Exciting Sunday!

 What a special day today was for our little family! The twins have been talking for some time now about wanting to be baptized. We have seen the work of the Spirit in their lives and have been encouraged to see their growth in Christ. They had to meet and answer questions from our community group and the elders last week and today was the day that they were baptized! My heart was weepy (happy tears) all day as I watched them identify with the body of Christ and say to the world- 

I am follower of Jesus! 

Sophia wrote out her testimony of faith by herself and did a great job

 going first and reading loud and clear. 

It was also very special that Mark got to be the one who baptized our daughters. 

So emotional:)  (I was crying the whole time -not a big surprise if you know me!) 

 Sid also was baptized today. 

Arianna wrote out her testimony of faith by herself. She was very nervous to speak in front of everyone and had been reciting the Bible verse found in I Timothy all week- "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound judgement." 

He truly is to be praised because she read loudly and clearly and went thru with it! 

 All smiles! 

 So blessed to be the church with this body of believers! 

Overwhelmed with JOY looking at this picture:) 

 First time taking communion with the body

 Afterward we had a picnic with everyone at a local park. 

 And Elijah climbed a tree to the very top! 

We have been listening to this song for the last month and it has become a favorite of the twins! 

Beneath the Waters- by Hillsong

This is my revelation

Christ Jesus crucified

Salvation through repentance

At the cross on which He died

Now here my absolution

Forgiveness for my sin

And I sink beneath the waters

That Christ was buried in

I will rise 

I will rise

As Christ was raised to life

Now in Him

Now in Him

I live

I stand a new creation

Baptised in blood and fire

No fear of condemnation

By faith I'm justified

I rise as You are risen

Declare Your rule and reign

My life confess Your Lordship

And glorify Your Name

Your word it stands eternal

Your kingdom knows no end

Your praise goes on forever

And on and on again

No power can stand against You

No curse assault Your throne

No one can steal Your glory

For it is Yours alone

I stand to sing Your praises

I stand to testify

For I was dead in my sin

But now I rise....

The End of an Era

My sweet kiddos trekked off to their first day at Hopkins today. 

They have some pretty awesome teachers this year!

The twins were so excited to see their friends. We got a quick hug and kiss and off they went.

Ella was clingy. 

She has always been the one where goodbyes are the hardest. 

She started crying when the bell rang and of course, that started the tears for me. 

Elijah just stood in his line and waved as he walked into school. So grown up! 

As Mark and I walked home, the tears were flowing. Its the end of an era in our house. After 9 years of having four to one little kiddos by my side, I am sitting alone in a quiet, empty house. Life is flying by and my children are getting independent and don't need me as much anymore. They are going off to school by themselves.  I was reflecting today that I am thankful that my identity isn't just in being a mom but my identity is found in CHRIST! When I can't be a "mom" during the day, I am going to be okay because that is not what defines me. I can have joy when the children aren't right by my side every moment because I have purpose as a child of God. 

I am blessed beyond belief to have 4 awesome kiddos to mother and love. 

But I am blessed even more to be a child of God and a follower of Christ! 

P.S. Check out last years back to school pictures to see how much they've grown! 

http://chassmellincoffee.blogspot.com/2012/08/first-day-success.html

Western Welcome Week: A fun tradition

Our family goes every year to Littleton's Western Welcome Week. This year we went with a bunch of Hopkins families. It was a nice day and the parade seemed extra long this year. As always there was free face painting and the kids looked great! 

 We cheer really loud when the Hopkins flag and Mr. Winger pass by:) 

 There are TONS of horses in this parade and they come so close- its awesome!