Monday, May 17, 2010

Sunday Snapshot: {A Baptism!}

Ni Hao Y'all









Last Sunday, Avery was baptized!




She was a tad bit nervous and really confused.
I mean, she just recently told me that she likes church  and isn't afraid to go anymore.  And now we are telling her that she is going to be baptized....at church.... in front of everyone!
Shea tried to explain to Avery what it meant to be baptized.

"Avery, you just get some water *put* on your head.
Don't worry, Mom will hold you.
Pastor Joel is nice. He puts the water on you head, then he says some words....and then you get the Spirit.  Right, Mom?"

Well, yeah....kind of!


Pastor Joel (and his wife) came over to our house on Saturday afternoon to talk to Avery about her baptism. And to help her feel more comfortable and at ease with him!

 I think it really did help!!!





Needless to say, Avery's baptism was beautiful.
She was calm and happy.
Pastor Joel was eloquent.
My little girl received the gift of baptism and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit!
The congregation applauded, and Avery smiled at them in return with confidence and joy!
One certain Momma's heart swelled with love and gratitude....while trying to hold back her tears!

We had family and friends {who traveled from far & near}to our home after the service to help us celebrate this most happy occasion.



Avery {patiently} waiting for our guests to arrive....








Shea feeling somewhat jealous.....reluctantly agreed to this picture!





Daddy sporting the 'special occasion' jacket!





Avery's sponsors, who all traveled several hours to be a part of her special day!





A few family photos.....





because these opportunities are very rare these days!!!!


Delight yourself in the Lord,
and He will give you the desires of your heart!

Psalm 37:4

Monday, May 10, 2010

Catching a ride....and giving Dad a little help!

One of my husband's greatest joys is mowing the lawn....
It gives him a time to relax (?)....at least, that's what he tells me....
It gives him a time to reflect.....
It gives him a sense of accomplishment!

Mowing grass is actually his obsession....(Did I just say that???)
Sometimes, he can literally hear the grass growing!!

Lately, he has been really busy.  Too busy to find time to mow the grass!!  Poor baby!

Regrettably, he had to hand over this chore privilege to our son Scott.

Of course, Scott took on this....ummm, privilege with much enthusiasm.  For real!! 
(Definitely, must be a 'guy thing'!)

So much so, that he offered Avery a ride...one lap around the house.
Woo-hoo!

Shea was at school.  Trust me, when she found out that Avery got a ride on the lawn mower....well, let's just say she was
extremely jealous!




So here it is....
One Lap Around the House!







 I wanna go!







 


















 Rounding the last corner....



 Watch out for the tree!
 


Got it under control!



 All done....with the 'ride'....still gotta mow the rest of the lawn!


 Thanks Scott!!!!





Monday, May 3, 2010

Sunday Snapshot {Avery}

Ni Hao Y'all




We have been home with Avery for a little over three months....






In some ways, it seems like she has always been with us......





In other ways, we are still learning so much about her.....







We are still bonding.

She is opening up to me more & more each day....
She is slowly but surely trusting me and giving to me a bigger part of her heart daily....

Loving her has never been an issue for me....

She loving me? Well, I think....[insert hesitation], its coming along.....



I love how she holds my hand!
I mean, she really holds my hand.
I use to be the one holding onto her hand....it felt so forced....now, it feels so natural!






I love how she hangs on to me when I hold her!
She use to lean away form me....now, she buries herself into my body.





I love how we cuddle & share secrets....












I love how she touches my face....
Looks into my eyes....
Sees who I am....
It's like she really wants to get to know me....
Like she wants to claim me as her own....






I love her sweet & tender kisses...which are truly gifts...





I love when she accepts my kisses...




Her newest craze....????
Presenting me with the beloved 'yellow flowers' that are never in short supply!!




I believe we are bonding....!
It's taken a while....
And let me tell ya....

I am lovin' it!!!


Oh, how I love this little one of mine!!!
Completely....
Totally....
Unconditionally....
Forever!