Five years ago I did. not. want. children. There’s actually a rumor going around that I used to talk about putting babies in driers. It’s a lie! A lie, I tell you!

Today, I have a son who brings me more joy than I ever thought possible. I try to imagine life without him, and I simply cannot.

Five years ago I told a cousin of mine that if I ever “ended up pregnant” that I wanted the doctor to knock me out and cut that baby from my belly.

Today, I am an advocate for natural childbirth. Though I did not succeed at birthing Jude at home, I did make it through a 31-hour labor drug-free.

Five years ago I wanted to own a home, buy a new car, and work a lucrative job doing something (anything at all… I just wanted to make lots o’ money).

Today, I want to live in a one-bedroom apartment, sell my car, and be a stay at home mom (you know what they say, “Mo’ money, mo’ problems.”).

Five years ago I was afraid to enter a church because I was sure that crossing the threshold would cause my living-in-sin, pre-marital-sex-having, curse-word-saying, never-going-to-church self to spontaneously burst into flames.

Today, I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I am, in fact, a (YOUTH!) minister’s wife. Also, chances are one day I’ll be fully-ordained pastor’s wife. *Covers ears* LA LA LA! I CAN’T HEAR YOU!

Five years ago I rocked out to the Alkaline Trio while driving in the car.

Today, I belt out the lyrics to each and every song on each and every Veggie Tales CD we own. Oh, and I guess it goes without saying that I actually own Veggie Tales CDs. No joke.

So, people of the internet, how does the you of five years ago compare to the you of the here and now?

Posting may be a bit light this weekend due to traveling, but don’t despair! Tomorrow’s crossover blog post with the Naked Redhead is ready to go. Check back tomorrow to see how a mom’s view of discipline differs from a non-mom’s!