Very Soon

 Update on the garden, everything is on track for wedding blossoms.

 I'm so excited.  

Before I started work for the day and before anyone was awake,

I went outside and worked in my garden.

It was such a nice way to begin my day.

It was so fun imagining the day very soon when 

this space will be popping with color!

The Junkyard

This morning, I joined Gigs and Christian at the junkyard to look

for material to build a swing in our front yard tree.

Our goal is to have it ready for Claire's wedding in July.

The junkyard was a treat;

lots of things to look at, and I couldn't help but wonder things

 like who did that old truck belong to so many years ago,

and when did that lawnmower stop working?

Who rode that wheeler, and what stories can they tell.

It was fascinating!

Gigs was like a little boy in a candy shop, and I had so much

fun following him around and watching him comment about 

this and that, and what makes something valuable,

especially when all I see is junk.

 Then, this evening, we hosted our first-ever team Zoom 

meeting with all the instructors!  
It's real! It's happening, and I don't know what to think about it...

I'm excited and anxious about everything in between!

Our grand opening is May 30th, but construction is killing me,

and to be honest, I am very worried about it happening.

Gigs And The Boys

This evening, we attended a youth fireside at the chapel across 

from the Raleigh temple, where Oliver and another recently 

returned sister missionary presented together. 

They discussed their missions and the importance of sharing the gospel.

He's soooo cute!

After Gigs and his friends, all serving missions this summer, 

gathered to take a photo in front of the temple with the 

flags representing the countries they will be serving in.

I have known most of these cute boys since they were in 7th grade!

It's so fun to see them growing up and becoming MEN.

Of course, I didn't know about this photo op, and we didn't have the

Czech or Slovakia representation, so he used his phone.  And Jane's.

Before I went to bed this evening, I reflected on the beautiful day.

From Oliver confidently standing in front of hundreds of youth

sharing experiences from his mission to when Gigs was set apart and blessed

 as a Melchizedek Priesthood holder as he prepares for his mission in August.

Recently, Gigs has been inviting one of his best friends, F, to church, 

and for the past few months, they have been sitting together 

on the front row pew with our family.

However, today was different; his friend, F, wore a tie.

After church, I commented on F's tie and that he certainly

looked sharp, and he said,

"Thanks, Gigs tied it.  I don't even own a tie."

Then I imagined Gigs tying on F's tie in the car before walking

into the chapel together.

That is missionary work.

He will be an incredible missionary; it comes naturally 

to him because he is genuine.

Because he loves, he shares, and he invites.

Then, I fell asleep with a massive lump in my throat.

Yes You Do

 One of the first instructors I trained and certified was Caulin.

I love Caulin and am so thankful for his patience 

as I figure everything out.

There were nights at the gym where we'd work on classes,

or on the phrasing and then just laugh in exhaustion.

 Or when I'd admit that I didn't actually know what I was doing,

and he'd say, 

"Yes, you do.  Look at me, YES YOU DO."

He was such a huge confidence boost to me then

and still is today.

Now he's a legit certified Barre3 instructor teaching community classes

as we patiently wait for the studio to open.

Celebrate Good Times (At Barre3), Come On!

This morning, Jane taught class.

She is training to become an instructor and has to teach

community classes until she is officially certified.

She will teach here in my studio until she heads back to 

BYU, then she will work at the SLC Barre3 studio.

I love working with her!

This morning, she invited her friend from high school who is graduating

from UNC today!

One thing I love about Barre3 and our future studio

 is that we get to celebrate people's amazing lives, 

like graduations, births, and weddings.

Or Jane becoming a certified instructor.

Go, Jane, Go!

Peeking In

 Today, we peeked at the studio's progress.  
The major update is the paint on the wall and the ceiling.

Today's visit proved that we're a little behind schedule.

Praying we catch up.

The Grand Opening is on May 27!

I Love Sam

 I'm so thankful for the wonderful people that I work with, 

who I can rely on and count on, especially Sam.

Sam is my right hand, and I couldn't do it without her.

Well, she and Christian.

I couldn't do this job without either of them!

Today, we workshopped with a new instructor-in-training

on the porch of the community clubhouse.

I love Sam, I love Christian, and I love my team!

Boxes, Boxes

 Boxes and boxes are piling up on my porch.

Boxes for the studio.

Boxes for the wedding.

Boxes, boxes everywhere!

So many super exciting things happening.

Today, we got the linens for the dinner tables, some of the candelabras, cake plates,

gold flatware for the table settings, and my Barre3 gift bags.

I've had two bad dreams about Claire's wedding dinner and how it was a giant disaster. 

I either forget to pick up the food or forget the wedding altogether, 

then I wake up in a panic.

Is this normal?

You Deserve It

This morning, like every morning, we were excited to check out

 the studio and see the progress made the day before! 

While we were in the studio today, dark clouds gathered, 

and it started pouring rain.

The studio has such beautiful natural light and windows.

I'm so excited to share this space with my community, and 

I hope everyone feels welcomed and special in this space.

Everyone deserves that.

 I want you to come into the studio as you are and leave better.

Mother's Day 2025

A few nights ago, Jane asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day

and I said, "Mexican food."

So that's what I got.

(Of course, I said Mexican food.)

Jane cooked (and used Ollie's motocross goggles to protect her

eyes while cutting onions.), and Lottie set the table.

I talked to Claire on Zoom while drinking a Dr. Pepper.

We discussed our plan for the wedding and the list we're actively working on.

(Or trying to work on).

Also, thanks to Claire for organizing the sibling gift; 

a beautiful ring with all my children's birthstones.

It's gorgeous.

Other amazing Mother's Day gestures include:

Ollie's bouquet of pasture flowers.

Gigs' chocolate kiss.

Then Lottie gave me the gift that she had been working on all week:

an adorable candle sconce using clay and paint. I LOVE it so much!

And then, to end the day, I got a text from my new FUTURE son-in-law
who has been in Eastern Europe for the past three weeks for work.

That is so fun to type: "son-in-law."

Then the Nies cleaned up.

Jane fed me dessert, and then I went to bed.

I have the best kids everrrrrrr.

Boxes For Barre3

 It's starting...we're getting boxes of stuff to fill the studio with. 
 Retail, baskets, props, cleaning supplies, rugs, mirrors, towels, play 

lounge toys, and art. It's so exciting! 

Our back porch is the placeholder for all this stuff until the studio is ready.

And, there is a little corner of the porch where wedding stuff is going.

Tablecloths, napkins, lighting, and serving ware have come already.

There is SO MUCH going on in my life.  

Somedays, I look at Angus and feel jealous.

Pop!

 This evening, I taught a Pop-up Barre3 class at a fancy artificial turf park 

in a new development, and only two people showed up.

That was discouraging, but I taught it anyway.

I think one day I'll look back at the days when I was teaching

a million community classes a week, and I'll probably laugh.

This journey is often uncomfortable for me, but I know 

it's all part of opening a new business and getting exposure.

Thank heavens for all my Nies.

They come to ALL MY CLASSES and support me no matter what.

Then we went to Culver's for dinner.

Our favorite.

Progress Report

 Behold:
Here are the two projects I'm actively working on and thinking about EVERY DAY!
1. The Garden:

The plants are growing strong, tall, and on track for the wedding in July.

The Studio:
Construction is a little bit behind schedule. 

But every day, we see change, and that's very encouraging.

He's More Wise Now

Early this morning, I took Gigs to get his wisdom teeth out.

Gigs unofficially has trypanophobia- fear of needles; and was super anxious 

about this procedure.

All four of his teeth need to be removed.

I say that because Jane only had four and Claire only had one!

I waited in the lobby and did some work, and then they

rolled him out in a wheelchair when he was done.

Then, he was strange for most of the day.

I wrote down all the weird things he said, but I can't share them on my blog

because they were slightly inappropriate.

He came home and went right to bed.

I have to note that Gigs is the best Nie to be sick because he doesn't whine

or complain, he takes care of himself and stays on top of his medication.

The biggest request I got from him was to warm his blanket up in the dryer.

He only needs one more cavity to fill, and then the dental portion on

his mission to-do list is done.

 

Show Up

Even though my name is spelled wrong, it was a pleasure 

speaking to the Breakfast Club this morning!

As a new business owner and Barre3 instructor, I shared my 

journey with the community:

I take pride in the many stages my body has gone 

through—the ups, the downs, and the changes. 

When women show up for themselves, 

they empower themselves to care for others: 

our families, children, loved ones, neighbors, and communities. 

It’s a beautiful privilege.