I'm a brave woman...That I am...I'm about to embark on a 6+ hour road trip ALONE with a busy almost two year old, a 7 month old "ninging" machine baby & a dog...I mean how do I possible maneuver the lot of them into wherever, so that I can even pee? I can't leave the pup in the car in this heat, the double stroller is gigantic & won't fit in bathroom stalls- So, I might have to do a pull over to the side of a side road kinda deal...Real class!!!


I know it's going to be a nightmare so at least I'm prepared going in- Loading up on snacks, leaving as early as possible & thank Sweet Jesus for our new van & that every-parents-best-friend-on-a-road-trip DVD player...


Speaking of Sweet Jesus, one of the main reasons I am about to put myself through this is to get my babies Dedicated/Baptized/Christened - whatever you want to call it- I've been thinking about it for ages, ever since I had Noal & then you add in Pip, who we were so scared at times of losing & you get a mumma who feels the need to do this symbolic ceremony of sorts....



I'll let my letter to the hooligans speak for itself on how I feel about the whole thing...



My Darling Noal & Pip....

Before I had either of you I never really gave much thought to getting you baptized, christened, dedicated, whatever you want to call it...However, once I had you, Noal, I began to think about it a bit...Then, you came along Pip & when you were fighting for life numerous times I knew that I wanted to do something...


To me it’s not the Act itself- It’s not what the Priest or Pastor is saying...It’s not the water poured over your head or the scriptures read...

To me it’s a symbol of saying thanks to God, Fate, the Universe for giving me you...For trusting me to create Happy Little Souls & having the honour to do it with the two of you...


So, next week you're both getting dedicated in my Papa’s old church, where more than 3 decades ago I once was too...This for some reason holds great significance to me- I like the fact that it’s all come full circle...Where my parents once dedicated me & in essence themselves to raising me to the person I am today, I am doing the same...


Now your dad & I aren’t really the religious type per say- Your dad in particular will probably be quite awkward at the church, he never really quite gets what’s going on...I love watching his face at certain points in any church service- He can't hide what he's thinking-His face always says it all...So I'm truly hoping he keeps it together for photos during the ceremony...You never know with him though- Half our wedding pictures have him making his "this is awkward"" face...


So, in this “Ceremony”, the Pastor may be asking of us, certain things that we promise to do as parents in your lives...That’s all lovely & I respect that foundation & promise to raise you in some of it...

However, my little Hooligans, to me this whole thing has really made me think about what we promise or “dedicate” ourselves to do & be in your lives...

·      We promise to absolute LOVE you- Adore you really- no MATTER what...No matter who you choose to be, what you choose to do & who you choose to become in life...

·      That being said we also promise to guide you, discipline you & teach you how to respect all that you can in life...

·      We promise to give you a life full of fun, giggles, laughter & adventure...

·      We promise to live in the moment with you & play when we can, snuggle for as long as you want & listen to all you have to say...

·      We promise to show you by example how to be kind, open-minded & big-hearted people- to embrace differences, seek individuality & love regardless...

·      We promise to always make you feel safe & welcome in our arms, home & family...And protect you as much as we possibly can...

·      We promise to love each other & respect one another, to show you what a beautiful relationship can be...

·      We promise to teach you to be grateful for all that you have, see the beauty in the lives you’ve been given & live with a thankful spirit...

·      We promise to be your biggest fans, advocate on your behalf when we have to, go that extra mile when necessary & clap & cheer for everything you do...

·      We promise to let you grow, create, explore, seek out what you could be passionate or talented at in life...

·      We promise to always have time for a kiss, hug or cuddle- no matter what is happening in our lives- we promise that you are our number one priority & nothing will ever be better than your love...

·      We promise to be the best Mum & Dad we know how to be- Love you with all that we can, lead by example, show you all the world has to offer & most importantly raise you to have Happy Souls...


This “Dedication” to me is more an Act of publicly saying thank you...Thank you for giving me the two of you who have changed my world so completely...Who have taught me about a love, so fierce & precious & who have given me such a purpose in life...


Our darling Noal & our precious Pip we love you more than any possible words could be written- We promise you US- in all that it entails...We are yours & you are ours...What a beautiful thing...To that we dedicate everything to...Our family...


Love,

Mum & Dad

 {Well your dad doesn't know I'm writing this- nor does he know why I feel so strongly about getting you both "Dedicated"- But I promise you one thing- Your dad would agree with me 100% about what we promise to do & be in your lives...}




I absolutely love the fact that they are getting dedicated in this old, little church like I did- For some reason that brings me such a peace in my decision to even do all this...


Anyways, wish me luck on getting us all there & be prepared for photo overload in the next week or so...On top of the babies dedication we are celebrating Noal's 2nd Birthday...



Oh and if you see a frazzled-insane-looking-woman on the side of the road, balancing what looks like a pee squat by holding a dog's lease, all while singing Head & Shoulders & throwing yogurt covered raisins to a toddler, just smile & be on your way...No need for a honk cause that might just topple me over- Thanks...






P.S- Here's what our little invite looked like: 



And here's just another pic ~ I love how Pip stares at him so intently...