Ali's 8th birthday and Baptism

Ali got baptised on Dec. 8, 2012

Her birthday was fun.  She just wanted a family party.  She wanted Hannah and Noah to be there, so we tried to have a little birthday party for her the night before Thanksgiving.  I thought we would play games and make is more like a party but once it came to it, we didn't do much of anything,  The cousin enjoyed playing with each other.  It was loud with a lot of running around.  I liked it.  We ate pizza and ice cream.  Ali is on an ice cream kick right now- no cake.

These two guys are still best friends.  I have always been afraid that as they got older they might drift apart but not yet.

I was really proud of her cake.  It is made out of vanilla and strawberry ice cream and cool whip.  Nothing else.  Yum.

Ali singing with her grandpa before her baptism

Ali and I.  Ali wore the same dress that I wore when I got baptised 20 years ago.  - sigh-  My mom made it for me.  I remember her making it for me.  Never did I think that my daughter would wear the same dress for her baptism.

I am very thankful for such a righteous husband.  Not only is he righteous enough to baptism my daughter, but he knows so much about Jesus Christ and the scriptures.  I know very few men who know as much as he does.  He doesn't like to act like he knows so much.  He isn't the show-off-how- righteous-I-am kind of guy.  But if I am ever studying anything in the scriptures and have a question, I know he knows the answer and where the answer is in the scriptures.  I couldn't ask for a better man to raise my children. 

My mom gave a wonderful talk on Baptism.  She knew just the right things to say.  Not too complicated- just right for an eight year old.

Her Papa gave her the gift of the Holy Ghost.  He is such a good man too.  I know where Greg gets it all from.  I can only hope that the Hamlin love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ is passed to my children.

Ali's baptism was a very emotional day for me even though I never broke down and cried like I thought I would.  It made me feel sad that my little girl was growing up.  I was also filled with joy.  My heart was so full to think about Ali and how hard she is trying to choose the right every day.  I felt worried- for the future trials I know await her.

Life is hard.  Life often complicates things.  But no matter what happens, I know a few things.  I know that Jesus Christ lives.  I know He died for me that I might be forgiven for my sins.  I know that bad things will happen in my life and in Ali's life. Some will be our own fault, and some we will have no control over.  I know that Christ has felt all of our trials, pain, and sadness.  And I know he can replace it with love and peace if we just ask.  I am thankful that Ali can be baptized.  She now has taken the first step in a long journey.  My wish is that she will find Joy in her Journey through Jesus Christ.  I love you Ali.