BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY

Don't you love spring???

Simply Smitten - Easter Sunday

smile!!!!
MMMMMM!
Where's that egg?
Deana's new do...
Not a little girl anymore

The Best Years of my LIfe...

With my 42nd birthday having just passed, I've taken some time over the past few days to ponder over life in my forties. Can I just tell you that, so far, these have been the best years of my life. Since turning 40 (or slightly before that), I accomplished so much (not in any particular order) We've graduated two of our girls from high school and have had the honor of watching my them marry the men of their dreams. I've overcome and learned to manage an illness that made a huge attempt at debilitating me. We've gone into business for ourselves, and against all odds, are keeping the door open! We've gone into a phase of life where things are available financially that never used to be. We've turned the ugly duckling house on the block, into a beautiful home. I've lost 35 pounds (and gain a few back!), been going regularly to a gym now for almost 2 years! Have gone down from a size 16 to a 10-12 and pretty much stayed there. I started my own stamping business (a craft I never had even tried before) and still teach classes, host clubs and workshops, and make all of my own greeting cards. I re-taught myself to crochet, and boy, have I crocheted! I actually completed one of my promised scrapbooks (I hope to get the next one done before I'm in my fifties!) I've very much enjoyed watching Aimee grasp onto her future as a nurse. (although sometimes it's a ittle hard to bear as her Mom with the stress and everything). I've really been proud to think somehow I've had a little something to do with Joleen's artistic ability. (A little?) I've watched Sarah grow from a little girl into a beautiful, compassionate, young lady. We are still experienceing the growth of Deana as she learns to accept life and live it. The visits with her are getting more and more enjoyable and hopeful for her future with us. I really enjoyed serving at church; especially in the aspect of worship. It is one of the highlights of my life. There have been sad times too. Letting go of my girls as they embarked on their new lives as wives. As hard as that was it wasn't as hard as letting Joleen go away to Oregon for school That was hard! Yogi's death and the whole experience was seriously traumatic. Having to decide to send Deana away for help was particularly difficult. Sarah's accidents (her wrist and her face) I could have lived a lifetime without experiencing. Living through the family stressers like with sisters and Dads and things like that were difficult to bear at times. In looking at it all, there is one common denominator....God. He, in all his Glory has been faithful in holding me up through the hard times and rejoicing with me in the happy times. I love my new church and love serving our Lord in it. After more than two years of church stress and stagnant living, it really feels good to be in a place where we can actually do God's work again. Best of all, I have a great marraige. I was so lucky to marry my best friend. Brad and I are experiencing a oneness that I could not have imagined earlier in my life. I know I have God to thank for that as well. I truely have enjoyed watching him grow in his walk with God. Anyway, I am so blessed and so thankful and I just wanted to share that and say thank you for all being a part of my life. I love it and I love you! Happy Birthday To Me!

{got ya}

spring has sprung!
xo,
joleen