Another beautiful Christmas day is over. What do I love about Christmas? Everything. I know it is talked about often and at the risk of sounding cheesy, I really want to carry Christmas with me this year. Christmas is real, there is no reason why I can't celebrate it all year and this coming year that is exactly what I am going to do.

I'm sure my Dad is smiling about the thoughtful gift my daughter and son-in-law gave. I have a wonderful, hand- made porch swing that my dad made for me years ago. I would hate to think what it would cost if bought, it is so well made. It is in need of some tender loving care and she has contacted my wonderful handyman and he will come and make it look like new.

I continue to carry on the tradition of mis-placed gifts on Christmas morning. I'm sure my Dad is smiling about that too.

I hope you all had a wonderful day, and maybe you are thinking about carrying Christmas with you throughout 2010 also. Happy New Year.

Counting my blessings tonight. Sooo many!! Family, friends, health, hope. Looking forward to a beautiful Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Thankful for the way God leads and directs us and the peace He gives when we trust Him.

It's been a while since my last post. I have accomplished a more relaxed approach to Christmas this year. I am finding myself getting up Very early and enjoying the quiet and lights of the house. I love Christmas lights. I am almost finished with my shopping. A few things are still on their way from the virtual shopping mall. I have found a balance of online shopping and shopping "on foot" so to speak. It seems like the more I wrap, the more there is to wrap.

More changes to come in the family. My kids certainly keep things interesting. More to come on this as it develops.

Today is Trey's birthday. What a special little boy. (I know, you hear me say that about all of them) He had a fun pool party with his friends. Everybody loves Trey. As he grows I realize that he is going to be one of those people that know how to make the people around him feel special and accepted.
We will be celebrating Friday night with a Star Wars cake. He has ordered mac'n cheese, green beans and rolls. Happy Birthday Trey!!

I am so grateful today for God's protection. He never sleeps, He is always watching. We can rest in that thought. He knows where we are and what is ahead at all times. He sees what we cannot see and sends His angels to take care of us. He is good. I love Him more than I could ever say and just needed to take the opportunity to say that. I never want to take for granted that He cares enough to watch out for us minute by minute. I shower my family with prayer and He does the rest. Sometimes we are aware of His protection and sometimes I believe we don't even know. But this time, today, I am aware and I am grateful.

Not the best of days. I had Austin at the mall today and he was not wanting to hold my hand. He dropped down to the floor and I tried to lift him back to his feet with his arm. Not a good idea. Spent the day at urgent care and feeling like the worst Nana in the world. I think he is o.k. but I feel like I've been run over by a truck. Couldn't have felt much worse if I tried. I would put my life on the line for all of my grandchildren, they are everything to me. Thank goodness he is o.k. Sorry Austin, hope you forgive your Nana.

Spent Sunday evening at Polaris with my family. (we missed you Eric) Ate dinner, saw the Christmas tree, caught a glimpse of Santa and did some Christmas shopping. I am never happier than when I have my family around and the hustle and bustle makes me smile much to the dismay of my husband and daughter. So, needless to say I had a fun time. However, the highlight of the evening was at the end of the evening. I said good-by one at a time to my three oldest grand-children and each of them asked me the same question; "when will we see you again Nana?". OMG!!! If I'm honest, I know the day will come when they won't be thinking that as they leave my side. But for now, I'll just revel in the delight of those words.

Feeling a little overwhelmed today. Nothing major, just living life. It's amazing to me how God can get our attention in so many different ways. Usually when I'm feeling this way, I haven't spent enough time with Him. He used my silly facebook today. Just looking through friends' updates I ran across a wonderful quote by one of my favorite authors. I don't know the reason why this friend had posted it, maybe she's feeling some of the same feelings today. Nevertheless, she posted it and just left it there, waiting for me to stumble on it and I'm glad she did. It's a simple quote, may not mean anything to anybody else. But to me.... well, it smacked me right in the heart and reminded me of God's love for me.

"Your part is prayer and gratitude. God's part? Peace and protection."

Thanks to Max Lucado and to my friend.

Babysat for Austin today and made dinner for Kerri, Eric and the boys. I worked on Austin's scrapbook and almost have it finished. I am beginning to have more energy and feeling much better than the last few weeks. I did some things and made some decisions and became pro-active about the physical problems that seemed to be slowing me down. The house was alive today with family. That's how I like it. I'm looking forward to jumping into the holidays. I really hope I can slow my husband down a little. He is meeting himself coming and going lately. Overall life is good. I think I'll take advantage of the weather and get some outside lights up before the cold hits.

I'm a little slow posting this one but a week ago Kerri and the boys took me to Hueston Woods to enjoy the week-end out in nature. What a great two days!! I still pinch myself when I look around at my family. They are wonderful, and I am so grateful for the blessings I have in them. We had such a good time in our little cabin, hiking, swimming and laughing. My family give me memories that can never be forgotten even though I struggle with my memory in my old age.
Sometimes I get a little sad at the thought of how quickly my own children have grown, but the cycle of life is good and my grandchildren are making sure I enjoy this chapter as much as the chapters that came before. Here are some more snapshots of this part of my book of life.

I LOVE October. Actually I love Oct., Nov., and Dec. It starts when I decorate for fall and it builds to the most wonderful time of the year - Christmas! Fall leaves, pumpkins, scented candles and fireplaces is how it all begins. Sweaters and jeans replace flip flops and capris. But I tend to get so caught up in the planning for the holidays, I really don't take the time to just be in the moment of the my favorite time of the year. I need to find a way to make it all wonderful for my family but at the same time sit back and take it all in. I think that is why I often feel such a post-holiday let down. I work through my lists everyday, to make sure everything gets done. I really hope I can make getting things accomplished, less of a priority this year. Just not sure how.

Chicken 'n noodles on the stove, grandkids eating muffins and building train tracks, listening to the rain on the roof of the porch and cheering for the Buckeyes all on a Saturday afternoon. I don't think there is another way to describe this - it's heaven on earth. I'll say it again "I am so blessed".

Monday, my beautiful daughter will be 32 yrs. old. It's hard to believe, 32 years is a long time. How do I describe Kerri Lynn Pressley Stetler? Beautiful, feisty, smart,out-spoken, compassionate, loving, thoughtful and simply the best daughter a mom could ever hope for. She is my friend and confidant and I have no doubt that she would do anything at all for me. I honestly don't know what I would ever do without her. She put a smile on my father's face like nobody else could. My mother literally beams when she talks about her. She's always had her dad wrapped around her little finger. And her brother admires her like no other, she has always been there for him even in the tough times. I love my daughter more than I could ever express in words and I wish her a very happy birthday. She deserves life's best.

I took Evan to see The Wiggles yesterday. Sooooo much fun. I love them. They are truly amazing. They've been around a long time and they seem to get more active every time I see them. It's an hour and a half of sheer fun. Kids are great.

I've thought a lot lately about how my situation in life is so different than several years ago. But I have learned that through external changes in life, a few things stay the same.

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradles by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
fall to the groun
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more?

Another school year. Doesn't seem possible. I watched as kids stood at the bus stop and older ones walked off. Parents with camera in hand, mom's who don't want to let them go and I watch all this as if they were my own. Why? Because it seems like it was just yesterday that I was doing the same thing. It can't be possible that my daughter is seeing her oldest off to 2nd. grade and Trey will be starting kindergarten. I want to stop and tell them all to hold each day as a precious gift. This chapter in the book doesn't last long. I'm praying for my grandson as I write this, praying that he will have good experiences in that classroom, experiences that will him make him smile when he is looking back and remembering. Because he will be remembering all too soon.

Habakkuk 2:20

"Like Israel in that day, we want fast answers to our crisis, but if we want to hear the God who speaks, we must learn the discipline of silence. It is the supreme act of faith and surrender to simply wait upon the Lord. He is there and He wants to speak to His children, but it will be on His terms and not ours." I really want to master this. You would think I would have by now, but I am getting better at it. The reality that helps me is understanding how awesome it is that the
God of the universe cares enough about me to WANT to speak and help. AMAZING!! I'm excited about seeing His answers, they are always perfect.

Do I believe in miracles? I certainly do!! Read why: http://www.acresofhopeblog.blogspot.com/
Things are definitely moving in the right direction for our little miracle too. We are all very hopeful that it won't be much longer that Eric will be leaving for Liberia to bring our little Nana home. Riley told his mom that evidently God doesn't perform miracles anymore like we read in the Bible. But Kerri reminded him of Alvin's miracle and no one can deny that it is no less miraculous than the ones we read about in God's word. I'm sure you will agree when you read this blog. Take the time, I promise it will bless your heart.

Last night we celebrated Riley's birthday. It was #8. That still hasn't soaked in. That little bundle that we never thought would come at the end of that hot summer. He is such a joy, always has been. He loves life and is very good at it. He likes to do things the right way and I have no doubt he will life his life that way. He is getting tall and lanky and I swear I don't know where he puts all that food, but we can't fill him up. I always thought he looked like his daddy but lately I've seen a lot of mommy in him. He fills a very special place in our family. Happy Birthday Riley. I love you.

I can't believe it. August is here. It's like groundhog day, I keep saying it every year about this time; "where did the summer go?". Some people have been complaining about the weather this summer, but I have loved it. I prefer the lower temps, I hate the high temps and humidity. But never fear, we still have August for that. Now we can look forward to fall and a very eventful 2010. We could very easily gain two new grandchildren in the new year. That hasn't sunk in yet. My boys continue to keep me on my toes and make me smile. NOBODY makes me smile like them. Hugs and kisses, arms outstretched and little gifts tell me how much they love me but I could never put into words how I feel about them. I just hope they always know. Once again there are so many things that I am trying to let God handle in my family. God has made it very plain to me that I need to let Him work things out - I'll only botch it up. I need to pray more. "Pray without ceasing", that's what we are to do. So, as I tumble head-long into fall, I will pray as I go.

I had Austin yesterday. We had a good day. We took two walks, played on the swings at the park, and ate a snack in the front porch swing. My dad made that swing. We also sat in the yard under a huge old tree that is shaped perfectly and gives shade to at least half of my side yard. Austin heard all about the men that planted that tree for me. My dad and his best friend Ralph. They dug that tree up and hauled it to my house when it was small. I enjoy that tree so much. I hope I leave strong things behind on this earth.

Home from another great 2 weeks at the beach. Wow it goes fast. We had gorgeous weather and lots of fun. We introduced Austin to the ocean and he loved it. Mike had his birthday and we had our 35th anniversary. I got some kind of sun reaction and my lips swelled up and developed sores. I hate steroids. They got rid of the sores but sent me to a place after I got home that I have never been - the doors of hell!! Really, I was so sick I called 911. I lost almost a week and I am still trying to get back to normal but hey, we had a GREAT vacation. So now, summer continues and I hate to think how quickly it will vanish. We've picked strawberries and made freezer jam and I had my first georgia peach yesterday. I came back with too much weight due to the unbelievable fudge that can be found in Topsail but I don't regret one single bite. Next week I head for our annual trip to one of my favorite places, Nashville Indiana, with my husband. A little golf, a lot of shopping and some together quiet time in a place that takes you back in time. We've had some very interesting news but that will have to come in another blog. Hmmm....... don't you wonder what that is? Enjoy the pics.

I'm having a tough day. Yes, we're at the beach and yes all my kids and grandkids are with me. The weather is beautiful, hot but beautiful and we still have a full week left. But back home today, a wonderful friend was laid to rest and three beautiful women are suffering. My heart is with them and there is nothing I can do. Rest in peace Marvin, and I know you will be waiting for us. Not being there has been really hard but I don't think it was to be. We tried but in our striving I think we realized we were to be here. Here, with my precious family, so grateful for the time together and the memories we are making. Today I am thanking God for the blessing of family, I don't ever want to take it for granted.

Our family celebrated this week-end. We celebrated out loud and we celebrated quietly. Out loud we had a great time celebrating the fact that we have an adorable 3 yr. old that keeps us laughing and shaking our heads at what he does and says. He is so funny. Such a little pickle. He is large and in charge and he won't let you forget it. I made homemade chicken nuggets because that's what Pickle ordered. We had a good time. But quietly, in our own private way we were also celebrating a one year celebration. My dad went to be with Jesus one year ago and we all were remembering. It wasn't spoken but we remember. How could we ever forget this man that loved us all so much. Nobody enjoyed celebrating more than my dad and I think he was right there with us, having a good old time. I can't wait to see him again. Love you Dad.

Another wonderful day to be alive. And yes, another song that says it for me today. I am so thankful God gave the gift of songwriting to people, just wish it had been me. Nevertheless, nothing speaks to me like music and I really want to pass these words on today.

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more

These thoughts in this song are so true in my heart that I'm sure somewhere along the way I would have written them. (LOL) It is amazing how much this expresses where I've been living lately. I'm very thankful for what
God has taught me on this journey.

Well, another week-end. They come faster every week. Mike will be driving in from Dayton after flying in on the red-eye. He has been traveling all week and I hope he won't be too tired to enjoy the week-end. I am really looking forward to spending some time with Kerri and Eric. It isn't often that we get to have adult time, just the four of us. The little ones are going to Lake Chautauqua with Mimi and PopPop. We are going to go to Northstar for breakfast and then to the Clintonville market to pick up my first summer meat CSA. Sunday will bring a memorial service at Shepard's Memorial Garden for my dad and then out to "Jack-town" for some fried chicken with my mom. I think I'll drive out to Little Turtle and check on golf lessons for Nicole and me, it's another beautiful day to take the little blue car out. Yes, life is good. I have learned when I have all these plans, however, that I must remain open to changes. I remind myself to live one day at a time, that is how it works best. So... today, bring it on and I hope my plans are flexible enough to not interfere with His.

I've been thinking back about Mother's Day this year and find it very comforting how things change but they really don't. I remember so many Sunday afternoons on my grandmothers front porch just being family. Her porch was concrete and it was always painted and spotlessly clean. We might make homemade ice cream and my cousins and I would take turns turning the handle in anticipation. My mind then goes to many Sunday afternoons on my mothers front porch, smaller but just as spotless with that outdoor green carpet that looked like short, fake grass. We would all squeeze in and watch the kids play. This past Sunday, I have a beautiful picture in my mind of my front porch. Mom was in the wicker rocker and we took turns swinging in the porch swing my dad made me. We have more places to choose to sit, (Mike and Eric spent a lot of their time on the back deck), but it still has the same feel; family being family. I hope we have many, many more times like this but one thing's for sure - my porch is dirty so I think I'll go hose it down and get it ready for the next family get together.

What a wonderful Mother's Day. I told my husband that all I wanted was both of my children in church with me. That's where they were raised and we don't get to worship there together very often. Sitting in that service today with a child on each side of me, was heaven on earth. I felt as if we had come full circle. All the pain and struggle and prayers over the past years were worth it. We were home, together and God is good.

Dropped in on my daughter and Evan this morning to their surprise. They had made chocolate chippy cookies (Evans name for no-bakes) and I just had to have one. A couple games of Candy Land and Wiggles Uno, picking up Trey from pre-school and sharing lunch with them at Wendy's all in all made for a wonderful day. It would be really hard to ever put into words what my family means to me. I really feel sorry for the rest of the world because I have the best family known to man. I am thanking God for everyday He gives me and trying not to take anything for granted. I'm trying to put myself in the place of some very special people in my life who are going through a very difficult time. I can't seem to get them off my mind. I have trouble finding light in their situation so I turn to one of my favorite hymns. I find real comfort in these words:

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend,
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

I was playing around on facebook yesterday and I came across a great picture of my dad that I was able to make into a flair button. I got many comments on it as he was so loved by so many. I looked closely at his face, his eyes, and all at once I realized why I never really have any problem accepting the fact that my heavenly Father loves me. I saw the same love, kindness, patience and understanding in those eyes that I know God has for me. So many people struggle to understand why God could possibly love them but I was blessed with a father that showed me God's love everyday. Thanks Dad.

Another week. Time just moves too quickly. Mike will be leaving for market this week - again!! He'll be gone too long but there is nothing I can do about it. I am, however, looking forward to a quick visit from my sister. So I should breeze through this market. I'm not quite sure why, but I am still fighting lack of motivation, 4 months into this year. Hopefully, when the spring rains leave and the sun comes out on a regular basis, this will pass. I really hate feeling this way, but I can't seem to use enough "mind over matter" to rise above it. Life really is good and there is no reason that I can find so I better get busy and decide what will be on my table tonight for Kerri and the boys.

My daughter had a very good idea after looking at the pictures I just posted. In this picture is my son on the left, Matt Meeks and Joel Meeks on the right. Mikey and Joel have been friends for a long time. My dad had just taken them fishing in this one. They spent long summer days playing in the creek behind Joels house. I don't ever remember them having an argument. You see, Joel is a very special friend, a very special person. He has ALWAYS been there for Mikey. They played little league baseball together, went to high school together and played on golf teams together. Joel and Mikey took two very different roads but they were always in sight of each other. And whenever my son's road got rough, his buddy was there with his unconditional friendship. So that was then and this is now. Thanks Joel Meeks from a very appreciative mother. You're like a son to me.

I realized I never posted any pictures of our celebration of Mikey's 1Year Anniversary. Life has really moved at a quick pace, I can hardly believe it is April. Mikey and Nicole just celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Just thought I would give you a glimpse of my life lately in pictures.

Meditating this morning I realized how many beautiful women are in my life. Women that have been a huge part of my life in many different ways. Family and friends that are like family. This morning I began thinking about my prayer list and the fact that it is full of those women and they really need prayers on their behalf. Prayers to understand what is happening in their bodies, prayers to heal that lifelong partner, prayers to open doors to the calling they feel on their lives. I would love to know and deliver all their answers, but I don't. So.... I pray in faith believing that one day these beautiful women will receive. So today and tomorrow and the day after that, I promise to continue to lift you all up and stand with you til we see His hand.

Well, we spent most of our Saturday shopping. "What are we shopping for?" you might ask. Well.... in 1999, I owned a beautiful little candy apple red mustang. I loved that car. I had it for three months and totaled it. I have mourned that car for 10 years now. We went shopping for a mustang. But my husband doesn't want just a mustang. Men and women really look at cars from different viewpoints. This time around, it won't be a necessary car it will be a toy, something that we take joy rides in. My husband found that toy today. It is a 2009 Shelby Mustang convertible, blue with a wide racing strip down the middle. I told my husband I would look ridiculous driving this car but I got behind the wheel and boy was it fun. My husband and I are fairly practical people and this is a big step. It's on a 24 hr. hold at the dealership and we are "sleeping on it". I'll let you know what happens.

Trey is on spring break this week and we had a date. I took him to see Bedtime Stories. Great flick by the way. It was so much fun to hear him giggle throughout the movie. Trey is special. I keep getting the feeling that he will contribute greatly to this world. I really had fun with him. But I sat there, staring at him as he watched the screen and wished I could go back. He seemed to slip through my hands as a toddler. I look forward to lots of dates with this young man, I can only hope he wants to spend time with his Nanna for lots of dates to come.

Last night I went to see PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL. An unbelievable true story of some ordinary yet extraordinary women who refused to settle for the life they and their children were living because of evil. It is the story of Liberia and it is something everyone should see. I watched these strong, passionate women join together and accomplish something truly remarkable and wondered if I would have the strength and determination in that situation. They were tired of running from murderers and rapists and watching their children live a life of hell on earth. Yet they did it all through prayer and sacrifice, they never raised an earthly weapon. Go see this movie. It will move you.

Today would have been my Dad's 90th birthday. I have his picture hanging in my entryway in a frame that quotes Jeremiah 17:7-8. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream... its leaves are always green." That is how my dad lived his life and that is the heritage he left me. My dad left us on some level several months before his body actually left. I really thought I would have an easier time with his death because of that. I was wrong. I miss him greatly. He was a wonderful man who never had an enemy. He had one of the sweetest spirits I have ever known. A huge hole has been left in our family that will never be filled. We were all truly blessed to have had him as a husband, a father, a grandfather and a true example of a man of God. Happy birthday Dad.

I wish there were more answers.

Kerri just sent us pictures of little Nana. What an absolute sweetheart!! I just can't wait to get my hands on her. We all needed this shot in the arm, especially my daughter. We pray and pray and pray and sometimes it gets really disheartening when we don't see much happening. But that's what faith is all about. God is at work and one day soon, we will see the results of our prayers and Kerri and Eric's hard work. A place is waiting for her in this family and I am sure it won't be long. We are saving up lots of hugs and kisses for her. I think she needs to be a little older and stronger to survive Evan the "pickle". Hopefully she'll be able to hold her own!!

I got on my knees and prayed for rain today. Not the kind of rain that we talk about when we say,"April showers bring may flowers". The kind of rain that we need when our souls are dry. I mentioned some very special people in my prayers, people that I love dearly but God loves even more. Some are struggling, some are searching. Some are searching for answers and some are simply searching for God. Some need healing and some need faith and patience. All of them need God to carry them through. I prayed that God would be their "very present help". I know that in all these things that I brought today, He is working. And yes, I included myself in that prayer. I so want my grandchildren to see God's love for them through me. I pray that when I look at them, speak to them and touch them, that they will sense how wonderful God truly is.

I have been dealing with some strange feelings, or maybe it's more like lack of feelings. I have felt somewhat numb and detached. I have no idea why, and I have decided to stop trying to figure out why. It is what it is and I will get through it. However nothing makes me feel like myself like being around my children and grandchildren. Kerri and the boys came over to spend that night last night and Nanna took them to Toys R Us for some new purchases. Nicole, Mikey and Austin joined us for dinner tonight. The simple things, the important things. There is nothing like the smiles and "thank-yous" from little ones that think you hung the moon. They are able to put a smile on my face like no one else. I thank God everyday for my beautiful family.

I am so thankful for today. Today, 2009 is a very special day. Today, 2008 wasn't so special. But I guess it really was. You see, for today 2009 to be special, we had to have today 2008. We have come a full year and things are so different. We will be celebrating today. Our family and some friends will gather and celebrate - we will be celebrating the end and the beginning. My son turned his back on an old lifestyle one year ago and how God has turned his life around is something we must truly CELEBRATE!!!! It has been something to watch, often in awe and amazement. As we move forward from here, I don't want to forget all the bad days, they serve to make these days that much more special. I'm looking forward to posting some celebration pictures soon.

I'm learning a lot about prayer. I believe that there is a time and a place for prayers to be specific. I think that is very important. But I also am learning that general prayers have their place also, and I believe these prayers, once prayed, go on and on and on for a long time. I've often prayed in general for the safety of my children. I've prayed this prayer as long as they have been on this earth, but not everyday. Today I can't say I specifically prayed that prayer for my daughter but I believe that today that prayer was heard. Prayer is so mysterious and I believe prayers follow us throughout time. I really believe that the prayers my dad prayed for me are still with me. I thank God for prayer

What a day, the kind of day you find yourself saying"what next?". Ironically this all comes after I spent a wonderful evening watching Facing the Giants with my daughter and grandchildren. If you haven't seen it, the message is that nothing is impossible with God. Hmmm... a little easier to say when you don't really need any miracles. But today, my family and another family that is very close to me is in need of just that. I believe God is able to perform miracles however, I will praise Him if He chooses to work miraculously or not, at least I pray I will. Gotta run, I hear a little miracle through the monitor. He's waking up.

Wow has this been a strange start to a new year. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a lack of focus. I had my typical post-holiday funk and I worked through that. Now I just can't get motivated to do all the projects I need to be doing. Why in heaven's name am I having such a hard time beginning Austin's scrapbook??!! I have a grand total of one page done. That is pathetic. I feel like I have developed old age ADD or something. It's driving me crazy. I need to take off those holiday pounds and I don't seem to care. You'd think I would be motivated as I am going to have to put on a bathing suit in a few short weeks for my trip to Florida. But noooooo.... I just keep eating. I have, however, begun working out with my Wii Fit. - three whole days in a row. I did some work on the exercise ball this morning too. I partially clean a room and then I find myself distracted by nothing, and it stays half-way done. WHAT IS MY PROBLEM???!!!! @#%%$#!!

I have so many emotions tonight. I really don't think I can possibly describe all that I feel. It involves so many different happenings and circumstances that really don't even relate to each other. My husband is gone to market and that always brings out emotions in me. My son is leaving tomorrow to join him for his first market since he began to work with Mike again. I watched the festivities of the inauguration all day and experienced a lot of different feelings. I held Austin while I watched history unfold and I found myself wondering what the future would hold as he grows up. I told him as we watched, that God is in control of the future no matter who the president is. My thoughts and prayers turn so often to the little girl we are so anxious to welcome into our family and wonder when that will happen. I worry about her but I know God is watching over her. So tonight my head and my heart is full. I'm trying to quiet myself.

God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt

Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing
Her melody over me
God, right here all I bring
Is all of me

Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
The Lover I need to save me
Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
So hold me now

I love spending time with my daughter. It seems we have had precious little of that lately. But today we managed to carve out a few hours to be together. We went to the winter farm market. It's really fun to watch my daughter learn a whole new way of cooking for her family. Then we went to a new mexican restaurant and just relaxed and talked. It looks like Eric is slowly healing from his fall. I am so thankful it didn't turn out as bad as we had thought. I'm going to watch the OSU basketball game with my husband. It's cold, very cold but it's been a good day. It seems the older I get, the more I just appreciate the simple things.

Well, it happened again. I got the "after the holidays blahs". I don't really call it depression. No...I know that feeling. This is just the blahs. I think I am somewhat like Clark in Christmas Vacation. I really build up the holidays. I want them to be so perfect. Then when they are over, I often feel let down because nothing is perfect. Sometimes I deal with it better than others. This time, not so good. But I am working on it. I am not going to beat up on myself but at the same time I am not going to live here. Another thing I am fighting is some anxiety. We have been through a lot in the past few years and I am just a little anxious about what might be next. I'm really not a doom and gloom person and I'm just being honest here. Just things I am dealing with and I will get past. I have found that most of the time when these things creep in, I need to get my mind off myself.

You better get to livin', givin'
A little more thought about bein'
A little more willin' to make a better way
Don't sweat the small stuff
Keep your chin up
Just hang tough
And if it gets too rough
Fall on your knees and pray
And do that everyday
Then you'll get to livin'

Sorry, once again, I know it's simple but I like it.

Well, I have wondered for awhile who is reading my blog. Not sure it is any thing more than me just being nosey. (I've been accused of that on more than one occasion) Watching stat counter, I realize there are a few that come back once in awhile. So......... if you notice I have added a followers section you can sign into. It won't hurt my feelings if you don't want to admit that you take the time to read what this simple woman writes. I'll just keep writing anyway.