Golden Days

I've been feeling this is one of the happiest times of my life. A big statement, I know, but I’m pretty sure I can stand by that feeling. I love the challenges, connections, and fullness of life right now. While it isn't without its anxiety and stressful moments, I feel more connected and in tune with those I love. Interestingly, I feel most alive when feeling big emotions. Maybe it's because that's when I feel authentic and present. 

I am so blessed to live with my favorite people and have been treasuring every moment with them. Here's a photo catch-up from the last two months, which makes me feel uber grateful ... and slightly exhausted in the best way.

Small adventures with Alma and James while Josh is in class on Saturdays — trying out the pianos at Taylor's Music in West Chester while we waited for Alma's violin to be tuned and James’s new violin to be ready; the Philadelphia Flower Show; finally making it to Handel’s Ice Cream on one of the coldest days of the year; and volunteering at the Banff Film Festival again this year.

Time with the Thompsons -- Maddie's basketball games, bowling, and celebrating Grandpa's birthday.

Lunches with Josh, which are the highlight of my day. Seeing my favorite person in the middle of my busy workday is the best thing ever. I'm never going to want him to graduate! (Although we know he will with all the great studying he does -- look at those post-it notes!)

Visits from and with some of our favorite people, including Scott, Gregory, Amy, David, and Hayden.

James has been enjoying so much time with Sawyer and Carter -- Villanova basketball games, birthday parties, sleepovers, and indoor soccer.

Valentine's brunch with Nana and Alma may be the start of a sweet tradition.

Alma's terrific baking, which is often intended for the neighbors but more often than not ends up powering me through the day.

Regular evening walks, regardless of the cold, rain, or complete darkness (since we often skip using our flashlight on the rail-trail). These walks allow for great centering and connecting time for Josh and me. Usually, we cover 3 miles in about an hour, two or three times a week. Sometimes a kid tags along, which is such a treat.

Alma has a great group of friends and finds time to do interesting things with them, including Longwood Gardens and a weekend at the beach.

End of an Era/Start of a New Adventure

After nearly a decade as an upper-elementary teacher at our local Montessori school, Josh is embarking on a new career in law enforcement. We are incredibly proud of him as he pursues a calling that has been with him since childhood.

While Josh completed his Montessori training in the Pacific Northwest in 2005 and was teaching when I met him in Seattle, he still intended to join the police force there. However, life moved us forward in other ways, with Josh continuously choosing jobs supporting our family.

For the first 10 years of our marriage, Josh worked as a faith-based community organizer, creating positive change and often partnering with local police departments. When Alma and James were school-aged, he returned to teaching, which allowed them to attend the same private school where he taught. During their elementary years, Alma and James were either in Josh’s class or just a classroom away. When the pandemic hit, the Chisholms made up nearly a quarter of the classroom population, which is a great way to go if you are going to get through a global pandemic.

Josh has built a lovely academic and social foundation for the kids. They are good kids because of his loving influence and his choice to delay his own plans for the family's benefit. For that, I will always be grateful.

Now that they are more independent, it's time for Josh to follow his own dreams. Over the holiday break, we had one last visit to the school to clean out his binders and bring home some of our plants. He is starting at the sheriff’s office this week, and next week, he’ll begin the six months of training at the police academy. 

It’s not easy to take such a significant leap, but we are excited for him to learn about the profession and support him through any challenges. We have no doubt that his compassion, dedication, and integrity will make a lasting impact on the community.

Congratulations, Josh! We are so proud of you.

Christmas and New Year

What an incredible long and fun winter break filled with all our favorite things and a few added bonuses. 

• Regular favorites: massive amounts of cookies, Christmas Eve at Christine's, Christmas morning at our house with Nana and Grandpa, Christmas feasting at Brian and Bridgette's, New Year Eve with a Star Wars movie while eating the gingerbread house, and lots of chill time in between with friends, games, and getting outside in the cold.
• Novel delights: A trip to iFly for James's birthday celebration and to see our Philadelphia Eagles at the Linc.