8 is Great!

Sweet J'alee turned 8 this month.  I cant believe how fast she has grown.  the month has been full of admiration, surprise, pride and happy moments with my big little girl!  We had family come in from all over for her baptism and confirmation.  It was so fun to have everyone here and it was a good day.

She decided she wanted to be bapitzed but was scared of going under the water.  Sort of surprising since she used to be like a fish out of water.  she anyways would go under in the swimming pool.  But we practiced and talked a lot about it so that she wouldnt be nervous.

In our church we baptize children at the age of 8.  This seems (for many) to be right at, just past, or maybe just before they really start to understand choices and consequences.  We also do baptism by immersion, or in other words the person is immersed underwater and brought back up.

She asked me if I would baptize her and I was honored and proud of her choice.  She was nervous still but she did fantastic!  I was probably more nervous than her becuase I was afraid that I wouldnt fit in to the white pants...and sure enough I made a fashion statement with them.  You wont see them in pictures though. I already traumatized those at the event.  Waist 29 and lenth 30... doesnt quite fit my more husky size.

Here she is in the beautiful dress that her mom made!  Took a lot of great skill and love to make this!  I even got to cut the fabric and pattern out.  My way of helping out.  Luckily I didnt cut it wrong!

 The ever so fashionable white jumper suits, as I call them.  Just before the baptism.

 Grandpa was so gracious enough to come out and give up the celebration of his birthday and share it with his grand-daughter for her baptism.  He also was a huge help entertaining my little wild thing!  Thanks Grandpa and I hope you enjoyed the time with us on your birthday!  Happy Birthday!

 Here we are just before the start of the baptism program.  You might be able to tell Ive got the floods here and just how tight the pants were.  But we were excited, nervous and happy.

 Bishop D was there as well.  He talked with J'alee and said she is so happy, has a great smile and is so full of joy.  He invited her to come live at his house because they need more joy there.  She smiled and then hung on to me.  I guess I win over the awesome bishop!  :)

 Grandpa and Grandma A at our house just after the baptism.  We do love pictures and so we had a mini photoshoot in the back yard.

 Grandma J with the birthday girl!

 Grandma B and J together just after the baptism.  Great to have grandma and great grandma here with us.

I have more pictures that I have not posted yet taken with more family.  I havent gotten around to editing them yet.  It was a crazy week of work and I need more time.  So dont be offended if you dont see your photo here.  It will come soon.

For those who couldnt make it.  You sure missed out on a good meal after the baptism.  We had fresh rolls, soup and a hot chocolate bar!   Mmh Tomato Basil Bisque!  ;)  We did miss many of you and hope to see you all soon!