Getting ready...

So Colby starts work in a week... can't believe it. He is so excited and nervous all at the same time. We are working really hard to get him ready. We will be going next week to get his uniforms (basically work out clothes) and boots. He got his hair cut and a new pair of running shoes (run forest run). Of course, Nikes. We have been practicing essays and doing spelling test. I start college next week (I'll never say those words again, my last semester, woo hoo) so I have some butterflies too. This week has been very calm, and I have been saying that to everyone. A teacher looked at me and said, "You know what they say, 'calm before the storm'." I hope that is not true but I know things are going to start getting a little more stressful. I know and believe that you can do anything if you believe in yourself. I believe in Colby and he believes in himself, so I know he will be successful. I was driving in my car the other day and heard an old song, The River, by Garth Brooks. I started to cry. I have heard that song so many times but right now in our lives it's lyrics have never been so true. Here at the lyrics for you incase it has been a while since you heard the song:

You know a dream is like a river

Ever changin' as it flows

And a dreamer's just a vessel

That must follow where it goes

Trying to learn from what's behind you

And never knowing what's in store

Makes each day a constant battle

Just to stay between the shores...

andI will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Too many times we stand aside

And let the waters slip away

'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow

Has now become today

So don't you sit upon the shoreline

And say you're satisfied

Choose to chance the rapids

And dare to dance the tide...

yesI will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

There's bound to be rough waters

And I know I'll take some falls

But with the good Lord as my captain

I can make it through them all...

yesI will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Like a bird upon the wind

These waters are my sky

I'll never reach my destination

If I never try

So I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

Yes, I will sail my vessel

'Til the river runs dry

'Til the river runs dry

Schools back in session, woo hoo!

Well here we are, first day of school. The kids were so excited! They don't really get nervous, but Kennedy complained of a tummy ache. The first day was interesting, I had several different rules that has started and I am trying to adjust. Kennedy goes to school at my school now that she is in Middle school. She is missing her old teacher, but I think it is getting better. Taylor had a rough first day, her bff is not in her class and she didn't have anyway to play with (didn't last long, believe me). Colby is so quiet and independent. He loves his teacher, and only got one think time this week, but he wanted us to know that he told the truth. Telling the truth is just as important! Okay, now for Marley. She is in the gifted classroom, ummm...., and she has 2 teachers. She got off the bus and ran to the van yelling, "school is awesome!" with both hands straight up in the air... gotta love it! She gave me the biggest hug and said, "My teachers are AWESOME!" That made me feel really good. Everyone is doing really well. I have to admit, so far this year is 100 times easier then last year. The kids have adjusted to the commute and Marley has adjusted going to school. Last year was stressful. But things are going much smoother now. I believe that this is going to be an amazing year.

He said yes...

Well we finally recieved the news that we have been waiting for... Colby passed! Okay, so he starts work on August 25th for the City of Phoenix as a Police Recruit... he was then be put on a waiting list for the police academy. I would like to thank each of you for your prayers and thoughts. I hope all is well... I am going out to a Dbacks game to celebrate!

Sunday afternoon...

Well it is Sunday afternoon and I have had another exhausting weekend. I was hoping to relax before the big day on Wednesday (I return to my second home... my classroom). I have to report back to work... I am actually excited! I always get excited about school, it is new and everyone has butterflies in their stomach, woo hoo! I definitely know what it is like having butterflies. I have spent this entire summer dealing with ups and downs. I have been trying to stay positive and it has worked. As everyone knows, in May, Colby quit his job he had for 11 years and decided he wanted to try out for the police department. We have experienced the biggest trial in our marriage. We have lived off of less than 50% of his weekly income, I have entertained my kids with little or no money for the summer, and still managed to fill up my gas tank. We spent many days just staying home and doing little things, oh, and I completed 6 credits towards my masters (I keep forgetting that I did that:). Colby has finished all of the test (all 9 of them) and slimmed down 20 pounds in the process. He has given it his all and I have had to just watch. I have always been the one preparing and taking test, it has been very hard watching him go through it on his own. Well, anyway, Saturday he took his last test, and now we sit and wait to see if he will be hired on as a police recruit. We have prayed, fasted, prayed, and prayed again that the Lord will grant us this opportunity to serve the City of Phoenix. As I sat helpless on Saturday wondering if he answered all of the questions right, I felt so alone. We have our whole future riding on this simple "ok" and it was now out of our hands. He did everything he could and now I had to be brave enough to hand it over to the Lord. That sounds so easy, but it has been hard. I ask that you can keep us in your prayers, we should hear something this week. I will make sure I post what happens. Hope all is well...