"Feeling" My Life - As Is!

It’s been a while since I posted because I think I’m beginning to “feel” my life as it is now! Jody and I are separated and will either stay married, but separated or we will divorce. It’s hard to see our marriage of over 20 years ending, but I know it’s the only thing left to do after so many years of trying to make it work.

I’m beginning to feel a confidence in myself that I’ve not felt in a long time and it really feels good! I’m preparing myself, mentally, for job hunting beginning in February. I am praying that I will gain employment quickly and in a place where I can let “my light shine”!

I’ve been participating in life a little more and actually enjoying it! A few weeks ago, I went with Elizabeth, Michael and Addy and spent the weekend at my brother’s. We had a great time and I was so glad that I went with them. The past year, I’ve stuck very close to home – not wanting to be around people. I think the fear of being hurt really caused me to limit my activities and my relationships!

Last weekend was the annual family reunion with my Dad’s family. We’ve met every year in July for many, many years and I enjoy it even more now than when I was a child. I love being able to see everyone and find out how they’ve been doing, seeing how the children have grown, who’s gotten married and who’s having children! I have an amazing family which includes not only my siblings, but extended family on both my dad’s side and my mom’s side. I am so thankful!

My mom and dad have both passed away, as well as two of my dad’s brother’s and one aunt. I miss them. This, in my opinion, is the most difficult part of getting older – losing loved ones. I miss my mom and dad every day and know that there will be more as I age!

Today, Jody called me to let me know that one of the guys he worked with passed away this morning. He was 31 years old and had a massive heart attack! It’s very sad because I knew him and have known his family because many of the family members worked together with Jody. It really hits home that none of us knows what tomorrow brings!

I’ve been sewing! I used to sew a lot when my children were young and would stay up all night to finish a project. Elizabeth brought some fabric and I’ve completed two of the projects for Addy and am very pleased with the job! I have enough fabric for three more projects and need to get started on those, too.

I will post some family pics from the reunion soon and also some pics of the outfits I’ve completed for Addy! I’m looking forward to a new week!

In His Love and Blessings
annb

Great 4th of July!

I went with Michael, Elizabeth and Addy this weekend to my brother's house. My brother and his wife have three young children and they live in a small town in northern Oklahoma. I love visiting there, not only because I get to spend time with the family, but also for the small town life!

When we go for the weekend, we always get up on Saturday morning (early) to go downtown to Margie's restaurant for breakfast. It's so fun because the town is so small everybody knows everybody else and greet each other like family! My brother, besides his regular 40-hour a week job, is a member of the volunteer fire dept, ambulance crew and is friends with the police department! My sister-in-law works at the bank in town, so is also known by everyone - besides the fact that she grew up in this same town!

It's always great to spend time with my family - even more so when things are "different" in my life. My family is truly a blessing from God and I'm so thankful to be a part of this family. Even though Jody and I are going through the changes that we are, my family is always open, loving and non-judgmental! They love me unconditionally and support me . . . always! They also care about Jody - not because he was my husband, but because of the person that he is! They have always cared about him and I know that hasn't changed and will not change. He will always be welcomed by all of them!

My brother had to work most of the time we were there, but we had a great time with his wife and the kids over the weekend. We got there on Friday evening and just spent time at home talking and catching up with each other. They have the sweetest kiddos and I love them so much!

Saturday was free swim day at the city pool and also free Putt-Putt miniature golf! We spent a couple of hours at the pool, left there and went to my sister-in-law's parents where they were celebrating a birthday! Her parents are great and always make us feel welcome. We then picked up some fireworks for the kids - sparklers, worms, smoke bombs, champagne poppers and a fountain. Fireworks - except for those we bought - are not legal in town, but the kids had a great time with the things that were bought for them.

We got so busy with everything on Saturday that we forgot to go play Putt-Putt! Thankfully, the kiddos didn't notice because we were so busy! They were exhausted and went to bed early enough that the grown-ups were able to play a couple of games before bed.

We left for home after lunch on Sunday. It's about a three hour trip, but always well worth the drive! We had a great time - as we always do! Thanks, you guys - it was great to see you!

In His Love and Blessings
annb