The house that we built

I'm proud of the house we built.
It's stronger than sticks, stones and steel.
It's not a big place sittin' up high on some hill.
A lot of things will come and go, but love never will.
Five years ago Jason and I would have celebrated an occasion like a wedding anniversary enjoying an expensive dinner, sharing an extravagant dessert and sleeping in the following morning. That was before we had four kids, hardly ever a moment of silence and hadn't eaten a dinner without both in at least six months. Let's not even discuss the sleeping in thing.

Now the money we would have spent on that dinner is dropped on junk food at Kings Island. The silence we sometimes crave more than anything else in the world comes in 45 second bursts. And again, let's not discuss the sleeping in thing.

However, amongst the fingers sticky from cotton candy, high-pitched squeals and cries of "Mom, Alena Grace pinched me," I don't believe there's anything either of us would change.

Even in the very worst of times, we recognize the larger purpose in what we're doing. And yes, sometimes it takes one of us to remind the other what that is. But in the very best of times, we count each blessing and attempt to soak up the most minute details found in our children.

Five years ago "us" meant only two. Five years ago there weren't swings to push, little feet zipping across the floor or baby hands to hold. Five years ago, we would have looked forward to that dinner. Today, we know there's so much more to look forward to.

P.S. Today I am thankful for:

• Our new fence that keeps everyone safely in the backyard.
• Alivia's literal interpretation of Dr. Seuss's "Hop on Pop."
• Alysse's wonderfully infectious laugh.
• Nestling my nose in Trace's neck to plant a kiss and, in return, getting a whiff of dad's aftershave.
• The knowledge that Alena's stubborn moods and defiance mean she's gaining her own independence.
• A husband who can still laugh at one of my smart ass comments after five years.