A Long Time Coming

Years ago, when we were living in Pinckney, Jared and I talked about how we felt about baptism. We both were baptized as infants and thought, at that point, that that was enough. However, after awhile, we began to think that it was something we wanted to, and should do. Talk is cheap though, and we kept puting it off. We were going to have Dad Van do it, and just never got around to it. Fast forward over 4 years later. About a month ago it was mentioned that a baptism was scheduled for March 27th. I told Jared that I wanted to do it. I kept forgetting to talk to the Pastor about it, and eventually forgot about it until last night, when it was brought up at a youth group event I was at with Eben. Oops! Totally forgot. So, this morning when we got to church, I found Pastor Sonny and asked if I could still do it tonight. He said show up at 5:30 and we'll go from there. :)

I had been looking forward to it all day, and when it was almost time to begin the Baptisms I began to get so emotional. I was so excited! The congregation was singing and I was just trying to hold myself together. By the time Pastor Sonny called my name, I stepped down into the water and tried not to break down. He asked if I came to be baptized because of my faith in Christ and I barely squeaked out a 'yes'. He baptized me and under I went. I always hoped that it would be a "magical" moment, but part of me thought it probably wouldn't be. I couldn't have been more wrong. I came out of that water so emotionally charged. There were 35 of us tonight, so I had to keep moving, but as made my way to the changing room I stopped to just take it all in and to cry. It was so powerful. Even as I type now, I could cry. And I was so blessed to know that Jared, Eben and Aliza got to watch. I hope they will remember this and one day make the decision to do it to. Jared already has plans this summer for his Dad to baptize him, and I am so excited for that! Praise God for an amazing way to experience His power!!

I've included some pics of the fam {Nora's oreo face - just so you know what the black stuff is :) }and of course the last pic is of my baptism. I LOVE that Jared just happened to get me under the water. If you click on the picture it will make it bigger. The dark spot to the far left is my hair. I feel so empowered tonight! Even the chaos and normal frustrations of bedtime with the girls (mostly Nora) didn't damper it. I am so blessed to have been incredibly blessed by God tonight!! I wish all of you could have been there with me. I hope this post and picture will help you to feel like you were a part of it too :) I love you all!

Eben's Smile :)

Here's Eben's smile in all its glory :) [That's a baby tooth still hanging there. Can you imagine what an adult tooth is going to look like? ... enter awkward stage ;) ] Gotta love that kid! Potty training starts tomorrow - wish me luck...and Nora too!!!

It's March!

Not a whole lot to report here. I dyed my hair (see pic below)...but what's new there?! I'm always changing it. :) I go back and forth on what I think of it, but everyone else seems to like it...well, I think the jury's still out for Jared ;) I was going to post some pics of the kids, but realized I don't have any of Eben since the last one I posted. I've been trying to take less pictures, so I guess I've been successful in that :) I just took the pic of Aliza right before I posted this. I will take one of Eben later today and post that since you just have to see his teeth. I took one of the front top teeth out last weekend. Both of the top two were sticking almost straight out. It looked so ridiculous! They were getting pushed out so much that it looked like he had lost two teeth on either side of them. Oh boy. Anyway, I got one out and although it was sticking out, it took a little work to get out. Eben was screaming, but in the end let me take it out. The adult tooth could already been seen once it was removed. I told him if he worked the other one for awhile it would come out a lot easier. I think I can already see the adult one under this one too. Eben and his crazy teeth :) So, check back to see his smile later today or tomorrow.

Ah yes, I guess I do have a little news - potty news that is! Last night was Aliza's first night without a pull-up and she did great! She had been dry for about 5 nights, so I figured it was time to get rid of them. She feels pretty special not having to wear them. We've very proud of her! This Saturday Nora and I are going to a "pull-up home party". Not really sure what it all entails, but there is nothing to sell, so that's kinda nice :) I'm going to attempt starting potty training with Nora after that. Actually, maybe I should start on Friday so we have the whole weekend to work on it...hmm, I'll have to think about that. I have learned my lesson though, and if she isn't taking to it within a week, we'll stop and re-visit it at another time. I'm not really in a huge hurry. I sort of feel like she'll do well. She sits on the potty almost every day (after asking), but very rarely does she do anything. I think I'll buy her some my little pony panties for some incentive :) So, here's hoping potty training is a quick success!!

Jared has sent his resume to 3 places in Michigan (Lansing, Holland, and somewhere in the Detroit area), so all prayers for there to be an offer would be appreciated. I'm not holding my breath, though am encouraged that at least he's finding some options and he's applying. God's got it in His hands, so no worries here. We are content where we are and have things to look forward to while we are here.

Happy March everyone!!