In the LDS church, we do not baptize infants, but children can choose to be baptized when they reach they age of 8. Alex will be 8 at the end of this month and has chosen to be baptized. This past weekend she and I went out and took some pictures for her baptism invitations.
My mother-in-law made her baptism dress. It is beautiful and I think it makes her look so much older. When the dressed arrived, there was also a poem about the three white dresses Alex will wear in her life; the white dress she wore as an infant when she was blessed, this dress and someday her wedding dress. Some of the poses she wanted to do holding flowers definitely made me flash forward in time to when she will wear her third white dress. I cannot believe how quickly she is growing up, but I am so proud of her and the wonderful girl she is.
She is so full of life, she enjoys it immensely with a very big laugh, but she can also be quiet and gentle. Her school teacher wanted to ensure we met for parent teacher conferences just so she could tell me how wonderful Alex was. Not only does she work hard but she is kind and compassionate to other students, and always ready to work. She said she wishes she had more Alex's in her classroom.
I beamed with pride as I heard the report and also was filled with gratitude; as my red-headed girl, she can be stubborn and if you ask her older brother he would tell you even a bully at times. So I work with her every day, guiding her, teaching her, hoping and praying I lead her to the right.
And now this choice, her choice to be baptized, to show her faith and love for our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ our Savior, this makes me more proud than anything else.
My Alex, I love you in all your red-headed glory.
Pretty girl!! I love the first and last photos best!
ReplyDeleteThis may be too personal to ask in a blog comment, but I'm going to ask anyway. :) What happens in your church if someone chooses not to be baptized at 8?
Nothing actually. They can keep coming if they want and will still be loved and supported. Sometimes children aren’t baptized at 8, especially if one parent is not a member of the church or is against it. They can be baptized at any age in life. My mom did not join the LDS church until she was 19.
DeleteWhat wonderful photos! I can imagine that you are very proud of Alex :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes I am.
DeleteA red-headed beauty! What a wonderful reason to be so proud. She looks gorgeous in her 2nd white dress... I can see how it causes you to fast-forward and envision her in her 3rd!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And yes especially those flower poses, I think I have a similar shot of myself in my wedding dress looking down at flowers, I should see if I can find it.
DeleteI love my beautiful red headed granddaughter. What wonderful pictures!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos and so exciting for her baptism coming up! I can imagine your happiness. Seriously though, when did she get so old?! ;)
ReplyDeleteShe is so beautiful!! The photos are amazing. Was there detail on that white fabric? Is it embroidery? It is stunning.
ReplyDeleteYou're killing me with beauty! Oh my goodness...I was so thrilled to find these photos. What an angel. Man oh man, I can hardly wait for baptism day!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! And she's soooo beautiful. So as a Methodist we can choose to baptize as a baby or wait until they choose to. I can't decide what to do... Mark is Baptist (although been attending Methodist churches since we've been married). He was baptized at like 6-8ish and I was closer to 12. We both did it out of our choosing but when I was, I was the only one... the rest of our group who became members of our church got it as a baby... so I don't know what to do. I really want to know but loved that I made the decision myself too... decisions decisions. And the preacher tells me, do what you want... there is no right way. oy!
ReplyDeleteThese photos are gorgeous. Love!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of a beautiful girl and a very special occasion!
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