Brooke's Baptism

 On January 7, 2017 Brooke chose to be baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Back in October (before the weather got too cold), we decided to take some special pictures for Brooke's upcoming 8th birthday and her upcoming baptism.

Brooke felt like a princess in her dress and new shoes with "heels". I loved that she felt this way and got to have some special treatment. With two rowdy brothers and lots of time spent with her dad hunting and fishing, I'm glad she got to have a moment to feel all dressed up and like a girly-girl.

 Brooke really does have a love for The Book of Mormon. She asks to read the scriptures and reminds us if we've missed our family scripture study. One time the rest of the family was watching a movie and Brooke came down a little later. When we asked her what she'd been doing upstairs, she said she was in her room reading the Book of Mormon. She has a hunger and a thirst for the word of God and I hope that continues as she gets older and that Blake and I can help her develope that.

 She was skipping around the temple grounds.

 January 7 finally came and Brooke was so excited (and a little nervous) for her special day. We were able to leave the boys with Blake's mom so we were able to drive over to the church with just Brooke in the morning. It was really special for us to be alone with her before her baptism. Brooke is our oldest, our only daughter, and we wanted to cherish this time with her.

 Blake's mom gave Brooke her bracelet she wore and my dad and step mom sent Brooke a necklace that has a pendant that says "He loves me"

 Blake baptized Brooke and was emotional as he baptized her and later confirmed her a member of the church. He also gave her a beautiful blessing from the Lord that talked about being a good example, having good friends, and having the knowledge that her ancestors (namely her grandfather John aka "Pinch") would be with her throughout her life.

The snowy week and canyon roads kept a few of our family members from coming out, but we were touched that so many made the effort to come. Brooke's cousin Skylar (a senior in high school) and her Uncle Jeremy were able to be witnesses during the baptism. Brooke's Uncle Kent, Uncle Jeremy, and Brother Labrum from our bishopric stood in the circle when confirming Brooke. Blake's mom, Aunt Jeannie, Aunt Danielle and cousins Sierra, Ellie, Korbin, and Karson were also there. Our good friends Jackie and Ty with their kids Talton, Liam, and Ava as well as our good friend Annie and her children Wyatt, Dakota, and Autumn were there as well. Brooke was baptized on the same day as a good friend in her primary class (he's also in her second grade class at school this year) Gus Phillips. Gus and Brooke have a long history together...when they were around 3-4 they were caught kissing and holding hands during church!

Brooke, I am so proud to be your mother and to see what a sweet, kind, and loving girl you are becoming. We love that you made the choice to be baptized and know that great things are in store for you!