Christmas Time

Wow. It's been over two weeks since we've posted anything on here. So much to report! Elsie got a job, Elias is driving, and Abbey the cat has turned over a new leaf and is a cuddly-cat.

These are all lies, some further from the truth than others.

It was a really good (and quiet) Christmas. We spent the day at home and just lounged around and relaxed throughout the morning. Halmuni Candy came over a little later and we all watched the Nutcracker on DVD and then shared a nice dinner. It was one of the more low-key and mellow times we've had in a while, but it was really nice.

Getting ready for......

First exposure to sticky buns... not of the diaper variety.

Elias doing his favorite thing.... besides eating and pooping of course.

He really is that happy.

Checking out her new kitchen.

Obviously about to say something really important.

Matching aprons - made by Halmuni.

You can't help but smile along.

Can YOU do it? I can do it!

For very obvious reasons, this post will not be accompanied by pictures.

Disclaimer: The recounting of the following events may contain toilet humor and real life situations. Nothing gross, but the entirety of this story takes place in the bathroom.

We (a term to be used liberally - mainly Dana with my occasional participation) have been potty training Elsie recently. It has largely been successful, but one particular day was particularly funny and inspiring to us, but most importantly, we considered it of the utmost importance to chronicle potentially embarrassing moments for our later use with Elsie.

On this particular afternoon, Elsie was playing with her Elmo doll when she told Dana that Elmo needed to go potty, so off she went with Elmo in tow into the bathroom. After a bit of rustling and a toilet flush, Dana went in to check on how things were going.

"Ok." said Elsie.

"You know," explains Dana, "as long as you're in there with Elmo, you can also use the potty if you need to since you're wearing your pull-ups."

"Oh, ok."

After a few minutes, we peeked in and Elsie was sitting on her potty with her pants and diapers at her ankles - 'reading' a book.

Fast forward 3 minutes.

FLUSH

"Daddy, can you please come in here?" Elsie asks.

When I get to the bathroom she is in the process of pulling out her step-stool to get up and wash her hands. Needless to say, we were THRILLED that she went to the bathroom on her own.

She then explained to me that she needs me to grab the towel off the rack so she could dry her hands after cleaning up. Once I gave it to her, it was pretty apparent that my usefulness was exhausted as she dismissed me with a, "um, excuse me daddy, but I need some privacy."

It's a pretty thankless job I tell ya.

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.