For as long as I can remember, Lindsay's favorite color has been purple (like Nama Sue) and her favorite number has been Eight...because that is when she would be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Well, her favorite colors have evolved to include pink and orange that together with purple make the color of the sunset. But I hope her favorite number will always be 8 - it has been a special time preparing for her baptism and renewing and creating lots of traditions to make this a memorable occasion.

We had many special guests - Grandma and Grandpa from South Carolina, Aunt Shelly, Uncle Joe and Grandma Nadene from Oregon, Grandpa Mike, several ward friends and Lindsay even invited several family friends who were not members of our church. Her kindergarten teacher even came - it was truly a room full of people we love but we know several more would have been there had it been possible.

Before Lindsay was baptized we were out in the hallway and she said she was nervous and scared. I reminded her all that we had done to prepare and I knelt down with her and said a prayer. We had a special program put together by Lindsay - she chose her songs and who the speakers would be. Aunt Molly gave a wonderful talk on Baptism - that the B is for Born Again, the A is for Actions, P is for Priesthood, (T I & S - I forgot - I will fill in later) M is for Missionary.

Then Lindsay was baptized by her daddy. What a wonderful experience for them both - Steve said he was rather caught up in the emotion of it all. Lindsay did have a toe pop so she needed to do the baptism a second time! When the ordinance was over, I wrapped Lindsay's new white towel around her and took her to change, I held her close and cried - I told her she was as fresh and clean as the day she was born, it was like I was holding her again for the very first time when she was born.

While Steve and Lindsay changed, Grandpa Bill spoke - a "teaching moment" we called it. We knew we would have several people there not of our faith and he took a few minutes to teach about ordinances and the 4th Article of Faith. I love a chance to hear Bill talk and I missed most of it, helping Lindsay, but I understand our guests were very well taught and touched.

Aunt Shelly spoke on the Holy Ghost and had wrapped gifts to teach that the Holy Ghost is 1. A compass, 2. comforter, and 3 a light. Then Lindsay was confirmed a member of the church by Steve with several family members standing in the circle. Oh, how grateful we are for the restoration of the priesthood! Some memorable thoughts from Lindsay's blessing: (thank you Sister Heninger!!!)


With Steve's parents. I do have one regret - I did not get enough pictures! Someone else should have been in charge of that - I was coordinating here and there and everywhere and missed a couple chances. But know that we are so glad that everyone who came was able to share our special day with our special little girl!