We started preparations quite a while ago, especially learning about the significance of baptism and confimation and the covenants she'd make, practicing with Daddy and making her dress. She designed it and showed me what she wanted and I did my best. She loved it! It turned out she loved it and wished it could "grow with [her] so [she] could wear it forever!" We also got a necklace and bracelet on clearance at Claires for a couple dollars each that Lucy called her jewels. She has been expressing for a long time her desire to get baptized and after she turned 8, it was hard waiting for her. She almost thought she couldn't make it to April, but then again, she wanted most of her family to be there.
All of our grandparents, Grammie, aunts and uncles and cousins made it, except for our Michigan Stoddards. That was a blessing to have almost everyone there! And all of Brody's other side of the family made it too. Bishop Nelson from the Bountiful 37th ward presided. First, we sang "I am a Child of God" (Brody's choice) and I led the music. Uncle Mark started out with the opening prayer and first we had Grandma Sue speak about baptism. She spoke on the importance of the baptism and how it's the gate to get back. She talked about how important the sacrament is and how we can be clean each week as we partake. It was good. Then the cousins sang Baptism Medley and my mom played the piano. They did it beautifully and sang with such Spirit brought many tears and smiles. Then Brody's aunt Heather (his choice) spoke on the Holy Ghost. She said we need to CTR, choose the right to have the Holy Ghost and in turn the Spirit will CTR back, C-omfort, T-each, R-emind. It was a great message! Then we went in and Lucy was baptized first. Her witnesses were Grandpas Dan & Scott. She was grinning ear to ear as she entered the water, smiled at Daddy and listened to the prayer and went under and came out." When she came out she stayed and watched Brody get baptized from the side lines. Then we got her a towel, and got her dressed. She said "I feel so clean and new! Aunt Amy helped out with her hair, thank you! She said the water was warm and she really liked going under and coming up again. While we were changing, we had note cards for everyone to fill out for the kids to express their feelings or thoughts and share testimony. We put little books together for them of the cards. Then Lucy was confirmed a member of the Church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost through her dad. In the circle - Grandpa Dan, Grandpa Scott, Uncle Jeff, Uncle Randy, Uncle Jerry, Uncle Brian, Uncle Kolby, Uncle Mark. She was blessed as she started out on her journey as a member of the true and living Church. She was blessed that she'll walk in the paths of the Savior, which won't always be easy. She was blessed with the tools she'd need to return to the Savior and help others return to His presence as well. Then Bishop Nelson gave some final remarks. He talked about what a blessing it was to have the baptisms right by Easter. He talked about how they were buried in the water and then came up, just like Christ died and then rose again too. We closed with "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" (Lucy's choice) and Aunt Stacy ended with the closing prayer. Lucy was so happy and beautiful the whole time. It was a spiritual experience and the Spirit was so present.
Afterwards, we had a luncheon at the gym there. We made a few decorations for the luncheon after with the sheep theme as we thought that was appropriate with it being Easter time. And "white as snow" and how Jesus is our Shepard and we are his sheep. Anyways, we just used stuff we had around the house mostly and it wasn't too over the top but we wanted a couple of things to make it fun. We ate ham and cheese poppy seed sliders which were a hit and some barbecue chicken sandwiches along with chips and sides. Then we made some Easter egg brownies and white butter almond sheep cupcakes that had some problems looking cute but were delicious.
We then went outside and had an Easter egg hunt, which was Lucy's idea. We usually go to a community one in the morning, but didn't want that added stress or rush that morning so we did our own. The kids loved it! Fun way to end things.
We did a few pictures, I wish I would've gotten more of just Lucy, but that's what happens sometimes. She is such a poser and not camera shy at all, cutie! Brody was so done by the end and trying really hard not to smile so we could be done, haha.
She got some fun gifts and cards, and her personalized scriptures and scripture case from us. She said that was her best present, but then quickly changed her mind and said that the Holy Ghost was the best present she got. True, Lucy, very true!
In the program I put together, I shared a poem I love and it's also a Primary song, 58a.
“Little lambs so white and fair
Are the Shepherd’s constant care.
Now he leads their tender feet
Into pastures green and sweet.
Now they listen and obey,
Following where he leads the way.
Heav’nly
Father, may we be
Thus obedient unto thee.”
-Anonymous
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