10 Years Ago

On the 4th of July we bought a month-long membership to our local Community Activity Center.  We're taking the month off from school - sorta - so we thought it would be a fun thing for the kids.  They've got the indoor/outdoor pool thing going with all the slides, lazy river and stuff. 

When we arrived at the pool, Darin and I couldn't believe the TATOOS all over the place!  We live in a fairly conservative suburb of Dallas.  Anywhere ya go, you're gonna see khaki shorts and boat shoes.  It's inevitable.  Little did we realize what everyone was covering up with their khakis!  Oh my.  I mean, these people kind of scared us a little.  And it wasn't just the men.  It was the women, too.  I think we saw just about every symbol of the Chinese alphabet.  The only thing missing was the heart tatoo with "Mom" written in the middle.  But I guess that was another generation.

As I looked around, I noticed that all of the peeps with tatoos looked to be in their early 30's.  They mostly had one or two very young kids.  They were in the same place Darin I were in....er....10 years ago. 

It just made me think of all the things that can happen in 10 years.  10 years ago it was not at all common, as far as I know, for women to cover themselves with tatoos like I saw at the pool on Saturday.  I mean, really.  I wish I had pictures!!!!!

10 years ago, Darin and I only had two children.  A three and one year old. 

10 years ago, Darin and I were at the beginnings of understanding what it really means to live our lives for Christ.  Thank God, He's still teaching us all that.

10 years ago, although Darin and I loved our babies, we did not truly understand yet what REAL blessings they are.

10 years ago, Darin was still finding his way in the Web World.  He taught himself everything he knows.  He's our first homeschooler in the family.  Now he's a pro and has even written a book with a friend about it.

10 years ago, we were just gearing up to begin homeschooling Ben.  I started with him when he was 4 because I was just so darn excited.  We did Preschool three times a week until I got pregnant with Jack.  Then we took it down to two days.  ;-)  Oh, am I ever glad to be out of the homeschooling newbie stage.  Life is so much more manageable these days.

10 years ago, my car was a 2-door Honda Civic.  Today I tool around in a Chevy Suburban and once this baby is born, it will officially be FULL. 

10 years ago we were able to sing Prince's "1999" and really mean it.  Although, really, I never partied "like it's 1999" because I got pregnant with Jack in October and I slept from then on.  But we had fun singing it! 

Okay, okay.  I guess I could go on forever.  It's just interesting, thinking of all that happens in 10 years. Gets me started thinking about 10 years from NOW.  Oyve.  I don't want to go there yet!  :-)