Do you see what I see?

I see sisters who are mostly learning to tolerate one another, live in peace together, and yes, even love one another.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Way too much sugar and delicious Chinese - what more could you want for Valentine's Day? (Don't answer that!) Amelia had a party at school, while Lucy enjoyed her first Valentine's party at the Parents' Day Out program she attends. For dinner, we all feasted on Chinese food at our favorite restaurant. My dear friend Melody calls Valentine's Day "Single Awareness Day," but for me this year, it was all about celebrating the love and joy of family.

Snowmen!

Ever since Christmas, Lucy has wondered about snowmen. When it started snowing, she kept looking for a snowman. It became clear to us that she thought snowmen came when it snowed. She didn't know you had to go outside and make one! Papa, that prince among men, took the girls outside and helped them build not one, but two snowmen. In true Texas style, they lasted for less than 24 hours, but the girls bonded over the experience and are still talking about the snowmen they built with Papa.

Another snow day!

We rarely get enough snow to really play in, but today it snowed all day. After church, lunch, and naps, we finally ventured out to enjoy the snow. I guess since I grew up in a place where it never snowed, I am still have a child-like excitment when it snows. It will never be commonplace to me. I love the beauty of falling flakes and flat fields of white. The Lord's creation never fails to amaze me!

Green stamp girl!

Our grocer has been giving away green stamps. We decided not to collect them, but Amelia decided SHE would collect them if we would not. She has been very diligent about saving them up, posting them to her book, and keeping track of her earnings. She finally earned enough stamps to redeem them for the prize she set her eyes on -- the electric grill. With Amelia's blessing, we have used the grill every night this week. She is so proud. Actually, I am proud of her, too. I know it's just a green stamp book, but it is also something more -- she set a goal, took steps to achieve it, was diligent and steadfast in her efforts, and was rewarded in the end. It's a good life lesson. Plus, the hamburgers were yummy.

Nothing like a nap

Lucy took a rough spill at church on Sunday morning, and she needed extra rocking time with Mommy. It was so cozy and comfy that I managed to fall asleep, too. Never fear, my dad managed to capture the moment. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Settling in

January has come and gone, and we are mostly settled into a new routine.



Lucy is transitioning so well that sometimes I have remind myself that she has only been here two months. I have to remind myself that in such a short time, the bonds of love, and attachment, and family are still, in some ways, tenuous. Lucy is such a happy little girl. She laughs easily and gives love and affection without reserve. She has added such an element of joy to our family.



Amelia is also transitioning well. She usually relishes the role of big sister and is such a help to me in so many ways. She is growing in wisdom and stature daily. I have seen so much personal growth in the areas of compassion, empathy, and patience in Amelia since Lucy joined our family. Amelia definitely misses being the only child from time to time, and she says she needs a vacation, but still, she has really risen to the occasion. Amelia has recently begun violin lessons, and she seems to be enjoying it.



Blessed is a word I seem to use often, and yet I can't think of a word that better describes how I feel about my children, and really, about my life.