The first weekend of August was the first thing back in IL that we had to miss that was really hard. The St Jude run and telethon in Peoria. Becoming a member of the St. Jude clan is something no one ever wants, but it's something so special. It's family.....so to miss the opportunity to be with "family" and raise money for St. Jude was really really hard on me. The night of the telethon I went through pictures of Brynlee while in treatment. I sobbed basically the entire time. Almost in awe that she went through all that she did. It was such a hard time in life that I missed a lot of what was going on around me because my focus was keeping everyone well in that season. So looking back on pictures really does me good. Actually having to process things that I felt and went through that I always just wrote off or shoved down deep inside because I didn't have enough energy to deal with it then. So I was full of tears of sadness, joy, fear, and complete thankfulness for a healthy girl. So thank you St. Jude runners for loving this amazing cause and giving money, your time, your energy to this incredible place! I REALLY HOPE to be there next year! And because I was reminiscing this is my absolute favorite video of Brynlee from a hospital stay!
The youth play in town was the 11, 12, 13 and 14th. It was "The Elves and the Shoemaker". About a week before the play I was talking to mom on the phone and she said, "if I flew out for it would you be able to get me and take me back to the airport?" I didn't even hesitate. If she'd seriously consider coming all the way here to surprise Brynlee and spend a few days, I would do whatever it took on my end to make it happen. She booked the tickets and the next Wednesday, I was off to Denver to get her! She got in late and I was super worried about her flying alone and finding where she was going....I know it's silly, but she's never flown alone! hahaha! (it's the mom in me). Anyways I was waiting for her to come up the escalator when I got a text asking where I was, and she said she was already up there. I was shocked! I found her and we were giddy for a while walking out and then....I got a tap on my shoulder. It was TANMAN! I could not believe it! I literally got tears in my eyes! Tanner and I have always been very close, so this was super special! I know he REALLY came to enjoy Colorado, but I'll take it! HA! Next time I see him, it'll be his wedding week! GAH! Anyways, we didn't make it back to our place until about 2:30am. So we are all crashed and woke up early waiting for the kids to walk out and see them. It was priceless. The joy on their faces was truly second to none. One thing we've already learned about living away from friends and family is that time is precious! Mom and Tan were only here for 2 full days so even though we were completely wiped, we started the day with a hike. And that night was the opening night of the play! Oh my goodness was is adorable! Brynlee worked so hard on her lines and learning the songs, so it was a blast to watch it all come together. She had a lot of fun, especially getting her make up done before hand. We couldn't be more thankful to have had mom and Tanner here for a few days and be a part of this new everyday life of ours!
Brynlee as elf "Gracie"
The kids adore TanMan
And now as August begins to wrap up, Andrew is in his final week of his first semester! Boy are we proud of him! Just a couple of weeks ago he came home with a note on his final assignment in what was probably his most difficult class and it said he got a "100% in the class". (he would die if he knew I was telling you that 😆)He was so shocked! But it just goes to show how much effort and work he has put into this already. He truly desires the best education. We've had to sacrifice a lot, but we know it is temporary. This is where God has called us right now, so we continue to have faith that He will provide in every aspect. We are learning to be the better stewards with our time...and have grown so much in just one semester. People have been asking what we've found for jobs. Well, I've been pulling weeds, but had to take a little break to be here during the play week craziness and Andrew had a couple tough classes, so I will be back at that soon. Andrew is still working on that remodel job and also a few hours for Lanz! It's not quite sustaining us, but it's better than nothing! We look forward to an open door with consistency, but are thankful for what we have, and that God gave us a year to save and plan for being without jobs!
Prayer requests
- For our friends Ben and Nikki and they begin to walk the path of adoption!
- Continued prayers for financial support and stewardship not only for us, but for all students here.
- All the families here as we begin our homeschool year!
- Adjusting to starting a new semester!
- Safety for our "besties" who are on their way here!!
- To be broken. To have to cling to Him. To look to Him for fulfillment.
