Olive's Baptism

What a special day!! Olive was baptized on Sept. 18 and it couldn't have gone better. I took her pictures the month before and they turned out so beautiful! I was really nervous because my camera lens is so old. And it wasn't a great one to begin with. The field next to the temple ended up being the perfect place for some sweet, simple ones of her picking flowers. She actually did that without any prompting from me and I love them so much. We borrowed the hair piece from Lindi which was a delicate touch. I think she was most excited about her sparkly, pink heels though! While we were taking pictures she kept asking if we could go inside the temple. Finally, after the sun had gone down and she had blisters on her feet, we limped over to the front doors and peeked inside. She was SO excited. The men at the desk gave us a little wave as I started explaining to her what a recommend desk was and the process for going inside. All of a sudden, my voice caught in my throat as the sweetest spirit enveloped us while I told her about my first time going into the temple. It was a precious experience of sharing my love for the temple that I hope neither of us forgets. It already feels like she'll be back here so soon, and I wanted to stay in that moment forever. So grateful for her decision to be baptized. For her enthusiasm for the gospel. Her decision to go to the temple will also just be hers and I hope that with so many dissenting voices in the world she can feel excited and ready to make that next step. There is a lot of faith that goes into it, but so many blessings too. Olive, if you ever read this, know that your mother has a testimony of the work that happens in the temple. I believe in angels and families who are connected for eternity. And I believe in a God who has a plan for you and your future family. And the best place to start that family is in the temple. Keep acting in faith and believe in more than you can see. 

It was a stake baptism, but we were allowed to just have our family in the room while Olive was baptized. I was one of the witnesses and so was Grandma Evans. We rushed to put her hair in braids afterward and I think everyone was surprised we did it so quickly. Then we went to the chapel and Aunt Marcie gave the most amazing talk. Seriously, it was incredible. She had a said a prayer for help when she was writing it and a song came to her mind called What Heaven Sees In You. So she formatted her talk around the lyrics of the song and she had three bags with various items in them for Olive to pull out during the talk. The first one was her baby blessing dress. The next was a blanket to represent the Holy Ghost and her baptism. The last one was a beautiful, ornate hand mirror. Marcie was so sweet and emotional talking about the day Olive was born and how much she loved her and wanted her to always remember her worth in God's eyes. I was mesmerized. I really don't think there has ever been a more thoughtful baptism talk.  

Sent to this earth
You were saved through the ages for this day
and time
Child of great worth
Child of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were held in a circle and you were
blessed
And the Father looked down
And the angels surrounded that place
They knew the truth, all that you could do
And you will, too, if you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
Dressed in white once more
Making promises to follow in God's way
So much lies in store
For the little girl who enters at the gate
Pure and holy in a little, white dress
You were led into the water and you were
blessed
(Repeat )
Do you understand who you are
Part of the Father lives in you
If you continue on this path
Every promise God has given will come true
Heaven on earth
In the house of God, so much fills your heart
and mind
Woman of great worth
Woman of promise, daughter of the Divine
Pure and holy in a long, white dress
You promise forever and you are blessed
And the Father looks down
And the angels surround that place
They know the truth, all that you can do
And you do, too, ‘cause you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you
Will you have eyes to see
What heaven sees in you

After her talk, Olive played a piano solo. When I am Baptized. She did amazing! She only just started learning it this week and she had it memorized. I was so impressed. She had to walk up to the stand and play in such a big room and she didn't seem nervous at all. 

I always love seeing the men surround the child when conferring the Holy Ghost. It's a cozy, safe scene and Travis gave her a nice blessing. 

Olive is loved!  So grateful for all the family and friends who came to support her.

We had the traditional Ned's Crazy Sub 8 and lots of yummy sides to go with it!

Present time! Oh, she was spoiled. Grandma Evans's pink blanket was something she was looking forward to! It was better than Christmas morning. I couldn't believe all the gifts!

As people trickled out and it was just a few left, the funny event was watching The Food Nanny's cow birth it's baby! We watched in suspenseful horror, haha!

Camilla and Posey invited Olive to go on a little girl date afterward, so off she went to continue the fun! Never a dull moment with Camilla!