It has been more than a week since I have even attempted to blog. I just really have nothing to say. Life is going on and we are really in a nice groove. Brian has the greatest schedule he has ever had. He is surrounded by the most amazing staff who have embraced him wholeheartedly and are not only accepting the changes he is making (for their benefit) but complimenting those changes. He is the most relaxed he has been in 5 years. I think it's because he no longer bears the weight of the world on his shoulders for a company who could care less about him, only what he can do for their bottom line. He is able to take the kids to school and pick them up almost everyday, go eat lunch with them at school, help with homework, play football, eat dinner at home at least 4 nights a week and also meets me for my breaks at Starbucks regularly while indulging in his favorite drink of the week. This has been the best career move I think he has ever made.
The boys are growing like weeds. I seriously can't keep up. They are really shining in school. We are so proud. Jared has brought his D in Math to a B and works hard to maintain all his grades. He is highly involved at church and is constantly inviting his friends and encouraging them to also get involved. He hangs out alot with our student pastors, Brad and Aaron. I am thrilled he has some great mentors, truly godly men who want Jared to experience as they are all God has for him. Jackson and Jayden also love church and look forward to it every week. What they learn really sticks with them and they remind us during the week what that was. They are also becoming great encouragers. I will sometimes find them helping each other with their spelling words and then really cheering for each other when they get it right. It's so cool.
I am now a certified Barista. I took my test Friday and so I can officially make coffee. I am loving my job. The majority of our customers are regulars and it's great to call them by name and know what they want when they walk in the door.
I ran Race for the Cure yesterday with my friend Kara which was such a huge accomplishment since after blowing out both my ankles a year apart the Dr.'s told me I should find something else to do to stay in shape b/c my injuries were too severe to ever fully heal. Well, sorry but that just doesn't cut it for me. My GOD is way bigger than that. I ran the whole race and my time was 31 minutes which I was very pleased with. The pic below was taken when we got home since Brian left the camera in the car.
Our new church is also incredible. They are still running like 300 a week which just seems insane considering we're only 3 months old but people are really being reached. It's such an exciting thing to be apart of. We had our first student outreach last Sunday and over 30 kids showed up to eat pizza and play ultimate frisbee. It was very encouraging. Our goal is to start weekly services and small groups in January. Aside from volunteering with the students I recently joined the vocal team and am having alot of fun fulfilling my passion.
One more thing to add. There has been alot of self discovery taking place and it has been an amazing thing. The kids aren't the only ones who are growing like weeds. It's not always an easy process and to be honest there have been some painful revelations but I really want to embrace my new attitude. I am so thankful to be surrounded by godly friends who are there no matter what. I am not just talking about ones within a five mile radius either. There have been several conversations take place recently with people I know truly love me and don't run the other direction b/c I say something off the wall. You know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know there are sesons for everyTHING but friends aren't THINGS, they are people with feelings and emotions and you should never cast that aside and I know it sounds simple but always remember you reap what you sow and you have to treat others the way you want to be treated.
Well, I guess I did have something to say after all. This wasn't supposed to be a life update but somehow that's what it turned into. I hope you enjoyed it and weren't too bored. Be blessed.
Going door to door
Going door to door
