Interpretation Is Everything

A couple of weeks ago as we were packing up to move I noticed Zoe's silence once again. So, same as many days I yelled out to her "Zoe, what are you doing?" And that dreaded answer "nuffing" (she still has trouble with her 'th' sound). So, I kept packing. Pretty soon she came into the kitchen asking for a big bowl. Enjoying her being so content I gave her the bowl without asking any further questions. A bit of time went by and I hollered again "Zoe, what are you doing?" Her answer, "I told you 'nuffing' mom!". I went out to make sure it was really "nuffing".

Zoe had taken the bowl and filled it with dirt and rocks and was pouring water in and packing it down. I stood at the window wondering what she was up to. Pretty soon the bowl was packed with rocky mud. She flipped the bowl over and patted it to make sure she got all the mud out. She then took her barbie dolls---all naked--and placed them in a sitting--legs straight out line around this pile of mud. She then took her Ken doll and put him on the top of the mud in up to his knees so he could stand firm.

She the started speaking as if she was Ken to the rest of the Barbies. She was telling them that Jesus loved them and that each of them was amazing and beautiful and going on and on. I was really curious at this point so I said "Zoe what are you doing?" this time she looked up at me with this "duh mom" look and said "Mommy, it's the sermon on the mound!". I loved her interpretation of this Bible story.

Our kids continue to make us laugh and smile in the midst of our craziness. We are now settling into life living back in NE Portland just two blocks from where Dust and I met over 16 years ago!

We have decided as part of Lily's homework and helping her develop writing skills, we are going to have her write on the family blog a couple of times a month. Watch this space for musings from the point of view of 8 year old Lily Joy!