Emma's Baptism

This sweet, beautiful girl had a wonderful day on April 20th, 2013.  She was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

A friend of ours who was raised in the church until she was 12 was quizzing her a bit to see if she understood what she was doing and called to tell me how impressed she was by Emma's answers.  Phew!  Emma is super smart.  She has had all 13 Articles of Faith memorized since she was 6 years old  and loves going to church.  She is very sensitive to the spirit and tries to lift others and be more like Jesus Christ. She understands the power of prayer and is learning the importance of reading her scriptures.  

This girl is packed full of faith.  She is trusting and loving.  She loves helping children and is considering being a teacher when she grows up, but first and foremost, she wants to be a mom--and a good cook.  I can't help but be flattered.

Emma loves her father and would do anything for him.  She had her baptism planned way back by the end of January.  She asked Steve to baptize her, Braxton and Grandma Alleman to speak, Evan and Carter to pray, her grandpas to be the witnesses, Aunt Mandi to lead the singing, and Grandma Bird to play the piano.  We also found a beautiful song "My Baptism Covenants" for all 5 of the kids to sing.  It was beautiful.

Emma is so loved.  Her baptism was held at the stake center, which has never been done in our ward for over 10 years, but the usual building was occupied.  Still, many friends and family ventured out to support her.  When I thanked people for sacrificing their Saturday afternoon to come, they would reply, "It's for Emma.  We had to come."  Emma has drawn pictures and made cards for certain men in our ward and wrapped them around her little finger (Bishop Holyoak, Courtney Redmond, Dan Oscarson).  My sister, Mandi and her family came from St. Louis as well as Steve's sister, Julene and her kids from Indianapolis.  My parents also flew out for the special occasion.  I feel awful that the Birds aren't in any pictures, but they left too quickly.

So happy Grandpa and Grandma Alleman could come.  It wouldn't be the same without them. It's a wonderful tradition that they've decided to be at every baptism of their grandchildren--no matter how far.

My magnificent eternal family!  We are so blessed!

This trio is unstoppable.  Our neighbor Sydney loves playing with both girls.  They always get along and have a great time together.

Emma's cousin, Max, really wanted a picture with her.  What a sweetie!

My girl.