haircut, a kind nurse, wrapping muffins tightly in Saran Wrap so they'd stay fresh until tomorrow, and seeing my Charlie girl. At his funeral, my dad said something I'll never forget: Paul would've traded his best day for any of our worst days. It's a perspective that's been sitting with me ever since.
Grandma Gen lived a very different life, but she arrived at the same destination. She raised a remarkable family through circumstances most of us can barely imagine, yet when I think of her, I don't think of hardship. I think of tulips in the spring, church ladies drinking coffee around her kitchen table, soft hugs, infectious laughter, and a home that always smelled like something delicious was simmering on the stove.
Between those two celebrations of life, I found myself holding one little girl on each hip, realizing I'm currently living many of the days I once prayed for. It's funny how easy it is to rush through the very seasons we once begged God to give us.
The month wasn't all heavy, though.
We spent Father's Day weekend close to home and finally had new family photos taken. There's always that magical moment after a family photo session where you think, There's absolutely no way we got a single good one. Then the photographer sends the gallery and somehow your children look like they cooperated the entire time.
While we were in Indiana, we also took the girls to Fair Oaks Farms, which Charlie has officially ranked among the greatest places on Earth. The choo-choo train? Perfect. Those giant inflatable jumping pillows? (Surely there's a better name.) Also perfect. Watching life through a three-year-old's eyes is a wonderful reminder that delight is usually much simpler than we adults make it.
June wasn't the month I expected.
But it reminded me that a beautiful life isn't measured by how easy it was. It's measured by whether, at the end of it, you've lived Scarpetta.
Looking Ahead
July is shaping up to be quintessential summer.
We'll kick things off in New Buffalo for the Fourth of July, where my brother, sister-in-law, and the rest of the little shredders will be in town. Then Tasha is coming to stay (bestie time is always good for the soul), followed by a weekend with the Thompsons, which has become one of my favorite traditions.
We'll close out the month with a little downtime, which, judging by the calendar, we'll absolutely earn.
I can't wait for all the memories we'll intentionally make... and the ones that show up completely uninvited and end up becoming our favorites.
Favorites & Finds
What I Read
Sales Management Simplified & New Sales Simplified I guess it was a work heavy reading month lol
On My Vanity
4AM Skin Clean Sheets … the promise is “your entire skin routine in a wipe.” Yes please! Especially as a busy mom, I find myself going to these all the time so that I can keep my skin decent while mainly forgetting to
In My Home
Ronnie surprised us with e-bikes. This is especially funny because I explicitly told him we did not need e-bikes. Reader, we now own e-bikes... and I actually thing they’re a lot of fun.
In My Fridge / Freezer / Pantry
Drizzilicious. Don't walk. Run. Any flavor. Any time of day. Yum!
Favorite Purchase
A custom tote bag I designed for a friend's birthday. Personalized gifts are undefeated IMO :)
