Exciting News – Our Family Has a New Travel Adventure! 🌍✈️

Hi friends,

I have some exciting news to share! I’ve loved writing here about our family updates, and will continue to do so, everyday life, and the little moments that matter most. But now, I’ve taken a big step forward into something I’ve been dreaming about for a while…

✨ I’ve officially launched a new travel blog: Wandering Vanderpools! ✨

This new space is where I’ll share our travel stories, destination tips, and resources to help other families (and fellow adventurers!) plan memorable trips.

But that’s not all — I’m also thrilled to announce that I am now a Fora Travel Advisor! 🎉

That means I can not only write about travel, but I can also help you plan your own adventures. Whether it’s:

• Booking a hotel with added perks (like free breakfast or upgrades)

• Crafting a personalized itinerary

• Sharing insider tips and recommendations

…I’ll be able to make your travel planning stress-free and more rewarding.

If you’re curious, check out my new page all about why you might want a travel advisor: Need a Travel Advisor?

I’m so excited to combine my love for storytelling with my passion for travel — and I’d love for you to follow along! You can subscribe to my new blog, share it with friends, and (of course) reach out if you’d like help planning your next trip.

Here’s to new adventures!

 

Stepping Into Freedom Together

A few months ago, I shared my testimony about how God used Freedom Group to meet me in my brokenness and remind me of His truth and love (you can read it here). That group changed me in ways I never expected—helping me release the lies I was carrying and walk in the freedom only Jesus gives.

This year, I get the joy of stepping into something new: I’m co-leading a Freedom Group for the very first time. Honestly, I never imagined I’d be on this side of things. But that’s the beauty of God’s work—He doesn’t just heal us for ourselves; He equips us to walk alongside others so they can experience the same freedom.

Learn more about what Freedom Groups are here!

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by past hurts, struggles, or lies that feel too heavy to carry alone, I want to personally invite you to join us. This group is a safe place to be real, to be reminded of truth, and to see how God’s love brings freedom to every area of life.

So if you’ve been wondering if there’s more—if you’ve been longing for a fresh start or a deeper walk with God—this might be your next step.

👉 Come join us. Let’s walk toward freedom together.

We'll be meeting at our new Ministry Hub on Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:00pm. It starts September 4, 2025 and lasts 10 weeks. Then you go to a Freedom weekend event as well. We will have dinner first and childcare is available if needed. $60 per person.

Sign up here, we'd love to have you!

25% End of School Year Sale in our Family Shop!

 

🎉 End-of-School-Year SALE! 🎉
Everything is 25% OFF – Even Custom Orders!

School’s out, sunshine’s in—and it’s the perfect time to stock up on cozy, Carolina-crafted gifts! ☀️

Now through June 27, 2025!, everything in the shop is 25% off—including:

🎨 Custom artwork from Ava (request custom order)

🖨️ 3D-printed treasures by Richard (request custom order)

💛 Print-on-demand gifts by Chelsea (request custom order and look in shop)

Whether you're shopping for a friend, family member, or just a little something for yourself, our handmade and heartfelt pieces bring that Carolina charm right to your doorstep.

🛍️ Shop the sale: www.carolinacraftedvan.com

📦 Hurry—custom orders included while supplies last!

✨ Cozy. Creative. Crafted by family. ✨

Too Much, Not Enough

 

"Too Much, Not Enough"

They say,
"Don’t be a secret — shout it loud,
Let the world know you sell homes with pride."
But then whisper,
"That’s a bit much.
Tone it down. You’re coming on strong."

Smile more.
Speak less.
Be bold.
But not too bold.

You're a mom —
so be fully present,
but also build your brand,
grow your reach,
post more reels.

You’re a wife —
nurturing and warm,
but ambitious, too.
Independent, but available.
Strong, but soft.
Always smiling — but never too tired.

Your phone buzzes at midnight,
and you're too responsive.
It buzzes again at noon,
and you’re not responsive enough.

You are
too busy to slow down,
too quiet to be heard,
too loud to be liked,
too tired to be bold,
too driven to sit still.

And still —
you show up.
With grace, and grit, and the deep hope
that maybe… being too much
just means you care that much more.
And not enough?
Only by a world that forgot
you already give it everything.

Update on Ricky and Anna 💛 and Dinner Out and a Minecraft Movie

 

Ricky is doing better—just needs to keep icing consistently. Anna went back to school on Monday and has been doing really well! She's getting around great on her knee scooter. 🙌

All things considered, everyone is doing well after their surgeries, and we’re so thankful everything went smoothly. Thank you, God. And a huge thank you to everyone for your get well wishes, cards, meals, gift cards, and all the love and support. We appreciate you all so much! 💐💌🙏

We were able to all go out, the whole family this past week to dinner and a movie and was a real treat. We saw the Minecraft movie. So much fun! 

Love,

The Vanderpools

Anna’s Surgery Update – May 7, 2025

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support—today has been a big day for our girl.

Anna went in for surgery this morning and everything went smoothly. She went to sleep peacefully, and the team was able to place a nerve block beforehand that’s helping manage her pain—it will wear off tomorrow. During surgery, they placed four screws and made two incisions to repair her leg. We’re so grateful to say she is doing well and resting now.

We’ve felt surrounded by love through every prayer, message, call, text, and card. Thank you for caring for us and especially for lifting Anna up during this time. We are so blessed—and so incredibly thankful for God’s presence, peace, and provision through it all.

Please continue to pray for a smooth and speedy recovery. We’re trusting God every step of the way.

With love,

The Vanderpools

An Update on Anna – Surgery Ahead & Prayer Request

We wanted to share an update on our 12-year-old daughter, Anna, who took a tough fall while playing basketball on Tuesday, April 29th.

After several doctor appointments, x-rays, and a CT scan, we learned that she has what the doctors called a trifocal break on her tibia, and because the break affects her growth plate, she’ll need surgery to ensure proper healing. Her surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and we’re asking for your prayers and thoughts for Anna and her surgical team.

As of now, they expect she’ll need three screws to stabilize the bone and protect the growth plate. We are praying everything goes smoothly and that her recovery is quick and complication-free. 🙏

The first couple of days after her injury were really rough—she was in a lot of pain—but we’re thankful to report she’s feeling a bit better now. True to her independent spirit, Anna is already figuring out how to navigate her world differently. She’ll be using a knee scooter to help her get around at school, and she’s taking it all in stride (even if that stride looks a little different for now).

Please continue to keep Anna in your prayers:

• That her surgery goes smoothly

• For a quick and complete recovery

• That her mental health stays strong during this challenging time

• And—because it’s important to her—for healing in time to go swimming this summer 🏖️

Thank you to everyone who has been checking in, praying, and encouraging her (and us). It means the world to our family.

With gratitude and hope,
The Vanderpool Family