An interesting conversation....

Tonight I had a very interesting and thought-provoking conversation with Lily

Lily:  I don't think Santa is going to bring me much this year, I have been bad.

Me:  Why do you say you have been bad?

Lily:  Because I am always getting in trouble and getting privileges taken away.

Me:  Why do you think that is happening?

Lily:  I don't know, maybe Satan is in me.

Me:  Why do you think that?  Where did you hear that?

Lily:  I don't know...

This conversation disturbs me on several levels.  Yes, she is human and has been making poor choices, hence sinful behavior.  We all do this from time to time.

However even though her behavior has been bad, she is not BAD as a bad person.

Next hearing her talk about Satan inside her....where on earth did she get that from?  I am not saying that I don't believe Satan can influence and deceive people because I do believe He is real and like scripture says is a liar and a deceiver.  That being said, we have never really talked about Satan with Lily in-depth except in reference to bible stories where He is mentioned.

So I am wondering....since her affect was so flat during this conversation was she trying to get a rise out of me?  Does she truly think she has been bad?  If she does think she has been "bad" is she remorseful?  Does she really believe Satan is in her? 

This especially makes me wonder in light of her story.  The spiritual battle for her while we were in Guatemala.  The spiritual battle for her every day.  I know God has great plans for her, but I will be honest and say the past few years have been quite difficult.  I won't lie and say that Olav and I haven't wondered if there is spiritual warfare going on for her.

Anyway, spiritual warfare is not a topic I like to discuss.  I find it scary and threatening.  Even though God has already won the battle and we already know the outcome. 

That being said, tonight's discussion was definitely thought-provoking and unsettling.

She's going to be that "in demand" babysitter

Watch out world, once Lily hits 12 or 13 years old, she is going to be that "in-demand" babysitter!  I can already see it now.  She is really great with her little brother!!!!

The biggest smile!

Today Lily woke up with the biggest smile!  She came out and announced that she had finally reached 4 feet!  She felt herself grow overnight!  So we went in to measure her, and she was correct, she is just shy of 4 feet!  So exciting!  Her birth mother is only   4'2" so this is a BIG deal!

Goodbye September

Hard to believe Sept. has flown by.

Overall Lily has adjusted well to 2nd grade.  Math has been a little tough for her lately, her teacher recently moved her seat closer to her, so Lily could focus more during instruction.  The adjustment to routine has been a little challenging so we decided to try family counseling with the hopes of reducing the amount of screaming temper tantrums.  Not sure if it's going to help our not yet....the jury is still out.

The weather has been delightful, so we have been able to enjoy lots of things outside, including our bi-annual camping trip and the Color Run 5K.  So proud of Lily as she completed her second 5K!

All about me paper

This week Lily came home with an All About Me paper that she had to fill in....

I just loved her answers so I wanted to write them down

Then...

When I was little...I loved to watch Dora
I learned....to speak Spanish
I like to think about the time I.....when Brooke came over

Now

The best thing about me...I am a great big sister
If I could change something about me...I would not be angry
I really like to ....play on the computer

Someday

This year I want to learn....science
In five years, I hope....to go to Guatemala and Norway
When I grow up, I'll.....be a horseback rider

2nd grade baby!

Can't believe it!  Lily is a 2nd grader!  I was so blessed to be able to take her to school today and meet her at the bus stop!  She seems like she had a great day!

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!