Eight is GREAT!

* I wrote this post a couple of days after Hazel's birthday, but it took me another two weeks to finish it up. Awesome, aren't I? *

My sweet Hazel girl turned eight years old this week!

Over the past week, my mind has been drawn many times to that sweet little baby that I held in my arms not so very long ago. That sweet little girl that came into this world full of wonder. Full of questions and observations. That little newborn that watched everything. So beautiful. So calm. So good. And she is still the same today. So beautiful and calm and good.

I'm so thankful that she came first. She is so patient with Nels and me as we stumble through parenthood. She is such a blessing and such a joy to us both. I always know that I can rely on my Hazel to be who she needs to be. She tries so hard. She is kind and absolutely full of love for those around her. She is completely without guile. Trusting and open. So excited to experience everything that life has to offer. She brings such a loving spirit into our home.

Hazel has been looking forward to her eighth birthday for a long time. She has been so excited to be baptized and to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She loves the scriptures and loves her Heavenly Father. She has such a sweet relationship with Him and with her Savior. She knows of their love for her and has a great desire to do what is right. I am so excited for her to have the wonderful opportunity to now become even more familiar with the promptings of the Spirit in her life. It was such a sweet experience to watch her enter the waters of baptism --- to watch her set such a good example for her sisters and to take this essential step toward eternal life with her Heavenly Father.

We feel so thankful that both sets of grandparents made the long trip to share this special day with our family. With General Conference this weekend, our new bishopric was very obliging and allowed us to schedule Hazel's baptism for Friday night -- on her actual birthday. Between work, school, cooking, eating, getting ready, and the meeting beginning at 7:00 it made for a pretty busy evening, but it all turned out wonderful.

Unlike areas where the Church is larger, Sandpoint does baptisms on a ward level and since Hazel is the only child getting baptized this month, it made for a very sweet and intimate meeting. Not only were my girls grandparents there, but many of our new ward members also came to support our little family.

After a beautiful program where both of her Grandmothers spoke and where we sang three of her favorite songs (Teach Me to Walk in the Light, When I Am Baptized, and I Know That My Redeemer Lives) Hazel was baptized by her daddy. It was such a sweet experience for both of them. Not only was this the first of his children for him to baptize, but this is also the first live baptism that Nels has performed. Such a beautiful experience to share with his darling daughter.

In fact, Nels was very busy that night. He had the chance to baptize and confirm Hazel and to also bless our little Clara. We had been planning on baptizing Hazel and blessing Clara at the same time for months, but with moving this became even more practical if we wanted any of our family members to be here. It was such a beautiful evening to share in these special ordinances with our two little girls, blessed by the hands of their loving father.

We then came back to our apartment and realized why we don't have any decent pictures of all seven (seven??!!) of us together . . .

 . . . and had a little mini party for Hazel before bed. It was such a beautiful day!

My sweet Hazel,

As I sat beside you two nights ago, my eyes were drawn to your beautiful face over and over again. I couldn't help but think of that sweet little baby that was placed in my arms eight years ago and marvel at the incredible young lady you are becoming.

I am amazed with the sweet goodness that is inherently part of who you are. You so desire to do that which is right. You are such an example to me. As my oldest daughter, I am so thankful for your never-ending forgiveness and patience with me as we both go through this life, learning together.

It is such a privilege to be your mother. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your faith, your kindness, for your tender example to all around you - especially to your dear sisters who watch you so closely. I'm so thankful that you came first and that they can look to you with confidence as you strive to do that which is right. You bring so much love into our home.

I am so proud of you for your decision to follow our Savior and be baptized. I'm so thankful that you have been given the gift of the Holy Ghost. I feel great peace in knowing that he will be with you as you go through each day - to guide you and protect you. I know that his voice is already familiar to you. You often share with me your experiences in feeling the Holy Ghost as you go throughout your activities and when we read the scriptures together you just light up with the joy that comes from the love of Jesus Christ.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. I know that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves you, Hazel. He loves you very much. I know that He is our Savior and He died for us and that He lives again. I know that when you pray, God will answer you. Every single time. Sometimes life is scary. Sometimes life is sad. Sometimes we make mistakes, but as you turn to your Heavenly Father, He will be there to teach you and forgive you and comfort you. Ask, Hazel. He will teach you everything you desire to know.

I love you, my darling girl. You are so amazing and it is such a joy to have you as my daughter.

Love,
Your Mama