(This is an extremely long post with lots of pictures)
Brooklyn has been so excited for her Baptism. She was scheduled to get baptized on May 5th in a Stake Baptism. On Tuesday, April 24th, we got work that Sean's dad had been offered and accepted a job in South Carolina. He was to start his job on May 7th. He was really bummed because he knew that he wouldn't be able to be there for Brooklyn's Baptism. We decided to see if there was any chance that we could get permission to get the Baptism moved up to that Saturday the 28th. We started making the phone calls and our Bishop said he would be fine with it, he would just need to make the proper arrangements. I heard back from him late Wednesday night that that Baptism was a go for the 28th. We have such an amazing Ward- I can't even explain how wonderful they are! So many people putting their Saturday plans on hold so this could happen- Sister Lori Reeder (the Primary President- love her!), Brother Malm (Bishopric Counselor who offered to preside over it since our Bishop had other obligations), Brother Robbins (who took time to get the font ready for us), Sister Mary Cox (Primary Counselor who played the piano for us), and Sister Christine Lindley (Brooklyn's primary teacher and also Stake Primary Counselor). So we started scrabbling to pull it together.
Since it was Brooklyn's own Baptism, we had to come up with the Program. I told her what need to be in it and to think about who she would want to participate. She came up with the program all by herself.
Brother Mike Malm- Presiding and Conducting
Sister Mary Cox- Pianist
Gisele Maynard- Chorister
Opening Song - "Baptism"
Opening Prayer- Louise Harris
Talk- Sue Petersen (On Baptism)
Musical Number- "When I am Baptized" by Brooklyn
Talk- Natalie Phillips (On Holy Ghost)
Closing Song- "Holy Ghost"
Closing Prayer- Kay Harris
She also asked her Grandpa Craig and Grandpa Maynard to be the witnesses
I decided that I wanted to have some fun decorations for the luncheon after- my sweet Aunt Paula, Kami, Marlee, and her boyfriend Tom stayed up late on Friday night to help me get them ready. By the time we were done, I was delirious!
On Saturday, when Brooklyn woke up she had a cute poster with candy on it with cute a little poem from Paula. We got all ready and Brooklyn looked beautiful. She got gotten a CTR ring from Sean and I, a really pretty necklace from Gracie and Ella, and a beautiful bracelet from Brett and Chelsea. I had also made a book for her- I had members of our family write her letters and then made it into a book. It is something that I hope she always treasures. When we got to the Stake Center, the necklace was gone. We could not find it anywhere- my dad tore the car apart and could not find it. Brooklyn was sad and told me that she had said a prayer that we could find it. My WONDERFUL family was all there helping to get things set up and ready for the luncheon. At this point I got to take Brooklyn into the dressing room and get her dressed in the dress she would be Baptized in- which happened to be the dress I got Baptized in and my sister too. It was a very special moment and I couldn't help shed a tear as I helped her into it. My emotions were so close to the surface all day- more than one tear was shed.
We got some pictures taken and then it was time to start. The program was PERFECT!! Brooklyn received some good advice that I hope she remembers. Her and Gracie sang "When I am Baptized" and I thought my mommy heart would explode! The Spirit was so strong. Brooklyn was then Baptized by Sean. After she had been Baptized, Nat and I were getting her ready and Nat wanted to look at the book- as she opened it, there was Brooklyn's necklace that she had lost and prayed that she would find. Her first answer to a prayer after being Baptized- it was a very good teaching moment. Kami and my mom joined us and we quickly got her ready to be Confirmed. Sean Confirmed her and we were so blessed to have so many Priesthood holders be able to stand in the circle- Pops, Brian, Greg, Ric, Matt, Bruce James, Kevin McBride, Grandpa Maynard, Keith, Great-Grandpa Harris, Larry Nielson (neighbor), David Allred, Carl Sorenson (him and his wife Lannis were Brooklyn's primary teacher's for 2 years and very dear to her), and Brother Malm. Sean gave her a wonderful blessing.
After the meeting was over, Brother Malm came up to me and expressed how wonderful it was that we had so many family and friends there- there were 57 people there! I couldn't agree more. My little family has such a wonderful support system of incredible family and friends who love and support us. We had a wonderful lunch after. It really was the perfect day! I don't think it could have gone any better. Yesterday was Sunday, May 6th- Brooklyn got introduced as the newest member of our Ward and she bore her Testimony. She is turning into quite the young woman. I am so proud of her for the decision she made to be Baptized and the example she is setting for Gracie and Ella, her cousins, and those around her. It was such a "My cup runneth over" type of day!
This is the dress I was Baptized in
Jan made Brooklyn abBirthday cake and we had a little birthday party after
She was spoiled with love and so many wonderful gifts
Brooklyn and Kathy (or Kafy) as she used to call her- we love Kathy and were so glad that she was able to join us for the day!
The classic look on her face as she receives her MP3 player from Jan and Matt
The clean-up crew- Brooklyn loves to wear Sher's heels!
We have been getting so many comments lately about how alike Gracie and Abby look- when I saw this picture I was kinda taken back because they look so much alike!
The book that I made for Brooklyn