Baptism

Our dear Ethiopian friends had their daughter's baptism last week. We were blessed to attend the service. Are those gorgeous kids or what!

My Ethiopian Sister Gabriella gave me this beautiful Ethiopian dress and shawl. It was so fun to wear. It has beautiful silver crosses along the hem.

Photo Shoot

I didn't get any really good full length photos of the babes in their baptismal outfits so this morning I bathed them and dressed them up. What fun! Baby George was so cooperative...a little model. As for Sister...Holy Cow...she was a crank and a wiggler. I did get a few cute ones though.

Baptized

Our sweet babies were baptized yesterday. It was a beautiful service and a wonderful day.

The beginning of the service. Godparent affirmations and prayers. Do you notice my little Mr. P tucked under my arm...yes, he's never far from me:)

Big brother Tuba serving as an acolyte.

Getting rubbed with oil.

Baby brother's turn.

Lydia's first up for the full submersion baptism (3 times dunked).

Baby George just out of the water.

Sweet boy in his fancy outfit.

Sweet girl and her pretty dress and cross.

The Chrismation...annointing with Holy Oil.

After the Chrismation having the Holy Oil washed off with a sponge.

The tonsuring when the priest cuts pieces of hair and burns them, "May your life be so consumed in Christ".

Baby George getting his tonsuring...hard to find enough hair.

The wonderful Godparents with our babes.

After the service and the liturgy snuggling the boys with my mom.

For a good explanation of an Orthodox baptism go here.

Our Weekend

We had an amazing weekend. Very busy and very wonderful. We were asked to be Co-Godparents to our friend's children newly home from Ethiopia. Saturday was the baptisms. It was a beautiful service. The church was full of family and friends who came to witness the event. Sunday we went to church all together to see the boys' first communion. With 6 kids ages 2 and under it was a good thing to have so many loving adults and bigger kid helpers! It was a rotation of kids and bottles and trinkets with lots of kisses and hugs and snuggles....oh, and maybe a couple of stern looks...from myself to my two year old:)

Our family of 7 (Lydia's head is behind candle holder in my right arm), Our Godchildren's family is a family of 9, and the Co-Godparents are a family of 6 (oldest daughter not pictured). I love this picture. These are amazing families. I draw such strength from them. I try emulate their parenting...because they are such good examples. And...good examples of Christians.

Patron Saint is Solomon.


Patron Saint is Gabriel.