In Case They Ever Wonder

Is that Elton John nailing 95 theses to the door of the church at Wittenburg? No, it is Martin Luther... through the eyes of our little Sophie. To say she marches to the beat of her own drummer is an understatement. Just about every bone in Soph's body is creative. She reads about as well as I do, yet her favorite thing about Math is when she can make her "four" look like a house! Sophie's school is just perfect for her with its emphasis on history and fine arts, and she has truly flourished at MAFA . Today her principal told me that Sophie doesn't ever walk, but rather she floats, prances, twirls, and flitters, - she is a sprite! All the world is a stage to Soph, and she hasn't met a mirror she doesn't like. She took her first achievement test this week and informed us that she didn't miss a single question! (No lack of confidence, however misplaced...)Matt and I were convinced she would have stayed all day at the reflecting pool on our recent visit...

Our little Lillie is three months old! She is a sweet, smily delicate-as-a-flower bundle! What I know so far: She loves singing! She tries to "sing" along, cooing as sweetly as you can imagine (my mom says Tori did this when she was a baby.) She can't stand the car (much like her older brother and sister when they were babies). She already responds to Sophie and Will, though for now, she is still mama's girl. I feel like she responds to me even more than the other two did as infants. It's like she knows she must capture my attention! She would like nothing more than for me to make eye contact and talk with her all day. In fact, I have to read most of the kids' stories looking at Lillie! She's already listened intently to much of Boxcar Children . She loves her sling (like Sophie did), likes her bath (though she doesn't get very many), and didn't put up with being at school whatsoever. (She's only been to MAFA twice, and both times she wound ...

This is what you find at our house upon hearing, "Will, we are almost finished with your makeover..." I thought the bra was a nice touch. At least they were Thomas stickers, God love him...

Sometimes when I look at Lillie, I feel like I am looking at a miniature version of Sophie, and I often wonder when I look at Sophie, if I am looking at a future version of Lillie! Our sweet baby definitely bears a striking resemblance to her big sister, and Sophie could not be more proud! Soph just beams when someone tells her that her baby sister looks like "a little Sophie!" Sophie is a wonderful big sister, and she wants to take on more responsibilities. Just this week, she had me teach her to change a diaper, though she's only changed two so far! She has repeatedly asked me to let her "handle everything but the milking!" Well, we aren't quite to that point yet, but I am proud of the love and utter absence of jealousy that Sophie shows Lillie. I know it won't always be this rosy, but I am thankful that the girls are already building a precious bond.

This is pretty much the scene around our house every morning... Will cannot get close enough to Lillie, and he gets right up in her face until she wakes up, when he proudly announces "Lillie's up!" After the toe check and the declaration of the "happy day," Will often asks to "hode her." Thankfully, I've convinced him that laying beside her with his arm around her is hode-ing her. He literally can't contain his excitement about her, and though I often fear for her physical safety, it is truly one of the most precious things in the world to watch. Our sweet baby boy has turned into a devoted big brother!

Hope is a special word in my family. Olena Hope came into our lives over ten years ago, and our family has never been the same. Hope's name could not be more appropriate as her story epitomizes the meaning of the word. I was proud to name Lillie after Hope , and this Easter, I was thrilled that Lillian Hope was able to be in Franklin to celebrate her very first Easter. And though she spent most of her first Easter service snoozing on Aunt Pammie's shoulders, (no offense, Tato), Lillie was the cutest bunny cutest bunny ever stuffed into an Easter basket! Will had a blast dying Easter eggs for the first time. (He would dye everything in the world blue if given the chance!) And Sophie really grew in her understanding of why we are celebrating. She hasn't stopped talking about Jesus' death and resurrection in the weeks that have followed. I am hopeful that her growing interest will lead her to respond to her Father's love. In his Easter message, Dad powerfully shared...

We are celebrating life as we walk this journey with my dad! Though Sophie spear-headed the coloring of Tato's head, the entire family joined in the fun! Patti-Grams even put the finishing touch - a red lipstick kiss - on Tato's forehead! Though we were a few days before the "official report," we were also celebrating Dad's good doctor's report on Friday. The "official" report came in yesterday, revealing "no signs of lymphoma!" Thanks be to God! We couldn't be more thrilled or more thankful! Though he must continue his treatment, we are hopeful that the Lord is using the doctors and medicine to bring about Dad's complete healing. Read more about his journey at Pastor Rick's Journey . Our hearts are singing! We will not be silent! O Lord our God, we give you thanks forever! Psalm 10:12