Bailey's Baptism

Parenthood, when done the right way, is HARD work.  We teach, we discipline, we support, we laugh, we cry, we nourish, chauffeur, expect, anticipate, love and plead, all on behalf of our little ones.  It is exhausting, rewarding and unparalleled to all else.  There are days we want to rip our hair out and scream, throw in the towel and say "good riddance"!  But those days are always triumphed by those rewarding days when you see just how much all those "little things" can add up to.  THIS was one of those rewarding days.  My sweet daughter reached the age of eight, the age of accountability in our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and decided to be baptized as one of the newest members into it.  My heart could not be more full!

I wish I had thought to get a picture of her and her dad dressed all in white prior to entering the baptismal font - it was such a tender sight, one that I will never forget.  When she emerged from the water her face shown with such a sweet light, so full of innocence and truth that it literally took my breath away.

While she was changing into dry clothes, we played this video that I put together for her:

After the baptism, we had a luncheon for family and friends (Copycat "Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Salad") at our home to come and celebrate her sweet decision.

I am so incredibly grateful to have such amazing friends and family who are willing and eager to support her in her decision and help guide her along the path to becoming the woman her Father in Heaven desires of her to be.  It truly takes a village to raise a child, and we have a pretty great one!

Everyone present left their "print" for her to always remember that she has been built on a strong foundation and has such great support on all sides.

I love this sweet girl more than words can express.  I am so incredibly proud of her and all she is striving to become, and all that she already is!  (Her dress is actually white, but for some strange reason it keeps uploading purple..)

"CTR" means "Choose the Right".  Something she always strives to do, and I am so thankful for that :)

We are so proud of you Bailey girl.  We love you and are so thankful to have you in our family!