Small Fry's Baptism.

Last Sunday, we were blessed to share in Small Fry's baptism.  It was a joyous day celebrated by our family. 

The boys demonstrated almost angelic behavior defying my fears of Small Fry spitting up all over our pastor or having a major diaper blowout in Buck's family's heirloom gown or Fawn having a bathroom accident or saying something totally inappropriate at the front of the church. 

I know I worried about really insignificant things too much (including my boys' behavior and bodily fluids!) when all that really mattered is the spiritual significance of the event: God marking His child and sealing him with His covenant.  Baptism is certainly a reminder that "my" children are not my own, but God's.  He has entrusted me to care for them, which is truly a blessing.  But, they are His children.  And, praise God they are!  I cannot imagine parenting in this fallen world without the security of the promises of Christ and His grace and salvation for Small Fry and Fawn.  In entrusting Buck and me with His children, Baptism reminds us that as parents we are to set a godly example for our children -- to teach them God's word and to pray with them and for them.  What an awesome responsibility -- one that we certainly fall short of but also strive for.

Small Fry is truly a blessing from above.  We are so honored that God chose us to parent this precious little one.



The actual Baptism.  Small Fry wasn't fazed by the water.

After Small Fry was baptized, Buck walked him around the sanctuary with Fawn and I following behind (hand-in-hand) while the congregation sang "Jesus Loves Me."  This is a new tradition at our church and I tear up every time I see it.  Another one of my insignificant worries was that I would sob during this part.  I held it together -- barely.  I didn't make eye contact with friends and mentors in the congregation because I knew I would lose it and I couldn't really sing the words myself.  But, my heart swelled with joy as I heard my favorite three-year old's voice singing every word as he held my hand.  It was so special!



A family moment when the Baptism was over.

The four of us headed home -- Small Fry was on the brink.  I think a bit overwhelmed.  Plus he was soaking wet and tired.  Fawn was eagerly anticipating the receipt of his prize for good behavior -- plus, we just wanted to make him feel special when the whole day was really centered around Small Fry.  I quickly nursed Small Fry and put him down for a catnap, while Buck started getting ready for the brunch.  Fawn was perfectly content with his new Spiderman.

We were so proud of our big boy!

We pulled off a lovely brunch, if I do say so myself, with the help of our village.  My mom painted a beautiful sign that will soon hang in Small Fry's nursery:





My mother-in-law graciously offered to arrange all of the flowers -- they were lovely.  My house looked like a garden!

My sister-in-law helped me with set-up on Saturday.  I even got out the glue gun to make a sweet burlap cross for the front door (I'm thinking of re-painting the polka dots in red and green for Christmas):

As for the menu, we kept it simple: mimosas and cranberry lemonade to drink; breakfast casserole; salad; and sweet goodies (cinnamon rolls, mini coffee cakes, and donut holes).  It was a wonderful meal of fellowship and celebration which we were honored to share with our amazing families.

So blessed to be his mommy.

My prayer is that Buck and I faithfully fulfill our Christian duty as parents in the years to come and that Small Fry grows to know and love Christ, to accept His grace, and to be hopeful in Christ's promises.  We love you sweet boy and are so thankful for you!

Easter 2012.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Christ, the Lord, is ris'n today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say: Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth reply: Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Dying once He all doth save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!

Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ had led, Alleluia!

Foll'wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

(Words: Charles Wesley, 1739. Music: Easter Hymn, composer unknown.)

I have always been inspired by the music of Easter.  While worshiping through music is an integral part of how I praise God throughout the year, there is something stirring and lasting about the music of Easter.  Perhaps because the "classic" Easter hymns -- like the one above -- are sung year in and year out, they are imprinted on our hearts.  But, I think it is also that the Easter message is so awesome and life-altering that the music of Easter is likewise special.  I also think it is incredible to realize that Christians have been singing the same Easter songs of worship for literally centuries.

I love Easter, but it seems especially meaningful with a baby.  For me, it's a reiteration that God is faithful -- both to me and my children.  That through His grace salvation is available to me and to them.  That no matter the chaos of this world or the hardships and struggles we will face in this life, He saves and has prepared a place for us in heaven.  As a mother, there is nothing more comforting than knowing my Savior is seeking my children and will freely offer His gifts of grace and salvation to them.

I can distinctly remember rocking Fawn as a baby on Easter in the cry room at church; and I did the same thing with Small Fry this year (dressed in the same sweet bubble!).  I hope I remember this one in the years to come.

Buck's parents came by after church to take some pictures of us with the boys and them with the boys.  Not a bad attempt at a family picture.

Daddy and Small Fry.

Mommy and Fawn (munching on a chocolate bunny -- what a treat!).

Still munching...

 

After a morning at church, taking pictures, and discovering goodies left by the Easter Bunny (who came to our house while we were at church -- how nice of that bunny!), Buck had to get ready to be gone for a week for work.  I headed to my parents' house for a visit with the boys.

Fawn was playing music for us -- James Taylor (a boy after my own heart).

Small Fry snuggled in the Baby Bjorn.

Theology by Fawn.

Teaching Fawn about God and growing his heart to love Christ is by far the most daunting challenge set before me as a parent.  We're many prayers and lessons away from Fawn having any grasp of Christianity.  But, I think he's starting to understand the concept of God, even if his comments are pretty funny.

After we prayed a couple nights ago, Fawn said "But I don't see God."  So, at least he understands that God is invisible.

But then he said, "We better find God before He goes out of town.  Hmm... But God doesn't go out of town Mommy, only people go out of town."

I used the opening as an opportunity to discuss that God is always with us.  A very important lesson I hope he learns, and one I try to remember.

One Week.

It's only been one week since the devastating tornadoes ripped through the south, destroying countless lives, homes, and towns in their wake.  It seems like a life time ago in many ways.  I wanted to share the message of the devotion I did last Tuesday night -- the night before the landscape of Alabama changed.  It was such a perfect message to receive on the eve of terrible destruction.  And, so ironic to receive this message and this time.  I'm working my way through a devotion book I've had for years, but until January hadn't picked up.  It's called "Our Daily Bread", and I remember purchasing it when I was in college (years ago!).  Last Tuesday's devotion focused on Job 42 and discussed disappointment with God, or rather why we should never be disappointed with God.  It said in part:

God's existence, even His love for me, does not depend on my good [circumstances]. . . . He is bigger than life in His power, wisdom, and goodness (Job 42:1-6).  Troubling circumstances are no reason to become troubled about the character of God.

I have read the prayer included in the devotion many times in the last week:

Lord, I am often surprised and sometimes confused by the twists and turns my life takes.  As a result, I am never quite sure what You are trying to accomplish.  So all I know to ask is this: May I always cooperate with You by responding to my circumstances with the attitude and behavior that gives You the most room to work.

Balaam and His Donkey.

Fawn's great-grandmother (Buck's paternal grandmother) gave us a children's Bible for Fawn's first Christmas.  We didn't get it out right away because Fawn wasn't sitting through long stories at the time -- but we've been reading it at night since Christmas, and Fawn loves his Bible stories.  We read a couple a night, and Fawn requests songs that he knows that correlate (Father Abraham had many sons; Sing Hosanna; Rise and Shine).  Very cute, and I'm hoping giving Fawn at least a basic understanding of the characters in the Bible. 

Last night we were reading about Balaam and his donkey and Fawn correctly pointed out that the depiction of Balaam is a very hefty man.  Fawn's comment: "Balaam too fat for that donkey mommy".  Not exactly the message presented, but at least he's interested.

PS -- In an effort of full disclosure, I have to admit that the simplicity of the children's Bible has been a wonderful review and reiteration of stories and even some tough theological concepts for me.  If you've got young children, pick one up and check it out!

Did I Read That Correctly?

Last weekend I was reading the March 2011 issue of Woman's Day magazine.  Not my favorite magazine, but I do like the recipes and the kid information.  I ordered a subscription a few years ago for $4 for the year and have gotten the magazine every month since without ever renewing...odd, but I'm not complaining.  On page 6 I saw something I don't believe I have ever seen in a mainstream publication.  With no disclaimer or explanation whatsoever, the following quote appeared:

"Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you

love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that

I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.'"

John 21:16

What a wonderful way for the Gospel to reach people!  The issue was all about caretaking (including recipes that are easy to deliver/reheat), so the verse certainly correlates to the theme.  But, nonetheless I was pleasantly surprised to see the inclusion of God's Word.  I might just have to renew that subscription after all.

Lookup316.

At church this morning, Buck and I had the privilege of hearing from a representative of Fixed Point Foundation who discussed the project Lookup316.  The organization (along with the help of many others) produced a great commercial for this year's Super Bowl that ends by urging viewers to go to the website www.lookup316.com and see what John 3:16 is and what it means.  The goal -- to spread the gospel during the most important sporting event of the year.  Fox Sports rejected the commercial, but it is still playing in Alabama and in the DC area during the Super Bowl.  Or, you can watch it online -- check it out!

All About Belle.

My first question as I read blogs is usually "who is this woman?"  I want to know what she's like -- and what similarities we share -- as I read her perspective on life (and especially on mothering).  So here goes -- all about Belle in a few paragraphs.

I'm a Christian.  While I usually fail, I strive each day to draw closer to God.  I'm proud to say I've read the Bible from cover to cover.  Not because that makes me a good Christian (it doesn't), but because it makes me realize that if I put my mind to something I can do it with God's help.  And, I share it because if I can do it you can too.  Pick it up -- Genesis 1:1; read for a few minutes a night and you will finish it too (in less than one year!!!).  What better way to be equipped for this world than to have actually read God's instruction manual for it.

I'm a wife and a mom, both of which are full time jobs.  I'm blessed to share my life with two of the most wonderful men on the planet -- one of which I chose to marry and one of which I brought into this world.  Both are immense blessings from God.  They drive me batty, test my limits, and challenge me to do better each day.  But, they also both love completely, shower me with affection, and are the source of the perma-grin I wear on my face.  I am happy and honored to care for them.  I also have two part-time jobs -- one for real (attorney) and one for fun (ballet teacher). Yes, I said attorney and ballet teacher in the same sentence.  Don't believe stereotypes -- about either.

I love to cook, sew, knit and read.  I love "projects" -- and tapping into my inner creativity (which I seemed to have lost for my three years of law school and four years of full-time law practice). 

My posts on this blog will cover a little of all of the above.  Faith, family, work, hobbies.  It won't be controversial, though -- if you're looking for that, this is not good reading material for you.  I won't discuss politics, discipline or the benefits/dangers of vaccines (or fill in the blank for the next big parenting decision of our generation).  It will be about love, laughter, and fun -- it will be about small successes and big joys.  It will be the things I want to remember and share.  Come along for the ride.