Life in Texas has a certain rhythm that always feels like home. My story is shaped by wide open spaces, family ties, five energetic dogs, and a strong love for the outdoors. As someone married, a proud mom of two, and now a grandma to one sweet little boy, I’ve learned plenty about juggling daily adventures and appreciating the little things. Here’s a look into who I am, what I care about, and what I’ve picked up along the way.
My Roots: Growing Up in Texas
Texas isn’t just a location on the map for me. It’s where my family and values started. I grew up in the capital city. Bluebonnets blanket the fields in spring, and everyone waves whether you know them or not. Family gatherings always meant heaps of food, laughter, and the occasional family debate about who caught the biggest fish.
Being raised in Texas taught me about resilience and warmth. Summers meant fishing at the local lake, helping my neighbors, and learning early on that hard work and kindness go a long way. Even now, I can’t resist the smell of barbecue or the sight of a long, quiet road stretching past cattle fields. Many evenings, we’d sit outside, enjoying the warm breeze and stories passed from one generation to the next.
Family Life and Milestones
Family has always been my anchor. My husband and I have built a life around supporting each other. I still remember our first fishing trip, when my line got hopelessly tangled; he laughed and patiently helped me out. Together we’ve raised two amazing kids who are now out growing lives of their own, and thanks to our little grandson, I get to wear the proud title of grandma. Seeing him grow up and learn about the world gives me a renewed sense of joy and wonder about simple moments.
Marriage, motherhood, and now being a grandma—each stage brings new lessons. Nothing has prepared me quite like real experience, trial and error, and leaning on family when I need it. There are plenty of funny stories, like the time our family dog stole a birthday cake, or heartfelt ones, like seeing my kids graduate and knowing I played a small role in their achievements. These little pieces add up to a life I’m truly grateful for. The journey isn’t always smooth, but being surrounded by those you love certainly makes the bumps easier to face.
Five Dogs, One Lively Home
If you’ve ever had one dog, picture what life is like with five. Our home is filled with the sound of wagging tails, all sorts of barks, and paws scampering across the floor at just about every hour. Each dog has their own personality. One prefers napping in sunbeams, another won’t stop until we’ve played enough fetch to wear out the whole family. Another loves to “chase” squirrels up and down the backyard fence, while the smallest is the self-appointed lap warmer of the group.
Caring for so many dogs means there’s always someone in need of a walk, snuggle, or belly rub. They keep daily life fun, sometimes chaotic, but always heartwarming. I’ve learned a ton about patience, responsibility, and unconditional love just by caring for our little pack. There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of coming home to five furry greetings, no matter how busy or tough the day has been. Dogs have a funny way of keeping us grounded, reminding us to laugh, play, and enjoy the moment.
Why I Love the Outdoors
The outdoors has a way of resetting my mind, whether it’s a lazy afternoon on the boat or a sunrise hike. Fishing is something I grew up doing with my parents, and now it’s a tradition that’s stuck. There’s something soothing about casting a line, waiting, listening to the water, and being surrounded by Texas nature.
Boating trips are some of my favorite getaways. We’ll load up snacks, sunscreen, extra hats, and head out without a real plan. Sometimes we fish, other times we simply float and chat as the sun sets. These outings feel pretty special, especially now that my grandson joins and gets excited spotting turtles or birds. Fresh air, open water, and simple adventures are all things I look forward to no matter how life changes. Sometimes we take the dogs with us, letting them lounge on deck and splash in the shallows. Being outside is where I press pause, reflect, and enjoy the world around me.
Values I Live By
Several core values keep everything grounded for me: loyalty, honesty, kindness, and perseverance. Growing up in Texas, these were more than just words; they were how neighbors showed up for each other and how families solved problems. I try to pass these along to my kids and grandkids in little ways, whether it’s by showing up for school events, making time for family barbecues on the weekend, or volunteering locally. Giving back isn’t just a phrase—it’s a way of living, and it makes connections stronger.
Patience is another value that keeps life moving smoothly, especially in a busy home or when wrangling five dogs during a rainstorm. I’ve found that showing patience and understanding, even when things get wild or stressful, leads to stronger bonds and plenty of stories worth laughing about. It’s not always easy, but the calm after the chaos is almost always worth it.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Experience teaches better than any advice you read online. Here are a few things that keep coming up for me:
- Roll with the Unexpected: Life at home can go sideways fast, from muddy pawprints to fishing trips that end in rain. I’ve learned to keep a sense of humor and focus on what matters instead of worrying about perfect plans.
- Make Time for Connection: Quick check-ins with my family, calling old friends, or cuddling the dogs for a few extra minutes at night all build a strong foundation. These little connections mean the most when life gets tricky.
- Get Outside: Fresh air has a serious way of clearing my head. Whether I’m out fishing or just walking the dogs, being outdoors never fails to put daily worries in perspective.
- Share What You Love: Passing down favorite traditions like fishing or showing my grandson how to help in the garden helps create meaningful memories.
Questions I Get Asked (and Honest Answers)
How do you manage a busy household with five dogs?
Organization is huge. We keep a shared whiteboard for feeding and walking schedules, and everyone gets involved. It helps that my husband loves the chaos just as much as I do. Plus, lots of treats and patience go a long way. Sometimes we even turn chore time into a little competition—who can get all the pups’ food bowls filled first?
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
Hands down, fishing. Boating on a lazy day comes in a close second. Sometimes we fish from the boat, and sometimes we just enjoy the quiet and watch the sun go down. I love how peaceful the water feels at sunset and how every trip creates a new fun memory.
What’s the best thing about being a grandma?
Every stage of parenting has its highlights, but being a grandma means I get to spoil my grandson, teach him things my own kids loved, and watch him stumble upon new joys. Plus, I have the best excuse for buying fun toys and whipping up extra desserts. Seeing the world through his eyes makes every ordinary moment seem special.
Any tips for balancing work, family, and self-care?
I’m a big fan of planning ahead but also leaving room for spontaneity. Setting some routines, like Sunday afternoon fishing or evening walks, carves out time for what matters. Asking for help is super important, and I’ve found that small moments (like a quiet cup of coffee or stepping outside for a few deep breaths) make a difference when life feels overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to extras when your plate is full—sometimes the quietest days are the best for recharging.
Hobbies and How I Unwind
Aside from outdoor activities, I’m always up for a good book or a new recipe to try out for family dinners. Every year, I try to learn one new thing—sometimes it’s a craft, other times a new way to organize the house. Little creative projects keep things fun. Gardening is also on my list of relaxing hobbies. Watching flowers bloom or gathering vegetables for a homemade salsa feels pretty satisfying. Crafting birdhouses with my grandson, or making simple seasonal wreaths, is another way to spend time with loved ones and relax.
On busy weeks, I make time at least once for a sunset walk or a cup of tea on the porch, just to recharge and reflect on the week. Sometimes I’ll pick up puzzles or crosswords when I want some quiet time indoors, or listen to my favorite country songs while baking. All these small routines help me unwind and keep life balanced.
Wrapping Up: What Matters Most to Me
When I look at my life so far, the most rewarding things are all about family, laughter, furry companions, and a strong sense of place. I hope to keep learning, sharing little adventures with my loved ones, and finding joy both in new experiences and old traditions. Living in Texas, surrounded by those I care about most (and a solid pack of dogs), life definitely keeps me on my toes in all the best ways. And above all, it is these simple pleasures—good company, nature, and the comfort of home—that ground me and keep me smiling for whatever tomorrow brings.