IT"S GREAT TO BE 8!!!!

This past weekend friends and family gathered together to celebrate with Ella and watch her get baptized and become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was a beautiful ceremony.  The baptism was at 1:30 in the afternoon.  It was quite the family affair.  Tyler did the opening prayer.  Nichole led the music for us. And Natalie spoke on baptism.  She did a great job.  She told Ella that she was proud of her and she knew that Heavenly Father was proud of her too.  She told her that she was beautiful and that she was a good example to her and to her family.  She said that she wanted to be a good example for Ella to follow.  After Natalie spoke I took Ella to the Baptismal Font.  My Dad and David Murphy were witnesses to Ella's Baptism.  After the baptism I took her into the bathroom to help her change her clothes.  I asked her if she felt any different.  She said "No, But I did feel the Holy Ghost". 

I got Ella changed really fast.  We even bet Nate into the primary room.  Ella's old CTR 8 teacher spoke on The Gift of The Holy Ghost.  It was a really nice talk too.  She gave Ella a blanket and told her that The Holy Ghost is like the blanket and will bring you comfort.  She also gave her a mirror and told her how beautiful she was and that no matter what she sees in the mirror the prettiest she will ever be is when The Holy Ghost is with her.  After the Baptism was over Ella was confirmed a member of the church and given the gift of The Holy Ghost.  Nate performed that ordinance.  The other men that were helping with the ordinance were Brett Ard, Andy Lay, David, Murphy, and Matt Fisher.

I had everyone write Ella a special note and hang it from these branches so that she would have something special from everyone that came to the baptism.

After the baptism was over everyone was invited over to my house. I made a dessert bar for everyone to enjoy.   I made white chocolate chip cookies, milk chocolate chip cookies, cherry cookies, rolo pretzels, butterscotch dipped pretzels, pumpkin cheesecake bites, cake pops, coconut cupcakes, and rice crispy treats.

 Thirty seven people in all showed up at either the baptism or the party afterwards to support Ella.  She was so excited to see all people around here. 

Ella is such a wonderful example to everyone who comes in contact with her.  She is braver then most adults.  She gave her teacher a Book of Mormon because "she had never read it before".  She tells kids in her class about Jesus because "I want them to know who He is like I know who He is".  She can't see anyone sitting by themselves or playing by themselves without wanting to be right there with them.  She doesn't like to see anyone hurt or sad.  She has a warm heart for everyone.
Ella fell asleep on the couch after her party.  When she woke up she was convinced that it was Sunday night.  I felt bad because when we told her that it was really still Saturday she got mad at all of us and she thought that we were teasing her.