Meet Josh and Jerica from Burlington, Pennsylvania

Meet Josh and Jerica from Burlington, Pennsylvania, proud parents to three incredible girls — Isabella, Caroline, and Josephine. Their lives are woven together by strength, spontaneity, and a love that has weathered distance, deployments, and time. Jerica was raised under the California sun in San Diego, where some of her happiest childhood memories were made on the beach. At 11, her family moved to Upstate New York, and by 14, they settled in Elmira. She said, “The only job I’ve ever wanted in this world was to be a mom.” And that dream became her purpose. Today, she pours her heart into raising their three girls. It’s the hardest, most rewarding work of her life. As a military mom, Jerica often carried the weight of parenting solo while Josh was deployed. That experience taught her to cherish the smallest things — the everyday joys, the quiet victories, and the gift of life itself. Josh, an only child, grew up surrounded by the woods and rivers of rural Elmira. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land weren’t just hobbies — they were his way of life. His greatest influence was his grandfather, a veteran who served in both the Army and Navy and lived every day with joy and purpose. “He just always wanted to have fun,” Josh said, “and I try to live in his footsteps.” When college didn’t work out, Josh also turned to the military. “I had no other options,” he said. He began a 12-year journey in the U.S. Air Force. He served with honor and was deployed to Afghanistan multiple times. The family was stationed in Colorado, while Jerica held down the fort at home. Their love story began, fittingly, in the outdoors world — at a hunting and sporting goods store where Jerica worked. Josh had been in several times before, but on Christmas Eve in 2008, he had something special planned. The store was packed with last-minute shoppers when he handed Jerica a folded piece of paper. Thinking it was a lost receipt or shopping list, she tried to give it back. “No,” he said with a smile, “that’s for you.” Just hours later, she called him. Their first date? Denny’s. It wasn’t about fancy plans — it was about connection. Sixteen years together and 15 years married, they’ve been adventuring ever since. Jerica says her favorite thing about Josh is how spontaneous he is. “He’s got a little bit of his grandfather in him — always trying to live life to the absolute fullest.” Their daughters light up their world. Isabella, who just turned 11 a few days ago (Happy Birthday, Isabella!), is named after a Russian wine. Caroline, age 8, literally got her name from a street sign. And Josephine, 5, continues the family’s tradition of choosing strong, meaningful names — all inspired by the Old Testament. When asked what message they want to share with the world, Josh and Jerica said, “You don’t die with money. Go on adventures. Take advantage of every opportunity. Say yes a lot, and chase your happiness.” Their journey is a beautiful reminder that the richest life isn’t built on things — it’s built on moments. Moments like a crumpled note passed across a crowded store. A phone call. A Denny’s date. A life shared, fully and fearlessly. Thank you so much for visiting!