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As we wrap up another year, I always love taking a moment to slow down and look back on the little (and big!) moments that shaped our family. 2025 was full of sweet milestones, unexpected twists, lots of learning, plenty of grace, and so much joy in watching our kids grow. If you’re reading this as a friend, family member, or longtime Simple Modest Mom subscriber — thank you for being here and following along with our everyday life.

2025 RECAP & FAMILY UPDATE ✨

Happy Holidays from our crew! This year brought so many changes for our family — the kind that stretch you, surprise you, and remind you just how sweet this season of little years really is.

School Days + Big Milestones

Oliver started Kindergarten, which he has absolutely loved… once we got through a very rocky beginning. Right before school began, he came down with pneumonia, which quickly made its way to both Eric and me. Ainsley somehow dodged it (praise the Lord!), but it meant our fall looked very different than we expected. We stepped into the school year slowly, gently, and honestly — with far fewer “fun fall plans” than we imagined. But the slower pace ended up being a blessing we didn’t know we needed.

Once he was healthy and settled, Oliver absolutely thrived. And in the sweetest twist, this was the year he discovered art. The little boy who once had to be bribed into coloring now spends afternoons drawing creative scenes, characters, and stories. It’s been such a joy watching this new part of him bloom.

Ainsley stepped into preschool this year — just two mornings a week — and she has grown leaps and bounds. Our more introverted kiddo surprised us all by coming home almost weekly with a new story of another “new friend” she’s made. She has also been fully committed to her princess era — dressing up daily (and protesting anything that isn’t a gown). Her imagination is magical right now, filled with songs, stories, and pretend play that keeps us laughing.

A Year Full of Family Adventures

We packed in so many sweet memories this year — the kind I hope the kids will look back on with joy.

Great Wolf Lodge: We surprised the kids during Spring Break with another trip to Great Wolf Lodge! We picked Oliver up from preschool and didn’t tell them where we were going… it was so fun to watch them realize what was happening as we pulled into the parking lot!
Bethany Beach, DE: We kicked off the summer at our favorite little beach spot. It truly feels like our family’s happy place.
Jellystone Campground: Our first time! The kids were obsessed — swimming, playgrounds, character visits… such a hit.
Poconos Trip: We spent a cozy long weekend with Eric’s family, enjoying slow mornings, cousin time, and beautiful mountain views.
Kids Camp: We all helped out with our church’s Kids Camp at the end of the summer, which is always a highlight. Watching Oliver participate in Kids Camp for the first time while we served was especially meaningful this year.
Theme Week Summer: This summer, we kept a fun rhythm with our Theme Week Summer series — little themed weeks that helped us structure the summer, stay intentional, and keep the kids busy with activities, outings, and memory-making.
Our 9th Wedding Anniversary: Eric and I celebrated 9 years together (!) this fall, and took another mini trip to Ocean City, Maryland for an outdoor music festival on the beach. It’s crazy to think that this next year will be 10 years married!

We also continued our family routine of local adventures — water parks, playgrounds, swimming lessons, YMCA nights, and plenty of city walks with the dog when we could manage it.

What Eric Was Up To This Year

This was a big year for Eric, both in ministry and in the things that bring him joy. One of the highlights was planning, organizing, and leading his very own Winter Retreat for our Student Community at CFC — something he poured so much time and care into. The retreat was a huge success, and it was really special watching it all come together.

He also hit a major milestone by getting licensed with the C&MA (Christian & Missionary Alliance) and beginning the ordination process. It’s been a season of learning, growing, and getting to know our denomination on a deeper level, and it’s been encouraging to see how the Lord continues shaping his heart for ministry.

This year, Eric also had the joy of helping launch the new downtown location of our church. He has always wanted to be part of church planting in Lancaster City, so being able to help lead in this new space has been meaningful and energizing — a sweet mix of calling and excitement as we’ve watched the Lord move in our neighborhood.

Another meaningful part of his year was leading a mission trip to NYC, serving immigrants and refugees. While he has taken students to NYC before, this year brought a new focus and partnership with a different organization. The team learned so much, and it was powerful watching the students engage and grow.

On a lighter note — he even got back out on the soccer field this fall! After a few years off, he loved having the chance to play again and connect with other guys through something he’s always enjoyed.

Maisy’s Tough Year

Maisy, our sweet (and slightly chaotic) pup, had a very difficult year. What started as a suspected UTI spiraled into discovery after discovery:

her spay surgery at the beginning of the summer revealed multiple bladder stones
continued problems even after recovery
the eventual discovery of one giant bladder stone requiring a second surgery at the end of the summer
two surgeries for cherry eye — because one eye needed the procedure twice

She now requires a lifelong special diet (goodbye, people food and table scraps), which has been a big shift for all of us… especially her. 😂 But she’s finally settling in, feeling better, and becoming a (slightly) calmer version of herself. The kids absolutely adore her, and she really has become such a sweet part of our family rhythm.

Looking Back With Gratitude

Like most years, 2025 was a mix of beautiful moments, unexpected challenges, and the simple, everyday sweetness of raising little ones. Through the busy seasons, the sicknesses, the surgeries (so many surgeries 🙃), and all the fun along the way, we’re grateful for the people walking alongside us — including you.

Thanks for being here, for reading, and for sharing these moments with us.

💛 With Love,

- jen & the fam

A Few of Our Favorite Finds From This Year

If you want to peek at the items we used, loved, or shared throughout the year, you can browse the highlights here:

Shop My Amazon Storefront

Thanks so much for taking a moment to catch up on our year. I love having you here, and I hope these little life updates remind you that your own simple, everyday moments matter too.