We are LDS and in our faith, children can choose to be baptized starting at 8 years old.  Well, Nena turned 8 in August and chose to be baptized.  I am so proud of her and her decisions to make good choices, be kind to her family and friends and follow the commandments.

Nena is such a pure and tenderhearted little girl.  She loves so deeply and care so much about other people.  She is certainly a light in my life and I can’t tell you how much I adore that little girl.  I look at her and see so much of who I want to be.

When she was born, my grandmother told me, “Now you have your girl.  You can have as  many boys as you want, but now you have your girl.”  She was right.  As much as I love my boys, I have to say that I am so blessed to have this little girl in my life.  She brings a different dynamic to this home.  She is soft and kind and helps teach and guide the boys.  She is, in many ways, my saving grace.

I love her in white.  I think that it is one of the prettiest colors on her.  I am so glad that we were able to go out and find this dress for her.  If there was ever an article of clothing that could define a person, it would be this dress on her.  Simple, elegant and beautiful.  I love you Nena and I am so proud of you for the wise choices that you are making.

Thank you so much for everyone who came to support Nena.  Thank you for helping out in so many ways to make this day possible. There is no way that I could have done this on my own and I appreciate so much all of the help! 

My sweet supportive family.

Couldn’t love them more.

Nena and her friends.  She was so excited for the support.

Thank you all that helped out on the luncheon.  That was such a big help!

Thanks to my dear friend who made a wonderful montage of Nena’s pictures growing up.  It still makes me cry.

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For dear friends that came even though it was a huge inconvenience.

Thanks to friends who traveled quite a ways to get here.  And, thanks for the comic relief once you did arrive!

Thank you to friends and family that helped me shred tons of chicken and get everything arranged.

Thank you to a dear friend that made and set up all of the decorations.  We love you all so much!

And now, for a couple of outtakes from the day:

She was imagining dad wearing Toadies diaper.  Yep, the things we do to get kids to smile.

The wind changed and blew the water down her back.  That was the end of our photo shoot!