To my Gramps

I will always love you; I think of you often and miss you so much.  I'm so glad that I became super close to you.  I'm so thankful all those times you stayed on the phone with me for hours.  I miss that.  I miss your emails.  I miss helping you with your computer.  But I'd be lying if I didn't also say I am glad God came and took you home.  You were in so much pain.  I'm so glad I came to see you in early November.  I love your smile.   I don't think it was a coincidence that you sent Grandma to the store; before drifting into our savior's arms.   God taught me something through your death.  He taught me how strong a person I really am.   I remember telling you that you were immortal and would  never die.  I certainly realize how silly that is now.   We will all die; and I'm so thankful that I have a savior who paid the price for my sins, so that I could spend eternity in heaven, where you are waiting now.  Go Blues!

2012 in Review

I can't believe the year is almost over.  So many ups and downs this year.
The Ups:
I stayed healthy
Colin stayed healthy
My dad is still with us
Baby Nick celebrated his 1st birthday
I received a pay increase in one of the worst years our economy has ever seen

The downs:
Although healthy, It took me a long time to recover from surgery
Although we are getting closer, We still haven't payed off all our debt
I haven't figured out  a way to lose some weight
I'm starting to feel old
The re-election of a Marxist to the White House
The death of my grandfather

Why does it always seem that I can name so much more of the bad than good?  I have a good life.  I have two working legs, hands, a beautiful family, a house, running water, a car to drive, food to eat, heating and air conditioning.

A recent church sermon got me thinking about all this. As if I don't over think enough!

A couple things I know -

I will continue to work hard.   I will continue to pray and read my bible.  I will continue to try and teach my boys how to be hard working and respectful.  We will continue our quest to be debt free.  It will happen!

I'm very thankful for all the opportunities I have to make a better life for my family; and all the people involved in that process.  I'm thankful that God has brought so many new people into our lives from our church.  We became members at our church and participated in our first connect group from this year. 

I don't know what 2013 holds; but I do know that no matter how much I worry; All is well.