Tiffani's 8th Birthday -- February 6, 2009

We had a fun Birthday celebration for Tiffani on her 8th Birthday, and invited several of her friends to join us for homemade pizza, cupcakes and ice cream, games, and crafts. The s were so cute -- there was definitely a lot of excitement in our home for a few hours as they giggled and screamed and ran around having fun together! Tiffani wrote in her journal that night, "This was the best day of my life!"

Tiffani's Baptism-- Saturday, February 9, 2009
A day to remember...
Tiffani's baptism day was one of the best days of my life! She looked like an angel in her white dress. I felt like I could see eternity through her beautiful, blue eyes as she came out of the baptismal font. She is truly an amazing little with a heart of gold and a joyful spirit. She is one of my greatest blessings.
Brent and Beth and their cute family came for Tiffani's baptism. They, along with the Stapleton family, my parents, and David's parents, stayed for dinner afterward. We had a wonderful time together. I am so thankful for the support of my family and friends.

David's parents came from Idaho for the baptism. I appreciate their love and support so much. It is a great blessing to have them as in-laws.

During the baptismal program, my Mom played the piano and David's Mom was the chorister. I gave the talk about the Holy Ghost. Tyler baptized Tiffani. She told us a long time ago that she wanted her oldest brother to baptize her. She saw her cousin, Greg, baptize his little sister, Allison, a year ago. It made a big impression on her. It was a very sweet moment to see Tyler performing this sacred ordinance for his little sister. David gave Tiffani a beautiful blessing as her conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost upon her.

My parents are awesome! They helped us a ton with preparations for the baptism and the celebration that followed. I love having them stay here with us every other weekend when they come to the temple. It worked out great to have them here the weekend of Tiffani's baptism.

Our dear Bishop, Larry Chilton, took this photo of our family just prior to the baptism. We said, "We love our Bishop!" before he snapped the picture, and I think it's so cute that the expression on Trent's face shows that he is still saying, "Bishop!" I love my family soooo much!!!

Prior to the baptism, we went outside the stake center to take these photos in front of the Columbia River Temple. It was a gorgeous, sunny, and very cold day.

I'm grateful for my testimony of eternal families and for the sacred ordinances that bring such blessings into our lives. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so precious to me. The Spirit was very sweet in our home this week as we anticipated the sacred ordinance of baptism for Tiffani. I'm proud of her, and I know that the Holy Ghost will guide and bless her throughout her life. She has great things in store!