Maddie's Baptism, November 14

Looks like an angel, huh? Well, she is now part of God's kingdom as of November 7, 2009. She was so excited and never had a moment of fear with being "dunked"! Maddie has talked to us for a long time about getting saved. She is such a smart, intuitive child and understood so many things about Jesus and who He is. She really began talking to us during the spring and asked a lot of questions. We continued to encourage her to pray and to learn as much as possible so she could understand God's gift of salvation. When her Bammy died, Maddie wanted to get saved so she could see her Bammy again. We spent many bedtimes talking about why she needed Jesus as a savior, and it wasn't just to see her Bammy again (although that is definitely a benefit!). It took her a long time to realize that she needed Jesus to come into her heart and cleanse of her sin so she could go to heaven. You see, she finally understood that God would not let sin into His heaven and that Jesus died to take the place of our sin. Maddie had several reactions to her salvation... " Now I can see Bammy in heaven", "Now our whole family is saved and we will all be going to heaven together", among other comments. She sees the big picture and understands how her decision will affect her future. What an awesome moment.

A week after Maddie made her decision, a little friend of her's, Hailey, also gave her life to Christ. That was really exciting, too, but she was really nervous about the baptism part. Bro. Ric took Maddie and Hailey up to the baptismal pool and and showed them how deep it was and how he would baptize them. Hailey decided to get baptized on the same night as Maddie which was very special for our families. I think that was orchestrated by God so that Hailey would have a friend with her going through the same thing. Maddie loved encouraging Hailey and was able to joke around to lighten the mood as you can see in the pictures. I know they will always remember this time they had together as I always will. Now the real prayer begins for God to protect our children and keep them pure as they grow up. Thanks for all the adults who have taught Graham and Maddie and encouraged them to be confident in their Savior!

Blessings!!!!

Jenny

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Saturday Do Whatever We Feel Like Day

I was so excited for Saturday to get here! No early wake-up calls and no where specifically to be at any time. I love being lazy on a Saturday morning, drinking coffee, eating a yummy pancake breakfast made by Matt and snuggling with the kids in our p.j.'s. Matt and Graham headed out to visit Mr. Morris for a seriously needed haircut while Maddie and I had some girl time at home. Maddie vegged out in front of the t.v. so I went upstairs to take care of some laundry. Of course I got side-tracked when I went into Maddie's room to get her dirty clothes and began cleaning out her bookcase. I pulled out a bunch of books we do not read any more and called a friend and offered them to her for her new "classroom" as she has decided to home school her children. Once Matt and Graham were finished with the haircuts, we met up with them and decided to have a family trip to Target. The kids really needed some warmer clothing so we had fun picking out some clothes for them plus a few other not-needed items. We had a great time hanging out with each other! Madds and I split with the guys and headed to go shopping at a holiday market where some good friends had set up their businesses. Maddie was very specific about some vinyl lettering she wants for her room. "It has to say Princess in cursive, Mommy" and I want it this big (she stands on her bed and spreads her arms out wide plus another foot) She knew the color and size and told Mrs. Genie exactly what she wanted. "I also want a crown on the end". What???? Where does she get the idea for all of this. It is really funny because she went and placed her order while I was talking with another friend about a lunchbag. She is SIX! Wow! I am in trouble and I have such a long way to go... Maddie also was able to design her own bracelet- she chose the beads and actually threaded them and was able to pick out a little charm for it. While that entertained her, I headed over for a free massage not feeling guilty at all, haha! She had her turn and thought it iwas really neat. She told the lady that it felt really good and that she will tell her daddy to buy a gift certificate for her mommy to get an hour long massage. I would say that was great marketing by the massage therapist! Anyway, it was a great day. Graham and Matt had BB gun shootouts and I thing G won hands down. We ended the day with a quick trip to the mall to look for some tennis shoes for basketball, a cookie from the Cookie Company, and dinner at New China. Whew! Now comes the Auburn/Georgia game and we are planning on watching it together which we haven't done in years, not because we can't handle it but Matt gets, well, a little intense. If you have ever watched a UGA game with Matt, you know what I mean :-) I usually try to watch the game in another room but tonight we have weathered it well. I am glad to have had a day like this and will post some pictures as soon as I get a chance. Goodnight!

Maddie and Graham

My son Graham has the most gorgeous brown eyes and a witty sense of humor that keeps us laughing, along with dance moves I don't think I have ever tried...He is all about his airsoft guns, Xbox with his dad, his best friend Charlie and spending time outside. Graham loves to go to his Papa and Mimi's house and spend time hanging out with his Papa doing boy-stuff. Graham always leaves a little of himself behind...like when he was playing in Papa's car in the garage and left the lights on. Dad called me the next day to let me know that his grandson was very precious, but his car wouldn't start when he tried to go to work. Hmmm... he knew who the culprit was right off. All I could say was "I am so sorry, Dad!" Oops!!! Graham loves exploring in Papa's basement and we get new reports of missing items or strange things found in the craziest of places. That's my son!!! He is awesome!!!

Maddie is just the opposite of Graham with her baby blue eyes and blonde hair. She is fun-loving, free-spirited, and all GIRL! Maddie loves her friends, especially her bff Addie, and enjoys having time to spend with Mom. Maddie is sometimes wise beyond her 6 years when it comes to reading peoples thoughts and motives and observing her world. She asks the "why" questions about all kinds of topics and muddles through problems until she comes to a logical conclusion. She is a great conversationalist and enjoys making people happy. I love this petite, little girl of mine and can't wait to see how her life plays out.