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Preparing for Baptism.
We have been having FHEs on baptism on and off since January, knowing that Jenna would be baptized this year. Our home teachers have had lessons, we have encouraged conversation about the Holy Ghost and, of course, Jenna learned about baptism in Primary. The Primary also had a great "Baptismal Preview" Program too in early July.  The problem is that we don't always make Primary because of traveling and illness and stressfulness, we don't always do FHE for the same reasons, we don't always have the Spirit in our home because there is fighting and irritability and fatigue. We are imperfect people, trying to prepare a little girl for something perfect. Thankfully the Lord doesn't expect perfection on our own. He knows that we need the atonement. Sheww! In the end, Jenna was interviewed by the Bishop and found "ready" for baptism. 

A few weeks before her baptism, while the little boys were asleep and Zac was awake but quiet downstairs, I put some acoustic hymns on the CD player and laid out on the counter every picture that I had of Jesus. Most were clippings from the Friend and some were cards that I had received or bought along the way. I sharpened every colored pencil I could find, gave her a piece of paper and asked that she look at all of the pictures and draw a picture. She chose to draw something original instead of try to duplicate a picture. It was quiet in the kitchen as she worked quietly. As she drew, she said over her shoulder, "Mom, is this the Holy Ghost that I feel?". It made me smile, and I said that "yes, the Holy Ghost does make us feel good." It was just a sweet moment that I didn't know would happen, but I am grateful for. It was an uncommonly quiet time in the house and she could feel peace as she listened to that music, looked at pictures of her Savior and did something that she loves, drawing. I am grateful that she was blessed to feel that peace. Anyway, we used that picture for the cover of her program. 

The Big Day
The day that Jenna was baptized was really a great day. That morning, I panicked that she didn't understand the gravity of the event. I wondered if I had failed her. I think of my 9 year old Primary class in Kentucky full of true and noble gospel scholars and shook my head. But, no one really understands what a big deal it is and what a responsibility it is at first, do they, especially at the early age of 8? Line upon line, we learn things. We don't have to be scholars, we just need to have faith that Jesus is the Savior, that God lives and that the Holy Ghost is real; know what it means to repent and then be baptized. That much she is getting and so it was a go.
 We went to Steve's youngest cousins' baptism that morning which was great for her to see and feel.

Before changing into her jumper

Perhaps a favorite of mine. Jenna and daddy.

At 2:00 we arrived at the church. The two little ones were struggling a little. We had to wake Trev from his nap, and Gage was suffering from separation anxiety, or anxiety that we may be separated, and was cutting 2 teeth- he was needy too. But Jenna was a little angel in her white jumper awaiting her program and baptism to start. She was so beautiful and happy and surrounded by sooo many that love her. Scads of supportive relatives, friends, teachers, leaders, her babysitter, and of course her mom and dad, even my mom flew all the way from Indiana.

The inside of the Program

 Her program was very nice. It was nice that no one else shared the program, it was like her special day. Mom brought the dress that I received my first communion in when I was a second grader, and it fit her very nice. She thought she was very fancy and quite liked the 1988 dress with puffy sleeves.She was pretty in her new shoes and flower in her hair. Even her ear rings seemed to sparkle a little more.
 Let me tell you that it was a tender and special moment when she came up out of the water. She was beaming with joy. Jenna was so beautiful. Her countenance shone and her smile was pure joy. What a testament to me. I hope that I never forgot the feeling I had as I looked at her coming out of the water. I hope that she remembers that good feeling too.

Jenna and Grandma Great

Jenna and her Primary Teacher

Grandma Julene, Me, Jenna, Maw

Showing Grand dad her new scriptures

Calvin and Jenna were both baptized that day. Calvin is the last of the grandkids, and Jenna is the first great grandchild to be baptized.

 The program was beautiful. From the opening prayer to the closing prayer it was very special. I am so proud of Jenna and grateful for the gospel in my life and all the rich blessing that it brings. I am especially grateful for family. Little angles watched and entertained the boys, for that I am still very grateful. Thank you to all that helped us, especially the Merrel's and Kristi!
After her program we had cake and frappe with some nuts and butter mints at our house. Simple, easy and quite a hit. Who knew that Costco cake and some sherbet, sprite and berries could be so good?

Jenna and Aunt Lissy who spoke at her program about Baptism.

Jenna and her cake