Joseph's 13th Birthday

 I simply cannot believe that my son is 13 years old, but it's the truth!  Crazy!  But we sure had a great time celebrating his birthday.  His birthday was this past Wednesday, so I made his favorite Oreo cake and we sang and then blew out the candles.  Then on Friday after school we went bowling with the kids and one of Joseph's friend Parker.  We then went over to the mall where Joseph spent some of his birthday money sent to him by both Grandmas at the Disney Store and the Lego Store.  The fun evening ended at Red Robin for dinner where we all enjoyed yummy hamburgers (except Juliana who had pizza, obviously she thought we were at Little Caesars.)  We all had such a great time.  Happy Birthday my dear sweet Joseph.  I love you!  You are becoming such a handsome young man that I am so proud of.

My Angel's Baptism

 When children are born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upon reaching the age of 8 they can make the choice to get baptized thus becoming members of the church. 

This past Saturday my beautiful sweet girls made the decision to get baptized. 

My parents, in-laws, and dear brother Kenny were able to come.  I know there were a great many more family members that wished they could be there and were there in spirit.

Dressed in spotless white which is symbolic of purity my eternal sweetheart exercised his priesthood authority and baptized our daughters.  Following the baptism, Michael again exercised his priesthood authority and confirmed them members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave them the gift of the Holy Ghost thus completing their first step on their way back to their Heavenly Father who loves them dearly.

When you have lost a loved one, big family events are very difficult.  But, due to the tender mercies of the Lord, this event was tender and sweet and filled with a calm and sweet spirit.

Thanks to all my dear friends who were willing and able to share with us their talents in helping with the music, conducting, and making the programs.  Thanks to my mom for being willing to sing a song written for a soprano like myself, but she was willing and able to sing the alto part beautifully and perfectly.  A big thank you to my dear long time friend Melissa who made an adorable dress out of cup cakes.  Her daughter will be getting baptized this October so I think we will be seeing that cake again.  A very special thanks to my friend Tiffany who got a text from her husband saying the girl's feet were cold and brought them socks to keep them warm.  A thanks to my brother to take away time from his family to come and spend the weekend with us.  A huge thanks to my parents who always make sure everyone is well fed and having a great time.  Also, thanks to my in-laws who are always so generous and supportive.

Following the baptism, we had a large group come over to the house for lunch and ate a whole bunch of food including ham and cheese sandwiches, salads, chips and dip, homemade cherry limeade, and desserts.

I had a great day filled with happiness that I was not expecting to feel, my sadness was swallowed up in the joy of a day complete with family, friends, and my sweet angel Katherine.