Cyrena is baptized

It's interesting when there are moments in your life where you think something is going to turn out one way and then it completely surprises you and turns out even better.  

I had the expectation that Cyrena's baptism day was not going to run perfectly smoothly, maybe be a little stressful and that her siblings would distract me.  

 In the end, everything wasn't totally smooth, the kids were a little distracting, and David and I did stay up until 1 in the morning the night before finishing preparations. 

However, I was amazed at the spirit I felt, how much my heart was bursting with  love, and how completely content and happy I was.  

 It was a day that ranked right up there with the day we were married 

I had notecards in a basket so everyone could write down their thoughts, feelings and testimonies to share with Cyrena.  I had those loved ones far away do so through email then put all the cards into a photo album for Cyrena to keep.

After she was confirmed Cyrena bore a sweet testimony. She was prepared for this day.  She had been taught by primary teachers, her family and the missionaries.

 

Afterward we had a tasty brunch and enjoyed visiting and watching a slideshow David had made for Cyrena's first 8 years.

Cyrena opened up a few presents.  We gave her some scriptures and a journal, Grandma and Grandpa Lemmert made her a scripture bag, Grandma and Grandpa Taylor gave her a hymn book, and aunts and uncles gave her some jewelry and books. 

 He's a ladykiller

That night after things had settled down and we were all just hanging around the house I made this comment, "I guess staying up until 1 in the morning was worth everything turning out so well!"  

Cyrena sat quietly absorbing this and then came over to me with tears in her eyes and said "Thank you for staying up so late to make everything so special for me, I know you really really love me" 

It was my first real glimpse of my grown-up girl feeling the spirit and the joy that comes from knowing who you are and following the Savior. 

I can't wait to see more