The Barnhurst's: Tess's Baptism

Tess wanted to have as many Grandparents at her baptism as she could. Unfortunately my parents couldn't come so we planned a trip to South Carolina. Tess planned out her program and did all the calling and inviting. She was all smiles on the phone. Grandma Barnhurst played the piano. Aunt Hollie was the chorister. Grandma Riley gave the opening prayer. Aunt Rhonda gave the talk on baptism. Dan baptized and confirmed her. Uncle Lee and Grandpa Larry were her witnesses. Abby sang a solo musical number. Jake gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. And Grandpa Larry gave the closing prayer. As we called everyone we learned that Uncle Duane (Grandpa David's twin brother) and Aunt Debbie would still be in town and would be attending which was extra special. Also, Hollie and Cris decided to bless their new baby girl at that time too. Extra extra special!

Day of--

We had planned to use the jump suits at the Lexington church building so that Tess could wear her white dress all day. Just as we were leaving for the church I decided to bring Tess's green dress along just in case. Man am I glad I did. There was a white jump suit for Dan but not for Tess. Tess was disappointed but the tears quickly stopped as we talked through it. (I got baptized in a dress.) Our good friends Jim and Jodi Anderson, from Aiken who were like family to us, came just for Tess. They were a big help in all the preparations.

In attendance--

Grandma and Grandpa Odum. Grandma Great and Uncle Herold. Uncle Bud, Aunt Patty, Kelsey and Drayton. Aunt Gloria came down from NC with her grandkids. Bonnie made the trip down with her 5 kids. Hollie, Cris, Xan and Elle. Uncle Blake! Grandma Riley. Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Lee with Christine. Uncle Duane and Aunt Debbie. Uncle Bill and Aunt Lindel. Jim and Jodi Anderson.

Uncle Blake!

Tess has been reading through the book on Grandpa David that Grandma made for the kids as well as reading Grandpa David's journal. It meant a lot to us to have Uncle Duane there. Dan told her to just imagine her Grandpa David when she talked with him, "only several pounds heavier".

It was a quick sweet program. When it came time to baptize Tess the font had drained several feet. Tess got dunked THREE times in about 18inches of water. She kept her dress between her legs and a smile on her face.

Abby insisted on being the only one to sing the musical number even though Clara knew it word by word. So when it came time Abby sang beautifully up front and Clara sang on Aunt Lindel's lap. Jacob did a great job on his talk. A week before the baptism I tried to help him write his talk but ended up having him write what he wanted to say and then we'd sit down and add to it together. Jake did a great job. He came up with the idea of making a sword and shield to show how the Holy Ghost protects you. So cute. He was nervous and wiped at his eyes but did a fantastic job. After Tess was confirmed then Cris blessed baby Elle.

Dan and I decided to go simple with lunch since we had not prep time and ordered Papa Johns. Then everyone pitched in with salads and dessert. We had plenty of food and had a great time visiting afterwards. Grandma and Grandpa Odum gave Tess new scriptures and Grandma Great gave her a cute carrying case. Tess has read the scriptures every day since (it's August 4th).

All the men in the rather large confirmation circle:

Jim Anderson, Uncle Herold, Uncle Bud, Uncle Duane, Grandpa Larry, Cris, Blake, Uncle Lee, Uncle Bill.