Happy Baptism, Emma!

We had such a great evening last night attending Jon’s niece Emma’s baptism and confirmation. Emma is a sassy, talented, silly, strong-willed, drama queen with a heart of gold and too many brains for her little body. She really is 8 going on 18. I think she gets that from her parents. They’re smart and together, but Scot has no problem shifting into geek mode at the drop of a hat and he sings the most random songs or whistles with amazing accuracy at all times, and the nicknames that tumble out of his brain are legendary. I think Kirsten would LIKE to be goofy sometimes, but the sheer volume of goof coming off of Scot keeps her pretty controlled to make up for him as well as for the fact that she grew up as the oldest of a lot of brothers for years and years. She’s had a lot of practice being the grown up and rolling her eyes at the dumb boys. Emma loves to sing and perform, but she’s also got the eye-rolling down and she really enjoys being the oldest sister. Scot and Kirsten are good parents and have raised Emma well, and it was quite emotional to hear Scott tear up in the baptismal font while blessing and dunking Emma. Kirsten got to cry through the blessing too, but then we marveled that she had pulled together yet another amazing dinner for both sides of their family after the proceedings, and the whole evening was wonderful. I always cry at such great events when the spirit is strong and you see another side to the family you think you know so well. I’m so grateful to be a member of the Latter Day Saint church where priesthood authority is accessible and is used in such beautiful ways. I’m so proud that my husband walked right up there to stand in the circle with his father and brothers and extended family and friends. Those kinds of warm experiences always make me cry, but they are the happiest tears you can imagine. Congratulations, Emma! We love you and are so proud to have you join the church!

~ by bylorena on September 8, 2008.