Dear Tyler,

Hi my sweet son! How are you doing on this Wednesday evening? It is day 16 of 2019. It really is crazy to think it is 16 days into the brand new year when it seems like yesterday that it turned January 1st. The weather today has been partly sunny and cold. The skies were pretty blue as well but now they have turned into gray not only because it is sunset but also because we are suppose to be getting rain for the next couple days before the winter storm comes on Saturday. Mom is continuing to watch it closely as the snow totals seem to be getting higher every day. The weather channel said that it is still 48 hours out before the storm and the pattern may change and the snow totals could increase or decrease. Mom is sure hoping for the decrease here. NH is still looking to get the brunt of it and where Mark has to go the totals have gone from 5-8" to 8-12". Mom thought that it was Winter Storm Gia but it has either changed or there is another one because they are saying this one is Winter Storm Harper. Please continue to watch over us as I know you already do. You know Mom... I am a worrier. Thank you pumpkin!
 Things are turned upside down tonight. Mark's friend, Rick is here for a visit. He got here around 4 pm. He was super sweet and brought gifts for Mark and I. Mark got this cool Star Trek model thing and booze and Mom got this really pretty watch. It is white and rose gold with the Eiffel Tower on it. It has bling too! I love it and put it right on! He will be having dinner with us this evening so we ordered pizza. It is after 5 pm and Mom just fed the pups and I am writing to you before our delivery comes. Later, Mark will visit with Rick and then Mom will be able to snuggle on the couch and watch a couple tv shows that Mark doesn't watch with me. It is a win win kind of deal....lol. 
 Today was a busy day again. Mom was up pretty early and the pups were fed and then I lounged in bed for maybe an hour. I was then up, got ready, made the bed and then made myself something to eat, did those dishes and vacuumed the floors and got right to studying. Second day in a row, Mom started at 10:30 am! Mom was hoping to finish up my exam 5 but it didn't happen. I will finish it tomorrow and submit it. I am still hoping that I will be doing the final exam by Friday or Monday at the latest. Mark was working all day and busy on the phones. Mom's friend, Bonnie called me as well and we got to chat for a few minutes. That was nice to hear from her. It is hard to believe that I have not seen her in almost 5 years when I used to see her all the time. I sure do miss her. She told me that she reads my blog every night. It is part of her nightly routine. That touched my heart a lot. It was nice to hear so tonight when you are reading this Bonnie... know that I love you and hope we chat soon! 
 Mom really has no updates for you at all tonight. I have not spoken to any of our family last night or today. I think everyone is just busy with work and getting prepared for the storm that is coming in a few days. I am sure to have some updates for you in the next couple days. I know I won't talk to anyone over the weekend as we all will be busy shoveling and digging ourselves out from the snow. I will keep you posted as I know of things though. 
 Mom is hoping that tonight you have fun while I get some sleep. I sure hope that the evening is filled with everything that you need to do and may want to do. I hope you have time to visit me in my dreams. I miss you so much and love you to the moon and back and all the way around the world. You are my hero and the wind beneath my wings. You will forever be inside my heart, mind, body and soul. Mom has had the candle lit for you since early this morning. Hope you see it shining bright for you. I will whisper to you as I always do later this evening so smile for me when you hear Mom and I will close my eyes and picture that sweet face of yours and that smile that I miss so much. Mom will also smile to you my sweet precious son. I will be back tomorrow with another letter to you as well after my day of studying. I need to get going though because the delivery guy just got here with our dinner. Until tomorrow comes.... good night and sweet dreams.
 Always, Mommy xoxoxo. Muah!

Here is the prayer for the day:

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1-2, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, we come before you and thank you with all our hearts. You know all that we are thankful for. Continue to sustain us, we pray, and give us strength for the paths on which you lead us. Even when we must suffer and fight long, hard battles, we know that everything has its right purpose and will still lead us to your goal. For all this we praise and thank you. Protect us in mind, heart, and spirit. Keep us courageous, and lift us above all discouragement through your Spirit, who will renew our lives forevermore. Amen.