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I’ve always been fascinated with paths. Paths that are taken, paths that are not; reasons for choosing one path and not the other. Pondering both diverging and intersecting paths is something I spend probably too much time thinking about, but think about them, I do.
This is one of my favorite photos because it clearly illustrates the path that I’ve chosen to take in my life. I never thought that I’d have 5 children. I always expected a much more {Angie} centered existence. I never came close to comprehending how much joy my family would bring me. When I embarked on the path that included marriage to a wonderful man and the ensuing birth of my children, I hadn’t a clue as to the way that path would change and mold me.
Sometimes I think of the ways my life would be different if I had continued on in school to get the PhD I desired. I think of the ways that path would be different from the one I’m on now, and I shake my head.
I really believe that I could have had that degree, yet I chose something different, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
I may not be an expert on one particular subject with a piece of paper certifying my knowledge, but I am an expert on things that can’t be measured or documented with a test.
Walking {and sometimes stumbling} on the path I’ve chosen is the best choice I could have made.
Thank goodness I made it.
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{ 110 comments }
Walking and sometimes stumbling.
What a beautiful line.
And what a beautiful mother you are Angie.
Just beautiful.
I love your path!
Twitter: GennyHeikka
March 9, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Beautiful.
Hugs,
genny
Twitter: MutheringHeight
March 9, 2010 at 6:10 pm
I’m glad to have found myself on a similar path.
That was so beautiful! Through all the good and bad choices (mostly good in my later years), I wouldn’t change a THING because it brought me on the path which led me here.
I added a comment. Why isn’t it working for me? This is BIZZARE!
Twitter: 7clowncircus
March 9, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Your comment was sent to my spam folder for some reason.
What a great picture. It really says it all.
Twitter: jennyslens
March 9, 2010 at 6:22 pm
This is such a beautiful post…and a beautiful photo too!
Twitter: aventinehill
March 9, 2010 at 6:22 pm
BEAUTIFUL! Every stumble. Every scrape. Every smile. Every triumph. It’s great, isn’t it?
)
This is such a beautiful post. And I adore that photo. I hope its hanging up in your house.
Twitter: mami_picture
March 9, 2010 at 6:25 pm
What a Beautiful post Angie, I know exactly how you feel!
I adore the picture…♥It’s PERFECT!!!
Have lovely Wednesday!
{{{HUGS & MANY BLESSINGS}}}
Twitter: mommybytes
March 9, 2010 at 6:27 pm
You are so blessed!
Twitter: Momisodes
March 9, 2010 at 6:29 pm
So beautifully said and captured.
I couldn’t agree more. It is those unexpected paths that can bring you on the most memorable and meaningful journeys.
What an awesome picture! I am adding your button to my blog.
Lovely post … beautiful family! I’m reminded of what Desmond Tutu said about this: “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”
Hugs and blessings,
Ah, a lovely path it is! I would venture to guess that the things you’ve learned as a mom to those great kids outweighs what you’d have learned in even the finest of PhD programs.
Twitter: pieces_of_me_
March 9, 2010 at 6:45 pm
that is so beautiful….wow, 5? I can’t wait to have 1 at least by 40
many blessings on your path!
Twitter: Tara_R
March 9, 2010 at 6:57 pm
The view from this path is always fun too. The photo is the perfect illustration for this post.
Twitter: psmom
March 9, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Lovely photo and sentiment!
Twitter: Alli_n_Son
March 9, 2010 at 7:07 pm
I feel the exact same way. I’m so glad that I choose to stay at home with my son, and any other children that I will be blessed with. I can’t imagine my life any other way.
Great pic!
Oh wow, I think about paths all the time. How would things be different now if we had chosen differently or taken a different step? Are we really on the path that God had laid out for us? If not, how do we get back on that path? At the next fork do I go to the right or the left? The weight of those decisions weighs on me daily.
Just beautiful Angie…I loved it!! I also do a lot of pondering about paths chosen, and love where mine has led me so far!!
All I can say to that is Amen!
I am blessed to be on the same path…with less kids though!
Twitter: 1momof5
March 9, 2010 at 7:18 pm
I often wonder the same thing. My life could have been so different, depending on many different steps I’ve taken.
Twitter: thinkinmommy
March 9, 2010 at 7:18 pm
wow, that is such a moving picture. I never imagined I would be a mom this early in life. Its amazing how those little buggers can change everything you had ‘planned’ out
Twitter: SeriousKrystyn
March 9, 2010 at 7:18 pm
I, too, made some of those same choices, and I’m sure that I was meant to. PhD? Totally wouldn’t have me here with my beautiful girls with this life. Which I’m sure is way better than that piece of paper and what it would have been.
I hope your computer is playing nice, now.
Twitter: veggiemommy
March 9, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Angie,
I have always loved this photograph of you and your children. It is so funny all of the hopes and dreams we have when we’re young. The desires and goals we often have are of and for self and we can’t imagine it any other way. Thank GOD for the path my life has gone. Every once in a while I wonder how I got here (because self was more important than anyone else), but the curiosity subsides and a smile comes over my face because I am so happy to be here now as a wife and a mommy.
Well said!!!!
Twitter: thenagainphoto
March 9, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Nicely written. Beautiful actually. I could use a few “expert” tips at the moment. I seriously spent about 5 minutes sitting on my couch devising a plan to run away from home. Figured I wouldn’t get far on foot. Walking is SO not my thing.t
Twitter: JacksMomMarie
March 9, 2010 at 8:02 pm
I love your path. The world is a better place for it!
Twitter: Twinfatuation
March 9, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Beautiful—the picture and your words.
Love this post! Beautifully said Angie:)
Twitter: Lindsay_Y
March 9, 2010 at 8:43 pm
You know, maybe that’s something 30-somethings think, because honestly, I’ve thought about paths a lot lately, too! Your words are just so eloquent….and you have a beautiful family. I’m trying to convince hubs we “need” five, too. It’s not working. I’m gonna make him read this!
And it is such a beautiful, fulfilling path. I love this photo!
Beautiful.
It really does boggle the mind. It makes me think of that movie, “Sliding Doors.” Have you ever seen it? Very cool, as it illustrates how her life was changed w/ just one little difference.
I think about this too, especially about how if I’d chosen a different college I probably never would have met my husband. It’s alot to ponder!
Nice post Angie…
Twitter: mrsmarine
March 9, 2010 at 9:08 pm
I love that picture! Very Beautiful and artistic!
Twitter: momspotted
March 9, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I used to always have that ‘If I had done this’ issue. I finally learned to say ‘but I didn’t’ I could easily daydream about all the what-if’s.
I am so happy you took this path. I would have never met you and made such a wonderful friend
Besides that I have no idea would my girls would be secretly arranged to be married to 
It’s a beautiful path to Angie. You make it look so easy!
I love the picture and the post. I totally identify!
I think we’ve all wondered about different choices we could have made. I’m so happy that you are happy with your choices. I agree, having a family is just amazing.
Twitter: homemom3
March 9, 2010 at 9:30 pm
This is such a great post and I know what you mean, I have four but if you would’ve asked me growing up I would’ve said never a mom. Today, I dont’ know what I’d do without my kids, they are my life and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Great pic and I love how you are turning around and looking back with a smile. As if to say, nope, I have no regrets. Happy WW!
Twitter: ErinsMiracles
March 9, 2010 at 9:41 pm
I think you chose the right path! You are such a beautiful mommy! Your children are so lucky!
Twitter: FutureMama
March 9, 2010 at 9:44 pm
What a beautiful photo!! I can’t wait until we have a big family like that… Well, maybe it won’t be AS big, but as cute I hope!
LOVE your blog makeover by the way!!
Happy Wordful Wednesday!
Sorry I wasn’t of much words today, but I did have a sentence!
Twitter: RobinTA
March 9, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Beautiful post (and photo) Angie. I’m often surprised at where I’ve ended up too, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Twitter: pamelamkramer
March 9, 2010 at 10:10 pm
What a great reminder! Thanks for writing it.
Twitter: PrettyPinkMomma
March 9, 2010 at 10:13 pm
That was a beautiful post. You have a beautiful family. I often think of the path that I have taken too. I have three boys, always wanted a girl, but no such luck. Still not sure if were finished with the three boys or if we will try again, either way I love what God has chosen to bless me with. Its funny to think back ten years ago when I was twenty years old. I specifically remember having a conversation with my husband, then boyfriend, how I didn’t see myself being a mom and living in the suburbs. For him, that statement was almost a deal breaker because that was exactly what he wanted. I’m glad he hung around and waited for me to realize that it really was what I wanted in life.
Twitter: jamericanspice
March 9, 2010 at 10:42 pm
This past week I’ve been struggling with this thinking of the path I took too. It’s amazing that here you are writing about it. Definitely put it in perspective.
Have a wonderful day.
Twitter: jumpinbeans09
March 9, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Love the photo!
As a mommy to a sweet one year old baby boy, I have to agree …
My path is wonderful!
Yes, we all choose our own paths, but sometimes that path gets a little too bumpy, and we have to find a better route. I found that smooth road finally, and I truly believe this is my true path, and I couldn’t be happier. We may fall from time to time, but I have my soul-mate, and good friends to help me up. I am happy to hear when my friends have found their true path, and if their road gets bumpy my hand is always there to help. All they have to do is reach out! Have a good day, friend.
Twitter: nightOwlmama
March 9, 2010 at 11:46 pm
That was beautiful Angie. I love that being a mother can be measured in so many ways and we don’t need no degree to tell us we are a good one. WE all learn as we go along don’t we. HUGS you have a beautiful family
Lovely family photo, a great story with no words
Happy WW!
Oh ANgie, what a beautiful post. Straight from the heart.
Wonderful post, We all want to walk that great path.
That photo is really, really awesome!
Happy Wednesday, Angie!
Twitter: FeelsLikeHome
March 10, 2010 at 3:44 am
That was a beautiful post, Angie. I didn’t realize we had so much in common.
Twitter: irishbymarriage
March 10, 2010 at 3:44 am
A beautiful picture, beautiful family, beautiful perspective!
It is amazing to me how a series of paths led me to where I am now. How the heck did I end up in Florida married to the Irishman? It is still crazy to me that we ended up together after starting life on oposite sides of the pond.
(Oh…and this made me think of the song God Blessed the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts…which will be in my head now for the rest of the day!)
wow another cool meme here…wish to post my first entry later..thanks in advance!
Twitter: thecopmama
March 10, 2010 at 4:30 am
What a beautiful picture of you with your children! Yes, isn’t it funny when we look back at the path we’ve chosen and how we got here. But the better question is, where are we going NOW?
I linked up again today!
I am so glad you chose the path you chose. i love the picture. also the new code worked for me… YAYAYAYAYAYA!!!!!! Thanks for finding a solution, I hate not having the button. plus the button you have is super cute.
I sometimes find myself doing the same thing. I would never in a million years change the path that brought me my three kids. I love the black and white picture of all of you.
Twitter: ificouldescape
March 10, 2010 at 4:48 am
What a beautiful photograph for a beautiful post. And, yes I know exactly what you mean. I love the path my boys have led me to as well. x
Twitter: RandomCoolChick
March 10, 2010 at 4:51 am
Not only do I love the picture, but what you wrote about it? Priceless. Your children are so very fortunate to have you (and you them) and that you’ve embraced your path so lovingly. You ROCK!
Twitter: lkwhtmomfound
March 10, 2010 at 5:07 am
thats a great pic! I wish my kids would cooperate for a group shot
happy WW
What a beautiful post and a great photo of you and your children! It is interesting to see where our paths have taken us!!
Twitter: ptownmoofus
March 10, 2010 at 5:23 am
Beautiful post Angie! A good friend of mine always says that allowing us to make plans, is God’s way of exercising his sense of humor. We make plans for the future, and our paths change many times. But somehow, we end up on the right path, even if it wasn’t where we thought we were going.
Have a wonderful day!
Twitter: mellisarock
March 10, 2010 at 5:38 am
You always have the best Wordful Wednesday — such an inspiration! Love that picture!! Have a great week!
Twitter: rhondaslife
March 10, 2010 at 5:43 am
Great post Angie!!
Twitter: katydidandkid
March 10, 2010 at 5:47 am
This is one of my favorite photos of you too! And I love the meaning behind it.
Twitter: beths_confusion
March 10, 2010 at 5:58 am
Beautiful Angie and I can tell you from someone who pushed through to get the degree that in the end it really doesn’t matter all that much but instead those we love matter so much more. You done good, Angie you done real good.
Twitter: petersonstlouis
March 10, 2010 at 6:14 am
Love this post! You are right where you were supposed to be all along!
I am at work. Work allows me to view your site. Home does not. We even checked our firewall. I am going to ask a computer savvy friend today! This is too odd…I can look at every other site in the universe but yours!
Our paths are certainly not always what we expect, but they often lead us to wonderful things!
Gorgeous post–it is amazing the paths we think we want to take–and then how we can end up on a better one, a sweeter one…
Blessings!
I loved that picture and story, made me think of my own path and how at peace I am with the one I have chosen! Thank you for sharing
I love everything about what you have written and the photo itself. Like you, my path is VERY different than I expected and I wouldn’t change a thing. I am grateful to have discovered Wordful Wednesday and I look forward to playing along regularly. LOVE!
Twitter: iambrimful
March 10, 2010 at 7:52 am
Very well stated…I think you chose the best path!
I honestly couldnt think of a better path to take!!!!
Stop by to enter my giveaway, it starts today and goes thru friday!
Twitter: Chefdruck
March 10, 2010 at 8:22 am
I thought I would be a working mom with a big corporate career until I threw that plan out the window a few months into motherhood. Plans are meant to be thrown away as we search for the correct path. But it is tricky, and windy, and constantly re-evaluated. Beautiful picture that really captures that!
Twitter: melaniescrafts
March 10, 2010 at 8:35 am
What a wonderful post! I love my path I chose. =)
Twitter: MrsMeganC
March 10, 2010 at 8:44 am
So sweet, both the picture and the post. You just never know which path is going to lead you to the greatest joy. =)
Twitter: jamblogging
March 10, 2010 at 8:46 am
There truly is no better road to take!
Twitter: balancingbandb
March 10, 2010 at 8:52 am
What a beautiful path you chose!
Kristina
what a great pic of you and the kiddos.
funny my post is also about what my life has become and what makes you happy once you are a sahm
Nice post, happy family, good life NICE PATH. My path that I chose was a musical one, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Gorgeous shot! I love the way you’re looking back over your shoulder.
Twitter: TweetingMama
March 10, 2010 at 9:35 am
What a great photo and great post as well. I never imagined my life would include four children. I feel so blessed that I ended up on this path and like you, I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Thanks so much for stopping by last week and linking your WW post up on my linky. I’d love for you to stop by again should you have a moment or two. Have a great day.
Kristi, Live and Love…Out Loud
@TweetingMama
Twitter: rudyrukus
March 10, 2010 at 9:48 am
Great post. You are so right. I thought I wanted to be a doctor now I just visit them with sick kids and think I am so glad I am not YOU right now. haha. Thanks for this post. Really made me think today and appreciate what I have!
Twitter: mommynamedapril
March 10, 2010 at 10:01 am
that picture really is spectacular. what a beautiful family. i can’t imagine anything more rewarding!
http://www.aprilslittlefamily.com/2010/03/early-bird-gets-his-grandpa.html
paths are interesting…i mean i wonder sometimes what life would be like today if i’d continued on mith my mba and stayed working as an automotive engineer…but i guess this path is my destiny. paths make me think…you know. great thought, my friend. great thought.
That my dear was a wonderful post! I sometimes wonder what path I would be on now had I chosen to go to a different college and not met my husband. Or if I would have gone on to grad school like I had planned instead of becoming a stay at home home.
Not sure where I would be……but I do like where I am at.
Twitter: HaBryerton
March 10, 2010 at 10:45 am
What a beautiful post! The path that I have been stumbling along is something I have had on my mind a LOT lately. I am finding that when I take stock of what is in front of me and that when I become happy and fullfilled by the path in front of me, that it becomes smoother and that I stumble less. Happiness and our paths in life are what we make of them.
Really, Angie…..what a beautiful post.
Beautiful picture, beautiful path hun.
Twitter: trippinmama
March 10, 2010 at 11:13 am
I have days when I wonder who the heck set my GPS up to get me here. Because, as you so eloquently said, here is not what I had in mind. But He is in charge, and He knew the right destination for me all along.
Thanks for a great post!
Christy
I love that photo!
I think we all often wonder about our paths…and I think I was meant to be on the path that I am today, even though I never dreamed I would be a SAHM!
I’m back with a second link for a different blog … just because
Yup … I still love the photo and your lovely post!
Hugs and blessings,
Twitter: amberpagewrites
March 10, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I often wonder what would have happened had I made this choice or that, but you’re right. Nothing could be better than stumbling down the path I’m currently on.
I love your post. I am sending my best friend to read it. This is my first time to link up on Wednesday.
You know that you tickle me. Besides, I don’t blog. Hee-hee.
Twitter: writingthewaves
March 10, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Awesome post and beautiful picture. My most favorite poem is “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.
Such a noble path you have chosen, Angie. I am in awe of you having five children, maintaining this blog of yours, and everything else that you juggle. Most people with a PhD would never be able to pull that off.
Have you ever read the book “I am a Mother” by Jane Clayson Johnson? It’s in Deseret Book store and online too. Such a great reminder of how important the role of a mother really is. It’s definitely worth the read.
love that photo, and this post. And you can STILL get the PhD. Someday.
What a great post! Love that picture:-)
Twitter: 2Wired2Tired
March 10, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Love that photo too. And the words behind it really put it all in perspective.
Twitter: MamaMichie
March 10, 2010 at 6:04 pm
What a great path to choose and what a beautiful family to walk down that path with!
This was the most awesome, beautiful post, Angie! I love that you can see that the path you chose in the end was the perfect one for you. I too love that picture. The way you’re looking back with that smile on your face makes me think you’re saying, “Come on! Follow us! Don’t you want to be a part of this?”
Justine
)
Twitter: debi9kids
March 10, 2010 at 10:08 pm
What a beautiful post. It made me a bit teary-eyed.
What a beautiful blessed life you have!
Always love that picture! And what a beautiful path to walk or stumble on. We all can do what ifs but there’s no sense in it! But it is a big plus to be happy with what you have chosen…
beautifully written angie
LOVE IT!!!
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