Eight years ago today not only did my name change, but my world. I walked down the aisle with the most amazing person. Well, I walked down the aisle with my dad (an amazing person) to lock arms with the most amazing person.
Thinking of the classic vows, "in good times and bad." makes me appreciate Trevor more than words can express. The obvious "bad" times have been few, but whoppers. Doosies. Out of left field kicks to the gut. We made it through the worst; things I wish upon nobody. We came out the other side stronger, more confident, more appreciative, and more in love. Being faced with trying times opened my eyes to the realization that life is short. And very unpredictable. Call me naive, but I never thought of the possibility of something going wrong in life. Something outside the realm of my plan happening. Well, my friend, shit happens. Big time. Worlds are turned upside down. And around and around again. It's how we land when we stop spinning that matters. It's hard to believe a year and a half ago I was faced with something so scary as a brain tumor. A tumor on my brain. Unreal to even iterate now. (Hey, at least it is a good ice breaker?! Geez, if only they found it before college. Imagine that college application essay!) Anyways, when the madness subsided, and life went on as it was, Trevor and I landed in an extremely good place.
Trevor and I, for as long as I can remember, have said "everything always works out for us." And it does. Always.
I wish to everyone the happiness that Trevor, our kids and I have.
If I was given a buck every time I hear "wow, you have your hands full" with the four kids, I'd be, well, at least buying groceries for the week. In truth, when things are working, they work. There is really nothing difficult about my life. Yes, it is hard to be two places at once, difficult to always save money at the grocery store, and time consuming to schedule activities for everyone. It is frustrating when dealing with a highly emotional, extremely stubborn child. It makes me nervous at times to think that Trevor and I are largely lead players in the roles of the lives of four individuals. What we do on a daily basis matters a great deal. We are setting the stage for the impressionable lives of precious children. That makes me nervous at times: life lessons. While there isn't a right or wrong, I hope we are doing what is best. In most cases I think we are. The biting-your-kid-back-for-biting-another-kid idea: not a parent of the year award day. The breakfast conversation about how the little things you do can make a big difference to someone*: outstanding. All things considered, and aside from the sometimes stressful "hurry up we're late" mornings, it all works. We're all happy. The kids are loved by all. Cookie cutter kids they are not. We work as a team. "A well-oiled machine" I was told the other day.
* We have been telling the kids that the little things make a big difference. That giving Grandma Alice a hug when you see her makes her day. Or when Murphy holds the door for the ladies at the Spokane Club, it makes them smile. A few months ago while dropping Murphy off at school, I saw him run up to his friend and say hi and give him a high-five. Murphy's friend was elated; he was so happy to have that greeting. At dinner that night, I mentioned to Murphy how nice that was and how it probably made his friend's day. Fast forward a few weeks, at drop off time, Millie runs up to this friend and gives him a high five and says hello. I felt like my job that day was accomplished.
I couldn't ask for a better co-captain in the journey that is life. We work together in every aspect: the kids, the house, life plans, daily plans. It is so much fun to live this life. We have been thrown curve balls the past few years. We have dealt with tumultuous situations and come out better people, parents, children, siblings, and friends. It all keeps getting better. At this rate, 8 more years from now, we will be out of control strong together. And 80 after that...watch out. We will be that cute couple holding hands, side by side on our Rascals.
