Claimed for Jesus

"The Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its' name, I claim you for Christ our Savior. . ."

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Is there anything greater? I felt like I couldn't say "YES" with enough of myself. Make them faithful witnesses to your gospel, make their parents and godparents worthy examples of the faith, lead them by a holy life into your kingdom of joy.

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We recite the creed and hear "This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it." And we are charged to keep our children walking in the light of faith.

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And then a prayer for parents---the mother now thanks God for these children, born into new life, and "may she be one with them in thanking God forever in heaven". May the father and mother "be the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith in all they say and do in Christ Jesus our Lord."

A great big charge--to lead God's little children to know and to love Him--but it's given with grace from Him and through his body.

Father David said that what came to him when praying about this particular baptism was the joy of the mother being complete. It fit beautifully with a poem David had found days prior (Baptism by John Keble)


"But happiest ye, who sealed and blest,
back to your arms your treasure take,
with Jesus' mark impressed,
to nurse for Jesus' sake"
. . .

"Sweet one, make haste and know him too,
Thine own adopting Father love,
that like thine earliest dew
thy dying sweets may prove"

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We were surrounded by grandparents and friends. And Grace and Sheldon's godparents sent the most beautiful baptism gift. You can see it here, in a very sweet post.

We are so blessed.

Third Birthday Party

We left off here:




And then he made another one. It was a lovely lion and was a hit with the parents as well as the kids.













The kids decorated masks when they arrived, and then we paraded to the "circus ring" (rope on the round) and played duck-duck goose.



Then the ring became a high wire, and the kids walked across it.






Then we used the rope to section off the bean bag toss area. It took the kids a while to figure out how to knock down the tower, but they did get the hang of it. Thanks, Mom, for making 14 lovely, durable bean bags! They will be great too in future games!



We had lunch and then the carousel opened. This was a big hit.















Gracie started the "Happy Birthday" song for us. She had been practicing for weeks leading up to the event.


When telling her Aunt Kerri about the day, she said she had a "lollipop party". The lollipop centerpiece was my one takeaway from Pinterest.


Happy Birthday, sweetest girl. You are a delight and we love you.

Not a tame lion

We are throwing a birthday party for Gracie. I sent out invites on Paperless Post, in the shape of a carousel, because the party will be at Schenley Plaza and all the kids will get to ride on the PNC Carousel. Since we're having it at the Plaza, and not at a playground, I need to come up with activities for the kids to do. (The Plaza has a good square of grass, but it's boxed in by streets; the kids are safe but the parents will have to be watchful. It's not a place that permits mindless wandering.)

One of the games we thought of is a bean bag toss (non-competitive). We were going to make a game of "feeding the lion" and throwing them into a box with the cut out of a "mouth". Then we decided it would be more fun to knock things down, so we're going to have the kids throw the bean bags at stacks of empty boxes. Tower-toppling is still cool when you're three, right? And then David thought we could still use the lion idea by making it into a photo opp---where kids put their head in the lion's mouth for a picture.

Turns out, we had different ideas of how that would look. I was imagining one of those flat boards in an amusement park--the kind that make you look like you're wearing clothes of a different era--where you pop your head through and smile.

David was going for something more realistic.

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This was what he made, after looking at photos of real lions. The mouth actually moves. He said it was designed after Aslan.

Not a tame lion.

He realized immediately that asking our girl to put her head through this lion's mouth was going to result in protests and possibly tears--and that her younger friends would have the same reaction. Knowing our girl, she would come to associate birthdays with lion's heads, and we would have to rehash the parental blunder every time she thought of it, "Why da lion Dadda? Why Gayce not want to take a picture?"

After he stopped laughing, my sweet husband started over. He found a picture of a stuffed lion--I will post the results when he's done. :)

Love this man--he will spend a quiet Sunday evening tearing up boxes for our little girl and her mama.

L

Man-Baby

Our precious boy is 6 months old.  

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He weighed in at 21.4 lbs, with is 96% for weight.  He's 90% for height and 97% for head.

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He's a big boy.

And a happy one.  Today at church we sat in the back pew.  Afterwards, two people came up to me to tell me how funny my boy was--he was, apparently, cracking smiles and cooing at all the people standing in the back.

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He likes to kick and jump.  He likes to smile.  

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He likes people.  He stops nursing if someone walks in the room--he wants to greet them with smiles.

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 He loves his big sister.

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He likes tummy time (!).  He can roll both ways, is working on sitting and his two little bottom teeth.

He grabs my face with his chubby hands and gives me open mouth kisses.  

Every single one of the little chubby rolls are ticklish.  

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He doesn't wake up crying--he just coos.  

He did great last night with our friend, while we went on a date night.

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Seriously, I could go on--he is such a delight.

Highlights

We had LOTS of fun with the Matthew Wrights.

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Sorry that I don't have any of the boys! They were dears. And so patient. After a LONG day of car-ride travel, they came into our home and read books QUIETLY for AN HOUR while I prepped dinner. They are amazing. Grace studied Jackson the whole weekend, and he was kind and jumped obediently when she said, "Boo!"

Harry told Matt, "I don't like people to know that I know Karate." :) Harry also practiced his spelling, and wrote sweet notes that said "It is good to be here." The feeling was mutual, Harry!


Grace said today, "I like Clemmie."

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On Sunday we went to the zoo.

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Sheldon likes the zoo. And his Daddy.

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Posing with the polar bear.

Thank you for coming! We love you, M, R, J, H and MC!

PS: David totally thinks we can do two nights of camping in West Virginia. Let's plan it!

Reception

It was a long time coming, and it was good. It happened in a way that I didn't expect, all those years thinking of Easter entrances, but it was full of significance.

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We were received into the Church on St. Patrick's Day. Our priest, Fr. Drew, had secured permission from the Bishop to let us in whenever it was mutually convenient, and we had thought to join earlier, but comps, Christmas and a baby kept us from focusing on it. So, we decided that a private mass, at a time that worked for our sponsors, would be best. We didn't see much reason to put it off until Easter. And it reminded me of my Irish Catholic Grandfather and Nana (not Irish, but Catholic.) Then Matt and Ruthie wanted to visit during Matt's spring break, and when they found out about our plans, they arranged to come at the start of his break, rather than the end.

I am so glad they did.

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Ruthie noted that the Newman Center was at 211 Dithridge St. (a number significant to the Wrights.)

We were in a tiny chapel, at the basement of the Newman Center, surrounded by our close friends, family and all their children. The mass was offered for our intentions--and we named my dad. We received the rites of Confirmation and Communion from Fr. Drew and Fr. Mike.


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The moment of communion was not an overpowering mountaintop moment. (I rather expected something--especially when I felt a real sense of peace, that I was not expecting, during my first confession the week before.) But it's okay; I know that Jesus was really present, and that life with Him does not always consist of mountaintop experiences. I'm so glad I get to pursue Him here.

After we were confirmed and given congratulatory hugs from everyone, the little chapel grew quiet, and Gracie asked, as she is wont to do, "What happened?" :)

Our sweet friends gave us cake and punch and a crucifix after the mass. And then sweet Ruthie made us a feast for dinner. I was reminded of the first time, six years ago, that she made the St. Patrick's Day feast. And I am so thankful for God's grace. His grace led us gently, slowly to this new place, and He kept and strengthened the ties to our family. I am so thankful for my family, and for their commitment to me. And for jokes about "skinny dipping in the Tiber."


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I learned on Sunday, when David and I attended our first mass as Catholics, that the 18th was Laetare Sunday--"Rejoice" Sunday. If we were going to join during the most penitential season in the church, this weekend was the time to do it.


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"Hi Catholic wife," David says to me now.

History of Korean Christianity

Keri, the girls, and I just talked for a bit. They are doing really well again, Katherine is almost completely well (just a bit of cough), please pray that Keri takes time to sleep and time to be still.

We've had gobs of snow here; thankfully I got me two limber pines planted yesterday and the week before. I measured 17 inches in the backyard, and we are supposed to get another 10 to 16 inches tonight. I hope to get up on the mountain for skiing next weekend. Too snowy today.

This is the reading I've been doing in prep for traveling around Korea when I head over there April 12, 2012. None of the articles are very long, and I found them really inspiring. It is amazing how God uses all different kinds of things to work his purposes.

Article on an early Korean revival and the start of the modern Korean church in the city that is now the capital of North Korea.
http://blog.christianhistory.net/2009/11/the_20th_anniversary_of_the.html

A highly informative historical exposition on the uniqueness of the Korean response to the gospel, pages 3 and 4 especially addressing political factors that furthered the Korean embrace of Christianity.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/januaryweb-only/105-33.0.html?start=1

A brief history from a non-Christian perspective.
http://www.korea4expats.com/article-Christianity-in-Korea.html

Keri and the girls continue to do well overall, though emotions tend to vary depending on how frustrating the cultural exchanges have been (Keri tells me this is very typical of "culture shock"). Probably the most frustrating issue remains what they are supposed to be doing there, as the school administrators don't want them to help out with things such as marketing. This past week, though, they had three Korean kids, one of whom Sophie really bonded with, and things seemed to go well at school. The major hiccup was that one of the kids brought a GI illness with him and Katherine got sick requiring a doctor's visit ($14 total) and some antibiotics; she is now feeling much better, after some sleepless nights for Keri, cleaning up vomit. Keri is bracing for Geri's departure next week. She will have three weeks on her own before I get there. Please be praying that God will be present with her, supporting her as she single parents, protecting her and the girls physically and emotionally.

I'm doing OK here, though I miss them horribly. I am keeping busy with work and planting, painting, and skunk battling. The past two Saturdays I've gone on hikes with our friend Robin in Sedona (with Keri's blessing), which has been really fun. Below is a collage Robin made from today's hike on Brin Mesa. (The pic of me on the phone was answering a patient call as I'm on call.) I'll be heading over to Korea April 12, 2012, but get to go see Mom and Dad for Easter the weekend before. God is taking care of us.

A hard question

Bedtime has been difficult lately for Gracie. It used to be a story, two songs, a prayer and then into bed--it took 10 minutes and we didn't hear from her til morning. Now invariably she requests a second check (or a third, or a fourth). I know it's because she's adjusting to having a sibling, but it's gone beyond the pale. Tonight, after being up in her room three times (and a full hour after we started the bedtime routine), I went up there and had the following conversation.

"Gracie, the next time I come up here, you are getting a spanking." (She stops moaning and looks up at me.) "What did you need, Gracie?"

"I want to see Mommy."

"It's not time to see Mommy. It's time to go to bed." (She stands up.) "Did you hear me? If you call for Mommy or Daddy again, you are choosing a spanking on your bottom."

Her big brown eyes meet mine and she says, "Why spank little girls?"

:)

Here's a photo of her napping yesterday. Love that girl.

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Update on Korea and AZ

Keri and the girls made it to Korea along with Geri this week. They are gradually getting over jetlag and figuring out what they are going to be doing for the next two months. The girls are doing miraculously well. Keri and I are very proud of them. Keri has born the brunt of the change, unfortunately, and has gotten very little sleep for about the past two weeks. I am hoping the last two nights have been better.

The school seems still very much up in the air, no students are enrolled and so Keri's time will be spent in recruitment and, I hope, a lot of sight seeing. I may end up going to get them sooner than expected as she doesn't want to stay for two months doing nothing. She is still trying to feel things out with Young, the woman who brought her over.

The school building itself is lovely with lots of child-sized things, desks, toilets, sinks, etc. Emma was thrilled to find it all "just my size". Both girls are doing well with seaweed soup, mushroom stir-fries, and kimchee. They are living in an apartment on the 11th floor of a high rise, Keri has a smart phone, and they have a very new looking Kia to drive around. Overall, very well cared for. She has internet access on the phone, and should be able to get your emails, she can't make international calls at this point, but can get yours. I've found Skype to be the cheapest (internet to cell phone) and you can reach her at 011821047262045 (this is the full number, shouldn't need any other digits) if you like.

I'm here at home, relatively busy, thank God, so not too much time to be lonely. The house sure does feel empty though. I've made a nice long to do list including reading (just finished a Sayers mystery and am now reading Alcorn's Heaven), painting our pellet stove and the brick (Keri finally is letting me!), cleaning out closets and throwing/giving away. I suppose Lent was a perfect time for them to be away, heightens the sense of stripping, and is giving me lots of time with the Lord (and to blog).

Happy Birthday, Essie!

Happy Birthday to our Sweet Sarah. Because you're the main one I continue blogging for, I thought you'd appreciate a post on your birthday. It's the least I could do (and I wanted to do the very least). So this one goes out to you, little lady.

I feel like we're living a life of days gone by, a winter holed up inside, playing, reading, doing school, being together by candlelight. This year has been like hitting pause on a busy life (well, more like the slow setting on the ipod). I felt similarly the year we were in Princeton. We haven't plugged in very well, and part of that's b/c there isn't much to plug in to. The whole pace of life here is quieter, and while this has been lonelier, I'm enjoying it for now.

I say this while three kids are trying to get my attention, and just before they were playing a very rowdy game and jumping all over the place, but you get the idea. Things regularly spin out of control, but overall life is a steady peaceful rhythm.

A little of our piddlings:

This is a game I found the boys playing; they  took turns in roles of  bad guy and  police officer. Here Harry is the bad guy using a stuffed earth as a bolder to crush the police officer (that boulder is supposed to teach them geography. Ha. Harry sleeps with it and calls it "worldy")

Jackson ready to jump, narrowly escaping death. Evil plot foiled again. . . and again. . . and again. . .

J demonstrating Harry's "guitar"

Painting ceramics

A blacksmithing demonstraion. . .

Spelling Lesson

"doing school"

Making meringues

We made the meringues b/c they featured prominently in a Paddington Bear story. Jackson is loopy for Paddington (he requested that we call hot chocolate "cocoa" from now on b/c Paddington does)

Hiking. We love this trail around Eagle Lake, and took advantage of a mild day. Behold the Daniel Boone National Forest. At the end of winter.

Look! A beaver sighting!

Little Red Riding Hood was also spotted.

Sarah, we took this for you, knowing you would appreciate how they've improved on the trail. Shiny new signs!

And this is my collection of different kinds of moss we found.

Little Sheldon

He's a happy fellow.

It will be two months on Thursday, which isn't much time to get to know someone, but he seems to be easy-going, patient and amiable. We are quite taken with him.

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Girlfriends

This is Mary Clement's friend Ana. She is about 8 months older (the one Clemmie calls "baby") and desperate to coddle/be best buds with her. Unfortunately, she's so overeager, she's pushed MC several times in attempts to hug her & control her goings about (once down stairs; she had a bruise for 2 weeks!), so MC is very skittish around her. These photos perfectly capture their relationship, from Ana's perspective. 

She's! Letting! Me! Sit! By! HER!!!!

Could it be? She's smiling! Things are looking up for us.

Clemmie, I just want you to know, that I will gladly take care of you forever. You just need to trust me. Now seems an appropriate time to give her a hug. Yes, definitely.

Uhhhhh, wait. Maybe not the best move. Proceed as if all is normal.

If I grin really hard and pretend she's loving this, it'll all be okay.

And 10 minutes later, MC pushing her on the swings. Friends again (as long as Ana is contained).

(Ana's mom is the friend who is my through-and-through Kentucky friend, who was born and raised here, lives by a holler, does all functions in a country church, drinks Ale 8 all day, and can skin a squirrel.)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Found this on the kitchen counter: Jackson says, "Tic Tacs + Fried Egg Gummies + Cherry PopTarts = Mmmmmmmm"

We still have that unsettled feeling that I know won't characterize our lives forever, but for now, I can see God's goodness in it. We're appreciating the daily, the now, the details. And here are a few!

A delightful little girl:

Keri, Clemmie calls the Rhyme Bible you gave us her "Jesus Loves Me Book". "Jesus Loves Me" is her favorite song, asking to sing it every night at Vespers. This coat of hers was a hand-me-down from a little girl in our home school group who is almost a year older than MC. Every time she puts it on she tells me, "Baby gave me."

Jackson made a chess game (or checkers? He seems to use these terms interchangeably) out of coins and markers. Betsy, this made me think of Charlie; something he would do.

We took a day trip to Frankfort yesterday, and saw the Capitol building  Cody-style, arriving during off-hours, running around to each door hoping to find one open. No luck, but it's just beautiful on the outside. Will go again.

Next, we toured a bourbon distillery, all 5 of us. Fascinating! I took this picture to show the Brewers Mold, which is found on the outside of buildings where alcohol is stored. During Prohibition, the police would go around looking for this black mold. Another interesting fact: this distillery was one of only 4 that were allowed to stay open during Prohibition. They had a pharmaceutical license. So they've been brewing here continuously since 1787, the year of the Constitutional Convention. We got to go into this building, which was floors and floors of barrels. We plan to visit a few more distilleries--and take an in-depth tour: Corn to Cork. If you need any bourbon advice, just ask our kids.

Tonight we built a fire in the backyard, something we've been doing regularly. There's the moon. And Jackson's Marshmallow Flambe.

And backing up a little. When Sarah was here she let the boys at Angry Birds on her phone. Of course they thought they'd gone to digital heaven. They created all the characters in play-dough a few weeks later:

And the diploma arrived in the mail! We have PROOF! We weren't entirely goofing off those 7 years in Austin.

Love you all,
R