(as blogged by Mark)
TARA has been working hard all this week to get Caitlyn's Baptism book ready. She has scrapbooked many beautiful pages and produced a wonderful book that will help Caitlyn remember her baptism day. She also put a lot of time on the program, on her talk, and on baking cookies. I can honestly say that the baptism would not have come together without TARA staying on top of it all week long.
Like all good LDS baptisms, we started about 20 minutes late because we were taking pictures in the foyer. We weren't just being extravagent with photos - the first batch hadn't taken due to "operator error" (thanks, Scott!). Grandma and Grandpa Clarke flew into town just for the day, so we were really grateful to have them there. There was a small gathering of friends from the Barton Creek and Lake Travis wards that I have attended since first coming to Austin. TARA spoke first on baptism, and then Caitlyn, Austin, and Reagan sang "I like to look for rainbows". I then got to baptize Caitlyn. It was so neat to lead her down into the water. I don't think that I have ever seen her so happy.
While Caitlyn and I changed we played a small video that TARA found on youtube. And then we did the testimony activity that was done at Colin's baptism where everyone writes down their thoughts, feelings, and testimony while she was getting changed. We collected these and will include them in her baptism book. Grandpa Clarke then gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. The pieces of the talk that Hallie let me hear were very spiritual and uplifting. The men in the room then gathered and placed their hands on Caitlyn's head. I pronounced her a member of the church and invited her to receive the Holy Ghost. I don't remember a lot of what I said, but for the first time in any blessing I have given her, I had a feeling about Caitlyn's next ordinances: those that take place in the temple.
We introduced Grandma & Grandpa Clarke to Rudy's BBQ ("the best gas station meal I've ever had") and went swimming at the pool in their hotel. It was a great end to a very hectic and full week. And in the end, all of the work (let's be honest: all of TARA's work) was worth it.
8 comments:
wish we could have been there! Congratulations Caitlyn ~ you made one of the best choices of your life - we are very proud of you!
yep, Tara rocks. We thought Mark was pretty cool, but behind every great man is an even greater woman!
Congratulations Caitlyn! It was wonderful to share such an amazing experience with you.
Congrats Caitlyn. Wish we were there for your special day! Love all the pics! Great job blogging Mark. Nice to have a man blogging around here! :)
Caitlyn is soo Beautiful:0 I ADORE her dress:) Baptisms are such a joyous and fun event- it looks like Tara did an Amazing job!
Caitlyn! Wish we could have been there! We were thinking of you and wishing you every best thing! I LOVE the twirly pictures- what a BEAUTIFUL dress! Love, Aunt Kat & family
Tara - I am going to go curl up with the second half of breaking dawn... hope that you have your priorities realigned and read it soon!
What a great day, I can't believe she is that old.
What a special day for Caitlyn and the whole family! The pictures are great and definitely worth the tardiness. I'm sad we couldn't be there to share in the happiness. I hope everything is going well for you all.
Congratulations Caitlyn! Wish we could have shared in your day. What a great and wonderful decision you made to be baptized. We sure love you and your family and miss you all! (And your dress is BEAUTIFUL!)
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