Our alarm went off at 5:55 am and was ignored. At 6:16 we realized that our oldest child's alarm was also ignored. We now had exactly 34 minutes before the front door needed to shut behind them as he took our teenager to the bus for the last day of the first full week of sophomore year of high school. We scrambled (and I mean both the eggs and the morning's organization), drank day old coffee, discussed assignments that were due and projects to be completed, gave kisses, and

I've never been particularly fond of choosing the easiest path with paved roads and manicured lawns. I prefer the dirt, the dust, the wild brush and unfurling foliage of the unexpected curves. I am someone compelled by the challenge of the climb. I am pretty sure my husband is as well. So, how does it work - when two people who are accustomed to taking on insurmountable challenges pair up with an intention of happily every after? Well, it's difficult, it's sweaty, it can be p