Daniel's Baptism via Instagram

Yesterday was one special day!  As the day progressed, I couldn't help thinking that days like this are the things I live for.  It was most definitely a day of love, reflection and family.  So let me share my day, thoughts and Instagrams.

I woke up at 4:30 am and started cooking for the luncheon.  It was super early, but it was so enjoyable.  I didn't turn on the music or the TV, I just let myself enjoy the quiet.  While I was seasoning the pork and placing it in the crockpot, I reflected on the last four years.  The time I first met Daniel and the overwhelming feeling that he was meant to be mine.  His Transformer birthday party, his first time to Bear Lake, learning to ride his bike with Grandpa, Christmas mornings and the many other memories from the last four years.

At 7:00 am, I woke Daniel up, cooked him breakfast and helped him get ready for the day.  As I watched him fidget with his tie, I tried to remember my own baptism.  I remember being excited, nervous and confused all at once.  :)  But as I watched Daniel prepare for his baptism, I saw excitement, nervousness and clarity.  He was ready for this moment.

At 10:00, we headed to the Stake Center with John and Inoke.  Once we got there, John and Daniel changed into their whites.  

At 10:05, the tears started.  :)

At 10:30, the program began and Daniel was baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.  It was such a special moment for our little family.  Both Daniel and I were so thankful for Uncle Sione and his willingness to perform these ordinances.  He is such a wonderful example to my little guy and myself.  He is always willing to help others, he is a wonderful husband to Lorien and loving father to Inoke.  He above anyone else, has taught me to "just get over it" and value the importance of family. I am so thankful for him.  

Some sweet and unforgettable moments:

• Daniel packed his hair gel, unbeknownst to me and made the congregation wait that extra few minutes after his baptism to get his hair back in tip top condition.
• I was asked to lead the music, ummm...I missed the last verse of the song and went to sit down.  YIKES!  
• While waiting for the program to begin, Inoke let loose this HUGE burp which got all the little kids laughing.
• The Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents pulled together and got Daniel his own set of scriptures.  So sweet!  Aunt Beth, got Daniel a scripture case, which she sewed Utah State patches on.
• Daniel also got a $10 bill from Allison & Blake which he began jumping and screaming, "MOM, LOOK I GOT TEN DOLLARS!  I GOT TEN DOLLARS!!!"  He then got a gift card from Melanie and started shouting, "I GOT MY OWN CARD! LOOK MOM, I GOT MY OWN CARD!"  Allison commented, "I wish I got that excited over ten bucks."  :)
• Sister Griffith, the Primary President who used to live in Hawaii, whispered to me that it was nice to be amongst so many brown people again.  :)

At about 12:00 we headed to Mom and Dad's for a yummy BBQ.  It was so great to have our friends and family there to celebrate with us.  I didn't get pictures of everyone, but here are a few...

Once we got everything cleaned up, Daniel and I headed home for a much needed nap.  At 6:30 pm, we went back to my parents house and the sisters went out for sushi while Sione stayed home with all the kids.  WHAT A CHAMP!!

It was Fia's first experience with Sushi and she LOVED it!  It was so nice to spend some time with these ladies!  We laughed, we cried and we ATE!

10:00 pm, Sione got a fire going and we all snugged around the fire, under the Super Moon. 

Midnight - I laid in bed with a full and thankful heart, thinking of what is to come.  I thought of Daniel as a 12 year old, then a 16 year old, 18, 21, 25, 30...I pictured him looking back to this day and reminiscing, possibly wondering what I might have been thinking.  Well, Mr. Daniel, here you go...

Daniel, 

I am so proud of you and the decision you made to be baptized.  You have such a big heart and a beautiful smile.  You love everyone around you and inspire me to do the same.  Daniel, I want you to know that I believe in the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit.  I know that if you listen to that still, small voice, you will be guided to the right decision.  I know that there will be times in your life that you will question that voice...remember that he won't lead you astray and it won't always be easy, but it will be so worth it.  Remember that it is not your job to judge the choices others make, but it is your duty to love and care for others.  Daniel, you have a family who loves you and will always want what's best for you, trust their wisdom, guidance and know their love is true.  Lastly, know this, that I love you with all my heart and always will.  

Love, 

Mom