Hello sweet friends!

2026 is officially in motion. Christmas is finally organized, packed up, and put away. And can we talk about how putting Christmas up feels so easy, joyful, and magical… yet taking it all down feels exhausting, taxing, and honestly kind of annoying? You would think the start of a fresh new year would make it exciting to clear it all out and move forward, right?

Most of it went pretty quickly, but the main tree? That one took me out. Just the thought of un-decorating it… whew. But it’s done. The tree is tucked away until next year, and now it’s time to move forward. I’m feeling fresh, clear, and powerful. With my words of the year guiding me, I’m ready to take on these next twelve months with a new kind of strength. There is no time like right now — go BIG, go BOLD, take up space, and own your place in this world.

These tag lines are how I see things now — thoughtfully created, deeply intentional, and shaped by a whole lot of living. They are the lenses through which I choose to look at life. Life is meant to be lived LARGE. It’s meant to hold at least a teaspoon of HAPPINESS every single day. It’s meant to be received as a GIFT. Life lived in gratitude, in the light, pushing through the uncomfortable. Loving yourself and the circle around you, fully and unconditionally.

When I write under this title, these ideas will always be at the heart of it — every subject, every topic tied back to living colorfully, boldly, and brightly. 2026 is our time to bring the color and share our bright. We all need it. And at the end of the day, we’re here to live a lovely life — so let’s freaking do it. Why wait?

MOM-ING BIG KIDS

Ms. Marin is back at school. And just like that, the house feels like it’s missing a piece… because it is. College kids — always coming and going — exactly as it’s meant to be.

There are so many emotions wrapped up in these goodbyes and reunions. Deep pride in her doing the things she’s worked so hard for. Excitement for all that’s waiting for her this semester. And yes, a little sadness too — because I’ll miss having her in my everyday world. It’s the natural push and pull of this season of life.

I feel like there’s so much conversation about MOM-ing when our kids are little, but not nearly enough about what it’s like when those wee ones grow up. And honestly? This stage of parenting has been my favorite. The emotions shift, the connections deepen, and what we share now brings us together in ways it simply couldn’t in those early years.

I miss her. And I’ll admit it — I check Life360 every now and then. Not to helicopter, just to be a quiet fly on the wall for a minute. I know she’s going to have a tremendous semester. I’ll be watching from the wings, cheering her on, always her safe place to land whenever she needs it.

And this spring… we’re hosting a GRAD PARTY!

Tuck is graduating from high school, and of course we’re celebrating big. There’s a lot we want to do to make it a truly lovely celebration, and the party will be at our house — exactly where it should be. That means a growing to-do list, which honestly feels like the motivation I need to finally tackle some home projects that have been lingering a little too long. I’ll be sharing that list and the progress along the way. My heart beats for beautiful visuals, especially inside our home, and hosting a party is the perfect finish line to get things moving.

I’ve already booked the tent, tables, chairs, and linens, and we have a clear direction for everything else. Booking rentals early is key — and was my biggest stress point — but the sweetest part? The rental company had our order on file from Marin’s grad party three years ago. Copy. Paste. Done.

This is a milestone moment for our family, closing a chapter that feels like a lifetime in our school system. A huge moment for Tuck, one we are incredibly proud to celebrate. Honoring him at our home just feels right. Soaking in all the lasts while looking ahead to spring and the celebration to come.

And because life always weaves in beautiful connections — there are two Tucks in my life. One is my son. The other is my dear friend Aaron Tucker, who goes by Tuck. He is a whole vibe. Someone I’m deeply grateful for. He inspires me with his outlook — through the ups and the downs, he has a gift for seeing the ups while still honoring the downs. His energy is infectious, his smile bright.

So let’s make this week about finding the ups in the downs. Be the inspiration. Pull others into your light and let them shine.

As Tuck always says… #begreat
GEAH GEAH!!

You can find Tuck on IG: @ajtucker31