When we asked Maddie what she wanted to do for her oh-so-special 12th birthday, she said, "Go to the Dallas (LDS) temple..."
We took her and she was able to go inside to see the baptismal font resting on the backs of 12 oxen (representing the 12 tribes of Israel). We brought the names of some of our Czech ancestors and she was baptized in their behalf (vicariously) for them. We believe and follow what the apostle Paul referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:29...that people back then were baptized for their dead, knowing it was a required ordinance to return to God. We do that in our temples all over the world. It was a super special and memorable day!
Mom and Dad with Maddie at the LDS Dallas Temple
Of course, Maddie also wanted to celebrate all weekend at school and at home.
Mom and Dad with Maddie at the LDS Dallas Temple
Of course, Maddie also wanted to celebrate all weekend at school and at home. She made 3 pans of brownies throughout the week; one for her great friend, Jordan's going-away (moving) Wind Ensemble (band) party, one for another school-event, and the last pan on her actual birthday for her homeroom class. She puts extra chips in the batter and once they come out she sprinkles little pieces of Andes mints. Oooh, delectable!
Blowing out her candles!
She wanted cupcakes (neon, but they didn't turn out quite as bright as she'd hoped) and she shaped them into a huge peace sign...
She went swimming with her long-time school friends. She has had these friends since 3rd grade when we moved here; in fact, I remember substitute teaching for all of the 3rd grade classes and knew them all then, too. How fun!!
Sunday night, our good friends and neighbors came over to enjoy ice cream cones in chocolate-dipped cones (Maddie's scrumptious choice). They raced on foot and scooter. Then I got the bright idea (from my childhood) to grab our extra balloons from inside and...
tie them around each kids' ankle (and we got Ted out there, too!)
She wanted cupcakes (neon, but they didn't turn out quite as bright as she'd hoped) and she shaped them into a huge peace sign...
She went swimming with her long-time school friends. She has had these friends since 3rd grade when we moved here; in fact, I remember substitute teaching for all of the 3rd grade classes and knew them all then, too. How fun!!
Sunday night, our good friends and neighbors came over to enjoy ice cream cones in chocolate-dipped cones (Maddie's scrumptious choice). They raced on foot and scooter. Then I got the bright idea (from my childhood) to grab our extra balloons from inside and...
tie them around each kids' ankle (and we got Ted out there, too!)The kids ran around trying to stomp on the other's balloon, while trying to protect their own balloon. It was crazy and perfect birthday fun!
Maddie brings such brightness, compassion, creativity, and fun to our family. We love her like mad and can't wait to see the great things she does in her life!
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