I feel extra late in writing this update. We are already at the peak of fall, golden yellow aspens with leaves slipping through the branches, honeycrisp apples, pumpkin sprinkled everything, and a good dose of evening tea to soothe the daylight into the golden sunset.
September was an epic month-my 40th birthday! It is with fond remembrance I recall the beautiful gift of another birthday, memorable as a milestone, and also the many joys of celebrating this newfound decade.
The first weekend of September, we set up the house for my birthday party. We took out the table leaves, added a tablecloth, hid the couch inside the office, ordered a balloon bouquet, and talked through logistics such as where to put everybody, and what to decorate with. We also removed the remaining flagstone on the side of the house, as it was a jagged mess to bump the trash can over on trash days.
Friday (September 5), my Dad and sister flew into town. We began the memorable birthday weekend with a date at the Flying W Ranch. We pet baby goats and a lamb, climbed Christmas rock, rode the tractor “train,” ate a delicious meal in the front row of the auditorium, and enjoyed the patriotic and western music concert.
The next day, Frank and I took Dad and Bethany on a Colorado tour, first through Garden of the Gods, and then Woodland Park (for breakfast at a quaint coffee shop). Bethany and I went off to Miramont Castle for tea, and a lovely castle tour. Then, we came home and prepared for the party. Flowers, food, balloons, and people filled our home to bursting with love, joy, and happy memories. We enjoyed surprising a couple with a 50th wedding anniversary cake. My favorite memory was the 40 candles on my birthday cake and all of our friends and family singing “Happy Birthday.” After the party, Dad, Bethany, Frank, and I went to Scheel’s, had a light dinner, and enjoyed chatting before bedtime.
Bethany went home the next morning, and I went to visit my friend, Barb in the hospital. We went to church and took Dad out for some Indian food the next day. I took Dad on a small hike in the evening, on a small hike at Garden of the Gods.
On my birthday, the children at school brought me lovely presents. I felt so loved, especially with all the lovely birthday cards. Frank surprised me with dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse. Marta and Pepe came as well. We had the best time laughing and enjoying each others presence. It was also a sobering day as Charlie Kirk was assisinated. I was devastated.
We also celebrated with Frank’s family, which included Jet’s Pizza, and my favorite ice cream (brown butter bourbon).
The next weekend, we hosted a small gathering of new people attending our church. It was a lovely day of food and fellowship.
During this month, Frank and I saw the last “Downton Abbey” movie in theaters, enjoyed a breakfast date at Loyal Coffee, and set up a dog house that looks like an igloo in the living room (yes, Tahlia loves it).
Life is full, fast, and beautiful. We are striving to live each moment with joy, purpose, and to shed the ever tempting presence of business.
No adoption news. We have waited over 560 days for a phone call, but we trust, hope, and pray for God’s timing and perfect will.
Love,
Rebecca and Frank
Rebecca's Joy 
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