roller coaster

June was quite the roller coaster for our family.

The ups and down have taken an emotional and physical toll on us - and we're exhausted. 

(But... aren't we always?)

UP:

TCa$h came home from his mission, and we've spent a lot of time with my siblings. 4 years with someone missing was a long time, and we know it's likely to happen again (for 6 years) with the next 3 missionaries. So we're soaking it up, and loving being together.

DOWN:

Branson's condensed Arabic course this summer almost killed him. It was essentially two semesters of information and homework condensed into six weeks. I've never seen him so stressed. But he worked super hard. But it literally made him sick. Really sick. Poor guy. He's feeling much better now that's its over, and hopefully his last year of school at the U will be a little nicer to him.

UP:

We celebrated our fourth Anniversary. Its amazing to look back and think about how much I loved Brans four years ago and realize that love just keeps increasing exponentially. I didn't think I could love him more than I did on that perfect day. I didn't know that I was capable of being more in love. But I am. We are lucky [read: blessed] to have each other, and so happy with our life together.

DOWN:

We heard sad news about Jessica and Adam's baby Jack. My heart is still broken, but I'm so grateful for the knowledge that families are forever. And I'm so grateful that Jessica and Adam know it, too. I'm in awe of their strength and perspective. They are magnificent, faithful people.

UP:

When we first moved into our house, the yard was a jungle. Gramps had sown some immaculate gardens, but since he passed, it became overrun and, well, a jungle. But we've been working on it, slowly but surely over the last four years, and this summer is the first summer I haven't been completely overwhelmed by it. [I've actually enjoyed weeding and planting and sowing... Don't tell my mom.] We've laid sod. Planted flowers. Cut down trees. Gotten all manner of battle scars from taming the Pyracantha [read: Worst. Plant. Ever. Think of the briar/thorn patch Prince Phillip battles to get to Sleeping Beauty.] Pulled out more volunteer plants than you can imagine. It's been a lot of hard work. But, it's looking really good.

DOWN:

June was rough on the health of so many members of our family. Three of Branson's aunts have recently been diagnosed with cancer - three different kinds at various stages. My cousin Jason has been in the ICU for a few weeks battling and recovering from brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformation. He's had multiple surgeries, and goes in for the last one today. Our thoughts and prayers have been with each of them, and we're sending healing wishes their way. It just seem to all hit at once. And I'm really starting to believe that when it rains, it pours.

UP:

It's July. And I'm hoping it's a more... steady month with less lows and more highs.