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!!!