Remembering Sarah

What were you doing on October 27, 2001?

I remember. I was at a benefit spaghetti dinner. It was my sophomore year of college.

The guest of honor ruined my life.

Well, that's not entirely true. She ruined the life I was building for myself.

A life lived for me. by me. in my own power.

__________________

Sarah was eight years old. exhausted and weary in body. but full of confidence and an expectant spirit.

and her boldness and joy in our short conversation

has made all the difference in my life.

A life that is now lived for Jesus. by Jesus. in His power alone.

It's a story only the Lord could write.

Sarah's body failed her 12 years ago. tonight. at the precious age of 8. I remember. Every time I hold one of my sweet daughters, I remember. Every time we celebrate Hannah's birthday (October 27), I remember. I tell my girls, often, the story of the little girl that God worked through to rescue me. And I pray over them and for myself, that He will work through our lives however He chooses to bring many others to know His great love. Even though I understand what that cost might be, as their mom.

I rejoice for her, because she got the longing of her heart. She shared this passage with me as she talked about not being able to wait to meet Jesus face to face:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

{John 14:1-3}

How is it that God can take something so evil - so wretched - as a terminal illness and create beauty and life from it? I don't know! But I do know that He can, and He does. 

What's your story? How did the Lord reach out to you?

Remembering,

for His glory!

~Lisha

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Nutella vs joy

"Today is the kind of day when ____________ would make everything better!"

I say this every day. Fill in the blank with
a sweet tea.
a iced coffee the size of my head.
a couple of hours away from everyone. or days. weeks?
slices of chocolate cheesecake.
a pre-paid shopping spree.
a phone call from a friend.
an 8-hour nap.
a brief break from financial troubles.
...a break from life, in general.
being loved like I think I deserve.
etc.

Today was one of those days. Life is hard right now. Not bad, but hard. God has allowed some tough circumstances in my life because He knows fully and best which trials I need to make me more dependent on Him, so that I'll be more like Jesus - and I have quite a few lessons to learn! And today, oh man. I was confident that Nutella, straight out of the jar with a spoon, would have made everything better.

image from www.leftoverqueen.com

At least, I thought so in the moment.

I was doing the dishes this afternoon in between refereeing Elizabeth & Abby's playtime and keeping Hannah from destroying the clean living room entirely, because she didn't want to just sit down and play with her sisters or watch a movie or anything. I was tired, and caffeine-deprived. I had been fighting off envy, discouragement, and bitterness all morning, so I was mentally and emotionally exhausted. And I was praying for Nutella, or really for anything that contained chocolate. We don't have money for extravagant things like chocolate right now, so it would only come by divine intervention.

Am I not joy enough? {that still, small voice.}

What. No. Let me continue in my self-pity.

Am I, the Lord, who loads you daily with benefits, am I joy enough for you, right now?

Ugh. But I deserve Nutella. or Dove. or Hershey. Something, for all of the stuff I've been dealing with.

Seek Me first, and my Kingdom - seek your solace and your comfort, your satisfaction and your joy - seek them in Me. All of those other things that you think will make your life better are temporary, my daughter! They cannot change a lick of your situation - but I can change your heart, even if your situation doesn't change. Find your joy in Me. I will show you the path of life! In My presence is FULLNESS of JOY; at My right hand are pleasures forevermore!"

Sigh.

Every day is a fight. a battle against discontent, whining, grumbling, and giving up. Every moment I have to choose Jesus as my supreme Joy - not because He makes my circumstances amazing, but because He can do amazing things with crummy, barren, hopeless situations.

Yes, Lord. You're right (of course You are!) Forgive me for being so short-sighted.

(But I wouldn't mind chocolate every now and then....)

Learning to rejoice in the Lord always,
for His glory!
~Lisha

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Whatever the weather

This is a note I wrote on 6/18/2009. I was reminded of it tonight as the girls & I played out in the rain:

----------------------------
My girls love to be outside. Love it. It doesn't matter what is going on; snowstorm, sunshine, downpour, etc (we haven't tested things like hurricanes, cyclones, or earthquakes, but I'm willing to bet they'd love it for a couple minutes until they got carried away!).

We were outside playing in the rain today and as I was watching them, and playing with them, I was thinking about some of the more unpleasant times Will & I have had in the last 6 months or so. The "storms of life," if you will. How many times do we come into a storm in life (financial crisis, death of a loved one, etc) complaining and moaning about how bad things are, worrying about how much worse they'll get, crying "why me?" I'm not saying these emotions and doubts are bad, but we seem to psychologically prepare ourselves to be miserable for the long haul (at least, I do!).

I watched my girls embrace the rainstorm. They didn't care about how cold and wet they were. They didn't worry about how they were going to have to change their clothes when we got inside. They just enjoyed the time in the storm, in the safe and comforting presence of Mom & Dad, feeling the rain soaking them, taking it all in with joy. And that's how God wants us to enter the storms that He allows us to go through...His Word tells us to count it all joy when we go through various trials (James 1:something). Embrace the storm with open arms. Look for what you have to learn from it. Know that God sends us these times to grow our character, and know that He is present to comfort us and keep us close! Just as He does not waste rainy days (He sends the rain to help the crops grow!), He does not waste our painful times - He sends them to help us grow, too.

If you are going through various trials, be encouraged. Embrace the storm! And trust in the God who controls the storm!

Original photo posted with this note:

A (1 1/2), & E (3)

 Updated photo:

E, A, & H (7, 5, & 2)

Embracing the storm,
for His glory!
~Lisha

A Blog Hop - with Visionary Womanhood

Leaf Lessons

As Will and I were driving to Keene this morning, I was in awe of the canvas of glorious color around me. Fall in NH is gorgeous! And I was quietly thanking God for His vast creativity and for giving us something so beautiful to enjoy as the weather gets a little cooler...and cooler...and cooler.

Mount Monadnock in the fall. Majestic and lovely!

I was thinking about why it is that the leaves change color. Not completely understanding the science behind it, I do know that they turn these brilliant  and deep shades of red, orange, yellow...because they are dying. Because soon there will not be enough food produced in the tree for them to keep them through the winter - they will die and fall to the ground.

Oh, what a picture of what our lives in Christ should be!

My life is most brilliant and glorious as I die to self and am surrendered to a new season of life in Christ. I am a beautiful and vibrant example of His glory on display when I stop feeding my soul with the temporary food of this world (keeping up with the most popular musicians or theologies or actors or sports stars or gossip or talk shows or reality shows or the latest political fiasco or a hobby or self-indulgent lifestyle that does not impact beyond my fleeting earthly existence). When I relinquish my rights to my dreams, my future, my desires - then He can shine through my life by molding me into who He made me to be: a reflection of Him! And He's the most beautiful being ever!

Praising God for the beauty of dying leaves,
and the lessons therein,
for His glory~
Lisha :)

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ElizabethandAbbyisms, part trois.

It's been about a year since I posted the last compilation of what we call "Abbyisms" around here. So, here are the ones from 9/2011 to 3/2012 (in chronological order!). If you're having a snack or sipping a soda/coffee/tea/water, put it down so that you don't spit all over your monitor. Seriously, I thank God daily that He has given my children a sense of humor and a great vocabulary.


My children lighten my heart,
for His glory!
~Lisha :)
~~~~~~~~~

Me: Abs? Abby, where are you?
A: I'm just staring in the mirror!
Me: Oh?
A: (contented grin): ...yeah. I look older today. :D

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth: Let's be superheroes!
Abby: YEAH!
Elizabeth: Put on your capes! We'll be...the DEDUCTABLES!!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: I just love Hannah!
Elizabeth: Do you love me?
Abby: ... ... No. I just love only Hannah. Look at her! She's just so cute!
Me: Abby, you can love more than one person. I love Elizabeth and you and Hannah and Daddy...
Abby: You can, but I only love Hannah. [faces H] Hi, you little cutie! You're just too cute!

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth [twirling around the kitchen faster and faster]
Abby: uh, Elizabeth, what are you doing?
Elizabeth: I'm being a TORNADO!!! A...Hannah Tornado!!!! Whooooooooooaaaaa!!

...pretty sure Hannah doesn't need any encouragement to be a human tornado...

~~~~~~~~~

Abby [cuddling her stuffed animal like a baby and singing gently to it]: You know, I'll bet baby Jesus was a messy baby, because He was a boy. He probably made a mess when He ate - ESPECIALLY if he was trying to eat coconuts!

[coconuts?!]

~~~~~~~~~

Ok. I know this is #3, but seriously, the girls are on fire tonight...[um. not. literally.]

Elizabeth: Mom, what is moderation?
Abby: That's when you only watch TV like...1 hour a week or something. Not a lot of TV.
Elizabeth: Yeah, because the Bad Apple [from LarryBoy & the Bad Apple] sings "I'm not preaching moderation! What's my name? Temptation!"
Abby: Well...if she's a Bad Apple, who's letting her preach anyway?

~~~~~~~~~

We were doing some school pages with letter recognition, and one line had the letters C P O.

Abby: Uh, Mom, shouldn't that be C -3- P O? Like the droid on Star Wars?

~~~~~~~~~

[reading about dinosaurs today]
Me: Dinosaurs used to be alive, a long time ago.
Abby: Yeah. A LONG time ago. I'm pretty sure that's around the time you and daddy were in college together, right?

~~~~~~~~~

[learning about the way people lived a long time ago]
Me: What would you have liked the most about living a long time ago?
Elizabeth: I would have liked eating berries and peanuts. And meeting Cain and Abel.
Abby: I would have like to live a long time ago because I just like to light fires!!! Ahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

...oh, dear.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: "HEY! COME ON, LISHA!!"
Me: [looking flabbergasted] Excuse me, Abby?
Will: Oh, it's okay...they are playing. Elizabeth is being Lisha.
Elizabeth: Yeah.
Abby: *cute smile*

~~~~~~~~~

overheard tonight, while E was playing/cleaning up her toys:

It's gettin' crazy in here! Quick! Better put on your helmet! No, not that one...the other...the helmet of...salvation!

~~~~~~~~~

We were reading about different kinds of weather today. One of the questions on the discussion list was: "What causes floods?"

Abby's response (without hesitation): When God says so. Like with Noah.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom, when I'm eating breakfast this morning, it's like having "kicks" in the teeth!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[They are eating Kix for breakfast...]

~~~~~~~~~

[Discussing how people are the same and different...]
Me: What is different about hair?
Abby: Mine is light brown, Hannah's is brown, Daddy's is dark brown...
Elizabeth: Mom's is GRAY.

...not yet, child!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: How about a little bit of...OXIDATION?
Elizabeth: Yeah! We're up in space!
Abby: [putting milk cartons on her hands] I've got SPACE HANDS!!

you know. just a typical post-dinner evening at the Hunter home.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: You know, Mom, they should change the name of this shampoo. It shouldn't be "no more tangles"...it should be more like "hey! There are still some tangles left when you're done!"

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom, you can have the apples. Elizabeth, you get the strawberries. Hannah can have corn. I'll have the potatoes.
Elizabeth: What will Daddy have?
Abby: Bacon. He likes that better than vegetables!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom, if I stand out in the sun for too long, my boogers get all melty. They run out of my nose.

~~~~~~~~~

One of our memory verses:
Quench not the Spirit! -1 Thessalonians 5:19

Abby's attempt:
Quench not the Spirit! -1 Ethalopians 5:19

~~~~~~~~~

overheard from the kitchen while the girls were playing in the living room:

Elizabeth: Abby, do you think Satan could ever be baptized?
Abby: Uh, with his bad heart attitude - I don't think so.
Elizabeth: Yeah. You're right.

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth: Abby, let's draw with stencils!
Abby: Ok! Can I use the yellow one?
Elizabeth: No, I want it first.
Abby: Well, then you're going to be LAST. Because people who want to be first will be LAST. And since you're making me last, I'll be first. Jesus says.
Elizabeth: **blank stare**

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth: Will you play with me, Abby?
Abby (in the sweetest tone she could muster): I've got a better idea! How about you leave me alone so I can rest and you just go play by yourself! That's a GREAT idea! I know you'll like it!

~~~~~~~~~

Also: Apparently, Will's been showing the girls a few basic "karate" moves. What they've absorbed from his teachings:

1) "Karate-ing" is jumping around like crazy all over the place with someone else, flailing your arms and legs as fast as you can.
2) You win by "punching the other person in the face the most times."
3) It's totally acceptable to jump around, slap each other in the face, and laugh hysterically while doing so.

I'm quite sure this is not what he *actually* taught them, but it's how they interpreted it, and now Abby says that karate-ing is one of her favorite things to do EVER. A.w.e.s.o.m.e.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: This lollipop tastes great! Just like medicine!!

?!
~~~~~~~~~

We are learning about the Vikings this week. Today, we learned that in addition to other less-than-admirable activities (like raiding and killing), the Vikings were explorers...

Abby (excited!!): WOW!! Mom, those people were explorers...just like DORA!!!

~~~~~~~~~

Amazing Grace [Abby's rendition]
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wrench like meeeeeee...

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom, if I can't be a dentist when I grow up, I'd like to be an archaeologist who finds things in Play-Doh!

~~~~~~~~~

Me: Abby, watch out for that...
Abby: Mommmm, you don't need to say that. I can see in the dark, because I've got green eyes.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby (showing me her drawing): I drew a girl. She's sad, see the tears? *points to lines coming down out of her eyes*
Me: Why is she sad [dangerous question to ask a 4 year old with an imagination]?
Abby: Because her dress is too short. She really wanted a longer one that's more modest.
Me: And what are these? (curly-q things coming out of the dress where arms should be)
Abby: *rolls eyes* Those are boingy things on her dress, mom.

Oh. Right.

"Guessing About Artwork" would be a good course to offer people before they become the parents of preschoolers.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Hannah, it's your job now to learn to obey Mom, like it's your job!

~~~~~~~~~

As soon as the snow started this afternoon, Abby started dancing around the house, yelling "YAAAAAY! SNOWWWWW! I'm SO excited! Where are our snowpants? That means CHRISTMAS!!!....Please, Mom, can we make ornaments for the Christmas tree?"

...so...we spent part of the afternoon making ornaments for the Christmas tree. How could I refuse? I tried to tell her we don't actually put the tree out until after Thanksgiving, but I'm pretty sure she's going to ask every day from now until December 24th if Christmas is tomorrow. ♥

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth (gazing excitedly out the window): Wow, Mom, looks like a man should get out there and start shoveling! There's lots of work to do out there!! :P

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth's Sunday School teacher shared a story with Will & I this evening:
Mrs. R: [explaining the story of the apostle Peter in prison, and the people praying for him, and then the jail doors open all by themselves]
Elizabeth: ...wow, that happens to us at the grocery store!
[and two boys in her class politely explain to Elizabeth that it's not *quite* the same thing!]

~~~~~~~~~

At the library this afternoon, Abs was putting together a good-sized Winnie-the-Pooh puzzle all by herself. And the celebratory phrase she -shouted- when she was done?:

MOM!! I did the big Pooh, all by myself!!!

...awesome. Mom. moment.

~~~~~~~~~

Talking about feelings this week. The feeling being discussed: Anger

Me: Anger is not always bad. God gave us the ability to feel angry, and when people do wrong things, it can make us feel angry. It's how we respond when we are feeling angry that is important...
Abby: Right. Like, when big people take lots of other people's money, and then they still want to be more rich anyways? That is a wrong thing. That would make me feel angry.

...true story.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: *drumming on the table with markers, singing softly to herself*
Elizabeth: sing louder, Abby! And whatever song you're singing, make sure you throw in a "HALLELUJAH!!" or two at the end of it!!

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth: Mom, I don't want to waste my life.
(aaawww.)
Abby: Yeah! And I....don't want to waste....ummmm....your MOM!!!!

?! Pretty sure it's a little too early for 'your mom' statements.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: I'm pretty sure Hannah is really Tron, disguised as a Hannah. *turning to Hannah* ...aren't you? You're just a robot dressed up like a girl! I knew it!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom...what do they need to make chocolate bunnies?
Me: What do you think they need?
Abby: (cautiously) ...chocolate...and (getting sad) ...bunnies.

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth: When a big person starts talking in nonsense, it usually means that they're over-privileged.
Abby: Oh, I thought that being privileged meant you felt loved.

...this conversation happened whilst playing Littlest Pet Shop, between the ferret and the poodle - thanks Hannah :)

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: "Mom? You remind me of Supergirl."

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Run! Hide! Fleeeeeeeee....to the Doughnut Shield!!
Elizabeth: Yeah, hide from the donuts!! QUICK!! Get in the Doughnut Shield!!!

...?!
~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom, what does 'trendy' mean?
Me: Something that a lot of people like or do.
Abby: Oh. Like women not dressing modestly? Or watching scary and mean movies that don't honor God?
Me: ...

~~~~~~~~~

[watching an animated movie about Christmas]
Abby: You know, Mom, the Bible doesn't say there were just three wisemen. There could have been four, or five...or ten. We don't really know.

~~~~~~~~~~

[during tub time]
Elizabeth: Whale....whale, where are you? Say something!
Abby: EEEEEEEEEEAAAOOOOWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWOOOOOOAAAAAAAEEEEEEEEE!!
Elizabeth: (silence)
Abby: Oh. Sorry. That's just what I sound like when I'm sick. Let me show you my sounds when I'm regular: EEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Is that better to understand?

~~~~~~~~~

One of the questions for science today was "What would happen if all of the ice in the world melted?" [We're learning about greenhouse gases/global warming/being good stewards of the earth/etc]

Elizabeth's immediate response: It wouldn't happen. My God keeps all His promises. He'll never flood the earth again.

:)

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: 1 like one of...something, 2 like two thumbs, 3 like three little pigs, 4 like...(continues)...7 like the seven dorks, 8 like...
Me: the seven what?
Abby: Dorks. The little men who are in Snow White...7 dorks.

~~~~~~~~~

(Overheard while E&A were playing)
Abby: Oh, that's such a pity!....You know, I don't even know what that means!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom, some strangers are really space aliens.
Me: How do you know that?
Abby: Welllll...regular people don't know what space aliens look like, so they just call them strangers.

~~~~~~~~~

Science today: learning about different types of animals....
Me: Birds have feathers, but not all of them can fly. Do you remember which birds can't fly?
E: Ostriches...emus...penguins...
A: Uh, Mom...the dead ones.
Me: ...right.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom, I am so excited to be learning how to write, because now I can help make the grocery list with you!
♥ Awwww.

~~~~~~~~~

Our memory verse this week:
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies. [Psalm 34:13]

Abby's attempt:
Keep your lungs from evil and your lips from speaking lies!

Close, Abby...so close.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: It makes me sad that people don't really believe that God keeps all His promises. He does. He has to. They must spend a lot of time being scared of things.

~~~~~~~~~

[Talking about how to show love to others]
Me: What are some things we should do to show other people we love them?
Abby: Welllllll...if some people didn't have food, we can give them all of ours. And if some people didn't have clothes, we can give them our clothes. And if even some other people don't have houses, they can come live with us forever until they have a house.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
...and in other news today, A & E decided that calling math work "problems" was so silly, since they aren't really a problem at all. :D

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth: Mom, I know why you need to vacuum so much. There must be lots of little tiny bugs in the rug that push up all the dirt and mess after every time you vacuum. Because all that dirt keeps showing up again!

...must be.... :P

~~~~~~~~~

My mom: Aren't you excited that in just a few days it's....
Abby: Your birthday!!!!!

[My mom's birthday is, indeed in a couple of days - but the answer I was expecting was 'Christmas' ♥ Dear Abby, I'm pretty sure you made Grammy's day today]

~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday, E&A decided on their own that they wanted to use some of their birthday money to buy a gift for each other for Christmas ♥ Today, they pooled the rest of their birthday money that was left and asked if we could go shopping for (someone who shall remain nameless but whose birthday is tomorrow), and get Daddy a Christmas present too. *melt*

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth: I think when I'm all done being a ballerina, I want to be a missionary. To India. And I'll have to take a bike because I can't drive.

♥

~~~~~~~~~

[Learning about pre-revolution France this week. Today: Louis XIV, the Palace of Versailles, and the ridiculous fashion/feasts/etc]
Abby: Wait. These rich people had all that food but didn't want to share it? If I had lots of monies, like 11 dollars, and I knew 11 people, I'd give them each 1 money and they could all come to my house to share my food.
Elizabeth: Yeah. I'd share 7 monies, too, if I had them. And that's (pointing to Versailles) a too-big building for a house. I'd let lots of people come live in my house.

~~~~~~~~~

...and it's not all seriousness at our house ♥
[overheard during playtime]
Abby: I'm making up a lullaby!
Elizabeth: What's that?
Abby: It's something that has a 'screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech' sound.
Elizabeth: Oh wow! I'm cooking a jumbo!
Abby: Huh?
Elizabeth: That's just another way of saying 'pizza'.

...some things you've learned about the Hunters? Lisha can't sing and we make pizzas that are way too large.

~~~~~~~~~

[Dealing with Elizabeth lying to me]
Me: What are some verses that have to do with lying?
Elizabeth: "You shall not lie. and lying lips are an abomination to the Lord..."
Abby (eavesdropping from around the corner) pssst. Hey Elizabeth, you forgot "keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies! Psalm 34:13"!!

...oh, Abby. So helpful to your sister, especially when she's in trouble.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Who is the Most Alive man in the whole world?
Elizabeth: oooh, I know! Jesus!!

~~~~~~~~~

(making up songs this evening after dinner...)
Elizabeth [in a loud, booming voice]: ....the Holy Spirit...He will give you...COURAGE!!...and the strength....to dooooooooooooo....what you need to do!!!
Abby [high-pitched]: and the Holyyyyyyyy Spiriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit gives to everyoneeeeeeee a song....and they need to sing it the way He gives it toooooooooooooo themmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Sometimes, the Lord gives you all the reminders and encouragement you need straight from the mouths of your own kids. ♥

~~~~~~~~~

[learning about the Gold Rush of the 1840's/50's]
Elizabeth: Mom, I think the best way to get money is to get it slowly, and share what's extra with people. Getting a lot of money fast...can make you greedy.

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth's pick for a verse this morning:
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. [Matthew 7:12]

Abby's pick:
Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking deceit.
[Psalm 34:13]

~~~~~~~~~

Church at home today, since we are all feeling yucky. And Abby still manages to make us laugh:

Will: 1 Samuel 16:7 says that though man looks at the outward appearance, the Lord looks at.......
Abby: ...the woman.
Will: ...good guess. But, no.
Elizabeth: [pointing to her heart] No, Abby, he looks at this. What's this?
Abby: uh, your chest.
Elizabeth: ooooh, Abbyyyyyy!

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. [1 Samuel 16:7] ♥

~~~~~~~~~

Me: When I come in the living room in a couple of minutes, I would like it to be clean!
Abby [shouting]: Well, Mom...I'd just stay in the kitchen a little longer till we're done if I were you, then!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby (to Will): I'm going to give you an APPENDECTOMY!!
Me: What's an appendectomy, Abs?
Abby: You tell me.
Me: No, you're the surgeon. You tell me.
Abby: It's when I put...uh....THIS (holds up plastic kitty toy) into Daddy's BELLY BUTTON!
Elizabeth (to Will): ...and you have a moldy belly button!

You know...just some pre-dinnertime surgery at the Hunter home. With Dr. Abby and her OR nurse, Elizabeth.

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth: Mom, the toothpaste is runny!
Me: Did you put water in the tube of toothpaste? (common occurance in our house)
Abby: Mom, I have something to tell you, and it's NOT a lie. I mean, really. OK. It happened when Elizabeth took off the cap and *insert swishing noises* under the faucet.
Me: Elizabeth, did you do that?
Elizabeth: yeeeeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhhhh, but...it was an accident...

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth (singing, loudly): Just a handful of sugar helps the medicine go down, the medicine go downnnnn, the...
Abby: ...uh, Elizabeth, it's SUPPOSED to be "spoonful".
Elizabeth: Maybe we should make it a cupful! Just a cupful of sugar helps the medicine go down! The medicine go downnnn.... (trailing off as she leaves the room)

...I like the new version.

~~~~~~~~~

[Abby & Elizabeth upstairs playing. Abby starts wailing.]
Me: Girls, what's up?
Elizabeth: Abby was pulling on the back of my dress, and I didn't want her to...then I might have ACCIDENTALLY kicked her...in the lip. But it's okay, Mom! [Abby still wailing in the background] - I said I was sorry! It's all okay now!

~~~~~~~~~

[overheard during playtime]
Abby: ...and if you don't obey my rules, I'm going to send you ALL home without your kids. And then I'm going to send them home later WITHOUT even making them be CAREFUL! BWAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!
Elizabeth: Well, then, we can play lots of video games! Whoooooo! Awesommmmmmme! *cue random song about how awesome video games are*

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: I'm going to make Mrs. Potato to be an excellent woman like the Bible says.
Me: Oh? How so?
Abby: She's going to have the strong set of arms!
♥ ♥ ♥

[(The wife of valor) girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. Proverbs 31:17]

~~~~~~~~~

[going over the full armor of God -Ephesians 6]
Me: First, put on the helmet of salvation. What's salvation?
A: Jesus!!!
Me: Then we put on the breastplate of righteousness - what's that?
A: When you're so happy just loving God.
Me: Then comes the belt of truth. What's truth?
E: When you don't tell lies - you're always honest.
Me: ...then the shoes of peace. What's peace?
A: That's when you don't


have any anger in your heart.
Me: The shield of faith is next. What is faith?
E: Oh! The evidence of things hoped for...
A: ...and the evidence of things unseen!!
Me: And last is the sword of the Spirit, which is...
A: the Word of God.
E: that's the Bible.
A: ...so the Bible's like a SWORD!!! We fight EVIL!!!
Me: And what is evil?
E: Having idols. Disobedience....
A: ...and lying.

So. Cool.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Let me read you this. Verse 20: Honor your mother by doing what she says. Honor your dad by obeying him. If you don't, there will be disappointment. That's what this verse is saying here.
Elizabeth: Ok. And let me read you this. Psalm 1: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, but he stands in the congregation of the righteous!
Abby: ...Mom! Where's chapter 3 in this book?! I can't find it!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: When we die, there's no more time to learn the firm foundations [about Jesus]. And that means some people are going to miss out. And that also means...wait...are we going to have to potty in Heaven?

~~~~~~~~~

a song, by Elizabeth (no particular tune)...
when Jesus died
they buried Him
but we don't know where
but then...He came back to life
because He loves the world so so much!!
and lots of people saw Him
like they did when He was our newborn King
He is our precious King...
joy to the WORLDDDDDDDD
the Lord has come!!!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom, I'm pretty sure the word "expensive" is just another way of saying "Awww, shoot!!" ...wait...is it appropriate for me to use the word *drops voice to whisper* ...expensive?

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: In the missionary story we read today, the family read the only Bible they owned SO MUCH that it FELL APART! But because they read it so much, they got to know who God is! And so having a falling-apart Bible is a good idea.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom, I'm pretty sure the commandment says it this way: 'Thou shalt not lie. about coloring on the walls.' Like, in case I, say, colored all over the walls in the living room and then told you Elizabeth actually did it...that would be lying. I'd be telling a lie.

I think it's time to go inspect the walls in the living room...

~~~~~~~~~

*having some gummy bears as a treat*
Abby: You know, they really should make more kinds of gummy animals. Like gummy cats, gummy horses, gummy donkeys, gummy sheeps, gummy dogs, gummy mouses...it's really all about mixing it up. The different kinds of gum, the different kinds of flavors in the gum, and they should really use more than just worms and bears. Also, the yellow ones taste like lemon because they must use lemon flavors.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom. If 4 + 1 = 5, and 5 + 1 = 6, and 8 + 1 = 9, then I'll bet 10 + 1 = 11!!! It's the next number up! Oh, and 4 + 1 is the same as 1 + 4 - they're both 5!

:) :) :)

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: You've been drinking so much coffee lately that you're starting to smell like a Dunkin' Donuts!!! PAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Me: *put down that third cup I was planning on drinking. Had a glass of water instead.*

~~~~~~~

*wearing their winter jackets with faux-fur lined hoods:
Abby: Oh, Elizabeth, you look lovely...just like an Expresskimo!!!! You know, the ones...
Elizabeth: ...who live in the igloo ice houses?! Yeah! They wear fuzzy hoods too, just like me!

~~~~~~~~~

Elizabeth (handing me her math paper): And, um, Mom, I didn't even really try. I just filled in all the boxes with numbers, so I went ahead and circled all the ones that were wrong like you do.

:-O

~~~~~~~~~

S I X spells 6. So, why doesn't F I V spell 5? It's not like you can even hear the E on the end of the word anyway. And 9, too. It should be N I N. And also T H R E, you don't need an extra E on the end of the word three. Oh, wow Mom - that metal thing (on the clipboard) is so shiny!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: So, Mom, you're going to go to Bible study this morning and leave Hannah here with Daddy so she doesn't disgruntle the crowds of little children there?

~~~~~~~~~

*playing "Librarian"*
A (a mom): Ooooh, I LOVE this book! I think I'll take it home for my baby to read.
E (librarian): Um, miss? I'm sorry. The library is closed now.
A (blatantly ignoring her): Oh, and this one is just wonderful!
E: Do you see the closed sign? We're closed. It's a bummer, but you'll just have to come back tomorrow.
A: Yes. I saw the closed sign, and I flipped it over, so now, it says you're open! And I just walked right in.

...of course. I wish that worked in real life.

~~~~~~~~~

(yesterday)
Me (glancing at the laptop), to Will: Oh, it looks like someone wrote on your Wall?
Will: I can't tell. I don't have my glasses on.
Abby (squinting over in the general direction of the computer): Yeah, it does look like someone scribbled on the wall with crayons. Hmmm. (indeed, there is crayon on the wall there).
Will: Lish, you need to be careful with your choice of words...

~~~~~~~~~

We learned a little about WWI today.
Abby: When wars happen, and people have friends who die there, it must make them feel so sad inside.
Elizabeth: I don't think that war is good. (Pointing the to 'trench warfare' illustration) Why can't the soldiers from each side just get out of the ditch, walk over and talk to each other? Then they wouldn't have to use poison gases or guns, and kill each other

And soon after, the girls made a set of flags and started marching around the house, waving the flags and singing. I asked them what they were doing, and Abby said they're 'doing Veteran's Day, like when the soldiers come to the commons and carry the big flags and remember the mens who went away to fight but then came back.'

Home education is a lot of work. But oh, is it worth it for the deep conversations and for the love of learning that is being fostered here ♥ I am thankful that God equips me daily with grace and patience to learn alongside the girls!

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom! I'm making a grocery list for you for when you go grocery shopping next time. I need to know how to spell: waffles, bacon, sausage, chicken nuggets, and water.

~~~~~~~~~

Best gift of the morning:
E: "Mom, can I pray for breakfast?"
sure!
"Dear God, please bless this breakfast to our bodies, and please help us to be healthy and strong today! I ask in Jesus' name, Amen!"

Very few things sound sweeter than the prayers of a child! ♥

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom. Oxygen & carbon dioxide are both a gas.
Me: Yes, they are...
Abby: But the stuff you put in a car is called gas too.
Me: Yep.
Abby: So it's a liquid that's called gas but it's not actually a gas.
Me: Well, the word "gas" for the stuff that goes in a car is a short form of the word gasoline.
Abby: That doesn't make sense. It's a liquid. Not gas. *irritated grumpy noise*

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Can you open this bag for me?
Me: Sure, bring it over here.
Abby (puzzled look): I'll get the scissors first. I'm pretty sure that your fingers aren't sharp enough to cut it open!

:P

~~~~~~~~~

[Learning about sight]
Me: What can we see?
Abby: Only everything we don't see if we don't have eyes.

Technically correct, but not quite what I was hoping for... :P

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: I want to know more about the ceps.
Me: ...the ceps?
Abby (flexing her arms): Yeah...the bi-ceps and the tri-ceps.
(Can you guess what our current science unit is?)

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mom. Shorts: they're like short-sleeved shirts for your legs! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

~~~~~~~~~

After reading about King Hezekiah during Bible time this morning...
Abby: Some people in Israel thought that God is bad but that idolatry and worshiping things is good. They were getting it all mixed up.
Elizabeth: Yeah. I think it makes God sad when good and bad get messed up and backwards.

~~~~~~~~~

Abby: Mommy, Emma (her baby) doesn't like to be encouraged. That's when you see someone doing something that's not right, and you tell them so nicely "I don't think you should be doing that!" and she just always says *switches to high-pitched voice* "Well, Mom, I'm just going to go ahead and do it anyway 'cause I don't like when you encourage me like that!"

~~~~~~~~~

Me: What's today?
[responding simultaneously)
Abby: Grampy's birthday! YAY!
Elizabeth: The last day I'll ever be 5!!
♥

Whew! The next couple days are pretty special ones ♥

~~~~~~~~~

[watch for 4/2012 - the present to be posted soon!]

The Promise of God

(photo courtesy of Molly Viglione photography!)

Today, we celebrate our eldest daughter,

and how she is a daily reminder

of God's promises

and His patience toward us.

Her name was not chosen because it was popular, or cute, or even because we liked it (although, it helped that we did actually like it), but because God put that name on our hearts even before she was born.

Elizabeth is a Hebrew name that means "the promise of God".

Grace - well, it means grace - the unmerited favor of God toward us.

We are so grateful that for the past 6 years, we have had a constant reminder among us that God always keeps His promises and that His grace is sufficient and real in our home. As I've reflected on His unyielding faithfulness in the midst of the obstacles Elizabeth has had to overcome and live with, I am just overwhelmed that He loves her so much more than we do, and that we can see real, tangible, working evidence of His grace as He's taught her (and us!) to walk by faith.

We love you, Elizabeth Grace. We are blessed to know you, and to be called by God to be your parents! Happy, happy birthday!

Delight and Desire!

Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.

For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,

and He shall give you the desires of your heart. 

Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,

and your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;

do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.
For evildoers shall be cut off;

but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more.
But the meek shall inherit the earth,

and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth.
The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.
The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow,
to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct.
Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,

but the LORD upholds the righteous.
The LORD knows the days of the upright,

and their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,

and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the LORD,
like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away.
The wicked borrows and does not repay,

but the righteous shows mercy and gives.
For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth,

but those cursed by Him shall be cut off.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;

for the LORD upholds him with His hand.
I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his descendants begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed.
Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell forevermore.
For the LORD loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; 

they are preserved forever,

but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.
The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him.
The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.
Wait on the LORD, and keep His way,
and He shall exalt you to inherit the land;

when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
I have seen the wicked in great power,

and spreading himself like a native green tree.
Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; 

indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.
Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;

for the future of that man is peace.
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;

the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;

He is their strength in the time of trouble.
And the LORD shall help them and deliver them;

He shall deliver them from the wicked,
and save them, because they trust in Him.

Psalm 37 [NKJV] - www.biblegateway.com

I was meditating on this Psalm for a good part of the evening, and what a balm to my soul! With only 8 days to go until we know for sure whether or not the Lord is going to have us close up the Bible House (see my post Come and hear... for more details about this), it has been so easy to:

1) get angry and bitter and blame people for not shopping at the store;

2) pray incessantly that God gives us a better/different opportunity to serve Him right now; and

3) despair because we have fallen so far behind our bills while we know that there are ungodly people who are making more money than we are and spending it on ungodly and selfish pursuits & hobbies.

[God has broken my heart and His lovingkindness has led me to repentance for these things - for taking my gaze off of God and for having such ugly heart attitudes!]

And yet!! God has been pleading with me over the last few days (through His Word and through a dear friend who is not ashamed to speak truth into my heart) to just delight in Him and trust in Him!! Not to worry about His plan, for it is perfect and He already knows it. Not to delight in His plan, but to delight myself in Him!! And after I have made the choice to trust and delight in Him - He will give me the desires of my heart, because my desires will be in line with His heart for me. 

Oh, my Lord, show me what it means to just delight in You and all that You are, and to trust You (for You have never failed us!) - I only want to know You more!

By His grace, and

for His glory!

~Lisha :)

Selah.

Every year, around this time, I take a moment (or two. or lots) to reflect on how it is that I've become the woman I am.

This year, I don't really know what to say that I haven't already written before. It's not for a lack of reflecting; it's just that most of what I would say has already been poured out. The only thing that has changed between all the years past and this one is now, it's been 10 years since Sarah entered God's rest and is celebrating Christmas with Jesus. And what change God can affect over the course of a decade!! My life is not what I thought it would be; but through God's grace and the power of a child's faith I am right where I need and want to be. 

I want to share what I've written before, in case you've never read or heard about how it is that I decided to follow Jesus. 

a brief introduction. (2009)

Dear Sarah, (2010)

I'm so thankful for God's abundant grace and the depth of His mercy. My heart's deepest desire is to live like I mean it, that you would want to follow Him, too!

By His grace,

and for His glory!

~Lisha

Everyone who has believed in the Lord Jesus Christ has a story of how He saves to the uttermost...

www.servantevangelism.wordpress.com

Thankful November

For the past few years, I've been posting daily what I'm thankful for during the month of November. I've compiled the entire month's worth of posts here:


1: the Word of God. will and the girls. family, extended and adopted, near and far. friends - old and new, facebook or face-to-face. a van. a van that works. the privilege and responsibility of prayer. that the name of Jesus is so sweet and so mighty. the renewing and transforming of my heart and mind by the aforementioned Word. the girls requesting 'amazing grace' as their bedtime song.


2.  the sounds of little ones getting up in the morning. hot tea on chilly mornings. knowing that we're being prayed for. God's daily provisions. the throne of grace. living in America. isaac, noah, & luke and their moms katie, ashley, & brenda. the Bible House. fuzzy socks. when the girls want to snuggle and read with me. the group of moms that i'm going to be studying the Bible with this morning.


3. indoor plumbing. electricity. supermarkets. sanitation. and all of the other things that are considered standard in our country but are only hoped for in other places. the prophets who chose obedience to God over their own reputation and comfort. being able to read. elizabeth's thoughtfulness, abby's humor, and hannah's joy. the sunrise, which reminds me that God's mercies are new today!


4. early morning whispery-giggly conversations between sisters while they're still in bed. friday morning being waffle morning in our house. psalm 119!! the freedom to educate my girls at home. random jammy-days. the birds who live on (...in) our porch, as a visual reminder of matthew 6:26. my mom & dad. God's absolute sovereignty! friends who encourage & admonish - refining me as iron sharpens iron. will and his dedication to being an example for the young men by leading MOG. my 'beautiful you' ladies. having enough for just today, and that being sufficient


5 Hannah only waking up once last night. another sunrise (His mercies are new every morning!). jerel & kimm visiting this weekend. the quiet that happens in the moments directly following the beginning of a meal. good news from a far country being like cold water to a weary soul (proverbs 25:25). farmer's casserole. that God's promises never fail and His Word never returns void. hannah getting stronger every day! abby & elizabeth being best friends. the steadfast love of Jesus, who is the anchor of my soul


6. getting in an extra hour of 'snuggle' time this morning with the girls because their bodies didn't reset with DST. :) the imaginations and insights of my children. the Word being living and powerful, able to discern the thoughts & intents of my heart. chocolate mint tea. our church family. my dear friend katie, and today being her birthday. looking forward to spending time with my sister-in-law this afternoon. handmade blankets. the freedom to worship and follow Jesus. 


7.  the many ways that God has softened and changed my heart over the years. the ten commandments, and the whole of God's law as the 'tutor that brings me to Christ'. candles that make my home smell like i've been baking all day. how elizabeth & abby just love on their little sister. being nudged out of my comfort zone, so i can grow. sonlight (our homeschool curriculum). whoever invented the crock pot.


8.  long talks & praying with good friends. leftovers. hannah's physical therapist (Miss Becky). the Word of God, which never, ever changes. will ♥ martin luther. being a wonder to many, but God being my strong refuge [psalm 71:7]. when things don't go the way i planned!! butter toast. dirty laundry & dirty dishes, which mean that my family is clothed & fed. sunny days. did i mention will yet? he is a godly husband, dad & leader in our home


9.  the girls sneaking downstairs in the morning and ambushing me with hugs & kisses. sunny mornings. not feeling well because it forces me to admit that i can't handle the day in my own strength, so i rely on God's. job 38-42. christmas carols. the moms from Bible study (even though we're not meeting this morning!). the theriault family, whose obedience is bringing blessing! and coffee....... :D


10.  my little brother, jerel, who was born on this day a number of years ago (love you bud)! a good night's rest. the ladies in my life who encourage me to rightly divide the Word of Truth and who strive to live what they're teaching. waiting on the Lord. those little ghirardelli chocolate squares. love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control, against which there is no law [galatians 5:22-23]!


11. men & women who have served in the military, not for their own glory but for the love of their country. freedom of the press, religion, assembly, and speech. spending time in prayer and in the Word with young ladies like kaila, tricia, brianna, & hannah. joshua 1:9. when e & a ask tons of questions. mild november weather. a husband who is doing what he loves & is called to do. hearing the girls pray before bed 


12.  such a beautiful morning! my mom & dad ♥ when people choose to shop local & support the Bible House. that God is not the author of confusion but of peace [1 Cor 14:33]. the marvel family. long talks with dear friends. early morning "mom, will you read to me?" requests. some convenience foods, like frozen waffles. the privilege of being a full-time wife & mom!


13. for a day of rest. romans 8. psalm 119. james 3. revelation 21. psalm 51. proverbs 31. john 1. exodus 20. 1 corinthians 2. deuteronomy 6. hebrews 12. 1 samuel 17. genesis 1. well, okay, all of the other chapters, too!


14. Jesus' sacrifice on my behalf, even though (and especially because) i'm a wretch. that the morning brings with it a new start. the power of words, when they're used for encouragement & building up. squeals of joy from two girls who've learned a hard lesson about taking care of what they have, when they earn back their favorite dolls. being unable to sleep - it usually means extra snuggle or prayer time. that first cup of hot tea in the morning.


15.  the privilege of praying!! hearing "mamamamamamama" and knowing that means me! the chance to hang out with elysia for a late-night chat and dunkin's. that God promises to never leave nor forsake His children. the honest cries of the psalmists' hearts. our usborne venture. having 3 daughters for whom God has a magnificent purpose. walking through life with will for the past 11+ years.


16.  A Bible Study for Moms!!. that the girls are so forgiving. God being my shield, refuge, fortress, strong tower, & defender. late-night dinner and movie 'dates' with will after the girls go to bed. the truth that when we seek God and His righteousness above all else, He provides for our physical needs (matt 6:33). the impossible being possible with God. gideon (judges 6-8). hugs. 


17. the knowledge that God is at work and still faithful, even when I can't see tangible results. hannah being able to stand all by herself for a few seconds :) the girls' love of books and reading. the way the Word convicts me of those areas where i need to change. Jesus being the anchor of my soul and God's promise that i will not be moved from His love regardless of the circumstances i find myself in.


18.  homemade gifts. music. restoration of the saints. that God promises to use all things for the good of them that love Him and are called according to His purpose! (romans 8:28). when hannah wakes up in the middle of the night and all she wants to do is snuggle for a minute before going back in the crib. the example of the early church in acts. homeschooling this week = learning a little about tudor england, hudson taylor, being good stewards of the earth, and the battle of jericho with my kindergarteners.


19. godly wisdom & counsel. a husband who is encouraging & supportive. my supercomfy ksc hoodie. running water (after going a goodly part of yesterday without it!). chicken noodle soup. spending time at mom & dad's. the anticipation of seeing will's family next week. the lessons i've learned from each of my four babies. technology that allows me to be connected to family & friends no matter where they are.


20. oswald chambers. amy carmichael. jim & elisabeth elliot. stephen. gladys aylward. brother andrew. hudson taylor. george mueller. corrie ten boom. william & catherine booth. brother yun. bruce olson. paul. john. peter. and all of the other men & women who have and are currently counting everything as loss for the sake of knowing Jesus and following His call!


21. the girls' honest and deep observations about my character & actions. God's protection. that those who believe in Jesus have not been given a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love, of power, and of a sound mind (2 tim 1:7)!. will's side of my family. everything bagels. open spaces. hannah being slightly mobile (scooting!). abby's 'mothering' of her little sister. elizabeth's patience in teaching abby how to do things.


22. coffee. brilliant sunrises. veggies right from the garden. the girls learning an appreciation for where their food comes from. emily & mike. coooold mornings that make for a good excuse to stay in warm jammies under cozy blankets while enjoying aforementioned coffee. a chance to celebrate christmas and thanksgiving this week. that if i confess my sins, God is faithful and just to forgive me [1 john 1:9] and remove them as far from me as the east is from the west [psalm 103:12]


23.  that the Lord sometimes prevents our plans and reminds us that His plan is better! snow for our "thanksmas" celebration :) leftover turkey and all the trimmings. when hannah gives hugs and kisses. construction paper, which tends to spark oodles and hours of creativity. will getting up with hannah at 5 so i could sleep in!


24. ...is thankful today. <3


25. plaid friday, and the growing movement to shop local. a marvelous time in ny. Jaffrey Bible House and the man who runs it. handmade blankets. God promising to fill us with His peace, which surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts & minds in Christ Jesus [phil 4:6-7]. that elizabeth's tummy & succeeding digestive organs are functioning much better. no bloody noses for abby last night. and hannah has figured out how to scoot - she's mobile! ♥ ♥ ♥


26. that the Lord's mercies are new right now. for the conviction of the Holy Spirit. that the Word is like a mirror and it reveals the depth of my depravity and the magnitude of God's grace. for time to catch up with my BU girls. :)


27. 13 months of getting to know & love hannah. cheerios. tough times pressing me to know Who, what, & why i believe. treasured memories. jbc. a good night's rest. that the girls play so well together. will's spiritual gifts (teaching, discernment, & generosity), and how my gifts complement his. oversized tea mugs. praise dance parties with the girls ♥


28.  the mornings when it's hard to find something to be thankful for, because it brings me back to the Word. God's promises - that He will provide for us when we seek His kingdom first [matt 6:33]. that He will never leave us nor forsake us [josh 1:5]. that He will work all things together for the good of them that love Him [rom 8:28]. that He will keep us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on Him [isa 26:3]. and so many more. His ways and His laws are perfect, and He is faithful and true, even when we can't see or understand what He's doing.


29.  examples in the Word of unrestrained praise and devotion. the sound of my mom's voice on the phone after a long day. dear friends. the last of the potatoes & carrots from gram's garden in ny (so good!). talking with will about our dreams. today being taco tuesday at our house. that God loves me with an everlasting love, and that He will not relent!


30. quiet time in the morning to read before everyone else wakes up. books. that all the rain we got last night wasn't snow. toast & blueberry jam. the law of God being our tutor to bring us to Christ [galatians 3:24]. the group of moms that i get to study the Bible with on wednesday mornings, and the ladies who care care of our children while we study. unexpected visitors and 'interruptions' in my schedule. the promise that Jesus will be coming back. a whole month of giving thanks, turning into a lifetime habit of giving thanks ♥


Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever!
[1 Chronicles 16:34]


Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus! 
[1 Thessalonians 5:18]


With a thankful heart,
for His glory!
~Lisha :)

Happy birthday, Abigail!

Will and I have been given three beautiful daughters:

Our oldest, Elizabeth, is 5 1/2. Our youngest, Hannah, is almost 1.

Our middle daughter, the creator of Abbyisms, turns 4 years old in just a few hours.

Every time the girls celebrate a birthday, I remind them about what their names mean. The names were not chosen haphazardly - each was prayed about, and put on our hearts by the Lord. We believe that because names are so significant to the Lord throughout His Word, the names we bestow upon our children should be significant, too.

Elizabeth is a Hebrew name - it means 'promise of God.' Her middle name, Grace, means 'patient' or 'gracious'. Hannah is a Hebrew name that means 'favor'; Sophia is from the Greek word for 'wisdom'.  Their names are lovely, and I'll probably talk about them some other time. 

The birthday girl, who blesses more people than she will ever know with her humor and honesty, has a special name, too. Abigail is a Hebrew name that means 'my father rejoices' or 'a father's joy' [depending on which book you're getting your information from]. Her middle name, Ruth, is a Hebrew name that means 'friend' or 'companion'.

The Lord picked these names for our sweet daughters long before we ever knew them. The fact that Abigail Ruth is indeed a joy to her dad (and to many others!), and that she is such a dear friend to her sisters, is not coincidental. She was created by God and given a special name - a glimpse into the way she's been wired. Not only is she Will's joy, but she is a joy to her heavenly Father as well. He gave her the sense of humor; I imagine He laughs at her Abbyisms, too!

We are grateful for Abby. She is a treasure; we look forward with much anticipation how the Lord is going to use her love, her tender servant's heart, and her humor to share the love of Jesus to the people around her. 

Happy birthday, Abigail Ruth! We love you so, so much, and are delighted to be your Dad and Mom. You are a joy, and you are a good friend to Elizabeth & Hannah!

By His grace,

and for His glory!

Lisha :)

Abbyisms

Abbyism: (Ab-bee-iz-m): N. Funny quote of the day by Abby.


I have three beautiful daughters, each talented in her own way. Elizabeth (age 5) is a wonderful artist. Hannah (8 months) is really flexible and can screech at decibel levels that can put a jet to shame. Abby (almost 4) is hilarious, whether she knows it or not.


For a while, I've been posting Abbyisms on Facebook. Friends have been suggested that I compile the hilarity and save it for when Abby is older. So, today, I'm going to post as many as I can find. Enjoy the talent of my middle daughter - the one and only Abby Hunter, comedienne extraordinaire. [Once in a while, Elizabeth makes an appearance, too!]
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Abby: Mom, why are you feeding Hannah chocolate pudding? That is crazy!
Me: It's not pudding - it's prunes.
Abby: Naaaaah. Prunes aren't THAT good. And she really likes it!! It IS pudding.
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Abby: This is a message from the Lord!
Elizabeth: ...and it will self-destruct in 30 minutes.
Abby: This is the message: "the Jonah plush toy says 'a message from the Lord...a message from the Lord...a message from the Lord...'...it keeps repeating!
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Abby: You know, I feel much better. My belly feels better after throwing up all over Daddy!
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Me: If you feel like your body is telling you it's time to go potty...then go to the bathroom and sit on the potty.
Abby: Mom (laughs)...my bum doesn't have a mouth. It can't tell me anything! You're so silly.
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Elizabeth: I'm going to be 6 on my birthday!
Abby: oh, I don't want to be 6, ever.
Elizabeth: How come? Then you can be older like me!
Abby: Well, I've heard than when you get old like THAT, you die.
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Abby: Mom, can I have a little sugar on my cereal like you put on your cheerios?
Me: No, Abby...cocoa krispies don't really need any extra sugar. :D
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Abby: Wow. Samson probably ate a lot of protein when he was a little boy. He was really strong with really big muscles!!
Elizabeth: Yeah. Let's eat protein!
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Elizabeth: I'm going to write a story about the Adventure of me, BathingSuit Girl...and her mom and dad, who live in New Hampshire.
Abby: And her sisters!
Me: What's your superhero name, Abs?
Abby: Uhhh...Mom, I don't need a superhero name. I'm Abby. Forever.
----------
Abby (upon discovering the box of Cocoa Krispies): Mom, someone was silly and made Rice Kripsies with CHOCOLATE all over them! (slight contemplative pause) Who in the whole wide world who think of that?!
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Abby (throwing her arms around me): I caught you! You'll never escape now! I got you now for the rest of your life!
Me (escaping): Ha! I'm getting away!
Abby (dropping her arms. serious face): Mom. You are not doing a good job of escaping the way I think you should. Try again.
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Abby: Hannah, you are such a happy baby. You are a happy baby, indeed! You're so soft and cuddly and cutie and lovely....and pink! Just right for kissing!
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Elizabeth: MOMMMMMMMMMMM! Abby just pushed me over!
Abby: I did not push you, Elizabeth - I was just helping you get out of my way faster. Mom, I didn't push her. I was only helping.
Elizabeth: But I was on the stairs!
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Abby (upon coming downstairs, placing hands on hips, exhasperated): Mom, you need to clean this kitchen. It is filthy!
----------
Elizabeth: Now God told Abraham to go to Jerusalem, and God told Moses to go to Egypt, and then blah blah blah blah.
Abby: We should, like, read some Scripture to figure out the rest of what He said.
Elizabeth: Then it says God told Jonah to go to Nineveh, but he didn't listen.
Abby: Yeah - Jonah got EATEN BY A BIG FISH! People threw him overboard!
Elizabeth: That's what Scripture says! Yeeeeeeeah Scriptures!
----------
Elizabeth: MOM! There are 2 bugs under the table!
Abby: SMASH IT!!
Elizabeth: I tried to smash them, but they...they won't let me smash them at all, they keep running away.
Abby: Just come up behind them and give them a little smashy-smash. They don't belong in the house!
----------
Abby: If all the fruit in the world were oranges...how would we find apples?
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Abby: When my boogers feel wet, but then they come out, I feel better. I'll take my boogers out now. Watch! *proceeds to stick her finger up her nose to 'take her boogers out*
Me: covering face, laughing uncontrollably
Abby: hahaha, Mom...what's funny?
Will: Mom is laughing because she's had a silly day.
Me: ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.....
----------
Elizabeth: Mom! Come here! Come see...come to the living room!
Abby: Actually, Mom.........don't. Just, don't.
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Elizabeth: Hannah is Daddy's princess. So am I and so is Abby.
Abby: If we are Daddy's little princesses...mommy, you must be Grampy's little princess!
----------
Abby [waving a stick madly in the air, then throwing it and running wildly in a big circle with arms waving]: I did it! I did it!! I WON THE BASEBALL GAAAAAAAAAAAME!! YAYYYYYYYY ME!!!
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Abby: I think that God is quiet when He speaks.
Me: Why do you think that?
Abby: Because He's so way, way up high that it sounds quiet when He talks.
Me: And what do you think He says?
Abby: He says "Obey", in just a whisper.
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Hannah: *wipes her food all over her face with her hands and spits out her cereal all over herself*
Abby: Hannah...that is Yuck-o McStuck-o! Gross me gross me out!!
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Abby: If a car came up off the street and caught up with me while I was walking it would smush me. And you'd probably be sad. And if it smushed all of us girls, which is three, you'd have three really smushed girls on your hands!! Haha...we'd be smushy!! But you don't want that, Mom! ...aaaand it would be hard to smush Hannah in her stroller anyways.
----------
Abby: Mom, some butterflies can also be called 'cheese'.
Me: Cheese?
Abby: Yeah. Some butterflies are white with spots. Like cheese. And they have really big soft wings....also, I can't find Hannah's binky. Can we have a drink of water when we get home?
----------
Abby: Mom, I was just being encouraging to Hannah!
Me: Oh yeah?
Abby: Yeah! I told her that she's a REALLY good pooper!
----------
Elizabeth and Abby are playing "Bible House":
Abby: Hi. I'd like to order a Bible. A special one called the "Thank You Jesus Study Bible".
Elizabeth: Ok. Would you like a Bible for your cat?
Abby: Oh yeah. Good idea. She'd like a "Thank You Jesus Study Bible" too. It's my favorite one!
----------
Abby: The bread that Jesus ate, you know...with his disciples at His supper? I'm pretty sure it was a bagel. But without the hole in the middle. Bagels are kind of like bread, mom. Did you know that?
----------
Abby: Can we watch the Jesus movie with the dragon in it?
Me: ...dragon?
Abby: Yeah. It's got singing, and Jesus, and dragons. And rocks. And marshmallows. And kids.
Me: ...
----------
[overheard during playtime with princess dolls]
Elizabeth: Ahhh! Help us! The youth pastor is stuck in the baptismal!
Abby: Oh, no! ...but wait! We don't have a youth pastor! Or a baptismal!
**maniacal laughter**
----------
Elizabeth: Abby, we have to pick up all these popcorn pieces and put them in the bag.
Abby (highly distressed): Elizaaaaabetthhh NOOOOO! If...if you throw away the popcorn seeds, how are we going to grow more popcorn?!
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Elizabeth: We play pretend when we don't have the real thing to play with - like fireworks, for instance. We usually have pretend fireworks.
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Abby: Mom, I told Elizabeth I want to play by myself. I like playing by myself. But...I don't like to be left alone when I'm playing by myself! Elizabeth keeps leaving me alone - that is not a kind thing to do!
----------
Abby: Hell is not really a fun place. Or a very special place...but Dunkin' Donuts, now THAT is a fun and special place...
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Elizabeth: Mom, I'm having a hard time remembering how old I was when I was little.
----------
Elizabeth (getting her own breakfast this morning): Don't worry, Mom! This cereal I'm pouring has PLENTY of added sugar in it for me!
----------
Tonight...at dinner:

Abby: Mom, I know how they make chicken nuggets...
Me (under my breath): Oh, Abby, you have no idea.
Abby: ...first they take the empty nuggets, open them up, and shove the smashed chicken inside and close 'em up! Then you cook them...and they are tasty!
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Will: Elizabeth, when you were born, you were a chocolate bunny.
Elizabeth: (giggling) No!
Abby: ...and when I was born, I didn't come with anything at all - except I was born with some baby toys!
----------
Abby: you can smash a turkey, and then eat the turkey that comes out. turkey comes from turkeys.
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Abby: Let's go make a giant pile of sticks on the lawn!
Me: ...sounds like a plan, Abs...
Abby: ...so we can light a FIRE on the grass!!!
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Abby: I know how they make gummy worms, Dad! They take the real worms, scoop out the insides, fill them with gummy stuff, and paint them lots of colors! And they're SOOOO tasty!
----------
Abby: I am a superhero. I am....

...COMPASSGIRL!!!
----------
Abby (running into the kitchen): Mom, there's a big, scary, terrible monster in the living room!
Me: Does it have a name?
Abby: Daddy!
----------
Elizabeth: You should just start dressing Hannah in brown all the time. That way, the leaky poops would all be camouflaged and you wouldn't have to change her clothes so much...
----------
Abby: "You know, we should go back to that hotel we stayed at one time - the one with the pool? ...I bet they'd reeeeeally like to see us again today."
----------
Me: Hannah, let's go do some dishes!
"Hannah" [Abby speaking in a high-pitched 'baby' voice from behind Hannah]: But, Mom! I can't do the dishes because I'm just a little baby!
----------
Abby: If a stranger tries to do something bad to you, it's okay to yell loud. If a stranger tries to whack you on the head, it's okay to yell at them. If you're ever in a cave, and a stranger walks in, and then they try to do something bad, it's okay to yell at them. And if you ever see a troll, it is definitely okay to yell. Unless mom and dad are with you, then you shouldn't be yelling at the troll.
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Abby: Goliath...he's kind of like Satan. He's really mean. He likes to fight a lot. And he is disobedient to God. I don't think he was a very good guy. We...(shakes head)...we shouldn't be like Goliath. 
----------
Abby (climbing up into my lap): I missed you so much when you were at the hospital and I was at Grammy & Grampy's house. ...but it's okay because now we're all back together again. *snuggles her head on my shoulder* I love you, Mom.
----------
As I'm straightening up the kitchen and making breakfast, Abby is reading to Hannah about Cinderella and her "fairly goodmother" 
----------
Elizabeth: was Miss Elysia praying for me?...and Miss Merri?...and Mr Dave & Miss Katie...? ...and...(this went on for a while)
Abby: I'm pretty sure you mean EVERYBODY was praying for you Elizabeth!!
----------
We are home ♥ Elizabeth is sleeping soundly, and she's able to eat finally! And Abby let us know that she & Grammy bought some "Smackey Whacks" cereal at the store - turns out, after much guessing, that she meant "Honey Smacks". Oh, my dear Abby, your comic relief is well received :D
----------
Abby: I love Hannah because she's my sister. But now I want a brother. We should have a brother soon.
----------
Abby just used the phrase "Binky McBinkelstein". :P
----------
Abby: Mom?
Me: Yes, Abs?
Abby: I don't have any cash to give you.
Me: That's okay.
Abby: ...but I do have poops in my diaper for you.
----------
we were going over "words that start with D" at supper tonight. on the list: dog. door. drinking. dry. drawing. daddy. duckling. droids.

...droids. someone's been teaching my daughters about star wars, and it's not me! 
----------
‎(overheard during playtime)
Abby: Quick, we have to clean up our bedroom!
Elizabeth: ...yeah, quick! Before Mom gets all disgruntled about it.
----------
Abby (making a loud announcement): I want to start being aministry!
Elizabeth: what does that mean?
Abby: It means...you're make sure you're wearing the right shoes when you leave the house!

I can't continue typing the conversation, because I'm laughing so hard I'm crying...although I just heard someone yell, "I don't want to be perpetual!"
----------
I went into the kitchen for a moment. I heard Hannah coughing:
Me: Is Hannah okay, girls?
Elizabeth: Yeah...
Abby: ...yeah Mom don't worry, she's just choking!
Elizabeth: She's okay! It's just choking on her own two hands!!!

*no Hannahs were actually choking in the making of this post, just trying to eat both hands at the same time. which, apparently, doesn't work.*


‎...and a few minutes later:
Elizabeth: MOM! I tried letting her chew on the hammer, but it's okay, she really doesn't want it!
Me: ?! ...hammer?
Abby: ...the red & blue hammer [AKA the plastic toy hammer]!!
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Elizabeth: I had a good day. ...I AM going to still be 5 tomorrow, right?
Me: Yep, you'll be 5 all year, till you turn 6.
Elizabeth: Yeah. And then I'll be as big as you! That's so cool.
----------
Me (after giving tubbies): Abby, you smell so clean!
Abby: Mom, you just smell!
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Abby: It's mine!
Elizabeth: It's mine!
Abby: It's MINE!!
Elizabeth: It's MIIIIIINE!
Abby: No, Elizabeth, it's MINE!
Elizabeth: It's OURS!
Abby: ...then you should probably be sharing it with me.
Elizabeth: *stares, speechless. gives Abby toy. walks away.*
----------
Conversation in the bathtub this afternoon:

Abby: It's mine!
Elizabeth: It's mine!
Abby: ...it's...ours.
Elizabeth: Yeah!
Abby: ...so you should be sharing with me.
Elizabeth: Mom...!
----------
When Abby sneezes, she says, "Oh, God bless me!"
When Abby burps, she has started saying "Oh...God excuse me!!" :P
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Abby, to Elizabeth (after E did something she wasn't supposed to do): Uh, Elizabeth, I think you've just been...CONSEQUENCED!!
----------
Elizabeth: (takes an animal cracker and snaps the legs off) Doctor! Helllllp! My animal needs an x-ray, quick!
Abby: (aka: the doctor) ...uh, I can tell this just by looking. His legs are broken.
----------
Elizabeth: let's have a really fancy dinner by smashing these rice krispies into bits!
Abby: no. that's just a fancy lunch...*adds a handful of craisins*...NOW it's a fancy dinner!
Elizabeth: yay! what's for fancy dessert?
Abby: regular rice krispies. and dog food!
----------
Abby (to Hannah): I'm glad you are my sister. Because that is just what I wanted when you were born!!
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Abby: Daddy, don't put the horse before the cart! That's what you told us!

...pretty sure he didn't put it quite that way. since that way makes sense.
----------
Abby: When you kill a chicken, you get beans that you can eat. Because chickens eat beans for food.
----------
(overheard while playing with Abby)
Elizabeth: I don't make fun of people, I just have fun with people. Things are a lot nicer that way.
----------
Abby: You know mom, if we all wore kitty costumes into the jungle, the tigers would like us. ...(pouty face) but...if we didn't wear the kitty costumes, the tigers...they just wouldn't like us. And that's kind of sad.
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Abby: This juice you got is really yummy Mom; I just don't like the taste of it at all!
----------
Abby: Look, here's the prince (as she puts her disney-prince-action-figure into the splits, almost ripping his legs off)! He's balleting.
Me: (cringing at how uncomfortable 'balleting' looks) Balleting?
Abby: Yeah, balleting. ALL princes know just how to ballet. My prince knows how to ballet. He's somewhere.
----------
Elizabeth: Here Abby - I got you a present!
Abby: I see that you got me a camera - but, what I was really hoping for was a box with sticks of butter in it.
----------
Abby: Mom, I'm sure glad it's not called ham-booger. That'd be really gross spaghetti sauce! But it's really called hambuRger.
----------
While changing Hannah this morning, the older girls went into the kitchen and were quiet...too quiet. Upon entering the kitchen, I was told by Abby: "Surprise! We didn't get you a present we could wrap with paper, but we gave you the present of cleaning up the kitchen for you!" They had cleaned off the table and the counters, swept the floor and put away their toys!
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abby: here mom, i'll help you clean up dinner. (grabs a slice of green pepper and waves it around vigorously while shouting "clean, clean, clean, clean, clean!) there, now the house is allll clean!
----------
Elizabeth: If you can't share and you don't know how to love people, your life will be in the saddest place.
----------
Abby: Mom...if it looks like two V's, why is it called a double-U [W] ?
Me: ...I...don't know...
Abby: It's a double-V.
----------
Abby: Mom, your baby keeps crying. What's-her-name. What's her name again?
Me: Hannah?
Abby: Um, yeah. Hannah. She's crying again.
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Elizabeth: When you kill a pig and cut it open, pork chops fall out.
Abby: I don't really like pork chops.
Elizabeth: ...and ham.
Abby: Oooh, I like ham.
Elizabeth: ...and bacon.
Abby: I LOVE bacon!!
Elizabeth: ...AND sausage!!
Abby: Yay! Sausage!
----------
Abby: Don't forget, we need to pray before we eat!
Me: Yep. Do you know why it's important?
Abby: Yeah! 'Cause if we don't pray, then we can't eat!!
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Abby: Wow, that Pastor Brent, he really talks about Jesus a LOT! ...is that because he loves Jesus?!
----------
Abby, singing/playing with the little people navitity set:
"Oh wisemen, you are blessed three;
Oh wisemen, you come to visit me;
Oh wisemen, it's your destin-EEEEEEEEEEE!!
Mom, I made three big rhyming words!"
Me: *speechless*
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abby: mom, i was yankin' today!
mom [curiously]: yankin' on what?
abby: no, mom...yankin' is the new spanish word for nappin'.
Me: ...oh.
----------
Will: [as Hannah is trying to eat Elizabeth's hand]: Hannah! Sisters aren't for eating!
Abby: Yeah, Hannah...but Moms and Dads are.
----------
Abby: I'm ready with all I'll ever need, Mom! Princess shoes, a bracelet, and my laptop!
----------
‎...Elizabeth just asked for a big bowl full of Jumping Jacks cereal.

I hope Apple Jacks is good enough for her, because that's all we have! :D
----------
abby informed will this morning that "flurry" is the spanish word for "car". makes the weather forecast just a tad more interesting...
----------
Elizabeth [to Abby]: ...you might think it's a good idea to eat other people, but really it's not.
----------
Elizabeth: Mom, while I was sleeping I had a BIG booger in my nose, so I just [makes picking motion].
Me: ...and...what did you do with it after it came out?
Elizabeth: I don't know! It just disappeared! I couldn't find it anywhere...
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Me: Abby, I really like that dress you're wearing.
Abby: Well, gosh, I hope so! You picked it out and put me into it! You shouldn't have to say things like that!
----------
on Abby's grocery list today:
*spaghettios,
*waffles,
*yogurt, and
*camel food.

you know, for the camel. and upon inquiry, i learned that camels eat the spaghettios with dora on the can....
----------
Also: Abs asked me to sing the dumpster poem today. I asked her which one that was, because I've never sang a dumpster poem before, to which she responded:

"...you know, humpster dumpster sat on a wall..."

and I couldn't answer because I was laughing too hard!!
----------
Elizabeth just got done explaining to Abby why we don't drive to PA in the winter: We can't go to Pennsylvania when it's snowing because then Mom might crash the van, and we'd have to walk there...and it would take one hour to walk to Gram's. We'd be pretty tired! :)
----------
Abby: Mom, do you have another baby in your belly yet?
Me [caught slightly off-guard]: ...Nope!
Abby: Well, when you do, it will probably be a brother. Then another brother. How about a sister? Then I could have more sisters and brothers!
----------
The memory verse for the girls this week: God loves a cheerful giver. [2 Cor. 9:7]
Abby's attempt today at lunchtime: "God loves a cheerful sinner!"
----------
Elizabeth: Mom, my foot is all tingly and it hurts to move it.
Me: Maybe your foot is asleep - were you sitting on it for a long time?
Abby: [puzzled look on her face] Uh. Mom, if Elizabeth's foot is asleep, you need to come over and wake it up.
----------
Abby: Mom, I'm really glad your head doesn't fit into your cocoa mug.
----------
Abby: Mom, what animal eats lettuce?
Me: A bunny.
Abby: Nope. A giraffe. What animal eats grass?
Me: A cow.
Abby: Nope. A zebra. What animal drinks lemonade?
Me: I don't know. Which one?
Abby [chuckling]: Oh mom, I'm just joking! No animals really drink lemonade!!
----------
Me: Girls, it's time to get ready for bed! Brush your teeth, but don't take too long please!
Abby [with two thumbs up]: You got it, Momma!
♥
Also:
Elizabeth: if your body fell off...you wouldn't really have a body. you'd just be a head with a neck.
[true.]
----------
Will [attempting to tell a joke]: Knock knock!
Abby: Come on in!
----------
Me: Poor Hannah! I can hear you crying even though the doors to the van are all closed! (after getting all the groceries in the car)
Abby [from the back seat, barely audible]: Gosh, Mom, that's 'cause you have ears...*sigh in disbelief*
----------
Abby: Elizabeth, you're the crazy one here.
Me: ...are you crazy, Abby?
Abby: I'm not crazy. I'm no fun.
----------
Abby: ...I'm pretty sure it's lunch o'clock, Mom. I'm hungry right now!
----------
Abby: Wow, Elizabeth, thanks so much for not pushing me down the stairs this time! That's a really kind choice you made.
Elizabeth: You're very welcome!
----------
Abby decided yesterday that she wanted to wrap up some toys and give them to her friends from church.

The toys she picked were all Elizabeth's presents from Christmas.

Oh, my sweet Abby. So generous...with your sister's stuff.
----------
Me: Do you want an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie?
Abby: No. I don't like them.
Me: What about them don't you like?!
Abby: They have oatmeal.
Me: And you don't like oatmeal?
Abby: I only like those cookies on Fridays. ...What month is it?
Me: January.
Abby: Only on Fridays in September.
----------
Abby [throwing her arms around me]: You're my favorite mom, ever! I love you!
Me [savoring the sweet moment. until...]
Abby: ...and I really LOVE candy! [Runs over to Elizabeth, who is handing out Pez candies...]
----------
Abby: Mom, I'm making a shepherd's pie just like you!
Me: What's in your shepherd's pie?
Abby: Chocolate chips. ...and meatballs. Pepperoni. Bananas. ...and blueberries!

...maybe she's not *quite* ready to be in charge of making supper yet.
----------
Abby: Mom, do you know what God calls it when we're mean and unkind to each other? The Bible says it comes from our angryness. But we should choose to be kind and not rude.
----------
Elizabeth: [playing with their new dolls]...and then the Daddy will drive us to the...
Abby: No. No. Daddys don't drive cars. Mommys drive cars. Daddys have moustaches and beards and Mommys have eyelashes.
----------
Abby (looking out the window this morning): SNOW!!! YAY!!!!! ...now, Christmas can come!!
----------
Elizabeth: I'm going to be a mom when I grow up.
Abby: Yeah, and I'm going to be a dad.
Me: You can't be a dad, Abs, you're a girl...and
Abby (interrupting): ...well, if I can't be a dad, I'm just going to have to be a dentist.
----------
Abby: Hannah is small. She's smaller than me, Elizabeth, Daddy, you, and the Christmas tree...
----------
As Elizabeth & Abby were playing with the nativity set this afternoon, I overheard Elizabeth telling Abby that Mary should go rescue Joseph from Egypt before he got "emanstricated." I don't even know what that means, but I'm glad that Joseph was, indeed, rescued in time. ...where do kids come up with this stuff?!?
----------
overheard during playtime today:
Abby: YAY!! A customer came in the store! It's what I've always wanted for Christmas!!
----------
Abby (Wiseman #1): Let's go see the baby Jesus!
Elizabeth (Wiseman #2): Sure! But before we go, let's stop at Dunkin' Donuts.
Abby (WM1): OOOOH yeah! And we'll all get a chocolate milk and a donut! And munchkins for our trip! The camel likes donuts. Where are we, anyway?
Elizabeth (WM2): Egypt. AAAAH! Let's not go into Egypt...
Abby (WM1): Yeah. Our animals can't go to Egypt. Animals don't belong in Egypt!
----------
(playing with the nativity set)
Elizabeth [Mary]: Hello, Angel Gabriel! It's great that you're here! I really like your dress!
Abby [Angel Gabriel]: Uh, thanks. But it's not a dress. It's a robe.
----------
‎(playing with the nativity set)...
Elizabeth [Wiseman #1]: ...and what is this baby's name?
Abby [Mary]: Um, we named him Baby Jesus. What did you bring him as a present?
Elizabeth [Wiseman #2]: Frankincense!
Abby [Mary]: OOOH!! I just LOVE frankincense! Thanks wiseman! *breaks into 'joy to the world'* ...Oh, please don't step on Him. He doesn't really like to be smooshed!
----------
Elizabeth: I couldn't be a ballerina. I can't do ballet.
Me: Why?
Elizabeth: Because there's just no way that I could lift one leg up THAT high over my face and then stand on tippy-toes with the other leg. *shrugs in sadness*
----------
Abby: "It's not a juice moustache...it's...a JUICESTACHE!!"
----------
Abby: "Guess what I am. I'm an animal that woofs! Mom, guess."
Me: "A puppy."
Abby: "Yep! Good job, Mom! You did it!"
...game continues in like manner for about ten minutes...
Abby: "Guess what I am. I'm an animal that likes to get my face dirty. Mom, guess."
Me: "...?? A pig?"
Abby: "No, Mom. COWS! Cows have dirt all over their faces!"
----------
Elizabeth: "Mom, the stairs for the dollhouse broke again. But I'll leave them for Grampy to fix. That's a good idea, because Grampy can fix everything that breaks."
----------
Abby: "Who else was born in Bethlehem, Mom? Jesus, but who else?"
Me: "Let's see...King David was, and his brothers..."
Abby: "Yeah. I bet you'd probably have to walk even past the library to go to Bethlehem."
Me: "Yeah, probably. Like, over the ocean."
Elizabeth: "Oh man, that's way past the library!"
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Elizabeth made a marshmallow snowman at the library today. It was cute. Until she ate the bottom marshmallow...

...and when she was found out, she told us "oh! it was an accident..." :P
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Quote of the day goes to Elizabeth: "Mom, he was speaking so loud that I couldn't hear what he was really saying..."
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Elizabeth: blop blup. mof. flumflumflumflum! Abby - I just made a new kind of Spanish! Dora doesn't use this kind of Spanish, though.
Abby: Yeah. flumflummyflum! blipblep!!
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Me: Elizabeth is going to be 5 on her next birthday...
Abby: Yeah!!! Elizabeth!! You're going to be 5!
Me: ...and Abby, you'll be 4.
Abby: (downcast) but Mom, I already had my birthday. I was 3.
Elizabeth: Abby - you get ANOTHER birthday! Next year! First my birthday's in March, then it will be your birthday and you'll be 4!
Abby: (joy abounding): I DO?!?! Yayyyyyyy!
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Abby: I'm going to wear the pink boots to go grocery shopping, because they're HOT!
Me: ...what?!
Abby: Well, I wanted to wear my sandals, but they're cold. Boots are hot for my feet when it's cold out...sandals would be cold for my feet...what's so funny, mom?


There are more...many more. These are all the ones I have written down from December '10 to now. And there will be more. I hope Abby & Elizabeth brought a smile to your face. They bring me laughter every day!