I am strong. I can do what I need to do for my girls and my family. I can take care of those I love, and do what is right, even when it isn’t easy.

I wish life was easier, more fair, etc. But I can’t change that. All I can change is how I react to the things that happen in life. I can pray for strength, and I can believe that I will make it through this time and come out the other side stronger and happier.

I also have the most awesome friends in the world. Not only my friends in the computer who have brightened my days with comments, emails, and IMs, but also my friends outside the computer.

My friend Nanny Ogg came down for a visit last Saturday, and took us geocaching for the first time ever. It was a fun time. Unfortunately we had misjudged time, so we had 3 adults, 6 kids, and our puppy Ra out in the dark wandering through woods. I know Nanny Ogg well enough to know to pack flashlights if we’re going geocaching with her – her stories always seem to end with “and then it got dark and we had to find our way back to the car”!

Now I’m finding myself surrounded by love and friendship. One friend is enroute now to help us with some shopping, another friend is coming tomorrow to bring us to the in-town trick-or-treat, then my long-time friend (since 3rd grade!) is coming to visit with her mom for a bit. Sunday has church and more visits from friends, and then on Monday my mom & step-dad return from a visit with my brother. Phew!

Life is full right now, and the past few days have been much better than expected. We are strong.