Brain Unload

Hello all! The last few weeks, well the last two months really, have been so busy for us. I know I've neglected this blog somewhat, but such is life.

We're still super excited about Brandon's album, A Love Better than Life, that released October 18 on iTunes and on his website www.brandongilliam.com I am so proud of Brandon and all the hard work he's put into making this dream a reality. His heart truly is to make music that glorifies the Lord, and I can wholeheartedly say this album does just that. It's awesome - if you haven't bought it yet, go do it now. Seriously, do it now :)

We got to go to a concert last week in downtown Cincy with some friends to see David Crowder, Chris August, Gungor, and John Mark McMillan. Chris August and Gungor were definitely my favorites. It was really nice to get out, have dinner with great friends and enjoy some good music.

It's starting to get colder here, which makes me sad to be honest. If you know me well, you know I'd take summer over winter any day. I love fall too, but this morning there was frost on the ground and it's getting dark early, so I know winter isn't far away. Brandon, being the super sweet husband he is, took me to Dick's and let me pick out a really nice pair of super soft, super warm gloves and an adorable, but very nice and warm hat for winter (his idea). They're both grey and white and beautiful. He said maybe it will make winter at least a little more bearable. Swoon :) I'm a lucky gal.

I just completed my last class this past week in the Rivers Crossing Discipleship School, a year-long discipleship school that meets weekly designed to grow you spiritually and mature your walk. It's has been such a great experience, and although I can't go into everything I've learned on here, and can certainly say God has shown up in my life big time. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to go through the school and for all God's teaching me right now. Brandon completed the school a few years ago, and I know he would say the same. Graduation is next week! For more info on the school, check out the school's page our church's website here.

Well that's pretty much an update of the last few weeks. Sorry if I bored any of you into a coma :) I'm thinking I'm going to head to bed with a cup of tea and a book in my cozy pajamas and drift off to sleep early. Sounds like the perfect evening to me.

A Love Better Than Life

Brandon's album release night was amazing. I am so proud of my husband and we are overwhelmed by the support we've received thus far. Today you can get your copy of the album - trust me, you will love it.

To buy your physical copy and peruse a kick-butt website, go
HERE

To buy on iTunes, go
HERE

Mt. LeConte - At the Top

I love this shot of everyone photographing the sunset :)

My parents

Me and my man watching the sunset

Relaxing after dinner and a long day of hiking

At our cabin - no electricity or running water, but we did have a bed :)

Eating breakfast before the hike down the mountain

View of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge 2800+ ft below

The Lodge at the top

Mt. LeConte - Sunset

After dinner, all the guests (about 30-40) hike another 1/4 mile to these cliffs that give the most amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains I've ever seen. Words and photos do not adequately express how breathtakingly beautiful it was.

Mt. LeConte - The Climb Up

Last week, Brandon and I had the opportunity to drive down to TN and climb Mt. LeConte with my parents. It was hands-down one of the most physically difficult things I've ever done. The climb was over 2800 ft from bottom to top, and 11.5 miles round-trip. The summit is over 6000 ft above sea level. Let me tell you, this was not an easy breasy hike. It was pretty much up uphill climb the entire time. The experience and feeling of accomplishment of getting to the top, beautiful views and a hot meal as your reward, well it was so totally worth it. The lodge at the top is only accessible by hike - they pack in supplies via llamas and helicopter! It was so cool. I loved sharing this experience with B, and going with my parents was so fun. Good old fashion physical hard workin'! I hope to do it again next year!

Mountain Sunset

A preview of where we've been for the past few days.
Such beauty - speechless.
More to come.

Grandfather Mountain, pt 2

there really are no words how beautiful grandfather mountain was. the views were absolutely breathtaking. after you walk across the mile-high swinging bridge (named b/c it is a mile above sea level), you can climb out on these huge rocks and see for miles and miles. photos don't do it justice. what an amazing Creator our God is!