happy faces?? not so much...

Theo's dedication at Common Ground

On March 6th, our church held child dedication and we were blessed to be a part of this with several other families. Both of our families were there and well, of course Theo was on his best behavior! Jeremy and I both love our church's belief in what child dedication is, "a practice where parents make a solemn commitment to raise their children in the way of Jesus. Our ceremony is a public recognition of the importance of the parent's and church roe in providing a nurturing and loving context where children can experience the Gospel." Not only were we dedicating Theo to God, but also dedicating ourselves as parents and our family and friends. As parents we are entrusted with a huge responsibility living the example of godly living, creating the environment where our children can learn about God and grow in a relationship with him. And that is what struck me most this time. Maryn is now at the age where she is beginning to ask questions and talks about God and Jesus. You realize how quickly they begin to absorb conversations, books, music, etc. As a parent, I want to plant the seed for both Theo and Maryn to want to know God and to have a meaningful and fruitful relationship with him. Towards the end of the dedication time, they ask for family and friends to come forward and pray with the parents and child. It was so special to have those that our closest to us share in this moment. Jeremy and I alone are not the only ones that influence our children. We need the help, guidance and encouragement of those around us.

I pray that our family foundation is always built on Christ. I pray that Maryn and Theo always know how much they are loved by us, but most importantly how much God loves them. That they not only know, but that they can feel that love daily.

Theodore Cain

how blessed we are!

our precious little boy

Maryn and Theo...

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV)

finding time to read...

One of the things I miss most in life right now is finding time to read. I love to sit down with a good book and get lost in the pages. When I was teaching it was always a struggle, but come summertime I always had a stack of books waiting to be cracked open. It is so hard during the day to get busy doing laundry, fixing meals and bottles, cleaning up, and changing diapers and before I know it the day is almost over and I am too tired to even think about reading. I have a bad habit of turning on the tv, especially once Maryn is down for her nap and I am holding Theo. I can definitely get lost in a TLC or Food Network show. But this week I decided that I was going to start reading again. No more tv during the day! It's now Friday and I can say I have done pretty well this, although I did turn on the tv briefly this morning when I saw the news about the earthquake in Japan....just needed to confess :)

As I said, I love books and this year for Christmas I got a Nook. I love it!! I've downloaded a couple of books and love that you can just download samples to see if it is appealing. Although I did have to limit myself....must finish a book before buying a new one! I can hold it while I'm holding Theo and don't have to worry about having two hands. I told Jeremy last night that the only thing I have decided is that I like it for fiction books, but not so much for non-fiction. Which leads to the book I am reading now...

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

I am only three chapters in, but there are so many things I want to write down or highlight (why I need a hard copy). Life so quickly passes us by and each day is filled with happiness, but a lot of lack of motivation, stress, fear and emptiness. As the title states, living fully right where you are....finding grace, thanksgiving and joy in each and every moment of the day, even the difficult ones. I won't give much away, but I would strongly encourage you to get a copy, find a cozy spot and read away. Ann also has a blog that is great... www.aholyexpereince.com

Theo is 4 months old!

It is unbelievable to me that Theo is already 4 months old! That old saying, "time flies by", is soooo true! Theo is such a happy and easy going little guy. About the only time he gets fussy is when he is hungry or wants to be held to fall asleep. He is sleeping through the night now which is awesome and this last week or so he has been sleeping in his crib. When Maryn was little we started the bedtime routine of reading books and praying and so we have started it with Theo as well. He is very focused on the pictures in" Goodnight Moon" :) He just went for is 4 month checkup the other day and is now 14 lbs 15oz and is 24 1/2 inches long....big change from the 5 lbs he was born at! The doctors only concern was that his head is a little flat in the back and so we are trying to not be on our back as much :) He loves the exersaucer, bumbo seat, and just today he rolled over for the first time!! Theo loves to smile...he's quite the charmer, and that belly laugh and cooing sound he makes just melts your heart!!

4 months old!!

gotta love the belly :)

figuring out the exersaucer

what a little cutie pie!!

the children's museum

On Tuesday we went to the Children's Museum with Scott, his fiancee Lindsey, her sister Angela and little boy Zach. It was such a fun day! Maryn and Zach are the flower girl and ring bearer in the wedding and are only a month apart in age. They were a little shy at first, but quickly warmed up :) We loved playing in the dinosaurs, playscape, science works, and of course riding the carousel. I really enjoyed getting to know Lindsey's sister a little better and look forward to more time when we can get together.

Little dinosaurs

Uncle Scott & Theo...he was on baby duty :)

She said she was a squirrel popping out!

Maryn & Zach on the carousel...

on the moving horses for the first time now that they are 3!!!

Scott, Theo, Zach, Maryn & Lindsey