why I'm hopeful about the future

because of this girl

She has her own sense of style. (This was Wacky Wednesday at school, but when I asked her if anyone was dressed in ordinary clothes or if everyone was wacky, she said, "I think I was dressed in ordinary clothes. This outfit is pretty normal for me." And so it is.)

She sang her heart out several dozen times on her little sister's birthday. Who knew the Happy Birthday song could be so spunky?

But most of all, because of this:

Oh, my girl. I am humbled to be your mama.

because of this boy

He loves his dinosaurs. He has declared his intent to marry his friend Hannah when they grow up, purely based on her collection of dinosaurs.

But when Zoe fusses, I often find her like this:

Dinosaurs are his love language, so sharing them is the best way he knows how to express love to her.

Unfortunately, I think she might have fussed more because of her brother's dino friends (some of those spikes are sharp!), but this is what selflessness looks like for a three-year-old boy.

because of this girl

She didn't actually vote, despite what her sticker says (a wee bit too young...), but she's one of our country's newest citizens and she "helped" me fill out my ballot by attempting to grab the pen.

As I wonder what the future holds, I am heartened by these family pictures:

We never thought we'd adopt in 2012, we never thought we'd have a child born to another mother in Taiwan, we never expected another baby to join our family, and we are still learning more every day about cerebral palsy and what her future might be. God surprised us in wonderful ways, and we're glad He's in control.

We can't wait to see what other surprises He has in store.

Now to him who is able 

to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, 

according to the power at work within us, 

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, 

forever and ever. 

Amen.

{Ephesians 3:20-21}