Emily got her ears pierced!

*In an effort to get more on top of my journaling, I have decided to not allow myself to feel the pressure of writing down every. little. thing. I found that by becoming overwhelmed and feeling like I would never catch up, it prevented me from writing down even the most important things. Here is the beginning of what will hopefully be more consistency. Whether the quality is good or bad, at least it will be something.

When my girls were real young I was sure that I wanted to wait until they were 8 years old to let them get their ears pierced. When Gracey was turning 6 years old (2 years ago) she really wanted her ears pierced and I kind of reevaluated my reasons for waiting until they were 8. The only valid reason that I could think of for wanting them to wait was because that is how old I was. That was all. So with that, 6 years is now the golden age of getting ears pierced IF the girls want. And Emily wanted...

Her birthday itself was somewhat low-key. Corky took her to breakfast, she played at a friends house, and then we went down to Bartlesville, Oklahoma where there is a Claire's in the "Hall" (tiny mall that is literally a hall!)

Emily was so nervous that she was shaking, but trying so hard to be brave at the same time. I kept reminding her that nobody was making her do it and if she wanted to change her mind that would be fine. No deal, she was determined, even when the grumpy employee informed us that we would have to do one ear at a time since she was the only employee working. 

After a few minute of filling out paperwork, drawing dots on Emily's ears, and me trying my very hardest to bite my tongue and not rip off the head the employee (seriously, Corky thought I was going to start clawing), it was time to pierce. 

It was easy! Once it was done and Emily realized it didn't hurt, she just started laughing and was totally ready for the other ear to be done, no problem.

We celebrated with dinner at the Golden Corral, Emily's choice (gag!), then drove home to have a late night of birthday cake and presents!

I love seeing my kids be nervous about something, put on a brave face anyway, and just go for it! Emily can be such a feisty little thing, but is also so determined, tender hearted, and sensitive that it just melts my heart. I love my little 6 year old!

Gracey's Baptism

*In an effort to get more on top of my journaling, I have decided to not allow myself to feel the pressure of writing down every. little. thing. I found that by becoming overwhelmed and feeling like I would never catch up, it prevented me from writing down even the most important things. Here is the beginning of what will hopefully be more consistency. Whether the quality is good or bad, at least it will be something.

On November 23rd, Miss Gracey Mae Whipple was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This was something that she has been preparing for and anticipating for a while, especially this past year.

A few months ago we gave Gracey the option of doing it in her home ward in Independence, KS, surrounded my her ward family and friends, and whatever extended family would be able to join us. Or she could choose to be baptized in St. George where we knew there would be a greater amount of family in attendance. She thought about it for a few weeks and decided to do it in St. George.

It was a gorgeous day all around. It was a small, intimate setting, and Gracey was surrounded by family and cousins that love her so much.

Grandma Joyce and her Aunt Bailey each gave a little talk on baptism and the Holy Ghost, and Gracey and Emily sang a special hymn, "I Am a Child of God," accompanied by myself.

She was baptized and confirmed by her dad, Corky, while Grandpa Scott, Grandpa Ron, Great-Grandpa Madsen, Uncle Jared, and Uncle Skyler stood in the circle for her confirmation.

It was a special day for everyone, but most importantly for Gracey. She was grinning from ear to ear and on the drive to Grandma's house from the church she told us how good she felt.

We sure do love our Gracey-girl. She has some beautiful things in store for her as she continues to make right choices in her life. She touches so many people and is a kind and loving friend. We are proud of her and hope that she remembers this day forever.

A few weeks before her baptism, Gracey had some portraits taken. Here a few of our favorites from that session.