Arden's Baptism Day - March 22, 2014
Journal Alert:
Today was such a neat day for Arden. She has such a calm, sweet, matter-of-fact little spirit. Her testimony is so genuine and simple. She feels the Holy Ghost when she goes to Church, reads the Book of Mormon with our family, and listens to a prophet's voice. She knows the gospel is true and she wants to be like the Savior so she chose to be baptized in His church. I am so very thankful for her strong spirit. She feels like my sister more than my daughter sometimes. She is strong, good, thoughtful, and so reasonable. In a house full of girls, I appreciate her easy going nature and calm demeanor so very much. She is a light and a peacemaker in our home and her decision to be baptized reflects her obedient and righteous spirit. We love our Arden Bea!
I'm also so grateful for Mitch and his worthiness and willingness to perform this ordinance for Arden. He has always shown our girls an example of humble, obedient, Priesthood service - they would be so lucky to someday meet someone as sweet and pure as their daddy.
After years of waiting to be a momma, this girl made all my dreams come true. I have never taken for granted this sacred duty to love and teach these incredible children. Every minute of her life, we grow up together and become the people God meant for us to be. She has a special role in our family and she never wavers from being the big sister and obedient daughter. She has often seemed more like a sister to me than a daughter. I know that sounds strange, but she really is an old soul. I cannot imagine life without her.
Arden's baptismal dress was made by her Grandma Palmer. She and Grandma chose the fabric last summer at Brooks in Bountiful. It's very special and meaningful to have this family heirloom with her when making her special promises with Heavenly Father. We hope all the girls can wear this on their special day. Thank you so very much mom!
Best friends forever! June, Arden, Susan, Ruby - they don't know how lucky they are! Someday when they live 15 hours away from each other, they will:)
Post-baptism moments. She was so pure and sweet - the Spirit just radiated from her. Thanks to my sis for capturing the moment.
Arden and Carter
Aubrey, Arden, Halle, and Brindy
Best buddies
Grandma and Grandpa Palmer were so helpful with this special event. Dad was a witness and Mom gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and read the sweetest story called "The Holy Ghost Is Like a Blanket" to Arden. Then she presented Arden with a beautiful white quilt to remind her of her special day. It was so thoughtful and reminds Arden every night about the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost in her life. Dad also took over the main food duties which I was so thankful for, so I could enjoy the morning and services and not stress as much about the luncheon. Thanks Pops!
Here's one of Grandma and Grandpa Lamb at the luncheon afterward. (I have been kicking myself from that day on for not remembering to get a pic of them with Arden, duh!!! My brain was too scattered that day, cannot believe I did that! So sad/mad at myself!) Regardless - they made a very long drive to be there and we were all so so appreciative and blessed by their coming. Dennis was a witness and Susan gave a wonderful talk about baptism and the important covenants Arden was making with her Heavenly Father. It was very touching to hear her message and feel of both of their spirits. They bear their testimonies through the lives they lead - they truly are stalwarts and my girls need look no further for examples of the type of people to become.
Grandma Lamb made Arden this incredible scripture bag! She made it completely by hand in Arden's favorite colors - with a darling cloth lining and wooden handles. I am always in awe when I see her talents - no one creates the way she does! Such a wonderful example to my girls and I. Thank you so much Susan! Arden loves it so much and takes it to Church with her every week.
Arden's ever-faithful namesake Great-Grandpa Arden. When we chose Arden's name we knew she would have a great legacy to live up to and that continues to be true. Grandpa Arden has nevered wavered in his commitment to follow the Savior and serve in the Church. We felt to lucky to have him there to share his testimony and welcome Arden into the Church. Thanks for making the trip Gramps! You're the best!
Great-great Grandma Stokes has been such a force for good in my girls' lives. She has been the grandparent closest in proximity for all our married lives and has truly taken on the role of Grandma for my kids. She always loves on them and spoils them every chance she gets - they feel so close to her and we feel so lucky to have her in our lives. Five generations of strong, loving, and spiritual ladies on this side - it's amazing to witness them all in action! Especially this lady! We love you Grandma!
Katie and Tom, Jake, Seth, Mckinley and her friend?
Rachel, Aunt Suzanne, Ellie, and Emma - we love our aunts and cousins! Thanks for coming!
Addie and Isabelle
Ruby
Bishop and Linda Neilson - we love this sweet couple! We have some relatives in common with them and they really feel more like family than friends.
Aunt Corie and Mitch
Bestie - Shelby, Dad, and Matt Pierce
The wonderful dessert table provided my amazing sisters-in-law - thanks so much ladies!!!!
Couldn't do anything good without this amazing lady! Love you so much mom! (P.S. You too Jen - why were you always behind the camera?!!! Thanks so much for ALL your help!!! I had no brain this entire week and you and mom took on the role of running the show. I cannot tell you how much it meant.)
Thanks to all who weren't pictured - friends and family! And those who sent things - cards and gifts and phonecalls . . . we appreciated the love and support so much! We are so thankful you shared in our special day!
