Birth and Marriage...

I updated with a short message and some pictures in the day after Jackson was born. That was nearly a month ago and I thought it might be a good idea to update everyone on what has been happening both before the birth and since.

The main thing that was going on before Jackson's arrival was a mixture of university/exam stuff and the preparations for Stevie's wedding including stag weekend/events and other best man duties.

University has been tough this semester. The classes have not been overly stimulating and also a bit frustrating. For example, in one class assignment I was marked down for having too much theological application of the bible passage I was writing on. Now correct me if I am wrong, but is not the call of a preacher to theologically apply the words of scripture to life? Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the study of theology and in general feel that i am growing in Christ as i do so. That said, it ultimately feels like my training for ministry is more academic than spiritual in it's leanings. I am not a fan of this but am resigned to the fact that this is just how it is and that i must get the best out of it.

Stevie and Katrina were married on 22nd April and what a wonderful day it was. I had the honour of being Stevie's best man for the day and Eva was Flower Girl for Katrina. Stevie and Katrina had put a million hour of work into planning their day and making sure it reflected their characters and approach to life. At the centre of their ceremony and whole day was Jesus. Both of them are committed to following Christ as are their families and this was reflected at every stage of the day. The boys started out early in the morning by travelling to Temple Golf and Country Club for a quick nine holes. The weather and craic were great and the golf was rubbish (apart from Stevie's brother in law Gavin who is a fine golfer and put us all to shame). From the 9th hole we moved into the restaurant for a full Irish Breakfast which was very tasty indeed. Then it was back to Stevies's Mum and Dad's house to get showered and suited up. Stevie had picked great looking suits and the boys looked sweet indeed. We did have a wee bit of drama when the Groom went missing and his phone was not working - the best man did panic somewhat!!!! Stevie turned up and we left for the church and made it about 8 minutes before Katrina did, just in time for a few photos and then into the church. Katrina arrived right on time and made a great entrance. Unfortunately it was all a bit much for Eva and she cried her way down the aisle aided by her Daddy! We had a great time of praise singing and then Stevie and Katrina exchanged vows. Good times. From here we went to the Rosspark Hotel near ballymena for their reception. The food was good as were the speeches. All in all, it was a wonderful day in which the love of Christ could be sensed in a big way. Stevie and Katrina are a great match for each other and great friends for us and we hope and pray all the very best for them in their future together. I will post a few pictures and hope you enjoy them.

Family wise, we are doing well. Life is certainly changed with a second child! Jackson is a wee angel though and proving himself to be just as good as his big sister was. He is sleeping well and eating well (though we could not expect anything else from a littl'un that bears the name Charles!! Eva is a great big sister to Jackson and is always trying to help (sometimes too much!!) She is also very protective of him. Margaret took them all into work so her colleagues could see Jackson and she also had somethings to talk over with a colleague of hers. She went into see the girls in the office and let them hold Jackson while she met with her colleague...or so she thought. When she was leaving to go down to her colleagues office Eva pulled on her hand and said, "We have to get the baby off her!" She was not prepared to leave Jackson no-matter how much Mummy trusted the person holding the boy!!! She is very cute as she looks after him.

These are good and exciting times for our wee family. Enjoy the pictures.