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When we enrolled our boys in the Ankeny public school system, I had no idea what the Lord was doing. I fought it for a long time and for many different reasons. But I’ll be the first to say it now: He was right, and I’m so glad I obeyed.

Christian education and homeschooling are wonderful, but they aren’t the right fit for every student, every family, or every season of life. Sometimes I think the Lord places us somewhere for a season, and because it’s comfortable and familiar, we have a hard time recognizing when He’s asking us to move on.

Sending my kids to school was not what I wanted. But looking ahead at what this next year is bringing, I can see so clearly why God was leading us in this direction. There is no way I would be able to step into the next assignments He has for me if I were still homeschooling.

And the best part is that the boys are thriving. School truly could not be going better for them. Watching them grow, succeed, and enjoy this new chapter has given Aaron and me so much peace and confirmation that this was the right decision.

It’s funny how sometimes the thing we fight God on the hardest ends up being one of the things we’re most thankful He led us to. 🤍

I may not have understood what He was doing when we made this change, but I do now. And I’m incredibly thankful that His plans were bigger than mine.

We have transitioned from homeschool to public school and the first two days have gone really well. They are making friends, learning to navigate the school, and figuring out who they are. Letting the reins loose is hard, but I am learning that keeping them always tucked under my wings doesn't allow for much maturing. They need room to grow, & have life experiences while still under our roof so we can help them navigate. So here is to 5th & 8th grade, may your year be great, the schoolwork challenging, and your extracurriculars all that you hope for them to be.

Aben Jordan biked over 400 miles, 16,000 feet of elevation in 7 days in July heat. But this week was more about biking it was a week of overcoming, advocating for himself, sticking up for others, learning how to manage money, listening to his body, and overcoming a heatstroke. The lessons he learned this week are ones that he will carry with him the rest of his life.

While Aben & Channing biked across Iowa, Bo, Dawson (Channing’s brother), and I spent 24 hours spelunking and camping at Maquoketa. I am planning a camping trip with these four young men in August and felt like we needed a practice run before we head out on our epic adventure 6 hours away; and boy am I glad that we did. We had a few hookups, and these boys took it in stride while stepping up and helping me problem-solve. I forgot my tennis shoes, and if you've been to these caves, you know how slippery everything is. These two gentlemen constantly made sure I was okay and always had a hand extended for me to grab. Bo enjoyed having Dawson to himself, and I enjoyed getting a peek into their friendship. Sitting around the fire talking about life, reminiscing about Poppy and Gigi, and cracking jokes was the highlight of my summer so far.

Not sure if Ragbrai is ready for this Colyer Cousin Duo!

While we sit in our comfortable air conditioning, these two will be biking 391.4 miles across Iowa on the hilliest route in Ragbrai History in scorching July heat. They have both clocked 1,000 miles on their bikes during training and are more than ready for this week.

Mark Amann, thank you for pouring into our boys this season; they are going to be better men because of you.

Dream Team Des Moines, IA, thank you for all you have done for the team this year. You don’t see many organizations as caring, thoughtful, dedicated, and giving as you guys. The amount of work you put in every season is above and beyond anything we could have ever expected.

I shared this on Facebook but felt like it needed to be shared here too

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My nurse while I recover from the flu. She reminds me so much of Mia.

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