Our family life blossomed with even more kids, as well as a move to a house steeped in local history. Amidst a thriving business and deep community ties, the beautiful chaos of a big family unfolded. Rooted in our hometown, we embraced the messy, wonderful journey of raising our children. Our story became, and continues to be, deeply interwoven with the spirit of our hometown, a testament to the enduring power of family, friendship, and the unique charm of life here in Ames.

The exhilarating launch of my agency screeched to a halt with a stunning lawsuit from my former employer. Suddenly, building my dream became a desperate fight for survival. The weight of the legal battle threatened to crush my fledgling business before it even took flight.

Escaping the confines of my old agency, keeping my clients became a fierce priority, with an unexpected ally stepping in to help. The thrill of setting up my own office was soon eclipsed by a surprising partnership offer – a chance to build something bigger, together. Choosing collaboration over independence felt like a risk, but the potential for growth and shared success was too powerful to ignore. It was a bold move, a decisive step towards a future brimming with possibility.

Family and entrepreneurial urges led me to launch my own insurance agency. A dead-end at my current job, marked by broken promises and a non-compete, forced my hand. Encouraged by industry support, I took the exhilarating leap into entrepreneurship. It was a high-stakes bet on myself and a declaration of independence. The adventure began.

Leaving the demanding call center, I sought a local career in Ames, unexpectedly finding it in insurance. But the familiar pull of ministry tugged at my heart, creating a crossroads. A powerful conversation with a mentor illuminated a surprising truth: my drive to serve could thrive just as brightly in the business world. This revelation sparked a decisive career shift, fueled by a newfound purpose to impact my community in unexpected ways. It was a choice not just of profession, but of a deeply meaningful path.

Trading the call center for a local insurance gig felt like a fresh start, but a sudden loss brought an unexpected sorrow. Amidst the grief, the news of our second child sparked hope. And as a critical career challenge loomed, our newest addition's dramatic entry into the world became a powerful turning point, intertwining professional survival with the intensely personal and transformative journey of a growing family. It was a season of profound loss and the fierce, undeniable pull of new life.

The chaotic joy of new parenthood collided with career shifts and a move, all while a crazy side hustle fueled a dream anniversary trip - a hilarious disaster culminating in the most bizarre and unforgettable discovery in a Chicago alley. It wasn't the anniversary we envisioned, but the shared absurdity forged an unbreakable bond, proving that lasting memories are often the ones you never plan for.

The anticipation of our first child brought a whirlwind of changes: a new, quirky home and a spirited beagle puppy joined our lives. But the true adventure began with the exhausting joy of our daughter's birth. Those early days, a chaotic symphony of love and sleeplessness, were made even funnier by our beagle's utterly perplexed reaction to this tiny, loud human. It was the wonderfully messy opening chapter of our family's story.

The first months of marriage were a rollercoaster of canceled dreams and career hurdles, yet a vibrant community rallied around us. As I unexpectedly climbed the career ladder, life delivered another twist: the joyous news of our impending parenthood. It was a powerful collision of professional ambition and the deeply personal, life-altering journey of starting a family, all interwoven with the strength of unexpected friendships.

A new career launched alongside the exhilarating countdown to "I do." The wedding day itself was a whirlwind of joy, the perfect prelude to the quiet excitement of creating a home together. With dreams of the future dancing in our heads, every moment felt charged with the thrilling energy of a brand new, shared adventure.