Kate @ 8

A couple of weekends ago was Kate's birthday and baptism.  In our church, we are baptized after we reach the age of eight.  She was fortunate to be baptized on her eighth birthday, and it made her day pretty special.  She had aunts and uncles and her Nana and Grandpa Werner there, which made it extra special.

My younger sister was here and I enlisted her to be our "weekend photographer."  She took almost all the pictures everywhere we went and during everything we did.  On Friday, I had Kristina do a mini-mini photo shoot with Kate in her baptismal dress outside.  Because it was a combined baptismal service with another little boy and his family, we met as a whole group for the service part (a couple of talks about baptism and confirmation, and a musical number), then split up when it was each child's turn to be baptized.  After each baptism, the child and their family and friends would convey to a different room in the building.  My goal was to use the photos of Kate in her dress as decor in our assigned room for her confirmation.  I am so grateful we did those photos for two reasons: They really made the room look special, and we totally didn't have time for any photos before the baptism.

(this photo was taken after Kate's confirmation)

In fact, we got to the church early and realized that her baptismal dress (which I had slaved over to make) had been left home hanging in the closet.  So, my mom and Eliza ran back to our apartment to get the dress.  Jon and I needed to stay so we could practice the song we were scheduled to sing for the program.  It was a very hectic morning.

The stake baptismal services were put on hold until my mom and Eliza got back because Eliza was the first speaker (about baptism).  I felt bad for the other child being baptized and their family who had been on time.  It really made me wish we'd been able to do Kate's baptism by herself in our own ward, like we did with Eliza, but I was grateful that it was only one other family that had been delayed by us, instead of three or four.

It was really special to watch my Kate make a covenant with her Heavenly Father to obey the commandments and live righteously.  She has already tried so hard to do her best every day, and I know she is ready for this covenant.  At least, I know we tried to teach her well enough that she would be able to understand what her part of the covenant entails and what blessings she will receive.  (If interested in learning about this, here is a webpage with more information.)

After her baptism and confirmation we headed to a nearby park for a picnic.  I didn't realize how the heat would affect my family coming from Utah.  I guess we've acclimated more than I thought.  Sorry everyone.  My family didn't last very long, and so we packed everything up after we ate and headed back to our apartment for presents.  Her presents were something that I'd been working on for weeks, so they really weren't too much of a surprise for her; but, I think she appreciated them anyway.  (For anyone interested in seeing what those presents were, I will be posting pictures of them as soon as I get the pictures from my sister.)

It was a great day, albeit crazy, and I'm so grateful we could celebrate Kate with so many family members.

Here are a few things about Kate @ Eight-years-old:

1: Thing she misses most about Minnesota:

Her friends: Ada, Tanner, and Emma.

2: Thing she likes the most about Arizona:

We get to go swimming.

3: Favorite song:

"Naturally" by Selena Gomez

4: What she hopes to be when she grows up:


A Superstar.


5: Favorite past time:


Play with her brothers, and draw.


6: What she hopes to accomplish this year:

To make a lot of friends, and to earn a lot of tokens.


7: Favorite thing to do with Daddy:


Tickle and wrestle with him.


8: Favorite thing to do with Mama:


Sew and bake.

9: Favorite thing to do with her siblings:


Play pretend games (like taking characters from movies or tv shows and making up their own scenarios).


10: What she likes the most about herself:


That she draws very well.

What I like the most about Kate:

Kate is very imaginative; always coming up a new game or story to act out.  She is also very creative; something that I envy: she will sit down and just create something without a plan or measurements.  Kate is also good about making sure all of her siblings are involved with whatever is happening.  Example: when it was time to decide who she wanted to take part in her baptism program, she chose Eliza and Andrew to do things (talk and prayer) instead of anyone else.  I love that about her!  Kate is also very friendly, able to make new friends quickly wherever we go ... espeically at the park.  It seems whenever we go she leaves a handle of friends behind.  I also love how much she is trying to do what is right.  Yesterday she told me that the only book she likes to read is the scriptures.  While I think she needs to read other books as well, I love that she likes to read the scriptures when she is in need of some comforting and strength; and she does it at her age without any prompting!  She is such a great example to me and a joy to have in our family!