Minnesota vs. Yuma

Well, it's almost time to head back to Yuma to start my 5th year of teaching. To me, it's hard to believe that I have been at this for 5 years or that I moved to Yuma 5 years ago. My mom still tells me how brave I was to move 2200 miles away from home without knowing a soul. I didn't think of it as a brave act I just knew I had to do it. Call it a gut feeling, but I knew I was meant to be in Yuma. Now, looking back at it all it was the best decision I ever made. I wouldn't have met the amazing friends that I have now, grown in my teaching career or met Brandon. God knew I was meant to be there.

BUT, Minnesota will always be my home. The place that I love and the place where I want to raise our future children. I can't see raising my children in Yuma. I want my kids to grow up with what I had. Fall, flowers, snow, building snowmen, snow days, ect. I could go on and on!! I am so lucky that Brandon loves Minnesota as much as I do. He loves this place I call my birthplace.

We've been in Minnesota for almost 9 weeks and I don't want to leave. But, our home is in Yuma now and we must head back. We are not looking forward to the drive back, but this time we will be doing the drive in 4 days instead of just 2. I hope we can fit everything in the car!!

In the beginning...

there was Katie Ballard and Brandon Tharp.  We were living our separate lives in our different states until a wonderful, little thing brought us together and that was eHarmony.  

It's so funny when Brandon and I get to tell people we met on eHarmony.  Most people don't believe us.  They smile and ask, "really?"  We smile back, look into each other's eyes and say yes.  I don't think either one of us ever thought that it would actually work.  An internet site would actually help you find the love of your life, but it did work.

We fell in love and planned a wedding.  It was beautiful!!  I can't believe it is done.  We planned and planned, then one day it's over!!  It was so amazing to have our families and friends come and share our day with us. 

And now we are are Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Tharp.  We have so much ahead of us.  We have many plans and many adventures ahead of us.  No matter what happens, good or bad, we have each other to lean on.  Let our future begin!!