A special, special day . . .

Oliver was baptized on November 11, 2012 at our church . . . Vince wore this same outfit.  It was a special, tender moment in our little family.  We made a promise . . . a promise to teach, a promise to love, a promise to pray.  We made a promise to do our best to teach Oliver about Jesus, to show him God's love, and to pray that he will grow up to love Jesus, too.

Oliver, we baptized you and gave you back to God.  We pray that you will know how much you are loved by God and that you will cling to the truth of his love throughout your life.  Every day I pray that I will know how to parent you to be the child God had destined you to be, to raise you up to know Him and serve Him, and to live your life for Him.  I pray you will be loved, cared for, affirmed, encouraged and admired here at home and out in the world.

The cake . . . love, love, love it.  My Mom has gotten one for each of her nine grandchildren.  Can you see the words written on it?  "Blessing, love, baptism, joy, Holy Spirit, Precious Baby, Cherish . . . "

 Tom LOVES when they get old enough to do this "trick" . . .

 Uncle Bob and Aunt Wanda were here from California and got to join our celebration!

THANK YOU Mom and Dad for hosting such a wonderful, special afternoon.  The food was delicious!

It was so special to have the Jones's, Lautenbachs, DeHoogs, Martins, Lamberts, Burkes, Vander Meys and Eckhoffs all there to celebrate . . . all the people that love Oliver and will help us to raise him to know God's love, faithfulness, grace and mercy.