Time For Our First Snow of the Season

Today feels like the perfect day to write my very first post on Thriving Through Chaos. Iowa gifted us our first snow of the season—quiet, soft, and exactly the kind of calm we’ve been needing. While the flakes drifted down outside, I spent the morning working from home, sipping on something warm, and watching Wicked with Charley May curled up in her dad's chair. Sometimes the simplest moments remind us where the good stuff really lives. I even let the kids put on their snow gear and head outside for 10 minutes!

If you’re new here, I’m Hiedi—mom of four, living in the Midwest with my life partner and our youngest two. Our family ranges from young adults navigating their own worlds to two elementary schoolers who can turn any day into an adventure. Life here is full… and loud… and chaotic… but also full of love, growth, and a whole lot of resilience.

As we head into December—one of our busiest months of the year—we’re closing out what has honestly been a pretty rough stretch. This year tested us in ways we didn’t expect. There were moments we felt stretched thin, overwhelmed, and unsure of what was coming next. But there were also moments of connection, laughter, and grounding—tiny reminders that even hard years offer pockets of beauty.

Chaos should have been Walker's middle name!

So as the snow falls and the year winds down, we’re choosing to soak in the small things: cozy mornings, family movie days, the bustle of the holidays, and the chance to reset before stepping into 2026. My hope is that this blog becomes a space where I can share those moments—the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between.

Thanks for being here from the very beginning.
Here’s to the chaos, the calm, and the journey ahead. ❄️💛

Since I have been using my van for most of the year to earn my main income, it has definitely put us through some stressful moments, from accidents to mechanical issues. I am definitely glad to be back at home full-time!