Pictures from Ethan's Baptism

 He had that bright smile on his face all day!  So sweet and special . . .

 Ethan and Daddy before his Baptism

 Ethan and Mr. Greg (Children's Pastor)

 Mama Brisken and Ethan

 Saying that "Yes" he has accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior

 Buried with Jesus in death . . .

 . . . And raised up to walk in newness of life

Alaina having a little fun with Daddy and Mommy after the service.  :-)

What a special day to remember!  We are so proud of Ethan and the decision he has made to trust in Jesus.

Teach Them To Your Children

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth." - Deuteronomy 11:18-21

I have been so frustrated lately with being a mom . . . I love my children, but I just haven't LIKED them very much.  I think all parents can relate, although they might not ever admit this.  The day in and day out of parenting can really wear you down.  I don't know how parents do it without the love and strength of Jesus behind them, guiding them through His Word in the way they should go.  I know I certainly depend on Him sometimes moment by moment in my parenting challenges and struggles.  I have to keep reminding myself that there is a reason I am teaching my children these things . . . not just to do right because they should and that is what is expected, but because that is what God commands us to do, so that our days, their days will by MANY.  I have to remember that these kids have been entrusted to ME for only a short time, shorter than I even realize now.  I can't give up on teaching them God's words and commands.  It is my main JOB to teach them how to fix these words in their hearts and minds, to talk about them when we sit at home and when we walk along the road, and when we lie down and when we get up . . . ALL THE TIME!  I also should WRITE them in our house to be seen by myself and my kids.  Our church is doing a church-wide study on the basics of being a Christian and walking with the Savior.  One way to do that is by memorizing verses in the Bible.  This is so much harder for me to do as an adult!  Other people who wrote the study must've known this fact, as they gave each person scriptures written out on cards and with a stand up placard to put them in front of us, where we would see them the most to remember them.  It is a discipline I learned as a child, but must relearn and reteach myself to do as an adult.

My prayer is that as I continue to fix God's words in my own heart and mind, that I will be the mother that my children need me to be, so that they can grow in their understanding and knowledge of Him.  I know I am so far from the perfect mother, although I strive to do my best, but I know God forgives me for the many times I mess up, the times I let my frustration with the circumstances get the best of me, the times I say something I shouldn't have said to my kids, the times I don't say something that I should've said, . . . the list goes on.

Thank you, Lord, that You have given me Your Word, the Bible, to teach and instruct me in the way I should go.


"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." - Psalm 32:8

Ethan's Baptism

Today was a very special day for Ethan - he got baptized this morning in church!  He has now publicly professed his belief and trust in Jesus as his savior, and followed Him in the waters of baptism.  We are so proud of you, Ethan, and thankful that you want to tell other people about Jesus!

Although Ethan doesn't yet know what happened on September 11, 2001, before he was born, it was a terrible day in our country where many people lost their lives.  We are saddened to remember this, but thankful that we have a happy memory of this day in our family.  The interesting thing is that 3 years ago, on September 11th, Ethan asked Jesus into his heart as a 4 1/2 year old.   Ethan's special decision on Sept. 11, 2008

It's amazing how in the past 3 years Ethan has grown and matured in his relationship with Jesus.  We know and count on him continuing that walk in the years to come!

Happy 5th Birthday to Caleb!

This past Tuesday, August 30th, was Caleb's 5th Birthday. It is hard to believe that he is already 5 years old! The Saturday before, he had an outdoor water party, as he has for the past 2 years also, only this year he got to use his new awesome water slide we bought him for his party. He and all his friends had a great time and we had beautiful weather! I was so busy running around that I didn't even take any pictures myself on my camera, so I must get some from my mom and mom-in-law soon, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to blog about him on his special day. Here is one pic I have from a friend at the party:

What can I say about Caleb?  For one, he is a blessing to our lives.  Although he has challenged us as parents with his personality and preferences, we wouldn't change a thing about him!  He is so spirited and strong willed, which I'm sure will take him far one day in his life as an adult!  :-)  Caleb started kindergarten this year, and we are so proud of him.  He is learning so many things, and always wants to do his best at everything, a bit of a perfectionist I think.  He is growing more mature every day, and notices things in the world that a lot of us don't.  As our "middle child" I don't ever want to forget or pass him by.  He has valid things to say and things to teach us.  So often in our busy, daily lives it is easy to "miss" him and all the things that God is teaching us through him.  He makes us laugh, he makes us pull our hair out, he is so sweet at times, he strives to be the "bestest friend" (as he says) to his big brother, whom he looks up to and admires so much.  And he is growing into a wonderful big brother himself to Alaina, learning how to be empathetic and helpful to her needs as well.  But most of all, we are thankful for who CALEB is himself, all on his own.  God made him perfectly and we thank Him for allowing us to be part of his life for the past 5 years.  We look forward to a lifetime with him!  We love you Caleb.