Motherhood had always been a dream of mine. From a young age, I envisioned myself nurturing a child, guiding them through life’s milestones, and creating a family filled with love and laughter. However, as life often does, my journey to motherhood took a series of unexpected twists and turns, testing my faith, resilience, and ability to embrace the unpredictable.

Welcome to our Empty Nest Community Quiz! If you’re looking for ways to reignite your passions, find meaningful connections, and live with purpose, you’re in the right place. Our faith-filled community is here to support and inspire you as you navigate this new chapter. Let’s see how our community can best meet your needs and interests. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Have you ever walked by a neglected plant, its leaves drooping, its once vibrant green now faded to a sickly yellow? Maybe it was a plant you picked up with excitement, imagining how it would thrive under your care. But life got busy, distractions piled up, and before you knew it, that plant started to whither and wilt, a mere shadow of what it could have been.

It's a stark image, but it sometimes resonates with how you feel about your life. There are seasons when we pour everything we have into our families, careers, and commitments, often at the expense of our well-being. It's easy to lose ourselves in the process, forgetting that we, too, need attention, nourishment, and care to thrive.

At Connect Home Life, we believe in the power of stories that transform wounds into wisdom. Our updated About page reflects this journey, resonating with my 2024 One Word “transformation.” Join us as we share heartfelt narratives of resilience and growth, where challenges become stepping stones to greater understanding.

Owning waterfront property with a dock brings joy and responsibility. Over time, the elements can take a toll on your dock steps, especially if made from pressure-treated wood. You can restore your dock steps to their former glory with essential tools and materials. Here's a step-by-step guide on repairing pressure-treated dock steps using true 1” x 6” x 8’ boards (Menard’s calls it premium decking) for treads and 6” x 6” x 8’ treated lumber for supports.

Hi, I'm Jo! It's great to connect with you! I'm an empty-nest wife, mom, coffee lover, and retired financial management professional. In a season of life where the bustling home turns quiet, I understand the mix of emotions you're experiencing. After health challenges caused me to put my career on hold, I dedicated myself to nurturing my family, only to face an empty nest.

As the nest empties and life takes on a new rhythm, there are opportunities to rediscover passions and explore new experiences. Last Sunday, my husband and I stopped by Kohl's after church. This retail haven offers a treasure trove of deals that can reignite your passion for fashion, décor, and more, all while fostering a sense of connection and purpose.

Our daughter and her husband recently went strawberry picking at a nearby orchard. They stopped by to share their bountiful harvest, and we were touched by their thoughtfulness and generosity, so we wanted to share a few benefits of delicious fresh strawberries with you!

Crack open the wine, moms, because while the kids are out spreading their wings, it's time for us to focus on something equally important – our own health! Let's chat about why annual mammograms are the new must-have accessory for empty nesters.

I wanted to connect with you and share some exciting news. During my recent trip to Florida, I took some time to recharge my batteries and explore the beautiful state. But, I also attended the EBA Powerhouse intensive training by Christian small business owner Ruth Soukup in Port Charlotte. It was a transformative experience for me! The day was filled with practical tools and strategies for online business success, but what truly sets this experience apart is the underlying current of connection and community. I met people worldwide and gained fresh ideas and perspectives to share.

Are you an empty nester looking to infuse your newfound freedom with purpose and meaning? Introducing our Purposeful Empty Nester Affirmation Series – a collection of uplifting and inspiring scriptures curated specifically for this transformative stage of life.

The beginning of a new year often marks a time for reflection, self-improvement, and setting goals. Traditional resolutions may involve a list of specific objectives, but a growing trend advocates for simplicity and focus—choosing one word to guide your year.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations and the glow of community gatherings, there's a quiet moment for personal reflection and growth. This year, I've embarked on a transformative journey with "Ignite Your Best Year Yet." Guided by insightful exercises and introspective prompts, I've uncovered my strengths, faced challenges head-on, and set goals that resonate with the core of who I am. This program has become my compass, pointing me toward a future where aspirations align seamlessly with values.

Are you a parent struggling to navigate the painful journey of estrangement from your adult child? If so, I invite you to embark on a transformative healing journey with the help of this empowering book.

As the holiday season approaches, many parents face the challenge of spending the holidays without their adult children. It can be a difficult adjustment if your children have moved away, have other commitments, or can't make it home for the holidays. However, with some planning and flexibility, it's possible to create new traditions and enjoy the holiday season differently.

The wedding ceremony and reception, held on July 15, 2023, were a beautiful and elegant affair that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. The stunning O'Shaughnessy Hall on the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods campus was the perfect setting for the event. Simple to Elegant, the talented wedding planners worked tirelessly to transform the venue into a breathtaking masterpiece that impressed everyone. Throughout the planning process, Jeanette Winchester provided us with outstanding support, while Jeff's expertise with draping and on-the-day assistance was exceptional. The ceremony decor, including crisp white linens, crystal vases of varying heights with cascading flowers, and a floral aisle runner, added to the charm and beauty of the ceremony.

A timeless love story unfolds as the misty morning transforms into a radiant summer day. Witnessing our daughter's beautiful, elegant wedding at the enchanting O'Shaughnessy Hall was a day filled with love, joy, and profound emotions that spoke to the hearts of family and friends gathered to celebrate with the young couple. 

The excitement of a wedding is a joyous event that brings families and friends together. As empty nest parents, this might be a new experience for you. Here are top tips to help you navigate the event gracefully and effortlessly.

Oh, let me take you on a delightful journey of how we transformed a shy and reserved bride-to-be's hesitant attitude into an unforgettable bridal shower extravaganza! It all started with a sprinkle of love, a dash of creativity, and a whole lot of excitement!

My journey through the mother-of-the-bride timeline. A real-life perspective about managing wedding expectations through the lens and heart of a mom.