

The greatest thing about turning 8 is that Novalie made the choice to be baptized. She actually made that choice when she was around 6 and waited a looooooong time for 8 to come. She talked about getting baptized on a daily basis. She was SUPER excited to be baptized. When I first asked Novalie why she wanted to get baptized, she said because it looked fun to be dunked under the water. Yes, it is fun, but I wanted her to understand the choice she had before her and the real “why” to baptism. We spent a year talking about baptism a lot, talking about the covenants she would be making, talking about Joseph Smith, the Holy Ghost and what it means to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She soaked it all up and wanted more than ever to be baptized. The bishop was very impressed with her during her interview because he said very few children can name both covenants and Novalie knew them both and understand them. She also knew all the answers to his other questions. It was important to me for her to know those things and not get baptized because “Mommy and Daddy said so.”
It was such a sweet day. Novalie understood the importance of that day and what she was doing by being baptized. Her normal super hyper, silly self was calm and aware of everyone there and thankful that they were all there for her. She sat still and listened to the talks, given by Grandpa Jolley and Aunt Janell. As much family that could come, came. Three of her close friends were able to come. We missed the Lees and Cornwalls (both out of town) who are very important to Novalie. And of course, I missed my Dad something terrible. I missed his presence, yet felt it at the same time.
Novalie got baptized without any problems. Only one dunk – good job Kevin! One of the highlights for me was when I was helping Novalie get changed, she said, “My heart feels really, really warm right now.” Mine too, Novalie, mine too. The confirmation and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost was beautiful and Kevin did such an awesome job. He is a good Daddy.
First important day in white.
Second important day in white.
I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of Novalie. How thankful I am to Heavenly Father for letting me be Novalie’s mother. How thankful I am that this is Novalie’s plan. I am so thankful for Novalie’s sweet spirit and for how see loves Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. How she wants to make them happy. I have failed Novalie in many ways, but I have taught her how to pray and to pray anytime, anywhere, for any reason. When Novalie was small, we would pray a lot everyday for any reason. If she was having a hard time, we would say a prayer to help calm her down. If she lost something, we would pray. If she was scared or sick, we would pray. If we took a walk and observed how beautiful the earth was, we would pray. We have prayed in stores, parks, cars, on walks, and in our home. If I am worried or sick, Novalie is the one to tell me to just pray and it will be okay. If she isn’t feeling good, I do everything I know to make her feel better, then say, well, let’s pray about it. Novalie always says, I already have said 10 prayers. I taught her the importance and now she is the example to me. Love her so much. I love that she loves everything that she has learned so far about the gospel. I am so proud of her for getting baptized. Novalie, my sweet daughter, I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church on the earth and I am so happy that you made the best choice. More importantly, Heavenly Father and Jesus are so proud of you and love you. They will always hear those sweet, often prayers.








After the baptism, we had a family lunch and birthday party for Novalie. That girl is spoiled. She received her first set of scriptures, a special book about baptism, a beautiful necklace, a CTR ring, $$$$, a coach purse…yes, you read that right….a coach purse from her Aunt Janell. It is darling and Novalie is under strict instructions from me when she can use it. Remember I said she was spoiled.
She wanted a polar bear cake to celebrate her baptism. It was perfect for her.
The scripture bag I got for Novalie.
Kevin made a comment about Paris Hilton joining the church and using that scripture bag. Funny. I was hesitant about getting it, but it fits Novalie so perfectly and she loves it.
It was such a beautiful day and one that Novalie will look back on forever and feel that warm feeling in her heart again and again.
I ♥ Novalie Forever