Dark Horse Health and Fitness 2

It’s hard to put into words just how much this trip meant to me. So much has changed in the last two years. Some changes have been good. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t look back three years and miss the way things were. One thing that has remained constant however is the fact that family has always been everything. Being able to spend 7 days together, truly enjoying each other’s company was my idea of perfection and I am so thankful we were able to have 7 adults schedules jive to make it happen. The laughter, the visits, the pool, the games… it was all just so much fun and I can’t wait to do it again. To my family, and Conall and Charlotte (who are also family). thank you all for making it work. Where we going next?? ❤️❤️❤️

No filter. Just beach volleyball in the sunset, gearing up to head back home to get back into the the AVL games and training with for the school season. .haggertyy has been working hard all summer, in the gym and on the court.

Today, my BABY turned 17. My gosh, these kids growing up tugs on my heartstrings but I couldn’t be prouder. .haggertyy , you are the most incredible human and I love you to the moon and back. You are kind, caring and loyal. Your love for your friends and your family is admirable. You are dependable and I know that you will always have the back of those that matter most to you. You work hard at all that you do, especially in the classroom, on the volleyball court and in the gym. You love adventure and I love to share in your excitement when you take in the beauty of the world around you. You are just beautiful, both inside and out. Happy birthday sunshine!

The club season may be over but this girl is just getting started!

21! I seriously can’t believe that Taylor is 21 years old.

I don’t even know where to start. 21 years ago, this kid blessed me with the incredible opportunity to be his mom and to love in a way that I could have never imagined. I grew up alongside him, and he taught me more than he will ever know. He continues to teach me every day.

To say that I am proud of Taylor, is an understatement. Just when I think I couldn’t be prouder, he proves me wrong. He is smart, witty, funny and most importantly of all, kind. This kid has the biggest heart, and makes an impact on all those around him. This has been made abundantly clear over the years, but it’s been over the past few weeks that I’ve come to truly understand just how well he is respected by his peers, coaches, opponents, family and the community around him. This is no small feat.

He truly has a zest for life, wanting to experience ALL THE THINGS. He’s inquisitive, adventurous, motivated, hard-working and dedicated.

Happy birthday Taylor. Thank you for being you. You have great things coming your way in the near future and I can’t wait to be there for all of it. I hope you have the most incredible day and I can’t wait to see you and get one of your hugs because they are the best. LYLT kid!

My beautiful Grace. I blinked and you turned 19. I cannot put into words just how proud you make me and how much I love you. You are a beautiful soul. You are protective of the ones you care about and love your tribe beyond measure. You are FIERCELY independent and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will accomplish anything you put your mind to. You work hard and play hard and have a wonderful sense of adventure. Just like with Taylor and Grace, you’ve made my motherhood journey one of joy and I thank God everyday that he gave me such a great gift in you. I wish you the best day and may the next trip around the sun be filled with travel, love, friendship, adventure and happiness. Happy birthday sunshine. I love you long time.

I look at this picture and I hardly recognize myself. Maybe that sounds dramatic but it’s the truth. At this time, the family was together in Costa Rica, living our best lives. Less than a year later, EVERYTHING changed.

It’s really hard to describe what it’s like to live with the uncertainty that comes when your partner, best friend and the father of your children is diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

The acuteness of surgery and radiation puts life on pause for a little bit. But then the responsibilities of life force you to (mostly) carry on as though things are normal. The reality is that nothing feels normal. Everything has changed.

There isn’t a day that goes by that isn’t clouded with worry, anxiety, frustration, anger or grief. It’s been almost 2 years since Drew’s diagnosis, and while we’ve had moments of joy and laughter, it’s hard not to wait for the ball to drop despite our intentions to think positively. Because let me tell you, cancer doesn’t give a s$*t about positive thoughts.

Right before Christmas, we got word that Drew’s tumor is back and growing and he resumes chemo next week.

So as the clock rolled over to the new year, and Mya asked me what my goals were, I decided to give it some thought. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t facing 2025 with some hesitation. But, goals are important and so, here are mine.

1 - Reconnect with friends. You’d think in times like this, you’d lean more on your friends. To some extent I have. But I’ve also done a pretty great job of isolating myself. This needs to change.

2- Practice self-care. I’ve done a great job of making sure everyone around me is looked after, but I have done a poor job of looking after myself. Th is needs to change because it will only make me a better wife, mother and friend.

3- Create joy and make memories. Say yes to the things that make us all happy, even when the emotional fatigue is heavy.

4 - Turn a blind eye to toxic positivity.

5 - Show the people important to me as much love as possible.

My goals in the past have been quite different. But adversity certainly changes perspective and priorities.

Spring Is In The Air! - https://mailchi.mp/f1dcbbbfe3d9/spring-is-in-the-air

Love yourself!

Love yourself! Before we dive into this week's newsletter, I just want to thank everyone who reached out with emails, texts and direct messages in response to my lengthy newsletter two weeks ago.  I'm truly blown away by the response.  Many of you offered words of support and encouragement.  And even more of yo...

Time to get vulnerable - The year that changed everything... - https://mailchi.mp/351704261076/time-to-get-vulnerable-the-year-that-changed-everything

It's time for the weekly newsletter! In this edition, we chat about stretching the dollar when it comes to grocery shopping, the magic of walking and fun ways to boost your concentration and improve your memory!

I’ve spent the day processing how I feel about my girl turning 18.

My first thought is disbelief. When the kids were little, the days could feel so long. And yet, in the blink of an eye, the years have flown by. What I wouldn’t give to have the days of my blonde wild child back…the days when she would wear carhart coveralls while carrying a bucket full of kittens. The days when she would read books while sitting in a basket.

But I am also filled with so much pride. Grace is a beautiful soul. She has a heart of gold. She surrounds herself with the most amazing people and she loves her friends and family with all that she has. She knows what’s important to her and she lives a life in line with her core values. She’s talented, smart and hard working. There is no doubt in my mind that she will do great things and that she can do anything that she puts her mind to.

This last year has been HARD. But she’s managed these uncertain times with poise and grace.

Happy birthday Sunshine.
Love you long time!