First blog post here, I think this will be cool--having a place to post my random psychotic thoughts! heehee

We had company arrive today. The thought of having company for Christmas was quite stressful for me. I'm so used to having the freedom to do Christmas "my way", but this year it's different. And it is a good thing for the kids too, having grandparents visit is always exciting for them! It's still Christmas "my way" just not the "usual" way.

With all of the stress I've been dealing with, what's one more thing, right?!? It's been one heckuva year, that's for sure!!!

But I have to say...we have been truly blessed this year too, in the fact that God has seen us through some really hard and trying times. Nick broke his arm, Jerry changed jobs, we moved (4 times if you include everything), Nick was bitten by a dog,.........that's enough stress listed, dontcha think? We are relatively healthy, have a roof over our heads, food in our fridge (when I have time to go grocery shopping), and clothes on our backs, along with two vehicles (one is paid off).

More than anything though, we have been blessed by friends, some of whom we've never met and probably never will, this side of Heaven. We have MANY many friends who have stepped in to help us through prayer, words of encouragement, listening ears, shoulders to cry on, and gifts that are too great to describe...and too many to mention for fear of missing the proper mention of someone!It's just great to see how God uses people, failures that most of us are, to do good and to be a blessing to others. This time, the blessings are coming my way. Hopefully next year, we'll be able to be the blessing to others...

"For I know the plans I have for you,...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listn to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord. --Jeremiah 29:11-14a