Mekinley is 8!!

Yes, it's true!! Mekinley turned 8 this past December. I don't know which is harder to handle--the fact that Mekinley is now old enough to be accountable or that I am the mother of an 8-year-old! And boy, what a birthday! It started the day before her birthday with a friend party in which she went bowling. I think it was a big success. Six hyper, giggly, silly, cute 7-8 year-olds having a good time. A dream come true! I was especially proud of my cake. My best one yet. Kinley kept changing her mind as to what color she wanted, so I decided to make a rainbow cake. Also, each layer of the cake was a different color. I don't think she appreciated it nearly as much as I was hoping.

This year was an extremely special birthday. It meant getting baptized. Mekinley was lucky enough to actually get baptized on her real birthday--Dec. 4th. It was really a special day. She looked so beautiful. Grandma Foy made her dress, and it was amazing and just what Mekinley wanted. I don't think she's ever felt so special. She was beaming all day.

The baptism itself was an incredible experience. To see her and her dad dressed in their whites, worthy to enter the waters of baptism was absolutely overwhelming. The best part of the whole program was when she and her two friends who also got baptized sang the primary song, "Whenever There are Rainbows." I don't think there was a dry eye in the entire congregation. I certainly know I was a mess. I was so proud of her. And to be honest, I was proud of Rob and myself. I kept thinking about all we've been through since the time we first met to the time Mekinley was born to today. We must have done something right. Here we are, baptizing our first child. We've come a long ways.

The day ended with a huge, and I mean huge, family celebration. While the size can often be overwhelming, it's also a great blessing. We have such great support from both families who love us and love our children. Thanks!

I think it's days like this that put life into perspective--eternal perspective. What it's really all about is love. I know this sounds cheesy, but the love I felt from and for my extended family, my children, my husband, my neighbors and friends, and most especially my Heavenly Father is what really counts. The rest is just a distraction.

The first thing Mekinley said after the baptism, "It wasn't as deep as I thought!"