December 2022

        Prices here have gone through the roof this year. Gas prices have soared but in the last couple of weeks have dropped a little. Interest rates are the highest they have been in years! I have one more big goal and that is to move us out to the country. Somewhere not too far from where we are, but with enough space for Caleb to be able to drive a golf cart around. We live in a real expensive area right now, but it has been worth it. The schools are amazing and the programs and resources they have for my boys are beyond compare with any other area in Michigan. As a single parent, I have felt safe here, my children are accepted and celebrated in school and in our community. This makes it a very scary move for me. We need more room though. I'm so afraid that I'll regret the move, but I'm praying we will find the right home for us and we can live happily ever after there.  For now, I still have two boys in high school so we won't be going anywhere until Elijah (my youngest) is out of high school. It also depends on the interest rates and what the housing market looks like in a couple years. For now though, we will enjoy our cozy little home which has brought us many years of love and laughter. :) We are blessed.

War

Russia invaded Ukraine 5 days ago. It's heartbreaking to watch as Ukrainians are fleeing their country. Except for the fathers, brothers and sons age 18-60. They are required to stay and fight. There has been bloodshed and loss of life. Russia has killed civilians.  An innocent six year old child, at a market with her parents to get food, before returning back to the bomb shelter, has died. Her father covered in his baby girl's blood. God help Ukraine and protect the vulnerable children and adults in orphanages and institutions around their country. They are dependent on caregivers and rumor has it, that some caregivers are fleeing with their own families. It's devastating, Please dear God, hear our prayers.

Love myself

This is going to be the year that I begin to love myself. To extend the grace to me, that I extend to others. I have never done this, I am so hard on myself. But, as I grow older, I am more comfortable with myself. I think with my heart, I always have. That has not always been a good thing, but it has definitely shaped my life. So many things, that I would not have done if I sat down and did the old pro's and con's list. Looking at the monetary cost versus the emotional reward. And I am happy that I think and act with my heart, I would rather believe in goodness, then become overwhelmed in the what if's. This loving yourself thing is a long time coming for me. I've been listening to others for decades talk about loving yourself, and seeing your worth. I think I'll begin with liking myself and know that I am worthy, even if I have to remind myself several times a day. :)

Happy New Year!