Ah…. summers: especially the kind filled with laughter, creativity, and a little chocolate. Today, Tatum and Toby made the most of their time together, from behind-the-scenes filming in the backyard to goofy dance moves and sweet treats in the kitchen.
Inside, the kitchen turned into a makeshift set and snack zone. Pretzels dipped in melted chocolate…Coconut milk, flour jars, and a mess surrounded them as they created something simple and delicious…
Watching them, you can’t help but feel a little more joy in the everyday.
This week, I’m choosing to rest. (no, it’s not a test. It’s the truth) No gym. No steps to hit. Just stillness, red light warmth, deep sleep, and plenty of nourishment—carbs, calories, care. It’s not easy for me. Stillness feels like weakness sometimes, like I’m falling behind. But truthfully, this might be the bravest part of the healing journey.
I think about the baby quails outside our window—tiny, quick, vulnerable. They wander but never too far. Their father stands guard, ever-present, ever-watchful. That’s how I feel this week… like one of those tiny ones, tucked beneath the quiet of the day, watched over.
My Jesus is that Father Quail. Steady. Protective. So gentle in His presence. He sees the weariness in my legs, the ache in my bones, the effort behind each breath. And still, He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
There is beauty in this quiet season. And though it’s hard—emotionally, physically—I know it’s necessary. Every deep breath, every nap, every meal that feels like too much… it’s all part of rebuilding. Of growing strong in the hidden places.
That red light penetrates deeply on my weary muscles and bones. Much needed.
So today, I will rest. Not because I’ve given up, but because I am growing. Just like those baby quails—fragile but fierce, protected, and loved.
This past week, Tatum dove into something so perfectly her—CREATE Camp at SBC.
It’s a special weeklong event at our church that gives kids the chance to use their unique gifts and talents in a meaningful, fun way. Tatum signed up for the live video team, and let me tell you… the cameras were practically bigger than she was!
But that didn’t phase her one bit. She jumped right in, learned how to work the equipment, and even helped film the service today. Watching her behind that powerful machine, totally in her element, was just the best. It felt like a glimpse into something she’s meant to do—creative, technical, expressive, and full of joy.
Of course, she also made time to be her goofy, fun-loving self. The day before, she and her dad hit the big wet slide and got out every last wiggle. That girl knows how to work hard and play hard. Her spirit is such a gift.
She is NON Stop (hey look at that cute guy in the background! My HHH)
I’m so proud to be her mom and watch her grow into who God made her to be. What a joy it is to walk beside her in this life.
There’s a kind of love in our home that barks, chirps, and cheeps—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our pets aren’t just animals; they are family, full of personality and joy.
Cooper (or “Coopy,” as we lovingly call him) is our loyal little ball of fluff. Every day, without fail, he parks himself by the door, waiting for Doug to walk in. And if he’s feeling a little impatient? He’ll stare at a toy—or at us—with the kind of silent desperation that only says one thing: Please throw the ball. Please. He’s got us all wrapped around his paw, and he knows it.
And now, our home has been blessed with a new kind of song—CHEEPS! Sweet little Ollie, our new cockatiel, has settled in beautifully. His chirps echo through the halls as he patiently waits for his favorite girl, Tatum, to get home. He’s soft, curious, and oh-so-lovey. Tatum even asked me to draw him, and of course, I said yes. His little spirit just had to be captured.
We have so many precious photos and memories of our beloved Rio too. He’ll always have a special place in our hearts. His legacy of love lives on in the way we welcome and care for each new creature that enters our lives.
Our home is fuller, louder, and better because of our pets. They teach us loyalty, patience, joy—and unconditional love.
To Cooper, Ollie, and Rio—thank you for making our lives richer. We love you more than words (or cheeps, or barks!) could ever say.
Today didn’t go exactly how I had planned. I had hoped to go all out for Doug—our steady, faithful, selfless rock. But unfortunately, my body had other plans. I was feeling under the weather and couldn’t do even a fraction of what I’d envisioned to show him how much he’s loved and appreciated.
But God has a sweet way of reminding us that love doesn’t always need to be loud.
Tatum, with her kind and generous heart, stepped up in the most beautiful way. She worked so hard on a special video just for her dad. Every clip, every word—pure love. She even used her own money to buy him gifts he had mentioned in passing—ones he’d been hoping for. Watching her honor him with such intentionality filled my heart more than any elaborate plan could have.
I did manage to make some yummy food, but in my mind, it was just a small gesture compared to all that he means to us. Doug is the one who quietly holds us together. He’s the calm in our storms, the strength when we feel weak, the laugh when we need one most. He leads with humility, loves with consistency, and gives with a heart that never asks for anything in return.
Tatum and I are so incredibly grateful for him. Even on the quiet, imperfect days like today—especially on those days—we are reminded just how blessed we are to call him ours.
Happy Father’s Day to our rock. We love you endlessly.
June 13 will stay with me—not because it started beautifully, but because it ended that way.
The morning was brutal. I woke up foggy and unrested, buried in gas pain and that all-too-familiar abdominal pressure that makes me curl up and cry. My Oura Ring said “ready,” but my body said “absolutely not.” I was tired—of symptoms, of guessing, of feeling like my own body was a riddle I couldn’t solve.
And then came my appointment with Dr. Ruiz.
For the first time in weeks, I felt understood. He affirmed what I’ve been sensing: this isn’t just about mold. It’s about heavy metals—those deeper, more disruptive toxins silently short-circuiting my mitochondria, hijacking my clarity, and draining my strength. Mold may have opened the door, but metals are what’s keeping me stuck. (who the heck knows HOW I got them..but I got them!)
He told me plainly: “Steph, we can’t detox what your body doesn’t have the fuel to release.”
So, we’re pressing pause on aggressive detox. The focus now? Food. Real food. Caloric support. Protein, carbs, and fat in healing proportions. We’re building my body up so that when we do chelate, it won’t collapse—it will conquer.
The New Marching Orders:
STOP ALL SUPPS!! The more I take THE WORSE I FEEL!! IT was the sole reason I was feeling so much worse. (so ironic when you need certain aids)
Three full meals daily — no snacks, just nourishment
Ignore food restrictions unless my body clearly says “no”
Add Elemental Diet (1 scoop/day)
Wait on detox pushers — chelation will come after weight restoration
That clarity? It brought peace. Real, physical peace. By evening, the gas was gone. No regurgitation. No flare. Just… calm. For the first time in a long time, I ate all three meals and felt like my body received it.
This is not a detour. It’s a wiser road.
Because sometimes healing means less pushing and more trusting. It means feeding the body so it has what it needs to do the work God designed it to do. And it means finally understanding that detox isn’t the beginning—restoration is.
So here’s to rebuilding. Slowly. Deeply. From the inside out.
I am healing with food. And the best is yet to come. Thank you, Honey, for walking this road with me. Thank you, Jesus, for NEVER leaving my side.
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” — Psalm 23:3
Summer is officially here—and I can feel it in my bones. The sun is blazing, the pool is finally warm enough to swim in, and the soundtrack of the season is echoing from our HomePod. Today, it’s “Lord I Need You Now More Than Ever” by Forest Frank. Tatum dances with abandon, twirling and flipping on her gymnastics pad with that signature sparkle in her eye. She’s free, she’s creative, and she’s completely in her element.
This week felt long but so full. Tatum spent every day at VBS, shadowing and supporting her new buddy, Victoria—a bright and brave 3rd grader with special needs. And wow, what a beautiful match it turned out to be. Victoria lovedTatum. They laughed, played, learned, and grew together. It was more than just helping—it was mutual transformation.
Tatum learned patience. She learned how to slow down and love someone right where they are. She learned kindness in action—not just in theory. And Victoria? She lit up around Tatum. That sweet connection was something I’ll never forget. These are the moments that shape a heart.
She made her this sweet PIC!
And now…we celebrate. The pool is calling, and summer in Arizona is in full swing. There’s nothing like it—sun, water, music, and memories in the making.
I LOVE SUMMER here in AZ.
Here’s to more dance parties, more cannonballs, more slow mornings and late sunsets. Here’s to healing, joy, and the freedom to just be.
