12/26/2025
This year brought many memories and a very special milestone as we celebrated 20 years of marriage in October. We’re grateful for the people who walked alongside us this year. Here are some highlights:
- We are still enjoying our farm outside of Spring Hill. It keeps us hopping all year but is a labor of love!
- We value presence over presents and were blessed with several visits from friends and family this year! In March, a visit from Joe’s sister, Joy, and family filled the house with energy! In September we caught up with our friend, Renee, who visited from Taiwan and in November, our friend, Christine, visited from Australia for 2 weeks. We hosted Thanksgiving and then a “Friends-giving” the following Saturday.
- In April, Joe left his job at Publix to enjoy more time on the farm and plan our dream farm shop/barn. He was also able to make several trips to SD in May to celebrate graduations and his dad’s birthday!
- In June, Joe and our nephew, Evan, added fish to our pond. I am not sure who is looking forward to fishing in the pond more, but I would guess it is the heron that has taken up residence there. - In August, we saw the best cattle prices ever (which may be a bad indicator for our grocery bills).
- In September, Joe suffered a pretty serious accident on the farm. It was a stressful time which ended with a concussion, surgery, and therapy for Joe for his broken and dislocated wrist. We celebrate that he was not hurt more seriously. We are thankful that we were able to make our planned trip to Ireland and England in October despite his injuries. Along with my family (parents, sister, nephew), we visited Cashel in Tipperary where my dad was born and were met there by my aunt and uncle. Then Joe and I continued on a road trip down to Mizen Head and followed the Wild Atlantic Way through the Ring of Kerry and up to the Cliffs of Mohr. We then traveled to England and stayed with my aunt and uncle and caught up with my cousins and family there. I dragged Joe in to London for a day, but it is no surprise that he far more enjoyed our drive to the Cotswolds where I wandered through shops while he and my uncle had pints at the pub.
- As we reflect on the year, we're reminded how fortunate we truly are. Sending you love and joy this season and a happy and healthy new year 2026!
