Laying the Foundation: The Essex Ranch and Our Family

As the foundation for Essex Ranch is poured and cured, I can’t help but reflect on the deeper meaning of foundations—both in life and in love. The solid concrete now settling beneath our future home mirrors the strength and care Shon and I have poured into building our family. Just like this foundation, the structure of our family has taken time, patience, and resilience to create something strong and lasting.

How We Met: The First Steps

Shon and I met in 2010, at a time when neither of us was looking for anything permanent. Both recently divorced, we had experienced the crumbling of vows we once thought were unbreakable. For me, those vows had held profound meaning, and the idea of making them again felt dishonorable, almost impossible. I had failed once, and the weight of that failure made it difficult to see myself ever committing in that way again.

Yet, life has a way of leading you where you’re meant to be, even when you don’t recognize it at the time. We met on a dating website—something that felt different then, less common than it is now. As I read Shon’s profile, I was struck by how much our lives had already intertwined without us knowing. We frequented the same restaurants, worked out at the same gym, and even went to the same bars, our lives running parallel without crossing paths. It felt as though the universe was guiding me toward him, placing him in my path until I finally saw what was meant to be. And when I did, it was undeniable.

Building a Partnership: Laying the Groundwork

In those early days, we connected deeply—sometimes over the simplest things, like messaging on Yahoo Messenger for hours while we were supposed to be working. Even when Shon was away on business trips, we stayed connected, discussing our hopes and dreams, not just for ourselves, but for our families. We didn’t just fall in love; we laid the groundwork for a future that we could both believe in. Our relationship was never just about two people—it was about two lives merging, two families blending, and creating something solid out of something fragile.

What has always made our relationship work is that from the very beginning, we built it together. We made short-term and long-term goals, always working in sync, always moving forward. Like pouring a foundation, it took effort, patience, and sometimes reevaluation. Life is not always smooth, and there are times when plans need to change. But the key has been our ability to adapt and grow together, adjusting to life’s shifting circumstances while staying anchored in our shared vision.

Blending Our Families: The Heart of Our Foundation

Blending families is one of the most delicate yet rewarding challenges a couple can face. It requires immense love, understanding, and, like any foundation, the ability to withstand pressure. When we brought our children together—Austin was 17, Hunter 16, Kayla and Megan were 13, and Hannah was 12—it felt almost seamless. They were close in age, which helped ease the transition, but it didn’t erase the challenges of blending two worlds into one.

I still remember the first time I sat down to dinner with Shon’s children at his bachelor pad. It was awkward, as I imagine those first moments often are. I brought a dinner question game, hoping it would break the ice, but it only added to the awkwardness. Now, I can laugh about it, but back then, I was unsure. It was a small crack in the early days of laying our family’s foundation, but cracks can be repaired. Over time, those uncomfortable dinners transformed into something more meaningful. Now, family dinners are a sacred tradition for us—a time when everyone gathers, not out of obligation, but out of love and connection. It’s one of the many things we’ve built together, and Essex Ranch will only strengthen those bonds.

Milestones and Growth: Strengthening Our Foundation

Our family has celebrated countless milestones, each one a testament to the strength of the foundation we’ve built. Austin’s college graduation, our girls’ high school graduations, and Hannah’s completion of aesthetic school are just a few of the moments that remind me how much our children have grown and thrived. Each milestone is a brick laid upon the foundation of love, support, and trust we’ve created.

But like any foundation, there have been cracks. We’ve faced challenges. We’ve made mistakes. Yet, just as a foundation can be repaired and strengthened, so too can a family. Those cracks, those difficult moments, have only made us stronger. They remind me that nothing is perfect, but with care, commitment, and love, we can withstand even the hardest times. The hairline cracks in our family’s foundation don’t weaken us; they are a reminder of our resilience and ability to come together.

Focusing on the Joys: Celebrating Love and Togetherness

For every challenge, there has been an equal measure of joy. Family dinners, especially on holidays, are among my favorite traditions—times when we gather not just as a blended family, but as a family that has come into its own. We laugh, share stories, and connect in ways that make my heart full. These dinners remind me how far we’ve come from those first awkward meals. Now, Essex Ranch will offer us a space to deepen these connections, creating new memories as we continue to grow.

And, of course, there is so much to celebrate! Austin is getting married to his wonderful fiancé Alex in October 2024, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome her into our family. Hannah is engaged to Tanner, and their wedding in April 2025 will mark yet another beautiful chapter. Watching our children find love and build their own futures has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. We are beyond proud of the people they’ve become, and it fills us with excitement to see where their journeys will take them.

Looking to the Future: Building Something That Lasts

As we look forward, there is so much joy and excitement ahead. Essex Ranch is not just a physical place—it’s a symbol of everything we’ve built together. The foundation we’ve laid here, both in the physical sense and in our family, will stand the test of time. It represents not just the love we share, but the legacy we’re creating for future generations.

Just as the foundation of Essex Ranch will hold the walls of our home, the foundation we’ve built as a family will continue to support our children as they grow, marry, and build families of their own. It is the strength beneath their feet, grounding them as they take on the world.

There will always be cracks—there will always be challenges—but what matters is how we repair them and how we stand strong together. The foundation of Essex Ranch, like the foundation of our family, has been laid with care, patience, and love. It will stand strong for generations to come.

With gratitude and love from our family to yours,

The Essex Ranch