I recently had a conversation with one of my brothers. It started out with him commenting on me “popping out one baby after another”, and me asking him what was wrong with that…that I happen to like my kids. To which he answered, “Nothing. You’re just living an average country lifestyle.” Now, I could debate how “country” my lifestyle is, seeing as how I live pretty much in “town”, I don’t even have a garden, and we own just about an acre of land that our house sits on. I didn’t bring up any of that, but, instead, said that I thought I lived an average “married” lifestyle. People tend to have kids after they get married. He was like, “No. Not really. You don’t know what it’s like outside of this area. It’s not the normal thing.” I didn’t press the issue, but I’ve thought a lot about it. I really don’t feel the need to box up my life with a title, anyway. It’s my life, and it’s not quite the same as anyone else’s. It makes me happy. My brother has much disdain for my lifestyle, but he must not understand how good it is. No, I don’t go out clubbing. I don’t drink or smoke. I don’t run around. I don’t even wear the same clothes that most people do.
Instead, I am married to my best friend. I trust him 100%. I never have to worry about where he is, or who he is with. I don’t ever have to worry that he is going to squander the money that we need to live and pay our bills. I know that he is always going to be there for me. I know that he loves me for who I am. He’s held me while I have cried, held me up while I was so sick with our first baby that I couldn’t hold myself upright to get sick, and sat by my side at the hospital during times that I have been sick or had surgery. He’s always there. We enjoy each other’s company, and spend hours just talking to each other. I don’t have to make a few phone calls to track him down, or schedule a time to get together. He’s just always there. Because we are married. No, I don’t wonder what it would be like to be with someone else. Why would I? He’s my best friend. We are happy.
And, yes, I know that we have already exceeded the normal two kids per family, but, so what? We love our kids. We even go so far as to like our kids. We enjoy spending time as a family. They are great kids. We laugh and laugh at the things that they do and say. I have a blog devoted to pictures of them, because I enjoy them so much I just want to share them with my friends and family. I think they are awesome. Yeah, it’s a little harder to go out to eat with three kids, but we still do it. They sit and eat just like anyone, and we enjoy being a family. It’s not just about me and Chris anymore, but it’s about the family that we have created. It’s important to us. It makes us happy.
So, no, my life might not be what some people consider exciting, but I would almost bet that I enjoy a level of contentment that they don’t. My life isn’t perfect. We have problems just like everyone else. It is a good life, though. It makes me happy. I do consider it exciting, though. Just look at what is waiting on the horizon for my family. The world! What could be more exciting than exeriencing all that life has to offer with four people who love me and love being with me? Not much from what I can see.
So, don’t feel sorry for me. Don’t worry about me. My life is far better than I ever could have imagined it.

The last couple of days have been pretty fun. I have gotten a kick out of telling people about the Army thing, and seeing their reactions. Other than my family, I haven’t really told too many people, but it had already gotten around church a little. It seems that the main consensus is that Chris and I can go wherever we want to go, but we have to leave the kids behind. The fact that any moving away is at least five years from now allows me to be strictly excited, right now, because I don’t have to deal with leaving the only place I’ve ever lived. I’m just so excited. I’m excited about the direction the Lord is leading our lives in, and I’m excited about all of the things we’ll get to do, people we’ll get to meet, and places we’ll get to see.
The Children’s Choir sang again last night. Most of them did very well. Pastor Pallotta let them sing very early in the service, because, last time, some of the younger ones were falling asleep before it was time for them to sing. Kyra was in a mood last night, and did more standing there than actually singing. Elijah….well, let’s just say that Elijah keeps me humble. Aside from him sitting down, laying on the altar bench, and doing a power squat and me having to go get him from the stage..other than that…he did great.
Pastor Pallotta has been preaching a great series on Sunday mornings on The Bread of Life. You can hear some of them here on our church website. Chris hasn’t added the latest messages, yet. They are well worth your time to listen. Anyway, there have been several people visiting our church lately. Yesterday, my cousin, Jeff, whom we have been praying for for a very long time came to church. He came back last night, and got his life right with the Lord. It was so encouraging on so many levels. It was so great to see Jeff come back to the Lord. It was awesome to see God answer your prayers. It was encouraging for all of us who have family members who have either never been saved or have been away from God, because we were reminded once again to not give up. It was a great day.
And so, it’s Monday again. Wasn’t it just Monday, though? Time goes by so fast. A little too fast, if you ask me.

Owen and Collin