Nice Looong Weekend!!

So here it is Monday night.  It feels like Sunday as I had today off for MLK day.  President Obama was sworn in for the second time today.  I didn't really pay much attention as it was an absolutely gorgeous day.  It was one of those Colorado days when you feel so darn blessed to live here.  I went to Star Bucks and caught up with Kathy McCain and I went on a long walk, along the Compassion trail, with Carole.  I made a great dinner and now it's almost bedtime.  I couldn't ask for a nicer day.

It was an interesting weekend.  Becca and I talked and talked.  She wanted to hear about my grandparents and what they were like.  She wanted to know about their education and was surprised to learn that I was the first person in generations to finish college.  I think that she is trying to figure out who she is and has a need to learn about where she comes from.  As I spoke to her, I realized that I am as Southern as one can be.  I miss my Southern roots and ways.  I would love to take Becca to Alabama and Georgia to show her where her ancestors have lived since before the Civil War.  Sometimes I think it was a crime that Tom and I have raised our children away from where they truly belong.  Just when I think we have done them wrong, we get a day like today and we look at Pikes Peak and realize that we have not wronged our children, but instead, we have given them a beautiful gift. 

 On the Florida front, my mom is moving to Bradenton, to be near Daniel and Tammie.  I think she will enjoy not having to take care of her big house.  Daddy's remains are in a military cemetery in Sarasota, so she will be near him too.  I think overall, this is a good thing for her. 

New Beginnings

This new year has brought a crazy pace, as usual.  Tom and Becca have started rehearsals for "Fiddler on the Roof".  Just to update, Becca is playing a Jewish town girl.  She has to have black hair.  We are "NOT" dyeing her hair, so I suppose we will be wig shopping.  Tom is playing the understudy part of "Tevya" and the role of "Lazerwolfe".  Somebody and sometimes both, have rehearsals three days a week.  Laura and I don't see much of them. 

Laura is in the throws of her Junior year of high school.  She is in an IB program, so she just studies and studies.  She seems to love studying at Star Bucks.  I am so proud of her dedication.  She is in a drama production, coming up later this month.  It is a variety show. Busy, busy.

As for me, I am busy at school and trying to be ring leader of our four ring circus.  I will start two string classes next week, and I have three IEPs to present.  Crazy, crazy.

Overall, life is good.

TTFN

Farewell to 2012

It's over. It's come and gone, it's over.  Those are the words that ramble through my thoughts on this first day of 2013.  The days of 2012 are gone. It was truly a TOUGH year.  I lost my Aunt Margaret, Granny Day, and my dear sweet high school friend, Michelle.  Jan lost her house and we learned that my mom will soon be moving too.  Josh went to Afghanistan. Our country lost so many lives due to random shootings. So many changes.  It's easy for me to get bogged down in all the badness.  That is why I have chosen to reflect on the good things that happened this past year.

Becca and I had the privilege of going to Joplin, Missouri on a missions trip.  We helped rebuild homes for those who lost them in the huge tornado of 2011.  This taught us so much about really working hard for Christ.  We worked in the 110 degree heat for five days.  We had limited bathing facilities, limited water and limited food.  It was tough, but we are stronger because we went. We learned so much about putting Christ before ourselves.

Jan lost her home on June 24, 2012.  The fire will live on as one of the worst tragedies to strike our city, ever.  It taught us that the things here on earth are just that.  Things.  Things can be replaced, but friends and family cannot.  We celebrated Jan moving into her new home, in December.  The cool part of it is, she now lives about five minutes from us.  She appreciates all the "things" she has. She is stronger because of what happened.

Laura started driving, on her own, in August.  This scared me to death, but I have grown to trust her and her driving skills.  My relationship with this beautiful young woman has been rocky, at best.  I have learned so much about letting go and letting God control my daughter.  Some of this is the natural part of "cutting the apron strings", I know.  That doesn't make it any easier.  I can watch a sappy commercial on t.v. about a teenager leaving home and I get all chocked up.  Because Laura can now drive, I have witnessed her become more independent and her relationship with Becca has strengthened.  It has been such fun watching them go off to the local coffee shop or the mall, on their own.  I am learning the art of "letting go".

My hours at school were increased, in September.  This meant a little more money coming into the Russell home.  We need it as we are gearing up for sending Laura to college.  God always provides.

Tom and Becca auditioned and were selected to perform in the upcoming community play "Fiddler on the Roof".  I am so proud of them.  I dread all the rehearsals, but I know they will love it and I know it will bring out all of their wonderful talents. 

Tom and I have both been lead to believe that 2013 holds a change for us.  We are not sure what this means.  We are praying for guidance and clear direction.  It will be interesting to see where our paths will lead. One thing I know for sure, even when things are tough, God proves that he is tougher.

I wish you all the happiest of 2013!!!