acquainted.

Really, right here, right now is what fuels this blog, so, things up to this point aren’t of much importance. Nevertheless, just to recap- high school, college, got married, had three kids, got divorced, met a man, got married, now have six kids.

the same day every year.

My husband and I had known each other for close to 12 years.  It so happened that on September 23rd, 19 years ago, we met, of all places, at a Sports bar…on our birthday. Most people love their birthday, but we seem to have somewhat of an unusual excitement and attachment to our birthday, more so especially because we share the same birthday. Yes, our birthday is on September 23rd; the same day, but different years. (At this juncture, the story becomes a little inconsistent, depending who is telling it-me, or my Husband. I am younger.)  So, we toasted a cheer to each other, not knowing this would become our annual tradition, nor be the beginning of our journey of friendship…a friendship of many parallels that would later lead to a lifetime together.

game of pool? 

Soon after our memorable birthday meeting, we discovered another passion we shared- playing the game of pool. My husband having been playing pool for many, many years was a respectable winner who held the admiration of die-hard pool players. He was always the one to beat. I was still learning the facets of the game, and always intrigued by Shain's game- and a little intimidated and apprehensive to play him. One Saturday evening, our quarters met. (At this juncture, the story becomes a little inconsistent, depending who is telling it-me, or my husband. I won the game. ) From there, we became regular opponents.  When we happened to be at the same place, at the same time near a pool table, we would often seek each other out to play this game that we both loved so much. Both competitive in nature, we shared a mutual desire to beat one another, and respected each other's passion for the game. Our friendship was lively, good-humored, and light-natured. 

Throughout the first 10 years of our pool playing friendship, we were both married to others, and both had young kids. We were unknowingly walking through life separately while experiencing many of the same milestones- birth of sons, teething, 1st birthdays, baseball games, soccer games, 1st day of Kindergarten, school functions, birth of daughters, and so on....Our paths would cross occasionally at the grocery store or at the park- with kids in tow, we would exchange quick hellos.  Separation and Divorce were eventually events we both experienced. Our friendship remained contained to our occasional pool playing game, which had now reached the betting stage- $1, a beer, next game, etc., and of course, I usually won those games on those infrequent Saturday nights.  And then there was the annual birthday bump into each other where we exchanged birthday well wishes and a celebratory drink.

at the right place, at the right time- is that fate?

September 2nd, 2012 was the night the game- of pool and life, changed... We hadn't seen each other in a well over three or so years.  We both had been through a few difficult years dealing with divorce and separation, and helping kids cope during these hardships. We were forging new paths in life as single parents learning what was in store for them in this new chapter of life. 

I remember the feeling between us as being different from usual- a stubborn, undeniable chemistry was doggedly making itself known. Our banter was more informal, our interaction was flirty, and our demeanor with each other was intimate and magnetic. We spent the entire night talking, smiling, and laughing, taking in each other's nuances, stealing glances and sweet touches. The night ended with a kiss- THE Kiss that ignited our journey to today. 

of course.

The next few months were a whirlwind as we fell deeply in love and began sharing our lives together. We discovered that not only do we have the same birthday and zodiac sign, we share a passion for football, (although I am a Bears Fan, and he a NY Giants fan-) and for sports in general.  We both swear by cheeseburgers, chocolate, and Mexican food. We both insist that autumn is the best season of the year, and that rainy weather is by far the most superior of all the weather elements. We share the fervor of cooking.  Although he a “comfort food” cook, and I a “seasonal haute cuisine” gal, we love sharing the kitchen together, summer grilling, and outdoor backyard BBQ’s are a staple for us. We relish in taking day trips and getting excited creating new memories by finding our way around all the things to do in a new place for day or night- pubs, sightseeing, tourist attractions, stadiums, arenas, beaches, family fun, restaurants… When at home, we are tuned into the same TV shows, and have not once yet disagreed on a movie preference, or the quality of the movie. Carrying the most weight of all interests is music. We are both die-hard music junkies. Most importantly; however, we became aware of the fact that we shared the same values and had the same priorities in life- raising a close-knit family, spending time with our kids, having fun and not letting life get too serious- traveling, and sharing good times with close friends and family. We both possess a sense of humor and quick wit, and use humor and playfulness as guiding principles to navigate through this life. With each new thing we discovered was a mutual interest, we would grin at each other, smile, and say "of course" in unison. Being cusp babies- on the cusp of the zodiac of both Virgo and Libra- we found in each other an innate and intense understanding, appreciation, and respect of one another. We were home. 

here's a story...

We knew the "test" of our relationship was looming. It was time to meet The Kids. Shain had to meet my kids, and I had to meet Shain's kids. Shain has 2 sons and 1 daughter, and I have 2 sons and 1 daughter. (Of course.) With special needs kids, I was a bit more worried about the introduction. But, so it went... Shain met my kids over a dinner of spaghetti tacos, and I met Shain's kids over a lunch of Jordan's (Shain's oldest son) ramen noodles. It didn't take long for "approval" from both sides. Next up: kids meet kids. So, Shain and his kids; Jordan-then 12, Jaycob-then 10, and Hollie-then 5, and me and my kids; Canyon-then 11, Shaye-then 9, and Irelynd-then 4 got together for a game of renegade Dodgeball one Thursday evening behind Lowe's, and we never looked back... The kids have formed lifelong bonds, and now, we and the #sixbunch are a real life Brady Bunch- minus Alice, a painstakingly missing part of the family. 

eight is enough.

Today, life is anything but ordinary, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Of course. 

the #sixbunch.

It is only fitting to take a minute to talk about the #sixbunch, and as this is my very first blog post, I will behave. So, here goes…from youngest to oldest…

meet Irelynd, or little miss sassy pants, as I most commonly refer to her. #6 

She has a lively disposition, a free spirit, and she listens to her inner voice, which is very sassy and colorful. She is charismatic, and definitely isn’t afraid to express her individuality. She has gorgeous baby blues, here own sense of style. She is a non-conformer, and she is highly volatile and chronically inflexible... Wait, I promised to be good.

 say hello to hollie. #5 

Hollie is curious and gentle. She loves nature and all creatures in it. She is imaginative, and has wonderful idealism. She has a beautiful singing aptitude, and she desires peace and harmony. She is determined, and she does not, I repeat, does not, do well with losing- in anything. And man does she know how to drive her sister insanely crazy with just a non-answer. She has made an art form out of “The Ignore.” She is quite gifted.

then there is Shaye. #4 

He is gentle through his core. He has a strong sense of character, and has an altruistic and noble nature. Unfortunately, he has little fear and climbs, flips, jumps, and scales any fence, building, mountain, or structure he comes into contact with.  Even more scary- he is good, very good. He has a sweet soul, he trusts in the good, has a crazy, mature sense of responsibility and self discipline. He is boyishly charming with deep-set eyes and dimples. His laugh is infectious, and his temper is from planet evil.

next up, Jaycob. #3 

Jaycob has a strong spirit. His athleticism is awe inspiring. He can not only play any sport, but he is extremely good, no… great, at any sport. He has a killer sweet smile. His will is unbreakable. He has a childlike sense of wonderment, and is very likeable when he isn’t throwing stinging one liner insults, that is- mostly aimed at his older brothers. His confidence that he is going to be something really big someday is unwavering.

meet Canyon, the boy #2 

Canyon has a larger than life heart and his mechanical skills are mind blowing. He is tender and actually “gets” life, although he will always be the one to give everyone the hardest time about it. He is affectionate. Very affectionate. Annoyingly affectionate, if you ask his sister. He has strong perseverance, and great integrity. He is very deeply rooted in family and loyalty. He is a natural caretaker, or bosser-arounder, depending on who you’re asking. He is relentless in many, many things. Mostly things you don’t want him to be relentless in- like arguing why he knows his way around the city you have lived in for longer than he has been alive, and, well, he doesn’t even drive.

and then there was one…Jordan #1. 

Jordan is highly independent. He is funny, and witty, and likes to be the center of attention. He has a deadly handsome smile and never ending confidence. He has strong leadership skills. He, being fifteen, knows Every. Single. Thing. In. This. World. He has an amazing God-given basketball talent. He is headstrong. He is charismatic. He will find a way to get what he wants at any cost- that’s called resourcefulness, which is a good thing. I think.