The Bright Eyed Brunette

We spent the day before my Dad's surgery (9/20) swimming and visiting with him. He knew it would be his last time in the pool this year. It was plenty warm! I believe it was around 95 that day. Not exactly fall-like temps! Going shopping at Walmart with these two always proves to be interesting.  I finally cut my hair! Well I didn't cut it but I had it cut. I'd say a good 7 inches, maybe more. It looks and feels so much healthier.  Makena got her Halloween costume in the mail last week. Now we just have to work on her car decor for Trunk Or Treat! While my Dad was in the hospital, we kept Toby. He is the funniest, sweetest, most silly dog ever. I was pretty happy when he got to go back home Sunday night though! He liked Carlie a lot too! When Trey and Carl go check game cameras at the farm, I usually get pictures like this. Of course it makes me a little sad because he looks so grown up. He loves being "big" though. ...

The other day while on lunch break from our homeschooling, I heard a commercial that said something to the effect of "Stop the harassing phone calls from bill collectors. Call ### and press the reset button."  We have been struggling financially and there seems to be no end in sight.  Our house is in desperate need of a new floor but there is just not enough money to fix it right now.  My parents have been nothing short of life savers for a good while now and I know that it has to be getting old for them. If I let myself dwell on these things I would absolutely drive myself into a hole. Depression is very real and for someone who already suffers from depression and anxiety, this can push you to the edge. So I go about my days, pretending that things are okay, giving tests and teaching life lessons (although most days I don't feel qualified because I'm FAILING at life), helping my parents and grandparents when I can, preparing for my Wednesday night Discovery class...

My Dearest Trey,      Where has the time gone? Just yesterday you were a little boy riding your little red fire truck through the house pretending to be a fireman. Now you are as tall as I am, looking more and more like a man and less and less like my little boy. I am so proud of you.  As you enter your teenage years, there are a few things I'd like you to remember. Character Matters "A good name is more desireable than great riches: to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1 Integrity is important.  Be the man in private that you display to the public. Love God.  Respect others. Be honest.  Show yourself true to your word.  These character traits will take you far in life. Keep Your Mind Pure "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." Psalm 119:9 With more freedom and access to technology, you will have more opportunity to view images, read books, and watch  movies that are...