How could I be 44?

I've been busy!

I am breathing a sigh of relief today. Our day care license was good through today. The renewal process was long and tedious. But, we're in great shape and good to go for another two years. Just before "inspection day" we had a minor castastrophe caused by a pipe breaking on the floor above us. Damages weren't too bad. But it caught us at a time when things needed to be "perfect" for the inspector! As a result of the incident, we had to replace carpeting, repair damages to walls, replace ceiling tiles and replace toys we were unable to recover. When it rains, it pours . . .literally! ;)

No news to pass on regarding the adoption. Last I spoke to our worker she said things have picked up since December. A part of me wants to send our profile to the lawyer we spoke with and the other part doesn't want to set myself up for more disappointments. I guess I am guarding my heart from emotions. Not sure if that's a good or a bad thing?

Like everyone else around the country, we're experiencing a rough winter in WNY. I cannot believe how much snow we have! It's rather amazing. And..it just keeps coming!

My 44th birthday was yesterday! We started celebrating on Monday with my mother-in-law. Our birthdays are 4 days apart, so we celebrate together. I made a cake- not too impressive - but she loved it. Yesterday my staff put together a spread of good food! We had taco soup, Buffalo chicken wing dip, pasta salad, cheesecake, ice cream cake and puffed pastry! Last night my sister made her homemade sweet-n-sour chicken over brown rice and my other sister made some delightful cupcakes! They are so talented! We pulled out the Monopoly board and played 'til 2:00 AM. It had been years since I played, but it was just as fun as ever.

I promised myself I'd get some cleaning accomplished today, so I best stick to it.

Here are some photos of the cupcakes. Sorry they are a tad blurred, I took them with a cell phone.

The Shack

I finished reading "The Shack" this morning. Personally, I found it to be enlightening, thoughtprovoking...just incredible! There was sooo much to read and understand ... that I am going to start over and read it again. This time I am hoping to catch more of what I may not have understood or simply missed. I don't want to give way to the story line so I will just recommend it as a must read. I am glad I read it and can sincerely say it was life changing in the best way. My relationship with God will never be the same and I can assure it will do the same for you.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all of you in Bloggerland! It's been a bittersweet year for the T's, as you all know so well just from reading my blog, chatting, etc. As the year came to a close, I honestly stopped to think about our life in 2008 and the tears started to well. It was hard... I know there are others who face far more and I have, still, many blessing to count. I don't want to sounds selfish. But, I will not lie - it was the hardest of my 40 some years. That is not to say it will be my hardest year ever. BUT... it is ok. I've learned so much, I've grown, I appreciate life far more than before and I love life, yes I do. May the new year bring sweet surprises. May I continue to find appreciation for the little things. May my love for family and friends grow in leaps and bounds. May I continue to fall in love with BT over and over again. May I marvel in God's work. May my business grow as God uses me to touch such small lives. May I help someone far less fortunate. May I have good health. May our baby be places in our arms!

Cheers to 2009!

I also want to thank you for your wonderful and sweet replies to my last post! They meant a lot to me.

One thing I've always worked hard at is keeping my spirits up. Without God that would be impossible. So, truly it is He who gets the credit. But I am not perfect, I am just another sinner in an imperfect world. I have a long way to go. The amazing part is how I can try to work things out in my own ways but when the tough gets going, He is RIGHT THERE waiting. What better friend could we ask for than that?

So as we walk this path, often the path less chosen, may we walk with strength,endurance and character and when we stumble along the way may our good friends be there to pick us up and remind us it's ok to have a meltdown once in a while! Yes..it is.

Did you ever stop to think God must really love you because He called YOU to embark upon a journey that is "different" and "remarkable?" He knew you had what it would take and your love, strength, commitment, peace, faith, etc. would shine for others to see! I think that's pretty special! So, when you're down and out ..go ahead ... have a meltdown ..a big old meltdown.. it's God's way of recharging us and keeping our spirit alive for the best is yet to come!

I think so, anyhow.

PS Janet - So good to hear from you! What happened to your blog? I've missed you! :-)