Rachel's Baptism

Rachel was baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on May 10, 2014. Here's the invitation that was sent out to invite family and friends:

We had gone back and forth quite a bit trying to figure out a day for her baptism. Once we finally decided on my birthday, we had everything set in stone. Family made travel plans and we reserved the church. About a month before her baptism an email was sent out to the men saying there was going to be a volleyball tournament that same day. Well, this mama bear insisted on them rescheduling and they did... But boy did I make some people unhappy. Such is life! And in my opinion, a saving ordinance is much more important than a volleyball tournament. :) So, on May 10th at 10 am, our sweet girl had her baptismal service. Before the service began we took a few pictures:

 

 The program:

Baptismal Service

Conducting:                         Brian Hintze

Chorister:                              Dora Powell

Pianist:                        Cristy Michaelson

Opening Song:       When I Am Baptized

Opening Prayer:                Sherry Smith

Talk on Baptism:         Natalie Mackay

Special Musical Number

Baptism of Rachel Mikayla Smith

Baptismal Ordinance by: Andrew Smith

Witnesses: David Smith &
Mike Michaelson

Talk on Holy Ghost:    Vicki Michaelson

Confirmation of 
Rachel Mikayla Smith

Confirmed by: Andrew Smith

Introduction to Faith in God:  
Primary Presidency

                                                                                     

Welcome to the Ward: Brian Hintze

Closing Song:  

               Families Can Be Together Forever            

      Closing Prayer:  Paul Michaelson

Rachel and her daddy walking down the hallway to the baptismal font:

Rachel had to be immersed twice. She was a bit worried about that happening, but luckily it was explained to her that if she did need to be immersed twice it was because Daddy made a mistake... :) She was fine with it. It was a pretty awesome experience to get to wrap a towel around Rachel and give her a big hug right after she was baptized. We're so pleased with her and her decision to enter into the Baptismal Covenant with her Heavenly Father. I know her life will be blessed because of the decision she has made. Especially as she continues to make those correct choices and remembers the promises she's made.

Rachel with some of her friends who came to support her, the Justensen girls and both Nicoles:

Can't forget about the food!

 

We then took pictures of Rachel with the family members who were able to come and support her. The Michaelson family who traveled down from Dallas:

Cute girls! By coincidence, Cristy and I purchased the same Easter dresses for our girls. So, Audrey and Ashlyn coordinated. 

Our family:

The Mackay family with Rachel:

Papa and Grandma Smith who traveled down from Utah:

Papa and Grandma Michaelson who traveled down from Northeast Texas:

After Rachel's baptismal service we headed home and Rachel was very anxious to open her baptism presents. She was spoiled and loved by so many... There were many presents that were made with love and Rachel's a very blessed girl to have so many who love her.