06/15/2026
Going through photos for Avrie's graduation party, as I looked back through 18 years of memories, it truly felt as if I was viewing another lifetime. You forget the chaos of having four small kids and trying to keep everything running smoothly.
I was reminded of so many businesses I had over the years, from an Etsy store to doing vendor events and craft shows with a custom hair bow business. In the background of so many pictures was evidence of those businesses.
You reflect and ask yourself these questions: Did I do a good job? Did they have enough? Were they happy?
What I saw in those photos were siblings who truly loved each other. From older brothers holding their baby sister just because they wanted to, to falling asleep in each other's arms, or Alec climbing into Avrie's crib to see her.
I watch them as adults today, and they choose to go to the store together. Avrie cooked for Austin and Alec the other day and will randomly bake things for AJ. They all say "I love you" to each other and make it a point to tell everyone in the house goodbye. If they are stopping at a store, the family text thread always includes, "Does anyone want or need anything?"
So when I really reflected on these questions, I knew the answers. I did do a good job, they did have enough, and they were happy.
Her graduation party is two weeks from today. The Grief album is finished, testers have given their approval, and now we build the last parts of the tech to support the launch.
I am more than ready for this next chapter and excited to close this one out with a great celebration of the last of my four children to graduate high school.
