An Anniversary & A Baptism

On September 19th, our church celebrated its fourth anniversary.  We held our annual picnic at the Skinner's house, where the kids had fun on the zip line and the "big kids" had fun playing John's little golf course he has built on his property.  Most importantly, we celebrated with a very special baptism (in the Skinner's pool).  Jonathan had the honor and privilege of baptizing our dear friend, Joseph Knight, who came to Christ (and as a result Christ Baptist Church) a year ago.  Our family has known Joseph for four years now (since he was 16 years old), as he works for Jonathan at the Imagination Station.  He is an incredible young man who is so excited about what God is doing in his life.  Jonathan and Joseph are not only co-workers, but now they are dear friends and brothers in Christ.  I am so glad that my children have gotten to watch the process of God saving Joseph; Joseph's assimilation into our church family; and, his believer's baptism.  God is so good!

 

Buried with Him in Baptism.

 Risen to walk in the newness of life!

 A hug between friends and brothers in Christ!

 

Joseph shares his testimony during the church service.

Sweet Emerson enjoys her first anniversary celebration.

Emerson visits with McCaffity.

Madeline on the zip line.

Hannah on the zip line.

Six So Soon: Happy Birthday Sweet Hannah!

Six.  How did we arrive at this point?  Didn't we just celebrate five?  Six is so old-- so "girl" and not "little girl."  I remember six, so as your mommy this day is weird and bittersweet.  I am happy to see you growing and changing, blossoming, and becoming . . . but SOOO sad to see your "babyness" slip away.  Sometimes I am stunned by your independence-- forgetting that you are no longer two or three, and needing me to help you in every way, and I am sad.  On the other hand, I love that we are able to have real conversations--discussing everything from the gospel to cooking or literature.  I was selfishly disappointed when not long after your fifth birthday you gave up your nap.  Nap time was my time-- a few moments of alone to clean in silence or catch up on any number of things.  Now I think of that time with you (while the little girls nap) as a gift from God.  I am enjoying our special time-- getting to know your heart and thoughts.  You are an amazing little girl.  Your spunk and the passion with which you do everything is contagious and inspiring.  I love that you can be super silly but also very serious.  I love that you don't get embarrassed, that you converse with adults as if you were their equal, and that you look people in the eye when you talk with them.  You have the gift of hospitality and I am learning from you as you graciously and genuinely welcome people into our home and your life.  Daddy and I are thrilled that you are asking good and thoughtful questions about the gospel, that you are praying for God to be at work in your heart and life and ultimately save you.  I can't wait and earnestly pray for that day.  We love you and thank God for you Hannah Banana.  You are a gift from God!!!  Happy 6th Birthday!

 

 

 

Bubblecious Game 3: A Pictureless Post

Team Bubblecious played their third game today, and lost for the second time.  But . . . no sad faces on our team-- only smiles and bouncy 5 and 6 year old girls.  We lost 3-1.  Our girls played very hard on a much warmer day than they are accustomed to.  I can honestly say that Hannah had her best game, demonstrating some ball handling skills, speed, and determination that really let us know that she is learning and getting into the game of soccer. She spent most of her time on offense--challenging some girls that were maybe an inch shorter than me (seriously I'm pretty sure they were in Middle School, possibly even driving!).  Hannah scored her second goal of the season off of an assist from her teammate Jocelyn.  We are having so much fun getting to know Hannah's teammates and their parents.  It is a funny thing when random people unite over a cause and form bonds in the process.  We have been blessed with a team of girls (credit to their parents) who are sweet, polite, encouraging, and demonstrate good sportsmanship.  So far we couldn't ask for a better first team sport experience!

As for no pictures-- I took the day off and had a blast.  Though I enjoy viewing life through the lens of my Canon, I thoroughly enjoyed the camera-less freedom of throwing both of my hands in the air and cheering wildly and taking in every moment of the game for a change.

Dear Ice Cream Flavor Man (or Woman):

I was SO excited this summer when you surprised me with Grasshopper Pie ice cream (mint and Oreo).  Grasshopper Pie is one of my all time favorite desserts-- that it was in scoopable, prepackaged, ice cream form made the whole experience that more delightful.  Today I am in the process of making my daughter Hannah's 6 year old birthday cupcakes.  She has requested pumpkin pie cupcakes, which she and I both love.  As I was licking the remaining batter from my spoon I realized that the world needs pumpkin pie ice cream.  And, what would be even better ? . . . pumpkin pie cake batter ice cream.  This would make me really happy and I promise I would buy it. 

Thank you in advance!  Yours truly,

A flavor fanatic and frequent ice cream consumer--Lori

Bubblecious Game 2: The Battle of the Friends

Hannah's team played her dear friend Karis' team (The Princess Strikers -- oh what Hannah would give for that team name!) last night.  Though we love sweet Karis, we instructed Hannah that she was to have no mercy-- for one night Karis was the enemy . . . then she had to go back to encouraging, sharing, and hugging on Karis.  I reminded her that she had a team who was counting on her to be a good teammate, so this wasn't the time for picking flowers with Karis, or catching up, or admiring one another's hideous uniforms.  She did well.  She cheerfully greeted Karis, focused on her game, and then visited with Karis after the game.  Though a tie normally frustrates me, I guess it is a good thing that "The Battle of the Friends" resulted in a 1-1 tie.  Both girls had a super game.  It was so much fun to see them out there running around (not aimlessly) and handling the ball.  Especially since I still think of them like this:

2 year olds with ice pop faces.  Look how cute and chubby they are!!!

 Sweet Madeline!

 Emerson taking in the game.

 

Hannah gets some advice from Coach Dan.

 Hannah takes on Karis.

 Good job Team Bubblecious and Team Princess Strikers.

GOAL!!!!

Yep, it's official . . . I'm a "Soccer Mom!"  I have fold up chairs, a soccer ball, and muddy cleat prints in my minivan to prove it.  All I need now is a bumper sticker!  

This post is about 2 weeks late, but we've been busy with life.  Hannah had her first soccer game two Saturdays ago.  It was a night game and she donned her bright green jersey and neon socks and joined the rest of Team Bubblecious (yes . . . Bubblecious) under the lights.  I had been having an ongoing conversation in my head, sort of downplaying the whole soccer experience this year . . . oh, they're 5 and 6 year olds-- this is just for fun . . . I'll just sit back and watch at practice and games.  Haha, yeah right.  I screamed my head off!!!  I don't know why I thought I would not get totally caught up in cheering for my child, who is playing the sport I played for my entire life (OK, well from the time I was 4 through high school and then on college intramural teams . . . so maybe not my whole life . . . but you get the gist).  It was awesome, fun, and totally cute to see Hannah out there on the field.  She and her teammates had a good game.  They lost 3-1, but had a total blast!  Hannah did a wonderful job on defense (sort of a sweeper role)-- clearing the ball and protecting the keeper (who by the way rocked--falling on the ball at times. . . so cute!) and handled the ball pretty well when she was on offense.  The highlight of the night (as you may have guessed by the title) was when Hannah scored the first and only goal for her team.  Guess where I was . . . in the bathroom with Madeline.  I was heartbroken.  Jonathan said she had a breakaway of sorts and shot from a short way out.  Apparently the coach then ran to Hannah and picked her up over his head. She pretends to be embarrassed about that part. 

Not only did I miss Hannah's first goal, but my camera battery died . . . that never happens, as I am fanatical about checking and charging my camera battery .  And, I change my white balance and ISO so frequently that I am usually very careful about checking the settings prior to shooting.  However, I was so caught up in cheering that I forgot to check the settings before I snapped a few shots prior to the battery dying.  Oh well.  We have two games this week, so I am sure there will be many photo opportunities.

 

 Walking in to the soccer complex.

 

Warming Up.

 

Pre-game huddle.

 

Madeline sporting her "Go Team Bubblecious!" shirt.

 

The tiniest Bubblecious fan!