Great to be 8

 

  While Rusty and I like to think our family totally adores us, and they all want to drive/fly to Colorado just because they love us, the reason everyone came out for Thanksgiving was to attend Miss Halle’s baptism on Nov 26th.  I’ve had a sneaky suspicion that she was the favorite every since her Grandmas laid eyes on her 8 years ago.

  I just couldn’t imagine a more perfect day. Halle was so nervous the day before her baptism, and we sat down and had a long talk about how if she was prepared, she didn’t need to be afraid.  We talked about how the Holy Ghost would bring her peace and testify to her that she was making the right decision.  I just love my tenderhearted little girl.  After our talk she seemed to feel much better.  She woke up the next morning and said, “My stomach is in knots.  But the good kind of knots!” 

We headed to the church.  It was so wonderful to be surrounded by all our family and friends.  I couldn’t believe how many people came out to support Halle and Riley.  The love in the room was overwhelming!  Riley’s grandma gave a sweet talk on baptism, and then Nat, Carlie, Halle, Riley, Emma, and I sang “Daughter of a King.” My Mom played the piano for us.  Beautiful song for some beautiful girls. 

Next up was the baptisms.  Halle and I walked to the changing room and quickly slipped on the white jumper.  Both Grandpa Banks and Grandpa Cornell were witnesses to her baptism.  I stood at the stairs of the font and watched her walk down into the warm water and meet her Dad.  He was so tender and sweet with her.  He offered the baptismal prayer, and then submerged her in the water.  She came up beaming and gave Rusty a huge hug.  Then Blake hollered, “Good job Dad!”  That made everyone chuckle.   Riley was up next, and she was just as sweet as could be.  Back in the changing room the girls teeth were chattering because they were so cold.  Despite the cold, they were all giggles and smiles.  We quickly got them dried off and back into their beautiful dresses. 

  Sharon gave the cutest talk on the Holy Ghost that I have ever heard.  She had a box full of fun props to help the girls understand the different rolls the Holy Ghost can play in our lives.  There was a flashlight because he testifies of truth and light.  There was a compass because he can guide and direct our choices.  There was a “Beware” sign because he can warn of danger, and there was a nice soft blanket because he is the Comforter.  She gave all the props to Halle afterward, and that blanket hasn’t left her side since.   

 

Next up were the confirmations.  In her circle was her Dad, the Bishop, Grandpa Cornell, Grandpa Banks, Fred Yates, David Wilsted, and Brandon Bohn.  She is a lucky girl to have such wonderful men in her life!  A few months before her baptism, after she’d attended the baptism of a few of her friends, I asked her what her favorite part of the service had been.  She said, “After the confirmation when the Dad’s give their daughters big huge hugs.”  So sweet.  And Rusty was instructed that the hug be epic:)  Rusty offered a beautiful prayer, through the power of the priesthood, and confirmed Halle a member of the church.  She is such a sweet and amazing girl, and I know our Heavenly Father has a special plan for her.  After the blessing, the hug did not disappoint.  I think I’ll remember that moment for the rest of my life. 

I didn’t throw her a birthday party this year, opting instead for a fun luncheon after the baptism.  We had so much fun planning the food and making decorations together. We had a “sweet” theme, and so we had jars full of candy, dum dum trees, caramel and chocolate covered pretzels, and sugar cookies decorated like lollipops.  And that’s only the sweet treats.  We also had meat and cheese trays, rolls, salads, and fruit.  I think it turned out pretty darn cute. AND, I’m sooooo glad we had family there to help.  Because I may have gone a teeny tiny bit overboard.  Which is so unlike me;)

 
So many friends came to celebrate with us, and Halle was spoiled rotten with lots of fun gifts, and many beautiful cards I know she will keep forever. 

I think the only word to describe this day is JOY.  Pure, simple, magnificent JOY.  It rivals the day she was born.  Halle, we are so proud of your decision to be baptized and make covenants with your Heavenly Father.  We know he will bless you and bring happiness and peace to your life as you keep the covenants you made today.  WE LOVE YOU!

One more special story:  When my Mom arrived earlier in the week, she gave Halle a little white doll dress so her doll could match her baptism dress.  The dress was made out of the same material as the skirts my bridesmaids wore at my wedding.  I think I should steal that dress away and keep it as an heirloom.