Any time we get a chance, I invite our neighbor girl, Aaliyah (age 9), to stay at our house.  Things are a little unstable at her house, so it seems like it’s the least we can do to give her a refuge.

Tonight after a few of the younger children were in bed, I was sitting at the kitchen island with Aaliyah.  I was sewing some buttons on her pajama top, and she was playing with my button collection.  I couldn’t help but wonder how this scene differed from her home.  I wondered what her impressions are of our family.  And yes, I was fishing for a compliment when I asked her, “So, Aaliyah… how is our house different from your house?”

She gave it some thought.  I figured she’d share some touching insights.  And this is what she said.

“Well… you have an artist here.”  (referring to Laura.)

“Yes, you’re right!”, I replied.

“And, you have a dog.”

“True again.”, I answered, smiling at her insights.

After another pause she said confidently,  “And there’s more kids here!”

I had to laugh out loud.  She has us pegged.