Gettting off the roller coaster ride...

Were there holidays recently? Hmmmmm, they seem like forever ago.

We had Christmas for the first time in Illinois. We didn't travel any farther than Peoria, and that was to go to the mall. We had a house full but it was nice to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worshipping in our own church. Both services were great and special. The kids sang at the Christmas Eve service and that made it even nicer. Not having any traditions really since we never have been home on Christmas we went with a family favorite for dinner...ham loaf! It rocked, if I may say so.

The biggest hurdle of the last month has been 3 hospital stays for my Dad. Once early December for pneumonia, mid December for GI issues and then again on New Year's Day for pneumonia again. The doctors think that he never got over the first pneumonia. After a week of IV antibiotics I really hope that they got it this time. My Dad seems much better. Tired, but really good. But after 13 nights in the hospital in a month I feel like we've all had enough. But, it's amazing how when you turn your worries and concerns over to God some, not all, but some of the anxiety can be comforted. I am really, really trying to be diligent to turn to God not only when I feel like I need something but also to give him praise for the day, the sunshine, the snow or rain, the little blessings in life. Like my family. Like my husband.

In case you didn't already know this, I have a true candidate for the best husband of the world. I know that many of us feel this way about our man, but Mr. Shook is not a man of just words but also action. He has stepped in to help us when we need it most. He was there for my parents when they needed us most. My Mom thanked him for something he did this week for her and he told her to not even think twice, that she is his family. That means more to me than you can imagine.

I thank God every day that he brought Mr. Shook into my life. It isn't a fancy story, he didn't sweep me off my feet, but he won my heart and it will belong to him always.

I pray that our girl's will be as lucky as their Mama someday. There are a lot of frogs out in that pond.

Luckily, mine is a prince.