Liam Started Preschool!

It is so hard to believe that Liam is old enough to be in 3 year old Preschool.  He was so eager to go to school and meet new friends.  He was especially excited to learn new songs.  When I went in to wake him up, he was already sitting up in bed, which was a sign of his excitement.  He usually likes to sleep in.  We took the customary pictures and headed off to school.  Liam got to hang out in my classroom for a while and eat breakfast.  When it was time to head down to his room, Liam was excited to check everything out, but wanted me to stay with him.  He seemed a little nervous.  Once he found Legos, he was distracted enough for me to sneak out.  I checked on him a while later and he was doing well sitting on the carpet for story-time.  I checked on him a second time during snack time.  I had a Mommy moment when I saw this 'big boy' sitting at the table.  When did he grow from a baby to a boy?
Liam shared many stories from the day with us.  We had gone back and forth about sending Liam to Preschool, but I think for Liam, it was a good choice.

Liam wanted a green bag.  Grandma Kusch made this one for him.

Liam's teacher is Mrs. Gullidge

What My Children Have Taught Me About Faith

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

My children are examples of the grace of God.  Their lives have taught me and continue to teach me so much about faith.  Here are just some of the lessons they have taught me -

Christopher & Connor have taught me that God is sovereign and merciful.  I will never fully understand why my twins were not on this earth for very long.  However, I fully trust that God's plans are perfect.  In His mercy he allowed my sons to go straight from the arms of their parents into the arms of their Savior.  He gave them life and then granted them eternal life.  God also carried me through the valley of the shadow of death and granted me peace.  Only God is capable of mending a broken heart like mine.  Their short lives are a testament to what grace is all about.  We don't deserve His mercy, but He gives it to us because of Jesus.  One of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes says -

“God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn’t."

Losing the twins left me knocking on the door of Heaven asking for answers.  God's answer was simple - “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10.  Faith is the assurance that despite our trials on earth, our eternal life is secure because of Christ!

Liam has taught me that God is unconditional love.  The moment Liam was placed in my arms, I would have died for him.  If that is how I feel about Liam, imagine how much more God feels for us.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

I just love that God lavishes His love on us.  He loves us despite our disobedience and stubbornness.  He loves us to the cross and back.  Faith is knowing that God loves us beyond our comprehension! 

Lilly has taught me what it is to trust God.  I am still in awe that this little girl, who just met me three months ago, trusts me with her life.  She had only known me a couple hours when she longed for my affection and trusted me to take care of all her needs.  I am still amazed that she so fully trusts me with her well-being.  It would be so easy for her to hold back and be skeptical.  Sometimes I feel like Lilly just offers me her little heart and says, "Here Mom, this is just for you."  She knows without any prior proof that I am the one to care for her, that I will meet her needs, and that her heart is safe with me.  I am humbled by her trust in me.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

  Faith is trusting God with all the details of life!

August Update

Well, to say life is busy is an understatement.  Having two children so close in age is a wonderful adventure, but it does make taking time to blog (or even shower for that matter) a bit of a challenge.  Would I change it?  Not for the world. Life is so full of rich, precious moments right now.  I just want to soak it all in.  So, here's a little bit of what we've been up to...

Lilly
Our little lady has found her independence and courage.  She came to us so weak and behind developmentally.  However, she is a determined little thing and sets to prove to us and herself that she can do anything her older brother does.  When we came home from China her assessment showed that she was developmentally where an 11 month old would be.  She was recently assessed again and she is now in the 15-18 month range (for physical development).  We are so proud of her progress.  She can run now, climb on things, she tries to jump, and loves to dance.  She loves to sing, but doesn't sing any recognizable tunes or words.  She makes her own little joyful noise.  She makes us laugh A LOT.  She can be so goofy sometimes.  She seems so happy!  When we lay her down at nap-time or bed-time she looks up at us with this big grin.  She understands us well and follows instructions.  She has been doing well with her therapists.  She is still enrolled in speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.  We're hoping to increase communication with her.  She gets so frustrated that she can't speak.  She can say Mama, but no other recognizable words.  So, we are working on sign language and picture boards.  We're hoping her surgery in September will help.
What's coming up for Lilly - Her second birthday is September 5th.  Her first surgery for her cleft palate is scheduled for September 12th.

Lilly knows how to work the camera on my phone - silly girl.

What a diva!  She shops in style.

Snuggling with Mommy is on the top of her list of favorite things to do.

Her hair is getting longer!

She loves dressing up for church.

goofy girl

Liam uses this container as an astronaut helmet, so naturally Lilly thinks she should wear it too.

Lilly loves water, which is a big deal!

Lilly loves to help clean.

Liam

Liam loves to build and make things.  He spends time making and perfecting things with legos, blocks, or playdough.  As always, he has an active imagination.  He turns ordinary things into adventures.  He is very affectionate.  He loves to give hugs and kisses to Mom and Lilly.  He also holds open doors for us and holds Lilly's hand.  He is a great big brother.  Liam loves books and could sit and listen to stories all day.  He is becoming so independent.  He is always trying to increase his vocabulary, which can be funny when he doesn't quite know what a word means.  If things don't go well, he says it's 'tragic'.  He also calls all Mom's baking beautiful.  Liam is a bit dramatic sometimes too.  You never have to guess how he's feeling. 

What's coming up for Liam - Liam starts 3 year old preschool in two weeks!  It's hard to believe he's old enough.  He will go to Ascension (the school Mom teaches at) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Liam is a big helper!

Liam loves to bake and helps Mom whenever she makes goodies.

The only time Liam is quiet and still is when he is asleep.

One of Liam's creations - Wall-E

Liam had his first eye doctor appointment.  He did a great job and has excellent vision.

What a big helper!  Liam loves to push the little cart at the grocery store.

Liam went to the movie theater for the first time and saw Planes.

after movie snack

Liam picks flowers for his Mom and sister.

Lilly wanted to stop and rest on our walk, so Liam sat with her and kept her company.  He kept saying, "You can do it Lilly!"

We're just trying to keep up with these two amazing children, thanking God for all our blessings, and trusting that He will provide all that we need.

New URL

We will have a new URL soon.  Please visit our blog at...
www.davetiffanyliamlillyherman.blogspot.com

Goodbye Grandpa

Today, my Grandpa, Raymond Letsch, went to be with Jesus.  He was a strong man of faith. He loved people and sharing his stories and the love of Jesus with everyone he met.  He was a great Grandfather.  I never doubted his pride in me or love for me.  Although his last several years were hard, Grandma was by his side until the end.  I have missed Grandpa since his alzheimer's became such an evident part of his life.  I rejoice that he is with his Savior, that his mind is clear, and his body is healed.  

Summer 2012

Thanksgiving 2007

Christmas 2008

Grandpa's 80th Birthday Party, 2010

November, 2008

Lillian Rae's Baptism

Sunday, July 21st was a very important day for Lilly - the most important day of her life so far.  On Sunday she was baptized and became a child of God.  Her sins were forgiven (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16), she was rescued from death and the devil (Romans 6:3, Galatians 3:27), and received the gift of eternal salvation (Mark 16:16, Titus 3:5) through Christ's death on the cross.  Through the water and the Word spoken, Lilly received the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit will create faith in her heart and strengthen that faith as she grows and learns more about God.  Our job as her parents and Godparents are to encourage that faith by bringing her to church, reading the bible at home, and answering her questions.  We are so thankful that Lilly's faith journey has begun.  It was such a special day.  One of the highlights for us was a surprise solo sung by my step-father, David.  The words to the song were from Jeremiah 29:11 - our wedding verse and theme for our family.

The VBS kids started the service by singing.  Liam just stood up front and took it all in.  I'm not sure of he was nervous, or just trying so hard to be good.  We gave him a big talk before church about behaving during Lilly's baptism.  He knew all the words and motions - he had been doing them all week.

Liam stood on a step stool next to the baptismal font and watched the baptism.  He did an amazing job!  We were so proud of him.  I remember doing the same thing when Remington and I were baptized.  I was three at the time too.  I wonder if Liam will remember Lilly's baptism.

Grandma & Grandpa Herman

Grandma & Grandpa Kusch

Grandpa & Nana Hart

Lilly's Godparents - Rick & AnnaMaria Hart

Our beautiful blessings!

our childrens' true personalities - Liam is full of energy and Lilly is our little lady

As I watched Lilly walk down the aisle I thought about walking down that same aisle when I married Dave.  God willing, Lilly will walk down this same aisle for her wedding day.

Our beautiful China doll

We bought her this dress in China.  It was hard to find a dress that was all white, but we think the Water Lilies are appropriate.

Lilly and Verona (Rick & Anna's daughter) having fun in the garden

They are six months apart in age.  I'm sure they will be great friends!

We bought Verona a dress in China too.

Liam had a great time at the party, but was disappointed there wasn't a Buzz Lightyear cake, like he requested.

This Water Lily bloomed at Denny & Carol's house the day of the party - perfect!

God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It

Stanza 1

God’s own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ!

He, because I could not pay it, gave my full redemption price.

Do I need earth’s treasures many?  I have one worth more than any

That brought me salvation free, Lasting to eternity!

Stanza 2

Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ!

I have comfort even stronger: Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.

Should a guilty conscience seize me, since my baptism did release me

In a dear forgiving flood, sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?

Stanza 3

Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ!

Drop your ugly accusation; I am not so soon enticed.

Now that to the font I’ve traveled, all your might has come unraveled,

And, against your tyranny, God, my Lord, unites with me!

Stanza 4

Death, you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ!

When I die, I leave all sadness to inherit paradise!

Though I lie in dust and ashes faith’s assurance brightly flashes:

Baptism has the strength divine to make life immortal mine.

Stanza 5

There is nothing worth comparing to this lifelong comfort sure!

Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I’ll sleep secure.

Though my flesh awaits its raising, still my soul continues praising:

I am baptized into Christ; I’m a child of paradise!

The Lord will Provide

I have never wanted this blog to be a place where I whine or complain.  I have however, wanted to be honest and real with this blog.  I genuinely want to show what life is like for us.  I was reminded recently that it is important for me to share our struggles as well as our joys.  We are after all human and have similar struggles as those around us.  If it will help others, it is valuable to share our experiences.  I think it's healing to share how God is shaping and molding us.  Had I started this blog sooner (in the years after we lost the twins, before getting Liam) it would be evident to see how much God has changed our hearts and souls.  I think I tend to post more of the happy moments and less of the challenges, because I don't want to dwell on the negative things going on in our lives.  We've been through the worst possible situation already, so we tend not to sweat the small stuff anymore.  This post is meant to share one of the real hurdles for us, not as a means to vent, but as a way to share the power of God's provision.

Finances have always been a struggle with us.  We are both very frugal people and have really tried to be good stewards of what God has given us.  We try to make the best financial decisions possible.  We don't like to have debt other than our house and one vehicle at a time.  I guess you could say we live simply.  We don't eat out, or buy impulsively.  We discuss purchases together before making them.  However, even our best financial planning wasn't enough for the financial curve balls we've been thrown.
When we first started trying to have a family, we learned that fertility treatments were necessary if we wanted biological children.  We wanted to exhaust all options before we moved forward in another direction.  Unfortunately, health insurance does not cover fertility treatments and we had many.  Medication for fertility is also pricy.  Next, we had adoption costs.  Adoption is expensive - no other way to say it.  We have been through cycles of saving, depleting our savings, trying to save again, and on and on.  We have become experts on grant writing and fundraising.  We've had to ask for financial assistance, which is both humbling and helpful.  The other night we sat down and tried to figure out just how much we've spent in the journey to have a family.  I think we've spent over $100,000.   In spite of spending that amount of money we have had a roof over our head and food in our stomachs.  We have never lacked anything we NEEDED.  Yes, we've wondered where grocery money is coming from sometimes, or wondered how we would pay some bills.  But, each and every month God provides.  We have really had to learn how to trust God fully.  Trust is not always easy, but each and every time we have needed God's provision, He has shown us He will take care of us.  There are many examples in the old and new testaments of times God provided for His people.  Elijah (1 Kings 17) had an unending supply of flour and oil.  Jesus fed 5,000 (Matthew 14).  Jesus tells us not to worry about earthly things, because He will provide (Matthew 6).  One of the bible passages that sticks out to me is in Job 38.  Job questioned God and God responded to him by explaining that HE is God, not Job.  We as humans can't fully understand all the ways of God.  The same God who formed the universe is still in control now.  If our powerful God can do all those things, He is also able to take care of our daily needs.  In the bible the name Yahweh-jireh means "Yahweh will provide" or "I AM will provide."  That's it - that's all we need.  After the twins died I remember feeling like everything was stripped away from me (all my desires and dreams), but I still had HOPE.  My hope was not in having a family.  My hope was that in the midst of my sadness I had Christ.  I had hope in an eternity with my Savior, who pulled me out of the shadow of death.  I had hope that even if life were a living hell, I had the promise of heaven someday.  I had my Redeemer who made me for a reason and would provide me with the strength I needed.  Once I was given the opportunity to be a mom, I knew that my goal was to share that hope with my children.  No matter what hell on earth they have experienced or will experience, they have a Savior who loves them to the cross and back.  So, honestly, what is $100,000 in the big scheme of things?  It's just money.  There is no value on earth we can place on having children, but more importantly on being God's children.  Christ paid that debt in full.  We are debt free!
We have been on our knees a lot lately asking for God's provision for earthly things, which we know God encourages us to do (1 Peter 5:7).  He wants us to lay our worries and fears at His feet.  Each time we pray to Him to provide for us He reminds us -

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.