A Video For My Sister

I almost always start my school morning with this song; probably in part because I'm a creature of habit, but mostly because I just love this song. Cello + Vivaldi + duet = precision, harmony, and beauty. So, I post this song in honor of  my sister "Jaynie" who plays and loves the cello, and who just left yesterday to spend 4 months overseas. I miss you, Jaynie, and I look forward some violin/cello jamming sessions when you get back! :)

Sometimes it's fun...

McDonald's happy meals are a rare treat when you have eleven siblings: 

So sometimes it's fun to do some easy "little sister spoiling"

My beautiful eleven and seven year old sisters enjoying their Happy Meals

Diagnosis: Bullion

The Drama Queen 

"Princess Bink" , my nine-year-old sister (who could also have been nicknamed Drama Queen), came to me recently with deep concern written across her face.

"I think I have Bullion in my elbow," she said, gripping that appendage. "Will I die?"

 Gulping down a laugh and trying to speak soothingly, I choked out, "Honey, I don't think bullion will kill you. Bullion are those little cubes we use to make broth."

Mixed confusion and relief flashed across her face. As she skipped off, eleven-year-old "Natasha" giggled, "She meant to say polio..." Where she heard about polio, and how she decided she had it, I'm not sure. She keeps me on my toes, though--she's a little replica of her oldest sister Tessa!

~Lissie

Sneak Preview....

Lauren Laplante Photography

Lauren Laplante Photography

Lauren Laplante Photography

Lauren Laplante Photography

Yes that's right, we got the official photos from Tessa's and Aaron's wedding. They turned out amazing! I know my mom will post many, many more pictures on our family blog, but I thought I'd put some up as a teaser. My eyes fill with tears every time I think of God's goodness and grace toward us in guiding Aaron and Tessa's relationship, the beauty of the wedding, the fellowship of good friends, and the memories Tessa and I have together.

5 Great Things About Younger Siblings

I am now eleven weeks into having eleven siblings (for more info on our family's adoption, read our blog). I'm so blessed! Here's a list of 5 wonderful things about my younger siblings: there's more, but I'll start with 5. Maybe some of them will sound like your siblings, or maybe there's other ways your younger siblings are a blessing in your life. Feel free to comment and mention them!

1. They make me laugh: often, long and well. Everything from their innocent mispronunciations, to their daily-exhibited creativity, to their acting flair and strong sense of humor keeps life interesting and fun.

2.  They're great for "practicing tenderness": what in the world do I mean by that? I borrow the idea from Eric and Leslie Ludy: all too often I treat my siblings like junk, yet expect to be loving and tender toward my future spouse and kids. But chances are I'm not going to change character the day I get married, so the way I treat those nearest to me now will be true later as well. And I will have the added plus (well, actually it's the most important reason) that Christ tells me that the second commandment is "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22: 36-40).

3. They keep me humble as they already surpass me in many areas: whether it be art, sports, or even just strategy games, their talent frequently beats mine soundly. They amaze me!

4. They will always be there for me. Our relationship is not perfect. We have our differences. But no matter how many times I have hurt them, they have forgiven me. And when I grow up and move away, they will not forget me. And when I go through hard times, they will care about me. I intend to do the same for them.

5. They are resilient and joyful! Despite struggles and troubles in their early life before adoption, my 9 younger siblings are resourceful, strong, and happy. Laughter and smiles are abundant in our house. I'm grateful that God has healed them physically, emotionally, and physically.

~Lissie