Year Ending

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,..."
- Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, about the era of the French Revolution
January started off with a knee replacement and the operation and recovery was fantastic. Physical therapy didn't wallop me too much. My right leg is now pain free.

March 19 I was ready to go back to work but my job was scaled down and I had Tim living with me again and after thinking I was going to move I ended up staying at Hartford Terrace. Tim also got an apartment here until he moved to Big Rapids in August to attend Ferris State university. He now has two semesters left and is working as an intern for a company there in Big Rapids.

April I turned 50, my year of Jubilee and it was celebrated at one of my favorite restaurants Flamingos II on Laketon with family and friends. I Loved it!!! I also got my first tattoo. Samantha organized the party and she and Brian are now living in Avilla, In. Gwen is 5 and Ambree 4. She is homeschooling this year and now the youth director for Calvary Lutheran Church. Brian is head maintenance man at Impact 28:18 a camp in In.

June 30 my dad entered heaven and is now united with his Lord and other family members. It was rough to see him go but I knew that is what he wanted so it was also a blessing.

September I started the nursing program again and that occupied my fall. Mike and Kary were blest with a beautiful baby girl, Jaylee Lynn on December 10 and weight in at 6 lbs 15 oz and 18 inches long. That make 3 for them Laben is in first grade and Noah in headstart. Mike is currently laid off but is applying at temp services and at Gerber's in Fremont.

This year has also been one of much learning for me and the Holy Sprirt has been very patient as he has repeated some of those lessons. I am grateful.

My prayer for all is we really enjoy the blessings we have now and in the new year. I also thank my Father for all of you.

Click here for pictures then click on slideshow in the upper right. Show info tells you all about it. http://www.flickr.com/photos/24609558@N06/

Storms

The snow if fiercely coming down out there and right now reminds me of the what is happening in me. I don't want to be depressed or alone but here I am and it makes me susceptible to being bushwhacked. I know some of the plans God has for me and I just have to depend on Him to fulfill those promises. And I have to keep the door closed to the outside voices that would try to tell me other things.

In Avilla

After a 233 drive in the rain yesterday I arrived at my daughter, Sam's at 7:30 pm and greeted by two very excited granddaughters! We toured the camp today where Brian works and made carmel popcorn balls and had pancakes and bacon this morning. We watched football and took a nap. Tonight I am with the girls and Sam and Brian are on a date. I am reviewing vents for nursing class and food and water stuff. God is good.

Classes

I am starting on week two now that I have been overwhelmed and recovered from week one. Next week we actually start clinicals and that will be another challenge. Slowly I am getting my days in order and this is a never ending process. Feeling lonely tonight so it is time for bed.

Daily thoughts from the highrise

First Day

I made it. First day done. Now I have to go from a nurse to a student. Writing care plans is my challenge and then remembering things and reading questions in the proper order without twisting words around of putting words in that are not there.

Classes

Tomorrow is the first day. Even as an adult that first day of school can be stressful and nerve racking. Good news is I only have to do one day at a time and it will probably go faster than I realize. But for right now I am anxious but it will probably go just fine tomorrow.