Baptism Day...

Cadence was Baptized this weekend.  It was a huge step for her and we are so very proud of her.  She has been asking many questions and we have had several very good discussions with her about what her decision to be baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints means.  I told her that it was her decision, that just because she was 8 didn't mean she HAD to do it right now if she didn't understand or felt confused.  I didn't want this to be something she did JUST because it was traditionally expected of her at this point in her very short life.  

I remember as a late teen, when I really had a firm grasp on my own beliefs and testimony.  I remember thinking at the time that it was crazy that we let kids make a huge decision like that at such a young age.  I have very few memories of my own baptism.  I remember the water being very hot.  There was a lot of kids to baptize the day I took the plunge and I'm sure they didn't want any of the kids to get cold.  I don't remember being confirmed at all.  I remember there being so many people there, my family included.  I don't remember my interview with my Bishop but I know I had one because I was allowed to get baptized.  

I was a smart kid and responsible on top of that.  I'm sure that my confident 8 year old self thought she was ready.  My teen self thought it was crazy that I could have known what I was doing at 8 years old.  What I was committing myself to do for the rest of my life.   My adult self realizes now that my 8 year old self did know what I was getting into.  It was incredibly simple back then.  My teen self complicated things in ways that only teens and young adults can, and now as a wife and mother watching my oldest child take this huge step I understand the simplicity of her decision.  I feel that simplicity deep in my heart again and I wish that I could look at everything as simply as my 8 year old daughter does, as my 8 year old self once did.  

On Saturday I watched my sweet and most precious oldest child wash away the old and become bright, clean and new.  She chose to take upon her the name of Christ, to remember Him always, to live as an example of His goodness, and to spread His light where ever she goes.  I got to chuckle at her gasp and heard her exclaim that the water was cold when she came up. I listened to her father Confirm her a member of the Church.  I listened as she received the gift of the Holy Ghost to aid her in her new obligations to live as our Savior lived. Then I listen, tears in my eyes, as her father gave her a beautiful blessing, his voice choked with emotion.  

It was one of the best days of my life.  

We were happy to share that day with family and friends and with another little boy taking the same steps as Cadence.  

Congratulations Cadence!  We love you!

I haven't had a chance to take any fancy pictures of Cadence in her awesome Baptism dress.  I promise to do that very soon and get them up for you all to enjoy!  

Dear Cadence...

Today you turned eight.  Eight years old.  These eight years have gone by much to fast and I want so much to stop time right now and never let you age another day.  Once upon a time you were a tiny, brand new baby.  

You learned to smile and laugh early.  You never wanted to be laying down.  You always wanted to be sitting up and looking at everyone around you.  We could take you anywhere because you were happy to be people watching and loved to interact with everyone around you.  

And you grew and grew. 

You became a big sister and you have loved every minute of being a big sister since the day we brought your sister home. 

You have never complained about being the oldest, and having extra responsibilities.  You have always rejoiced in your family.

Your beauty stuns me.  Inside and out you are so very lovely.  And as we have added to our family you have adapted so wonderfully.  You have given your heart to each new member of our family and you hold nothing back. 

You are kind and patient.  You are quick to help and always willing to go the extra mile to make things easier for everyone.  You are so selfless and such an example to me of what it is to be like our Savior.

You keep on growing...

And I continue to marvel at the girl you have become. 

And now you are eight.  You are preparing to get baptized.  You are preparing to take upon you the name of our Savior and to promise to be an example of Jesus Christ.  

You have asked many questions, and I hope we have been able to answer them.  I'm not worried though.  You are already a wonderful example.  You are amazing and I feel so blessed that you are mine here on this earth.  I am blessed to hear your laughter and silly jokes.  I am blessed to watch you love on your siblings.  You are an amazing friend.  You care so much for others and their happiness.  You give even when you receive nothing in return.

The last eight years have been incredible.  You are incredible.  

Happy birthday my sweet, sweet Cadence!  

Love, Mom