Nine Years Ago...

Nine years ago I was on my honeymoon. I had just graduated from college. Seth and I had aspirations to enjoy wedded bliss flying by the seat of our pants. We got married on June 20, moved in August, and Seth started seminary shortly thereafter. He was working on his master's degree and we were planning on moving to Africa as missionaries. We didn't have a job or insurance or a really good plan. I was clueless. So was Seth. We just picked out something that sounded good and went with it. Almost like we were picking a video rental, but it was our future. Kids were NOT part of the bargain.

What a surprise when we found out that our first child was expected shortly after our first anniversary! Everything changed quickly. No more seminary, no more Africa, no more living sans insurance. We quickly tried to become "responsible". Even after the birth of our little piece of heaven; we knew that God couldn't possibly bless us with another beautiful, perfect child. So we figured we'd be one of those "only child" families. Then Elijah came along. By the time he was born, I kind of liked kids. When we briefly talked about a third; our discussion centered on adoption. That was weird to many people since we could "have our own" kids. Pretty soon Ella showed up. It was only 2 years later that the bug hit again and paperwork was being sent here and there.

It seems like only yesterday...

Now nine years later with five children and insurance, but still just as irresponsible as ever. We are obviously in dire need of a family portrait!