.

September is gone, the flea market is over, we’ve settled into school, and into a new routine. We are breathing. I haven’t gotten dressed all week. And my ‘we’re napping’ (do not disturb) sign stayed taped to our door for three days straight. I had enough social interaction last weekend to last me for the rest of the year. How it exhausts me.

The flea market went so well. It ended up being our most profitable market to date, but it was so extremely busy and I never ever feel it’s worth all the work in the end.

Mr. Keller helped where he could, sacrificing his last days of hunting season to support me. His beard came and went. No animals were hauled home, unfortunately. Rifle season opens next week. We’re all hopeful.

Morgan likes school some days, and is such a homebody on other days. He is bored with the work, which isn’t work at all. It’s preschool all over again. This is frustrating to me. We’re still not sure this is the right place for him to be. We keep praying to figure it out. He brought home his first scholastic book order form and we’re both excited to order some new stories. And he brought home his Pizza Hut Book-it form, too. I’m happily surprised to see both of these traditions have stuck around all these years.

Danny keeps us busy, still. This morning he peed on the carpet and poured the whole half gallon of milk all over the counter and floor trying to get some more for his bowl of cereal. All of this happened while I was in the bath. Good times. Mr. Keller offered to take him to work with him for a few hours. I let him. Obviously he recognizes insanity approaching. I’m nearly there. When I was running a fever the other day, he heard me tell Mr Keller how cold I was. He brought me a blanket and rubbed my arm. And then later when he thought I was crying, he kept feeling my cheeks, trying to wipe away tears. I do love him! I do.

Around the 13^th of September, we received news that my cousin Julie had been diagnosed with multiple stage four cancers and renal failure. She was given 7-10 days to live. It was (and still is) unbelievable for us all. We prayed for her, fasted for her and hoped for a miracle, but she passed away Saturday morning. The funeral won’t be for two weeks. I’m anxious to see all my cousins. It’s been since Grandma Dixon passed away that we’ve seen each other. I’m so thankful for families, for the temple covenants that bind us and for our Savior. What a comfort the plan of Salvation is when we must say goodbye for a time. It's really the only sure thing we can cling to.  

Last week, my old roommate Megan also lost her husband in a farming accident. He was 30, and they have three little ones. The funeral was on the opening day of the market. I tried so hard to make it to the viewing (in Rupert) on Thursday night, but I wasn’t able to fit everything in, between loading in and setting up and figuring out babysitting for the boys. It was so touching to see Facebook flooded with photos of the most vibrant double rainbow in the sky just after the funeral let out, and one in particular of her with her two daughters and the rainbow behind them, over their fields. Such an incredible testament of God’s love. That rainbow was just for her. Her brother passed away unexpectedly on his mission, and her sister passed away last year, as well. When I visualize burdens, I can’t seem to comprehend the weight some have been given to bear. But I do know she is strong, steady and loved. She’ll continue to be in our prayers for months to come.