Okay my first blog entry and its been 6 months. It’s due to a few factors:

1. I’m not a big computer user. I believe AJ had to tell me what a blog was.

2. I’ve been in survival mode until recently. Getting groceries for our family for the first time was a huge accomplishment. Thank you Kristie for loading them in my car, I’d forgotten how heavy they can get!

3. The center of attention is something I like to avoid at all costs. To share my weaknesses to a lot of people has been very humbling to say the least.

4. Last but not least I knew Jay would do a much better job communicating what needed to be said. Okay, I did have to edit his entry when we got the big snowfall:)

So forgive me as I attempt to say what is on my heart- Lord give me words to speak!

First, I have to say something about how my husband has painted me to be a saint through all of this-oh how I love this man more that words could say. I cannot wait to grow old with this man if its God’s will. He has been through more these last 6 months than any man should have to endure. Thank you for being the one to read God’s Word when I could not! Thank you for fasting & praying the whole day of surgery. If any of you know my husband you know not eating for more than 3 hours is one strong feat:) You are the only one I would want to lead this journey that we are on. May I follow strongly and encourage you along the way to have joy in each moment of every day. God has truly blessed us with joy even in these hard days:)

Since Jay & I were in survival mode it was crucial we had others come in to help. This was something very foreign to us and we resisted at first. I’m so glad they just did it anyway. We would not have been able to make it without all the meals, cleaning, people doing our laundry, friends taking me to appointments, neighbor pulling my weeds, neighbor bringing over ice cream treats, donuts, meals, or fresh produce from farmer’s market!

Amazing people offering rides for our kids to stay involved in sports & activities, wonderful friend bringing her daughter’s dresses so my daughters could have something for the eternal elegance activity at church. I’ve had wonderful encouragers who printed posters- still on my wall by the way! Others who write me letters weekly:) Our small group who cried with us, organized help, encouraged me on the Diva run, and have prayed for us daily!!! Our parents who had to step in and take care of our kids. I guess this was the easiest as we fully trust our kids to our amazing Godly parents. The legacy they were able to instill while they were in our home is truly precious! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My girlfriends and family who have asked the hard questions, celebrated with me, and who have prayed daily even though their lives were full! I pray that God will bless each one of you as much as you have blessed us! Okay, I did not adequately express the tears that are flowing down my face right now because I have been blessed by each one of you! Thank you!