Amanda's Spring Dance

And Lily's first night away from home!

Lily Grace spent her first full night away from home last Saturday night. We went to Birmingham and didn't figure to get home till after midnight, so we made plans for her to spend the night with Memaw and Papaw. I won't say how many times we called Memaw, but suffice it to say that Memaw had to remind Connie that she'd raised a few kids in her day and was pretty sure she knew how to do it!

Most of the time our posts here are about Lily Grace. Of course, the reason for that is that she will be able one day to read these stories and relive some fond memories. But, through the grace of God, we have also been blessed with having two other special "daughters" in our lives, Amanda and Emily. Twin sisters with a passion for God that is indescribable. Amanda is finishing up her degree in Dance at Birmingham Southern, while Emily is studying to be a nurse at Calhoun and working at Huntsville Hospital. Both of them have a heart for worship that is simply inspiring and contagious. They are wonderful big sisters for Austin and Lily Grace. When we talk, often it is about how God is working in our lives.

So, this past Saturday night, Amanda was to have her last performance at Birmingham Southern. Not only that, but her parents and our dear friends came down from Illinois to watch. So, we loaded up everyone except Lily Grace and went to Birmingham to watch Amanda dance. Emily came, as did Amanda's boyfriend Will (along with many from his family). Lily's Aunt Tracie and her boys also came with us. We counted that Amanda had 28 people come to see her dance! And as usual, the performance was beautiful.

Now, speaking of how God is working in our lives, a few years ago, if you'd asked me to go to a ballet or dance performance, well let's just say the chances of that would be very slim. You would be more likely to find me at a baseball game or football game. I still do those with Austin, but we've been to see Amanda dance three times in the past year and we've really enjoyed it each time. The grace and beauty with which the dancers interpret the songs is awesome. It's like listening to a great song and seeing it unfold before you in 3D. There is this one girl in Amanda's class who is from Korea and is awesome. We once observed her dance solo an entire number on the tips of her toes! Elegant! Amanda has several parts usally, but not just dancing. As part of their education, they participate in costumes, choreographing, and all the other things that we don't think about or just take for granted. They work for weeks or even months to get everything just right. And it's really enjoyable to see when they finish their work.

But the coolest part of the evening to us was getting to see Emily and Amanda and their mother and father all at the same time. A family created by God and loved by Him! I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture of that! I'm sorry Maurice and Tammy, just wasn't thinking - it was late! But I did get this funny shot of Will as he waited patiently for Amanda to hug everyone else before getting to him. Poor Will!

Please keep Emily and Amanda in your prayers as they finish their education and begin the next phase of their lives. Amanda will finish in May. She has auditioned for several dance companies, but may decide to continue her education in graduate school. Emily still has another year to go. She's taking Lily Grace to "Play Hospital" tomorrow at Calhoun Community College. Maybe that'll be a good warmup for next week's doctor appointment with the dermitologist.

As for Lily Grace and how she did at Memaw's. Just fine. No problem. I'll have my bath now, Papaw. Please draw the water. Move over Papaw. Me and Memaw are sleeping in this bed! I'll have eggs and bacon for breakfast in the morning. She's not bossy, just a little outspoken!

Love,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, Lily Grace, Amanda, and Emily (and Poor Will)
Green, Party of Seven this Day