Life goes on, Stephanie, life goes on

A wise woman use to say to me often, Life goes on, Stephanie, life goes on. Who was that wise woman? My Grandma Semple. No matter what the problem she or I had she would say life goes on. Life truly does go on. However, there are those trying times when it seems life won't go on. The night we lost my Grandma Lundgren or Semple I could not even imagine life going on but it did. We had another loss in the family yesterday. My adopted Uncle Eddie passed away. So young but gone in an instant. Why does life go on? How do we get through the tough times, the times we don't think we can get through...let me tell you...God. I cannot imagine how unbelievers get through these times. The same wise woman who use to say life goes on also use to say another phrase...but by God.

Back by popular demand :D

Not really but I know I have not posted in a long time. I have thought of so many things to post but haven't done it. Thanks, Aunt Linda, for motivating me to get back into it. Love you!

Memories

One of the most treasured things we have are memories. Without memories we would forget the great times. Without memories we would forget the wonderful, special people we have had in our lives and lost in some way. We also have memories of the not so great things in life. The things we would like to forget but things that surely taught us a lesson or turned into good. As I get older I realize that memories do fade and memories get forgotten. They may resurface at some point because of something seen, heard or smelled because they are always there. But they are not as close the surface as they were when they happened. I want to record my memories. I don't want to forget the times I have had. I want to someday share them with my grandchildren. I urge you...write down your memories, share them, don't keep them inside to be forgotten or to fade.

So sad

My Grandma passed away last night. She was 83. On March 15 she would have been 84. I was close to Grandma. I talked to her 1-2 times each week and always on Monday evening around 7:00. She was one of my best friends. She listened, gave great advice and never judged. Although I knew we would not have her for another 15-20 years I did not think she would go Home this soon. Heaven gained an angel but I lost a Grandma and a best friend.

This is a picture of my Grandma and Grandpa in May 2007. It is one of my favorites.

Never fear, I am here...

I have not posted in what seems like forever. I went back to work on January 12. It was a rough week. I was exhausted and came home to sleep for a few hours then went to bed at 9:30 and slept all night. I could not believe how tired I was. I had surgery 6 weeks ago today. WOW!!! That seems so long ago but it has not felt like that long. I have experiencing a complication. I have developed a hole. It is the size of a quarter and sore. My plastic surgeon told me it will be a while before it heals. It is in a spot where 3 pieces of skin were tightly brought together. Some days it really gets me down and some days it really scares me but I know it will eventually heal. My other breast looks great! Here is a before picture and an after picture. Not great pictures but you get the idea. It is amazing the difference. This surgery truly was a life changing even for me.







There is nothing really going on right now. School is getting to that busy time. The time were I have to do around 80 reports and got to 80+ meetings. It makes the rest of the year go fast but it is oh so tiring!

Christmas 2008

I love Christmas! What do I love most about Christmas? Family!!! I love my family. I love that we are close. I love that we get along. Christmas is the day Jesus was born which makes it very special. Family adds to it. This year we were blessed to be back at the home I ate Christmas breakfast at for years and years. We did not have Christmas breakfast there in 2006 or 2007. Instead, we had family at my parents' house. That was nice but not the same. The home was my Grandma Lundgren's home. She passed away in November 2006. Her house was purchased and remodeled by my cousin, Tara. This year she continued the tradition of having breakfast there. We had the same menu and it was a wonderful morning. Dustin, my Mom, Dad, brother, uncle, aunt, cousin, her daughter and boyfriend, my other cousin, her husband and their two kids were there. It was a wonderful time of food, family and laughter. We also went to my Grandparents house for lunch. We have done this as long as I can remember. Dustin, my mom, dad, brother, uncle, grandma and grandpa were there. Again, food, family and laughter. We were also able to spend time with my Aunt Linda and Uncle Harold, Aunt Shirley and Uncle Harry, Aunt Karen, Uncle David and their family, also my Aunt Jean. The day after Christmas we spent with my mother-in-law, Diana, my father-in-law, Darrel, my sister-in-law, Dawna, her boyfriend Erik and my niece, Alaina. I am so thankful for this Christmas. I don't know what the next year will bring but I am glad I will have the memory of this Christmas to hold in my heart forever.

I saw on another blog Christmas favorites so I thought I would post some of mine.

Movie...It's a Wonderful Life

Tradition...spending the day with family, hearing the Christmas story read

Food...creamed potatoes my Grandma Lundgren made for years and years, now my Aunt or I does the honor

Lights...all one color, white, blue or green

Ornament...the ones my Mom and Dad have given me...they all have meaning

Memory...times with family

I hope you all felt blessed this Christmas season because we truly are. I know life is not perfect but remember if God brought you to it he will bring you through it!