Sami's Baptism

The best part of 2015 for our family was Sami's baptism.  I am a little late in posting about this, since it happened before Christmas. But since this was the highlight of our year, it seemed appropriate that this be my last post of 2015.

Sami was so, so excited to be baptized and waited in great anticipation for her big day. 

It was such a special day, surrounded by family and friends.  

My mom works in a department store part time in Nebraska and found this beautiful dress for Sami. I found this coat a few years ago at a yard sale and have hung onto it, waiting for baptism day. 

Sami looked so grown up and so beautiful. She literally brought me to tears. 

 

 My mom did a fancy braid in Sami's hair. 

The baptism was early on a cold, Saturday morning. We got up early and got there early, and that in itself was a miracle. We were able to have family pictures. 

 It was such a special experience for me to get to help Sami get ready for her big moment. 

I am so proud of the girl that she is. She has really tried to be obedient, say her prayers, read the scriptures, and learn the gospel. Of course, her testimony is young and she will continue her whole life to grow and learn, but this is a great start. She truly wanted to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

This picture just touches my heart. I am so pleased with Sami's choices and Jonathan's choices. I don't think Sami can appreciate how special it is to be baptized and confirmed by your dad, but one day she will. 

 So many special people were at Sami's baptism. Both Jonathan's and my parents were there. Aunt Tami was there from Arizona. Neighbors and friends came. But the most special visitor was her birth mom, Becca. Becca and her husband, Preston, and their baby, Colby, came all the way from California to be at Sami's special day. It was a huge sacrifice for them. It meant so much to Sami and probably even more to Jonathan and I because we understand the hardship financially and physically of coming this far and with a newborn. 

But Sami will look back and I hope she never forgets how much her birth mom loves her and how much she has sacrificed for her. Again, maybe it's one of those things that we don't really "get" as children, but one day, she will. And I think it will mean so much to her.  We love our Becca. And Preston, who gets smothered every time he visits us. And sweet, chubby Colby. 

For me, it was the perfect day. To have Sami so beautiful and sweet, and to be surrounded by people we love was perfect. 

There are so many people who could  not be there in person, but we felt your love for us as well. Our dear friends in Arizona, Missouri, and Omaha. For friends and family all over the country. (If you are reading this, then that's you, for sure!) Thank you, all, for what you have done for our family. For teaching Sami, being a good example, sharing your love and friendship. It has made all the difference and we thank Heavenly Father for you. 

We are so proud of our Sami girl and her choice to join the church. 

Good things keep on coming.