Christmas Pictures

Because I can.

Aw Christmas, its the most wonderful time of the year, at least that's what I have always heard, some are good, some are great and some . . . not so much.  This year was pretty nice all things considered.  The boys sure had fun and I didn't get too stressed so I would say Christmas 2012 was good.  Some of us spent the whole day in our pajamas.

The Christmas Eve service at church was very entertaining as always with the kids doing the "impromptu" live nativity.  All are included.  EM pretty much thought he should be a part of everything everywhere and was all over the stage during the whole thing.

Every time they lit the candle at church during advent he wanted to have the fire.

HT "sang" in the children's choir so EM thought he should be up there too.

Even Papa got in on the act, since none of the children wanted to play the donkey that carried Mary, he volunteered.  This is a man who isn't afraid to make himself look foolish for the sake of his children.  A man recently diagnosed with RA and in considerable pain on his hands and knees for the sake of the children.  I do love him so.  I'm pretty sure he enjoyed himself also.

New Years was spent with the boys early to bed along with their papa who had a nasty cold, that is still lingering, and I sat up by myself, sewing, binding a quilt actually until at least 10:00pm.  We sure do know how to ring in the new year, don't we?!

He is Risen!

I hope this finds you all happy and well this Easter Sunday, reflecting on the grace of God and the gift of the resurrection.  We had a lovely day, went to church this morning, came home and napped, well some of us napped.  And now we are getting ready to have a quiet supper.  Okay maybe not so quiet, three year olds are only quiet when they are sleeping.

Every year at church the kids decorate a cross with fresh flowers making something lovely out of a symbol of death and shame.  They always seem to enjoy it.  This year HT brought me his flower rather than putting it on the cross.  It was very sweet of him to think of his Mama, but after service we took it up and added it to the others.

I don't know how many of you are familiar with Veggie Tales but there is a story about a Chocolate Bunny factory where some of the characters eat too many chocolate bunnies and get sick.  Well I put one  small chocolate bunny in HT's easter basket.  At first he was excited, but then told me. "Mama, dis is too big for me, if I eat it, it will make me sick, lets give it to Papa."  So they shared the bunny.

Happy Baptism

We had Evan baptized yesterday and he was such a good boy.  

I love the way Pastor Mike does the infant baptisms.  He first invites all the kids up to the front of the stage and explains about how and why we baptize.

Then he introduces the baby to the kids and then he baptizes and then while the congregation sings a song of welcome to the new little one he walks the baby around the sanctuary and introduces them to the  congregation.

(HT had to stick his face into the baptismal font to see the water.  What's a mother to do!)

One of the oldest members of our congregation and one of the youngest.

Pastor Mike has a spotless record,  I have yet to see a baby fuss during one of his baptisms.  He is really good with the kids and they love it.
Thanks Pastor Mike!

I would also like to thank member Al Hokins for the lovely photos!