Ever since my sweet Lily was placed in my arms as a newborn, I was overwhelmed with the realization that Kevin and I were responsible to teach this precious girl everything, especially about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is hard to believe that it has been eight years since then, and that today our little girl was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 
Her baptism was part of the Stake Primary Baptism day at the Stake Center.  It was a very nice program, and ran smoothly.  We made sure to get a picture of our family before it began :). 

 
We were very blessed to have Kevin's parents come and visit so they could be here with us.  (My parents are still on a mission and couldn't come, and all of our siblings live too far away.)  Lily loves them very much and was so happy to have them here.

 
One of the really special things about this whole experience, has been the wonderful example Lily has been to her little brother.  Derek has been soaking it all in, and although he had a really hard time being reverent during the program before and after the baptism, it has really impacted him seeing his sister make this big step in her life.  (In fact, he was so excited when he saw the sign on the church, he wanted a picture with it.)

 
And it was so wonderful to see my sweet husband baptize his little girl.  He was so carried away with the emotion of it all that he had a hard time getting the words out during the baptismal prayer.  It was definitely one of those moments I will carry close to my heart.

After the baptism and the confirmation, Lily sang "I am a Child of God," and it was beautiful.  I truly don't see how anyone who heard her singing those words could ever doubt them.  It felt like she was singing her testimony, and it was then that I finally got emotional myself.  What sweet simple faith she has.  I am so grateful she is my daughter.

 PS. After the baptism, we went home and had a little party for her.  Unfortunately, most of our friends were unable to come to the party, and so I had lots of extra food.  It's all good though – we'll eat it :).  And they will all be sorry they couldn't come when they see the cupcakes my friend Beth made for it.  I especially love the lily she put on them in honor of my Lily :).

 
(The chocolate ones had mint frosting and were chocolate filled, and the vanilla had lemon filling.  So delicious!!!)