Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Top Chef

Our apologies for not blogging very faithfully.  We've been rather busy, and while I don't expect that to let up anytime soon, I want to keep documenting our adventures as a family.  Lately Emily has been very happy to help me in the kitchen.  She loves cooking and baking, and an added benefit is that we've discovered she's much more likely to eat what we eat for dinner (as opposed to say, another peanut butter and jelly sandwich) if she has a hand in making it.  Sunday night we made a spinach, onion, and cheese quiche, and she quickly ate her piece with excitement at dinnertime.  She has also discovered the great tradition of licking the utensils after you're done, and here she is getting a head start on the banana bread dishes while I was putting some of the ingredients away.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Bathroom Etiquette

Today I'm at home with Emily and just witnessed what may be the first step towards reconciliation in a decades-long debate between the sexes.

Me: Emily, I'm going to the potty, please play with your toys.

Emily: What, why?

Me: because Daddy has to go potty

Emily: Oh, OK. Wait!

[Emily runs into the bathroom and puts the toilet seat up]

Emily: There, now you go potty, OK?

Me: Wow, thanks Emily!

Apparently all that potty training time in the bathroom has taught her more than just where the pee pee goes.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Elsa and Isaac Tie the Knot

This post is a little late, but we've been so busy since arriving back from PA almost two weeks ago!  On July 24th, we had the honor of watching as my little sister, Elsa, and her long-time boyfriend, Isaac, tied the knot.  This was Emily's second gig as flower girl, and she did a fantastic job.  The wedding coordinator at the church said she's one of the best behaved girls she's ever had.  Clearly she missed the tantrums that accompanied the obedient behavior, but overall, Emily did great! Thanks again to grandma Evonne for tagging along this weekend and watching Emily; it allowed the rest of us to really enjoy the weekend and cherish our family time together!

I also had the privilege of being the matron of honor, and making a toast at the reception.  Here's part of the toast I gave to the happy couple:

In many ways, Elsa and Isaac are pretty similar. For example, they both have a flair for the dramatic, which can lead to some entertaining arguments. In other ways, though, they are exactly what the other needs. Isaac, I've never seen anyone that can make Elsa laugh and smile like you can. And Elsa, Isaac's affection for you is obvious, even in those moments when he seems to be utterly exasperated by you. Isaac, as you already know, Elsa is sensitive, caring, faithful, and extremely generous with her time and her love. I know that she'll always be there for you, and that in return, you will honor, respect, and love her right back. Please raise your glasses with me to the happy couple!

Congratulations Elsa and Isaac!  We're so happy for you!





Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Emily Reads About Jesus

Tonight when I arrived home from work I walked into the middle of a book reading session, led by Emily. Emily was reading books that were (supposedly) about Jesus. After finishing the first book about Jesus (aka Elmo sticker book), she moved on to this Berenstain Bears book.

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/13897417]

In case you didn't catch that line near the end, Emily says "I have go potty about Jesus!". Although I couldn't stop laughing while listening to Emily read, I am nonetheless excited that she already seems to grasp the central message of the gospel: (A) Jesus loves you, and (B) we should announce this to everyone in a loud voice.