Life is full of surreal moments. Yesterday Jace finished 7th grade, and while this is not a year for graduations, I realize that we only have 5 years left with him at home. So many of our friends have their eldest child or other children graduating this year, and it makes me realize how quickly time flies.

My nephew, John, got his mission call to Tucson, Arizona, Spanish speaking this week. He being my sister's youngest, made the time seem so short. We're all so proud of you, Elder Ehlen! (John, if you're reading this, my favorite photo of you EVER was the day I put all your hair up and made you stand like a rapper! I think you were about 2). This one is pretty apropos though.

Jace decided to "dress up" for school on his last day this year. Who knows where he got the comic flare? (JIM/BRIANA) We won't name names here. What was most hilarious was that he arrived at school a little bit tardy, in the outfit you see here, with four gift bags for his teachers. I thought maybe he had grown out of the gift giving being in Middle School, but happily, he has not!

In talking with Jim in the wee hours of the morning, we have now known each other for over 19 years, and though his history with his kids has been longer, I'm grateful for the years I have known him. He is sweet and kind, and I'm so happy to be his wife. I am grateful to have my step-children.

We have had many challenges thus far in our married life: illness, teenagers (and one about to become one...need I say more?), the loss of parents and grandparents, moves, and job changes; however, we've been blessed to be through these together. In looking back, I don't think I would trade our challenges for anyone else's. Jim has been the best sort of friend and companion a girl could ask for!

It is not our anniversary this week, or our birthdays. We had those already this year. I suppose this is just my validation that my parents were right! The older you get, the faster time flies!

So as I look towards these last five years with Jace at home and the things I want to accomplish, what I most want is for he and Jim to feel safe, supported, and happy. This being said, I am guaranteed that there will be difficulties, hardships, and harsh realities; but with my family, friends, and my Savior, I can face them.

As sad as I'll be when that time ends, and as teary as that thought makes me writing this, the empty-nesters that we'll then be, we will be together...still competing at Scrabble (and Jim winning), still working through the challenges of life, serving in our church, and looking forward to every minute together.

Here's to the surreal life!