Sweet Hayden

Mystery Speaker

A couple of weeks ago I went to Overisel Reformed Church to hear a guest speaker. She doesn't go by her real name-and wasn't introduced with a name. She is an ex-Muslim. She became a Christian a few years back and is now speaking out and helping Christians be aware of the Muslim religion. I left that church very humbled. There is so much in my life that I take for granted day in and day out. And I've probably never even thought twice about being able to Worship God whenever and wherever I want to. She said that Muslims always feel guilty-that that is how their god makes them feel. And its even worse if you are a woman (girl births are not celebrated, but boy births are). And I think that it is pretty common-knowledge that woman aren't as equal as men in that religion. But its like, how awesome is our God?! We may feel convicted to repentance at times, but other than that, He rules by LOVE. And that if we need something we may come boldly before the thrown because Jesus Christ paid the way for us. Completely opposite of Muslims. She also said that they only way to leave your parents house (move away) is either through an arranged marriage or in a casket. I was blown away. And she had been able to escape. God chose her and her sister as they both had escaped. Again, how great is our God?! He seeks us out! He WANTS to not only have relationship with us, but wants intimacy with us. I'm still blown away, there is so much that I've already forgotten. I guess in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am just SO grateful for the intimate relationship I can FREELY have with my God.

I guess I'm writing all this so that we can be aware. There are more and more Muslims in our country today. If they see real, genuine Christians-not people who are Christian on sunday and the worldly monday-saturday, they will be attracted to and curious about the life we live. For the darkness is attracted to the light!! And I'll get off my soap box now. I remember my chemistry teacher in high school would always say that-and I never really knew what it meant...until I started being on a soap box. :) LOL!

6 Months

Well, I don't even know where to begin it's been so long! So I'm starting with Hayden. He turned 6 months old a couple of weeks ago and before he turns 7 months I figure I better get this done! He is such a sweet, sweet baby boy. So incredibly happy. Such a difference from the first 3 months he was here. I think he finally accepted his fate of being stuck, I mean blessed, with this family. :) Anyway, he is really such a good baby. He popped his first 2 teeth back at 3 1/2 months and then got 4 more by the time he turned 6 months old. A total of 6 teeth, 2 on the bottom and 4 on the top. Both Emma & Logan were pushing 6 months old before cutting their first teeth. So with having teeth he's been having a little bit of food. Starting out with baby cereal, then we tried some sweet potatoes, green beans, apple sauce, bananas & peaches. He loves all of it. Can't get enough-again, such a difference from Emma & Logan. I think I finally have a compliant child!!! Yay! Other things he's been up to would include sitting up on his own. He isn't quite a pro at it, but he's getting there. He is such a curious little boy too. Wants to be right in with the other kids-and will get mad if he's being left out. He wants so badly to be playing with them, running around-but I so can wait for that. My life is busy enough right now!! Plus I just want to enjoy the sweet baby that he is! Last week I took him to the Dr's for his well child, and his stats are as follows:
Height: 28" (90%tile)
Weight: 18lbs, 7oz (50%tile)
I wasn't surprised about his height-but his weight I was-I guess I was thinking he'd be heavier. I guess he just seems heavy to me when I'm carting him in his car seat! All in all, we have yet another very healthy child. Thank you Lord! May Hayden glorify you in all he does!