Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I did not get Christmas Cards out this year. I am spending the holidays in Palmer, Alaska with my mom, brother and his family. It has been very fun and crazy at times! But it is sure nice spending the holidays with family! This year has been the year of change for me. Its been an up and down year for me, some really good points and some low points but through all of this God has always been good.

At the end of May Regan and I got divorced after 12 years of marriage. That was a hard time for me, but all my good friends in Eureka helped me through it. I moved to Ames, Iowa on July 17th from Eureka California. It was so hard to leave Eureka since that is were I got sober. Part of me still wishes I lived in Eureka, but I moved back to Ames to be closer to my kids. September 3, 2012 I celebrated one year of sobritey. We had a big party out at Wakefield Woods. I got to see my kids a couple of times this year, which was all ways great. They are growing up to fast.

I am living with my dad in Ames. In October we had to put down our family German Shepherded down, Rudy. He had cancer and he was ten years old. Not to worry, just a few weeks ago dad and went and got a German Shepherd puppy!

Joel is ten years old and Michele is eight. Joel enjoyed basball and football season this year and is looking forward to playing tackle next year. Michele is growing up way to fast. I think she is the smartest kid in her class :-) They are adjusting well to the move to Platteville and are very active at there church.

Of course I had a couple of health issues, but whats new! I was in the hospital with my diabetes in September. That was a pretty good stay since I got to meet Paul Rhoads and the ISU football team! Then at the end of October I had a hernia surgey. I recoverd pretty good from that.

Now I am in Alaska enjoying my family. It is a very busy house, but it is fun. I got to see a moose up close. And one of my favoirte things to do is go to a local restruant and eat reinder sousage. I keep busy by going to lots of AA meetings and hanging out with the family

I am so thankful this year for my sobriety. I owe it all to God and AA. I finally gave up and gave my life and will to the care of God and worked the steps. It is sure a life changing thing!  My relationship with Jesus has really grown in a big way the last few months. He has done for me what I could not do for myself. My idea of what a Jesus follower has changed the last year. I try to be more like him, though I know I fall short.

I hope you all find the true meaning of this season. For me the true meaning of the season is Jesus. He came as a baby and grew up and died on the cross for our sin. And if I trust in Him I will have eternal life! May God bless you and yours this holiday season!

I am going to keep walking, Gary (Peaches)