School Days

It's been so long since I've updated. I don't even know where to begin! Somewhere in the midst of diapers, laundry and tantrums I've found myself in conversations like this.... Mom, if you're supposed to go on green and stop on red, why are you going when the light is on red? (I was making a right turn, in my defense.) 

A car ride or two later, after a prayer, I attempted a mini-conversation about listening to Jesus. Silence. And then... Jesus better listen to me. And where is Jesus? He's in my heart. But I need to see Him. I want to see Him, Mom. 

And when I pick her up from school. I get this... I don't want to take a nap. Maybe I'll have a little     snack and watch a little show first. And can I have gummies? No? Okay. How 'bout raisins? Can you leave my door open? Ever the negotiator. I guess this is where we are. 

These girls are growing up. Our Libby. She's getting school reports that look like this...

Wouldn't stop "kissing" friends.

(Note-this daily report came on the heels of a report relaying Libby had pinched some friends and a therapist. We've been working on using "nice touches". At home these include hugs and kisses. Apparently, we've overcorrected. :) )

She can't wait to show me these reports. Mom, Mom!! I go potty! I walked! Beaming with pride.

We're still in the beginning stages of walking. But let me tell ya. We were excited when Annie walked. Of course we were. But this is something else entirely. This is years of therapy, practice and hard work on this little girl's part. This is overcoming low muscle tone, chemotherapy, strokes, and two brain surgeries.  This is loads of people-family, friends, doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers, classmates-constantly praying, teaching, and encouraging. Did I mention they're as excited as we are?

She was our line leader and led us so well. I got emotional coming down the hall. Everyone is so proud of her and other classes cheer her on.

This is one heck of a milestone. And a little girl who grins ear to ear walking around because she can. She knows what a big deal it is. 

 Some days I'm surprised my life looks so similar to the life I had envisioned for myself before I had kids. The refrigerator littered with school papers and art work and invitations to birthday parties.

 Me making lunches every morning. Packing backpacks. Driving carpool. 

Little girls arguing and making up. 

There were moments, as silly (and embarrassing) as it sounds, I lost this vision after I had Libby. But isn't that SO our Father? He designed this. So we could know Him more.  It's just like Him to take a possible scenario. And make it turn out better than we could've ever imagined. And even make it turn out absolutely beautiful.

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23