Ely's Shem

The word shem in Hebrew has several meanings. One meaning is ''name''. Another is ''fame''.  But more commonly it means ''the essential reality of who someone is''. So technically, according to Glen Penton, God's names (in the traditional sense) are not: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, etc.

But rather, these titles are the very essence of God. God is Wonderful. God is the Counselor. God is the Mighty God. God is the Eternal Father. God is the Prince of Peace.

Cool, right?  That got me thinking about Eliana and what her essential reality or essence is. And I have determined that her shem is EXUBERANT.

What is your shem?

Let the Cake Begin!

Last night's deafening rainstorm created a very unusual day for Ely and me. We actually stayed home!

And what is the most dangerous thing about staying home on a cold rainy day? Baking!

I decided to make the same cupcake recipe that I made for Ely's 1st birthday. It's out of a baby cookbook and is pretty good, as far as healthy cupcakes go. It's basically a mild spice cake with cream cheese icing, purple in our case.

Eliana is getting to be a very good sous pastry chef. She is definitely in the 'I want to help you!!!' phase of her childhood.

She is learning how to wield the squishy pastry bag. She definitely did not stick it in her mouth this time. Improvement!

Here is her proud accomplishment!

Yay! Almost ready for Dub's birthday!