Alyssa's painting (not the finished product) that won the Reflections contest!
Lawrence and Caden before Caden's baptism. November 14, 2009.So as a mother it's my right to brag about my kids! This week has been pretty eventful at our house. On Saturday Caden was baptised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was so excited to be baptised and he looked so handsome all dressed in white. I could tell that he loved all the special attention that everyone paid to him on that special day. Lawrence performed the baptism, and my father in law, Bud Pace, and brother Dan Chappell were the witnesses. After the baptism Caden was confirmed a member of the church by his dad. He was given a very beautiful blessing. Those who stood in the circle with Lawrence were Caden's grandpa Pace, Uncles Wendell Pace, Andrew Pace, Gordon Willey, Scott Chappell, Dan Chappell, Dan Bergenthal, and Bishop Eric Lillywhite. Those who came to support Caden at his baptism were his Aunt Paula, and Uncle Dan, cousins Jared and David, Aunt Brenda, Uncle Eric, cousins Brittney, Ryan, Lauren, and Wyatt, Uncle Scott, Aunt Fedra, cousins Braxton, Marshall, and Berkley, Uncle Dan, Aunt Jessie, cousin Claire, Uncle Andrew, Uncle Wendell, Aunt Heather, cousins Sidney, Cole, and Ethan, Aunt Michele, Uncle Gordon, cousins Joshua, Sadie, and Josie, Grandpa and Grandma Pace, Grandma Chappell, Ken and Melanie Thomas, and their kids Trey (Caden's best pal), Ellie, and Brooklyn, Caden's brother Jeffrey, sisters Alyssa, and Shaylee, and of course Me (his mom) and Lor, the Bishop, his wife, the primary president, and Caden's primary teacher sister DeVries. We were so grateful for the huge showing of support by our family and friends. I can't believe my little 4 pound 10 ounce baby boy is already old enough to be baptised! I am so proud to be his mom! He is a very special boy who has so much compassion in his heart. He's truley amazing!
On Sunday Alyssa spoke in Sacrament meeting and did such a great job! She had the whole congregation crying. She spoke about overcoming trials, and gave some personal examples of the trials that she has been given. She was very open and honest. I love that she didn't sugar coat anything, that she is real, and that she is sincere. After the meeting she got so many compliments, and so did Lor and I on her behalf. I have always been proud of her!
Today Alyssa called with the news that she won first place in the Reflections Contest at her school! I am so excited for her! The theme was "Beauty is?..." Alyssa entered an oil painting that she did that represents her sister Brianne who was stillborn in 1995. Alyssa has always felt Brianne with her, and has wished her whole life that Brianne could've been with her on this earth. With the painting she included the information that the painting represented her sister Brianne and that for her Beauty is the knowledge that Brianne is always with her and that life continues after this one. She won $75 dollars and now will go onto the District competition! Alyssa has such an amazing gift, and she uses it to paint beautiful things that uplift others. She's the best!
I'm so proud of all my kids. I couldn't ask for better kids, and I love each one of them more than words can express.
