Benson was baptized on October 7, 2007. Reverend Daryl Madi performed the baptism and Granddaddy Ryan gave the charge from Deuteronomy 6: 5-7 which says:
"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."He spoke to Benjamin and I about three things. The first being, loving the Lord. He encouraged us to be dedicated to furthering our relationship with the Lord, daily- Seeking his wisdom and guidance in all things that He may be glorified through our family's dependence on Him. Secondly, to love each other, letting Benson see our dedication and love for one another through serving and encouraging each other along life's path. Thirdly, to love our children by teaching them about the Lord and His love for them- to show them His word and to talk about his majesty at every opportunity, that they may come to know him at an early age. He also charged us to be diligent in prayer for our family and for each other... to teach our children how to pray and to let them hear and see God's work in our hearts and lives. He encouraged us to speak often and well of Christ in our home, to let his presence be a part of our daily lives.
It was such an honor to have Benjamin's father give us the charge in Benson's baptism because he is such a wonderful model of a godly husband and father. The charge that he gave us was so special because it is one that he lives daily. We were so blessed to be able to have him be such an integral part of the ceremony.
After church was over, Benjamin's mama had all 21 of us over to her home for a yummy lunch of lasagna and salad. We watched the video of Benson's (long awaited) arrival from the time when we entered the hospital the first time to almost four weeks later when he finally made his debut. It was such a special celebration and we are so glad that our little one is officially a covenant child! We look forward to the day when he proclaims his own faith to our church congregation.
See Pictures Here
We took Benson to his four month check up and everything looked great. He weighed 14 pounds 5 oz. He was 24 and 1/2 inches long and his head is 16 and 1/2 inches in circumference. He was 50th percentile for all three categories. He's doing so well and we are so thankful!!
This past weekend we had the third annual Ryan marriage retreat. We went to the mountain house and Mr. Tom and Mrs. Lula shared their wisdom and generosity with us. This year's theme was "Him (meaning the Lord), her and him (us), and Them (the babies). We had our group sessions with guys and girls and then broke into guys only and girls only. It was certainly and a blessing and served to recharge our relationship with the Lord and one another. We also played "The Price is Right" and the "Newlywed Game" the latter of which, Benjamin and I won! :) 
Will is growing up so fast! He's already six months old. He has started eating baby food, but he isn't a big fan of peas. :) 
Hannah is the most precious little thing I have ever seen. She looks like a little china doll. 
Big boy Benson. My little chunk of love. :)
