random sweetness

There have been several sweet moments with Ella lately so I'll recall a few to the best of my ability.

A few days ago, the kids and I spent some time gazing out the picture window in our front room. Just outside the window is a small tree and we watched the birds land in the limbs and fly to and fro. Some of the birds were walking in the street. Ella said, "Oh Mommy! Those birds are looking for something to eat and they can't find anything!" She was so worried about them going hungry! That gave me an idea for a craft so a few days later, we made pine cone bird feeders and hung them in the front tree. So far, there haven't been any birds visiting again, but I think they're trying to keep warm somewhere.


Our pine cone bird feeders


Ella by our bird tree

This morning at breakfast, Elijah came downstairs and was having a bowl of cereal. We were asking him questions about how he's been since he's been so busy lately we've not seen much of him. I asked him a few things like if he thought he might like a bookshelf in his room. Not to be left out, Ella chimed in: "Did you sleep ok last night Elijah?" We all cracked up at her sweet politeness and genuine care for him, after which she buried her little head in her hands in embarrassment. Sweet thing.

Ella very often asks questions with spiritual significance these days. A week or so ago, she and her daddy had this conversation:

Ella: "Dad, does Jesus rip people open?"
Dad: "WHAT?! No! Of course not! Why?"
Ella: "Then how does he live inside?"

Sometimes I just wish I could bottle this stuff up as the memories fade and time marches on. My love just grows and grows but I'm sometimes hit by the sobering thought of being entrusted with such precious gifts. God help me to treat these children with gentleness and care!

UPDATE: We spotted some birds nibbling on our pine cone bird feeders this morning! Unfortunately, later on in the afternoon, we noticed a rather greedy squirrel devouring what was left of them. I believe he had carried off three out of the five and the last two, he was gorging himself pretty effectively upon. Ella suggested we go outside and punch him in the face, but I talked her out of it.