Most of us grow up with the expectation and dream of meeting the love of our life, getting married, and becoming a parent. It's supposed to be that easy right? Boom, boom, boom. Then life actually happens and it throws us curve balls. Sometimes the plans don't happen in the order we want, or sometimes those big moments seem unattainable. For Raquel Goossens, one of her deepest desires was to become a mom. Something that should be so natural became one of the biggest struggles in her life. Listen as she shares her heart through the difficulties of facing infertility through failed attempts of IVF and entering what's known as the long road of adoption. Together, with her husband, they put their trust and faith in God and grew a beautiful family. It was a period filled with heartache, but it brought them here... with another baby on the way! I hope her story encourages you to stay positive through the challenges and continue on.

Let's be honest we do a lot of dating in our twenties. Whether we are coming off of that first "puppy love" relationship from high school, or our first serious relationship that has real potential, or maybe just casual dating from blind dates to one night stands as we discover what we like and what we don't like. Regardless, dating plays a big role in this decade for most. Joining me for today's episode is my husband. Yes, he actually agreed to be a guest, which I was thrilled about! We talk about our 4-year "on and off" dating relationship through its' ups and downs. He opens up about the hard times, but also how we came to the place of him putting a ring on it and changing my life forever! Dating can be stressful, but the outcomes can be oh so worth it.

Not much tops a life-changing event than becoming a mom, let alone becoming a mom when you still feel like a kid yourself. Ashleigh Burgess is one of my oldest friends from elementary school. She's truly one of the strongest and most hard working ladies I know. Going from a 19-year old single mom and working full time to the amazing woman she is today. She's my most brutally honest friend and I think we all can appreciate friends like that! Listen as she shares her heart through some of the most challenging times in her life. How she adjusted to motherhood and dating as a single mom. I couldn't be more proud to call her my friend.

I'm telling you, get yourself a best friend like mine! This girl, Court Toliver, has been there through my ups and downs and has always been so supportive. We chat all the time, but I was thrilled to have her on the podcast. She talks about friendships and how some relationships can go through stages, but it's all about "Quality over Quantity". She opens up about her struggle with college and careers and how it's not always for everyone. Lastly, she opens up about the heartache she felt from her parents divorcing in her early twenties and how it played a role in her own opinion on marriage. I hope you all enjoy!

Catching up with an elementary friend, who we were reconnected through the wonderful world of social media (see good things can come out of the double-tap!) We were able to chat and unravel the twists and turns her twenties brought her. From college degrees to the career changes all the way to dating, engagement, and of course the busy mom life. Meet Jennette Stevenson, her story, and of course all of the cute boys in her life!

Finally my first guest! This woman is very close to my heart, I've known since I was born... literally. Catch up with my sister and me; as she shares some hardships and unexpected turns in her twenties. How she overcame them, accepted them, and learned from them. The way she entered her twenties was much different than how she exited them. I think we could all relate and learn from her experiences as well.

Welcome back to Living Twentyish, our first full episode is finally available! You will get to hear all about me and the start to Living Twentyish. Just a few forewarnings as I am learning the ropes to podcasting; I apologize for the moments I talk really fast, and how many times I say "I am so excited". Oh and also when I go all Robin Scheribatsky on you with my "but um" moments. 

Hope you all enjoy and thanks so much for listening!

Hey Friends! Exciting news here, Living Twentyish now has a podcast. We all know how busy life is, so having the opportunity to listen while you multitask on other things like driving, working out, at work, grocery shopping, etc whatever it may be sometimes listening is better than reading. I have all the news and updates for what to expect from the Living Twentyish Podcast go ahead and tune in!