Happy New Year!

New Years Prayer

Thank you Lord for giving me
The brand new year ahead
Help me live the way I should
As each new day I tread.

Give me gentle wisdom
That I might help a friend
Give me strength and courage
So a shoulder I might lend.

The year ahead is empty
Help me fill it with good things
Each new day filled with joy
And the happiness it brings.

Please give the leaders of our world
A courage born of peace
That they might lead us gently
And all the fighting cease.

Please give to all upon this earth
A heart that's filled with love
A gentle happy way to live
With Your blessings from above.

~ Charlotte Anselmo ~

Pitter Pat

What could be more wonderful that the holiday season? Fresh warm cookies, smiles from family and friends and little ones diligently trying to be good enough for the big guy in red to make a stop. We are all on the school schedule, so add lazy mornings to the mix and it is pretty good. We gathered with the Baldwin side of the family on Sunday and as usual bucked a bit of snow getting to Jake and Kristine's digs. We all had a great meal and fun with the gift exchange and soon it was time to head down the road. Today we congregated at Kris and Rick's house to enjoy time with the family. Kris generally has a set deal about how presents are opened and wouldn't the newlyweds want to get a present opened right away. Well! Come to find out their was a stuffed animal and couple of bibs announcing the are expecting a baby next summer. Kris was elated as daughter, Jessica, and hubby Matt are also expecting next summer. Guess we better plan on a few more cuties to adore next year. Very hard to focus on presents after that bit of glorious news. As with all good things, we wrapped up with a bite to eat to get on the road before the ice hits. Yes, we are having quite a weather event this week. We have had sleet, ice, snow and right now are in the midst of a flood watch and the rain is really coming down. Overnight we are supposed to have the rain turn to freezing rain and heavy snow and all should wrap up on Sunday. Nothing has been ordinary with the weather this year, so this fits right in nicely. Tomorrow the boys and I are going to cook up a turkey and enjoy each other's company from the safe sanctuary of our own digs.

If we could share one wish with you, it would be for peace. Not only for the holidays, but for each day going forward. So much has come our way in the last few years and peace is the thing I desire most. God bless each of you and thank you for being a part of our lives.

Merry Christmas!

Becky

Mumblings from a teenage guy

If only you could be here right now, the guys are both watching snowboard clips on the computer. As if that wasn't enough, they are both getting along and treating each other well! (Holy moly!!) A giggle here, a stunned remark about a cool stunt, and then the search for the next video. All of this from two fellows that were heart-broken about not being able to snowboard over Thanksgiving. (Yes, lots of moping going on over the holiday.) Last year, we spent Black Friday in Dubuque at the slopes. Nice photo below of them with their gear. Yes, I would be the lounge bunny type in case any of you are curious. Thank goodness I have Mia (Australian Shepard) lying on my feet to keep the thoughts of snow from giving me a chill.

Hurray for the little things in life!

Becky

The necessity of thanks

Often, we cruise through life meeting each obstacle and then down the road to the next. Not stopping to think why we had the obstacle to begin with. My life is a perfect example of this 40 years of sweet memories, good times, love, marriage, children and some really great coworkers. Oh sure you had your moments of despair, disbelief and shame, but all seemed right with the world, so you just kept going mindlessly. Giddy in the moment.

Three years ago life came to the base of a mountain and the pitch was quite steep. No doubt, all the little puddles that had come my way were preparing me for what was to be, but in my silly-headed manner, just kept plugging. Now I feel the challenge in stepping upward for the last few years. Adjusting to loosing big chunks of love from your life is my mountain. No "little brother" to torment at family gatherings now. The love of my life is no longer suffering, but is unable to help hug the kids and me at the start and end of each day. The career that I worked so hard for so many years is gone. All a piece of the mountain that I am working to scale one step at a time.

Some days it is very tempting to just give up and give in to the challenge. Then out of nowhere appears a sweet note, timely call or laugh from a friend. Encouragement to finish the journey and see where the mountain will take me.

Thank you. The challenge will make me a stronger person and better to serve all I meet along the way. Your thoughts are appreciated and keeping us in your prayers is a huge bonus. You are the reason we will give thanks this year. God bless!

Becky, Dalton and Trenton

What's new

Hello Blogosphere Friends!

Pardon me for being remiss about writing much recently. Life has been chugging along and I have finally kicked some kind of a bronchial cold that I have had since the beginning of September. (Only three trips to the doctor and four prescriptions later or my thoughts are it finally ran its course.) Only now it would appear that both of the kiddos are coming down with some nasty headcold. Ah, fall in Iowa.

School seems to be speeding by and the boys finish out their first quarter of classes in a couple of weeks. Trenton is doing much better than expected in Jr. High and just loves his new Special Ed teacher. She is just what we needed to keep him going. Thank you, Beth. Dalton is my tougher case as school is of no interest to him and his grades are poor. I keep holding out that the light will come on soon and he will just soar. Prayers welcome.

Autumn has brought a few other changes. I started back to work in August for Center Point High School. (This is NOT where my kiddos go to school. Easier on everyone that way.) My assignment includes assisting the Curriculum Director, Nurse and High School Counselor. It is wonderful to have a job again and this is very different than anything I have ever done. All three of my bosses are very interesting and have been patient in helping me learn their areas. I do hope that the congress comes up with something for medical insurance as this job does not have benefits.

Life moves on and Jeff would have been 46 this upcoming Saturday. We miss him as much as ever and know he is watching us from his comfy chair. Happy Birthday buddy!

Hope you are all having a nice Fall season.

Becky

Love Ugg Boots

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Soft Landing

Trenton mentioned someone was in the driveway with a trailer so we headed outside. Can you imagine our surprise to see this was the chaser for a hot air balloon. Even better, the balloon was sponsored by our credit union. Trenton went out and helped out the crew. Unfortunately, I was headed out to teach religious education for the evening. Many of the neighborhood had congregated to enjoy the landing and retrieval. The guys were kind enough to take care of our newly planted alfalfa. Trenton said they had it all picked up in just a matter of minutes. The lucky couple that had enjoyed the ride said it was worth the cost. Trenton asked if he could get a ride and the fellow said sure, its just $500. Needless to say, he is still just in the wishing phase.

What a great surprise and fun way to end the day!

Becky