Archive for the ‘My Life’ Category

We couldn’t have asked for better weather on our day in Philadelphia. It was just gorgeous out as we learned about those early days in our nation’s history. While I love looking back at the photos of our day in Philly, I still find that my favorite photos (at the bottom) have nothing to do with where we are, and everything to do with who we are.

Late last month we took our 4 kids to Pennsylvania to see my brother and his family. We hadn’t seen them in over 2 years, and we were anxious to spend some time with them again. We loved it there. Everything was so green, and just plain beautiful. I loved the slow, relaxed pace of the town. The kids learned so much about the Amish, the Civil War, and the early colonial days. It was wonderful to see so much history everywhere we turned. We were able to visit Gettysburg, Hershey, Intercourse, Strasburg, Philadelphia, and then we took a 2 day trip to Washington D.C.

Noah was enchanted by a real steam engine.

Gettysburg was nothing like I thought it would be. I pictured a big wide open field where the battle took place. Of course it was much larger, more beautiful, and much more difficult for the soldiers than I ever imagined. We all left with a profound sense of gratitude and respect.

I walked my oldest to school for the last time. I would be lying if I said I didn’t a lump in my throat. I’m pretty sure her first day of Kindergarten was last year. I guess it just feels like it was. We’ve been so fortunate to live within walking distance to our elementary school. It was comforting knowing my kids were less than 5 minutes away on foot while they were at school.

Next year I’m sending my oldest off to middle school. It’s the same middle school I went to as a kid. I have horrifying memories of the things that went down in the bathrooms, and behind the field in a grove of trees (which no longer exist). I just can’t imagine my sweet little innocent child in that kind of environment. I’ve officially become one of those moms that is afraid to let her child go out into the world. I’m working on it. Until then I’m going to enjoy the long summer days ahead.

Today is a big day. It is my 14 year wedding anniversary. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was only 21, but I felt like I knew it all. Some people told me I was too young to get married. They tried to convince me to go out and enjoy life before I got tied down. I didn’t for one minute consider it. I knew exactly what I was doing. I was young and naive. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I got this one right. I married the right person for me, and not just for a few years, but for eternity.

Tim is my best friend. He’s a pretty amazing husband. Everyone tells me how wonderful he is, and how much they wish their husbands were like him. I think my own mother loves him more than she loves me. My grandmother calls him a gem, a jewel, and a treasure. If you don’t know my grandmother you need to know she is not easy to impress. I’m still trying to win her over. What makes him so wonderful? He goes out of his way every single day to make my life easier. He works hard at his day job, and makes sure he is there for his kids and his wife whenever we need him in a way that is rare among men.

So yes, I made the best decision of my life to marry Tim. In the last 14 years we’ve gone through a lot. I am no longer that naive 21 year old. I’m older, a little more cynical, and definitely wiser. I am so much more aware of what I want my life to be. Luckily Tim is on the same page. We are trying our hardest every single day to raise our 4 children to be good people. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it. I’m thankful everyday I have Tim to lean on.