Josie's Baptism Day

Josie is baptized! She had a lovely weekend celebrating her big spiritual step. The past 2 months we spent Tuesday evenings talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ with Josie as the student. We took turns helping prepare Josie with basic gospel topics. Tuesday night the Bishop came to our home for her baptism interview. We practiced her song with our heads touching (still giggling over that one). She handed out invitations to her friends and a few teachers at school for her special day. She was really hoping some of her nonmember friends would attend. Friday evening she and I went to Walmart for drinks, plates, cookies, and cupcake ingredients. I stayed up way too late making fancy cupcakes, they were divine! Phillip was struggling with his talk. Justin gave him a vague directive to read some conference talks and lesson plan to use for his talk on the Holy Ghost. He had a blank screen by 10 pm and was whining like a baby. I found an idea to use objects in a gift bag to talk about different roles of the Holy Ghost. Phillip collected the items while we described the symbolism of each object (flashlight, compass, heart, lifesavers, q-tip, bandaid, hand sanitizer, scriptures, and blanket). 

Josie was up bright and early! She was very excited to get her dress on, even get her hair fixed up. She reminded me of a cute little bird hopping everywhere excitedly chirping. We arrived at 9:30 to the Stake Center. Sister Grow fitted a jumpsuit for Josie and showed us which room we could use. Josie was the last of 5 baptisms of the day. She chose My Own Sacred Grove for the opening song. Justin set up the TV so we could use the video as a sing-a-long since most did not know that song. Everett offered the opening prayer followed by a talk on Baptism by me. I had 3 bears to symbolize the covenants Josie would make: bear testimony, bear Christ’s name, and bear one another’s burdens. Josie sang her song after my talk, our foreheads were not touching. We still had time so Phillip gave his talk as well. He did a really good job. Justin made us all cry when he started crying after giving his part of the Holy Ghost talk. While we waited for Josie’s turn we sang Primary song, that was very peaceful. Amelia, Phillip, and Everett were the baptism witnesses. Josie popped out of the water with a huge grin! Our last child is baptized! Now to help them stay on the path. Justin gave Josie the gift of the Holy Ghost with Bishop Roundy, Dustin Ostler, and Brother Floyd assisting. Josie was very excited Mrs. Adamson (her 2nd grade teacher) gave her a jumbo chocolate bar! Best day ever. She got a lovely bracelet from Mrs Jessica who teaches her violin. The service ended with treats of cupcakes, cookies, brownies (thanks to Heidi Ipsen), and juice. Another family history chapter of the Call family closed gently, we are now all covenant makers.

Thursday the little girls and I stayed home from MCO to participate in Literacy Night at Reagan. We donated quite a few books the girls did not want to read anymore, each girl had 12+ tickets to trade for gently used books. I love that idea. We dressed up as the Ingalls family just for fun. There were lots of games and other literacy games to play at different tables each grade level hosted. It decided to pour rain just as we left our home for the event, we walked over with umbrellas. We even spotted a light rainbow shimmering in the eastern sky. We paused a moment taking in the lovely rainbow. 

After Josie’s baptism I went grocery shopping, Justin and Mia went car shopping, and the kids tidied up the loft area. I spent a happy two hours sewing baby clothes with Jessica Digiacomo, we’re making Tara Norland some cute baby outfits. It’s very hard to keep up with everything: the cleaning, the laundry, the meals, the errands, and etc. Our home is in need of a spring cleaning! 

I want Josie to know how much we love her. Josie is a very happy child! I love her testimony in Christ, a simple and powerful faith in her Savior. I know Christ is my Savior. I know he filled his part of the plan of Salvation, we can overcome death and sin through Christ. I know Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration. I am privileged to read and study the Book of Mormon. 

Justin brought down a “new” black backpack for his post baptismal clothing. Amelia immediately named it Boberita. What better activity than to hold a wedding between Bob and Boberita. I mean, it makes sense. Josie cut out confetti to sprinkle as the flower girl. Evelyn decorated the wedding aisle and venue Amelia officiated: she read 3 verses from the Book of Mormon. LOL. Bob had a fancy tie with lips pinned on so he could kiss his back-bride. Boberita was stunning in a 10 ft veil and tiara! She too had lips to kiss her new husband. My wedding band was used to solemnify the event. So hilarious. Too bad Bob has to go to work early Monday morning. No rest for the weary.