Hannah's Heart

I want to share a story that happened this past Friday when we were leaving co-op. First, let me give you a little history...

Hannah received some money for her birthday last fall. She spent a little of it, put some in her bank savings account, and put the rest in her "bunny" bank. At one point I needed change for a $20 bill and she made change for me. So that $20 bill has been in her bunny bank for many weeks now. From time to time she'll say she wants to spend it on something but it has never left the bunny bank.

One of our prayers for all our children is that the Lord would put older kids in their paths who will influence them in a Godly way. There are some really sweet teenage girls in our co-op. One of them, Ellie, is going on a mission trip in June to work in orphanages for 2 weeks. We found out about Ellie's mission opportunity a couple of weeks ago. Since that time we've been praying for Ellie to be able to raise the $2700 she'll need for the trip.

Now back to my story...last Thursday we went to the NC Museum of Life and Science with Pawpaw and Nana. There were several things Hannah wanted throughout the day that I would not buy. By the end of the day she had decided that the next time we went to the museum, she would take her $20 and buy whatever she wanted. (Note: I did not say "yes" to this. I just listened.)

When we returned home Thursday evening, she got out her bunny bank to show everyone her $20 bill. She was really stuck on the idea of spending it the next time we went to the museum. At one point I reminded her that the $20 was not really hers, but God's. I asked her if she could think of a better way she could spend the $20 or at least part of it. She thought for a moment then said, "I could give it to Miss Ellie for her mission trip!" I said, "Now that's a good idea. We'll have to see about it but now it's time for bed."

Friday as we were leaving co-op, I found Hannah on the floor emptying her backpack. She was frantically looking for something (and blocking the hallway for her search). I got to her just as she pulled her hand out of her backpack. She stood up with a big smile on her face, turned to Ellie and said, "This is for your mission trip!" It wasn't at all how I had planned to let her "give" to Ellie. It was even better because it was from her heart.

Needless to say, her parents are very proud of her for giving to someone else instead of thinking of herself. Now comes the hard part...I'll save that for my next post.

"Thank you, God, for Hannah being part of our family. May she always have a heart for missions and a heart for You! Amen."

Soccer Season Finale

Today was the last day of this year's soccer season. Pawpaw and Nana came for the big day. (Well, actually they just came to visit and were able to plan it around soccer.) It was a fun season. Here are some highlights from today's games...

Brock kicking the ball...he scored TWO goals today!

Brock and his friend Caden showing off their trophies. (Notice the ever so important juice box and snacks!)

Hannah kicking the ball...she scored ONE goal today!

Hannah and some teammates showing off their trophies. (They have their snacks too!)

Just thought I'd throw in a rose bush photo for fun:)

It has been a fun season but it'll be nice to "sleep in" next Saturday. Both think they want to play again in the fall so we'll see if any other new interests develop between now and then...

Nature All Around Us

God's creation is amazing. HE has been reminding our family of that truth in wonderful ways the past week or so. Here are just a few photos of the "nature moments" we've enjoyed. We're thankful He thought enough of us to share them with us.

The first photo was taken from our back doorway looking through the railing of our deck (that I need to finish painting:). The second is of baby birds in a hanging basket on our front porch. The third is a photo Brent took yesterday morning while we were eating breakfast. The drops of water on the tips were really pretty. And lastly we saw a baby bunny in the roses behind our deck this afternoon.

Bunny in our backyard

These birds hatched sometime Sunday night. This was taken Monday morning. The next day the last egg was hatched.

Dewdrops on the rose bush

Baby bunny in our rose bushes. We're curious if the bunny we saw last week is the mommy.

Leave a comment and tell us how you've noticed God's creation in a new way recently. We praise God for His "good" creation!

Emma's First Haircut

Getting started...

Snip, snip, snip...

Is she finished yet?

Emma decided to take a snip or two off her hair so I had to take her for her first official haircut. It was actually long overdue but I was afraid we would lose the curls. I was wrong! It's still curly and looks much better (except for the spot she cut...it'll grow back eventually:)

New Wheels

Hannah's new ride...a big girl bike with gears!

Brock's new ride...the Rockit...now known in our home as the BROCKit!

I didn't plan it but notice how Brock is playing basketball behind Hannah and Hannah is playing basketball behind Brock. We are happy to be outside in warm weather again!

How God Uses Glue

As the twins are getting ready for bed...

Emma: Mommy, how does God make people?

Mommy: I don't know, Emma. What do you think?

Emma: I tink he pours in da middle den puts the wid on top. (translation: I think He pours in the middle then puts the lid on top.)

Mommy: The lid? What's the lid?

Emma: Oh, our heads.

Mommy: Oh, I see. Well, how does He get our heads to stay on?

Emma: (thinking briefly, then getting big eyes) He uses glue!

Mommy: Interesting. Where does He put the glue?

Emma: (pointing between her eyes) Right der! (Right there!)

Mommy: That sounds like a lot of work.

Emma: It's alright. God can do it.

Guess we'll need to work on her theology as she gets older. :)

Have an awesome SONday!