funny kid stories

A funny thing happened Tuesday. I was taping American Idol, which I always do, since I like to enjoy it commercial free, and fast forward through the commercials when we watch the taped episodes. Since TV plays a very small role in our lives, and we only have 3 channels, when we actually do watch, I do not want to waste time on commercials. It's also our only show to (occasionally) watch as a family, and the kids have seen a little of it this year and love the whole "I'm going to Hollywood" thing and crack us up with that phrase often when they're pretending things. Well, this Tuesday, I was taping it, and we were starting to get ready for bed, and Isaac snuck back in there and turned it on for a minute, just in time to see a girl get sent home. She was pitiful, crying and all, and he was so sad. I walked in and this is what followed:

Isaac - Ohhh, she's crying! Why is she sad? Then, like he figured it out - Oh, she didn't get a ticket.
Me - Well, she got a ticket but she didn't sing good enough, so she's going home.
Isaac - Does she live far away? Like out of state?
Me - I don't know. Probably.
Isaac, walking away- Probably going back to Alabaster...

This is extra funny if you could've heard his little wistful voice, and could see him shaking his head with regret for her. We always talk about "stinky Alabaster" (no offense to those of you who live in the 35007) because of the infamous smell that reeks from that town next to us. So, I guess he thinks bad smells and bad singers come from Alabaster. Kinda like "nothing good comes from Nazareth" or something. :-)

Today we received valentines from a friend and her kids - homemade nonetheless. They were so precious. Abigail was quite giddy when she got hers. She was so funny trying to get out how excited she was. We've never had a conversation on this subject in relation to HER, and it was very special. She ended up saying all this together, really fast -

Abi - Wow - they made us these? Oh look! It's my picture! Wow! Oh, E. is so sweet...I just love him. I think I'm going to marry him.
Me - Wow, you must think he's special, because marrying someone is a BIG deal.
Abi, very seriously - I know it.
Me - You know, you have to really pray about that, and be sure God is telling you the right person, and when you marry, you promise to stay with that person and love them forever.
Abi - Yeah, I know. Then, So, do you hear him out loud?
Me - Huh?
Abi - Did you hear God tell you to marry Daddy? Was it out loud, or in your heart?
Me - Well, it was mostly just a knowing, and a peaceful feeling, where I knew it was right.
Abi - Well, I feel peaceful right now. Like, my heart isn't beeping fast or anything.

I just loved that we talked about hearing God talk in relation to her getting married, though I then proceeded to encourage her to wait a little while on that decision. It's especially nice since his mom and I have both secretly joked about how we'd love to arrange a marriage between the 2 of them since they seem so perfectly made for each other. Maybe our plan will work out and we can act like we have nothing to do with it (picture Graced and I each rubbing our hands together deviously and grinning)! I guess it's never too early to explain the seriousness of choosing a partner to share your life with, and I hope we always communicate so easily about listening to God guide us!