Year of Changes

It's been awhile since I've posted. I guess I've taken the lazy way of sharing my thoughts on Facebook. I've also started a Caring Bridge site for Tracy, since we started care again for symptoms related to the carcinoid cancer he first faced in 2002.
A lot has changed since my last post on here. Tracy's dad, Norman, was called home on October 30, 2011. It was very unexpected and shocking. He had lived a very full and active life, but since Tracy worked with him every day, it made the loss even more profound. There have been so many changes on the farm. His mom, Elsie, has proven what an amazing woman I already knew she was. She has shown her tenacity to continue on the farm and her strength to make it through the long, cold, winter days alone. She never ceases to blow my mind. I am so thankful she is in our lives.
After Norman died, Tracy's health just continued to go downhill. At first, I blamed it on grief. But after some time, I knew what those symptoms indicated. He started treatment earlier this year and has been doing better. More can be found about that at www.caringbridge.org/tracystromberg.
Our munchkins are still busy. Farmer Boy is moving on to "Big Boy" stuff, like trying to sneak a ride on the four-wheeler by himself, hockey games, basketball, guitar and other things. The Princess is not such a Princess anymore. What I mean is, "LaRue" now claims SHE is the Princess. The original Princess, well, she willingly has given up that battle. She is more into sports, wearing shorts year-round (much to her teacher's chagrin) and pinning for a BB gun for Christmas. She is so much like me. I'm not sure if that is good or bad. Poor thing.
Cookie Monster is growing into his little HUGE personality. I really think that boy is an old soul. He has a grown up sense of humor, insightful thoughts and a temper to match. Grandpa Norman always laughed at him and probably is getting a good chuckle from up above.
LaRue -- aka "Princess Bella" -- is all pink. Everything -- clothes, toys, books, walls, bedding -- pink, pink, pink. She says she is going to be a Princess when she grows up.
God's Grace is such a heart-warmer. She is full of smiles and goofiness. She reminds me a lot of Farmer Boy, just happy and bouncing with energy. Her recent broken arm has not slowed her down. In fact, I think it acts like a "Superwoman" cape for her. She has taken to diving off the couch, dancing on moving toys and just practicing acrobatics.
It is never dull here, but I love each and every moment God gives me with this house full of blessings.