Wrapping up 2020

The last week of the year was more eventful than we had planned.

I just can’t stop thinking how thankful I am. This date night was even more special, even if I had to drive and be his chauffeur!

I treated Brian to a pedicure. What will he do when I go back to school?

Appointments all day downtown, killing time shopping in between

The night after our appointments Brian went into AFib and I had to call 911. He was in AFib all night but his body went into normal sinus rhythm this morning. They were going to transfer him downtown last night but there were no beds available. His doctor from downtown sent another one to check on him. The doctor felt good sending him home because AFib is common after a big heart surgery. Prayers it doesn’t happen again.

Jackson was still awake when we called 911. After the ambulance left he asked me if I wanted him to lay with me. He got his Bible and began reading me story after story of God’s power, miracles, and faithfulness. Then, he turned worship music on for us to fall asleep to. I am weary, but I’m so thankful that my 11 year is learning and even reminding me who we turn to and put our trust in even during scary and uncertain times.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

New Year's Eve celebration at home!

Jackson planned Minute to Win it games for us. He put them inside the balloon for Lincoln to pop each hour.

My favorite guys!

Lots of laughts

                                                                             Fireworks!

Cheers to 2021!

2020 was a hard year, but there was also so much good intertwined!

The top 3 things that stand out to me are:

1. God’s mercies are new each day and His promises are true. He is all we need!

2. The love and prayers of family and friends for our family were overwhelming in the best way and brought me to tears many times. Thank YOU!

3. Camping and time together- our family isn’t perfect but nothing is better than being together.

Praying that your 2021 is filled with the light, love, hope, and peace of Jesus.

Happy New Year!

 

Hartz2020 Christmas Time

Christmas Eve:

Starry Night craft 

"There is a light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness can not overcome it."

My whole heart

My best gift!

So thankful Brian was feeling well enough to go to Christmas Eve service. We loved getting to go with his parents.

To God Be the Glory that our family is together at church 2 weeks after Brian's surgery.

Christams Eve Family Matching pajamas tradition

Elf themed this year-4 main food groups, ha!

Christmas morning the boys woke up around 6 and didn't come wake us up until 7:05!

Stockings are always first.

Speedos were on their Christmsa list!

Boxing set for the win!

Sweet boy only asked for a Speedo and a Bible for Christmas. Surprised him with a hoodie and Architecture Legos.

Lincoln asked for an art set, and he was so excited about the fancy case!

All Brian's gifts were related to disc golfing and fishing!

Hopefully he'll be back to those things soon.

Loving my new robe from my boys!

Christmas morning smiles

After we opened gifts, we had Christmas breakfast of donuts and egg casserole with Brian's parents.

The boys spent most of the day building their new Lego sets. Lincoln is finally into it.

The weather is the afternoon was absolutely beautiful. We took a few walks which is great for Brian's recovery. Brian still was able to surprise me even though he just had surgery. I'm wearing my new Sparkle Nike leggings here, and I love them!

And Jackson took a bike ride with me so I could try out my new bike!!

It was the perfect day of being together. My heart is full and soo thankful!

Hope is here, 

His name is Immanuel.

Thankful for the hope we have today and tomorrow becasue of Jesus!

Merry Christmas!

Hartz2020 Week 52

  A little bit of what we have been up to Dec. 14-21...

Sweet moments with Lincoln talking about the navitiy set and Jesus' birth.

Camper Gingerbread Houses

He's home!!!! After 6 days in the hospital I got to pick him up!

Brian is stable, still in the emergency room, and waiting on test results. Thank you for your prayers!

He was having some symptoms, called his doctor, and they said he needed to go to the ER. I was able to see him briefly because one of my student’s mom was one of his paramedics that brought him downtown. Praise God!

They won’t let me be with him or even wait in the hospital, so I’m sitting in my car in the parking garage waiting to hear any updates singing Raise a Hallelujah.

“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20:15‬ ‭

Drive thru nativity with Grandma

My view every night. I put a small tree in our room to enjoy while I read since Brian has been going to bed early.

Self care for me! Peloton spin class. "It's not an indulgence, it's a neccessity."

Chillin' with Papa! He has taken them to swim, picked up many dinners, cleaned the pool, played basketball, gotten donuts, watched lots of sports with them..He should probably just stay forever!

Brian's first time out of the house for an errand after surgery!

Post op date!

Dr. Reul- so thankful that God led us to this amazing surgeon. 

These sweet former students showed up today to spread Christmas cheer and love to our family! They are such a blessing and will forever be “my” students even if one of them is already in college.