Memory Lane

Inspired from something I read on another blog. Here's my little stroll down memory lane.

15 years ago- I was a newly wed, so to speak, since I missed our first anniversary together because I was in Ohio with Mark's father, who was dying of cancer. I was almost finished with nursing school, less than a year to go. Spent most of my time studying, keeping house and working odd jobs (ie house cleaning, day care, vet office). We loved spending our weekends on the jet skis with friends, who usually ended up at our house after. Saw two of our closest friends get married within a matter of months.

10 years ago- The crazy time. Two children, both under two. Working at two different hospitals in order to cross train to labor and delivery. Doing all we can to keep our heads above water with crazy schedules and babies. Living in our little house in Royal Palm. Trying to decide if we should change churches. Reality of parenthood setting in.

5 years ago- After having built our new house, realize that we are moving. Mark left pest control and started trucking business. Time of uncertainty as we venture out in this new area. After a miscarriage, I birthed a small hippo via c/section we named Jonny. Now three boys! Working in the hospital, driving a school bus to help pay for private school tuition. Made the decision to homeschool Joseph, but then decided to keep Jacob home too. Sold our house in two weeks and without a clear direction, headed to Gainesville FL. Lived in an apartment for 6 months before buying a house in Ocala. Left my hometown for the first time. This threw me into a funk, a bit of a depression as Mark remembers.

3 years ago- Living in Ocala. Boys are settled in and busy with many activities. Made some great friends. Homeschooling still. Searching for a good church. Saw both sets of parents move out of FL to the mountains. Had NO idea that another move was coming. Life was good.

1 year ago- Found out that company Mark contracts with is closing FL plant. Decisions. Do we stay in trucking? Offer is made for us to come to the GA plant. We consider and then jump at the chance to leave FL. Found a house we loved in GA, but it's a foreclosure and that means time. We have a quick Christmas and then pack up the house to live in the camper until the GA house comes thru and put the Ocala house on the market.

Today- Living in the house that God provided. The one we loved and were able to close on it in two weeks. Still own the Ocala house, although it has renters in it. Boys are still adjusting. We live in the country and it's hard to make neighborhood friends. Mark is still trucking and probably won't quit anytime soon. I'm homeschooling all three boys now and working at the local hospital once a week. Boys keep us running between scouts, baseball and youth group. Looking for a church that meets all our needs.

Tomorrow- It looks like I will probably run a ton of errands. Have school. Take the guys to the library and send Mark off to FL. Check my email and facebook. Try to post a blog about Six Flags.

Who knows what next year will bring! It's an exciting journey!