Life Lately: Summer Highlights, School Updates, and the Magic of Small Moments

As the warm days of summer start winding down, I find myself looking back on the past few months with so much gratitude. It’s funny how fast time moves when you're in the thick of it, but looking back, this summer has been filled with so many wonderful moments, both big and small.

We didn’t get to go on a big vacation this year due to financial constraints, but honestly? It turned out to be just fine. We stayed local, made the most of our time, and I’m already putting money aside to save for a fun getaway next year. Sometimes the best summers are the ones where you slow down and find adventure right in your own backyard.

Hitting the Books 📚

A huge portion of my summer was spent immersed in my studies. I’m still working on my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University, and I am absolutely loving my classes. This coming week is the final week of the semester, and I’m proud to say I’ve been keeping up my streak of straight A’s!

I took two courses over the summer, which officially puts me at 21 out of 60 credit hours completed. I still have about two years left in the program—unless I decide to push myself to take more than 2 or 3 courses a semester. However, taking on more classes right now just isn't financially plausible, and I am super committed to completing this degree without taking out any new student loans. Slow and steady wins the race, and keeping that financial peace of mind is worth every extra month!

Summer Adventures with Liam 🍿⛳

Even with school keeping me busy, Liam and I made a point to get out a few times a week to break up the routine and have some fun. We turned into total movie buffs recently—we caught the new Spider-Man and The Odyssey, and both were absolutely fantastic!

We also made our rounds to all of our absolute favorite food spots. From slurping warm bowls at Hiro Ramen and grabbing sweet treats at Boba Bowl, to classic comfort meals at York Steak House and Texas Roadhouse, we definitely ate well this season. Beyond movies and food, we kept the energy high with trips to Get-Air jump park, splashing around at Zoombezi Bay, wandering around Ikea, hitting golf balls at Top Golf, and enjoying easy afternoon mall walks.

Looking Ahead 🌿

Overall, it has been such a memorable, easygoing summer. While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the slow, relaxing pace of the past couple of months, I’m also secretly looking forward to getting back into a solid daily routine once school starts back up.

As we transition into the next season, I’m ready to keep making memories, watching Liam grow, and continuing to crush my personal goals. Reading has been a huge source of joy for me lately—I’m currently reading my 31st book of 2026! And, of course, no quiet summer day is complete without hanging out at home with Teddy and Winston and taking peaceful walks together around the neighborhood.

Here’s to closing out a wonderful summer and welcoming whatever comes next with open arms!