Turning the big 8-yrs-old meant getting baptized for our little munchkin. She got to get baptized on Halloween which was super fun! I was annoyed that is ended up that way, but true to her little spirit, she was nothing but excited about it. Jeff and Jen came from Vegas, Brian's parents came from Battle Mountain, and Larissa and her family came from Klammath Falls. It was wonderful to feel so much support... particularly since hers was the first of the grand-kids for my dad to miss. Of course I know he was there in spirit. Her baptism was beautiful! Tysen said the prayer and Nicole gave the Holy Ghost talk. When Brian confirmed her, she burst into tears and came running over to me still sobbing. I was worried and asked her what was going on, "I feel the spirit so strong," she wept. I've always known that she is a spirit of serious strength, but she never fails to amaze me with her ability to feel the spirit and be so sensitive to the gift. After her baptism, we came home for a luncheon where she immediately fell ill with the stomach flu. The other kids had it earlier in the week and we were all praying that Xiana would not get it and miss her baptism... I guess we should have extended our prayers to include the evening. Poor girl! But the luncheon was wonderful nevertheless. She got showered in sweet gifts from everyone. She even warranted a trip to the LDS bookstore from Tosh and Helen! Unfortunately, she had to skip trick or treating because of her stomach bug. But the next day at church, her two friends Emma and Kinlee brought me a giant bag of candy for me to bring home to her. They had each given her half of their bags!! I was so touched by their thoughtfulness! The whole weekend and experience was beautiful and touching!
