Thankful

BRAIN TUMORS SUCK!

I have decided that this is my new motto!

As most of you know and have donated in years past, the fall season usually brings the annual Celebration of Hope walk in Richmond. The event is hosted by B.R.A.I.N., a non-profit group that Daniel and I helped start with some good friends of ours, Kevin and Marguerite.

Unfortunately though, plans for this years events were put on hold as Marguerite (the main hostess) started to spiral downward in her brain tumor battle. Recently, Kevin made the decision to bring in hospice services and Marguerite was given only weeks to live. I went to visit with her a few weeks ago and it was so hard to see her in that condition. Please remember them in your prayers.

BRAIN TUMORS SUCK!

As much as I hate brain tumors, I am so thankful for the Lord and the healing He provides; even if it isn't physical healing. The Lord has been gracious to me when it comes to my own healing as well. Recently, I heard this song on the radio and I was overwhelmed by the lyrics. I could almost hear Daniel's voice saying these words to me. Daniel left a legacy that was focused on the Lord and His prayers for me were consistently the same things. This song defines those things.

So, as much as I hate brain tumors, I am thankful that they do not define the people they impact. Rather, those people impact us, the ones left behind.

I hate brain tumors, but I am thankful for what I have learned because of them and the person I am because of what I went through with Daniel. I am thankful for the time that I had with Daniel and all the times he shared with me his prayers for my future without him. I am thankful for songs like this one. Thankful that the Lord continues to provide healing in many forms.

Thank you Daniel.

Thank you God!

Down on the Farm

Mimi and Papa came to visit last weekend. They agreed to watch Sierra for us while I had to attend class. It isn't very often that they come to visit without bringing Sierra a present and this time was no different.

I had briefly mentioned previously that I was looking for the Little People Farm on eBay for Sierra and of course, if you mention something in front of Mimi, it just happens to "fall" into her cart the next time she goes shopping, or so she says.

Thank you Mimi and Papa!!! Sierra absolutely adores her farm and her "aminals" or so she calls them. :) Thank you!!! I took too many pictures but I thought they were all cute, so I posted most of them here. Enjoy!

Little Hokie Fan

I took this picture last December as Sierra was starting to learn what it means to say "Go Hokies!!!" This September she is learning how to say "Touchdown!!!" Even though the Hokies didn't pull out a win this weekend, we are still fans! Here is Sierra (with daddy), one year later, sportin' her "Hokie Gear."

Many Thoughts...

2 days down....many more to go! I really don't have much to say about student teaching, except for the fact that I am learning a lot every day. I am excited about what is to come and meeting the students next week. However, every day that I am away from Sierra reminds me that I am truly called to be her mother first and a teacher of others, second.

This is not to say that I do not feel like God has called me to teach, because I do believe He has; however, I have a stronger pull on my heart right now to be the best mother I can be, and in our opinion (me and Brian's), staying home with the kids and "training" them up is the best that we can offer.

It should be no surprise to most people that following graduation, I do not plan on teaching in a formal education setting. This has been something that was worrisome to me, considering how administrators might view my resume one day and ask why I student taught in 2009, yet wasn't seeking a job until 20xx - when ever that might be. I have spoke to many of my mentors and professors at Regent and they all assured me that it would be fine. Administrators would understand that I felt led to stay home with my kids rather than teaching right away after graduation. Although, I don't want to discount my love for teaching and the joy that I feel when I am in the classroom. I really hope people won't discredit my degree and all the work that I have done to get to this point. I really am thankful for how God has orchestrated this path and I am excited about what is to come; even if it might be many years down the road from now.

With all that said, I am really missing my girl during the day; I have gone from spending 10+ hours of wake time a day with her, to only about 2 hours of wake time a day. This is really hard on my heart! I know that she is in good hands though and I wanted to share with you Courtney's blog because she is posting many pictures and exciting news about what they are doing each day. She is also giving me "Sierra's Daily Details" every afternoon, which is a sheet filled out listing how many times she pooped/peed, how long she slept and what time, what she ate at every meal, and then all the activities that she did that day. Courtney really is a wonderful blessing to Brian and I and we thank God daily for placing her in our life. It was totally ordained by Him alone. We are overjoyed knowing that Sierra is having so much fun and that she is getting to do many things with Courtney and her dear little boyfriend "JD." I would be lying though if I said I wasn't just a wee bit jealous. I miss my baby girl!!! :(

Check out Day 1 HERE and Day 2 HERE and keep checking back daily for more pics and updates of all the fun Sierra is having!!!