Hi, I’m Allison! I am a mom of three teenagers and a wife to a super tech guy.

In my previous life, I worked in finance. I was a retail banker, mortgage loan originator, and banking center manager before my current profession as a “home engineer” or SAHM. Now, I am good at keeping a household full of strong-minded individuals running. I have been a learning coach for our children for eight years now. They attend South Carolina Connections Academy, an online charter school. I know how hectic a schedule can get juggling school and extracurricular activities. Our oldest is preparing to graduate college, and the second is a Freshman. It will be another four years before this chapter is closed, and the last is in college.

I have always enjoyed photography. Over the years, I have photographed weddings, proms, and my children’s endeavors. Finding time for hobbies I enjoy or planning day trips with the kids can be challenging. It is easier when I have routines to do the housework and keep my calendar updated. When I am organized, my life runs smoother, and I find more time for the things I love. I want to help others get there, too.

Understanding digestive health and being healthy is important to me.  My daughter was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in February 2020. Finally, we got answers to why she was feeling bad most days and a solution to why came the hope that something could be done to help her feel better. UC, for many, goes hand in hand with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which she had already been diagnosed with. There is no cure yet. However, the medical treatment plan has improved her symptoms. I am sharing with you what I am learning on our journey to better health.

Pretzelife is a product of our experience that February. Julie Anna’s diet was very limited when we got back home, and homemade pretzels were something she enjoyed for breakfast. As I made them, I prayed for her recovery and future living with this condition. Later I looked up the origin of pretzels. They were given to young monks as a reward for learning their prayers. The pretzel resembles the crossed arms of the monks as they pray. As odd as it may be, I began thinking of this twisted treat as a symbol for my life. It is salty at times, sweet at times, and always wrapped in prayer.

There are many chapters in my life I don’t know how I would have made it through without my faith in God. I am fortunate to have life markers to reflect on as proof that God is with me. Those times in life were not pleasant to live through, but without them, I would not trust God as I do now. I want everyone to have the strength to get through the salty times by knowing Him.

Just for fun, here is a quick list of other things to know about me.

  1. I live in a small town that used to go by Frog Level.
  2. We enjoy camping as much as we can.
  3. Fun outside is kayaking, hiking, or riding a bike.
  4. I am a roasted marshmallow connoisseur.
  5. I am a Grey’s Anatomy and Star Wars fan.
  6. My creative projects include crocheting, screen printing, Cricut projects, and a little quilting.
  7. My new baby is Luna, an Australian Shepherd.
  8. I completed a Spartan Trifecta with my husband once.
  9. I am a procrastinator, no matter how many different planners I use.
  10. My bucket list dream is to see the Grand Canyon from a single-engine plane.

Thanks for joining me in this nook of the internet!