How Do I Love Thee.. (Toben)

Love is a funny thing. I was driving in the car with Audrey today to do a little back to school shopping at the local resale store--can't afford much at the mall. So off the Uptown Cheapskates we headed. And I told her, "Audrey, I love you the most!" And I meant it. Can you guess her next question? "Well what about Mom. Don't you love her more?" I answered, "Not more, just different." Audrey, "Well what about Emma?" Same answer from me. 

Got me thinking: there are three ladies under my roof that I would lay my life down for without hesitation. Literally. So do I love one more than the other or is the human heart and mind capable of loving three people "the best" all at once? I never thought about that before. I guess I believe it's possible because it is how I feel. And I love them the most for different reasons. It goes beyond just the obligation to love them because they are mine and under my care, but I could list for you the things I love about them too. Yes, I love them because they are God's gift to me, but I love them for who they are and who they are becoming as well.

We got Audrey to MOST killer deals today. She was feeling a little badly yesterday because a lot of her friends are getting shopping sprees at the mall (and I mean shopping sprees) to go back to school. Most of them are going to be starting high school so the parents are going full tilt to make sure their kids have the best and most up to date fashions. But would you believe that God showed up in our shopping today?

Audrey REALLY wanted a pair of True Religion jeans, which even I know are about the coolest jeans around. Problem is that that cheap TR jeans start at about $200 new. So I literally said a little prayer and asked God for just one pair in her size at the resale store. Turns out we found 3 in her size. They look amazing on her--like they were costom fit her her. Of course she has a model's body (no hips!) so no surprise that high end fashion works for her. She is so STOKED and we still have just a little left in her back to school budget. They we 1/5 the price of new jeans. Thank you Jesus! So she can go to school feeling really good about what she is wearing, which I remember form my own H.S. days is a pretty stinking big deal!

I love it that God shows up in the weirdest places and at the most unexpected times. 

Audrey first trip to Cherry Creek H.S. is Friday; the day after her birthday. She has a couple of placement tests to take and then will get her class schedule. Holy cow! Audrey is going to High School! I am so excited for her. A little nervous because I think Creek has over 3000 students but I think she is going to do well there.

I also have a selfish motivation for her going there; Creek has won state football a bunch of times over the last few years and I love H.S. football so now I have an elite team to cheer for.Their stadium is epic too. We are going to have some fun fall nights watching Creek crush their opponents. Go Bruins!

Emma starts back at DC on the same day Audrey goes back--August 20. She is going ot breeze right in as she already knows almost all her classmates. It is a PREFECT situation for her and we remain deeply thankful to God (and special friend) that made this possible for Emma. Still, having a new middle schooler makes my head spin!

Off Topic: I went for a 7 mile hike yesterday with my Dad up in Rocky Mountain National Park. We hiked up to Ouzel Falls. It was stunning. No other way to put it.My dad is a photographer so we were really there to shoot the falls and it was so fun to watch him work with his gear. He knows what he's doing! Can't wait to see the outcome. We literally shot for about 30 minutes and only took 7 pictures. How cool is that!? Fun to watch an artist at work. 

Now those of you that know me know that I don't exactly have an athletic build. I am a bit round in places and definitley not in the best shape of my life. So that 7 miles was about all I could take, but I had such a great sense of accomplishment. Tylenol has been my friend today! Hope dad and I get a couple more hikes in before the season is over. 

Joanne is amazing to me--I still get to know the "new her" a little more every day. Just the fact that she gets out of bed every morning to face the day is an inderdible act of courage. Today she read and napped and we got to talk some. I think I have mentioned this before but on the day she almost passed, I just remember pleading with God to leave her here on Earth, no matter what. Thanks to him and only him she is still with me. Can't imagine a life without her. There are challenges, but she gives me a reason to smile every day. 

Prayer requests:

1. Pray that Audrey would find a friend right away. This is a very specif prayer but it will change everything for her if she was  able to find a friend.  And would it be too much to ask that the friend be a solid Christian/good influence/Young Life kid? A parent can only hope and pray!

2. Please also say a prayer for Emma that the transition to M.S. is a smooth one. All signs point to yes, adn her BFF will be there, but it still represents a new season and and new challenge for her.

3. Joanne's folks are camping at Rock Mountin National Park all week. Simple prayer that they would have a blast! They have earned it!

4. Praise!!! My mom and dad have come alongside in a very special way to our family. They live almost an hour away, but they have always been willing to drop whatever they were doing and come to our rescue. I praise God for them and their willingness to listen to me, to process with me, to counsel me and to encourage me. And their love for our family is unparalleled. Thank God for them!

Toben

Comments

[Sarah]

Would be honored to send a little extra school clothes money. Please email me: [email protected]

[Cheryl Veenstra]

LOVE this peek in the window at your amazing family! Needed to hear that story about God showing up at the resale shop! May God continue to bless, heal, provide and surprise us all through each of you!

[Carolyn McCready]

I think about you and Joanne and the girls so often, Toben. Pray for you all and send love your way. Thanks for the updates and insight into how things are going. So many love you all. . .
Peace and grace tonight,
Carolyn

[Stacey Frazier]

T, great post. You are doing a great job "being there" for your family. Love the way God showed up for you and Audrey. Praying for a great start to her year and a solid friend. SAF

[Courtney McDermed]

I used to get really annoyed when people prayed for a parking space because it seemed so ridiculous. But after a tragedy happened in my life, I saw finding a parking space as God meeting me where I was at. Parking spaces were how I could see God taking care of me even in the darkest places. Let's hear it for True Religion Jeans and getting back to school clothes under budget!!! (It really is super important to have the right jeans on the first day of school. It sounds petty and vain but then, high school has a big dose of that and starting off on the right foot is critical.) Yay for you for knowing all that Toben. peace to you and your family. ~Courtney

[Lisa]

I love how you cherish your family and your parents for even the small things...It really makes me stop and think how I should do that more often.

[Lee Ann Jackson]

Great updates, Toben . . . keep at it--priviledged to "journey" with you in prayer, friend. You Heims rock!

[carla sutherland]

I say little prayers when I go thrift store shopping for specific items, you have reaffirmed to me that it is ok. I hope Audrey has a great year. I know the stress change can bring to a child as well as an adult. What is something Toben wants/needs to do? Would you share that with us, that is ok too.

[Sharon]

I graduated from Creek, um, a few years back ;) Tell Audrey that if she doesn't like the feel of the West Cafeteria, to head to IA (in the Industrial Arts building). I actually have no idea if both buildings/cafeterias still exist, but I'm guessing that IA would be a better fit for her.

I love when God cares about things that are important to us - like being able to wear the same clothes as our peers, even if your budgets are much different.

[Jennifer, Hawaii]

That sounds wonderful Heims! And so glad that Audrey found jeans. She sounds like she's got a great (and spunky) personality so I'm sure she'll find friends but will put in a prayer for her as well, and for Emma and all of you too.

I subscribed to a YouTube lady that thrift shops a lot and finds really great high-end stuff for deals. She also shares some tips and such. Check her out if it sounds like Audrey could be interested, might help Audrey get some cool finds:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MsPinkFabulous