{ Brooke’s Baptism }

Today was Brooke’s special baptism day-the day that she choose to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Brooke was so excited to get all dressed up in her new white dress and have her hair all done up fancy. She had a special bishop’s interview with our bishop-daddy, and was all set to get baptized at 4:00pm. She said she felt a little bit nervous, but we walked her through how everything would go, and then she felt confident and excited.

She was blessed to have Grandma and Grandpa Austin come to share in her special day, along with some of her friends from church. Brooke helped me set up the program by choosing who she wanted to give prayers and talks, and sing songs. We made the assignments, practiced songs, and were all very excited to be there with her on her big day.

Here was the program for her Baptism:

Opening Song: When I am Baptized

Opening Prayer: Monae Starbuck Mom

Talk on Baptism: Don Austin Grandpa

Baptism of Brooke

Talk on the Holy Ghost: Bonnie Austin Grandma

Confirmation of Brooke

Welcome to Activity Days

Closing Song: I Love to See the Temple

Sung by Brooke, Brianna, Erika, and Abby Starbuck (All the Starbuck sisters)

Played by Austin Starbuck Brother

Closing Prayer: Brianna Starbuck sister

Brooke and Aaron before her baptism.

Mom and Dad with our special girl

Brooke with Grandma and Grandpa Austin

Brooke with her special friend Olivia from her church class. Brooke was so excited to turn 8 and finally get to go to Activity Days with Olivia.

After she was baptized and I helped her get dried off and dressed, I gave her a big hug and asked her how she felt. She said, “Cold!”.

It was a special day for Brooke-we are so proud of her for her decision and the great care she has taken in it. Brooke is a very introspective girl, with a deep heart that feels so much. It has been such a blessing to see her grow in the last 3 or 4 months in preparation for being baptized. At the Eight is Great program at the beginning of the year, Aaron and her demonstrated for the other primary aged kids how a bishop’s interview would go. She did great, and after that I could tell that she would think often and ask great questions in preparation for this day. Her prayers were so sweet, and her desire to read the scriptures and do what was right was a top priority for her.

We love you so much Brooke, and are so proud of you!