When I first met my husband, Jason, we were both dating other people. In fact one of the first times I ever met him, we were on a double date, but not with each other. We quickly became friends. I thought he was funny, charming, and one of the nicest guys I had ever met. I loved how I could just be myself around him. Neither one of the relationships we were in lasted, so he decided to ask me out. Reluctantly, I agreed. I didn't want to ruin the friendship because I new if it didn't work out, our friendship may not last either. Nevertheless, I took the risk and I'm so glad I did. I get to wake up every day with my best friend.
Jason had a son, Hunter, who was nine years old when I met him. They are like "two peas in a pod." They are huge fans of the Tampa Bay Rays and the Carolina Panthers. Hunter is soon to be fifteen years old, almost driving, and taller than me now. He is a wonderful teenager and a great baseball player. Although he lives ten hours away, he is loved and adored very much.
About a year after I met Jason, I became pregnant with our first child together. Yes, before we were married. But, that's another story for another time. I had my first daughter, Jenna. Having a baby rocked my world. I decided there was no way I could go back to work, so I decided to stay at home with Jenna, and I have never gone back. She is five now, and one of the reasons I've decided to follow the Lord wholeheartedly. She can't sit still, loves books, is not a "girly girl", extremely imaginative, and reserved most of the time. When she was born, I got to experience unconditional love for the first time.
Before Jenna was two, Jason and I got engaged. Then, shortly after her second birthday, I found out I was pregnant again. We decided to go ahead and make our commitment to each other official and got married on a whim, July 31, 2010. It was a very small ceremony, with a few friends and family who could make it on such short notice. We have yet to take our honeymoon because we've been kind of busy raising kids. That's what happens when you do everything backward.
Less than a year later we welcomed our second daughter, Carissa. She's my two-year-old towhead and calls herself "Crissy Roo". She's been attached to me since birth. As an infant, the only place she would sleep is on my chest or in my arms. Carissa likes playing dress up, wearing dresses, and playing with baby dolls. "Girly girl" to the core! She's so cute that, while disciplining her, I have to turn my head to keep from laughing. I never thought I could love another child as much as my first, but God has a beautiful way with making you love deeply in different ways.
Finally, there's our black Persian cat, Sir Purr. His father was an award-winning show cat, but Sir Purr isn't the least bit pretentious. In fact, he's lost all pride and is often seen wearing pink bows and Tinker Bell necklaces. He has even been spotted wearing Dora the Explorer underwear. Sir Purr doesn't like going out outside, and if he does, he will run for the door if even a bird chirps. The girls will tease him and chase him, but he doesn't care. He loves them anyway. Especially Jenna.
I'm so proud of my family and feel blessed beyond belief to be a wife and mother to them. We weren't established the traditional way and we've been through a lot to get to where we are today, but that makes me all the more appreciative for what God has done in our lives.
We may look like we have it all together now, but the truth is, no family is perfect. Maybe you don't like your earthly family. Maybe growing up was full of disappointment and heartache for you. Even though we can't choose our earthly families, we do have a choice to be a member of a different family. God's family. I promise if you make that choice, He can erase those disappointments and provide healing and rest for your aching heart. Your Creator, your Heavenly Father is inviting you. All you have to do is RSVP yes.
For more information on how to become a part of the family of God, contact me at caraymail@gmail.com.
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