My Rear Hurts

I have a very sore bum. This may seem like a sad story, but in reality it's a celebration! You may be thinking, "Huh?" Sit back, and let me finish. No more inturrupting.

My rear is very bruised this morning. This is because last night I took a pretty long bike ride. I rode all the way to the DQ (not the closest or second closest, but the third closest) and had myself an ice cream. I enjoyed this bike ride with my son in the child seat on the back. We got the bike seat from my moms house earlier this summer and he loves bike rides. We were not riding because he loves to ride.

We were also joined by Emma. Emma frequently joins us on our bike rides. This was the first time we were joined by another person. Brent also accompanied us on our bike trek. He joined us because it was a very special occasion. This was the first time that we took a family bike ride. It was the first time we rode to the third closest DQ. It was the first time (since we've been married) that Brent celebrated with a banana split. This was a very special occasion.

Seven years ago, yesterday, my mom donated a kidney to my dad. That was special, but that's not what we were celebrating. Four years ago, yesterday, my sister started her new job. Also, special, but not worthy of a banana split.

Nope...four years ago, yesterday, Brent adopted Emma! I can remember it so clearly. We kept her home from school. I remember walking from the laywers office to the court house, it was a beautiful day. I remember feeling so nervous/excited. I remember Emma reaching out to hold my hand. I remember the cold, hard feel of the wooden benches in the court room. I remember the judge saying that usually his job involves families being torn apart, and it's so refreshing to bring families together every once-in-a-while. I remember thinking that my whole life would change right now. And it did!

Now here we are four years later. Brent has learned some lessons in patience. Emma has learned some lessons in trying that patience. And we are all still working together as a family to communicate, to love, to forgive, to accept and to cherish...banana split, sore bum and all!