Change

This evening, most of us were outdoors doing random things.

Some were helping wash Cooper (a whole other story that will have to wait;) while others were playing in the yard.

We were just finishing up with Cooper when Mom came out on the front stoop and told everyone to come in. I was asked to go get my computer because Jordan wanted to ichat with us all.

Mom's calm way of gathering us together unfortunately for her, did not fool or throw me off.

I already knew, just by guessing, that this ichat was going to be a memorable one.

I looked at Mom and replied, "Jordan's engaged."

Her reply; "Please just go and get your computer."

Boom. I was right.

Jordan and Daniel have been dating for 5 months today. (April 30th)

They've known each other for 3 years.

Jordan had been dating someone else for 2 1/2 ( i think....) of those years. The guy she was dating was close friends with Daniel.

One night, Jordan's relationship ended with that guy, and she was left practically broken.

Daniel was there for her though and it turns out, he had always been there.

5 months later, they both come up for the weekend and everyone finds out that Dad and Daniel are going out to dinner. Just the 2 of them.

The buzz around the house: He's asking permission.

We're so sneaky, but smart;)

We were right.

So here we are.

5 month anniversary.

I'll let Jordan tell you the story here.

(Cool huh?

I thought his whole idea was so cute and creative:)

As I went about getting my computer and setting it up, and getting everyone inside, my attitude was, odd.

I was actually feeling annoyed, skeptical, and probably coming off as careless almost. Honestly, I didn't know what to feel or act. I know I was supposed to instantly be surprised and happy, but, I.....I.....I don't know I was,...odd!

Thinking back, I wasn't really even thinking then. But now I am.

I knew this day would come, but I didn't think about what this day was going to mean.

Now i'm thinking, "Was that really the last Christmas of all of us kids waking up together in the same house? Was that really the last picture all the Mechling kids took together on the bridge grasping our gifts for each other? Was that really the last vacation we all took together as just us, just us Mechlings? Is this really it? Is it really starting now? That horrible thing called change?

Yes, Maybe and No.

:)

Not too confusing.

I've always been the one that change is hardest on. I've balled over a numerous amount of new cars. When I was about 9, I remember crying once after listening to Jordan and Mom talk about Jordan having to go to college one day. I sobbed to Mom, heartbroken saying, "I don't want Jordan to go! I don't want anyone to leave."

I now realize that soon, Jordan won't be just ours. She'll be someone else's.

She won't just be our sister or daughter, she'll be someone's wife.

But then I remember that I, we, have always been excitedly talking about these days to come.

Everyone coming together for holidays with spouses and kids! Everyone watching as our family grows even bigger!

The only thing is, are we ready for those days just yet? Why do they have to come so soon? I think I have been taking holidays and trips and Mechling family time together, for granted. That or, reality of this day never seemed like it would never come.

But I have decided that from now on, I will cherish even more.

I am happy that Jordan has found Daniel and that he will now be a part of our family.

I will not be too sad about the end of the Mechling 9, but remember it, us, with joy and thankfulness for those days and times.

I will have an open and joyful attitude about these "changes".

One day, Lord willing I'll be looking back and this day, and I don't want to say that I needed to cherish it more. I'm already cherishing it. I will cherish this time to it's fullest.I will try to be ready for these days.:)

Congratulations to my dear oldest sister Jordan, for this big first step out on your own. I wish you and Daniel all the joy God gives you both,together.

(Yup, even Kristen was there!;)