Secret-Keeper

Today's mail brought with it some of the Christmas presents my husband had ordered for me. Its important to us that the kids participate in the planning and buying and wrapping for others, so the holiday is not just about them getting gifts, so he called Elizabeth into our bedroom to look at the presents...I believe, one of which is "from her".

So as they were coming out of the bedroom, I heard my husband tell her, "Remember Elizabeth, this is a secret. Don't tell Mommy." To which Elizabeth replied, "I won't Daddy...are they all books?"

And then she came out and whispered to me, "Mommy, don't tell anyone your secret!"

Preachers' Kid

So you know its bad when your three year old is sitting at the dining room table with her dinner in front of her, waiting for the rest of the family to join her, saying over and over again to herself "thanks be to God...thanks be to God."

She apparently has a certain affinity for this phrase lately because I've overheard her saying it several times today. I asked her once "do you need help getting down from the stool", to which she replied "yes". Then I helped her and she said, "*sigh*, thanks be to God."

Not really sure what this is about, but I find it pretty funny. I suppose there are worse things she could learn from us and our vocation.

Great Expectations

Elizabeth has recently learned how to button and unbutton her clothes by herself. Last week, we were in a Mexican restaurant, and she needed to use the restroom so I took her. I stood and watched in amazement as she fiddled with the button on her shorts until it finally released, did her thing on the potty, carefully got herself dressed again and all buttoned up, and washed and dried her hands. All by herself. The only thing she needed me for was to open the heavy door.

Feeling kind of nostalgic, I looked her in the eye and asked, "Elizabeth, why are you growing up so quickly?" To which she replied - in a sort of pastoral care tone of voice - "Mom, I have to grow up so I can be a fire fighter."

Ah, yes, my child. As much as my heart sometimes aches when I'm forced to acknowledge the constant passage of time, you do have to grow up. I suspect that your vocational aspirations will change a hundred times over your lifetime, but regardless of where they settle, you do have great things to be for yourself and for the world. And that necessarily requires you becoming increasingly independent. Increasingly independent from me. I marvel at how, just three short years ago, you and I were one. You needed me for everything. How things have already changed so much.

I was retelling this story yesterday at a pastor's retreat, and one gentleman reminded me that Elizabeth's response was probably very similar to what Jesus' would have been, had Mary asked him the same question. "But Mom, I have to grow up so I can do the important work of God."

Regardless of what's to come, she already doing the work of God. Every day. In bits of wisdom like this, and in so many other ways, she is bringing about the realm of God in this world. And, I, like Mary, ponder these things in my heart.

Elizabeth's Travels

Here are a few of the highlights from her trip across the country without her mama. I'm still trying to decide if I was crazy in letting her do such a thing at 3 years of age, or if it means I just have that much confidence in her as a strong, independent young woman... She did great, but I'm starting to miss her so much it almost hurts! Can't wait till she's back safe and sound in our home tomorrow.


She made "play-doh" out of the chocolate icing on her piece of my uncle's 50th birthday cake.

She and Pa hiding in a pool toy together.

Playing with my cousin's guitar.

The highlight of the whole trip..."Mama...I got to drive the plane! But for pretend, not for real..." Brought to you by the nice folks at Southwest Airlines. (And you'll notice he's wearing an Aggie ring...nice Aggies.)

Dance Class

I can't believe that she's really old enough to do this, but Elizabeth starts a dance and gymnastics class on Thursday. Its an all-in-one kind of survey course, where they spend the first half hour doing 10-15 minutes each of tap, ballet, and creative movement, and then they spend the last half hour doing gymnastics.

Mostly, my hope for her is that she learns to have control over her body, starts to appreciate music and fine arts, and learns that moving your body and being physically active is a fun thing.

Here she is, modeling her new leotard (with sparkles!) and tights, and her ballet shoes...



...and with her tap shoes. ("Mom! I can make a lot - A LOT! - of noise in these shoes!!")
Let the fun begin.

Scary Monster!

Oh no! What's the scary, scary green monster hiding under Elizabeth's bed???


Peek-a-boo! It's Charlotte!!!

And here's the monster and her partner in crime just happily lovin' on each other before their school day....

Sleeping Beauties

"The Princess Ship"

Elizabeth is just starting to get good at holding and controlling writing instruments. She has learned how to write her name, and she's just started to develop the patience to sit long enough to color an entire picture. Here's her first complete picture, yesterday's masterpiece. She says its called "The Princess Ship." Now, one day, you can say you knew her in her early days when her medium of choice was crayon on typing paper.

Updated to add: The title of this piece is somewhat in dispute, as she refered to it yesterday as "The Fairy Boat."

Happy 4th of July Weekend! (A Little Late)

Our July 4th weekend was packed! The girls had the annual "4th of July Parade and Picnic" at their school, I had a final that day in my summer class, we had relatives in from out of town for Elizabeth's 3rd birthday party, regular Sunday service at my church...and, on top of all of that, the matriarch of my church died on Wednesday, so I had a funeral to conduct Friday and Saturday (2 hours away from our home, might I add). But with the help of lots of wonderful family, we pulled it all off and a great time was had by all! Happy 4th, y'all!

I Couldn't Hide It If I Tried...

...we're a nursing family.

Oh, And By The Way...

...Here is a picture of Elizabeth at 4 weeks of age, wearing the same outfit Charlotte is wearing today!

Of Pure Love and Innocence

Elizabeth and I were snuggling for a moment after school today, enjoying a few precious hugs and kisses. Here's a peak at our conversation:

Me: I love you, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth: I love you too, Mommy. Ummm....Mommy?
Me: Yes?
Elizabeth: Mommy, you're the best Mommy.

Where do they learn this stuff? In a few years, I'm sure I will swear that this type of behavior is reserved for moments when she's trying to be manipulative. But, today? It was totally genuine. So sweet.

Field Day

Elizabeth's preschool had their annual "Field Day" today, where they get to go enjoy a bunch of fun activities in the university basketball practice court. It is the culmination of their "sports and activities" unit. They had basketball (of course), bean bag throws, egg-and-spoon races, sack races, bowling, and even sports-themed washable tattoos (I think that might have been Elizabeth's favorite part). A great time was had by all.

Mixing Her Metaphors...Or Something Like That

Elizabeth can sometimes be very roudy. She's...shall we say...an active little girl. I might even venture to say that she might be somewhat of a tomboy as she gets older.

Anyway, my husband and I tell her often to be careful, or else she might bust her head.

Apparently her teacher at school tells the kids to be careful, or they might crack their heads.

The other day, we told her to be careful, and she said, "Why? Or else I might bust my crack?"

Yeah, Elizabeth. Something like that.