Lately, life has been full, in the best kind of way.
Winter has kept us moving, especially with Paul spending as much time as possible on the ski slopes. He’s embraced the season fully, and there’s something so fun about watching your kid and his friends find joy in fresh air and ski hills. Meanwhile, Luke has been putting in work with baseball training, already looking ahead to spring and sharpening his skills.
.
.
.
On the work front, we now officially have two Target employees in the family. George has jumped into his new role at our local store and is loving it. He’s unloading trucks, stocking shelves, and staying busy his entire shift. It’s been really rewarding to see him take pride in working hard and being part of a team.
.
.
.
Clark just wrapped up his basketball season, and what a season it was. He had an incredible group of teammates and a coach who made the experience even better. Those boys were genuinely FUN to watch – such great energy, teamwork, and many memorable moments.
.
.
.
.
In the middle of all the busy, Ted and I managed to sneak away to Florida to visit some of our best friends. It was exactly what we needed – good conversation, amazing food, and beautiful weather. The kind of trip where you wish you could freeze time. I definitely considered how to “pack the beach” in my bag to bring home with me.
.
.
Back at home, I had a rare free Saturday with no sports on the schedule, so I spent the day watching some friends compete in a dance competition. It was so fun! I’m so used to cheering in gyms and on fields, so stepping into a completely different world of talent and performance was amazing.
.
.
Wrigley continues to live his best life, especially in the snow!
It’s been a busy and fulfilling season, but full of moments I wouldn’t trade for anything.
It can feel like every headline about Minnesota lately carries heavy, discouraging news. But that’s not the whole story. Quietly, consistently, and often without recognition, good things are happening all around us. Lives are being changed. People are showing up for one another. Seeds of faith, kindness, and service are being planted every day.
I’m seeing it firsthand in my own small neck of the woods, and if it’s happening here, I believe it’s happening everywhere. Let’s start noticing it, sharing it, and talking about it. Here are TEN powerful stories of Good Things happening in Minnesota!
–
–
1: Showing up before the sun comes up:
.
.
On cold mornings, in the middle of packed schedules — even on finals day — more than 100 high school students are waking up early for a breakfast Bible study. At 6:45 a.m., instead of hitting snooze, students are showing up for truth, community, and purpose (plus bacon and eggs). In a world that often says teens are checked out from faith, these students are showing us something different — they’re engaged, intentional, and choosing what matters most.
.
–
2: People Who Keep Showing Up
Two high school students who show up every week to invest in middle school students!
Week after week, people from our community faithfully show up on Wednesday nights to invest in students. These are adults and teens who give their time, energy, and care simply because they believe the next generation matters. Some of the leaders are teenagers themselves, choosing to pour into middle school students and mentor those just a few years behind them. And one volunteer, even while battling cancer, continues to show up and serve, determined to give back and make a difference. That kind of commitment speaks louder than words. It’s a living picture of compassion, resilience, and love in action.
.
.
3: Courage to Walk In Alone
Wednesday night student ministry is drawing teenagers who have never been connected to church before. One girl from a non-faith background was invited by a friend and began attending regularly. When her friend couldn’t come one week, she still showed up, alone. That kind of courage is powerful.
–
–
4: Dinner and Conversations
–
Another meaningful source of good in our lives has been the growing friendship with neighbors who recently immigrated here on a green card. We’ve been sharing regular dinners together, learning about each other’s traditions, foods, and everyday experiences.
Hearing firsthand what life was like for them growing up under a communist system has been especially eye-opening for my sons. It has given them a deeper understanding of freedoms they’ve always known but never fully appreciated. Those shared stories have sparked gratitude, perspective, and thoughtful conversations. It reminds us all how powerful it is to learn from one another and to appreciate the blessings we often take for granted.
This family attended a Christmas Eve service and heard the Good News for the very first time. I gave them their very first Bible. Imagine that moment – hearing a message of hope that is completely new, completely life-altering … and the story has just begun.
.
5: Serving Selflessly
–
Recently, my son George and one of his friends chose to spend their day off from school volunteering at a local community outreach center. No requirement. No reward. Just two young men deciding their free time could be used to serve others. They gave their time, their energy, and their willingness to help. That’s the kind of character that strengthens a community from the ground up.
–
–
6: The Best Morning Ever
Our local church opened a new campus and I invited several students to serve with me in children’s ministry. After the service, one girl told her mom it was one of her favorite mornings of her entire life. Think about that … in a world full of activities, entertainment, and endless options, serving others stood out as something deeply fulfilling. Even more encouraging, she and other students have kept coming back to serve again and again.
.
.
7: Friends finding hope
Families are being impacted as well. I invited one of my mom friends to come to church with me on Sunday. She hadn’t attended church in over twenty years and now can’t stop talking about the hope and encouragement she’s experiencing.
.
.
8: He Came to Look… and Stayed to Serve
.
Before our new church campus opened, connections were already forming. When services were held at a local high school, the custodian who cleaned up afterward would often chat with us. When our campus launched, he came to check it out. Not only did he decide to stay, he signed up to serve!
.
.
9: Winter Joy!
–
Another piece of good news is simply watching kids and teenagers grow up with so much to enjoy right here in Minnesota. They’re climbing up snow hills and sledding down, skiing and doing ‘tricks’ – see video below, ice skating (in the land of 10,000 ice rinks!), and playing basketball. They are laughing, moving, and fully living their childhoods. Even in the middle of long winters, there is joy, community, and energy everywhere you look. These ordinary moments are shaping resilient, active kids who know how to make the most of every season.
.
.
.
.
10. Bus Stop Bliss
–
And sometimes, the good news shows up in the smallest, most unexpected ways. Every morning, Luke’s bus driver gives Wrigley a treat at the bus stop. When winter break ended and the kids were dragging their feet about going back to school, Wrigley couldn’t get to the bus stop fast enough. That simple, consistent kindness, and small gesture, turned a hard transition into something to smile about. It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t always come from big events, but from people choosing to be kind in little ways.
.
.
.
These stories may never make major headlines. They won’t dominate social media feeds. But they matter. They reflect courage, generosity, faith, and service lived out in ordinary places by ordinary people.
Yes, hard things are happening. But so is healing. So is compassion. So is transformation. So is hope.
Good news is being written every single day – in classrooms, in neighborhoods, in churches, in outreach centers, and in the hearts of people who choose to care for others.
Each story is worth telling.
Please share some good news that’s happening in YOUR neck of the woods!
Thanks for reading and please consider SHARING this post, commenting and subscribing.
Spring has been full in every sense of the word—full of travel, sports, special moments with family, and glimpses of God’s goodness in the everyday. From college visits and basketball tournaments to sweet time with my sister and a meaningful Mother’s Day, these past few weeks have reminded me how precious it is to slow down and savor the people and moments that matter most.
.
.
Home Sweet Oklahoma
.
A tiny fish that Paul caughtA giant Frog Paul caughtHiking with my little sistersLifelong friendsTime with my Great Uncle
.
Dinner with friends
Over Spring Break, we spent a long weekend in Oklahoma and packed it full of goodness. It’s never enough time with family, and saying goodbye is always the hardest part. We soaked up every minute with Nana and Papa, my sisters, stepmom, and a few lifelong friends—time that truly fills the soul. There were so many laughs and memories made.
The boys loved all the classic “boy stuff”—backyard football, fishing, and a stock car race with Papa. One of the highlights was getting to see Nana’s brother, who captivated us with stories of his childhood on St. Thomas Island with Shirley. Tales of swimming with sharks and fishing adventures brought family history to life in the best way.
.
.
Spring Sport in Full Swing
Screenshot
Clark is playing AAU basketball with a fantastic group of boys, Paul is back on the soccer field, and Luke is back on the diamond for another season of baseball.
.
.
Basketball, Buzzer-Beaters, and Big Wins
.
A visit from friendsPaul came to cheer on Clark’s team
–
Ted took Clark to Iowa for an out-of-town tournament, and they came home as champions! One highlight was having friends who live in Iowa come out to cheer Clark on. Another unforgettable moment was the most exciting game of the weekend: the boys were down by three, and in the final second, Clark’s teammate made a three-point shot to send the game into overtime. With the clock winding down in OT and the score tied again, the team pulled off a Hail Mary—heaving the ball across the court to Clark’s teammate, who caught it between two defenders and nailed the game-winning layup. It was such a fun, high-energy game and a memory they won’t forget!
Watch it here:
.
.
My First Twins Game
.
.
.
Luke’s school reserved a section of seats for all students, so he took me to my very first Twins game. One of the highlights was getting to meet the team’s organist, who’s been playing at every game since 1999! We had a blast cheering on the team—and even better, the Twins beat the Angels!
.
.
Sisters, Sweet Tea, and Speaking at Summit
.
My sister and brother-in-law
.
I was so honored to be the guest speaker at a ladies’ event at Summit Church in Acworth, GA. My brother-in-law is the pastor there, which makes my sister the pastor’s wife. The event was beautifully done, and the time I spent with my sister made it even more special. We shared delicious meals, sipped sweet tea, watched chick flicks, went to church together on Sunday, and explored the charming town of Woodstock. It was a weekend full of meaning, connection, and joy.
.
.
Exploring NDSU with George
.
Architecture Building
.
I took George on his first out-of-state college visit to North Dakota State University, about 3.5 hours northwest of us. The campus was beautiful, and the staff gave an outstanding tour. We explored the impressive architecture building and the College of Business, both of which left a good impression. George was happy to learn that the meal plan includes unlimited visits to the dining hall (TBH, I was excited about this as well). He’s also pumped about the chance to attend sports games at this D1 school. NDSU is high on the list of future contenders!
.
.
A VIP Soccer Experience
.
Paul, Luke, and Messi!
Ted won four tickets through work to the Minnesota United vs. Miami soccer game. As part of the special event, Paul and Luke had the incredible opportunity to step onto the field for the National Anthem, standing in front of Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time. The excitement didn’t stop there—Paul was thrilled to see Justin Jefferson at the game, the Vikings wide receiver. According to Paul, Jefferson even “dabbed him up.”
.
.
God’s Good Gifts on Mother’s Day
.
.
On Mother’s Day, Clark had two basketball games (I’d love to have a word with whoever made that schedule), so Ted took him to those. But before they left, Ted woke up extra early to go pick up Starbucks coffee and a breakfast sandwich. He even set the dining table out on our back deck so I could relax with my book, coffee in hand, surrounded by morning sunshine. He also bought me beautiful flowers and had the boys write me handwritten cards—the very best kind.
While Clark was at his games, the other three boys and I went to church, then enjoyed a picnic lunch on Lake Minnetonka. We strolled around Wayzata and stopped by the old Railroad Depot, now a charming little museum. That evening, Ted picked up Mexican food (my favorite!), and we ended the day with a family dinner on the deck.
It was a truly wonderful day, and I’m so grateful—for the boys God has blessed me with, and for a husband who went out of his way to make it all so special.
This spring has reminded us of the importance of family, fun, and embracing every moment. We can’t wait to see what summer has in store!
Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.
Well, it’s been a while since I’ve shared a family life update, and what better time to do it than now—while I’m camped out in bed with a cold, trying to avoid spreading my germs to the rest of the house. They say moms don’t get sick days, but today I’m calling in “semi-sick-but-still-managing-life-from-my-pillow” mode. So, with a little extra time and a lot of tissues, here’s what’s been going on in our corner of the world.
The Cowboys
–
George won’t stop growing up on me and is a JUNIOR in high school. He’s also taking a college class, working part time, and playing rec basketball.
Clark is busy with 9th grade basketball and spending any extra time with friends (he hopes to get to know every single person in his high school).
Paul is in 7th grade and busy with two different basketball teams and travel soccer, any free moments are spent cheering on his friends at THEIR sporting events.
Luke is keeping busy with wrestling and hanging with new neighbor friends and old neighbor friends.
Boys Weekend
.
Vikings GameMall of America
.
Ted and the boys had an unforgettable weekend together—complete with football, food, and father-son bonding. As an early Christmas gift, Ted took them out for dinner, played games at the Mall of America, and treated them to a hotel stay. The highlight? Sunday’s Vikings football game, which was Paul and George’s first ever! They LOVED it!
Book Launch Party x 2
.
Local PartyLakeville Party
.
I’m so thankful to the neighbors and friends who came to our Turtle Trouble book launch parties! We had door prizes, a live reading, a hot chocolate bar, plus a visit from the illustrator. She created a custom coloring sheet, so we hosted a coloring contest for prizes too.
.
Christmas Day Recap
On Christmas morning, the boys came downstairs to find just four presents under the tree—two of which were for Ted. Paul immediately asked if there were more gifts coming. I smiled and told him he’d find out soon.
After breakfast, I sent the boys on a scavenger hunt to find their gifts. Once all the presents were found, I had another game ready to decide who got to open the first one. We alternated between games and opening gifts, giving us more time to enjoy each other’s company.
.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
.
Candy Cane GameReindeer Game
.
While the boys weren’t thrilled about the games (or me taking videos), Ted gently reminded them that participating was a gift to me. And though they pretended not to enjoy it, I could tell they did.
Once the games and presents were over, we had lunch, enjoyed the new gifts, and capped the day with ice skating and sledding in the evening.
The rest of Christmas break was low-key, as the flu made its way through the family one by one.
.
School Daze
.
.
Lately, I’ve been making the rounds in schools, reading to kids and teaching every grade from K-12. It’s been a blast—though let me tell you, shifting gears from kindergarten chaos to middle school energy keeps me on my toes. Every day is a new adventure!
One highlight? When I was teaching at a middle school recently, I scored an exclusive invite to sit with the cool kids—the middle school boys—at lunch!
.
Minneapolis Date
.
Ted and I recently managed to escape for a much-needed date—because sometimes you’ve got to remind yourself that you are more than just your kids’ snack supplier and chauffeur. We explored the Minnesota Sculpture Garden, where we tried to interpret what the sculptures were supposed to be: Is it a deep metaphor or just a giant spoon?
We then walked across the bridge to Gai Noi and enjoyed some amazing curry. It was one of those perfect afternoons where we felt like grown-ups again.
.
.
Wrigley’s Goes to Jail
Wrigley is doing great… aside from one minor run-in with the law.
It all started when I let him outside. Normally, he never leaves our yard, but of course, this one time, he decided to explore—I should add that he wasn’t wearing his collar. Thankfully, a kind neighbor one street over, found our adventurous (and overly friendly) dog. Not knowing where he belonged, she kindly escorted him to the local police station.
Apparently, Wrigley’s charm didn’t stop with our family; he sweet-talked the officers into taking his mug shot and posting it online to see if anyone recognized him. When I got a text from our neighbor asking, “Is this Wrigley?” I ran to check outside. No Wrigley. I asked the boys—no one had seen him. Sure enough, the fugitive in question was our Wrigley… chilling at the police station.
The reunion was equal parts embarrassing and sweet. Wrigley wagged his tail and jumped up to give me a hug, and I gave him a lecture he clearly tuned out.
He’s home safe now, keeping my reading spot warm and probably dreaming about his next “adventure.”
.
Turtle Trouble Book Love
.
.
Thanks to each of you who have purchased a copy of Turtle Trouble! I appreciate the love and support. It’s not too late to get a copy for a school, hospital, library, or child in your life! Click here to buy one, or send me a message for signed copies.
If you have a copy of the book – would you please leave an Amazon review (by clicking here)! Every review helps promote the book! Thank you in advance.
.
And that’s the latest from our little corner of the world, complete with kids, chaos, and one (now) law-abiding golden doodle. Life will not always be picture perfect, but it’s full of stories that keep us laughing, learning, and sometimes … stopping by the police station.
Thanks for catching up with us! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to refill my tea, grab a book, and see if Wrigley left me any room in my reading spot.
Until next time, stay well, stay warm, and maybe keep an eye out for any furry escape artists!
When we moved to Minnesota I didn’t understand why people would go “up north” for vacation. Wouldn’t they want to go SOUTH and find sunshine and warm weather. Well, when I finally went “up north,” it all made sense. It’s magnificent.
As fall break approached, we thought about indulging in more of that ‘up north’ beauty. But instead, we decided to stay home, check out some local spots, and take a breather before sports and the holiday busy-ness have us running.
.
Here are some highlights:
Clark and Paul found recipes on TikTok. While I was working at the Artisan Home tour, they road their bikes to Aldi, bought groceries with their own money, and cooked chicken and pasta for the family! I could not have been more proud.
.
.
I took my first painting class and I loved it! I got to learn new techniques and meet some wonderful people
.
Screenshot
.
We made a trip to the Mall of America, where we explored the new Museum of Illusions—such a fun and mind-bending experience.
.
.
First college visit for George! We got a tour of the University of Minnesota. What a BEAUTIFUL campus.
.
The U of M has one of the largest campus bookstores in the county.
.
Beautiful historic buildings on the U of M campus!
.
We went to a Minnesota Timberwolves preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, AntMan was not playing, but it was still a fun game to watch.
.
Our first “family” basketball game.The 2 legends behind Luke were in attendance, but not playing.
.
Clark was back on the court. He is playing on a ‘pre-seaon’ team before his first ‘high school’ try out. Here’s a quick video highlight:
.
.
Luke had one additional day off so we spent the day together playing pickle ball and going to The Wild Robot. It was a cute movie, but we like the book better.
.
.
We are loving this unusually warm fall in Minnesota. The tree outside my house is bringing me absolute delight!
We kicked off our Colorado adventure with a delightful lunch with family near Denver. We all enjoyed reconnecting with cousins!
.
Second Stop: Colorado Springs
.
Garden of the GodsSeven Bridges Trail
.
Colorado Springs was our next destination. The breathtaking natural beauty and nostalgic experiences were wonderful. We visited Garden of the Gods and hiked Seven Bridges. The boys had a blast climbing and exploring the unique rock formations.
.
.
We also visited Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, a hidden gem that transported us back in time.. The boys loved the old-school pinball machines and racing games.
.
.
We got to spend some time with a handful of friends and visit our former church. It was heartwarming to reconnect with friends and relive fond memories from our time there. The church service was uplifting, and seeing familiar faces brought back a flood of emotions.
Our visit was too short to catch up with everyone we hoped to see, but I’m grateful for time we had with the friends we did meet. Those moments with friends were truly the highlight of our time in Colorado Springs.
.
Third Stop: Breckenridge
.
.
Breckenridge, the quaintest mountain town, was our third stop. We strolled down the historic Main Street, lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. This was our first time staying downtown and I loved waking up early, getting coffee and sitting quietly by the river, overlooking the mountains.
.
One of endless quaint shopsMy favorite spot
.
.
We rode the gondola, hiked and found the Troll, ate good food, relaxed at the pool, and enjoyed the 4th of July parade.The crisp mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding peaks make Breckenridge one of our favorite places to visit!
.
Fourth Stop: A Visit to Boulder and Colorado University
.
Colorado UniversityBoulder
.
.
Our final stop was Boulder, where we ate lunch on Pearl street, then drove over to the Colorado University campus. The boys played football in the open space and hoped to be discovered by Coach Prime (Deion Sanders), the new head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. While we didn’t see him, just being in the same vicinity as the legendary athlete and coach was exciting for the boys.
.
.
Our Colorado vacation was a perfect blend of family time, natural beauty, and nostalgic visits. From the family lunch near Denver to the stunning landscapes of Colorado Springs, and the quaint charm of Breckenridge, the trip was filled with treasured memories. We returned home with hearts full of joy and minds full of beautiful images.
.
I’m grateful that we all agreed that as much as we LOVE Colorado, we are GRATEFUL to call MINNESOTA our HOME! Though our years in living in Colorado will always be treasured, Minnesota is where we belong!
While most families flock to Florida or Mexico for a warm beach escape during spring break, our family of six heads north. With four boys who don’t need a break from the cold and love to ski, we find it both fun and budget-friendly to pack up our gear and head to Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.
We packed out car to the brim with six pairs of skis, ski boots, snow boots, helmets, gloves, winter clothes, and enough food to feed an army. Our first stop was in Two Harbors for a delicious lunch and some coastal exploration. The boys enjoyed exploring, despite the chilly winds whipping off Lake Superior.
.
.
Though we didn’t make time for it on this trip, I highly recommend exploring Gooseberry Falls state park while in (or passing through) Two Harbors, MN!
.
Next up, we visited the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse and State Park. Last year, the boys spent over an hour just skipping rocks, but this year, the wind and waves kept us from spending much time there, so we made our way to our cozy cabin in the Lutsen woods. It’s not fancy, but the boys love the ski-in/ski-out setup, and I appreciate the full kitchen and two bathrooms.
.
.
.
Once settled in, we took a winter walk though the woods, played some silly snowball games, and capped off the night watching basketball.
.
.
The next morning, we were up early and off to Lutsen Ski Hill. The slopes were quiet due to a mild winter in Minnesota. The boys sped down every run – from green to black, leaving me to navigate the icy slopes with all the muscle power I could muster. My youngest, Luke, already skis better than me at age nine.
.
We gathered for lunch in the lodge, then I decided to stay there and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Superior, while the boys and Ted continued skiing.
.
.
After a fun-filled day of skiing, the boys skied their way to the cabin. I love that they can navigate this by themselves. Ted and I drive ourselves and our gear back to the cabin. We ordered pizza for the boys, who were, believe it or not, worn out and ready to relax in the condo. Ted and I snuck away to enjoy live music at a local winery.
.
.
We also made a memorable visit to Grand Marais, taking a trek to the lighthouse. Though the famous donut shop was closed, it just gives us another reason to return and explore this charming town further at another time.
.
.
.
.
On our way home we stopped in Duluth. This is a great place eat, explore, and watch the ships come in an out of the harbor. (For a full Duluth itinerary, click here)
.
.
In just three days, we packed in a lot of fun and relaxation. Our North Shore ski trips are always filled with adventure, laughter, and cherished memories. Until next time, keep exploring!
We have a new driver and it’s both wonderful and nerve-wracking!
.
Paul and Luke did well in their wrestling season.
Paul with a WLuke gets a W
.
.
We watched lots of basketball. Clark had a fun season and played really well. Our local high school is going to state.
.
.
I visited three different schools to celebrate reading:
.
We’ve only had a little snow this winter but enjoyed it!
.
Wrigley is still living his best life.
.
Ted and I snuck out for date night in between the family madness.
.
Those are a few of the “fun winter highlights.”
However, we’ve had some challenges this winter too. My mother-in-law lost her brother, another wonderful family member is going through chemotherapy, we had a big water leak in our house and I’ve been living with a ‘half kitchen,’ and we had to cancel a trip we’d been looking forward to for months – those are “not-so-fun highlights.” Life has both highs and lows and I choose to focus on the good and know that I have so much to be grateful for!
.
Thanks for reading! I hope you had a good winter and an even BETTER spring!
On Sunday we introduced “The Great Lake Rescue” to our community by hosting an Ice Cream Book Launch party. The event took place at our local park. Our invitations were sent to array of friends, classmates, and the esteemed illustrator.
Here’s what happened:
3:00
Ice Cream Sundaes, Root Beer Floats and Popsicles
Meet the Author and Illustrator
Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book
Children’s Drawing Contest with Exciting Giveaways
Coloring Station, featuring custom sheets crafted by the illustrator
4:00
Meet the Four Main Characters – the Egly boys
Live Book Reading
Q and A with the Author and Main Characters
4:40
Giveaways Announced and Prizes Given
4:45
Final Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book
.
.
Even with the rain, over 100 people came! The boys, the book, and I felt incredibly loved. One thing that really stands out to me about Minnesotans is how they don’t let the weather bother them. Rain, heat, or freezing cold, they still go out and enjoy life without hesitation.
.
I forgot to ask someone to take photos of the event so I didn’t get pictures of everything and everyone, including the illustrator, Alyssa Whetstone. However, here are a few that others snapped and sent to me:
.
The Fox FamilyThe Jean FamilyLive readingGeorge and Evie – the best ice cream scoopers!Paul and Jordan- with one of the Giveaways!
