Hello, my Lovies—

It’s been a minute. Life has been a lot over here lately. We’ve had illness, endless organizing, and all the chaos of preparing for this massive move. Honestly, the closer we get, the more anxious I feel that something is bound to go wrong.

And before you come at me—I know all about the law of attraction and how our thoughts shape what we draw in. But I’m also human… and a frazzled one at that. These last two to three weeks have tested me with everything from being sick nearly three weeks straight, to the bank being persnickety and uncooperative, to Xfinity shutting off our Georgia service a month early (after I’d already set up the Illinois connection for October). Add in a whole list of “weird circumstances,” and you get the picture: frustrating doesn’t even begin to cover it.

But here’s the grace—through all the hard moments, there have also been these unexpectedly beautiful ones.

Our five-year-old, even while sick, helped me go through his toys and—completely on his own—chose two bags full to donate. Then he helped me pack the rest. It felt important that he got to choose what would make the move with us, and I think it gave him comfort to know the things he treasures most are coming along.

And in the middle of all that packing, we even carved out time to sit down and play real SpongeBob Monopoly. He was absolutely overjoyed—learning how to buy properties, collect rent, and (of course) win. Watching his little face light up over “owning” pieces of the board was such a reminder that even during stressful days, joy has a way of sneaking in.

Miraculously, our sixteen-year-old has started speaking to us again. He’s still not thrilled about the move, but lately he’s been joking and even laughing with us—and after two long months of silence, that laugh is the sweetest sound.

And then there’s my husband. He just wrapped up a major work project and absolutely knocked it out of the park. I can see the weight lifted off his shoulders, and I couldn’t be prouder of him.

So even while it sometimes feels like I’m being attacked from all sides, I am still finding tremendous joy in these small moments. And maybe that’s the most important thing.

I may be a little quieter over the next few weeks as we count down these final 22 days in Georgia. I’m trying to soak up every last bit of sun and sea before we return to Illinois—to our family, and to our next chapter.

If you’re reading this, know that I’m thinking of you, sending love for whatever you may be facing, and holding you close in my heart.

Even in the swirl of change, joy always finds a way.

All my love,
Jen