Another milestone met for the last time. Our youngest child chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Natalie wanted to be baptized as soon as she could after turning 8 years old but had to work around dance competitions, volleyball tournaments and baseball games. Luckily, with the children not being in school on Fridays, we were able to find a day on the calendar that was completely empty. The two grandmothers said the prayers. My dad gave the talk on baptism. Hubby baptized Natalie. With the rather recent rule change, Danny and Michelle were able to be official witnesses for their little sister. So special! My favorite part was watching from the side with a towel at the ready and getting to give my girl a hug and ask her how she felt. Natalie felt “good.” She’s not someone to overstate things. Her smile was huge, though! I gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and Hubby’s dad confirmed her. Brother C. saved the day by not only being there as a member of the bishopric to conduct but also came through with music for us when what I had set up wasn’t working. Sister C. and their two youngest children came to support Natalie. Sister W. welcomed her to Primary and Brother J. came too. It was definitely a Covid style baptism but it was exactly Natalie’s style too.
I am grateful to the family and friends who could make it to our tiny little pandemic friendly event! Hubby’s parents drove out in the snow and my cousin, Oliver, happened to be coming through too. It was so fun to have visitors at our house and put that guest bedroom to use. It truly was a joy to have them around. While Hubby took Kate to her volleyball tournament (and got to stay and watch for the first time this season!) the other children and I and the grandparents all learned how to play Sushi Go (a card game) together after visiting our local flea market. It was fun to see Grandpa and Michelle and Natalie all working on Sudoku puzzles in between activities too. The day my in-laws left Oliver came with me to Danny’s double header baseball game that was an hour and a half away. We were gone for almost 9 hours! The second game Danny’s team was winning by so much the mercy rule of being up by 15 at the end of the third inning came into play! It was fun to see and we didn't feel too bad because the only home run of the game went to the other team so they had their moment of glory too. Most other outdoor activities got cancelled due to snow such as Natalie’s softball practices and two other baseball games and even a dance class. I can see the grass turning green under the snow so am grateful for the precipitation. It is gorgeous but I won’t lie, I’m thinking of a trip to Florida around this time next year. lol.
The day Oliver left he walked with us to the elementary school again. Soon I was on my way north and spent almost the entire school day picking out our cemetery plots. Yes, you read that right. With Easter and thinking about life and death and knowing I wanted four plots in a row for my parents and Hubby and I, I wanted to start planning now for the inevitable. Long story short, I found a place where Hubby can view the mountains and we can plant a tree and we can have our pets near us. It is also less than five miles/ten minutes away from the Fort Collins Temple. It is so strange to deal with all this and not want to die at the same time. I'm only 40 and I like my life! Although I am happy to be taking care of business, I definitely don’t want this to come in handy for any of us any time soon! I am grateful that these decisions can be made without the burden of grief piled on top. I am grateful for my belief in the Plan of Salvation. I am grateful for my family and knowing we have been sealed in holy temples. I love them so much. I’m glad we could be together to celebrate Natalie and her willingness to try to follow the Savior’s example and path for us. I am thankful for eternal perspective and for this opportunity to zoom out a bit. So much love.
P.S. "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa (feat. Charlie Puth) played on the car radio as I drove from our cemetery to the temple. Perfection.
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