On Sunday night Grandpa Clarke arrived into town, for a national Dept of Transportation Conference. We drove over to his hotel Monday morning and took him to Kerby Lane for the best pancakes in Austin. Then it was time to see the Texas state Capitol. We stood on the echoing star, looked down from the dome, admired the painting and visited the new wing. It was a fun morning, but then it was time for us to drop him off at TxDOT. He did join us for dinner that night and Grandma came into town the next afternoon, luckily after I had finished teaching Preschool for the week.
On Wednesday we traveled to Gruene (Green), Texas, a fun little town that has a few cute shops and tons of character. We were back in time for dinner and then Grandpa Clarke came to pick Grandma up and whisk her off to the hotel.
Thursday we hit the local sites including the capitol and then I took Grandma to Joann's to buy supplies for Austin's scrapbook. Grandma helped me bake and freeze cookies for the baptism. I then stayed up late into the night preparing the book for her baptism.
Friday Grandma and Grandpa Clarke came and picked up Reagan and Hallie and it was off to San Antonio where they visited the Alamo and the Riverwalk. This was perfect as it gave me the time I needed to pick up cupcakes and deliver them to Austin's class as well as begin work on a Video for the baptism. That night we had a family celebration and Austin got her new DSI. I worked hard until way too late making sure everything would be perfect for the actual day. I made lists and more lists (Anyone who knows me knows I hate lists). I packed everything and then headed to my friends Angela's house where they two of us worked on Austin's movie. I then came home and stayed up bit longer preparing my talk. Thanks to a wonderful inspired conversation with my friend Julianne I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about, so it was just a matter of putting the words down on paper and checking the references. 
Saturday we awoke early and made our way to the stake center. Austin was beautiful and from the moment I awoke I felt the spirit. I was so thankful for all of the preparation, because I could just enjoy the magnificence of the day. Austin was so happy to be able to take this step and I know that she was ready for it. As I spoke to her I felt the Savior's love for her and the joy of our Heavenly Father for the decision she was making. The baptism was over quickly, but I will never tire of see my amazing husband call on the power of the Father as he baptizes and blesses our children. When it was time to clean up and head for home I struggled with going home. I just wanted to stay in the warmth of the meeting. One sister came up to me afterwards and commented that she had never been at an 8 year old's baptism, where the spirit was so strongly present. I told her that Austin was a very special girl and then I thanked her for coming. In my heart I thanked the Lord for allowing me to prepare and let go of all the worldly views I had of a perfect baptism. Instead, I was blessed to turn to the Spirit and allow Him to speak through me in my talk and through Mark in his blessing. I was so thankful for all of the wonderful members of our ward who supported Austin and came that day. I hope they were lifted as much as we were.
Saturday we awoke early and made our way to the stake center. Austin was beautiful and from the moment I awoke I felt the spirit. I was so thankful for all of the preparation, because I could just enjoy the magnificence of the day. Austin was so happy to be able to take this step and I know that she was ready for it. As I spoke to her I felt the Savior's love for her and the joy of our Heavenly Father for the decision she was making. The baptism was over quickly, but I will never tire of see my amazing husband call on the power of the Father as he baptizes and blesses our children. When it was time to clean up and head for home I struggled with going home. I just wanted to stay in the warmth of the meeting. One sister came up to me afterwards and commented that she had never been at an 8 year old's baptism, where the spirit was so strongly present. I told her that Austin was a very special girl and then I thanked her for coming. In my heart I thanked the Lord for allowing me to prepare and let go of all the worldly views I had of a perfect baptism. Instead, I was blessed to turn to the Spirit and allow Him to speak through me in my talk and through Mark in his blessing. I was so thankful for all of the wonderful members of our ward who supported Austin and came that day. I hope they were lifted as much as we were.
Saturday afternoon I prepared for Austin's Movie Night Birthday Party, including making the cake, which we topped with caramel corn. She had a group of friends to the house to watch "Princess and the Frog" while they ate popcorn and movie candy. It was a simple party, but the girls had a great time. It was especially fun to have both Grandma and Grandpa Clarke at the party. We thought Grandpa had left us, but his flight was cancelled, so as a special surprise Mark drove to pick him back up at the airport and he joined us at the party.
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