Welcome!

Welcome to my page! I’m so excited that you have decided to join me on this new endeavor! I’m Rayel, the creator behind It’s a Lockhart Life. 

This past year has been incredibly challenging for myself and our family. Our son, Arden, was born in April 2020. He is the light of our life and we are so proud of everything he has overcome so far! Arden was diagnosed with Escobar Syndrome, and due to the medical complications that arose from his diagnosis, Arden required a seven and a half month hospital stay before coming home. The hospital where Arden stayed is located six hours south of our home in Northern Alberta, Canada. It was a journey to make it through that time, as I stayed full-time with Arden and my husband, Brodi, worked during the week in our hometown and traveled to be with us on the weekends. My goal is to share this, as well as many other aspects of our real life, with you. 

Though this past year has held some of the highest highs and the lowest lows, it has also provided me with a new perspective. Returning home felt like a rebirth in itself. It is the beginning of a new chapter, and I’m holding nothing back. The struggles we have overcome have given me the confidence to let my true self shine through. I have always had dreams of sharing my creativity with the world, but was held back by the “what-ifs.” What if I’m not good enough? What if my ideas are not interesting enough? What if our life isn’t exciting enough? Enough. It’s a word we hear a lot lately, and I’m ready to replace my feelings about it with a positive connotation. I believe that when we are unapologetically ourselves, great things happen. As an individual, I am enough, and I’m ready to share myself and my ideas with the world. 

I’m usually terrible at maintaining hobbies or projects that are “just for me.” To be perfectly honest, most of the projects I’ve ever had have fallen by the wayside. My husband can attest to that. Usually my half-finished ideas are hiding in corners around our house. Either never to be touched again, or picked up and restarted years later. I consider myself a creative type, and remnants of my drawing, sewing, knitting, painting, and reading can be found around our house. The one “hobby” that I’ve never given up is writing. I began writing my first journal when I was in the first grade, and I’ve continued to write for the past 23 years. Writing has always been just for me, but I’m ready to let everyone else into my little world. For me, everyday is an opportunity for growth, healing and happiness. I’m excited to take you along with me! 

I can’t wait to get started! Follow along as I share this new expression of myself. I endeavor to share everything from daily outfit inspiration, to real-life home decor. Arden’s journey and medical mom hacks. Life as a family of three. And my perspective as a self-proclaimed positive thinker. I hope you enjoy!

XO, Rayel