May's baptism

Maybe if I start in the middle, I'll get somewhere!

Almost exactly in the middle of our vacation marks a special date for the whole family, but most especially for May. Our wonderful friends, the Millers) who moved from Michigan to Cedar City in July came up to be with us for the whole day. Another great pair who spent the day with us were my sister Shellie and her husband Brady (who is Sariah's forever friend!) We spent a part of the day on temple square. We visited the large Christus statue in the visitors center and also went around the side of the Salt Lake temple where you can climb the steps and stand next to the enormous, beautiful East Doors of the temple. It was just wonderful to be with friends and enjoying the spiritual aspects of life.

Then we ventured down the street to a beautiful Olive Garden Restaurant and had lunch. It was so lovely and the food was even better. Joseph and I had Apricot Chicken. That's a recurring daydream of mine!

We had to rush back to pick up the baptism clothes and Sunday clothes and then rush to the West Bountiful chapel where May was to be baptized. May looked lovely.

As a side note, my friend Angie visited us (in Michigan) before we left for Utah. I told her at that time that Nathan was going to give a talk on baptism. At that she quizzed him on the things he wanted to speak about. It was a great help to him. One of the things that stood out for me from that interview was that Joseph was the one who would baptize May. It is so special for me to see the father of my children performing these sacred ordinances.

Nathan did indeed give a wonderful talk (and later received MANY compliments). He seems to have a gift for writing and giving talks. He spoke just to May and I was so pleased with how he shared his feelings from his own baptism three years ago. May's cousin, Jordan played the piano beautifully. One of my favorite primary songs this year was May's choice:

Jesus entered Jordan's waters
When his work had just begun
God the Father spoke from Heaven
This is my beloved Son
Hear him!

The room was full as we crowded in to see May baptized in her lovely white. She was very happy at that moment. Her grandfathers stood as witnesses.

My sister Shellie stepped in last minute and gave a nice talk for May about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Once again Joseph performed the ordinance of giving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. There were so many special men there who helped with that ordinance. We were blessed to have many, many family members and some special friends who came to be with us. It was wonderful to see my aunt and uncle there. May carefully chose the people she wanted in the program. One of those people was her uncle Sam who has a beautiful singing voice. He sang our closing song.

Thanks especially to Grandpa M who reserved the church and organized a potluck dinner for afterward where May and our family could socialize with family and friends that we have not seen in a long time.