I haven't blogged in a while

Why haven't I blogged in a while?  Mainly because it's a compilation of moans and groans.  Back in June, my wife and I renewed our wedding vows.  A little before, and ever since then, we have been suffering horrible personal problems.  They are personal and therefore not available for me to publish.  It's embarrassing, hurtful, and humbling to say the least.  We have had only each other and select family members to lean on.  A few friends know, but not all of them.  If you are reading this and scratching your head, fear not, for we still love you, but we aren't sharing this with everyone.

A Thanksgiving Miracle:  By Thanksgiving, we thought we'd turned a corner, and made significant progress with our "issues".  However, we made a critical error, and ended up worse off than we were for the previous 7 months.  Hope was waning, but faith was not.  My wife kept her faith in God, and I kept mine in my B.S. (Belief System).  The week before Thanksgiving we received a call from an old colleague, and he was able to guide us in a direction that has ultimately led to the first stage of our recovery.

An affair to remember:  We renewed our vows for a reason.  We are committed to each other.  As if to test that commitment, fate dealt us hurdle after hurdle in 2008, and continues to do so.  Every time we overcome one hurdle we find that there are more.  Through it all, we've managed to stay on speaking terms...at least for the sake of the children (our dogs).  Seriously though, we have ups and downs like everyone else, but more up than down overall.  I have a very forgiving and understanding wife, and I try to give the same in return.  (insert cheesy love song reference here)

My Daughter:  She's beautiful.  She's 13 going on 30.  She's bright, but has mediocre grades.  She's not interested in blogging, texting, talking on the phone, listening to talk radio or watching sports.  She finds almost everything boring, and I can sympathize.  I couldn't ask for a better girl and I love her more than life.  I want her to come live with me, but I'd like to work in the same city I live first.

My second oldest:  She turned 10 in November.  She injured her leg early in the year and started limping really bad.  I took her to the doctor, and was told that she requires very expensive surgery on her knee.  We don't carry insurance on her so we simply can't afford it.  She's adjusted to life fairly well with her handicap, but has very serious problems going upstairs.  Downstairs aren't so bad.  She's really pitiful sometimes and I hate to see the look in her eyes when I suggest she do something and she knows that she can't do it without a lot of pain.  It's heartbreaking really.  In the past couple of months she has started to adjust, and has even been able to run/walk briskly a few times.  She just hobbles along not putting pressure on her injured leg.  Maybe this year we can afford to get her the help she needs.

My third has decided this year that daddy isn't such a bad guy after all.  She's started crawling into bed and snuggling with me, and greeting me when I come home with excitement instead of indifference.  She turned 5 this year.  She's still a little too prissy for my taste, but I'm happy we've improved our relationship.

Our baby turned a year old in October!  She has brought so much joy and energy into our household.  She's so fat that she sounds like thunder running down the hallway.  She's built like a linebacker.  She eats without swallowing, and I'm afraid she's going to have an obesity problem.  She's so sweet though, and never hesitates to show love and give kisses to everyone.  I just can't wait till she's potty trained!

My Best Bud:  I can't say enough about this guy.  He's been my sounding board, and (literally) my best man.  He's discovered Facebook and has become a complete addict.  Ahhh, the Internet.  I wish him the best for 2009 and beyond.

My old friends:  One I knew before I knew I knew her, but i remember meeting her in elementary school.  The other, I met at my Grandmother's church, and we went to middle & high school together.  They've been married for many many years now, and have a wonderful marriage.  They never hesitate to provide us with tons of entertainment when we are in my hometown.

My Family:  I'm not going to list them all, but all of them...every single one of them have been charitable with their time, caring, and patience this year.  Kelley and I owe our family much more than we could ever possibly repay them.  We love them all, and hope that one day we will be in a position to be as kind to others, as they have been to us.

My New Neighbors:  are also my in-laws.  BIL and SIL to be exact, and our two nephews.  We are so blessed to have them around the corner.  Kelley and I watch the boys, and they watch our girls whenever necessary.  If I need a cup of sugar, or a beer, it's right around the corner.  

A guy named Tom:  Gave us a chance when probably no one else would've.  Thanks Tom.

A whole new mess of friends:  Kelley went to her college reunion in August.  I met a whole bunch of her old classmates, They are now my friends too!  If I've learned anything, it's that you can never have too many friends.  

Another new friend:  Who I actually met last year, has brought a great deal of laughter into our lives.  You know who you are.  You have been there for us (especially me) and I love reading your blogs & keeping up with your exploits.  You are funny in a good way, and a very "care"ing soul.  Thanks for your advice.  Thanks for listening when I needed you to.  Thanks for understanding lapses of judgement sometimes.  And most of all, thanks for your friendship.  You are the best.

Finally, I want to end this blog with another shout out to my wife.  I love you dearly.  You are my rock...and I think I'm your hard place.  (Get your minds out of the gutter, that's not what I meant).  My favorite thing you do is listen, and pretend to care that what I complain about is important.  No one else would do that for me.  You are more important to me than a hot now sign, and more sexy than the weather channel.  I love you.