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?