Journeys With Jani

When your kids are little, loving them more than anything just comes naturally. You hold their sticky hands, wipe their tears, pray over them every night, and hope you’re doing it halfway right. And of course, sometimes you aren’t. But even in the fumbles, they learn—grit, grace, and a good sense of humor.

My two boys, Jake and Jarrett, were 12 and 14 when life shifted. It wasn’t always easy, but we figured things out together. We grew. We got stronger. And somewhere between the chaos of school mornings, teenage moods, and late-night heart-to-hearts, I blinked—and they were grown.

Now here I am, watching these men I raised navigate life and fatherhood, and let me tell you—I genuinely like who they are. Not just because I’m their momma, but because they’ve grown into kind, capable, funny-as-hell humans. People I love being around.

Blended, Blessed, and Beautifully Ours

Years later, I married Greg. By then, all our kids were already grown, but blending our families still felt like coming home. Mitch—Greg’s son and my bonus boy—was raised by Greg with a little help from his amazing parents. And even though I didn’t raise him myself, he’s very much mine now, too.

Three boys. Three very different paths. One big, blended family that just works.

Jake: The Chef with a Margarita Welcome

Jake, my oldest, is a phenomenal cook. I’m not talking “spaghetti in a pinch” here—I’m talking full-on restaurant-worthy, pour-you-a-margarita-when-you-walk-in-the-door kind of hospitality. He’s warm, welcoming, and thoughtful to his core. He is the one that people are drawn to and the one who will always have your back. Solid! And he’s got my heart and my appetite wrapped around his finger. Did I mention my grans, AJ and Harvey!?

Mitch: The Calm in the Middle

Mitch, our middle son, lives close by. He drops in for dinner, chats on the porch, and heads off fishing with Greg like it’s just another Tuesday. He’s steady, loyal, and effortlessly kind—the kind of person who makes everything feel a little more relaxed just by being around. Plus, my grand-boys, Wyatt and Wilson add a little more sweetness.

Jarrett: My Forever Sidekick

Jarrett, the youngest, is my movie date. About once a month, we grab popcorn and lose ourselves in whatever’s playing—his treat. We laugh, we cry, we occasionally whisper, “What in the world did we just watch?” did y’all even see Cocaine Bear? He’s got a soft heart and a cold streak that reminds of how much like me he is. He keeps us entertained and grounded all at once. Jarrett blessed me with Swayze, Urban, Liberty and Seger. Yes! Four! He’s the one who is smart but at times, I have questioned the military entrusting us to him. LOL.

Watching Them Raise Their Own

All three of these boys are now raising families of their own. They’re doing the whole parenting thing with heart, humor, and a whole lot more patience than I probably had. And the best part? They like me. As an adult. As a friend. As someone they call up just to chat—or to share a margarita and a moment.

Three Good Men. One Lucky Momma

I loved them when they were little. I adored them through every awkward, angsty stage. But now? Now I get to see them in their full glory—grown, grounded, and good.

Three boys.

One beautifully blended family.

And a momma who wouldn’t trade this chapter for the world.

XOXO, Jani