Having Whitney's baptism day fall the day after Halloween proved to be a bit challenging. All week as she was counting down to Halloween I would remind her that we were also counting down to her baptism day, but it's hard to compete with a candy-fest day like Halloween.
We knew Randy's dad and step-mom were coming for the baptism, but we didn't know when they were coming or where they were staying. Imagine our surprise when we woke up Saturday morning to find them standing in our kitchen! (The kids had let them in.) We ended up throwing on some clothes and going to IHOP for breakfast with them, then they took the kids Christmas shopping while Randy and I prepared for the baptism (house cleaning, food, ironing, etc.).
I was in a tizzy of preparations and felt really flustered. I hadn't planned on being gone Saturday morning, hadn't planned on Randy taking a whiny phone call from his crazy sister (who we hadn't invited), had let the Halloween activities the day before dominate my time more than they should have, and was feeling rather unsettled. As I was vacuuming the house, I had to consider the source of those feelings and to see the ramifications of giving in to them on such a spiritual day. It wasn't easy, but it worked and I was able to readjust my focus on the importance of the day and disregard the distractions that were piling up.
{Whitney's art work for the program cover}
I was scrambling to get the food ready, and was saved by Lorna-Dee's help (phew!), and then I was scrambling to make the program for the baptism. I don't know why I left that to the last minute, but I did. Lori helped by formatting it while I got ready, but then we were having all kinds of printing problems ($#@!), It was 1:50pm and the baptism was starting at 2:00! I was freaking out, but managed to pull myself together and figure a way around the printing woes (I photo copied it on my printer and then printed it as a copy rather than a text document).
Then as Randy's dad was backing out of the drive way he hit Lori's car! He was parked behind my car, so it was like slow motion as I watched him do this.
We made it to the church at 2:00 exactly! Randy and Whitney had gotten there earlier so they could change their clothes and be ready, so I had time to take this photo of them and then sit down for the meeting. This was a less-than-ideal way to show up at my daughter's baptism, but everything else after that went well and I felt at peace.
The talks were great, short and sweet, and the baptism itself was quick and pure. We aren't allowed to take pictures during the baptism, but the image of all our friends and family in that room to support Whitney is burned on my brain. I loved seeing all the cousins and little friends on their knees peering over the edge of the font to see Whitney go under the water. I think attending baptisms of those you know powerful and often more memorable than your own day.
When the entire service was over Whitney was glowing. Even though I know she doesn't understand the importance of this day, I know she felt loved by all in attendance, so hopefully that will help her remember how she felt on that day.
We came back home for food, photos and socializing. It was nice to have Amy taking pictures with my camera so that I didn't have to worry about things and could actually be in some of the photos.
I love this photo she took of Whitney!
We were blessed with gorgeous, warm weather that day which pretty much saved my bacon because we never would have been able to fit everyone in the house (it was already like clowns in a Volkswagen). The kids were able to play outside and have fun together. (Cousin Austin, Lucas and James are Landon's best friends.)
The girls played great too (Ashley was in the bathroom so she's not in the photo) and though they were spastic and uncooperative for this photo it still captures their fun.
I felt so thankful for Michelle and Amie's help with everything. I was so glad they were there to share this special day, that they brought their kids, and that they are my personal support team.
As things wound down and the house was cleaned up (by my family, not me!) Adam came outside and had a noodle war with the boys. Lucas kept his distance (wisely so) but Landon and Austin are familiar with Adam's antics and took advantage of the opportunity to play with him.
I was also very thankful the help and company of sisters on this day. They really stepped up and filled in the many gaps I left.
Whitney received many thoughtful gifts from friends and family, and I'm hoping they'll help her remember her special day. She received a nice, new set of scriptures with her name on them, a beautiful necklace with her birthstone on it, a baptism book for her to fill in, a couple scripture bags (she wants both of them), an "I'm a child of God" necklace, $8, and a journal.
**Do you remember your baptism day?
Do you have a support team?
Do you give gifts for baptisms?**
