In Anticipation of Turning 3

We have been prepping Ellen and Sophie for some changes that will be taking place once they turn three. You can hear about it from Ellen in this short video. (In case you don't catch it: no more diapers and no more blankie...because the girls take their blankets in the car with them and really all around the house. Potty training because, well, it's time!)

Just a Few Pictures

Those Two

Oh my! The storms have been turbulent in our house lately. And when I say storms, I mean in the form of our two almost-three-year-olds. We sure do love them. Good thing! Because they have been testing me, trying me and DRAINING me! Of energy, of will and yes--even of confidence at times. It's important to see the big picture at times like these. And to pray! For wisdom, for patience, for strength and for stamina to stay the course. Just as we are working overtime to require obedience of Ellen and Sophie, Brett and I have been re-visiting what it means to be obedient to God in training our children up in the Lord. Humbling. And yet wonderful to see the rewards when you do. (top picture: Ellen on left and Sophie on right; outside: Sophie is in pink, Ellen in blue)

Big Sis

 Corinne has such a sweet spirit. We are so amazed and blessed by her. She is certainly not perfect, but I must say she is truly a kind-hearted girl and not because our house is always rosy. That's definitely NOT the case. Corinne has weathered some challenging years with the arrival of Ellen and Sophie. And especially of late, some very trying times with her younger sisters who are entirely different creations (yet blessings to us as well). Corinne is smart, beautiful on the inside, thoughtful and empathetic, and I believe that even now she has a desire to know and follow God. She dances and sings every day and will be content to draw pictures for hours on end if we'd let her. She has a love of reading where, like her drawing, I sometimes wonder if it's too much! (can't believe I'm saying that as a former teacher...but really it's extreme!) I'm incredibly thankful for the example Corinne sets for her sisters, who love her and follow her lead sometimes, and have recently wanted Corinne to do things for them instead of me. I love hearing her questions ("Does Jesus die on the cross every Easter?" Don't worry, we straightened out her theology on that one! and "Does God have to go potty in heaven?" and "Do angels wear shoes in heaven?") And I love hearing her explain things to Ellen and Sophie. "Girls, you can grow up and be a mommy too someday!" and "Mom, God already knows what we're going to do tomorrow." How precious are our children. Which is why it's so important for me to recognize that I need God's help in raising them. Corinne shows me that in different ways than Ellen does and in different ways than Sophie does. But it's so true. They are too precious to be left only under our care.