It's official. My husband is now Reverend Aaron Walters. It sounds so formal, so grown-up. How can I possibly be married to a reverend? I never saw it coming. I thought I was marrying a history teacher. Well I guess this is the time to return to my wedding vows and remember "for better or for worse!!"
Aaron was ordained last week in a wonderful service at Bethel. Both Aaron's folks and my folks flew out for the occasion. It was so special to have them there. At the service I was reminded of the seriousness of the task before us. Aaron is now a "minister of the word." What an honor and privilege, but also a huge responsibility. He is accountable for the spiritual lives of those he ministers to. This is nothing to take lightly or take for granted. At one point my dad leaned over, and said, "This is your last chance...head for the door before it's too late!" I have to admit, I was tempted, but I stayed. I'll stand by my reverend!
There was one moment that I wish I would've taken a picture. All of the elders and pastors representing the different churches were asked to come forward and lay hands on Aaron and it was so powerful to see Aaron surrounded by so many people. This definitely symbolizes the support that we have felt particularly over the last few months. It was a powerful image and I wish I could share it with you, but we'll all have to use our imaginations.
Also, Aaron has started his own
blog about his church planting journey. Check it out.
This is Aaron giving his first blessing as Reverend!
Christmas!! We have gotten blasted with snow here in the Northwest over the last week or so. Here are some pictures of us attempting to enjoy the white stuff! Does Montana's red snowsuit remind you of anyone??? Perhaps Randy from "The Christmas Story"??! She couldn't move by herself either! It was pretty funny and she was a good sport in the snow suit that was too small! We are headed for Colorado tomorrow to spend Christmas with our families. Here's to a Happy Christmas!!!
Somewhere between family visiting, Aaron getting ordained, and Thanksgiving, our little girl turned one! She didn't do too bad for her very first birthday - 3 celebrations in all. The first party was with both sets of Grandparents and my cousin Kristin. She got new toys, a few new clothes and her aunt Emily sent her a bike of all things! The 2nd party was her actual birthday which was Thanksgiving. She had turkey with all the fixings and devoured a piece of pumpkin pie before our eyes. Our good friends Jared & Stacy and their boys and Aime were there to commemerate . Just when we thought it was all over, we joined in with Montana's friends, Ruby and Will, who were celebrating their first birthdays too. So more cake and more partying. It's exhausting turning one.
She did a great job of tearing into the multiple gifts from grandparents and aunties.
Riding (well kind of) her new bike. She loves it!!
Pumpkin Pie - YUM!
3 one-year-olds hard at play
This is Aaron giving his first blessing as Reverend!