Our Aweful Beautiful Life

In my 34 years of life, I've never been through a storm so bad that I was actually scared. When they advertised this storm, we knew it might be tricky. We went ahead and put the kids to bed, and waited. Let me be clear - I can handle storms in the daytime. When I can see them coming and I see them blow over. But when they come at night, and you can hear them, but you can't see them....that's just a little too scary for me. So at one point, I tempted waking the kids, then I thought I was over-reacting. That I'd let the fear they build on the news get to me...but then the electricity went off, and the tv was gone, and we didn't have any way of knowing what was going on, or any way to see the radars. So, we grabbed the kiddos, brought them down to the basement and waited. And listened. And Jason would occasionally sneak up to see the damage/see what it was doing. All the while, I'm texting Mom & Trent for what had happened there, and texting Jacki to see how ...

I can remember growing up, my parents would always tell me that life would just go faster and faster the older I got. I remember thinking they were crazy. The drive to Lafayette would always feel like hours, sometimes Sunday mass would feel the same. The time between one county fair to the next just could. not. go fast enough. Then I had kids. And I got it. I realized that in the blink of an eye, everything changes. You go from two people to three. Three people to four. Now four people to five. I realized that potty training never would get here, turned into how the heck do I not have to invest in diapers anymore? I realized that Holiday's are basically scheduled on top of each other. Perhaps we can thank modern marketing for that....since Valentines day decor is out the day after Christmas. But, the main point here is, Mom & Dad, I get it. Time does just move faster and faster and somehow, though I feel like I just left behind my State Officer year and my own High School day...

When we started at Sacred Heart last fall, Aunt Sarah said you'd be in her CCD class, and that we had perfect timing -- it was a First Communion year! You attended all your classes, went to confession for the first time, and in May, received your First Holy Communion. Colton, we are so proud of you for growing your faith. For stepping out of your comfort zone and meeting new kids, from a different school, in Mommy's hometown.  I'm so thankful that we all took this leap together, and that we all feel "at home" in the Remington Church. My church family meant so much to me growing up, and I hope someday you look back and feel the same way! :)

We have grown up with the Ruemler's. This isn't really news to anyone. Our families have spent a LOT of time together over the years, and while Stacy is my best friend, and while God didn't grant me my own sisters, He knew what he was doing when he paired us with a family of four girls. They gained two brothers in Trent & Matt, and I gained four sisters and a best friend.  Over the course of the last 10 years, you could say we've all been through a lot together. While Joe's battle with Cancer probably stands out as the most defining life event our two families linked arms on and tackled together, we've also shared in plenty of joy....my wedding, Stacy's wedding, Kendra's wedding, Matt's wedding, Jessy's wedding, my kids, Kendra's kids, Stacy's boys, Jessy's baby....and now finally, FINALLY, Maggie's found the man of her dreams, and we got to help her celebrate their marriage. And while we are elated and happy to share with ...