Wow, how time has flown by. I reread the posts from a year ago and can't believe that the year is nearly over. I had a wonderful cruise in January of 2009. So therapeutic! Got to see the Mayan temples and learn the history of the people who are recorded in the Book of Mormon through a Lamanite (LDS) tour guide. The Lake Lanier family reunioun was wonderful. We cooked smores and shot off fireworks New Years Eve. Joe surprised all of us with our first family reunioun tee shirts. We made a cool picture all gathered on a sinking couch for the family photo. FUN!

The rest of the year was filled with work, bowling and visits with my children. The 4th of July trip to Maryland was full of family activities. Gabriels' birthday, our newest Griesmeyer, Eli and watching the fireworks at the Washington monument. I have lost some weight and adopted a Cocker Spaniel. His name is Charley. What a joy! Well, at least he is now that he is finally house broken! I have given up my office at the office and found that I don't take the crap off of people like I use to. In other words, NO MORE DOOR MATT! I have and am continuously evolving into a wiser and stronger woman. I realize that most men don't want a "good" woman. So, with that new found knowledge, I have decided that I will be single. At least until the Lord tells me otherwise. I don't have to have someone in my life in order to be happy. I have been guided and blessed by my Lord.

I now have a new angel in my life. Grandchild #7 nearly made it on my birthday. Scott and Cortnie has recently had their first child, Joseph Wyatt Johnson. He is just adorable. I just got back from spending a week helping the new family. Yep, Wyatt knows his Grandma now! His little head turns when he hears my voice. Two weeks will bring this years family reunioun in New York for Wyatts blessing. I have rented a Lake house in Auburn, NY for my children, their families and myself. What a wonderful family I have! There is nothing on this earth more important than they are. I am richly blessed!

The Holidays!

Holidays are upon us. Wow! So soon! Where has the time gone? I look at my schedule and realize how full my life is. I have work to be done, bowling pins to knock down once a week and my wonderful family to see very soon. I am looking forward to having Thanksgiving with my daughter and family. I may visit a friend or two on the way back home from Texas. December brings the family trip to Lake Lanier. I am sooo looking forward to spending time with my wonderful children and their families. January will bring the baptism for Kayla, my beautiful granddaughter and my first cruise. What a wonderful way to start a new year. The first full new year of my "New Life". Stay tuned......

A New Day/A New Beginning

"What a surprise this will be to my wonderful children! Have they recovered from Mom getting on Facebook? Guess it is time for this 50+ woman to get with the times. Too young?! to be left behind, too bored to not pursue the unknown. (As long as it is legal and moral! LOL)

Since I am new to this, I guess I will start with a bit about my New Beginning. After 36 yrs of being a good wife and mother, I find myself divorced. The actions of my ex have given me sorrow, grief, and anxiety. Don't quit reading yet-this is not a poor pitiful me blog. I searched my mind, my memories, my life, my soul and my heart to realize and recognize Gods' hand in my situation and life. He does not want a righteous daughter to suffer continuously. He has brought me through Hell and back again. He was and is there for me thru all the tears, trials, and lonliness. Lonely? Yes, I am! Yet I will continue to serve Him and honor my covenants I have made thru baptism and in the Holy Temple. I would rather be lonely than not be with my Lord and Heavenly Father. This is a test-only a test! Is it 12pm in Columbus yet? Are the sirens going off?

I am such a blessed woman! I have five wonderful children and five (nearly six) beautiful grandchildren. I am a realtor in Columbus, GA. Don't care for this town, but I realize it is situational. Sorry Columbus, you never had a chance! I am grateful for the good friends I have made here. Most have come from my job. Fellow realtors and wonderful clients! All of my clients are like family! The most precious friends I have are from my life in Helena, Alabama. I love you all! You helped me stay sane during my years of sadness and sorrow. I miss my wonderful family so much. You all have made me so happy. How blessed I am to be the mother of such wonderful people! And my dil's and sil are wonderful as well. All healthy and happy! What a blessing!

This blog will be dedicated to my New Beginning! I have many goals for the rest of my life. Here is the beginning of the ongoing list:

1. I will spend as much time with my family and friends as possible. They are the most important people in my life!
2. I will travel. Anyone want to come along? The Caribean Cruise is coming up in January. It will be my first. Primerica friends and my dear friend Lynn Williams is my roomy. What fun!!!! We even have a Lamanite tour guide!
3. I will work as hard as possible to fund a presently non-existent retirement. Don't want to be a burden to any of my children.
4. I will write a book.
5. I will publish my children's stories for my grandchildren. SURPRISE!
6. I will lose weight and be healthier. Actually, I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in!
7. I will serve the Lord. Hopefully to be able to work in the temple. I am grateful the Lord
helped me continue to have a testimony due to the obvious.
8. I will build a solar home.
9. I will be debt free.
10. I will become financially secure.
11. I will continue to provide service (with a smile!) beyond the norm to my clients. I LOVE! finding the perfect home and saving my clients money. One of my clients have nick-named me "THE NEGOTIATOR". Thanks!

Well, this is long for the first blog. But now you know who I am and why I am here. I hope to share the joys of my New Life and New Beginning with all of you who wish to come along. The future is bright and The Lord is my Guide!