You Deserve It

This morning, like every morning, we were excited to check out

 the studio and see the progress made the day before! 

While we were in the studio today, dark clouds gathered, 

and it started pouring rain.

The studio has such beautiful natural light and windows.

I'm so excited to share this space with my community, and 

I hope everyone feels welcomed and special in this space.

Everyone deserves that.

 I want you to come into the studio as you are and leave better.

Mother's Day 2025

A few nights ago, Jane asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day

and I said, "Mexican food."

So that's what I got.

(Of course, I said Mexican food.)

Jane cooked (and used Ollie's motocross goggles to protect her

eyes while cutting onions.), and Lottie set the table.

I talked to Claire on Zoom while drinking a Dr. Pepper.

We discussed our plan for the wedding and the list we're actively working on.

(Or trying to work on).

Also, thanks to Claire for organizing the sibling gift; 

a beautiful ring with all my children's birthstones.

It's gorgeous.

Other amazing Mother's Day gestures include:

Ollie's bouquet of pasture flowers.

Gigs' chocolate kiss.

Then Lottie gave me the gift that she had been working on all week:

an adorable candle sconce using clay and paint. I LOVE it so much!

And then, to end the day, I got a text from my new FUTURE son-in-law
who has been in Eastern Europe for the past three weeks for work.

That is so fun to type: "son-in-law."

Then the Nies cleaned up.

Jane fed me dessert, and then I went to bed.

I have the best kids everrrrrrr.

Boxes For Barre3

 It's starting...we're getting boxes of stuff to fill the studio with. 
 Retail, baskets, props, cleaning supplies, rugs, mirrors, towels, play 

lounge toys, and art. It's so exciting! 

Our back porch is the placeholder for all this stuff until the studio is ready.

And, there is a little corner of the porch where wedding stuff is going.

Tablecloths, napkins, lighting, and serving ware have come already.

There is SO MUCH going on in my life.  

Somedays, I look at Angus and feel jealous.

Pop!

 This evening, I taught a Pop-up Barre3 class at a fancy artificial turf park 

in a new development, and only two people showed up.

That was discouraging, but I taught it anyway.

I think one day I'll look back at the days when I was teaching

a million community classes a week, and I'll probably laugh.

This journey is often uncomfortable for me, but I know 

it's all part of opening a new business and getting exposure.

Thank heavens for all my Nies.

They come to ALL MY CLASSES and support me no matter what.

Then we went to Culver's for dinner.

Our favorite.

Progress Report

 Behold:
Here are the two projects I'm actively working on and thinking about EVERY DAY!
1. The Garden:

The plants are growing strong, tall, and on track for the wedding in July.

The Studio:
Construction is a little bit behind schedule. 

But every day, we see change, and that's very encouraging.

He's More Wise Now

Early this morning, I took Gigs to get his wisdom teeth out.

Gigs unofficially has trypanophobia- fear of needles; and was super anxious 

about this procedure.

All four of his teeth need to be removed.

I say that because Jane only had four and Claire only had one!

I waited in the lobby and did some work, and then they

rolled him out in a wheelchair when he was done.

Then, he was strange for most of the day.

I wrote down all the weird things he said, but I can't share them on my blog

because they were slightly inappropriate.

He came home and went right to bed.

I have to note that Gigs is the best Nie to be sick because he doesn't whine

or complain, he takes care of himself and stays on top of his medication.

The biggest request I got from him was to warm his blanket up in the dryer.

He only needs one more cavity to fill, and then the dental portion on

his mission to-do list is done.

 

Show Up

Even though my name is spelled wrong, it was a pleasure 

speaking to the Breakfast Club this morning!

As a new business owner and Barre3 instructor, I shared my 

journey with the community:

I take pride in the many stages my body has gone 

through—the ups, the downs, and the changes. 

When women show up for themselves, 

they empower themselves to care for others: 

our families, children, loved ones, neighbors, and communities. 

It’s a beautiful privilege.

 

I Was Alive

 Today was Cinco De Mayo- one of my favorite holidays to 

celebrate mostly because I love making Mexican food.

This year, I miraculously whipped up a delicious Mexican dinner

 and by the time we gathered around the table to enjoy it, it was 9:00pm

and we all felt like zombies.

I also made my famous Spiced Chocolate Cake, which

to be honest, it was the best part of my day.

Then I left the dishes on the counter and went to bed.

And the only photo I took of the day was this:

Proof that I was alive and made cake

on Cinco De Mayo 2025.

Sunday Rest Day

Last night was our Stake Conference.

Christian and I attended the afternoon session, where

Gigs presented a training with Elder Ahmad Corbitt.

I was so proud of that kid! 

Jane, Ollie, and Lottie picked up dinner, and we all met and ate

smooshed in my car before the evening session.

I've never been more grateful for the Sabbath day

where I can rest from my work.

 

Questions Answered

 

This morning, we joined our local missionaries at the annual Chicken Festival.

Ollie and I sat at our booth, handing out popsicles while the missionaries answered

questions about Jesus Christ and who we are as members of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Here are the top 10 frequently asked questions about "Mormons".

1. Are Latter-day Saints Christian?

2. What do Latter-day Saints believe about God?

3. Do Latter-day Saints believe in the Trinity?

4. What is the Latter-day Saint view of the purpose of life?

5. Do Latter-day Saints believe in the Bible?

6. Do Latter-day Saints believe that they will “get their own planet”?

7. Do some Latter-day Saints wear temple garments?

8. Do Latter-day Saints practice polygamy?

9. Why don’t Latter-day Saints smoke or drink alcohol?

1. Why do you “baptize for the dead”?

All these answers can be found here.

Watch What He Can Do

I am amazed by the incredible change, growth, 

and transformation captured in these two photos:

Last night, when I was feeling super overwhelmed with the 

all the things on my plate, I shared my grief with Christian

who asked me what the Lord would want me to know.

I immediately said:
"He would probably tell me to keep pushing on
because He believes I can do this."
Christian agreed but brought up another good thought,
 "I think He would tell you to watch what He can do.

And that felt so much better.

How often have I witnessed the Lord's transformative power in my life?

 My entire life has been a testament to His guiding hand,

His love, His relief, and His grace.

I slept so much better remembering that

He is a miracle worker.

And I got this because of Him.

Hygge + Barre3

Happy May!!!  

Christian and I visit the studio every day to make sure its

 on track for our grand opening at the end of the month.

I pray every day for the construction process

so we can hit our grand opening day!

 Meanwhile, we are still teaching classes at the 

community center, but the experience in the studio

will be WAY better in every way!

Sometimes, I lay awake at night thinking about the studio,

the clients, the retail, the classes, and how I can make

the studio, an extension of my own home.

Is it possible to make the studio Hygge?

Yes, it is, and I'm going to do it.

Barre3 + Hygge, yes, please!

 

As She Should

 

Today, Claire, in Arizona, and I met via Zoom with the beautifully talented 

florist Jenna, who owns

 Gold & Bloom Floral Design in Georgia.

We got so lucky to have found Jenna!

Over Zoom, Claire told her her vision for her wedding flowers,

the varieties and colors, and with each suggestion, Jenna would smile,

nod, and comment something like,

"Oh yes! Oh yes!! I can do that!"

And

"Oh, this is going to be so beautiful!"

Then Jenna told Claire she would create a design board

with all the ideas that we had discussed.

What an incredibly fun job!

After we ended the Zoom, Claire was beaming.

As she should.

As

She

Should!

The Things I Remember

 

There are so many places Angus can go to sleep in the house

and every time, without fail, he lays right under my feet, nestled under 

my chair at the kitchen island while I work.

Today, I took a photo of it so I could remember.

In my mind, I see our family dog, Chucka, curled up at the end of

our pink living room couch.  I wish I had a photo of it.

There are so many things I wish I had photos of, especially in my

house on Fir Avenue, like the crab apple tree swing,

the silk drapes in Page and Courtney's room, the VHS cupboard with 

hundreds of tapes crammed inside.

The cupboard above the microwave with loose marshmallows and 

spaghetti noodles.

The drawer in the laundry room with every size of battery known to man,

and broken flashlights.

I wonder what my kids will remember in our homes.

It's In The Air

 After dinner tonight, Christian, Jane, Lottie, and I walked down 

Stillestead Road to the pasture where the cows were 

happily munching on the glorious early spring grass.

Lottie photographed our journey:

I can smell Summer in the distance.

It's in the grass and in the air.

We talked about the lighting options down the driveway for the wedding.

It's going to be a magical evening (and probably a little muggy, too).

I can't believe we are saying goodbye to April.

Soon, we will begin to see fireflies buzzing around in the evenings.