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!