It's time to catch up in 2011

First I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. God's blessings in your lives.

Now I'm going to try to fill in some blanks and catch up the past few years that I've been busy living life.

In late Nov. 2007 my Brother Allen ended his life. He was 49, and way to young to give up. Needless to say it broke my heart and took all my words away. I'm still hurting and missing him we spoke almost daily, but he would want me to move forward with my life and not stay rooted in the pain of loss. Allen was the kindest, sweetest person that I've ever known. I never would have believed that life would get to big and heavy for him. So I am still in some shock.

As some of you know my family has dealt with the power of addictions. My Dad was a drunk and abuser. Two of my Sister's were into medications, three neices, and another brother. They had all been seeing the same doctor that was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison this year and his wife 33 years. For over prescribing medications and robbing the insurance companies.

The good news, my Dad is clean and sober for about 9 years now, and involved in our lives like the Dad I always dreamed of having. He's no longer abusive and he's all about helping his family and trying to repair the damage he caused. He will be 81 this month.

Bad news my Sister Catherine passed away May 2010. That's two family members in a short time. Cathy lost her battle of addiction and ended up with heart and lung problems. Another heart breaker. Sometimes I wonder, God what are you thinking? But I know that He's in charge when we allow him to be.

I became a Great Nana last year to Adalynn, Nathans baby girl and his wife Amber. So along with the pain there's been blessings. We now have 19 grands and one great. Ages 3-22.

Larry and I are doing well, I believe that we have a good relationship with good communication. That's why we're about ready to celebrate our 27th anniversary together.

A year ago May our oldest Furkid Alphie (toy apricot poodle) passed he was 15. This past month our almost 13 year old Jackson (silver toy poodle) has been put on insulin for diabetes. He's almost blind and he has 3 bad disc in his neck that are bone on bone. The fact that he's on steroids concerns me and makes me believe that things are downhill for him now. But we are enjoying the time that we do have left with him.

Our Pom zoe is almost 7 already, times goes by to quickly. We've made up our minds no more pets. We hate goodbyes.

Our Photography business has slowed down, as others have but Nora and I are enjoying the time off. We would rather do what we love when we want to rather than be rushed and not be it enjoyable.

I've joined Face Book and it's allowed me to keep up with my son Thomas in Tx. and Daughter Lorinda in KC. I've also caught up with friends and family members in other states so I'm enjoying that. I've learned this past year that no matter what comes my way, I have the strength to get thru it. How do I know that? Because God promised that he wouldn't put on me more than I can bear. Hopefully this fills in some blanks. God bless you all in the coming new year.