Madelyn's Baptism Day!!

Saturday, my little angel baby was baptized:) It was an incredible day! Madelyn was glowing & beautiful & so excited. There were several times throughout the day when I realized how much she has grown...in size & in confidence. Just before the baptism, James & Maddie went to a little orientation & they had all the kids stand up & introduce themselves & who was baptizing them. For those of you who have known Maddie for a while, know this kind of thing hasn't always come easy for her. But James said that when it was her turn, she stood right up & very proudly & confidently told everyone her name & then pointed to James & said "this is my Dad, James." Again, for those of you who have known her, will understand why this brought tears to James' eyes. There was no sign of shyness, no hesitation at all! Then during the program, they had each child walk to the front to get a scrapbook page that had been made for them. She walked so proudly to the front to retrieve her page & then very proudly back to her seat:) This may sound like a small thing, but it's a huge accomplishment for her! Those moments had me tearing up before things even got started:)

Between my family of 50+ & James' family of 20+ & then some friends, we had quite a show of support. Madelyn was the first to be baptized & when everyone (half the congregation) got up to follow, the rest of the congregation was in awe:) As I followed her out, I could hear people saying things like "Wow" & "That's a lot of people" & "Look at that". It was one of those times when you feel very lucky & proud to come from a big family. To know that so many people love & support you & your child...their grand-daughter, neice, cousin, friend!!

Madelyn's baptism & confirmation was beautiful! James gave her an amazing blessing! And after it was all done, she was glowing even more, even more beautiful (if that's possible) because of the happiness & pride that she felt for herself!! It was radiating from her! It really was an amazing day, a day a parent looks forward to for 8 years. And when it comes, the feelings are so overwhelming...I can't completely express how much I love her & how proud I am of her for always doing the right thing & always being so compassionate & caring toward others. She really is our little angel!!!

Her beautiful announcement pictures!!




Madelyn & James before the baptism...looking all cute in white!!


Look at that beautiful, big smile:)


My dad sat Madelyn on his lap afterwards & talked to her for a minute. Probably something about how proud he was of her & how much he loved her, etc. Things that will surely stay between them:) It was a very sweet Grandpa - Granddaughter moment!!


James & Madelyn after the confirmation


Madelyn & one of her very best friends, Lexi:)


The fam:)


She was all excited to wear her new dress to church. She looked beautiful, once again!!


She wanted her hair done up all cute like Cali does it. AAAAHHHH!!! To my surprise, it actually turned out pretty good! It's a good thing I've watched Cali do it a few times:)