Winter In My Life!!!

I was sitting here tonite and thinking about all that God has brought me too and through...amazed does not even begin to explain how I feel. More like "awe" and disbelief. I think of some of my roads that I have traveled and I know without a doubt that I could not have made it without God in my life. Things like abuse,by the hands of someone that I thought I was going to spend my life with. And coming out stronger than ever to be able to reach for my dreams. But what exactly were those dreams. I recall crying out and asking God to bring me someone who would love me for me; with all the "practical jokes" and with my "fly by the seat of my pants" attitude towards life. He sent me Dale; and 33yrs. later it still feels new. I remember 1, with 2 requests attached to it. I even had it written in a diary. That was the birth of our two children. I had specifications; a girl first followed 5yrs. later by a boy; to be born in the later spring. Sarah was first born in May and Joshua followed 5yrs. later born in March. I was 16 when I asked God for this. I have had; and still have amazing friends. Ones who would come and be with me at the drop of a hat. Or call me just to let me know that I am missed. I have had the privilege of being part of so many Children's lives. And now because of "Facebook" I am able to follow their lives for a short time. Oh I imagine that in time as their lives grow and life things happen that they will think of me on occasion. But for me that was a very wonderful time in my life. The families whose lives I was graced with; and being able to see most of the "kids" I helped with; turn out to be some amazing young adults. Tie all this in with our own children being out on their own; and you have given me things to be grateful for. I have no words to describe how blessed I feel to have gotten to have the life I have had. It is true....money isn't everything; it sure does help; and Lord knows there is always one bill or another that has to be paid. But past that, I am so very rich.

I was looking out at the snow and beauty all around me. The horses running and frolicking in the snow. The dogs playing chase. Even the cows were enjoying the snow. Walking in the snow is really cool; but only if you don't think about what might be underneath.....like "horse biscuts" or "meadow muffins". Then later we made snow ice cream. Don't know where Dale got the snow; by the time I thought to ask; I figured..I really don't want to know. So I ate it. Listening to the wind blow through the snow covered trees; and seeing the snow fly off the branches. Last night in bed I could look out our bedroom window and see the new snow on the ground. It was so bright. This is what I always dreamed about what country life might be like. Trying to stay warm drinking "hot chocolate" and eating Homemade Chicken Soup (that I had made). Playing cards with Dale or just chilling out and sewing. It has been an incredible 2 days of "heavy thinking". Especially with what happened in Arizona. You can't help but feel like you want to run out and hug your kids and great friends and family. Yes I can finally say...I do love life in the country. The peace and quiet out here is so amazing. I sometimes wake at night to the sound of the coyote's howling to one another. And I have seen animals out here that are so majestic; like the Eagle I saw not but the other day; sitting on a fence and looking around; as if to survey his "kingdom". And I could sit in the truck and watch him as he sat on the fence post; just looking. I got goosebumps; I felt almost like I was intruding on some sacred ground. But I also felt as if God put him there to say " I promised you that I would show you awesome"; and he does almost every day. Waking up and realizing that I am not in Austin; still leaves me a bit sad. There have been many a times when upon awakening I wish I were there. But to be honest; I don't think I was meant to be with another family; not here. I will never find the "families" here like I did in Austin. No one can take your places; not in my heart and not working for them. So with much thought and prayer, I have stopped totally looking for a family to serve. I have instead embraced where I am at now, and have made a conscious decision to "enjoy" where I am at. To give it my all. And pray that I might be able to make a difference in some "child's" life. I know that you all understand this. Please pray that this job and I have a great time.

Now for the "fun" stuff. I am after the "City Manager's" job. And I don't mean in a small way. From what I can see and understand he gets paid way to much for the little bit he does. It all began when I hit a speed bump and hit a pot hole; which sent me flying into a front yard and gashed the tire. Later when I was coming back to work from lunch (same day), one of the city trucks ran a stop sign and almost broad sided me. A few days later I went to the city Manager's Office to complain and to file a refund for my tire. He began by telling me that I was most likely not a good driver. With that said he then said he was not meaning that I was a bad driver; and I thought to myself "yeah right". He then said that the "city" was not responsible for their roads being in bad shape and that they had no intention of replacing my tire. I then told him that they may be replacing my whole truck if the "city" marked cars continued to run through stop signs. He promptly asked me if the guy was "white or was he a mexican"? Not only is he over paid now he racist on top of it all. Talk about small town ignorance; and he is the city manager. He's got to go.....

OK life has really turned to winter here. I can't believe how cold it is. On top of everything else the water froze to our house. The horses have actually decided that it is too cold and they are in the barn. Even the cows are there. We closed the Daycare center early. Ice began to rain down and people were told to pick up their kids by 1:30. So with having said that I have been officially introduced and "broken in" to "life in East Texas". I have really been introduced to And I spoke with IRS today and they are not willing to work with me. They explained to me that they would be inquiring about our "assets"; WE don't have any, unless of course you count my extra weight. At this point I have not a clue as to what we're going to do. But keep praying we need all we can get. I thought about a "fundraiser" or standing on the corner; but out here if you panhandle, you get to spend the night in the "slammer". Oh well, maybe Dale can win the lotto. Seriously this to shall pass. I know that God is with me no matter what. That is it for now. More later........

Hugs and Blessings,

Karen