Connected, Grateful, and Bound for Adventure: A Look Back at a Wonderful Year
by Heather Clement of OrganiZEN, on July 1, 2026
Saying "I do" in the comfort of our own home, surrounded by our favorite people.
If you had told me a year ago everything that would unfold over the next twelve months, I’m not sure I would have believed you. As a professional organizer, my job is to help people create calm, functional spaces where they can truly breathe. But as a mom, stepmom, and wife, I also know that life doesn't always stay neatly filed in a folder. Sometimes, the most beautiful chapters of our lives are the ones that are beautifully busy.
Looking back on this past year, my heart is just incredibly full of gratitude for my family, my community, and the amazing clients who make my work possible.
A Beautiful Beginning and Family Chaos
The absolute highlight of my year happened the day before Thanksgiving 2025. Surrounded by close family and friends, Chad and I got married in an intimate, love-filled ceremony right in our home.
To say Chad swept me off my feet would be an understatement. As a wedding and honeymoon gift, he booked us a spot on the spectacular Solar Eclipse cruise! We are counting down the days until later this summer when we get to sail from the UK all the way to Iceland to witness a total solar eclipse at sea.
With my two amazing stepchildren, Louis (10) and Camille (8), joining Malachi and Lazarus, our house is officially a vibrant, high-energy home. We recently celebrated Chad's birthday, and let's just say the couch isn't quite big enough for all the love (and energy) in this family anymore!
Pure couch chaos celebrating Chad’s birthday!
If there is one thing that unites all six of us, it’s game night. We play everything from modern board games like Catacombs and Wavelength, to card games like Nana, hilarious rounds of Jackbox, and traditional favorites like poker and chess. Tabletop gaming is practically a family legacy around here; Chad has been hosting the Bored and Gaming of Iowa City Meetup group right in our basement every single Wednesday night for 13 years!
School Milestones and Growing Together
The 2025-26 school year brought some major transitions to our household, and watching the kids grow into their own has been incredibly rewarding.
My oldest son, Malachi (17), transferred to City High for his junior year. Changing schools can be tough, but the network of kids and coaches he previously met through the Hawkeye Wrestling Academy completely paved the way for him. Once at City High, playing Varsity football and wrestling helped him build fantastic new friendships while strengthening the connections he already had. He even wrapped up the winter season making it to the State wrestling tournament!
Sharing a proud moment with Malachi at the State wrestling tournament.
Now heading into his senior year this fall, he is keeping busy this summer as the Iowa Greco Wrestling Champion and competing for Team Iowa at the Fargo Nationals. When he isn't competing, he remains our resident sports encyclopedia, the kid truly never tires of sports trivia.
Meanwhile, my 12-year-old, Lazarus, took his own big leap by starting middle school at Southeast Middle. Through all the changes of a new school, music remained our ultimate anchor. Lazarus and I are certified musicphiles. Whether we are driving around town blasting our favorite songs or just singing along to music together around the house, it is how we connect, laugh, and reset.
Exploring and Looking Forward
Because we love hitting local festivals in the summer but don't love the endless stress of tent setup, teardown, and unpredictable weather, Chad and I made another big move this year: we purchased a Winnebago travel trailer. Having our own climate control, shower, and toilet on the road is an absolute game-changer. It has quickly become our favorite "home away from home."
Deeply Thankful for the OrganiZEN Community
As I look ahead to an exciting summer of wrestling nationals, European cruises, and camper trips, my thoughts keep looping back to the people who make my business journey so fulfilling.
I am profoundly thankful to my incredible clients. Inviting someone into your home to declutter and organize requires an immense amount of trust and vulnerability. I don't take that lightly. The relationships we’ve built over this past year mean the world to me. Thank you for allowing me into your private spaces to do what I love every single day through OrganiZEN. Helping you find peace of mind in your homes feeds my soul, and I am so appreciative of your continued support.
Life can get cluttered, but with a little rhythm, a good strategy, and a lot of connection, there is always room for joy.
Want to bring a little more harmony and rhythm into your own home? Let’s connect! You can learn more about my work and services at iaorganizen.com.
