Allyson's Baptism

 

 Today was a day that Allyson has looked forward to for a long time now.  Because she has had several older cousins and friends be baptized, she has always known that being baptism was a choice she was ready to make when she turned 8!  I am so proud of this beautiful daughter and the righteous decision she has made and the way she has prepared herself for this big milestone in her life. 

 

Speaking of preparation, this day started early when McKenna got Ally's hair braided so beautiful.   McKenna knew right off what style to do so when Ally came out of the water of baptism, her hair would still look great.  Ally's hair right now is super long and thick, so this hair do worked perfect for her on her special day.  So grateful McKenna is so talented in the hair department!

 

Her baptism was held at the Gunnison Stake Center at 5:00 pm.  We spent the entire day preparing, from salads, to deserts, to setting up tables, and of course ourselves.  Allyson was so excited to see the family that had come to support her on her big day.  She was pretty nervous, in fact when we got to the church to get her changed into her jump suit, she had tears running down her cheeks.  She was pretty nervous about going in the water and having to go completely under.  We had talked a lot about this with her over the past several weeks, but now that the time had come, her nerves got the best of her.  I was able to say a little prayer with her there in the dressing room and asked that Heavenly Father comfort her on this special day and for her to know that what she was doing was a part of our Heavenly Fathers plan.  Shortly after that prayer, she seemed to calm down and was ready for her big moment of baptism and receiving the gift of Holy Ghost. 

 

I am thankful for our family that stepped up and help participate in her baptism program.  She had picked Grandma and Grandpa Okerlund talk on baptism and Trey to speak on the Holy Ghost.  McKenna and Aunt Jenna helped out with the music.  For the opening song, Allyson had picked to sing, 'I Am a Child of God'.  I have to admit that I did get a little teary eyed during this song, because I know what a special little girl Allyson is, but what made me tear up more was to see the spirit touch Allyson and she too shed a few tears.  The spirit there at her baptism was sure strong.

 

 Allyson was baptized and confirmed a member of the church by Jeremy.  I am so grateful for Jeremy and the priesthood which he holds.  He was able to give Allyson such a beautiful blessing with her confirmation.  He blessed her that she will always have a desire to follow the example of our Savior.   He blessed her with good health, strong mind, and a strong body.  He also promised her the blessings that she will have if she will continue to reach out to serve and help others.   And what a blessing it was for her to have so many priesthood holders stand in the circle for this special blessing.  There was Grandpa/Bishop Rod Taylor, Grandpa Don Okerlund, Jason Okerlund, Oakley Mason, Eric Taylor, Dillon Taylor, and Paul Childs.  What a blessing it is to have so many worthy priesthood holders in our family.

After the baptism program, we had everyone go to the multi-purpose room for dinner.  Jeremy and I had prepared pulled pork sandwiches, yummy potatoes, salads and desserts.  It turned out great, thanks to everyone's help.

In the midst of preparing for her baptism, Allyson had spotted a cute cupcake dress online.  Surprisingly, we pulled it off and she was thrilled on how pretty it turned out.  It not only looked cute, but it was delicious too; strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting.  Allyson helped by placing the small pearl candy on each cupcake to make it that much prettier!  

 

 

 

After her baptism, we went home and presented her with her own set of scriptures.  She was thrilled beyond measure.  I had no idea she would be this excited, so it made my heart melt to see her sincere reaction to finally having her own set of scriptures.  It made her even more excited when she saw that her name was engraved on the front of each book.  I am so grateful for her love of the gospel and they way it shines in all that she does.  

 

IT'S GREAT TO BE EIGHT!

 

Today was such a wonderful day!  She started and ended her day in complete smiles. 

 

Allyson has a heart of gold and is one of the most thoughtful people around, especially for her young age.  She is always there to look out for others.  May her compassion continue to grow as she does.  She means well in all that she  pursues and I pray that she will always have that desire to do what is best.  I am grateful that she has made this decision to be baptized and confirmed and pray that she will always have the Holy Ghost by her side to lead her back to our Heavenly Father's presence someday.  Allyson, thank you for being you!  I hope this day was as amazing as you are!

Trey's Priesthood Ordination

Today was such a special day for our family, especially for Trey.  Trey was ordained to the office of a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood.  Jeremy did such a wonderful job in the blessing as he ordained Trey.  The spirit was so strong as he promised Trey the blessing that come through honoring his priesthood.  Jeremy told Trey how the Lord will work through him and that when there is work to be done, for Trey to be willing and the first to jump to help.  He talked about the blessing that he will enjoy as he grows older and how honoring his priesthood will strengthen his testimony. 

 

 

And what an awesome opportunity to have Grandpa Don, Grandpa Rod, and Jarvis Sorensen standing in the circle for this special ordination as Jeremy passed these priesthood keys on to Trey.  It made me one proud mom to know Trey is worthy of such a calling.   "Trey, I want you to know how proud I am of you.  The priesthood holds a very special place in my heart and I have seen it bless you, your sisters, your dad, and myself and the lives of so many around us.  I know that by living a worthy life comes blessing and those opportunities to seek after the blessing come from the priesthood.  I am grateful for your dad and the way he honors his priesthood.  I can only hope that someday when you are a father and husband, that you will bless your family and be the great patriarch the way your dad is to our family.  Today was a great beginning of what you are yet to become.  The blessing that come from the priesthood are sacred and I hope and pray that you will always live worthy to seek after those things to not only better yourself but so many around you.  I love you Trey and I am so proud of you and the handsome young man you have become!  Love, Mom"

 

 

After church, we had both sets of grandparents over for dinner.  This was a wonderful opportunity to share as a family and recognize Trey in this special day.  We are so blessed to have such wonderful family so close to us, we are fortunate to live by their example.

 

 

As an added bonus to the day, Trey was asked to come to the stand in Sacrament Meeting to be receive his Certificate of Advancement from Primary and then during Sunday School, someone came from the Primary to have him attend opening exercises one last time.  Here they sang Happy Birthday to him one last time in Primary and presented him with his birthday present.  It is kind of sad to know how fast he has grown up and to think he will no longer be singing and learning the primary songs and lessons.  I know he has been bored with primary for a long time, he truly is very excited for this new milestone as he advances to Young Men's.  And how do you blame him, Jeremy is his scout leader, so he knows he will be in for a good time. 

Payson Temple Open House

 

Today, we had the opportunity to tour the new Payson, Utah Temple.  Is was absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. I loved the opportunity to walk through this temple to experience such a peaceful and purity that is inside those temple walls.  The marble, wood, stained glass windows are beyond amazing.

We felt bad that McKenna was not able to join our family for this experience.  She had last minute plans that she could not get excused from, so we were lucky enough to share this with our Grandma JoAnn.  Luckily McKenna as able to tour the temple on Friday with our ward Young Women.

 



 

 It was fun to hear the kids comments of the temple when we got home.  Lottie's favorite part was, quote   "The little man on top of the temple who blows his trumpet".  Allyson's favorite part was "All the artwork and the cows", and Trey's favorite part was, well he couldn't pick a favorite part, he liked it all.  He did say he really liked the cows too though!  McKenna's favorite part were the beautiful chandeliers.  She wants her wedding dress to be that beautiful!

 

I am so grateful that Families are Forever!

Priesthood Preview

Tonight was the Priesthood Preview for Trey.  Each year the Primary is in charge of preparing this program for all young men that will be turning 12 within next upcoming year.  This year's program, without a doubt was a great start to teaching Trey the importance of the priesthood and what a privilege it is for him as he turns of age.

 

Our ward is so few in numbers, that there were only three boys and their families there to this great program.  Tyler Sorensen, our YM President, spoke on the importance of the Priesthood.  He did an excellent job in going over the purpose of the Priesthood and why it is so important that young men live worthy to hold the Priesthood.  After that Jeremy spoke about the responsibilities and blessings of the Priesthood.  Jeremy did an excellent job, he tied the subject in by telling about the story of the Indian named Arapeen and the boy, Blue Raven.  Jeremy told how it was important for the little Indian boy named Blue Raven to do his daily duties and responsibilities.  It wasn't until the day that he decided that he could play before his work was done, so many others in the Indian Tribe suffered.  And it was that day the Indian boy, Blue Raven learned the importance of work and responsibility.  Jeremy was able to tie that story into how these future Priesthood holders are a lot like this Blue Raven, that work comes before play because there are so many more blessings that come to them as individual when they do what they are supposed too!

 

Jeremy bore his testimony of the priesthood and his love of the gospel.  He got a little choked up as he talked about Trey and how proud he is of him.  I was touched by his testimony, but what got me was a few minutes later after Jeremy took his seat down next to Trey, that Trey reached over and squeezed his Dad's leg, a true sign of love and appreciation for his Dad!  I am so blessed to have these two wonderful men in my life.  I know Trey will make an awesome priesthood holder as he lives worthy to obtain the blessings the our Heavenly Father has in store for him.