Family Photos-- Emily Harkness Photography

Emma's Baptism Day

Our sweet Emma finally had her long awaited, very special baptism day. She is wearing the same dress that I wore on my baptism day. My mom made it! Auntie Cori wore it, I wore it, Auntie Carli wore it, and so did my cousin Sheri.  

Emma was soooo happy and excited! 

Right after she came up out of the water, she said, "That's warm water!" Everyone laughed. I thought, "You know, that's my Emma. Always energetic, always making people happy." Then she and I went to get her changed into dry clothes and I knelt down by her and said, "Emma, you did it! I'm so proud of you!" She smiled and started to cry and I did, too. It was perfect. Then we went back out and sat down with everyone and her crying didn't stop for about 20 minutes of the program. I asked her if she was feeling the Spirit and she said Yes. :) I think she was also just relieved that she made it!

My mom, Cori, Carli, and I sang "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" and I had to look at the walls in the back so I wouldn't cry. We had practiced by listening to our parts played by our pianist Paula Campbell on our phones all week, and it came together really nicely! Cori decided to take on the alto part with me and I was so grateful because it sounded much better with her!

The Priesthood who stood in on her confirmation were Alan, Grandpa Jeff, Grandpa Byron, Uncle Don, Uncle Travis, Uncle James, Cameron, Bishop Porter, and Brother Bowen. 

Emma's friend Liam was also baptized that day. I think we put together a really nice program with his parents, Thad and Laura. Aunt Nicole led the music, and Alan's dad spoke on baptism and Laura spoke on The Holy Ghost. They all did a perfect job! It was beautiful! Emma's primary teachers Cory and McKenzie G. came to support her. Bishop Porter did a very nice welcome to our ward and Mandy D. in the primary presidency also did a wonderful welcome to primary. I could really feel their love and support and it was wonderful! We are more than blessed to be in this ward!

Emma's friend Reagan and her mom Amber came. They are not members of our Church so I was really excited they would come support us! Also, Emma's kindergarten teacher Mrs. Young who is not a member came. I was so happy to share with them that we are VERY Christ centered and that we love the Lord!

Laura made cupcakes, and so did we. We had them nicely displayed but I didn't quite get a picture soon enough. My mom had the idea for that "8" made out of buttons and Cori made it. So cute!

Mrs. Young gave Emma these flowers and a card that said "Emma Lindsay, A Child of God."

Emma's BFF Madison!

Back at my parents house for lunch: Emma, Owen, Tyler. Cousins!

Flowers from Grandma Kari:

Flowers from Auntie Cori: 

Nana and Grandpa Byron got Emma a rock that says "Remember" so when she sees it she will know to remember all the wonderful feelings she had on this special day. 

Nana and Grandpa Byron also got her something LONG anticipated and MUCH appreciated-- her first set of SCRIPTURES! They were with a card signed by all of Alan's family.

Grandma Kari gave her the CTR ring she picked out when we were at Deseret Book a couple months ago. It has colorful flowers. 

Alan and I gave her this journal, a scripture carrier in her favorite color-- orange, a baptism remembrance book, and some scripture marking pencils. 

I also did a special project for to help her remember what the gift of the Holy Ghost is and what it means. I got something similar when I was baptized. Mine was in a heart box but I couldn't find one and decided on a treasure box, because it's symbolic that she should treasure these things. 

I put a poem about the Holy Ghost in it, a mini blanket I made to remind her that the Holy Ghost is a comforter, a picture of an ear to remind her to listen to the still small voice, a candle to remind her that the Holy Ghost is a light to us and can help us through the dark times, and a pocket Book of Mormon to remind her that we can invite and feel the Holy Ghost through reading the scriptures. 

The poem (who I think a friend of my Grandmother wrote) says,

The Holy Ghost 

Is My Special friend

He's with me Everyday.

I can't seem Him

though He's there

To help me on my way.

When I'm tempted or afraid

He will whisper in my ear

To guide me right

and comfort me,

He'll take away my fear. 

I'll try to always listen,

Read my scriptures every day.

And let my light shine brightly

For all to see--

I pray.

Auntie Carli gave her some great scripture stickers and a journal with the Salt Lake Temple sewn in to the front cover. You can barely see it here but it's very cool! That day Emma wrote in it: 

"Today was my baptism. I cried on my dad's lap after I got baptized all the way til I got the gift of the Holy Ghost! I was feeling so much love and was so grateful. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus so much I cannot say! I am going to get married in the temple and love my Heavenly Father and Jesus dearly! I am very happy and got my CTR ring today. I loved the feeling so much I wished I could feel this every moment of every day! I got my scriptures, the case to my scriptures."

I also wanted to record that Alan gave Emma a blessing before her baptismal interview in June with Bishop Porter. She said during the blessing it felt like angels were "attacking her with love" and there was a ring of fire and Heavenly Father and Jesus were there giving her hugs and kisses. She said, "The Holy Ghost overpowered me with joy." She started to cry during the blessing. Afterwards, she got into bed and said, "I feel so good!" I hugged her and we both cried. It was such a tender moment for both of us. She said Heavenly Father and Jesus are her heroes and she loves them with all her exploding heart. She also said this is the best life. 

So true, Emma. So true. 

I'm 30!

My family threw me a nice party. Alan and the girls showered me with 30 thoughtful gifts they thought represented something fun about me. It was sooo sweet and I felt sooo loved. I love when Alan does creative things like that-- it was one of the things about him that I fell in love with when we were dating. 

 I also got a Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins-- my favorite!

 I do feel a little different being 30. I feel older, but I also feel less inclined to worry about my looks so much, or my body image, or feeling like I need to fit into some "perfect" mold. It feels really good! I just love myself. And that's that. I feel like being 30 has given me that confidence.

Cori feeding Don, Don feeding Gwen. 

I also took Owen and Brooke to Target that day. So cute!