Bumpkin Pumpkins

Last weekend Hayden took her first trip to the pumpkin patch. It was at a Methodist Church in Mobile, AL. They had pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and colors. She liked all the pumpkins but wasn't a big fan of all the hay. She said it was sticky. But we did manage to get a few smiles out of her.

Mamaw, Uncle Chris, Aunt Julie and Carter went with us. Between Chris, Julie, Jeff and me we were able to get some good shots of the kids. But with kids this cute, how could we not? Carter is a ham! I just love this picture of him trying to figure out what in the world that thing is on her head.  

We did have a little meltdown while we were there after falling over on a bunch of pumpkins. So some Mommy loving was needed...

And as all divas do, Hayden even had an outfit change while we were there. We changed from her Halloween attire to her smocked Thanksgiving dress.

 I also found out on the way there that Jeff had never been to the pumpkin patch. So they got to experience it together for the first time. It was a very fun outing and we enjoyed spending time with our family. We are very 'thankful' for them!

Baby Dedication

Last weekend we participated in our church's baby dedication ceremony. This special day reminded me of God's grace, mercy, healing power and ultimate GLORY. 

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to HIS purpose. " Romans 8:28

Looking back on the last few years of my life I can see how He was preparing me for Hayden. Even though it wasn't all pleasant, it was all for HIS glory in the end, and inevitably my joy.

"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith brings about endurance." James 1:2-3

She has been a fighter since day one which started out 5 weeks earlier than "planned". But this wasn't a surprise to God, He knew, those were His plans.

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. "
Jeremiah 29:11

Leaving her in the NICU was the worst day of my life, bringing her home a few short days later HEALED was one of the best.

"For I, the Lord, am your healer." Exodus 15:26

If you have ever dedicated a child, or ever plan on it, please realize that it is so much more than a ceremony for the church to view your baby. It is a day to promise to God, with your brothers and sisters in Christ as witnesses, that you will raise your child according to God's word.

"Train up a child in the ways that he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

With all that God has done for me and my sweet Hayden, how can I not return her to Him? After all, He is her Father, letting me borrow her for a while. Thank you Jesus for giving me HAYDEN REBEKAH ELY!

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Such a special day! You can check it out at http://www.crossgates.org/. GLORY to God for allowing us this opportunity. Lord please make me the mother you want me to be and Hayden needs me to be. Thank you for our daughter.