We started off our morning very early (at least for us). We had to be at church 30 minutes early because we dedicated both kids to the Lord during the service at church. For those of you who don't really understand that, some Christians follow the example of Hannah from the Bible. She prayed and prayed for a child, and then once she was pregnant with Samuel, she told the Lord that she would dedicate her beloved son at the temple so he could be used by the Lord. We want our children to be used by the Lord in whatever ways He can to further His kingdom and promote the Gospel. We dedicate them at church to publicly announce that to a crowd of believers, but it's also a way for the church to stand beside us as we raise our children and an announcement that the church will help us in whatever ways they can in teaching our children. Obviously none of our family was able to attend the special service, so the sweet family sitting behind us took some pictures of us up on the stage. They didn't turn out that well. But that's ok. We're thankful we finally had the chance to do this. And even though we won't be at this church for very much longer, we know we'll find another church that will help us in raising our children in a Godly manner.
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| Charis waving to her audience... |
Some funny things happened during the service though, that I can't help but share! The kids were in the service for the first time, so they got to hear the band and singers during the worship time. The band can be pretty loud sometimes, unfortunately. And nobody in the auditorium was quite ready for the drummer to start his loud drum solo. The lady sitting in front of us almost jumped out of her seat. And poor Charis flipped out a bit and started screaming -- not crying -- screaming out of fear. I felt sorry for her. She eventually got used to the music, and she especially enjoyed the slower songs. She started dancing in my arms. Then she wanted Ian to hold her, and I was free to worship how I wanted. Not long after though, Ian tapped my arm to get my attention, and there was Charis watching the worship leaders, smiling and lifting her hands up to praise the Lord. :) It was very, very cute. Of course she was copying the people around her, but it was still adorable.
When it was time to go up on the stage, Cayman got pretty nervous. He wanted to be held the whole time. Charis wasn't nervous in the least! She looked out at the audience and was waving and grinning at everyone. At one point she was clapping and having a good ol' time. Cayman pretty much kept his head on my shoulder the whole time...until he heard the pastor's wife introducing us. When she said his name, he looked at her and gave her his biggest, cheesiest grin. As we were being introduced, they showed a close-up of us on the big screen, so everyone in the audience got to see Cayman's big grin. Everyone "oohed and awwed" over him.
And then we had to take them to the nursery........ Ugh. Cayman does totally fine. But Charis. Poor thing. She screams bloody murder. And on this particular day there were probably 10-12 other one year olds in her class and about half of them were also crying. Eventually she quieted down, apparently. When we went back to pick her up, each person working in her classroom (3 or 4 people, I can't remember) were each holding two babies. I can't stand leaving her in the nursery. But I know it's good for her, and they wouldn't let her scream the whole time. So that makes me feel better too.
Following the service and lunch, which Ian prepared for us!, Ian sent me off to go find an outfit for our interview (which is on Friday the 20th!!!!!) in Atlanta. I had absolutely no idea what to buy. A friend that just recently went through the process said she wore a black dress. So I went searching for a professional looking black dress - or anything similar to it. I went to Kohl's first. Spent about an hour there. I found an outfit that was OK....but my bestie told me that New York and Company was having a sale. So I drove about twenty minutes to the mall (a mall that we've avoided until this time...we've kinda been warned to stay away...definitely at night...) and went to NY and Co. I ended up staying in that store for a good four hours trying on outfit after outfit. Dresses, skirts, tops, sweaters, dress pants, dress capris.... You name it, I tried it on! I finally decided that I would be most comfortable and feel more like myself if I wore dress pants and a nice top. I found my nice top and a cardigan to go over it.......but...... they didn't have my size in the pants. (Apparently I need to grow an inch or lose one pants size in order to find pants there..... Grr.....) I left that store with the tops, hurried over the JCPenney to look for some dress pants, and as soon as I walked in, I heard the announcement that they'd be closing in 15 minutes. No luck there. So then I was just going to drive home, until I remembered that I had seen some nice dress clothes recently at Target. Same situation - grow an inch or lose weight to fit the pants.... I was exhausted and just said FORGET IT, and went home. So at 6:45, I walked in the door - 5 hours after leaving the house that afternoon!
But, my sweet family gave me some pretty great gifts. I always love the cards the kids "write" me. And this year, I received a set of earrings, and a gift card to a nail salon for a manicure and pedicure (Ian wants me looking good when we go to corporate next week! Actually he just likes me to look like "he takes good care of me." Hehe!)
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| Ian let me open my gift on Saturday night...hence Cayman's PJs |
(By the way, I was able to find a dressy pair of capris the next night when we went out with our sweet friend Kim! Now all I need is a pair of black high heels and I will be all set!!)
I love being a mommy. It's great to feel needed and loved unconditionally by such innocent little hearts. My family brings such joy to my life. I could not imagine my life without the three of them!!
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