The Predictable Life

By Stacy Johnson

So, I guess we've all been a little busy, the last two weeks seem to have flown by. I would say my life is chaos right now and things are hectic, but good. My husband blogged on his personal blog today and it got me thinking...do I lead a predictable life?

I had big plans when I was growing up. I dreamed of growing up and going on a mission, graduating college, being CEO of my own business, traveling the world, eating in the finest restaurants, living a life of luxury. And, when the time was right, I would marry in the temple and have a family of my own. I swore by my patriarchal blessing where it said, "In due time you will be married." I figured I might be a little older, so I was going to spend those "waiting" years accomplishing all these really great things so that when I got married, I could just be a mom and do all the mom things; clean the house, have babies, teach primary, etc. Little did I know that I would meet my husband when I was merely 17 years old. He hadn't even served his mission yet. Talk about due time!! I was finally married the summer I turned 20, three whole years later!! I had done none of the things I dreamed of but yet excited for my future. To top it off, Baby #1 arrived three days before our first wedding anniversary.

So, have I led a predictable life? As I sit and reflect, I guess I'd have to say that it isn't exactly as I had predicted it, but fairly comporable. For example, I haven't gone on a mission yet, but I am saving now for when I'm old enough. I haven't graduted college, but I bet if I added up all the classes I have taken over the last 20 years, I technically have enough hours for one, they just don't all belong to the same major (something I am working to correct by December 2010). That doesn't count the number of enrichment/homemaking classes I've taken on home decorating, crafting, food storage, family history, scripture study, etc.

I may not be CEO of my own business, but being the mother of 7 (plus we found out another is on the way) and a recently retired RS President puts me awfully close.

When we were in the military as a young couple, we lived in some interesting places, even if I haven't traveled the world. I've been blessed with a husband who has had wonderful jobs that rarely included travel but when he did go, they were great places to visit so I would join him for a weekend here or there.

As far as eating in the finest restaurants, I am glad to say that I like to try new things. I don't venture too far from home and I like my old stand by places, but we are brave and try the out of the way spots too, ask me about great sushi spots, mexican food, korean, thai, etc.

As for luxury, I guess it depends on how you look at it. I've never wanted for a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, furniture to sit on. I do live on a budget and while it seemed hard at first, I have never gone without. I have seven of the most beautiful children you will ever meet; they are talented, witty, athletic, honest, dependable, and hard working (most of the time). And my husband? Well, he was worth "waiting" for, that's for sure.

The mom thing isn't so bad; I clean the house when I have time, pregnancy hasn't killed me yet, and I've taught primary and survived.

So has my life been predictable?

Yes and No.