The Best Day Ever!

Our son, Will used to like to sing at the top of his lungs while riding on his tricycle, a song from Spongebob Squarepants: "The best day ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Well, if there ever was a day to call "the best day ever" and we could bottle it up and enjoy it forever, it would have to be today. Today is a very special day for our family. Claire was baptized and confirmed a member of the church today and so many close friends, ward members, and family members were on hand to enjoy it.

Our friends, the Hoovers, delivered a special gift to us yesterday in anticipation of Claire's baptism. Jen made this beautiful CTR "Baptism Blanket" just for Claire. It is soft and beautiful and incredibly thoughtful. Thank you, Hoover family!

Once we arrived we had time to get things set up as well as get changed into our baptismal clothing. Claire looked radiant in her white dress. (Mommy also looked radiant in her new outfit!) There was a special buzz and electricity in the air as the time drew near for the service to begin. It's hard to believe eight years have flown by so quickly, but it has indeed!

Kari's mom opened with a talk on baptism. It showed how we have to prepare throughout our lives for baptism and focused on the covenants we make with God when we are baptized. She did an excellent job and was able to really focus on Claire giving her talk while sitting directly in front of her and having Claire participate at different points.

The baptism itself was interesting, to say the least. The font was filled about two-thirds full and to make matters worse, the water was HOT! We're not talking bathtub warm or exaggerating at all. Claire said it felt like when the straightening iron accidentally burns her when she's getting her hair done. I could tell from the moment I hit the water that it was hot and then it hit me - Claire has to go all the way under. Yikes.

On my first attempt I thought I had it, and we really had to bend down there because it wasn't totally full. But her left hand, on my wrist, has showing, from what Kari's dad said. So I simply repeated the prayer and made sure the second time that she went all the way under. I just felt completely awful for poor Claire because I know that the water was unpleasant to say the least. But we did get the job done.

During the in-between time while we were changing back to our regular clothes, my friend Kevin who shot the video last Saturday, and the bishop, helped set up the video screen so we could share this:

CLAIRE'S BAPTISM

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I got the idea for this baptism alphabet from a blog I found of a childhood friend. I basically adapted an idea I found and used it here today for Claire's baptism. It turned out great!

The special video presentation was followed by a video, about a minute or so long, featuring Claire sharing her testimony. Kevin's final product turned out just perfect! I was quite pleased with how well the video and the presentation turned out. It was especially cool because we had some non-member friends in attendance and this was a unique way to share the gospel and do some missionary work at the same time.

My mom gave an excellent talk on the Holy Ghost which involved a treasure chest and a key to open it with. It focused on the importance of why we need to have someone with the authority to confirm us members of the church.

I felt overwhelmed like never before as I began to give the confirmation blessing to Claire. Tears filled my eyes, and I could feel my voice start to waver as I completed the blessing. I am not sure I remember all that I said, but I know that I felt the Spirit throughout the blessing and Claire giving me a great big hug afterwards. That's a moment I will never forget.

Kimberly led us through the closing song, "Choose the Right Way." My friend, Ben Bronson, played the piano for the service. Amy and Bridget said the prayers. Sister Freitas printed the programs. And there were numerous families and individuals in attendance today.

Following the service, we enjoyed light refreshments in the cultural hall and we had quite a spread. It was so thoughtful of Kari's family and my family to contribute delicious desserts, fruits, chips, dips, and drinks, table coverings, and all kinds of other support for the reception following the baptism. We had a place for guests to sign in. I counted 63 names! I was thinking about 40. But 63. There were a LOT of people there!

We headed outside to take some family pictures before leaving the stake center. There were some colorful flowers which served as a nice backdrop for the pictures. We took pictures with all of our family members and then with our parents, and finally with our own family.

Here's a shot with my folks.

Kari's sisters, Amy and Kimberly,

along with LaVor, Ron, Kathi, Laina, and Dieter.

My family, including my brother Casey and his wife Eldy,

with their children: Madelin, Gabriela, and Alan; my sister,

Bridget, with her husband James, and their children:

Aidan, Molly, and Neil; and lastly, my parents, Alfred and Janet.

Claire looking cute as only she can!

Claire with her best friend and cousin, Aidan.

Aidan just got baptized last month!

Claire with her cousin, Gabriela, and both wearing similar colors and styles!

Lastly, Will, showing all the love he can for his best friend and cousin, Gabriela.

Today really was a special and memorable day for us. We will always look back on all the friendly faces and family members who were able to share in our joy and celebration of Claire's important decision to be baptized. Thank you.