Benjamin baptized

Today is a very special day.

Benjamin will be baptized today!

I'm very excited to have our youngest baptized.

Both of the girls were baptized around their first birthday so both sides of our family could be together.

But Thanksgiving week worked out well.  And having Benjamin baptized is one more thing I am thankful for this year. 

David's dad and my dad both took part in the sacrament.

Benjamin was entertained playing with his Daddy's pocket.

Then we were called up front for our vows. 

After which Pappy baptized Benjamin.

Then Granddaddy Freddie said a prayer.

And we sat down and soon took the younger children to the nursery.

I am so grateful that both of Benjamin's grandfathers were able to take part in the sacrament today. 

David and I take our vows very seriously.  We know that our children need Christ and we promised to pray for them, to be a godly example, to teach and raise them in the nuture and admonition of the Lord so that one day they will make their own profession to follow Christ as well.  That is what is most important.  Regardless of whether they grow up to be doctors or lawyers or stay-at-home moms, I pray and trust that each of my children will grow up and become true believers in Christ. 

Retaining wall garden

Grace helped me plant our retaining wall garden today.

We planted arugala, kale, spinach, romaine, and red cabbage.  I can already taste homegrown salads.  Yum!

Chloe enjoys the fire with Puppy Friend

Chloe adores our fireplace.

So much so that we moved her little bed beside it.  And now she actually uses it.

And she doesn't mind sharing either.

Because apparently, Faith thinks that Puppy Friend likes to nap beside the fire, too.

Hope busted my Nikon. Not exactly.

My sister has the oddest luck.  Electronics simply don't work for long when she's around.  And it's not like she drops or breaks them.  They just don't like her and simply die.  Take my Nikon for instance.

I've had it for 5 years or so and never had a problem with it.  But then I took this picture of her holding Benjamin.

And then this picture.  And then boom!  My Nikon gives me an error saying, "Press Shutter Release Button again."  Huh? So I press the button again.  Same error.  So I turn my camera off and on again.  I take out memory cards and batteries.  All to no avail.  I research it online and come to a sad conclusion.  My trusty, reliable friend is dead.  For good.  And I'm convinced it's because Hope has an electrical imbalance...  It's not really her fault but what are the odds that it finally goes kaput when I'm taking a picture of my sibling with a long history of killing all things electronic?  Curling irons, cell phones, laptops.  Anything that requires batteries or a plug only lasts so long where she's concerned.  But I love her anyway and will take this to mean it's time to upgrade...

Tired

I managed to really wear the girls out today.

Both of them curled up in my bed and fell sound asleep.

And I left them there until dinner time.  Naps are too few to not take full advantage.

Going for a walk

It's always fun to go for a walk around the neighborhood.

Grace pulled Faith in the wagon while I pushed Benjamin in the small stroller.

We stopped by the lake.

And enjoyed the view.

Then Grace pushed Benjamin in the stroller while I pulled an empty wagon.  Faith ran ahead as the leader.

Then played on the playground for a while and it was time to head home.

Faith tried to pull Grace in the wagon but she was much too heavy.  Somehow I managed to tow all three kids, a wagon, and stroller home safe and sound. 

Painting

Today I started painting our master bedroom.

And Faith really wanted to help.

She kept saying, "I hep you peent, Momma!  I willy tare-ful and sew-ee."  (I help you paint, Momma.  I'm really careful and I will paint slowly.)

So I painted the outline of a heart and let her fill it in.  And she did all the while saying, "I luv my hart, Momma.  It's so lee-ull.  Lie me!  It willy spess-ull.   Lie me!"  (I love my heart, Momma.  It's so little.  Like me!  It's really special.  Like me!)

She was extra careful and did a great job.  Then she looked at me and asked, "It purrfit, Momma?"  (Is it perfect, Momma?)  And of course I told her it was.

Then she shocked me by taking a bow and saying, "Yew weltum!"  (You're welcome!)

When Grace got home from school she helped paint, too.

And just like her sister she was meticulous in her work.  This room will be finished before David gets home.