Carly’s Baptism

Last weekend was special for our family and not just because we celebrated Easter. Carly was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday afternoon. Our ward typically schedules baptisms on the first Saturday of each month at 11am, but we pushed it back to 1pm so we’d have plenty of time in the morning for the kids to participate in an Easter egg hunt.

Justin and Carly in white before the baptism

There was going to be another girl in our ward baptized that same day, but since it was spring break they opted to have her baptized in Utah while visiting family. So we were on our own. Most families would love to have complete control over the program, but with it being spring break, Easter weekend, and most of our extended family living out of state, it wasn’t my ideal. Thankfully, Justin’s sister was willing to give a short talk about baptism and Carly’s primary teacher from last year helped us out as well – both did a great job. Abigail has been working on a piano arrangement for several weeks that she played beautifully while Carly and Justin put on dry clothes after the baptismal ordinance. The girls’ piano teacher was going to play the rest of the music, but ended up going out of town so Abigail did it all – prelude, musical number, opening/closing song… We love having musically talented kids.

After the baptism and confirmation we came back to our house for refreshments.

Carly was beautiful in her new white dress.

Carly was so excited to make this step and be baptized a member of the Church and receive the Holy Ghost. She has also been looking forward to this day because she knew she’d be receiving her own set of scriptures from my Mom. Since Grandma is serving a mission in Hong Kong she couldn’t be here – oh, how we missed her! However, she mailed us Carly’s special gift nearly a year ago for this very day. Carly immediately started reading and marking the scriptures she has memorized. Carly also was excited to receive a scripture bag made by Grandma Fletcher. And like most girls she loved receiving and wearing a bracelet and necklace given to her by other family members.

On Sunday I curled Carly’s hair – a rare treat – with the hopes we could get some pictures before church. Unfortunately it was a windy morning, but I still think she looks beautiful.

Congratulations Miss Carly – we are so proud of you!