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Purpose

When I was little and someone asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I would respond I wanted to be famous, and a few years later it was a bit more elaborate in that I wanted to be the next Julia Roberts. 

In high schools I wanted to be a doctor, then a teacher, in college I gravitated towards the communications field and wanted to be a sportscaster. 

Thankfully I was blessed enough to have a family. The only job I ever truly knew with 100% certainty that I wanted was to be a mom. 

After becoming a mom I then took the alternative license route to becoming a teacher. All the while, writing here and there weaved its way through the background of my life. 

When Alexandra was born she had food allergies. I had to avoid so many foods while nursing her. In this time I really learned a lot. Thankfully we were living in Denver so being Colorado Crunchy wasn't weird or out of the norm. Since then I've continued to strive to make good healthy diet choices for our family. I'm not perfect and often times need reminders to get back on track. 

Last August Karoline was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Since then we haven't had to change a whole lot about our diet. This was a huge blessing that we already ate in a way that didn't make a diabetic diet a huge shock. We have learned a lot about nutrition and how our bodies process foods since her diagnosis. Recently I ordered the book, "Sugar-Free Kids," by Maria Emmerich. The information in this text has transformed my whole world in regards to foods. A blessing and a curse in my life is that once I know better, I can't go back to the way I was. I have to move forward and remember what I know. 

For the past 20 years I have chased after dreams, jobs, and goals. I have had moments that have sparked little flames inside of me to learn and do more. The topic of nutrition and the chance to help others learn more about how to live a lifestyle based on whole foods and exercise has me on fire. 

I told my husband, Tim, if I could go back and redo life I would go to school to learn about nutrition. However, after reading, "Big Magic," by Elizabeth Gilbert, she confirmed what I've always thought. I do not need a proper educational setting to learn. So here I am, publicly declaring I will learn more and I will share what I learn. I will lead by example and I will be available to talk to those who are excited to learn more, need support and need a helping hand. 

My mission is to empower others to lead vibrant and fulfilling lives by embracing a healthy lifestyle through mindful choices in diet and exercise. I believe optimal well-being is achieved when we nourish our bodies with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods and engage in regular physical activity.


By sharing I strive to inspire individuals to prioritize their health and make conscious decisions that positively impact their overall well-being. I promote the understanding that healthy living is a lifelong journey, and every small step counts towards a greater transformation.

I advocate for a balanced approach to nutrition, emphasizing the importance of consuming a variety of whole foods, abundant in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Furthermore, I recognize regular exercise is fundamental to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I aim to inspire and guide individuals in finding physical activities that bring them joy and promote their overall fitness. 

I believe in the power of community and collaboration, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, seek guidance, and celebrate achievements. 

Ultimately, my mission is to help individuals transform their lives by embracing a holistic approach to health through thoughtful choices in diet and exercise. I strive to share knowledge, guidance, and inspiration necessary for individuals to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally, leading to a life of vitality and fulfillment.


Dear Class of 2023


Dear Class of 2023, 

Oh my Covid Freshman… You know, I have to be honest with you, I didn’t think I would be as emotional as I am about you graduating. Turns out you little stinkers snuck your way into my heart. As I’m writing this I’m looking at a few of you that won’t be here next year and I’m trying to hold back tears so you don’t think I’m crazy. I am looking at your graduation announcements. I feel so honored when you bring them to me, I love posting them up where I can see them from my desk.  Shoot, now I’m crying. 

Class of 2023, I am going to miss you. 

You were such tiny Freshman. You were timid and sweet. We had fun learning together, we tried new things. We learned making ice cream in mason jars actually doesn’t work, at least not the way we tried to do it. You learned how to make analysis statements with the best of them. Then we made our way through a scary Spring Break back in 2020 that resulted in video classes to finish up your Freshman year. I distinctly remember those of you who would try to be sneaky and play video games while we held our virtual classes.  

Then you were sassy sophomores adorned with masks. Bless your hearts, it’s hard enough to be a sophomore and you all did it with crazy words like “cohorts, masks, protocols, and e-learning.” Bowling with the “covid cones” in the hallway at the end of the year will always be a happy memory of mine that will make me think of you.

Junior year things were a bit more normal, it was your first chance to be real teenagers in high school and you did it well. 

Here we are, your senior year and with it you brought back school spirit and crazy high school behaviors that are part of being 17 and 18. Oh my kids, you are so resilient. You have been through a lot in four years. You have grown, physically (you boys get so tall) and emotionally. You know how to handle what’s in front of you and you know when you need to ask for help. 

I am so thankful for those of you who come back to see me, just to see me, even when the snack drawer is empty. You all know I had a hard start to the year and yet you stuck by my side and I appreciate you all so much for making my days the fun and crazy days that they are. They won’t be the same without you. This morning one of your classmates told me that someone will take her place. She’s right, there will always be more kids who make their way into my heart. And yet I need you to know the holes you leave behind won’t ever be filled with an exact match. 

This feeling of grief and sadness about you all getting ready to graduate is on the top of my, “Things they
didn’t tell me about becoming a teacher,” list. 

Class of 2023, you are incredible, each and every one of you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of

your lives for the last four years. I’ll tell you one last time. I love you all, make good choices, and have fun. 


Love,
Mrs. Reed



Magnolia Market - Dreams Come True

 
When our girls were little I was a stay at home mom. Tim was on a non-traditional swing shift schedule so we would have some time during the day at home with him as well. One of our favorite shows to watch was Fixer Upper. Even Karoline enjoyed it as a toddler!

We had an opportunity to go to Waco, TX with Tim, who was picking up an enclosed trailer for his business. The girls and I could not miss this opportunity to visit the empire Chip and Joanna Gaines has built, Magnolia Market! It was an extremely quick trip, with a fair bit of driving every day...

We went, we saw, we adored, we ate, we left extremely happy and thankful for this opportunity!

First stop, Magnolia Table! We got there at 8 a.m. on a Friday and only had to wait about five minutes.

I had to try the signature avocado toast!
Lavender lemon donuts with the best cup(s) of coffee!
It was simply gorgeous every where we looked!
The cutest little colored pencils for the kiddos!
We were dressed and ready for the forecasted 80* and sun ...
Full disclosure, I was so mad at myself for not dressing cute and Fall trendy. Like, almost let it ruin my time. I just know how we all get when we are hot and was trying to avoid that. I had to let it go...

Next stop, Magnolia Market ... time to see the Silos!
There were so many happy little bees!

Our precious girls

Walking up to the entrance by Magnolia Press was a dream come true!
Getting a photo with this Santa books up weeks in advance. I can't believe we got one on the fly! So sweet of him to stop!
I was so excited when I saw him coming. 
Again, so sad about our outfits. It is what it is.
My loves!
We traveled 783 #MilesToMagnolia

I should have also remembered to bring stuff for natural curls in humidity vs. curling iron curls. 
We still have three cupcakes on our counter and I'm in love with them. 
What a blessing it was to get to visit Magnolia Market. If we ever go again I look forward to trying more of the food trucks and sitting for a while to take in the whole feel of the beautiful silo district area. Our trip was fast and we were constantly going and moving. However, I'm so thankful we got to go!


Karoline is 9!

Happy birthday, princess girl! 

This year you have grown in every way. You are stronger, wise, and kind. My darling girl, you teach me new lessons every day. 

I hope your dad and I are doing an ok job with navigating you getting older. I pray that we teach you in the ways you need to be taught. 

You made me a mom, sweet pea and I am very thankful to be your mom. I hope you have a great birthday. 

We love you so very much.