Say What?

So, everyone knows that kids will ask a multitude of questions. Some out of genuine curiosity, and some out of the desire just because they know how to say "why?"

Well, on this particular evening, we were sitting at the dinner table having a conversation when Elsie stops and asks, "daddy, what's faith?"

I looked over at Dana with a big smile thinking... what a great opportunity.... but NOW what do I say?? I said a really quick prayer for a bit of wisdom and started thinking about Ephesians 2:8 and how we have faith in God and His son Jesus.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God..."

My prayer was answered in the form of a napkin.

I grabbed the napkin, wadded it up in my hand and asked Elsie, "Elsie, do you believe that I have a napkin in my hand?"

"Yes!"

I explained to her that she had faith and trust in the fact that there was a napkin in my hand even though she couldn't see it. Faith is knowing and believing without seeing I explained to her.

I know it was an imperfect analogy and will probably have to be revisited several times, but I'm thankful that her curiosity is providing opportunities to teach her.

Mangia! Mangia!

We just got back from spending the Thanksgiving holiday over in Moses Lake with the family. It was a ton of fun and provided many moments to remember. Some of the highlights:

• We have finally graduated from the 'kids' table. I was wondering if I was going to hit 40 before doing so.... made it by that much.  I also realize that I might very well be dispatched to the kids table once again if more senior ranking family members attend next year, but for now, we have shed the proverbial water wings and are swimming with the big fishies (I know, a terrible analogy, but you get what you pay for).
• We also took part in the annual post Thanksgiving ravioli making extravaganza. It's one of Dana's family's long-standing tradition to make hundreds and hundreds of raviolis from her grandmother's recipe (99 years old and in attendance!). It's a very fun tradition and one we hope to get Elsie and Elias involved in as soon as they're able. It's also pretty fun to sit down with the family and share a home-made meal with a nice glass of Chianti.
  

Did I Miss Something?

Yesterday I got home and was hanging out with Elsie while Dana was out with Elias.... at one point something apparently happened (maybe a look? a tone in my voice??) and Elsie proceeded to bury her head, face down in her blanket on the floor beside me. When I asked her what was the matter she replied through teary eyes, "I'm sad." I asked her why, and the most she could get out was, "I don't KNOW!"

She then crawled into my lap and we cuddled on her request.

Yup - she's 100% girl, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on Earth.

— Mark Twain

Just Because

Cute random snapshots of little E, or "the boy" as I refer to him.

New Coat

Elsie is soooo blessed to have a talented Halmuni. The pictures speak for themselves.

Ob-La-Di

Elsie singing her favorite part of one of her favorite songs. Is that redundant?

Dedication verses for Elias

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

- Psalm 139: 13-16

Halloween 2009

We actually just got back into town from Hansville on halloween and didn't have any real plans. We were really thankful to get an invite to have dinner over at the Myers' place. The next day we carved Elsie's first pumpkin.

2009 - Halloween

Hansville 2009

We recently took a little time away as a family. It was actually one of the first times that we went somewhere for not other purpose than getting away and spending some time together. It was awesome.

2009-Hansville

Elsie-isms

I know there are always a bunch of things that are forgotten over time, which is really a shame considering the moments of joy and levity they provide. Among those are the funny and cute things that children say.... just ask Bill Cosby (obscure reference for some).
So without further ado, here are some of the most memorable Elsie-isms produced to date (I know I'm already forgetting a bunch of them).

• "Kay you?" - Elsie's version of, "are you ok?" This phrase was usually accompanied by a gentle touch if you seemed to be distressed. Empathy at its finest.
• "You're my honey." - Elsie would sometimes tell me this.
• "Mmmmm, not really." - Her response to the question, "do you like mama's haircut." This was cute because it was more a reflection of reading 'Sam I Am' than an actual dislike for Dana's new haircut.
• "SAM I AM!!!" - Not really sure what synapses in her little mind created this game. Sometimes when getting undressed, she will get her arms out of her shirt, and if the shirt gets stuck pulling it over her head so it looks more like a hat, she will exclaim this loudly with lots of laughs.
• "Ok, ok, just minute!" - I have NO idea where she gets this...
• "Oh, I see." - This is her response to when we give her an answer to a question she asks. It's just cute to hear a 3YO say it.
• "My teeth are wobbly!" - This one came out just last night after getting out of her bath and before getting dried off. Chattering teeth.
• "I'm NAKED!!!" - ..........