Life can be busy at times, right? We’ve all had those episodes.
Tonight’s post is personal news about several things that have been going on with me and my family during the last several weeks. It’s been a busy time.
The month of May started out as one would expect for having a graduating high school senior. We kept up with reading all the emails/communications from the district & the school (to know the process of turning in everything, closing accounts, turning in paper work, etc) and of course we were planning and prepping for graduation AND for a grad party! I caught a cold at the beginning of the month (as many of you who watch my Live videos know). And boy, was it a stubborn one! I couldn’t seem to get rid of it for quite a long time. So that was a bit frustrating with all that we had going on.
The end of May arrived, we were all healthy and well (no one else in my family ever got what I had – crazy), and we were ready for the festivities and celebrations.
Hooray! Our youngest son, Luke graduated on June 1st!
Time flies way too quickly. I started my blog in the spring of Luke’s Kindergarten year! This photo shows Luke on the left and his brother Nick on the right at the start of that 2012/2013 year. (I remember Nick was so ready to help Luke navigate elementary school. Gosh they were so adorable at those ages.)

And here is a comparison of little Luke to 12th grader Luke.

But I digress…

The ceremony was indoors at the Mariucci Arena at the University of Minnesota. We arrived early and got great seats. My sister was with us and took the above photo with her awesome zoom lens.

We were blessed to have had great weather to capture a few photos outdoors afterwards. This is my family…me, Luke, Tim, and Nick.

We hosted Luke’s graduation party at our house on Saturday, June 7th. The weather held up pretty well – only a mild rain shower towards the end. And many came to celebrate with us.

It was a wonderful time, and we were ready to focus our attentions on the next things coming up on the calendar in June: preparing for our big annual garage sale and preparing for my husband Tim and Luke’s trip to Vienna.
But something very unexpected happened the evening after the grad party. Our oldest Nick who had joined a “sandlot” baseball league for something fun to do with his friends this summer broke his tibia and fibula while sliding into home base when he scored a run for his team during that first game of the season. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. It’s been a struggle mentally and physically. It’s been very painful, he can’t work out at the gym (he’s a body builder), and he has to take a lot of time off from his job (he works for a moving company). If you’ve ever experienced breaking a bone you know that the process for healing is a slow one. He had surgery this morning. So at least that part is over.
We are still holding the sale. It will be bigger than ever and we even have a food truck coming the first day. And Tim and Luke are still going to on their trip. Nothing has changed for that. But know that I’ve got some extra care giver duties lately and I might not respond to emails, calls, and messages as quickly as I usually do.
I have to admit, it’s been wonderful to be needed again. My kids are so independent at ages 18 and 19. And I’ve missed doing motherly things. So taking care of my son hasn’t bothered me at all. I love that I can be there for him.
Here is what a couple of our areas in our garage looked like yesterday after only half of the participants had dropped their items off. Crazy, right? Anyone who attends will love the selection!


Sorry there was no creative project idea for you this time. But I’ve got ideas swimming around in my head and will have time to create and share again soon.

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Oh my goodness!!!! Rachel…..sending prayers of healing, comfort, strength and safety travels for your family! What an incredible set of events of highs and lows. Hugs, Barb
Thank you Barb. 😘
So sorry you had to endure that miserable cold in May when you were busy with fun and memorable family activities. I had something similar with a cough that ended with a sinus infection! Crazy that a similar “bug” was going around in different parts of the country! Sending well wishes to Nick. I know the frustration b/c I broke my ankle 2 1/2 years ago and was layed up for months. Safe travels for Luke and your husband and wishing you some well earned down time after your big garage sale. I always look forward to your live broadcasts (& replays). Cheers from California.☀️
Thanks so much Michael. You have always been so supportive with your kind words. I appreciate you.
My goodness, Rachel!! You have been a busy woman! I’m glad that most is good, but big injuries are so hard to deal with. While the young heal faster, it’s so hard to lose that fun time while recovering. Too much energy and no place to use it. And your Nick is so physically active! I feel for him. I will pray for you all and say a special prayer for Nick for a speedy recovery. Take care!!
aww….thank you so much for your empathy Debby. ❤️
Oh Rachel, I am sure about now you’re taking a sigh of relief. I truly hope you have been able to enjoy all the craziness of the past weeks. Time passes so quickly and our children 🧒 grow up so fast as well. Seems like it w as yesterday when my twins graduated and were off to college, but it was 15 years ago. I hope your son heals quickly and your husband and son have a wonderful time in Vienna and you get some well deserved rest. May God’s angels watch over your family .
Thank you so much Tina. I appreciate your well wishes, blessings, and empathy. 😘
Rachel I love watching you and you so talented. And fun to watch. I have Ben watching you for years!
Thanks Mollie! Hugs to you. 😊
Where do you get your wigs/toppers?
Various places…My toppers are from Hairline Wigs and UniWigs. But my wigs I buy wherever. For wigs I look for certain brands (BelleTress, Jon Renau, Raquel Welch, Estetica, Amore) and can buy them from different sites. My toppers are human hair. And my wigs are mostly synthetic.