A bit about us :-)

It has been a long time since I desired to start a blog. In fact, for a while, I forgot that I had them to begin with. Facebook has been a bit of a superpower in this house, and while I'm thankful for the connection it has brought me to those far away from me, it has also been a lot of drama. I remember hearing from several dear friends who left facebook and returned to blogging, friends who became much happier and had more time for their families and the good moments in life. While I don't believe that I will be giving up facebook altogether, I think the time has come to sign off and enjoy telling my story. Well, our story.

First, there's me-- I'm Jodi, a 30 year old mommy of 3 amazing kiddos (Mikey, Chara, and Ana), a native New Englander, but adopted by the beautiful country living that is Ohio. I suppose you could say that I am a renegade baker and chef-- although, I have to admit that my creativity comes primarily when I'm not consumed with work, homework, or an abundance of cashflow. I am zealous about photography, and this is the year that I plan to pursue it with a fresh perspective and the belief that I am my own style. The color orange and old movies make me happy-- the ones that are in black and white, everyone is well spoken and dressed to the 9's-- those are the ones that I will curl up with my favorite hoodie and a bowl of freshly popped popcorn and enjoy watching. Oh-- shakespeare movies are included in that list, preferably the Kenneth Branaugh versions. I absolutely LOVE Shakespeare! I love God with everything I have in me. I am only beginning to learn what that kind of love and dedication means, but I love the journey it puts me on.

Then there is Mikey-- my 8 year old little man, silly and compassionate as they come. He is so unbelieveably charming, and I doubt he will ever get more handsome than he is! Yes, he has autism, and many of my posts will mention this. However, I believe that God gave him challenges for a reason, and I wouldn't change him for anything. Chara is my spunky sassy little 6 year old-- she is famous in her own mind, always right, and quite the fierce protectress. She has her moments when her mouth gets her in trouble, but her heart is usually in the right place. She has ADHD, so some moments with her bring me to the brink.... but it also brings me to my knees, and God knows I need that. Finally, there is Ana. Ana just turned 4 in September, and she is my priceless little party planner. Her imagination is completely unmatched by any other child I have ever met! All of my little ones bring such blessing to my life-- I couldn't thank God enough for them. Then there are Jimmy and Madison. Jimmy is my amazing husband-to-be, and I couldn't be more thrilled that God brought us together! I have seen so many blessings and millions of little moments where God has spoken to me, indicating that there will be challenged and joys alike in our upcoming life together. I can't wait to write about them all and share the journey. Madison is his 10 year old daughter, and as far as I'm concerned, my girl too. :-)

This is our life-- the good, the bad, the nitty gritty. :-)