I'm back. I can't say that I will be faithful, but I have set a goal to try to record the year. Life is much easier mow. The difficult times that sent me riding what I believe felt like an avalanche, are seemingly over for now. I can write freely once again. Yesterday was Ri's tenth birthday. It is hard to believe he is 10! Unfortunately, things are a little upside down right now. We had all the kids home for the holidays. It was an adjustment but well worth it! Emily, Caleb, and Erin left for Chicago on Thursday. Even before they walked out the door, dad and I were beginning the process of removing everything out of our kitchen, laundry room and bathroom because the remodeling process was to begin on Friday. To add a bit more chaos, staying true to who we are, I had knee surgery on Friday. So on Ri's birthday, I was laid up, we had no kitchen or appliances that come with a kitchen and a mess. We couldn't have friends over and I couldn't do anything special for him. Dad did all that he could to make it a good day. He and jake took ri and Elizabeth bowling and then took them to Taco Bell where Ri ate 6 tAcos!