Radioactive Snowfall: Much has happened in a Year...

So, when I last blogged, my great-nephew was born, my father was diagnosed with a heart condition, my mother had a stroke - as a result of the same heart condition as my father - and I was still in school. Let me update you on a few facts of life that have occurred since then:

1. I am STILL in school. But, I am getting ever closer to graduation! Yay! If I play my cards right, I may graduate by the end of the summer.

2. My great-nephew is AWESOME. I say this having just been called to the ER because he was running a pretty big fever (102 is tough on a little boy) but the doctors seem to think he may have the flu and/or strep. I left him in the capable hands of his parents, his grandmother (Nina) and his great grandparents (Gingo and Pepaw). Oh, and the hospital staff.

3. My Dad passed away on May 3, 2012. He passed away gently in his sleep and there was no signs of distress. He is greatly missed. He was a great Daddy. We are coming up on the one year anniversary. I think I have not blogged and/or journaled for the past year out of mourning. You know, like in the Civil War era where immediate family members would stay in a state of mourning for a year and wear only black clothes? I don't only wear black clothes... but I have mourned.

4. My mother has exhibited some of the greatest strength I have ever witnessed in my life. She has not wanted to be an invalid and sometimes overdoes it in order to prove that she is still all that and a bag of chips.

5. Dad was able to see the Kentucky Wildcats win their 9th National Championship before he died. There is a part of me that is glad he wasn't around to see how badly they played this year. :)

6. My nephew is a senior in high school this year. He will graduate in just a few weeks. That is SO hard to believe. He played football this year and I had a WONDERFUL time taking pictures and putting together a photo book as his Christmas present.

Therefore, we have had ups and downs in our family. We are so grateful the Lord provides all our needs, is our Peace and gives us shelter under His wings!

Here are some pictures of the past year...