Life Happens....

I was wondering what my life would have looked like if it had gone my way...I try to imagine how it might have been different but honestly I simply can't! I had mapped out timelines of getting married, having children, a career, and everything else in between. We make plans...God laughs! The fact is...I have had all of those things and more! I got married...twice! I have children! My first husband and I had a beautiful daughter...and then divorced. When I met Rusty...he had a sweet little boy and it was love at first sight! I was telling Chad, the other day about our first meeting...he had just turned 6yo and an absolute cutie pie! He and his dad was on their way fishing and I had left my purse in Rusty's car the night before...they were bringing it by to me. Chad leaned over to see me from the passenger side and after being introduced said so sweetly..."Wow! You're more beautiful than Wonder Woman!" (Now for those that do not remember, Wonder Woman, was the absolute coolest woman on earth...she had an invisible airplane and a lasso that forced people to tell the truth! Her braclets could fend off bullets and her outfit ROCKED!!!) I fell in love with that sweet little face that very moment! After telling the story...Chad said, "Well, no wonder you liked me so much! That was a really big thing back then." He didn't even remember saying it...but I remembered. :-)

I have had so many opportunities in my life regarding work...I went to nursing school right after Rusty and I got married. I practiced nursing for a couple of years then moved into administration. I worked as the "Managing Director" at Pine Valley Retirement community for a few years...then I decided to work from home and opened up an "in-home daycare." I actually made a really good living playing with kids all day! I used to say that I was the "female" version of Peter Pan. Sometimes, I still think that way...  After closing the daycare, I opened up a restaurant, Country Hic' Cafe and BBQ! We had an absolute blast with this adventure...then we didn't! So I moved on...next chapter!

In May/June 2000, we sold our restaurant, sent our exchange student home to Brazil after having him for a year, sent our daughter to college, and our son moved out into his own home! What a time! Geeze...the house was too quite! I was completely lost! So I went back to school...got a Masters degree and went to work with the VA! I love...love...love my job! When God takes control of your life...you had better watch out! It can blow your mind! I have no regrets for the encounters, experiences, and life lessons placed in my life! I just want to continue hanging on for the ride...

Today...I live for my kids and grandchildren! I spend as much time as I can loving them to pieces! The oldest girls, Haylie and Hannah, keep us busy playing ball (Spring and Fall), cheerleading, and every other thing they can get into...Jesse and Mary Kaitlyn (3 weeks apart) are just right for cuddling and teaching them fun new things to do and say! Jesse's latest is "Roll Tide Roll" with hand movements. Mary Kaitlyn likes to dance to anything...just start singing and she's moving her feet to the beat!!! We are expecting grand #5 anyday now! I can't wait!!! Mary Kaitlyn has no clue that her life is about to change forever!! I love it when life happens....