Catching Up...

When Amanda (my sweet daughter-in-law) set this blog up for me in 2009 I had every intention of keeping up with it and posting about my life for all to see! Then I asked myself a very important question...Would anyone really be interested in the "goings" on in my life? I didn't think so...thus, no blogs! Am I that important? Well...whether I am or not I feel that I could, at the very least, use this medium to write about my thougths and feelings. So here goes...

First a little bit about me...Rusty and I have been married for "a very long time!" Together we have 2 wonderful children, (Chad and Kym), 2 perfect mates for our children (Amanda and Bart), and are expecting our 5th grandchild. Our life is FULL and we are BLESSED beyond measure...I am amazed as to what I might have done to deserve such a wonderful family and great friends!! Rusty's been retired for over 12 years now and fills his days with dogs! He trains "Chance," a cheasapeake bay retriever, every opportunity he can, including spending the summer in South Dakota, for field trials. I work at the TVAMC and love the opportunity to serve "America's Heroes!" The grandkids keep us busy with softball, cheerleading, and just being in their little lives (whatever that includes) every chance we get!

Important information to share...I try to follow the principles of God's Word and live a life pleasing to Him! I, often times, fall short of the mark and am grateful for His forgiveness! I believe that my life is a reflection of my beliefs and that I have the opportunity to influence my children and grandchildren, as well as, others I come into contact with everyday! I remind myself daily that...I have plenty (whatever, I have right now, is more than enough). I am kind, considerate and compassionate (less I forget and use my tongue for ugliness). ...and I am loved by all (this last statement reminds me to show love so that I can be loved)! I don't ever want to fall into the thinking trap of I don't have enough, everyone wants to take something from me, and nobody cares for me! I hear those words from some of my patients and it breaks my heart! Everyone deserves the "best life has to offer," but sometimes we don't recognize that we already have the best....whatever that is!

Our family is not really unique in that we have struggles, we have experienced pain, and we've made it through some pretty intense situations, that otherwise, may have broken us apart. By the grace of God we grew stronger and closer to each other! What I do know is that "life" can be hard and difficult...and at the same time, it can also be beautiful experience! I believe its how you look at it!! Still more "LIFE" to come...I'm sure!

I'm done catching up for now! I have lots more to share but it'll just have to wait. I'm looking forward to continuing with this blog...we'll see! This may be the first and only time I post anything! Who knows...