Another Busy Weekend!

Does life ever slow down? Ours doesn't seem to. That's OK, because we have a very full and rich life. I wouldn't trade one mintue of it. Anyway here's what our weekend was like. Here goes.

Friday, we attended a funeral of a precious lady that died very tragically last week. I won't go into the details, because I want the Lord to receive all the Glory for her homegoing. I don't understand why God took her home in the fashion that He did, but, thankfully, it's not my job to try and understand these things. On a side note, at the grave side services for sister Vivian, there was a Scottish Bagpiper. How cool is that. It really was fascinating. I have been to a lot of funerals in my short life, but that was definitely a first.

Friday evening, Chad and I were able to steal a few minutes to ourselves to have a little date. Clayton stayed with his Mawmaw(Chad's mother) and we went to dinner. We went to a place called Friday Friends. We had not eaten there before, but thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderful to have an evening with my sweetie.

Saturday afternoon we were honored to be invited to a wedding. Philip and Amanda Crump were hitched at Calvary in a beautiful and sweet ceremony. They seem to be genuinely in love with one another and with their Savior. Pray for them as they start down this new road together.

Saturday evening we went to dinner with Mom, Dad(the boss), and Ed and Nancy Taylor. Brother Ed pastors a church in Perry, FL. They were in town for Jesse's ordination. More on that in a moment. At dinner, my brilliant husband(he really is, Love ya babe) locked his keys in his car. We think they fell out of his pocket while he was taking his pre-dinner insulin. Anyway, there happens to be a high ranking office of the Lenoir Fire Department in our church. Chad called this man and he was willing and able to dispatch Lenoir's finest to our aid. We were very grateful not to have to call a locksmith. Thanks LFD.

Sunday. Of course we had our regularly scheduled church services this morning. Then this afternoon Jesse(baby brother) was Ordained into the ministry. It was an awesome service. I don't get to too many ordination services, but this has to be the best one I have been to thus far. As they were laying hands(special prayer time) on Jesse I was able to reflect on how fortunate I am to have a heritage of preachers. My husband, father, brother, and father-in-law, are all preachers. They also all pastor in some fashion or the other. In addition, they all live what they preach. How many people have this many preachers in their family. I love it and them.

So that was our weekend. We are physically EXHAUSTED, but we really are very full. God loves me and allows me to be a part of all of these wonderful activities. I'm grateful for every opportunity He provides for our family.

Uncle Jesse

This is too precious not to post. Jesse and Amy babysat a few weeks ago for us. They kept Clayton up until, and a little past, his bedtime. Amy was so sweet and fed him his last bottle of the day, and even put him in his jammies for us. She really is the best. After Clayton was dudded up for bed he fell asleep with Jesse. It really is sweet. And I do love my baby brother.

YUMMO

Who would have thought cereal would have been such a hit. Clayton started eating cereal on Monday and hasn't stopped since. He's been getting it twice a day this whole week. Actually, he may be wearing more than he's eating, but it's still a lot of fun.

Chad had to try a bite of cereal. I don't know what possessed him to do that, but he did. Well, let's just say he didn't like it quite as much as Clayton does. I don't have a picture of that, but I sure wish I did.

So Sorry!

I really am very sorry for not posting sooner. This week has been crazy busy. There was the usual work, bottles, and diapers. But, we also had revival at church this week. Evangelist Tom Gilliam delivered the message each night. Each sermon was about prayer I believe everyone of the messages was directly aimed at me. I always need a push(or a kick) when it comes to my prayer life.

Anyway, there's a lot going on for our family. Next Sunday 6/1 is Chad's official first day as the Associate Pastor at Calvary Baptist in Lenoir, NC. He's been observing only during the month of May. We've been able to get to know a lot of the youth during this month. It's been great fun for us anyway. I think they have enjoyed it as well. Please be in prayer for Chad as he begins to minister to the wonderful members at Calvary.

Baby on a Mission

Gummy Grins

Clayton's smiles are the best things going and coming around the Carswell house. Toothless grins are worth every 3am feeding, and poopie diaper. Enjoy.

Best Mother's Day

I think I had the best first Mother's day that any new mom could hope for. Clayton(and Chad since Clayton's only 3 months old) gave me a gift certificate to a day spa here in town. They know how much I like to have my toes painted. I was so excited when they gave me their gift. Chad is not an incredibly romantic man, so I was incredibly shocked that he would think of something like that. He did a really good job.

We had a few bumps on our road to parenthood, but we are loving it now. God's will and timing for our lives has been absolutely perfect. We love being parents now that we have Clayton, but we are thankful for ALL of the things that preceeded his arrival.

I know it's belated, but I want to say Happy Mother's Day to the special ladies in my life. Of course my Mom, my Grandmother, my Mother in Law, and my 2 Sisters in Law, neither of the have children yet, but they will make great Moms in God's time.