Life, Mess & Milestones

Category: Uncategorized

  • Gator Watch: Florida Edition 🐊

    Gator Watch: Florida Edition 🐊

    We’ve been trying to be more intentional about staying active lately — walking more, getting outdoors, and soaking in the simple joys. So this weekend, we set out to explore a nearby trail we hadn’t been on in a while.

    About halfway through, we came to a high bridge overlooking the lake… and that’s when we saw them — at least 15 alligators sprawled out on the shore below, all in one spot like they were hosting a little gator beach day.

    I’ve lived in Florida long enough to be used to the occasional gator sighting, but I’ve never seen that many at once, especially that close together. It was wild, a little eerie, and honestly kind of amazing. Thankfully, we were up high and safe enough to stop and take a few photos — a moment we won’t forget anytime soon.

    Have you ever had a surprising wildlife encounter while out in nature? I’d love to hear your story!

  • Kayaking Adventures & Tiny Life Lessons

    Kayaking Adventures & Tiny Life Lessons

    Saturday gave us everything we didn’t know we needed — bright sun, a light breeze, sparkling water, and a full dose of family joy. We spent three and a half hours out on the water kayaking, and it honestly couldn’t have been more perfect. The weather felt like it had been made just for us.

    I packed a small cooler with sandwiches and plenty of water for my crew, and we paddled our way into one of those rare days where time slows down just enough to soak it all in. Laughter bounced off the water, we spotted fish darting beneath us, and the warmth of the sun wrapped around us like a hug.

    One of my favorite moments? My youngest discovered a small crab and instantly fell in love. She pleaded to bring it home, making heartfelt promises to take care of it and give it a proper name. But after a gentle conversation, she let it go — understanding that its real home was right where we found it. Watching her wrestle with that choice and still do the right thing made me proud. Tiny hearts can carry such big wisdom.

    These are the moments I treasure — messy, meaningful, and full of memories. 💙🌊

    #LifeMessMilestones #FamilyAdventures #KayakingMemories #ParentingMoments #NatureLessons #SimpleJoys

  • A Soft Move, A Big Step

    A Soft Move, A Big Step

    My oldest officially moved out.
    Not far — just next door to his grandparents — so we’re calling it a soft move. But still… it’s a move. A change. A new chapter.

    After graduation, he had been living in our little mother-in-law apartment here at home — close, but with his own space. Now, for the first time, he’s living off our property, and even though it’s only 10 minutes away and I still get to see him, I don’t see him every day anymore. That’s stings a little bit.

    I cried a few days before the move. Quiet tears. Mom tears. The kind that sneak up on you when your heart is full and hurting at the same time. But on moving day, I was ready. Proud. Steady. Even joyful — because I know this is exactly what’s supposed to happen.

    Watching your child grow more independent — even if they’re just down the road — is such a beautiful, bittersweet thing. You’re cheering for their future while learning to sit with the quiet they leave behind.

    He’s settling in, spreading his wings, and figuring out life a little more on his own — with the safety net of grandparents just next door. And my heart? It’s doing its best to keep up.

    If you’re a parent, do you remember the first time one of your kids moved out? How did it feel for you?

  • Welcome to Life, Mess & Milestones

    Hi, I’m Whoadie — and I’m so glad you’re here.

    This little corner of the internet is where I plan to document the real stuff: the home projects, the day trips, the learning curves, the surprise wins, and the messy in-between moments that somehow make life feel full.

    I started Life, Mess & Milestones because I wanted a space to capture everything I’m juggling — from tearing out an old deck to chasing milestones with my kids, planning quick getaways, diving into professional development, and handling the daily grind with a little humor and a lot of prayer.

    Here, you’ll probably find:

    • Home improvement wins (and what didn’t go as planned)
    • Family adventures, big and small
    • Honest thoughts on being a mom, teacher, fixer, learner, and human
    • Stories from the road — both literal and emotional
    • Moments that remind me we’re all just figuring it out as we go

    If you’re looking for polished perfection… this probably isn’t it.

    But if you’re like me — someone who’s learning, growing, and doing the best they can with what they’ve got — you’ll feel right at home.

    Thanks for stopping by. I’m excited to see where this blog takes us.

    Let’s figure it out together — mess and all. ❤️