I live in Beautiful British Columbia close to the wonderful and exciting city of Vancouver. I was born and raised here. I was born in September of 1975. So, that makes me 35 years old! Age is a funny thing because sometimes I don’t really feel old and then other times – I feel like the “things” that we’ve gone through in our live have aged me FAR beyond my 35 years……and the wild and crazy children in the house don’t really help with that.

I got married 15 years ago on July 8, 1995 to my best friend.

I met Jon when he was 16, and I was 14. Love at first sight????? Definitely not! I carded him when he told me he could drive. Didn’t believe him at all. Couldn’t stand him for the first 2 years that we were friends(I use the term “friends” loosly – He was dating my younger sister. I know, YUCK!) When my sister dumped him, we became friends – still no sparks - and I coached him through another realationship with another friend of mine. He was a nice guy, but not really my type! I kinda thought he was lacking a little in the looks department. How shallow could I be?

Now, I have the hottest looking husband, the nicest guy in the world, and the greatest father in the world all rolled into one. Aren’t I lucky? No, He’s not perfect, but the fact that I think he’s pretty close even after 15 years of marriage has to say something for the guy. Seriously, He’s pretty amazing!

We started dating, got engaged and got married all within a 6 month time frame! and NO! Our first child came along 2 years after we were married! We now have 5 AMAZING children who we love intensely.

Along the way, we’ve worked in credit and collections, for a cell phone company, a long distance company, worked with the movie industry doing two-way radios, with 2 different uniform companies, as youth pastors for a inner-city church, led worship, done sound, done pyrotechnics, worked in the biometric industry, ran a technical service company and are now helping to pastor a church.

Angelica (Gelica or Geli, as we call her) is our eldest and is currently kicking Cancer’s butt. She was diagnosed with Leukemia in June of 2010. To say that it was a shock is putting it mildly, but we are just taking it day by day. We are looking forward to October 2012, when we will be done with treatment. It’s a long ride, but we will make it. Gel has the most amazing determination, drive and strength in her. I’m so proud of this young lady…..of who is currently is and also who she is becoming. She will accomplish amazing things in her life because when she puts her mind to something, she makes it happen.

Alexandra (We call her Xandra or Xani) is our amazing 2nd daughter and 2nd child. She is so full of life and we love her so dearly. She marches to the rhythm of her own drummer and is a true “girly girl”. She LOVES to dress in swirly dresses and dance around like the princess she is. She reads books like they are going out of print. She is an absolute delight and we are so blessed to call her ours.

This sweet boy is Jeremy (We often refer to him as Jer or J). He is our first son and the most creative person we know. His stories and inventions are AMAZING. Jeremy was diagnosed with ADHD in 2006. Life is not always easy for him, but his compassion and gentleness shine through in just about everything he does and if you get to meet him, he will melt your heart within the first few minutes.

Along with the rest of the world, we’ve had our shares of up and downs. In 2005 I was 25 weeks pregnant with a little boy. One day I realized that he was no longer moving. We went to the hospital and it was confirmed that he had passed away. Nathaniel Mark Culley was born on January 24th, 2005. To lose something so precious makes you realize just how important every moment of every day is.

I got pregnant 3 more times in the years 2005, and 2006 and lost 3 more babies. Those were not easy years. In December of 2006, we found out that I was pregnant again. Josiah was born on August 4th, 2007. He was the sweetest little baby and is growing into the sweetest little boy. He gives the most amazing hugs and is so verbally expressive, it can be a little scary at times, but more often than not it is HILARIOUS!! The things this kid comes up with are so amusing.

In October 2009, I found out that I was pregnant. This was a bit of a surprise to us as we had not been “trying” to have a baby, but on June 24th, 2010, Judah Zane joined our family. We never knew how much we needed him until we were given him. He has the most amazing smile. He was born one week after Angelica was diagnosed and there are times when you are feeling so tired and worn out, and when he smiles at you…..it all slips away for a moment. It’s hard to not smile when he’s smiling at you. He is the most amazing blessing and I’m so looking forward to seeing the man he becomes.

There is nothing extra special about me. I’m just another normal person with strengths and weakness……I struggle with my weight, and battle insecurities and fear. I’ve also fought off depression without sinking into a huge hole. I get pretty excited about organizing and planning and stuff(Thank you very much, Grandma Kennedy! I hope you’re looking down and smiling from heaven.) Although, I’m not exactly enthusiastic about house cleaning, since Geli was diagnosed, I’ve cleaned more than I ever have IN. MY. LIFE! so not fun.

I LOVE to write. This is my place to come and share….sometimes, I over share, sometimes, I under share, and sometimes I just don’t get around to sharing at all. Life’s been a little busy with 5 kids and all, but I love to have this place where I can share my life with you.

This little space on the Internet, in a lot of ways, has been my Therapy. I started this site in August of 2005 after losing Nathaniel and then having my first miscarriage at 16 weeks pregnant. To have a space where I can work out my thoughts, or just post about something silly or to ask for advice……it’s been amazing and sanity saving at times. You’re more than welcome…..in fact, I invite you, to come along for the ride.