And ... she's vertical!

Did I mention that she can climb as well?

Yes, Lily-Anna has finally decided to become an official walker, shortly before her 16 month 'birthday'.  Last week she decided that she didn't need any more enticing.  At the same time that her mobility has taken off, her verbal skills are also providing a lot of fun for the rest of us.  We started a list and she has passed 30 words (including a number of names) with new ones each day.

Lily-Anna is sweet and delightful and loves to laugh.  She enjoys putting on everyone's shoes and trying to put on clothes.  She has started to enjoy books more.  Her brothers are her cheerleaders, very excited about all of her accomplishments, exclaiming, "Lily-Anna's standing!"  "She's walking!"  "Oh, she's so beautiful!"

First day of Grade Two

The transition back to school has gone well.  Isaac is enjoying the second grade and Kohen is very happy to still be home with Mommy.  For two weeks now I have planned my meals before grocery shopping so that must be a record for me.  It would be great if I could keep it up as it certainly helps during the week when it's time to make dinner.

Kohen loves Mo Willem's Piggie and Elephant books!  I wish I had known about them when Isaac was younger, although he and I like them just as much as Kohen.  I actually read one to Graham before bed the other night.  I keep 'ordering' different ones from the library.  Thanks to a friend for introducing me.

I sleep-trained Lily-Anna for five nights to get her to go to sleep without me in the room (after I nurse her and put her in her crib) because we had developed some bad habits.  It worked well ... and then she promptly became sick and needed me more.  She's now well again so I'll need to start some sleep training again soon. I want her well trained before she has an entire vocabulary to yell at me through her tears and closed door.  And, I need her well trained with good habits before she can get out of bed and her room.

We did have a great time at Toronto Island.  Isaac actually went down the Log Flume Ride with friends of ours and he loved it - I thought he would be scared but he had a huge smile on his face at the bottom and wanted to go again.

The boys helped Graham rake leaves last weekend.  Isaac worked really hard and then he came in and made all of them peanut butter sandwiches.  Kohen noticed that a man was coming along the sidewalk with a stroller so he went over and moved the leaf bag out of the way on his own accord.  

Our Bible study has started again.  We are studying the Sermon on the Mount.  It's always great to be challenged from the Word and to hear the wisdom and encouragement from the others in the group.

My mom still isn't feeling well so we continue to pray. 

***

One night at dinner Kohen told me that he would go to a flower store and buy me flowers.  I asked him what type of flowers he would buy me.  He said, "What colour do you like?"  I chose purple.  He said, "I'll buy you tulips - purple flowers."

***

Kohen to Isaac: "Isaac, isn't it great that you have a brother who's funny?"   

***

I decided I wanted to teach Isaac that everyone can serve God no matter their age.  So, I was sort of asking him a trick question, but he's smarter than me:

Me - Isaac, do you think you can serve God more as a child or an adult?
Isaac - Do you want to know what I think?
Me - Yes.
Isaac - I think as an adult because they would have lots more years to read the Bible.  A child only has had a few years.

Nice answer!  We then spoke about how he can serve God now and listen to God and he brought up how God spoke to Samuel.

***

Last month, Lily-Anna passed her 450th day.  All of my children are now older than Josiah's age when he died.

Kohen said a couple of nights ago before bed, "It's sad that Josiah died and I didn't get to meet him."  I agreed and then I reminded him that we would all be together one day.

Thanks for any prayers.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Our annual pumpkin farm wagon ride

Two cool brothers

I can put on my shorts