Recorded in Real Life: Episode 1 (January 6, 2026)

Recorded in Real Life is a recurring blog series where I simply talk through my day as it unfolds—no filters, no highlight reels, and no perfectly wrapped lessons. Think of it like a podcast you read: voice-texted moments, everyday routines, real emotions, faith, motherhood, and the ordinary rhythms of life captured in real time. Some days will be meaningful, some mundane, some messy—but all of them are honest snapshots of what life looks like for me in this season. This series is about remembering the days as they are, not as we wish they were.

Good Morning

Good morning, everybody.

Today felt like the perfect day to officially kick off this new blog series. I kept calling it a daily vlog in my head, but since there’s no video involved, it’s really more of a daily blog—just me talking through my day and capturing a snapshot of what life looked like on this exact date.

Today is Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and Tuesdays are my day off. That means I had the whole day to myself while the kids were at school, which always feels like such a gift.

I was actually the third person in my family to wake up this morning. Martin was up first and headed to the garage for a workout. Shortly after that, Madley woke up—which wasn’t surprising since she went to bed at 7:30 the night before. About ten minutes later, I got up too, right around 6:00.

After getting dressed and brushing my teeth, I walked into the living room to find Martin and Madley completely snuggled on the couch. Martin was asleep, and Madley was watching Bluey. It was one of those sweet, quiet moments that makes early mornings worth it.

Morning Quiet (Before the Chaos)

While Martin worked out, I sat down for my Bible study. I’m currently in the Gospels, and honestly, I have to pace myself. Once you start reading them, it’s hard not to keep going.

Right now, we’re toward the end of Jesus’ life on earth, and it’s just so rich—His wisdom, His parables, His perspective. It’s life-giving and life-changing. It makes you stop and examine who you’re trying to please and what voices are influencing you.

I find myself seeing pieces of myself in the Pharisees sometimes, and I hate that. So I keep praying, asking God to mold my heart, shape my thoughts like His, and check what I’m consuming and believing as truth. I want His Word—especially the words of Jesus—to speak louder than anything else.

And then… Bible study ended, and it was time to get the kids moving for school.

When the Morning Went Off the Rails

Madley woke up snuggly and happy, but it was our first day back to school, and I told the kids it was time to stop the TV and Nintendo Switch and get dressed and eat breakfast.

Madley had already put on the outfit we picked out the night before—but suddenly, it was all wrong. Everything was uncomfortable. She hated all of her clothes. Full meltdown.

I told her I didn’t care what she wore, as long as she was comfortable. That did not help. She was upset that I wouldn’t stay in her room while she got dressed, but when Madley cries, she needs an audience. Her pain must be witnessed.

Eventually, I went in to “help,” only to be told I was standing weird and staring at her clothes in a weird way. (Anyone else see that coming?)

After about twenty minutes, she found an acceptable outfit. I did her hair and realized she was quietly munching on dry cereal—and suddenly, her entire attitude shifted. Lightbulb moment: she was just hungry. As soon as she ate, she was happy again.

We got Bennett to school, came home, and Madley even packed her own lunch. The rest of the morning actually turned out great. Poor Martin missed the turnaround—he left in the middle of the chaos—but I felt good knowing it resolved.

For breakfast, I had a small bowl of Frosted Mini-Wheats, and about an hour later, Greek yogurt with dark chocolate. Delicious.

Midday Errands & Sunshine

After dropping the kids off, I had about thirty minutes before my nail appointment, so I told myself to walk just one mile on the treadmill in the garage before heading out. I took everything with me, walked the mile, and then hopped straight into the car.

My nails turned out so pretty—I did Funny Bunny mixed with Bubble Bath—soft, elegant, and classic. I love chatting with Lena and the ladies at Precious Nails. It’s always such a fun, relaxing time.

On the way home, I grabbed a small snack, switched the laundry, started the dishwasher, and decided to take Ruby for a walk. It was 45 degrees, sunny, and almost no wind—absolutely beautiful. Any sunny day in January feels like a gift, and I truly believe sunshine is good for the soul.

Afternoon Reset

That walk turned into a little over two miles. After about a mile and a half, I had to run home to drop off my jacket and beanie and even changed into a short-sleeve shirt—which is wild for January 6. I was completely comfortable in leggings and a T-shirt.

During the walk, the company that hangs our Christmas lights came and took them down, which officially closed the Christmas season at our house. Everything Christmas is now packed away until next November.

After the walk, I had cottage cheese and tomatoes for lunch and then headed downstairs to blog. I took most of December off, so I spent some time brainstorming what I want to write about this month and this year—trying to stay true to what I enjoy and what I hope you enjoy reading too.

Wrapping Up the Day

I had a super productive blogging afternoon and officially landed on the name Recorded in Real Life for this series. The idea is simple: voice memos turned into blog posts—like reading a podcast. I’m excited because it gives me more flexibility and makes blogging feel doable in this season.

I also worked on my Friday Favorites post (coming tomorrow!) and brainstormed blog ideas for January and February. Blogging Monday through Friday is the ultimate goal, but realistically, if I can publish three to four posts a week, I’ll be thrilled.

Before the kids got home, I did a quick clean sweep—made the beds with fresh sheets, moved laundry, emptied trash, wiped down countertops, and considered sneaking in one more walk with Ruby because the weather was just that good.

The evening plan is pretty simple: Bennett finishes practice around 5:15, Baker has basketball from 6–7, and then we’ll wind down and head to bed between 7 and 8. Hopefully, smooth sailing tonight—unlike this morning’s outfit debacle.

Final Thoughts

It’s been so fun recording in real life with you today. I hope you enjoyed this first post as much as I enjoyed making it. Talking instead of typing makes this so much easier for me, and I love that I can do it while walking, driving, or moving through my day.

Let me know what you think of the first ever Recorded in Real Life, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites 🤍