Welcome to My Journey: A Story of Resilience, Love, and Second Chances

Hello, I'm Shannon, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to my blog. Here, you'll get to know me and the remarkable journey I've been on, filled with resilience, love, and the pursuit of second chances. At 45, I stand at the intersection of past pain and present joy, weaving together the threads of my life story—a vibrant tapestry that includes the complexities of divorce, the beauty of finding love, and the incredible experience of starting over and becoming a mother through IVF.

I am a creative spirit with a deep passion for interior design, gardening, cooking, and entertaining. My love for creating beautiful spaces mirrors my journey of crafting a new, fulfilling life. The road to this point was far from easy. Emerging from a long and toxic relationship, I found the strength to leave. This freedom became a stepping stone to growth and self-discovery.

Finding true love, I met a kindred spirit, and together, we navigated the scars of our pasts through therapy, forging a seamless connection and blending our families as one. Coparenting through a pandemic presented challenges, but my husband and I weathered the storms, turning hurdles into opportunities for growth. Our engagement and subsequent wedding, a small yet beautiful affair during Covid, marked the beginning of a new chapter.

As construction on our home's addition mirrored the building of our new life together, the scars of past traumas began to fade, and trust became the cornerstone of our relationship. With four boys under one roof, we looked forward to the future, cherishing the strength we've built as a couple. We soon decided to try to have a baby together and were confronted by genetic challenges, turning to IVF for help. Overcoming numerous challenges, including over a dozen egg retrievals and several embryo transfers, a difficult pregnancy, and delivery, our baby boy was welcomed into our family. Becoming a mother again at 44 is a testament to my unwavering determination and the power of modern reproductive technology.

I reflect on the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy at an older age, offering hope and encouragement to others on a similar journey. I highlight the importance of pursuing dreams of parenthood, regardless of age, and the profound joy that late motherhood has brought into my life.

My passion for being the best mother I can be led me to take an extended leave from my teaching career. This decision allowed me to focus on caring for my children and stepchildren, as well as begin this blog and embark on new design endeavors to keep me feeling inspired. Being present for my family during this transformative time has been incredibly rewarding and has inspired much of the content I share here.

Navigating the complexities of divorce, finding love again, and having the strength to start over have taught me invaluable lessons. I emphasize the importance of resilience and embracing second chances, proving that a blended family can thrive with open communication and unwavering commitment. I have not only found a proper do-over but a canvas for new adventures and shared dreams.

As a resilient mother of three and stepmother of two, I gracefully navigate the twists and turns of motherhood, opening up about starting my life over and embracing the organized chaos of keeping a beautiful home, gardening, entertaining, and more, all with five children.

My blog will be full of my favorite products, fun stories to share, helpful tips, recipes, organizational and decor ideas, as well as overcoming challenges to help others in my situation. Check back soon as I have dozens of drafted blog posts that I will be publishing soon. I will start by keeping it light and gradually get into more personal topics!

Additionally, my shop is filled with my own personal designs, including clothes, glasses, mugs, decor, candles, gifts, and personalized gift items. Each piece is created with love and care, reflecting my passion for design and my journey.

I invite you to read my blog, browse my shop, and stay connected through email as we explore this long-awaited journey together. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my story inspires you to embrace your own path, no matter how winding it may be.

Warm regards,