Merilee's Baptism

Merilee was given the choice to have her baptism on/close to her birthday or wait and have it in Oklahoma right after Christmas.  She wanted her family to be there so she chose to wait.  Every Family Home Evening for a couple months was focused on an aspect of baptism.  (Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Holy Ghost, Covenants, Taking upon the name of Christ, Enduring to the End, etc.)  She knew what she was doing and had a testimony that it was the right thing to do.

 Before the actual baptism we had a family dinner and birthday "party".  Merilee was given things for her birthday that would help remind her of her baptism day.  She was given a few necklaces that had scriptural reference or actual reference to her baptism, ex. "On my baptism day, I promise...".

 The pink/white dress she is wearing was set aside as her new-for-Sunday dress and she had to wait to wear it until her baptism day.

 Grandma made her a BEAUTIFUL quilt to remind her of the Comforter, a.k.a "Holy Ghost".

 And of course Justin and I made sure she had her own set of scriptures.  We chose the hard cover ones for durability and separated so each book was easier to find.  She will then have a chance to get a much nicer set for Seminary when she can take better care of them.

 The spread of refreshments and her cake.

 Grandma also made the actual baptism dress that each granddaughter will have the pleasure of wearing on their special day.  I got to wear a white dress when I was baptized and am glad that Merilee had one made especially for her and was the first to get to wear it;)

We were a little rushed so I had to hurry and get a picture of Daddy and Merilee together, but I didn't get one with Merilee and Mommy;(  I plan on making an actual scrapbook for Merilee with the rest of her baptism pictures.  We had her stand with every person/group that came and take a picture so she can remember who came.  She also has her testimony written down and other things from the program that can be better preserved in a book rather than on a blog.

It was a very good program and we are so happy for those that were able to come and missed those that didn't.  I hope it is a day that Merilee always remembers.