Dear Lily

Dear Lily,

Everyday, something about you makes me smile. I am always amazed and inspired by your curiosity for God and his Word and the application of it to life. I also get to watch you love on Eli and Kaylee. You help when I ask, and more than that, you offer to help. Girl, you are a sweet gift.

Today, when you didn't know I was watching, you made me smile so big tears welled in my eyes.

We were in the car line at school. You put your coat on and grabbed your bag that was heavy with a book, lunch box, Thermos, and a water bottle. I handed you the envelope you needed to turn in to join the Princess Club. After a hug and two kisses (and a cough in my face!), you turned to hurry through the cold air into the building.

I like when I am parked in a place where I can see you walk all the way to the door. You don't always turn around to wave and sign I love you, but I watch every time, so I don't miss it when you do. I had a great front space today, love. I knew I could watch your pigtails bob as you hurriedly made it inside. What I didn't know was that I also had the perfect spot to see your heart.

There was a boy on the curb holding a poster advertising for sweet treats (Valentine's Day candy grams you can send your friends), and a stack of the paper cards to fill out. Just before you hopped up the curb, his papers went flying everywhere. Other children were passing by, they didn't stop. Without missing a beat, you did stop and bent to gather what he had dropped. Down and up you went, though you were cold and already loaded down yourself, collecting those pieces. A few moments later, one other child joined in your efforts. I wanted so badly for you to turn and look at me! I would have given you a big smile and two thumbs up. : ) I even considered parking and walking down the hall to where I knew you'd be sitting outside your class to tell you I saw what you did, and how I was so proud of you...but there were no spaces available.

So, I am telling you now what a blessing it is to see Jesus in you. Stopping to help - that's what he would've done, you know? How beautiful to see you love and serve! How often am I in too big of a rush, or feel too loaded down with my own life to notice or to stop and help when someone (a stranger at that) is in need? Thank you for the reminder, sweet Lil, to be aware and willing to serve. What you have done for this boy, you have also done for Jesus.

I love you,

Mommy

More pictures

Oops, forgot to include these recent pictures too ...

sharing with baby

K-nasty ... too much food and snot, but I still want to kiss that face!

Sweet boy asked for a Thomas the Train movie instead of resting in his bed. I was feeling really nice and like a cool mom, so I agreed. It was a win-win...

Lulu in the snow

Surprise vacation & newest addition

We've just enjoyed a surprise vacation from school. : ) Lily was home with a fever last Thursday (all 3 of our children have double ear infections AGAIN - wondering when the doctor will suggest tubes?!?). Friday brought snow and ice, so school was closed. The cold stuck around and roads didn't thaw. Monday and Tuesday were also snow days, and today they started 2 hours late to allow more ice to melt. What a welcome treat! It was a special first day back too. Lily's class earned a pizza party, and I had the pleasure of delivering some LC to them this afternoon.

The kids have dumped their coats and snow pants to enjoy snow cream (homemade ice cream made from snow, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract - super delicious!!!).

While Lily worked on some money math (it is all still fun and games for her!), the younger kids and I cleaned the kitchen. I love their enthusiasm for being helpful and needed as a part of our family. : )

Thanks, Nana, for the adorable outfits for Lily and Kaylee! Everyone thinks they look like the super cute, super pricey Matilda Jane line - Mom, you did it!

Kaylee likes to call herself a big girl these days. She chanted "big girl" (or her approximation of it) while she scrubbed. It's also a favorite phrase while sitting on the couch reading. She's clearly intelligent - she can even read upside-down. : )

I notice that in pretty much every picture of this child she has a dirty face. Okay, if you could see her face, hair, hands, the floor, her booster tray, etc. before I clean her off, you would understand that this is Kaylee after being wash-clothed to death. The bath before bed takes care of the rest. : )

February 10 our newest addition (it takes so much time and effort on Jon and Luke's part, it may as well be a child!) will open at 7090 Charlotte Pike in Nashville. We are so thankful for Jon to have a job he enjoys and for the chance to provide work to so many others in this economy. We are in awe of this life God is allowing us to live!

Unfortunately, K didn't quite scrub the entire floor, so I have some work to get to...

Where does the time go?

It has been far too long since I have posted anything! Let's catch up.

We've been busy with the usual: room mom responsibilities, reading, baking, play dates, library visits, fevers (yes, those are now normal in this house), puppet shows, playing dolls, traveling to the moon and mars in a cardboard rocket ship, and following toddling Kaylee around. Notice I didn't mention playing outside. A few moments of fresh air here and there are about all we can stand before someone gets too cold. I had been way too spoiled with outside play when we were in Hawaii. Still don't think I've figured out how to do winter with the kids. Any fabulous ideas for inside fun?!

Jon and Luke are full-speed ahead with our second Little Caesars. The craziness begins again! The projected open date is February 9. : ) I will keep you posted as we get closer. I intend to be there some that first week with the kids handing out balloons. Love to see you there! I can't remember the exact address (?!?). It is on Charlotte Pike by the Wal-Mart and Lowes. We'd be so grateful for your prayers during these potentially stressful weeks. Who am I kidding - "potentially" - I can't sugar coat this! We are already feeling the strain, and we haven't hit the hardest part yet!

Jon and I are seriously considering making a change in Lily's schooling (and eventually E and K too). It is not that we are displeased with her current school. We are just looking for something different that would align more with our priorities and goals for our family. There are so many possibilities and things to weigh. This is not a black and white decision, and doesn't only affect where she goes to class. It is exciting to think of the options, and daunting as well. We are still in the researching process. She very well could stay where she's at. We're just not sure. Whew, parenting and decision making for our little ones! What a big job God has entrusted us with.

Well, Kaylee and her snotty nose beckon from her crib. Nice to catch up with you again. : ) Hope to be back again sooner than later.

Praying Scriptures & Snow Pictures : )

I can't recall where I heard about this site, but I am enjoying Matthew Henry's Daily Method for Prayer Emails. Loving praying the Scriptures! I encourage you to sign up too. : )

Here are a few shots from our recent snow days...

Thanks, Eli

Eli has just encouraged me to change the blog background to "something better." I agreed. These bright stripes are his choice, and I quite like them too. : )

Life's simple joys...

fairy princess

children putting away their own laundry in dress up clothes

kissy lips

big brown eyes and pride over sitting in a big girl seat

kids running away from me bc they are sick of the camera

sisters playing house

It really is the little things. Thank you, God, for simple joys!

Baking 1/6/10

These are photos from the first time K really helped me in the kitchen. She helped pour ingredients and hold the mixer while we made banana bread. She was super excited, and E was very happy for her too. : )

K gagging herself while E forces a smile

E is a wonderful helper - he enjoys solo operations of the mixer

KB with the assist on the mixer

Original

You can view the spell checked version (she asked me to do that for her so she didn't get lots of little red lines telling her it was wrong) of Lil's poem at Lilies of the Field. I really wanted to record it in its original form though too to capture her writing. : )

one morning I wok up and the snow flaks looked like sprkls dansing in the wind!!!!!