"She glances at the photo...

...and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes." ~ Frank Deford

Oh how photos can bring back memories. Times of happiness, joy, sorrow, embarrassment, pride, anger come rushing to mind, seemingly all at once. There are many moments of which I think back on with fondness and smile to myself. The children, peeking from around my arms, eagerly ask what I am smiling about....and it's almost as if I can't really explain it. Words can't seem to form that can correctly express what is crossing my mind at that moment. I smile and just say "memories".

My mom cleaned out my closet of my old bedroom from home. Everything was boxed up and waiting for me. So the children and I drove out there, packed it all up and brought it home. I spent much time, going through the boxes....giggling at some things and cringing at others. There are many things in my past that I wish I could forget...people, places, happenings....but the truth is that every single happening, the good and the bad, brought me here, to this very moment...where I am in the home I own with my beloved (of almost 11 years!). Our three children are here, with me constantly...so I never miss a minute. I am living the life I always dreamed of!

I realize that I am blessed....beyond measure....and I see each moment used by God to draw me closer to Him. It isn't because of anything *I* have done...but all because of His goodness and love. I know that there *have been* and *will be* many bumps in the road. Times of hurt and pain, confusion and misunderstanding are bound to happen. This is life on this earth. But looking back, I *do* see how God works things out for *good* for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

So, without further ado...how 'bout taking a bit of a journey with me? It will be short and sweet, as the pages I could fill with memories could be quite numerous....and you all would be begging me to stop! ;)

Devon and I rode our bikes constantly, minding our parents and only riding to the agreed upon "tree" beside the road (so we were not out-of-sight). My dad's garage had a few bays and when he would finish work on a customer's car and the bays were open, he let my sister and I pedal circles and figure-eights through the bays.....simple? Yes, it was....but will always be a memory I treasure.

Playing catch or badminton in the backyard was a regular thing we would play in the summer. Mom also had a set of jarts (the real ones with the metal ends that stuck in the ground) that we played, some, too (before they were deemed "too dangerous").

Each of us took a turn staying at our grandparents house, a couple hours from home, for a week in the summer. Grammie would spend time helping us sew projects, make lemonade, play board games, take walks down the long country road (and stop to get a popsicle at the small general store), get icecream, ride in Grandpop's "bucket" (his Jeep) and play croquet! (That's the house I am at in the picture below!)

I remember having to feed the horses in the early mornings. I was always so glad when it was Devon's turn and not mine, isn't that awful (she's younger than me)!? I was always so nervous. It was dark and scary in the early mornings of winter...and we had to carry feed and 5 gallons of water...across the street, through the neighbor's yard, back through the field then make a left turn and walk to the barn. It was difficult, especially, when the snow was deep. I must admit, I'm so glad I'm not still having to do that! ;) I don't mind hard work...but that was just awful!

When this next photo came to view, while going through memorabelia, my heart stopped for a brief second. Honestly, I don't have actual memories of the accident I was in when I was 16, only of the recovery afterwards. Here is a photo of the car I was a passenger in. See that spot that is cracked on the windshield...they think that is where I hit my head (or my left elbow that I was covering my head with...I don't remember at all.)...

This was a couple weeks after the accident, I believe. It's hard to see, but my left eye/side of my face is still bruised, my arm is in the brace and I think my staples were still in my arm...

I went with a friend to my junior prom. I didn't have a date and he was kind enough to go with me! My aunt did my hair...

My senior prom...

**And then...all those moments led me to him. My *him*....

And from my *him* came this beautiful darling, my Madelyn...

She was about 4, I believe, in the picture above. And then, along came our two boys...first X, then Jaxson.

My past was full of wonderful memories and also times I'm not-so-proud of...but I *am* thankful for how God used them all to bring me to this....right here, right now. I couldn't imagine it any other way!

Thanks, so much, for coming a long with me. I hope it wasn't too long or boring....I know I have a tendency to be quite long-winded (I can tend to be that way in-person, too....not always something I am proud of though!). I need to go, supper needs made and things need tended to around here! :)

Warmly,

Katy

"We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand... and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late."~Marie Beyon Ray