About Me

While this blog started from “Getting Back to Me,” I feel like we should chat about who I am. What makes Syd’s clock even tick?

 

Honestly, this might be the hardest thing to write, because who really wants to talk about themselves? It feels like the first day of class or a job interview: “So, tell me about yourself.” It’s something we’ve all had to do, but few of us really peel back the layers.

 

But here I am — peeling back the layers — and telling you who I am, so together we can work on getting back to me. ;)

 

I was born in Jamestown, ND, to a single mother who worked incredibly hard for me. When I was six years old, my mom took a new job that required us to relocate. Wanting to make the transition as smooth as possible for me, she decided to move first and get settled before bringing me along. During that time, I went to live with my great aunt and uncle, Kim and Dale.

 

After my mom got settled, we reunited — but the move wasn’t what either of us expected. It was far from family, and we both felt the distance. My mom decided to find a new job and move back home. Once again, she had me stay with Kim and Dale while she got things figured out.

 

Truthfully, it was one of the biggest blessings in my life. Kim and Dale opened their hearts and their home to me, raising me as if I were one of their own. It gave my mom and me space to grow an even stronger relationship — one that many mothers and daughters don’t get the chance to experience.

 

Kim and Dale never made my mom or me feel bad about the situation. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and support. Everyone just wanted what was best for me. I truly wouldn’t be the woman I am today without their guidance and grace.

 

And with Kim and Dale’s love came that same energy from their children — Tony, Danita, and Adam. From the beginning, they treated me like their little sister. Being an “only child,” that meant the world to me. I had a whole team cheering me on, helping me grow, and shaping me into a strong, grounded person.

 

When it came time for college, I knew I wanted to be close to my mom, Erin, and my stepdad, Brian. I decided to attend M State in Moorhead, MN. I originally went to college to earn a business degree but quickly felt God calling me in a different direction — one where I could care for others, provide a safe space, offer grace, and remind people that while our choices matter, some things are simply in His hands.

 

So, I applied to nursing school — something I once thought was out of reach. Math and science weren’t my strong suits in high school, but college taught me that with hard work, focus, and yes, a few tears, dreams really can become reality. Nursing has been both challenging and deeply rewarding, and I truly believe God knew what He was doing when He led me down this path. I flourished in college, made friendships that will last a lifetime, and began to see the version of myself I was meant to become.

 

After college, I moved to South Dakota with the love of my life, Austin. He is seriously the best for me — faithful, honest, kind, smart, and funny. We met during a time when I was learning who I was and who I wanted to be, and somehow, God placed the perfect partner beside me for that journey. After we got married, we knew we wanted to grow our family right away. We faced a few challenges along the way, but we stayed proactive and faithful — and I truly believe we were given the gift of parenthood exactly when we were meant to receive it.

 

Since then, life has been full — two sweet boys, one angel baby, career changes, moves, laughter, tears, and everything in between. Motherhood has been the most humbling, beautiful, and transformative part of my life. It’s where I’ve felt my greatest love and my deepest growing pains all at once. I’ve learned that being a mom doesn’t mean losing yourself, even though it’s easy to forget who you are under the piles of laundry, the sleepless nights, and the endless to-do lists.

 

Somewhere along the way, I realized I had been running on autopilot — doing everything for everyone else but forgetting what made my clock tick. That’s when I started this journey, my “Getting Back to Me” season.

 

This space — my blog — is where I share the real stuff: the highs, the lows, and all the messy, beautiful in-betweens of life. It’s about faith, marriage, motherhood, and remembering that we’re all still growing. It’s a reminder that even in the chaos, there’s purpose.

 

I don’t have it all figured out (and probably never will), but I’m learning that life isn’t about perfection — it’s about grace, growth, and gratitude. So whether you’re a tired mom, a wife finding balance, or someone just trying to reconnect with yourself again — I hope you find comfort here.

 

Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I’m so happy you’re here. 💛