Kendal's Baptism

Kendal's Family at her Baptism April 14, 2012
Kendal and Grandpa and Grandma "G"
Kendal and Grandma Nancy and Papa Rick
Kendal with Grandpa Daryl and Grandma Terri
Kendal and Daddy

I've put off blogging as long as possible, but I would be totally remiss if I didn't document Kendal's 8th birthday and baptism. Turning 8 around here is a big deal. Not only is it another birthday, but our kids reach the age of accountability. That means that have the opportunity to choose to get baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Kendal has been looking forward for months. She has talked about planning her party, her baptism and getting her ears pierced.

Last weekend was her actual birthday. We started the morning with donuts and milk, the breakfast of choice on your birthday around here. We sent her off to school and Trey, Adison and I met her for lunch. She brought iced sugar cookies to share with her class and celebrated all day at school. Grandma "G" was on spring break and made the quick trip from Georgia to see Kendal on her birthday. After Kendal got home from school we headed out to get her ears pierced. She loves getting made up and bling is definitely her thing so she was really excited about getting holes put in her ears. She picked out rainbow earrings and as the workers pierced both ears at one time she didn't even flinch. In fact, she said is that all! SO KENDAL!!! She cracked me up as we walked out everyone she saw she made sure that they new she had just gotten her ears pierced. After getting her ears pierced we headed off to softball practice. She was sung to by the team and made sure to show off her earrings and then it was off to her party!!! Her choice again this year was Chuck E. Cheese. She loves the pizza, the games, and the ticket blaster. She had a great time and headed home beat!!!

The following day she had another busy day. She had the opening day parade for softball and a softball game. Her little softball team this year is struggling, but she is still having a great time. Their best player left the team to play baseball, so it is going to be a long year. Regardless Kendal is getting an opportunity to play some key positions like pitcher and first base and hopefully improve!

This last weekend was her baptism weekend. We have the BEST family and friends. All three sets of Kendal's grandparents made the trip down to be at her baptism. She was so thrilled and definitely enjoyed having such great support. We kept everyone busy over the weekend not only with Kendal's baptism but as a warm-up they were all troopers and sat through Trey's first T-ball game and Kendal's softball game. Fortunately it was beautiful weather and everything ended on time so that we were able to get everything done that we needed to and wanted to.

Kendal's baptism was AWESOME!! (Kendal made sure that I added the explanation points) The ward and our friends turned out to support our sweet Kendal on her big day. Jeff's boss even was kind enough to come. Grandpa "G" gave an excellent talk on baptism and Grandma "G" gave a some great analogies to help Kendal better understand the gift of the Holy Ghost. After the actual baptism we had a few refreshments (brownies, fruit, veggies, and red velvet cupcakes) and then headed home for a fun relaxing evening spending time eating pizza and visiting with the grandparents! We are so proud of Kendal and the great decision she has made to be baptized.

Today at church Kendal was confirmed a member of the church and received the Holy Ghost. Jeff did the confirmation and also had the opportunity to speak in church. He did a great job on both.

Our softball player
Trey is much improved from last year!
Jeff is helping coach Trey's team this year.
Kendal playing during her 2nd grade program this week
Kendal at the opening day softball parade
A Chuck E. Cheese birthday party!

Kendal's account of her baptism (typed by Kendal):

I was VERY NERRVOUS. I LOVED THAT I COULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO be baptized. I loved the refreshment I had been asking for red velvet cupcakes. I loved the pizza it was yummy. I asked for pizza at little Caesars but they got it at pizza hut because Jeff likes it that way!!!!