Deep Thoughts by Sophia & Asher

I love how literal kids are. I love how curious and genuine they are!  It makes for good comedy, but also some very endearing moments.  Sometimes theses comedic and tender moments are bundled into the same, sweet, little package.  With that said, here are a couple of snippets from the last week that I had to take the time to write down.  I always think I won't ever forget something precious or funny that my kids say, but I almost always do, so this is my attempt to avoid that.  Read.  Laugh.  Enjoy.

The other evening Asher wanted to drink some chocolate milk while wearing his Taekwondo uniform.  I told him he could drink the milk, but had to change clothes first.  Being the obedient child he is, he completely ignored my directions and did exactly what he wanted to while I went to feed Eva.  Of course, he spilled the milk all over his uniform.  In an effort to hide or clean up his mess, he proceeded to unravel an entire roll of paper towel.  He was in the middle of "Operation Clean Up" when I returned to the kitchen.  I took one look at him and explained that was exactly why I wanted him to change clothes before drinking the chocolate milk.  I then informed him that he better to pray to God that it comes out of his uniform because I don't want to have to buy a new one.  He looked up at me with his big, brown eyes and said, "Yes mom.  I understand.  I'm sorry."  Some minutes later it was time to head upstairs for baths and then bedtime.  As I turned to call Asher to come upstairs with me, I saw him on his knees under the breakfast counter in the kitchen, talking softly to himself.  I said, "Asher? What are you doing?"  He replied, "I'm praying to God this milk comes out of my uniform just like you told me to."

Sophia.  What can I say about Sophia?!  She is very social, always wanting to make friends, and seemingly intimidated by no one and nothing.  When I picked her up from school the other day she told me a story that just about melted me.  I asked about her day while we waited to pick Asher up.  She told me that while she was out for recess she saw a little girl sitting all alone.  She said, "Mommy, I walked over to her, put my arm around her and said, 'Hey!  Why the sad face?'  She told me she felt lonely.  But, Mommy, I told her that she wasn't alone.  I was with her and would be her new friend.  And, you know what else?  I told her God is always with her so she never has to feel lonely.  I told her, 'God is wild about you!'" (This was the theme from their vacation Bible school.)  Soph then said that the little girl told her that she knew God loved her and she went to VBS too.  They spent the rest of recess walking around the soccer field, singing their VBS songs.

Zach had recently returned from a trip to Connecticut and Massachusetts where he had learned a lot about the Revolutionary War.  He shared much of what he had learned with the kids when he gave Asher some miniature Minute Men as a souvenir from his trip.  They had many questions about who they were and what they did.  They listened to every word of it even though it didn't seem like it at the time.  Then, yesterday, when I asked Asher what they did at school, he said that they had talked about Veterans Day.  I asked him if he knew any veterans.  He said, "I think so, Daddy and Great Papa?"  I told him he was right.  Then he asked what kind of planes Great Papa flew.  I explained that Papa wasn't a pilot like Daddy; he was in the infantry in the Army.  Asher then said, "What's infantry?"  I said, "Well, he walked and carried a gun" as I wished Zach was there to provide a better answer.  Then Asher lit up, making a connection in his bright little mind, and said, "Oh!  So Papa was a Minute Man?!"

I am reminded of their tenderness in times when I may be too firm or sarcastic with them.  I am encouraged by their genuine love for others, and can learn from their faith and insatiable curiosity.  I am blessed beyond words by these amazing little creatures, and I hope to never take that for granted!