Meet the Family

My husband, Jon, also known as The Daddy. He and I met when he was 15 years old and I was 16. We met when my church teamed up with his church to go on a mission trip to Guatemala. He sat behind me on my first plane ride ever and proceeded to tease me the entire flight. Two years later, we started dating. Four and a half years after that, we said "I do". He is my best friend and my rock, the one I turn to for comfort, or advice, or a listening ear. He is an avid fly-fisherman and often escapes for weekend fishing trips with his brothers. He loves four-wheeling, camping, snowboarding, his children, and his wife. We are lucky to call him "ours".

Munchkin #1, Devyn, also known as Paige, Munchkin, or Sis. Devyn joined our family in 2004 and rocked my world. I fell instantly, madly, deeply in love with my baby girl. She is one of the most patient little girls I have ever known and I sometimes wonder if she’s a better mother to her siblings than I am. She seems to have a direct connection to God and I find myself wanting to be more in tune with Him because of her. Devyn struggled with speech issues and at three years old began speech therapy. She is still working with a speech therapist and we’ve noticed a dramatic difference. Now we wonder where the "off" button is, but we are not complaining!

Munchkin #2, Hudson, also known as Bobo, Bobes, Bubba, or Little Man. Hudson was born after a quick five-hour labor in 2007. When we discovered that we were having a boy in September of 2006, I found myself wandering the baby boy section in awe. After growing up with three sisters, no boys, I had no idea what to expect. But oh, the love of a mother and son, there are no words to describe it. Hudson is all boy! No matter what sport it is, he loves it. He is currently obsessed with golf and hockey, and you won’t find him without his red golf club. It’s a security blanket of sorts. His mischievous grin and cuddly ways keep him out of trouble.

Munchkin #3, Reagan, also known as Reagan-Rea or Precious. Reagan was our surprise baby. It was only after sharing a Beth Moore weekend with my newly pregnant sister, did she suggest that I may be pregnant. Not even a day late, I capped the white stick and handed it to Hudson to play with. It wasn’t until I managed to grab it from him did I notice two dark-pink lines. Reagan was born two weeks early, only two weeks after her cousin and one week after her aunt’s wedding. (It was a busy December.) Reagan is the mellowest, most laid-back of the bunch. And developing into our Irish Lass. She is pure sugar and I’m soaking in every moment of babyhood.

The Sisters, Christine, Allison, and Courtney. I’m pretty sure there’s not enough room to say all I want to say about this amazing group of women. Each sister came approximately two years after the other, with Courtney bringing up the rear when I was six years old. Christine, also known as Stine, is the good one, the one who is always ready to believe the best in everyone. Allison, also known as Alli, is the stubborn one; once refusing to let anyone help her pull a heavily-loaded wagon around the zoo when she was three years old. Courtney, also known as Ney, is the loyal one; there is nothing Courtney would not do for her family and friends. And I’m the bossy one, but we already covered that. I am fortunate to have these beautiful women in my life. We love each other, unconditionally, through all our imperfections. Sisters and best friends, blessed doesn’t even begin to describe it.