My husband is out of town and I just got back from an unbelievable date with a very handsome younger man. He's a big OSU basketball fan so we have a lot in common. I hope to see more of him. He thinks I'm wonderful and the feeling is mutual. We watched the Bucks win big over dippin' dots and hot dogs. Boy did we have a good time!! Tonight there was no where else I would have rather have been and no one else I would have rather spent my evening with. He made me buy but I really didn't care. The only problem was he fell asleep on the way home. What a great date!! I love you Riley!!

As I promised here is short round one in his OSU jersey. Unfortunately Riley was not in the mood to have his picture taken. Maybe later. It is half time and we're not looking too good. As this was being taken he was yelling"go bucks!!" I'm sure they will pull this one out.
Thanks to Jen for showing me how to post this picture but the true test will be remembering for the next time. She does it so fast I can't really keep up with her.We had a good time tonight, just ate too much.

Well the week-end is almost here. I had a good day with Kerri and the boys yesterday. Thank goodness for mall playgrounds during the winter!! They really have fun at the Polaris one. The place is always packed but it is amazing how few kids get hurt. I found them Ohio State basketball jerseys. I can't wait to see them on. We are having a "family night" tomorrow and maybe Jen can show me how to post pictures on my blog. Riley gets to stay up late to watch the game. Monday night someone will be taking him to the Schott to see the game. It will be good to get together and just hang out. Trey says he wants to play hide-n-go-seek with Mikey and I'm sure there will be several games of Pigs played. How can such a stupid game be so addicting? Pizza, munchies, games and OSU - sounds like fun to me.

To everyone who's lost someone they love
Long before it was their time
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye

And to all of the people with burdens and pains
Keeping you back from your life
You believe that there's nothing and there is no one
who can make it right

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on
They lost all of their faith in love
They've done all they can to make it right again
Still it's not enough

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains
You try to give up but you come back again
Just remember that you're not alone in your shame
And your suffering

When you're lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, your just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus

To the widow who struggles with being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight.

It seems like I know so many people living in these words. I guess we've all been there

OSU basketball and American Idol!! I think I can make it through this weird winter. Actually time is moving too fast. Really wish it would slow down. My little ones are coming over tomorrow. Maybe it will be warm enough to get "the car" out for them. Have I said lately how much I LOVE those boys??!! I gave my OSU ticket for tonight to the Stetler family and Kerri showed us how much she takes after her Dad and not her selfless mother. She gave it to Eric and then took it back. She's cold!! I really needed to watch this game somewhere where I could pace. Have fun with your Dad Kerri!! I love you too.

I've been thinking alot about how this year has started. Strange, very strange. I've also been thinking about my plans for the year; a trip to Florida, maybe re-uniting some old friends at one of our old get-aways, meeting my sister somewhere for some time with her alone, market, a new grand-baby, our trip to the beach. And then there's the dreams and goals for all the people I love. However the beginning of this new year has reminded me that we're not in control and we really don't know what tomorrow or the next day or the next might bring. God knows what 2006 holds. And while sometimes I wish I knew the future, I know it's best I don't. I do know that God wants what is best for me and all of us. That's what I want too.

I hugged and kissed my boys tonight and said "good-bye" to Luis. He's resting in peace.

My sister sent me this prayer today. I will read it often.

"I stand between the years. The Light of My Presence is flung across the year to come-
the radiace of the Sun of Righteousness.
Backward over the past year is My Shadow thrown, hiding trouble and sorrow and
disappointment.
Dwell not on the past - only on the pressent... Bury every fear of the future...
of suffering, of loss.
Bury all thought of unkindness and bitterness, all your dislikes, your resentments,
your ssense of failure, your disappointments in others and in yourself...
leave them all and go forward to a new and risen life.
Remember you must not see as the world sees. I hold the year in My Hands - in trust for YOU.
But I will guide you one day at a time. Leave the rest with Me.
You must not anticipate the gift by fears or thoughts of the days ahead.
And for each day I shall supply the wisdom and the strength."

Thanks Libby.

Some things just don't make any sense. How can a little boy wake up one day with an earache, have seizures the next and the next be brain dead? How are Kerri and Eric going to explain this to Riley? Luis was so full of life. He sometimes had more energy than we wanted him to have. He called me Nana as if it was my first name. I remember the door opening Christmas Eve and in walked Luis with a little basket with Christmas candy for the Stetlers. I remember thinking what a fine young boy he was becoming. He was thriving in school. Why? How do parents and siblings survive this? What can Eric possibly do or say at that little boys bedside? We take life so for granted. I'm really sad and I guess having answers wouldn't make that any different. May God minister to that family tonight.