Baptism day!

Jessie is officially a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her baptism went so well today. The room was overflowing with family and friends and the entire day was so enjoyable. There was a little stress there for awhile when I didn't think we were going to make it to the church on time to prep refreshments and set everything up. Thanks to Grandma's Grace and Evie, Denise and Arnold, Lauren and Dan, Jill, Scott and Sami and probably a few more people that I didn't see who helped with food and set-up/take down. Thanks so much to all who participated in the program.
It really was a special day. I didn't want to speak or get up and participate in the program to avoid losing control of my emotions and crying like a baby. My idea was to sit down and enjoy the day. I did end up leading the opening and closing song and I'm SO glad I did. During the last verse of "I'm Trying to be like Jesus" as the closing song, I scanned the faces of all the people that came just for our sweet Jessica. A spirit of overflowing love and joy was in the room. I then looked at Jessie sitting in the front row in her beautiful white dress, and she was singing with pools of tears in her eyes. There isn't another occasion I can think of that I have seen Jessie cry happy tears. I know she felt the Holy Spirit that had just been confirmed upon her- that peaceful, happy, thankful feeling- present in the room like I did. It is the moment besides seeing Jessie get baptized that I will always remember about that day. I couldn't hold it together after that. Good thing I can cry and lead music at the same time. ;)

Thanks Ken & Cassie for the neat gifts. The picture was perfect for this table out front. We had a book sitting next to the programs that people wrote messages to Jessie in. And we couldn't pass up some super hero action! I love Jessie's sweet pose here.