Baptism Day

Beach Baptism is my favorite. 

This one was again very special as two of our kids were baptized on October 27th!

My little twins Caroline and Meron were baptized together.  I expected Caroline would want to go first because she is older (by two weeks) and likes to make that fact known.  Especially now that Meron is a little taller than her.  I can't count how many times I hear, "I'm older, but Meron's bigger."  Or, "I'm bigger, but Caroline is older."  We won't get that mixed up.

 Waiting for the big event.

 I think Caroline was a little nervous and so she suggested that Meron go first, you know so she could test the waters for Caroline.  

Meron was happy to do it.

Very serious face here.  "Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God?"

 Yes!

Do you believe he died for your sins and trust him for your salvation?

 Yes!

Love this smile!

Is it your intention to follow him all the days of your life?

Yes!

  You can't tell it by this picture, but Caroline was smiling big when she came up too.

  I love this picture.  We are so blessed to have such a loving and supportive church community to come along side us as we raise up our kids.  Love seeing my girls walking out of the water together!

 My sweet girls.  Old lives made new!

Colton in his element...wild and free.

The girls were lucky to have all of their grandparents at the beach for their big day.  Somehow, although Nick's parents came in town for the whole weekend, I missed getting any pictures of them.  They were at baseball and softball games and the baptism, but I flaked on capturing any of those moments.  So, we got this early morning pajama shot before they left to go back home.  We were so glad they could be here too!

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

 Luke 18:16

Fun at the Farm

We took our annual field trip to the farm.  I love this trip and the kids do too.  Plus, you get a free pumpkin from the pumpkin patch when you leave.  It's a win, win!

 Rahel was the bird whisperer this year.

 This was Eli's first trip.  He was a little hesitant at first.

 Getting braver.

 Braver

 Whoa, too brave. I'm out of here.

 Safe with my big brother. That's better!

These poor chickens get chased and caught, chased and caught all day long.  Colton loved it.  Eli, not so much.

Had to post this classic Meron face.

 Pumpkin time.  Don't all pumpkin patches have palm trees?

This was just before he started throwing them like baseballs. 

And the family shot....I was there!

Until next year.

Couldn't Have Said It Any Better

So often my days feel crazy busy like I'm just barely keeping my head above water.

Yet there is a constant sense that I have been made for more than just this life I'm currently living.

The knowledge that there is still so much hurt and hopelessness and need in the world is ever present I'm my mind.

This mom who blogs at "No Greater Joy Mama" certainly has way more on her plate than I do or most anyone I know does.

But she describes the way I feel perfectly in this post.

This song reminds me to not place boundaries on my faith and keep my eyes on Jesus even when the waters rise.