Collier's Baptism

This past weekend we celebrated with our family the Baptism of Collier. It was so wonderful to have all of our family and friends together and to have such special people surround us for this special time. As most of you know, we’ve had A LOT of rain, so we prayed all last week that the weather would clear and that we would have nice and cool weather for Sunday. God faithfully answered our prayer. Saturday was still a little muggy and rainy but it was fine and even cleared up later in the evening but Sunday was beautiful. Everyone arrived on Saturday afternoon and we watched football and cooked hamburgers as everyone arrived and visited. Mom and Dad were kind enough to open their home to us for everything. Our little house wouldn’t hold everyone (we had about 20 friends/family). Collier did a lot of sleeping on Saturday, I think that the rainy day made him want to stay in the bed. When he was awake he was passed from one person to the next getting all of the love that he could hope for!

Collier has very special godparents. Eddie, Justin’s dear friend from Dothan is Collier’s godfather. He is very special to us for so many reasons – he will be a great influence in Collier’s life. Eddie and Jennifer have a little girl, Elizabeth, who is just 45 days older than Collier. We know that they will be good buddies as they get older. Stephanie, my cousin is Collier’s godmother. Steph is just one of those people that when I am with her I am totally myself….she is like a sister to me (and I always wanted a sister). Stephanie and Toby have 4 kids that I love and adore! I do wish that we saw more of both Eddie and Stephanie. We love yall and thank you for being such a special person in Collier’s life.

Our church has specific Sundays that they do baptisms. We were originally scheduled for 2 weeks ago, but 6 people were scheduled for that Sunday and they asked if anyone would be willing to change. I took them up on the offer and as a result we were the only family for baptism this Sunday. It made it extra special to us! Collier woke up on Sunday and we figured out the ideal feeding schedule and we were off to church. He did great and slept through the beginning of service. He woke as I passed him to Rich (our preacher) for the Baptism and he was such a little angel. He didn’t make a peep! After the babies are baptized one of the preachers walk the babies to the back of the church so that the older ladies in our church (who usually sit at the back because its such a long walk to the front of the church – we have the longest center isle in Birmingham) can see the babies. Rich was making announcements when Rebecca finally brought him back to us and he even joked that the she did have to give him back. She was so happy holding him and showing him off! He was really sweet! Rich is also who married Justin and I, so it made it a little extra special that he also baptized Collier.

After church we went back to mom and dad’s for a wonderful lunch. Did I mention that the weather was perfect. The sun was out and the temperatures were cool and very pleasant – Thank you Lord! Everyone pitched in to help get lunch ready to be served. We had ham and turkey sandwiches, salad, kibbie, fruit and vegetable trays and yummy desserts. Everything was easy and it really was a perfect day. Collier was great and we are truly blessed to have him in our lives. Justin and I pray that he will always know God’s pure unconditional love and His grace and mercy! I am thankful each and every day for him.

My sweet friend Lindsey was so very kind to come to the church and take pictures for us. I will post pictures soon of the wonderful weekend. She did an amazing job and spent a lot of time with us. I love her dearly…Thanks Linz!

One more thanks to my parents for all that they did. They worked hard to have their house ready for company. Mom was up late Saturday night prepping food and setting the tables. Love yall

We also want to thank everyone for making a long trip and for taking the time out of your weekend to celebrate with us. We are so greatful for you and that you're in our lives. Thank you!