Dear Tyler,

Hi my sweet son! How are you doing on this Friday afternoon? Mom is doing okay today. The morning was a mess though. I got up to get some water and my body hit my cup and water that was in it went everywhere and the bottle broke and because it had glitter in it (you know Mom...lol) that went everywhere...ugh! It was a mess to clean up but 20 minutes later I finished it. I was super bummed because I loved that water bottle and used it all the time. After that happened, Mom lounged in bed for a bit and then got up made breakfast, did those dishes, did the garbage, got ready and then took the pups out for a nice long walk. Mom is happy to be getting back into the walking. Because of the warm weather we had for about a month, it was too hot to go outside with the pups and also for us as well so Mom didn't do any walking. After the walk I came in and had every desire to start studying but I never did open it up. I thought that having a down day today was a good idea. My coding books should be here Monday so I will start it then. Hopefully the course will make more sense to Mom with the book. I did check on my website today to see if my instructor posted my final grade for the exam that I submitted and indeed she did. Mom thought that she got a 91 on it but I actually got a 100. That brought my final grade in the course to a 96. Mom is super happy about that and I am doing a happy dance right now! I know that you are so proud of me as well. Thank you.
 The weather today is super sunny and warm. The next several days are going to be hot hot hot and in the upper 90's. Looks like that will be the end of the summer weather though as next week is the end of August. Mom looks forward to the Fall though. The warm days and the crisp cool nights. I love wearing my sweaters and dress boots too. It will be the season to make lots of our favorite foods and desserts too. You know Mom... I love to cook and bake. This year though I will be making things in moderation though and only servings for 2 instead of 4 like I usually do. Mom is thinking about starting what is called the keto diet. Lots of protein, veggies and very little carbs. I will never give carbs up because I love bread and pasta too much but I can cut portions down. Mom will keep you posted to how that goes. I did go out and purchase this nifty chopper thing for the kitchen. I saw it on TV the other night and it looks really easy to use and cool. Mom will get a lot of use out of it with making my own bread crumbs, spiral veggies, etc.... I will let you know how that goes when I get it in the mail sometime next week. I am super excited for it.   Tonight there is not a lot of prep for dinner which is nice for a change. Mark wanted to have your ultimate favorite thing....pepperoni pizza! I remember just how much you loved it. I think of you every time I see one or have a slice. It is one of the many things that I think about you and miss you. They range from simple little things like pizza to major things like your smile, your voice to everything in between. I miss you so much. Some days it still feels like yesterday that you left and other times it feels like it has been longer than 5 years and those are the really tough days. I love you to the moon and back and all the way around the world. You are my hero and the wind beneath my wings. Forever you will live inside my heart, mind, body and soul. 
 Not too much for updates today. I spoke to Meme and Grandpa last night. Grandpa is doing well. Working again today and all weekend. Debbie goes to the doctors next week to get all the upcoming details of her surgery. Mark and Mom will be there to help support Debbie and Grandpa that day. Mark will take a couple days off from work to go there and I thought that was super sweet. Grandpa is concerned but you know him too... he will not show it at all. Meme is okay. Just tired from working. Bob was at a park meeting last night when we were chatting. I really wish she would just retire but I know that is not going to happen anytime soon. Aunt Beck is away until late Sunday so we will catch up next week at some point. Aunt Shirley went to another funeral today. That makes 3 in the last week. Her and Grandpa lost another friend. That is 4 friends and their Mom (Grammy) all in a weeks time. That is awful. Please watch over them and guide them and us all. Thank you my sweet precious son. I will continue to write to you the things that are happening here when I know of things. 
 Tonight I will light the candle for you and I will whisper to you, Nana, Pepe  and Grammy like I do every night. I sure hope that you all hear me when I talk to you. I hope you all smile as well. I miss you all so very much. I hope you have a fun filled night doing lots of things you need and want to do and you get to go to many new places as well. Come visit with Mom if you can. I love it when you do. I am still looking for that stunning painting in the sky. Hint hint! Get those brushes out for Mom. Thank you pumpkin. Mom will be back tomorrow with another letter to you either in the afternoon or evening. It is Saturday and we have a lot of things to do tomorrow for shopping and errands. Mom is going to get going for now though so that I can pay so bills and just relax for a bit while Mark is working. Until tomorrow comes.... good night and sweet dreams my bright shining star. I love you.
 Always, Mommy xoxoxo. Muah!

Here is the prayer for the day:

And, with all these, take up the great shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16, NEB

Lord our God, we long to come into your light, to live in your strength, that we may do what pleases you and furthers your kingdom on earth. Protect us from evil and do not let us be wounded by the flaming arrows of the evil one. Make paths for us whenever we do not know how to go forward. We always know you are our Father. Because you are our Father, we want to be courageous and persevere to the end so that you can make our lives bear fruit for you, to the glory of your name. Amen.