Couldn't Be More Proud

There is no greater joy that I, as a mother, have experienced than watching my boys begin to take hold of their faith; embracing their Savior and His will for their lives. Every step they take in that direction leaves me with a giddy anticipation of how they will get to see God work in and through them.

Once a month at our Wednesday Eve. service, there is a baptism. This month several people had signed up to be baptized and lined up to take the plunge. Afterward, Pastor Tony made the invitation for anyone who hadn't signed up but knew it was time. Out of the corner of my eye I sensed Little Manny shift his feet. Not wanting to be over zealous, I sat motionless and focused on my peripheral to see if my mommy senses were correct. With one determined motion, he stood up and bounded down the aisle. Good thing I keep my camera in my bag. I grabbed it and followed him down. Looking to my left, Big Manny races down the other aisle stripping his shirt and kicking his shoes off. (No way someone else is baptizing his son!) Hat, sweatshirt, and shoes...Little Manny was asked if he wanted to take them off but his reply was, "I'm all in." That's my boy!

So, there we were unexpectedly on a Wednesday night. Proud dad. Beaming son. And mom; GIDDY!

American history in our backyard

Manny and I enjoyed a belated anniversary trip to Richmond where we toured the city's historic sights. Living in Virginia has created a desire to re-learn our nations history because so much of it happened right here! (Thomas Jefferson actually designed the capitol building in this picture, inspired by Roman temples.) Our rich heritage becomes more tangible here much like the Bible does after a trip to Israel. Thanks, mom, for watching the boys so we could get away!

Manny's gone Bear Grylls in our backyard!

We've been watching a lot of "Survivor Man" and "Man Vs. Wild". It rubs off on my boys.