To Be Baptized

Aubree chose to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the first Saturday in November.  It was a momentous occasion; something she's been looking forward to since she was just a tiny child.  In anticipation of the event, Aubree invited all her friends, neighbors, and teachers to join her.  

Though not necessary, we thought it might be nice to get her a white dress.  My cousin, Tina, saw some of the dresses we'd pinned to Pinterest, and offered to make her a dress.  Amazed by the gracious offer, we eagerly awaited the day when the dress would arrive in the mail.  Even though I'd seen a picture preview of the dress, we were still unprepared for the stunning creation Aubree pulled out of the box.  Aubree kept repeating, "I can't believe she actually made this!  It looks like it was bought in a store!"  Aubree and I agree that our favorite part of the dress is the blue (her favorite color) embroidery on the shoulders.  She felt like a princess.

Since it was a Stake Baptism Day, there were two other kids also being baptized.  We all met together in the chapel and it was so wonderful to see friends and family gathered together to share this special day with Aubree.  As each person came in, Aubree's grin grew and grew; she was surrounded by love.  Grandma and Grandpa Winters arrived the previous evening, my mom was already there, and later, while Aubree was receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, my mom leaned over and whispered through tears, "Dad is here."  So all of Aubree's grandparents were there too.

When it was Aubree's turn to be baptized, our small crowd proceeded down to the Relief Society room.  Without hesitation, Aubree joined her dad in the font and was baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  She came up beaming, but when I met her in the changing room declared, "that was wet!"

After Aubree changed into her dress, she returned to the Relief Society room and she and Bryce shared a musical number...I Stand All Amazed.  That has been Aubree's favorite song for many, many months, and that is what she wanted to sing.  Aubree sang all three verses and Bryce joined her for the chorus.  Our talented friend, Ami, composed a beautiful rendition and helped the kids practice.  

I wasn't sure how either of them would feel once they stood in front of a crowd of people, but the both did great.  During the final verse, Aubree was overcome and began to cry, and the spirit of the words she was singing, "oh, it is wonderful, that He should care for me, enough to die for me," permeated the room.  I didn't record the actual performance, but did get Aubree practicing.   

 My Mom gave a great talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost, and our good Bishop said that Aubree was one of his heroes.  

Of course, it wasn't all seriousness...

Afterwards, Aubree had another chance to feel the love of friends and family as she circulated the room hugging and talking to her guests.  

 

After the baptism, we invited neighbors and family over for lunch.  Lots of yummy food (croissant sandwiches, per Aubree's special request) and treats (baptism dress sugar cookies).

All in all, it was a very special, memorable event.  Aunt Deanna gave Aubree a Baptism Remembrance Journal and she's spent a lot of time filling out all the pages. 

Oh, and did I mention Grandma Graff made a matching dress for Kit?  Couldn't be more perfect.  We are so proud of, and grateful for, our noble and bright daughter.