Taryn the Super Catholic!

We are Catholic. Taryn and I go to church most Sundays. She has a few books of Bible stories and will sometimes pray before she goes to bed. These prayers usually start off with her praying for my mom's dog Akilla and ends with Taryn praying for random things that she sees in the room. I definitely wouldn't consider Lee or I a parent that is forcing religion on our toddler by any means...

Yet, Taryn is IN LOVE with everything religious. She loves going to church. She genuflects when she walks in the church pew. She dips her finger in the holy water and attempts the sign of the cross. She attempts to say the Lord's Prayer (and gets about 1/4 of the words right!) and has been asking for a crucifix necklace for her 3rd birthday. She loves to shake everyone's hand, but thinks that "Peace be with you," is "Pleased to meet you." (You gotta admit, that does make more sense.) It is baffling, but adorable to watch her develop this interest of her own.

* (This one was posted on Facebook.)
On the way to Superbowl Village...
Taryn: Where are we going?
Lee: Somewhere fun!
Taryn: Church?

* Upon entering the completely quiet Oxford church for Ash Wednesday services. Taryn points up at the crucifix hanging above the altar. "Look mommy! It's Jesus!"

* After leaving the Oxford church...
Lauren: Did you like that church Taryn?
Taryn: Yes, that church special. That church special like my dress.

* I was eating a piece of peanut butter bread the other day. I ate all 4 corners first. Taryn gasped and pointed at it. "Look mommy, it's like Jesus." (It was in the shape of a cross.)

* The other day Taryn was unhappily going to bed. Lee was home momentarily from work, but she knew that he would be leaving.
Taryn: Mommy, I cry when daddy leaves. I gonna cry. Mommy, let's pray. Let's pray, then I not cry when daddy leaves.