Tori's Baptism

I can't believe that my little girl is eight years old! I am so proud of Tori and for her decision to be baptized yesterday. She has been so excited about this day for so long. Her enthusiasm for the gospel and her testimony are truly humbling to me. She has such a pure desire to be good and to do what is right. She received her own set of scriptures for her birthday and is so excited to read them and to learn more about the gospel.

Todd, Tori, Aaron and I at the stake center before the baptism

Me with Daddy and Tori in their whites

Daddy's girl...All ready for the font!

Yesterday was a truly wonderful day. It was wonderful to have most of the Demars side of the family at the baptism, and Melenie, Jeff, Gavin, and Ryan made it over from Seattle. The baptism was a stake baptism, so several children were being baptized. At the beginning, I was asked to do a spotlight on Tori and share some things about her. I thought it would be fun to ask family members how they would describe Tori, and here are some of the responses I received: smart, beautiful, intelligent, on the ball, thinks things through well, the most beautiful newborn of all time (submitted by Uncle Brad), bubbly, fun, full of light and hope, caring, polite, social, considerate, spiritual, responsible, helpful, tough, eager to learn, doesn't mind getting dirty, caring, inquisitive, and sensitive. Tori and her cousins also sang "Baptism", and did a wonderful job of adding to the spirit of the meeting.

Gavin and Tori

Tori with Aaron

I know that this is all about Tori...but this one was too cute not to include!:)

Tori was baptized by Todd, and seeing them together in the font was one of the most touching things I've ever seen. I'm so thankful to have a husband worthy to baptize our children, and so blessed to have a little girl who wants to make that commitment and enter into our Heavenly Father's kingdom. After she was baptized, Melenie and I were helping her dry off and get back into her dress, and I asked her how she felt. She gave me a big smile and simply replied "happy". Today in church, she was asked how she felt before, during, and after her baptism. She said that she felt a little bit nervous before the baptism, warm during the baptism (she said the water was really warm), and happy and clean afterwards.

My excited girl!

After the baptism, Todd confirmed her a member of the church, with many of our family members standing in the circle. Again, I felt truly humbled and blessed that we have such an amazing family and so many loving, worthy priesthood holders. Tori was given the gift of the Holy Ghost and a blessing that mentioned many times that she would be a good example to others around her. The blessing also told her that she would have the Spirit as a guide to her, and that she would one day be sealed in the temple.

The back of the beautiful dress Aunt Heidi and Grandma altered

When did she grow up?

One small thing that may seem insignificant...I forgot a ponytail holder to hold Tori's hair back during the baptism. I was asking around to family, but nobody had one. Brad went out to the car to look for one, and did not find one there either, but as he was coming back into the church, he glanced down and there was a ponytail holder on the floor of the foyer. Just a small example of Heavenly Father looking out for a little girl on her baptism day! :)

So proud of you, Baby Girl!