Easter Pictures

Trying to get children ready and out the door on Sunday morning is hard.
Trying to get 6 children, one of whom is nursing, ready and out the door on Sunday morning is hard.
Trying to get 6 children, one of whom is nursing, ready and out the door when your husband is the pastor, on Sunday morning is hard.
Trying to get 6 children, one of whom is nursing, ready and out the door when your husband is the pastor, on Easter morning is well, you get the picture.

Because of this, I didn't even attempt an Easter morning picture. Instead, we got everyone dressed and took them to the park to take pictures on Saturday afternoon. It started raining as we were driving there but I still got a few good shots.

Sims - 21 months

Sims

Jack - 3

Jack

Miles - 12 weeks

Kate - 8

Claire - 7 next month

Henry - 5

More from Hilton Head

This is my favorite quote for the moment:

"Despite having eight children-which seems an enormous number in times like these-we have the impression that there are not too many of them! The house is big, the children develop normally, we parents are not too old, and so we endeavor not to spoil them, and to make their young years enjoyable" 

1909 Karl Bonhoeffer (father of Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Miles Benjamin's Baptism

I can't really explain what it's like to watch your husband baptize your own child. It was one of the sweetest and best moments of my life. Rick has also always given our children a blessing at their baptism which is read aloud. Miles' contains the meaning of his name and the reason we chose it.

Miles,

Our God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.  It is our hope that He grants you eyes to see your sin and faith to trust His promise of forgiveness.

Your name Miles Benjamin, means “Merciful, son of my right hand”, and we pray this serves as a constant reminder to you that the mercy of God is found only in the Son who is sitting at the right hand of our Father in heaven.  May this mercy of God be your source of hope and peace and cause you to always listen to the truth while preparing you to give a reason for the hope that is within you.

Finally, Miles, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  Know always that we love you and will pray continually that you are able to stand through the power of Christ Alone.

Ephesians 6:10-19

Miles' Blessing

Baptism

Father and Son

The Whole Gang

Ordination and Installation

Rick was ordained and installed as a minister in the PCA on Sunday night. This is the end/beginning of a very long journey. He was in seminary for 8 years. Again, this was because he also was/is working full time as a software engineer. After graduation, he began an intense examination process. He was tested in the English Bible, Theology, Book of Church Order, Church History, and the Sacraments. After passing the written version of these tests, he was examined in each area in front of presbytery. All of that was completed last month and this past Sunday night, he was officially ordained and installed. He will continue to work at his job as a software engineer while continuing in the church planting call as the pastor.

Rick making his vows for ordination

 Laying on hands

Pronouncement 

Rick's charge

It was a really wonderful night. And now here is a sneak peak of what happened next. Rick had the privilege to baptize Miles. I'll post on that next.

Lessons Learned in Hilton Head

Women are more observant and Men are braver.

To prove my point:

1. My mom and I were leaving a restaurant. She stopped at the entrance because there were toy vending machines and she let the 3 big kids get a treat. (How nice are grandmothers. I always say no to those things.)  It was very crowded so I walked outside with Jack, Sims, and Miles. I was outside for about 30 seconds when a man came out and we had the following conversation:

Man: How many kids do you have.
Me: 6
Man: I thought you had 5 but my wife said 6 and so she sent me outside to ask you.

The man then goes back inside and I hear him say, "You were right. She has SIX"!!!!

________________________________________________________________________________

2. Rick and I were at the park one day and the kids were calling my park name "Mommywatchthis"!!!!!
This time I heard the following conversation.

Man: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. I only see 5.
Woman: No, that baby over there is their's too. Just go ask her.

Man: How many kids do you have.
Me: 6
Man: Oh, my wife was right. I only saw 5. Are you going to have any more????

Climbing Trees

There is a great tree right out our front door in Hilton Head. I'm pretty sure the children climbed on it every single day. I caught them climbing one day when the light was just right.

Claire - 6 years old 

Jack - 3 years old

Hilton Head, Jack, and the freezing water

We just returned from 2 weeks in Hilton Head!! My mom and I took all of the children the first week then Rick joined us for the second week and my mom went home. I'll be posting some pictures over the next few days. I like to call this set:

Jack and the FREEZING water