Cool mornings, hand-in-hand walks with my daughter, and the buzz of Rosemont Elementary have been bright spots this week. Today I ran into a fellow mom, Shannon, whose deep roots and leadership reminded me of the power of parents in schools. It stirred both gratitude for our own PTA and clarity about my role with United to Learn at Dunbar Elementary. Different schools, different needs—but every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

We celebrated my mother-in-law’s 80th with a Holland America land + sea Alaska cruise, exploring Denali, Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. From salmon fishing and totem poles to glaciers and humpbacks, it was the perfect multi-generational family trip. With tips on cabins, packing, and excursions, here’s how we balanced adventure, comfort, and connection on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

I wrote this just before our Alaska cruise…and then let it sit, 95% finished. (A habit I’m hoping to break!) Before I share all the trip highlights, here’s a midsummer check-in: shifting from Morning 5 to a more flexible Daily 5, sticking with workouts, finding joy in Sprouts, and craving connection. A reminder that even in the chaos, small habits and small joys matter.

Putting love into action. One small step at a time.

As the mom of an eight-year-old daughter—and with many friends whose daughters were at Camp Mystic—the devastating loss has hit close to home. I’ve been thinking about and praying for the families, the campers, the counselors, the Hill Country community, and the first responders.

Father’s Day isn’t about perfect gifts in our house—it’s about joy, jokes, and time together. This year, we surprised Jim with the “Official Sanford Itinerary of Unscheduled Joy,” a fake schedule full of inside jokes, a custom “Abraham Lincoln on a pogo stick” card, prank toast with crickets, and paper boat tributes to our dads. It was weird, wonderful, and wildly us.

The story I could’ve told myself: I was gone too much. We shipped the kids off so we could work. But at the United Way conference, I heard Kindra Hall remind us: it’s all about the story we tell ourselves. And when I reframed the week, I saw something beautiful—my kids were building memories, connecting with grandparents, learning, growing, and thriving. And I was doing work I love. That’s the story I choose.

We survived Maycember. And somehow, we’re still standing. Between soccer cleats, Grecian block parties, bridging ceremonies, and spreadsheets, it’s comically complicated how we got to summer. But here we are. Chaos, connection, meltdowns, magic—and one very full Google calendar. Here’s to the parents behind the scenes making it all happen. Summer, we’re ready for you.

A parenting moment gone sideways. A mini trampoline. A concussion. And then — an unexpected creative awakening. This post is about the night everything shifted, and how stillness, healing, and one scary bounce led to the launch of A Glittering. I wrote it weeks ago but hesitated to share. Too small? Too vulnerable? Maybe. But I’m posting it now, because the pause is part of the story too — and healing rarely follows a straight line.

From “Boundaries Brown” wisdom with Brené to conversations with women turning grief into action and ideas into businesses, MOM 2.0 reminded me: when women connect, we move mountains. These are the stories—and sparks—I’m still carrying.

A quick porch hang turned into a power sesh — the kind that reminds you who you are and what really matters. Friendship, presence, purpose, and the quiet joy of realizing: I’m here. I have it. I have the life I wanted.

A reflection on the power of the reframe, inspired by my dad’s final Saturday—a day we now call his “bonus day.” In the face of grief, we found light. This post explores how shifting perspective can turn pain into something sacred.

A simple Sunday cracked open something big: my 10-year-old is stepping into independence. From making his own lunch to meeting friends at the park, Owen is growing—and I’m learning to meet this moment with trust, not just structure.

We hit pause for a true spring break—unplugging, road-tripping through Texas Hill Country, and embracing unexpected detours. From caves and card games to art shows and bookstores, it was a week of joy, wonder, and sweet family connection.

Mardi Gras runs deep in my soul. From childhood parades on my dad’s shoulders to college days on the route with family, it’s pure magic—music, food, and tradition. Today, my heart is in New Orleans, celebrating from afar, sending love to my mom. 💜💚💛

“Use your wits." My dad, Owen Hopkins, said it every morning, and now I say it to my kids. Today, on Owen Hopkins Rocks Day, I honor his legacy—his love for geology, learning, and adventure. And in a universe wink, today also marks 33 years of my mom’s sobriety. 💛

Feeling the Winter Blues? You’re Not Alone.

February always tests me—the gray skies, the cold, the sluggishness. I didn’t even realize how much it was weighing on me until a friend called me out. This weekend, I took my own advice: I got outside, moved my body, connected with people, and showed up for my community. My winter blues aren’t gone, but I feel lighter—like spring is peeking through. If you’re feeling it too, let’s not wait for the season to change before we do. 🌿

Our family’s first Secret Kindness Week brought unexpected joy—small acts of care, like a made bed, a surprise gift, and breakfast in bed. It also led us into our 12th wedding anniversary, a reminder that love isn’t just in grand gestures but in everyday kindness. Jim and I have built a life filled with laughter, learning, and growth. As I reflect on this week, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude—for him, for our kids, and for the beautiful, ordinary moments that mean everything.

For years, I operated in environments driven by fear—tight deadlines, high stakes, constant pressure. Then I realized: I had a choice. I could lead with love instead. That shift changed everything—how I lead, how I connect, and how I show up in the world.

A tribute to my bold, loving Grandma Jayne on her birthday—a reflection on intuition, connection, and the enduring power of love. Her spirit lives on, reminding us to embrace the divine in everyday moments and cherish the threads that bind us across time.