Hearts of Gold, But Real, You Know?

I can't even write this without crying.

With all the craziness of replacing our floors,

we never once considered asking family for help.

Call it pride, call it stupidity,

but we were excited and determined to take on this project

as a family and see it through to the end.

Like idiots,

from the beginning,

Samuel's brother, Joe, offered his help,

and we refused.

See,

the Joe Elmer Family is no less

pressed for time than we are.

Recently graduating from nursing school,

he's working the crazy hours that a nurse works,

while Jessica manages their home

and the caring of three very energetic boys.

They have TONS on their own to-do list,

and we know what it means for this family to

sacrifice still more time away from their dad.

In the end,

Joe came.

The whole family came.

They served us.

They loved us.

And we are so, so grateful.

...

We love you, guys!

We owe you big,

think kidney's, first child, and the like...

{ Wouldn't you like to take Bella home with you? 

She's a sweet girl... :) }

We know it's not about payback,

but seriously,

we're here for you too.

Love ALWAYS,

The Elmer Family

Samuel, Olivia, Isabella, Ava, Iris, Owen, & Gabriel