I don't have the pictures back yet from Prentice's actual baptism day, but here are some of the pictures we got taken before, by my sister, Danielle. I love how they capture her sweet spirit. Love her to pieces and so proud of her.
I will post the rest when I get them. It was such a special day. She ended up getting baptized on July 11th. We were told they weren't doing them on July 4th so we planned on the 11th. We got word the week before that there had been some sort of miscommunication and the stake was actually doing them the 4th. We probably wouldn't have even known that except my dad is on the high council and they mentioned it in his high council meeting. Not sure exactly how the mix up happened, but we decided we would stick with the 11th since that is what we had planned and we wanted a little more time to prepare. Plus Jer's parents had already made arrangements to come down that weekend. Truman was amazing and learned music for all the prelude music. He also played, "I Stand All Amazed" as everyone sang the opening song. And he also played, "When I am Baptized" while Monique sang a solo. I was a bit of a stress case about him leaning them but he did amazing. I couldn't imagine doing that at his age. It must have been impressive because the primary president called the next morning and asked him to play in primary while the adults went to a special third hour meeting. He is sure talented.
My Grandpa Ballam had not been doing well for a few days and wasn't sure if he could even make it. We were so happy he was able to come. It wouldn't have been the same without him. You could tell he wasn't feeling his best. He was able to give the closing prayer. Jer baptized her and after it was over she said she liked it so much she wished she could do it again. It was special for me to be able to help her get ready before and after the baptism. It's something I will always remember. I could feel her excitement and loved being a part of her special moment. Everyone had a good laugh when she came out after she had put on her clothes and I had put it on her backwards with the zipper in the back instead of the front.
The baptism was small in numbers, but the spirit was so strong. I'm sure I am biased but it couldn't have gone better. I think Prentice was beaming the whole time. Grandma Linda gave a talk on baptism and Grandma Debbie gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. They were so cute and fun and were the perfect choice to do those. I was supposed to give the opening prayer, but last minute Cardon wanted to do it. I went up with him planning on whispering in his ear what to say. To my surprise he started saying it on his own and before I knew it he said, "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen." It was pretty cute and funny. Grandpa Tony confirmed her and I wish I would have recorded it, but it was a full time job trying to keep Chambers quiet and entertained. He decided to be quite the show off and entertainer for the day. I do remember he blessed he to listen to the Holy Ghost. And I especially liked the part where he blessed her to look to her mom and grandmothers for guidance and direction in her life. And to surround herself with good people and influences.
After the baptism we had everyone over to our house for a little meal. I just kept looking at Tacy and thinking I couldn't believe she was old enough to be baptized. I have always pictured what an amazing day this would be. I just wish it would have taken a little longer to get here! Being baptized is such an important milestone in our church and I am so proud of this girl of mine for taking it so seriously and being prepared for this step.
