Riding the Bus (Toben)

Audrey likes to ride the bus! I never in a million years would have though that she would like it, but apparently her experience riding the bus yesterday was highly successful. What a blessing that is. Our little neighborhood is about as far from Creek as anywhere else in the district. To get to the school takes about 20 minutes with traffic. I imagined many trips back and forth over the next year because I just assumed that she would want to get out of riding the bus at all costs. But she digs it so that's a bonus! Of course the last two out of three days she has overslept which has meant I need to drive her to school anyhow but still, the fact that she can at least ride one way is a huge help.

So far she is really liking school. She has commented the whereas at Denver Christian she really stood out with her hair and clothes, at Creek she fits right in. In one of her classes there is a kid with green hair and one with purple. Makes her bleached blond with pink striped mohawk look pretty mild! This is definitely a new world for her. On top of that she has dressed a lot more femininely and modestly over the last three days. Not sure where that is coming from but, we'll take it! I assumed that there would be many mornings where I would have to send her back upstairs for a "wardrobe adjustment." But so far she has looked great every day. 

And her attitude has been so positive. She definitely comes home tired but in a good mood. We give her her space when she comes in the door, but yesterday she sat in the family room with us for a good hour before heading off to do her own thing. Couldn't be more pleased with how she is doing.

Emma is adjusting so well too! It is definitely a switch for her to go between classes during the day, even if it is on a totally different scale from what Audrey experiences. I would say that there are about 100 kids in the middle school and half a dozen teachers that she rotates through on any given day. Seems pretty tame compared to Audrey's class of 845 students and 4000 students on campus total, but I keep reminding myself that this is still a big deal for Emma even if it is on a much smaller scale. But she seems to be doing really well too. She only has two classes with her BFF Hadley but at least they get to be together a few times a day.

I remember even three months ago how concerned I was about the girl's school situation, but God took care of it. He got them each in the right place for this season of life. Way to go God!

Joanne's been fighting the flu for the last few days. YUCK! Her comment, "I had a stroke. I should never, ever, ever have to be sick again!" Honestly this is the first cold/flu Joanne has had since her stroke, so 18 months without any illness is a pretty good deal. She seems to slowly be pulling out of it, but is still not at 100%. Hoping that she continues to improve over the next days. 

Maybe some of you remember my "top secret prayer" that I have talked about in previous blogs? When we almost lost Joanne I prayed two prayers and made one promise. The prayers were that God would leave Joanne with us here on Earth instead of taking her to heaven. My promise to him was that no matter what shape he chose to leave her in with us that I would devote my life to serving her. But my secret prayer was that she would still be able to read when it was all sorted out. Well God answered both those prayers. Joanne often hassles me that I didn't ask for more. After all I was on a roll! But my top secret reading prayer has been deeply meaningful. Joanne has a Kindle and she devours books. It is her escape and her solice. I am so glad God answered the secret prayer!

Prayer request:

1. PRAISE that school is going so well for the girls. Let's keep it going!

2. Please pray that Joanne would start to feel better and get over this crud.

Toben

Comments

[JULIE]

Praising God for the miracles He provides! Praising God for even the smallest bit of Grace He shows! Praising God He is there ALL the time! Praising God for your girls, Joanne and you Toben!

Today enjoy the moments of reflection . . . God pulled it all together. He never leaves us or forsakes us!

I am still in awe of the JEANS story!

[julie]

Toben, I had chills as I read about your secret prayer also being answered! So wonderful to hear that God has been blessing the girls at school. Praying for all of you... I love your devotion to each other.

[Aunt Kristen]

Way to go Aud. Welcome to the yellow limosine!!

[unityfalls]

I'm so glad things are going well with the girls and will keep that in prayer. I'm especially glad God answered your secret prayers and Joann get to devour books on her kindle. I love to read too and couldn't imagine life without it.

[Kimberly in CA]

You're right, Joanne; you should never, ever have to be sick again! I've prayed that God will quickly heal you from your cold/flu and remove all signs of sickness. May you be feeling better super soon!

Tears came to my eyes, Toben, when I read your last paragraph about the "top secret prayer." God is so amazing! WOW.

Sending love, hugs, and prayers to all of you.

[Sara G]

I hope Joanne feels better real soon. Kindle is great for reading - love mine too.

Praising and thanking the Lord for His answers and for the girls good start of the school year.

Keeping you all in my prayers. Thanks for the update!

[Ruthy :o)]

Hi I am just so Blessed to read your blog and the fine detail of Father Gods care how He even cares about the color of our hair!

Isn't Father God WONDERFUL

Love to Read about your lovely family.

[Tena]

I would definitely be interested in what books Joanne would recommend. Is there a place where she could review the books she reads...like a Joanne's Book Nook type of thing? Also, where could someone send Joanne a Kindle Gift card. It can be sent to an email address (instantly) or a physical address. I bet there are a few people that would love to gift her a book or two.
Take care beautiful family.