I am thoughtful about this statement. We set for ourselves goals, sometimes consciously and sometimes unconsciously. Do we enjoy the journey to achieve our goals?

Our journey, Dave and mine, is one of love. A journey not to be taken for granted but to be cherished for all it has brought and taught us.

This year has certainly been a ride. Finding the right piece of property and abiding by the new zoning laws we finally started building our home. Blood, sweat and yes tears have been literally poured into our home. Sometimes I have to remind myself to enjoy the ride. It’s the fight that makes a thing worth having…

Our children are on journeys of their own. Ryan is getting a taste of freedom and responsibility that comes from having a job and making money. He is also busy with track, football and now lifting on a regular schedule. He continues to be a good student and loves to hunt. He shot his first deer with a bow and arrow and was very excited to get one before Dad.

Sarah tried her first sport this year and played volleyball. She liked the game as well as the time with friends. She will start working when she turns fourteen this month and is looking forward to driving as well. They used to fight for shotgun, now it will be for the drivers seat. She does very well in school and continues to be challenged in math taking algebra.

Andrew played both baseball and football this year but his true calling seems to be wrestlin. He eats, drinks and breathes it. His trophy shelf is very full. He too is an excellent student. All grins when he gives us his report card full of A’s.

Emily has really opened up this past year. We are experiencing more of her personality and loving it. She is a bit sassy and loves the attention, being the youngest. She is still tumbling and we are entertained by her backbend kick overs and rocking belly flops often. She played softball this summer and enjoys school.

This ride, our ride I am grateful for. We are humble to be given such a wonderful journey.

If you were given the opportunity to change something would you? Or would that change YOU? Accepting the things we cannot change and learning from them is a great gift. Enjoy your ride.