March, a BIG BIrthday and Baptism Month for Naomi

It's the big day, the BIG 8! Naomi has waited so long to be able to able to have a party and most importantly, get baptized. 

This was her birthday outfit that I laid out for her. 

And for breakfast, I made different colored shaped pancakes and made a pancake-cake. Dawn Terrill had given me this adorable birthday plate for my birthday in February, so it came in handle to display this fun birthday treat. 

 Instead of going somewhere, paying for, and having to find a sitter for Heidi and Audrey, I decided to just give Naomi a Pedicure at home. So I had set up a little salon and let her play games while she relaxed. (I won't go on about how Audrey and Heidi kept interfering and trying to get ahold of the polish)

Another thing Naomi has been begging for, for at least 6 months, is to get her ears pierced. So since her birthday fell on a tuesday, and she has gymnastics on tuesday right by the mall, I told her we could go to Claire's after gymnastics to actually get her ears pierced. We called Nana and Pappy to come be there too. They brought Naomi a birthday card and a very BIG surprise inside. She blushed when she opened the car to find a very large bill.

Since trying to make a huge deal out of teaching Naomi about baptism and how to feel the Holy Ghost, I hadn't thought much about planning a birthday party, which I had promised her since I decided not to have a party every year; just 1, 3, 5, and 8, and then when they can plan it themselves. So we had to quickly throw a party together when she asked for an ice-cream cake for her party. Huh? Crap! So we made our own invitations that she took to her friends at school. I called to order a bounce house, with a slide as requested, and made cupcakes the morning of. I didn't take too many photos since they just played and opened gifts, but this was one of my favorites, of her in her new dress with all her girl friends eagerly watching her open each of their gifts. 

Happy St Patricks Day! Thanks to pinterest for all the great ideas. 

Not only was it St Patricks Day, but we were able to have a special baptism with Zane Gray on this day. 

Her two dresses; One to be baptized in, which Aunt Deanne gave to her, and the other to wear after she is pure and clean. Along with 2 green hair clips that have clovers on them. We tried to be prepared the night before. If you can't see it here, her scriptures, bracelet I made her, and another her friend gave her have all been laid out. It's a big day, if I haven't mentioned that enough.

Naomi was blessed to have many family members come from out of town, from long distances in Ca, and from Monrovia and Arcadia to attend her baptism. Grandma and Grandpa Worsley, Michelle, Abbie, Sophie and Gabba, Jennifer and Ellie Nelson, Lance, Wendy, Avery, Thomas and Kate Smith all came from Utah. Jeff and Nicole Thompson came from Corona, Uncle Harry and Aunt Nancy came from Brea, Uncle Rick and Aunt Dianne came from Glendora. And of course Nana and Pappy Rossiter, Chris, Caroline and Dara Rossiter, and other church members came from Arcadia. Many members from our ward came to support both Naomi and Zane. And we love them for that. Thank you again and again for all the support shown to Naomi. 

Elder Austin Rich, Naomi's cousin who is on a mission in Ghana, Africa, sent a special email to Naomi for her baptism. It was a special letter just for her that she sat to read the minutes she came home from school. Enjoy this precious letter. Read it sacredly, and with spiritual eyes. That's how we have read it, and the only reason we share it with you.

Dear Naomi,

I wanted to write you on this special day, I love and care for you so much. I’m grateful for the decision that you have made to be baptized. Your Heavenly Father loves you and cares for you so much. Every day as missionaries we are trying to find our brothers and sisters, who are willing to make the same decision that you are making this day to be baptized. I am grateful for you Naomi, I know the church of Jesus Christ Of latter Day Saints is true, I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith was and is a true Prophet through whom the complete gospel was restored. The Book of Mormon is true and if we live according to its teachings we will have a greater desire to serve others. My life is changing every day as I pray to my heavenly father and seek guidance from the scriptures. Try to be like Jesus, when times get hard remember the song:

“I’m trying to be like Jesus;
I’m following in his ways.
I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
but I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,”

“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
for these are the things Jesus taught.”

Love you!

You’re Cousin in Ghana

Elder Rich

I had bought this scripture case yeeeeaaaars ago when my cousins first designed and sold them to the family. I knew Naomi would love it, which she did. I took this picture during sacrament meeting, so happy that it is finally being used, an loved.