Life: crazy/wonderful/exhausted/thankful.

Life, if you have kept up with our family the past few weeks, has been crazy. We are finally feeling like it is getting semi-back-to-normal. I am more thankful for normal than I ever have been.

A couple of weeks ago, we received news that Brett's Mawmaw was put into the hospital in Center, TX with multiple conditions but the most concerning being that her heart was 98% blocked. She was then sent to the hospital in Nacodoches, TX to a cardiologist when we got the news of her condition. We decided to take an emergency trip back to east Texas to check on her and hear the plan from her doctors. We learned that once they clear up the other more minor conditions she has, then they will tackle the heart blockage. The best way to do that is thru open-heart surgery. Though this sounds major, and is, it is the best choice for her to survive and recovery and have a new healthy life. We are unsure when the surgery will be, but we appreciate you prayers for her and our family. God is good.

This past weekend we went back to east Texas to work on Mawmaw's house. The goal was to make the house a healthy living environment for her once she gets home after the surgery. Brett and his dad got to work on the floors in the kitchen, repairing holes. I actually got the chance to learn how to lay vinyl flooring with my husband. I definitely learned what being a help meet truly meant. We also deep cleaned and disinfected the house. After that we were exhausted to say the least, but the experience and result was so worth it.

One of the things Brett and I are most thankful for is our church. Stillwater Community Church has been such a blessing over these first months of our marriage. I am thankful for community, mentorship, and a family (even when our family is a few hours away).

Here is a few pictures of the girls I have been given to work with. I am the middle school girls' small group leader and I am loving getting to know these sweet girls. The Lord has blessed me so much in spending time with them.

 Above is Samantha, me, and Savannah

 Me, Savannah, and Lydia

 me and the girls baking cupcakes

 Love em!

Confetti Cupcakes for Lydia's 13th birthday! 

I have found that one thing that helps you through stressful and hard times is having people who love Jesus surrounding you. Community has been our encouragement and strength while we have been taking care of family things. In the midst of a bit of chaos, we have experienced the love of Christ through his people and his gift of rest. Thank you to all who have kept our family in your prayers and have encouraged us along the way. 

Brandi