Beach Babe

Recently, I asked Lily what she would tell her new teacher when her teacher asked her what she did this summer.  She replied, "I went to a lot of pools and beaches.".  Ain't that the truth!

We have spent the last 3 of the last 4 weeks at the beach!  Lily is a total beach babe!  Her confidence in the water is incredible.  She learned not only to go over the waves this year, but under as well.  She always wanted to be taken out!



Outer Banks with Elizabeth and Abigail Cagle

  

 

Bethany Beach with friends Chloe, Marie, Lily

 

Ocean City with Abuelita

 

Needless to say...it's been an awesome summer!  On Monday, Lily becomes a big 2nd grader. I can't believe it.

 

Also Lily has a new nickname....we frequently call her Lily Bean...which recently has gotten shortened to Bean or Ocean City with Abuelitaeanie.  It's so cute to hear Ashton call for Beanie!

 

Finally!

Lily finally learned how to ride her two-wheel bike last night!  I was so proud.

The process of getting to this point hadn't been pretty.  Lily did very well on her balance bike and she did very well on the trail-a-bike, but then one day when trying her balance bike, she fell off the bike and scraped herself up.  So needless to say getting her back on the bike took some effort!  We had to bribe her!  A few weeks ago we were out purchasing some shoes for Ashton at the local consignment shop and she saw a dress she wanted.  I told her I would buy it for her and she could have it when she learned how to ride her bike.  So at least that got her back on the bike.

On our first "re-try" outing she managed to use her two-wheeled bike as a balance bike.  On last night's outing, I told her she had to get her feet on the pedals.  Finally, after several attempts, she was successful!  We still have to practice a bit more to build up her confidence, but I think overall she's got it!  Hurray!

More lil seeds of faith

One of the great things that brings me great joy in parenting is watching the seeds of faith being planted in my children.  This week Lily attended VBS at our friend's church and it's been cool to see her memorize scripture, open up the grown-up bible to chapters and verses and try to read from it, and hear her singing all the songs she has learned over the week.  Needless to say, it makes a mama's heart proud!  I just pray that those seeds will grow deep roots in her heart and that someday she will make a personal commitment of faith and choose to walk in His ways.

2nd grader in the house!

Can't believe it...Lily is officially now a 2nd grader! Where does the time go!!!!

She had a great 1st grade year with Mrs. Riner. She got to level 23 in reading which I believe is a second grade or very early 3rd grade reading level.

 Even though she is growing up so fast I did catch a rare glimpse of baby Lily the other day...we were cuddling on the bed together and half her face was sunken into the blankets and half her face was looking at me...and there it was...just for a fleeting moment...it lasted until she moved...I saw sweet little baby Lily age 2.5 laying in bed with me....so sweet.

Grossness

Well, we have had our official first bout of head lice. So gross! I still feel like I have bugs crawling all over me! It took me almost 2 hours to comb all the nits out of her hair. Hope they don't come back!

Jeremiah 1:5

 

Hard to believe our little girl is 7 years old today!  Recently I was reading a parenting book about praying for your children.  The author suggested claiming a scripture for your children. Posting it in their rooms, praying it over them with diligence.  Claiming that verse as your child's life verse.  While I thought it was a great idea at the time, I had little idea of what specific scripture verse would be Lily's until just a few days ago when I was reading another parenting book by a dear family friend.

It is Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed you in the womb I knew^[you,
before you were born I set you apart...

This is so true of our beautiful Lily bean.  I am so convinced that before she was formed in her birthmother's womb, God knew Lily. He knew exactly what he wanted for her life.   Before she was born he set Lily apart to be a mighty warrior for Him.  Just knowing Lily and her life experiences up til now I am confident of this truth!  She is set apart for God's mighty calling!
 

Birthday breakfast with Shadow at Abuelitas

In other news, Lily spent her 7th birthday with her Abuelita, Tia Sharon, and Shiloh.  What a special treat.  They went horseback riding at Elk Mountain trails where Shiloh works.  Lily was so excited, she got to ride the horse Patches totally by herself.  While she has ridden a lot with a guide, it was her first time totally riding independently.  She was ecstatic.  She came home telling us how she got to control the horse all by herself and explained how she did that!  Needless to say, it was an awesome day! 

Lil Diva

We have officially entered pre-teen girl at our house...(at the tender age of 6 going on 7).  First Lily lives in the land of eternal summer!  No matter how cold it is outside, she is wearing her short skirt, high heel sandals, and t-shirt.  Complete with her always-present blue and red ankle bracelets.

Next, it is not uncommon nowadays for her to change clothes about 4 times a day!  And of course, with each outfit changes, come accessory changes as well.  And where do you think all those outfits end up???  On the floor of course!  The life of a pre-pre-pre-teen diva!