January 4

I'm not sure what to say about the New Year or the past year but it isn't from lack of anything happening. 2012 was a tough year for me having lost my Dad and my Grandma in the last 7 months. Dad May 16 and Grandma December 6. There have also been other challenges that I prefer not to get into but about the time I feel overwhelmed somehow I manage and I know by faith God will see me through to the other side as the normals of life keep changing all the time. If I was very superstitious I would say Murphy's law is working overtime. Early November we had to get our furnace redone and early December our water heater went out. Last week our car went out and we were horrified to find out it was going to cost us $1.000 to fix it. We brought it in to get the heater working! It's home but it sounds like a bird chirping and my son thinks there is a loose belt or something. Yes indeed life has been eventful! As of lately I am back to doing a lot of soul searching as well. Perhaps we go through seasons when we question why we believe some of the things we do. The season is here. I question my faith and feel like I need to return to simplicity. The years bring knowledge and that is good but the wisdom of a child is trust and I don't really feel like I am always so trusting in my Heavenly Father and His provision for me. I question churches and the divisions between Christian people about things that really shouldn't be so big of an issue after all love is the greatest and if we get our focus on the positive aspects of the love of God and care about others that is what is important. One of my Dad's favorite verses was "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 I haven't been blogging and I haven't done a lot of reading posts either so I am sorry for that. Many of the days here I have had little ones over all the time . I love them but I am so tired sometimes. We have found homes for all of the 8 puppies but we have 2 of them here with us yet. They are cute furry creatures who are growing so fast. I took them out to play in the snow and they love it. I'm trying to play with them and hold them although they are bigger than some full grown dogs already. They are so playful but their teeth are sharp and I'm trying to teach them what not to chew on like pants legs and what not or sharp little bites. Ouch! But they are babies. They will learn. I know I need to get more pictures. I'll try and see tomorrow. I just cannot belive how fast time is going by although sometimes it seems the opposite! Have a great weekend!

My son and one of his daughters and the snowman they built