On Sunday 4th June we got Jai and Leith Baptised. It was a very big decision for us and one that didn't come easy. Stuart is non-denominational and, even though I have recieved all the sacraments, am not a practising Catholic. It has taken me a long time to come to the conclusion that, like most things in life, I take the bits I want and leave out the bits I dont when it comes to religion. There have been times, like this, when a wave of hypocracy has flowed over me and I've struggled with it, but I see far bigger hypocites on a daily basis and figured, it is my faith I struggle with and no-one else is affected directly by it...!A big reason for getting the kids baptised was the choice of education that would open up to them. Unfortunately we live in a world where, to get the best, you have to pay for it, and being the case in our area at least, mine and Stuart's beliefs/faith can take a back step for the future of our children. Bearing that in mind, I feel we made the right decision....The day as a whole was lovely, and very casual too (much to Stuarts surprise!!) The priest, Father Andrew made the ceremony enjoyable and easy for everyone. We celebrated with a small BBQ afterwards as a "Thank You" to Jai's Godparents, Kath and Glenn, and to Leiths Godparents, Georgina and Simon. The boys were so well behaved throughout the ceremony (not a full Mass! See, they cater for non-catholics these days!!) and Jai had us all in stitches when Glenn picked him up for the priest to "wet his head"-he threw it back with gusto as though he was washing it in the bath, and when finished said out very loud, "See, thats when the priest did put water on my head". The church let out a laugh, and I was proud that the brief run down I had given to him about the ceremony sank in and he did what was required! He was just a little baffled by a wood sculpture of Jesus on the cross and "why he doesnt have any legs..."!!
...you can't catch me I'm a Gingerbread Man..!" Here is one very happy Jai with his completed gingerbread man! I searched in all my cook books (and believe me, I have many!) for a gingerbread man recipe, but to no avail...I rang Tracy and she gave me this lovely recipe that makes a 'fluffy' cake type dough rather than a biscuit dough. The kids went nuts for them as they were very tasty! Jai did a great job decorating them too... I think I did ok too, cutting out the shapes free-hand-another dilema-do you think I could find a cutter in the shape of a man anywhere??!!? At least not a decent sized one, and Jai wasn't up for making gingerbread dwarfs....
