22 Years

Yep. Yesterday marked our 22nd anniversary. We did not really celebrate, but we will eventually. Just sooooo much going on right now. Gary will work through Monday night then he is off until the following Sunday. During that time we will get Kayla off to college, celebrate her 18th birthday and the 3 other kids will start the new school year. We are 'giving' each other a major spring cleaning, bedroom (at least something in all 4) redoing, closet cleaning out, we have been in one house long enough that we need to throw half of what we own out sort of 2 weeks.

I am so excited. I keep threatening to rent a dumpster and fill it! Don't get me wrong, most of what we own is second hand... so it is not do to over shopping. We have just spent so many years just getting by and collecting, well, things others no longer had use for but we were thankful for. We have been in this house for 15 of those 22 years and I think there are closets I have not seen the back of since we moved in. YIKES!!

Anyway, the cleaning house includes Ayden Jane getting a room of her own. I am not sure if she or I am more excited! Okay, I admit it. I am more excited. She has been sleeping in our room, which is not really a problem, but her toys are EVERYWHERE throughout the house. Ayden Jane is also ready to have a place to play. She disappears into Mckenna's room from time to time now, but I am thinking when it is all hers she will really love it. Mckenna and Kayla will share a room, but with Kayla away at college it shouldn't be too tough on either of them.

So, 22 years of marriage and we have one who has successfully made it to adulthood, one in the throws of teenage years, one preteen and little AJ heading off to 3 year old preschool. Yes, you may laugh now. Looking back, I can remember the days before kids, with our 2 little ones, then as they grew and we added sweet Mckenna. It seems both so long ago and yet just yesterday. Now, with our home full to the brim with entertainment, energy, love... it is hard to imagine life having taken any other path. Here's to a wild ride of the first 22 yrs. Hopefully the next 22+ will be as filled with good times, blessings and laughter. I'm happy to skip the heart ache, but willing to accept it as part of the ride and thrilled to know that our little family will hold tight to God and each other and triumph through it whatever comes our way.