So, lots has happened since my last post. We went through Christmas, the anniversary of Michell's death, New Years, and my birthday.
We did some things differently this Christmas - for one, we got a new tree. Michell and I had used the same tree for all 10 years of our marriage, so it was time for a new one - plus, I just didn't want to deal with using the same one we had used. We also put the tree downstairs instead of upstairs, which I liked alot.
Christmas was good - the girls and I had lots of fun. We all got lots of new stuff. Rachel's big gift was a video camera, which she loves. Zoe's big gift was a My First LeapPad, which she's still getting used to. My big gift was a new HD TV and HD TiVo box. I had been saving for the TV all year, and finally took the plunge. For the geeks in the audience, I got a 46" Samsung A650.
The anniversary of Michell's death was less of an issue than I expected. I kept expecting my grief to overcome me, but it didn't. I think I told my parents the same kind of thing over and over - "I keep expecting to be overwhelmed, and it just hasn't happened." Not that I don't miss her - I do, but the memories of her bring more joy than sadness now.
The New Year was an interesting event. It made me realize that I have been a single dad for a year now, and have survived it. Things are actually getting easier, partly because I am functioning at or near my full capacity again, and partly because the girls are both getting older. Zoe is over 2 now, and talking up a storm. While the 2's come with some discipline issues, they also come with new independence and ability that are making life better.
There's another "new" thing in my life, a new girlfriend. Her name is Tammy, and I have been amazed at how God brought her into my life at this time. I never thought it would happen this quickly, but God's plans are not always (or even often) what we expect them to be. We've been dating for a couple of months now, and I am amazed at the joy she brings to my life.
Here are a couple of pictures of her - one she got taken at a studio, and one of the two of us after the church's Christmas Program (it was set in the 1940's, which explains her costume & hair - she sang in an ensemble and with the choir).
