Ezzy–we participated in your baptism this month. We are so proud of you for making the decision to follow Jesus. Lately, you are consistently the first one to remind the other kids when they have forgotten a prayer at the table. You are maturing before our eyes, physically and mentally, and we are so pleased with what we see. Your face glows with happiness and love. You take your responsibility as the oldest girl very seriously. You are almost always the first to offer assistance and to help me and the other children. We are privileged to have you in our home.
Ezzy wore my baptism dress. A splish of Oxyclean and a splash of vinegar later….a perfectly white dress that fit her perfectly. It brought me great joy to pull the dress out of my hope chest–like a dream that I never thought would be realized.
I remember standing in my grandmother’s bedroom as she and my mom dressed me for my own baptism some 25 years ago. It was my eighth birthday, and I had just gotten a perm and pierced ears as presents from grandma. Mom worked so hard to sew my dress and to have it ready for me. She also crafted a small box for my new earings. It had a rainbow design across with a blue piece of yarn that secured the box in place. I remember it as though it were yesterday–wishing desperately that Ezzy’s great-grandma was still here. The picture of Grandma Penning doing Ezzy’s hair is that much sweeter to me because of my memories.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend and support this special event in our daughter’s life. It is a day that will stay with her for the rest of her life, as mine has with me. These are the things that matter most to us, and we are so grateful to have such a broad circle of influence around our family.
Thanks for flying, Grandma and Grandpa Penning!
Ezzy you are my little angel you know that, you look so beautiful in your white dress. Did you know I was only a few months old when your mommy was baptized so I don’t remember her in that dress but seeing you in it makes me feel like I can. I am so happy nana and papa were able to be there with you. I wish I could have been there with you sweaty I hope you know that. Hold onto this feeling and never let it go!!!
Tia Lindsey
Another big step for your family! She is beautiful- so happy she can wear the dress you wore, what a classic style! I checked your blog not too long ago and there was no updates,…checked it today and WOW- tons of pictures to look at. The kids were adorable sitting there watching conference. I wish my kids would sit with the “packet” and color the ties. The London ones made me a little jealous; what a cool experience for you guys, and YES, you get the points for trying to get to the temple. At least you got pictures!
Congratulations, Ezzy! You are such a beautiful young lady. I can’t believe how much you have grown up this past year.
So perfect in that dress! So sad we couldn’t be there but hope you like your gift we sent to you :) You are a precious angel for your mommy and that’s being confirmed every day b/c of how much you fulfill her life :)
We love you so much and can’t wait to see you for Christmas!! Just 7 more weeks :)