Olivia's Baptism

Today was one of the most important days of Olivia's life. Today she was baptized.

We had a luncheon at our house which was pretty crazy since we were moving 2 days later. Hence the bed on the floor and laundry with no drawers to go into. Everything was packed. We used paper plates and plastic forks, although I probably would've done that anyway. :) We drove to the stake center and I realized that I had forgotten Makell's talk that she was going to give on the Holy Ghost. By the time I got back, Olivia was already dressed in her baptismal clothing. It broke my heart. I guess I just always wanted to help her with that. :( She said she got dressed all by herself. Such a big girl. The baptism was beautiful. Everything went perfectly. She came out of the water glowing. I thought Aaron would've grabbed her and hugged her tight, but he didn't. Then he later told me that he had forgotten to bring an extra white shirt and didn't want to get it all wet and have to wear it for the confirmation. :) I was able to help her get dressed and talk to her a little. She said the water was so warm and she wanted to do it again. She told me how good she felt inside. We moved to the confirmation room and Olivia and the 3 other children that were baptized performed a musical number called, "Today I will be baptized." It was beautiful and Olivia sang with the voice of an angel. I was so proud of her. Makell then gave her talk on the Holy Ghost, Olivia stood at her side to help her. It was so cute. Olivia was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and received the Holy Ghost. Her blessing was beautiful and included some of the following:

She has been given a gift from Heavenly Father that will lead and guide her throughout her life. Today she started on the correct path and her Heavenly Father promised to be with her as she continues on the path of covenant making. She was blessed to make covenants in the temple and be sealed there. She was blessed with strength. She was told that she is a good example and should continue to be one. Live the gospel and look to your mother (me!!) as an example. (It still makes me emotional to read these words.) Your mother is an example of womanhood and righteousness. As you follow her you'll conduct yourself in a way that will be pleasing to your Father in Heaven. Search the scriptures and you will find answers.

I'm so proud of our little girl. I don't know how she got to be eight years old! It seems like yesterday that we were just bringing her home from the hospital as a new born baby. I'm so glad she's ours, forever and ever!! After the blessing and confirmation Aaron made up for the hug or the lack there of after her baptism. He picked her up off of the ground and squeezed her tight for a long time. It reminded me of when he'd held her up after he blessed her as a baby. I could see how proud of her he was. They are great friends and I sure hope that she's lucky enough to find someone like him to marry someday. If she does, she'll be loved and happy all the days of her life!!

Getting ready to go to the Stake Center.

Hair up tight? Check. We don't want any re-do's.

Proud parents and Grandparents of Olivia.

Olivia and her favorite guy.

Liv and Daddy.

We're so proud of her!! We love you so much Olivia!

We took a picture of us kissing her cheeks when she was a baby.

It's hard to believe she's so big now. Time has flown on butterfly wings.

Dad or aka Papa, took us all out for ice cream after Olivia's baptism.

It was a sweet ending to a perfect day!

Sweet Jocelyn.

Jacob. Papa's little man.

I love these pictures that mom, Grandma Sharp, took of Olivia.

They are precious. I love my little princess.

Olivia got a necklace and a triple from Aaron and me,

a beautiful necklace from Grandma and Grandpa Sharp, a card from

Great-Grandma Sharp and a purse from her good friend, Alex.

After everyone had gone home and it was quiet in the house, Makell

came to me and asked, "Mom, when can I get baptized so that I can get presents?"

Very cute but I think she missed the reason why we are baptized.

You can be certain that I took the

opportunity to tell her.