Hi friends,
As the year winds down, I keep catching myself doing that quiet end-of-year thing where you replay the last twelve months in your head while folding laundry or sitting in the car alone for five minutes longer than necessary.
This year was hard. Like, deeply stretching, emotionally loud, grow-you-in-ways-you-didn’t-ask-for hard.
We found answers.
We also found new questions.
Some days that felt empowering. Other days it felt exhausting.
But somewhere in the middle of all of it, something really important happened.
We grew closer as a family.
We slowed down. We stopped saying yes to things that no longer serve us. We got clearer about what matters, and just as clear about what doesn’t. We started choosing alignment over approval and peace over productivity.
That shift changed everything.
This year looked like a lot of learning and unlearning. A lot of cycle-breaking moments. A lot of gentle parenting done imperfectly (verrryyy imperfectly). A lot of deep breaths after hard days. A lot of showing up again tomorrow even when today was messy, and I lot of "I'm sorry-s."
It also looked like joy.
Mini family trips with kids in tow. Recipes that became staples because they actually worked for real life (Camden's allergy diagnoses really through us for a loop). Wellness routines that didn’t ask us to become different people to maintain them--some progress is better than none. It also keeps us sane(ish). Content that felt honest instead of curated.
And that’s the energy I’m carrying into 2026.
Here’s what you can expect more of next year:
• Family life as it really is. The good, the chaotic, the funny, the growth, and also the hard moments
• Gentle parenting and cycle-breaking conversations that feel supportive, not preachy
• Family travel with kids. Practical tips, real expectations, and the kind of trips that actually make memories, not just stress
• Recipes that fit real schedules, real allergies, and real energy levels
• Wellness that supports life instead of demanding perfection
• Content rooted in growth, intention, and choosing what matters most
What you won’t see as much of is rushing, overcommitting, or saying yes just because I can.
This community has been such a grounding place this year. Thank you for being here. For reading, sharing, commenting, messaging me late at night with “same.” For trusting me with pieces of your story too.
I don’t take that lightly.
2026 isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters better.
I’m really glad you’re here for it.
With love and a whole lot of gratitude,
Lexie
Hit reply and tell me one thing you’re leaving behind this year. <3