Eli's Baptism

On April 27th, the day before Eli's 7th birthday, we were sitting on the back porch with the boys, talking about Jesus. Kris was talking to them about how Jesus took all our punishment, all our guilt, all our shame, and that we had to experience none of those things.

I was watching Eli's face while Kris was talking, and I could see it. I could see he was dialed in. I could see the heavens warring for him. After Kris finished and he and Luke went inside, I pulled Eli into my lap and started asking him questions. Did he understand what daddy was talking about? Sort of. Did he have questions? A few.

Kris came back out and joined our conversation. He explained, "Eli, it's like Jesus is holding a gift in his hand. It's free, and all we have to do is reach out and grab it." Eli's hand shot up in the air, and he said, "I want that gift!"

Writing this, I'm weeping. It was as precious and uncomplicated as it sounds. As is the gospel.

We prayed with him, feeling confident he understood the gravity of what he was saying yes to. Eli is our silliest child. I've never seen him more serious in his life.

He wanted to be baptized at the beach like Luke, and he chose Memorial Day for the day. Truly it was a Memorial Day for us!

 A new man.

Christmas at Thanksgiving

This year my family had Christmas at Thanksgiving, as that was when everyone could be there together.  I have decided that I rather like it and hope it becomes a tradition.  It's nice

 for the boys to get one set of gifts at a time rather than a mad whirlwind all in span of three days like we have normally done, between Kris' family, my family and then our little family.

"What is it?!"

"Is this MY DS?"

Still a whirlwind, but only one.

Uncle Mark

David

Sam. Cuteness!

The only two girls in a sea of boys, Rae and Annalee.  They hold their own pretty well.

Pumpkin Patch 2012 Outtakes

One thing I can always count on when it comes to taking pictures with my family is humorous outtakes.  The ladies working the pumpkin patch got a good kick out of watching us.

Share in the fun.  

"What?"

"Seriously?!" 

(His favorite word. When did six year olds get so sassy?)

"I'm way too cool for this."

Sigh. No caption needed here.

They really tried to cooperate here, putting their arms around each others shoulders so sweetly.

This is a typical example of our home. 

I'm giving them the business.

Directing.

Bossing.

Kris is having fun. 

Typical.

Pumpkin Patch 2012

I used to beat myself up that I had not started traditions like most of the other moms I know.  Then I realized that none of their children where under three, and I relaxed my expectations of myself in that department.  I have, however, started (and kept!) one tradition for the past several years.  The pumpkin patch!  We always get at least one good picture of each of the boys and our family.

Beautiful blues on my mini-Kris

Happy boy, always a smile. Just not usually for the camera, so this is his only picture.

I had to put several of Judah so I could show - OH. MY. GOODNESS! - how "big boy" he has gotten.  I gasped when I looked at the pictures.

This is not a picture of a baby.  This boy is so grown up. My heart just broke a little...

But not so big boy he wasn't still interested in the fun stuff.

Pumpkin Patch 2011

We made our annual trip to the pumpkin patch last weekend.  Judah wins the prize for being the most cooperative.  He is a ham.  So, Luke and Eli, when you are grown and going back through the family pictures, you can refer to the above statement as explanation why there are far more pictures of your younger brother than of you two.  Not because you're not just as cute.

 Luke loves to say, "Hey, Dad, I like to do the same things you do.  Because we're twins, right?"  Almost.

 I believe this is the only photo we got of Eli actually facing the camera.

 I guess we will not be replacing last year's family pumpkin patch photo.

 A ham, I tell you.  But cute enough to eat.

 Two more tasty morsels.