Happy 2008!

Today is the last day of 2007. In fact, we only have a few hours left! I hope it was a good year for everyone. I also hope that whatever you didn't achieve in 2007 will be achieved in 2008.

Every year I wonder what will be different at this time next year. Whatever happens in the coming year, I'm sure I'll be able to handle both the good and the bad.

I wish everyone lots of happiness, success and contentment.

Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. God bless everyone!

Another New Year

It's been a long time since I've been able to write anything. For whatever reason, words escaped me and the stress I felt completely went against the relaxation I normally feel while I'm writing. I thought I give it a try again tonight to see what happens.

Tomorrow will be New Year's Eve and I'm already wondering about what changes will take place in the coming year. 2007 was overall a pretty good year. Candie survived her first test as a military wife, the deployment of Thomas to Iraq. She grew into quite a strong woman, but then she comes from a long line of strong, independent women. It seems to be a trait that comes from my mother's side of the family. Thomas returned to her in October and it was a joyous time in her life. I'm proud of my son-in-law and daughter. I hope 2008 will see their love and marriage grow stronger with every passing day.

During this year I also gathered up all the willpower I possess and began a new diet and exercise regimen which resulted in a 55-pound weight loss. Part of my success comes from the fact that, rather than being driven by appearance, my motivation came from the desire to be the healthiest I can be. I've also accepted the fact that losing the weight is the easy part; maintaining my ideal weight will be harder. However, I'm up to the challenge and I can honestly say I'm happiest when I'm exercising on a daily basis, whether I'm lifting weights or walking.

In September, the entire family rejoiced over the birth of my niece's son, Daniel. Daniel is my mother's first great grandson. My sister is now a grandmother! I have become "Aunt Grandma".

There were heartaches this year, too. My friend, Doug, lost his son in August and his sorrow is still overwhelming at times. If I could, I'd take away his sadness. I pray that he will experience a little relief in the coming year. Also, my father-in-law, Albert, passed away after a short battle with cancer. I didn't get to spend as much time with Albert as I would have liked, but I'm very thankful that he and my husband reconciled shortly before Albert's passing.

Overall, it's been a good year filled with a little sorrow, laughter, good times and growing friendships. I'm grateful for the new friends I've made, the new level of friendship I have with friends I've known and the health and happiness of my family. I pray that 2008 will be a good year for everyone I know. I thank God for the gift of such a wonderful, happy life.

God bless our troops and their families. Ease their pain at being separated from their loved ones and bring them all home safe.

Let's Say Thanks

Let's Say Thanks

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! My son-in-law is home from Iraq with my daughter and I'm very grateful for that. However, I am having a difficult time remembering that there are so many of our troops still overseas. I've been sending postcards to our troops through the "Let's Say Thanks" web page. I've included a link here for you to follow. Please consider doing this as many times as you'd like. In fact, I have it saved it to my "Favorites" and go to it often. It won't cost you anything but the time it takes to type your name, city and message!

Please continue to pray for our troops and their families, especially now during the Christmas season.