Ryan's baptism

Ryan's special baptism day was September 22, 3013.  We were so blessed to have our family and some special friends join us to celebrate Ryan's first public step in his faith.

Father Tony welcomed Ryan to church :)

He was very alert and interested, even cooing.

I wish you could have seen Ryan's reaction to the holy water on his head.  He was smiling!  

There are three symbols during a Catholic baptism.  Water is a symbol of both life and death. Its use in baptism is central to the sacrament representing taking on a new life in Christ.

The baptismal candle is a symbol of the light of Christ which is coming into the child’s life. The presentation of light represents how the newly baptized will become a son or daughter of the light.


Oil is a symbol representing power and strength which comes from the Holy Spirit. This baptismal oil, chrism, is olive oil with special perfume which is blessed by the bishop in a special ceremony once a year. In the baptismal ceremony it is used to anoint forehead of the newly baptized. (This oil, by the way, smells so nice!)

Precious baby Ryan, proud mom and dad. 

With Ryan's godparents, my brother Brian and sister in law, Jen. 

Grandma Mary and Papa Richard.

Grandma Connie and Papa Steve.  

The cake, which Ryan didn't eat any of.  

Wait until your first birthday, buddy, then you can eat all you want! 

This was from a card Ryan received and I thought it was a nice sentiment of what this day was about: 

A baptism is a welcome to a life in God above --

To all the joy and blessings that are of His great love...

A baptism is a happy time for families to share -- 

A time for growing closer in God's strength and gentle care...

But, mostly, it's a gift of hop to someone sweet and new --

A gift your tiny child of God will keep a lifetime through. 

the ducky outfit.

Twelve week old Ryan.

Nine week old Hannah.

Five week old Lucas.

Hannah's first haircut

I don't know why it was so difficult for me to get Hannah's hair cut.  I guess I just think it is so pretty and it makes her so girly.  I do realize that it's just going to keep growing back.  She did great with sitting still and following directions.  It is fun to have photos to complete this page in her baby book, too.

A fun little color! 

Beautiful.

To top off the day of beauty, Ava S. gave Hannah some pretty make-up.  

Look at the pucker of those lips!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

apple unit

Kindergarten spends a time learning all about apples, including Johnny Appleseed.  

Lucas' first school field trip - an apple orchard. 

Lucas and Bo. 

Checking out the animals - the goats had a "sky walk" like way to get from different pens.  

(look in upper right corner)

Lucas and Ava. 

The Alice in Wonderland table.  

There are certainly changes from a one-room school house to today's school conditions.

Happiness on the jumping pillow!

The corn felt very cool and refreshing after being in the hot sun.

Wrestling Collin's dad, Dave, in the corn.

Lucas didn't want to give up 30 seconds up playing in the corn to take a photo with mom.  

I should probably get used to that... :-( 

Some of the fun parents (if I do say so myself) in Lucas' class.  

(front) Mea & Mya's mom

(left to right) Ava's mom, Gracie's dad, me, Collin's dad

Next, there was Apple Friday at school.  Several parents, grandparents and other special people got to help the kids do more investigating and hands on learning about apples.  

Graphing his favorite apple - they got to do a lot of taste testing of apple products. 

He chose yellow delicious as his favorite apple variety.

They also tasted apple chips, apple jelly and dipped in caramel and peanut butter. 

Creating an apple jelly jar :-) 

Peeling an apple for chopping and cooking into applesauce. 

I tagged along to Art class and then got to eat lunch with Lucas.  

He loved eating at the special "guest" table in the lunchroom.  

I love that I have the ability to participate in these activities.  My kids bring me so much joy! 

Moms vs Sons flag football

The PTO sponsored a moms versus sons flag football game at the beginning of the school year.  There was no question about our participation... Lucas wanted "to verse" me!  After I signed us up, the organizing teacher asked if Brent would be willing to coach the boys.  For Lucas, the thought of Dad being his coach and "versing" the moms was crazy exciting!  

Lucas is in the lime green shirt, Coach is in orange. 

I'm across in the grey t-shirt and sunglasses. 

The moms. 

Brent did a really good job of giving the boys each a turn at being quarter back and center.

The boys loved handling the ball, Lucas included.  

It was a fun event for the boys and the moms!  

And, by the way, the boys won :-)