Life, Mess & Milestones

Tag: #LifeMessMilestones

  • 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!

  • 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?