loving our kids on purpose

i really can't say enough WONDERFUL things about this book. after reading it, we've realized we have always wanted to parent this way but just did not know HOW to make it happen. he really shows you how. WOW. it's been eye opening. we can truly shower our children with love while setting firm limits AND keep the FIGHT out of it. completely. firm limits, without the fight???? really??? i think i thought i was supposed to learn how to survive the fight and come out of it the winner. and it doesn't have to be like that at all!

practical, lots of good tips that WORK, and focuses on the CONNECTION with our children. his explanation and approach to parenting is something we had never heard before when it comes to "how to get my kids to obey and not go insane in the process." :) we are excited about the future with our children! i think for the first time ever, i'm not afraid for my children to grow up to be teenagers. i actually think we'll be OK! :)

check it out, i just know you won't regret it!

****UPDATED**** Harrison's Baptism - Sunday, July 19, 2009 - Falls Lake

UPDATED: NEW PIX ADDED

Once a year our church has a Lake Baptism. Harrison has been talking about getting baptized, remember?, so he was definitely ready. We went back and forth about doing the Lake or waiting until August and do it at the church. Anthony felt strongly that the Lake would be more memorable for Harrison and I believe he was right. The night was amazing and I'm sure Harrison will never forget it. I know I will never forget it either! It was a precious time spent with our sweet boy, our family, and our amazing church family!

We got there early so the kids could play in the water and we could enjoy some fried chicken and biscuits before the service started. Mimi and Papa were with us which was SO GREAT! The kids had a blast playing with their friends!










Right before the service, we all gathered together with those who were getting baptized, around 30, so Pastor Horner could pray over them. One other thing that was special is that Harrison had friends getting baptized with him too. It was wonderful to see them so supportive of each other and excited for each other too!


Harrison's friend Joshua

Harrison's friend Cailey

Harrison's friend Noah



one of Harrison's Sunday School teachers has been SO supportive of him! As soon as he told her he wanted to be baptized, she was thrilled and made sure he knew that she would be out there in the lake to take pictures. and she did. got right out there and took pictures of him! i can't wait to get hers! :) what a blessing to have such a loving, supportive Sunday School teacher!!

Addison's been teething and QUITE cranky! she did well though. she enjoyed being outside and allowed Mimi and Papa to hold her which was a blessing for mommy!



poor Jackson, he is always showing off his bum. I can't keep it from happening. Every pair of pants/shorts he owns.

i love that little foot!

wow! this boys is looking SO old! we love him so much and we're SO proud of him!



Anthony heading out to get in position to video!



waiting in line

getting his name checked off.

they called his name and said "please welcome Harrison Williams!" and then everyone would cheer. he was beaming!
UPDATED: ADDED MORE PIX



Pastor David Horner baptized Harrison...






my only disappointment with the whole evening was that a man stepped right in front of me as Harrison was going under. :( i didn't get the shot, nor did i get to see it. Mimi will send the video so thankfully i'll get to eventually. i'm waiting on pictures from his Sunday school teacher who is in the green shirt so I know she got it. also another friend got the pictures but we haven't been able to get big enough files for me to use to blog. hopefully soon....i'll re post right here and let you know when i've updated.

stay tuned! UPDATED: HERE ARE THE PIX




Buried with Christ in Baptism....

Raised to walk in newness of life!



now he's up!


he was SO excited!

giving a high five to Pastor Matt, the Children's Pastor


the proud parents!

I can't even describe hardly how incredible it was! the whole experience. for him and for us. to see your first born baptized. to be able to share it with so many wonderful people. i'll never forget it! we love you Harrison and we are so proud of your decision to follow Christ!

Beth (see my wet pants...i was in the Lake :)), Janet, & Heather


afterwards, the kids played in the water for a long time. no real pictures of Harrison because he was so far out.






see, there it is again. good grief!


she loves her Papa! :)

have I said how amazing the evening was???? it truly was! i hope Jackson and Addison can do it too in a few years! what wonderful memories were made!