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Monday, March 29, 2010
Chatfield Update 3/30/2010
Jake’s a big Scouter-boy now. He turned 11 years old last week and the next day went on his first 11-year-old overnighter. The 11 and 12 year olds were joining forces for this campout. After hearing this was Jake’s first overnighter many of the older boys decided to let Jake know there was some great FUN in store for him. Initially Jake was a little worried with those comments, wondering what initiation type activities he would have to go through but the anticipation of fun out-weighed his fears and Friday afternoon he and a whole host of scouts, their dads and leaders were off to Goblin Valley.
The weekend passed slowly for me. I was grateful that when the phone rang it was not to report a mishap from Goblin Valley. Kels was not able to go on this overnighter because of school. Graduation will bring about many blessings, one being the opportunity for Kels to go on campouts with Jake and the other scouts. I find reassurance in that thought.
While waiting for Jake to arrive home safely, Bianca and I traveled to Salt Lake for the Young Women’s Broadcast. We sat on the 2nd row of the highest balcony amongst thousands of beautiful young women, their mothers and leaders. We were given great counsel and insight on how to Be Strong and of a Good Courage (Joshua 1:9). One of Bianca’s favorite parts of the conference was when Sis. Dalton looked out at the huge conference center of young women and said that she imagined that there was a great army of valiant young women (maybe even girl friends) encouraging the 2000 Stripling Warriors. Bianca mentioned that she wouldn’t mind being a girl friend to a stripling warrior. I suggested that we have mighty army of missionaries today that are defending and sharing our beliefs…when the time is right she can go for it!
Bianca also liked Pres. Uchtdorf’s memories of the courtship of his wife. He began his talk with the phrase of “Once Upon A Time…” He said don’t we all enjoy that phrase and then maybe the one at the end that says “and they lived happily ever after.” He said that this can happen not only in fairy tales but as we live our Heavenly Father’s plan for us. And sometimes it takes a lot of work! He then went on telling some stories about how difficult at times it was to get his future wife to notice him. He even ended up peddling his future mother-in-law on bike rides to the church activities because the mother wouldn’t let the daughter go. He kept working on it and he said it finally paid off. I would imagine he has many more fun stories to tell. It was wonderful to see and hear the respect and love that Pres. Uchtdorf has for “his queen.”
As Bianca and I left the conference center we realized that we were in Salt Lake when half the state was there. The Final Four games were being held in the Energy Solutions Center just before the YW broadcast started. Needless to say it was a busy place to BEE!
We decided to wait to stop for dinner until we got back to Utah County. We agreed on a place to eat (Magelbys), a yummy soup and salad joint and while there received a call from Jake telling us that he had arrived home safely. His speech was a little slurred from fatigue but reassured me that he would tell me all about it once we arrived home. Once home we found him fast asleep in his nice comfortable bed.
Kels and Kate had a nice weekend—working hard at school, Activity Days, yard work (yeah, the grass is starting to green up and grow!), chores and preparing for the Sabbath. It’s a good thing someone works around here!
The next morning Jake was full of camping stories about lizards, staying up till 1:00 in the morning, eating an amazing breakfast, kids falling in ditches, thorns, red dirt, mighty swords of righteousness, several games of Capture the Flag amongst the carved goblin-like sculptures out of rock (see for yourself http://www.utah.com/stateparks/goblin_valley.httm ) and no mention of anything but just plain, good fun! We so appreciate good leaders!
We hope your days are filled with the fun things in life! We sure love you all.
Kels, Kellie, Bianca, Jake and Kate
The weekend passed slowly for me. I was grateful that when the phone rang it was not to report a mishap from Goblin Valley. Kels was not able to go on this overnighter because of school. Graduation will bring about many blessings, one being the opportunity for Kels to go on campouts with Jake and the other scouts. I find reassurance in that thought.
While waiting for Jake to arrive home safely, Bianca and I traveled to Salt Lake for the Young Women’s Broadcast. We sat on the 2nd row of the highest balcony amongst thousands of beautiful young women, their mothers and leaders. We were given great counsel and insight on how to Be Strong and of a Good Courage (Joshua 1:9). One of Bianca’s favorite parts of the conference was when Sis. Dalton looked out at the huge conference center of young women and said that she imagined that there was a great army of valiant young women (maybe even girl friends) encouraging the 2000 Stripling Warriors. Bianca mentioned that she wouldn’t mind being a girl friend to a stripling warrior. I suggested that we have mighty army of missionaries today that are defending and sharing our beliefs…when the time is right she can go for it!
Bianca also liked Pres. Uchtdorf’s memories of the courtship of his wife. He began his talk with the phrase of “Once Upon A Time…” He said don’t we all enjoy that phrase and then maybe the one at the end that says “and they lived happily ever after.” He said that this can happen not only in fairy tales but as we live our Heavenly Father’s plan for us. And sometimes it takes a lot of work! He then went on telling some stories about how difficult at times it was to get his future wife to notice him. He even ended up peddling his future mother-in-law on bike rides to the church activities because the mother wouldn’t let the daughter go. He kept working on it and he said it finally paid off. I would imagine he has many more fun stories to tell. It was wonderful to see and hear the respect and love that Pres. Uchtdorf has for “his queen.”
As Bianca and I left the conference center we realized that we were in Salt Lake when half the state was there. The Final Four games were being held in the Energy Solutions Center just before the YW broadcast started. Needless to say it was a busy place to BEE!
We decided to wait to stop for dinner until we got back to Utah County. We agreed on a place to eat (Magelbys), a yummy soup and salad joint and while there received a call from Jake telling us that he had arrived home safely. His speech was a little slurred from fatigue but reassured me that he would tell me all about it once we arrived home. Once home we found him fast asleep in his nice comfortable bed.
Kels and Kate had a nice weekend—working hard at school, Activity Days, yard work (yeah, the grass is starting to green up and grow!), chores and preparing for the Sabbath. It’s a good thing someone works around here!
The next morning Jake was full of camping stories about lizards, staying up till 1:00 in the morning, eating an amazing breakfast, kids falling in ditches, thorns, red dirt, mighty swords of righteousness, several games of Capture the Flag amongst the carved goblin-like sculptures out of rock (see for yourself http://www.utah.com/stateparks/goblin_valley.httm ) and no mention of anything but just plain, good fun! We so appreciate good leaders!
We hope your days are filled with the fun things in life! We sure love you all.
Kels, Kellie, Bianca, Jake and Kate
Friday, February 26, 2010
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Friday, February 19, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Chatfield Chatter entry February 2010
I just looked at the date of our last entry for the Chatfield Chatter and realized we’ve been neglecting our responsibility of writing. We are repenting this month and thank you Mom Chatfield for being so diligent in keeping the Chatter alive!
Alive is what the Springville Chatfields are! We tend to make life happen on a day to day or week to week basis…looking forward to what happens next. I’m sure many can relate to that feeling. In our Stake Conference this last weekend Elder Richard Hinckley (our visiting general authority, son of Pres. Hinckley and looks very much like him) counseled us to slow down. Make sure we are doing the important things…like family prayer, family home evening, scripture study, being together as a family…and I would imagine that being together as we run one place to another doesn’t count…or maybe it does! Either way we are grateful that most of our running around happens right here in little ole Springville.
The holidays were once again spectacularly busy and fun. It seems as though from the beginning of school in September through Valentine’s Day in February we have constant events to plan for and celebrate. Let me name just a few; Back-to-school, Halloween, Bianca’s birthday, Thanksgiving, Kate’s birthday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Kellie’s birthday, Valentine’s day, President’s Day and a whole host of other events like Pinewood Derby, 15 recitals, football, soccer, and basketball games, Jake’s wax museum, plays, and YES…we are still alive…a little jittery, but alive. I guess that is why the counsel that Elder Hinckley gave about slowing down is what resounded most in my mind.
Our latest and greatest news is that after trying out for the school play Aladdin, Jake was on the call back list and then after his audition was given the part of the Genie. Both Kels and I were a little surprised to hear that Jake wanted to try out and even more surprised when he came home claiming that he would be playing the Genie. Jake assured us that there were not many singing parts for him and that made him happy. If you’re in the neighborhood and would like to come see some quality entertainment the play is on May 7th.
Kelsey was grateful that he didn’t receive a “call back”. I mentioned earlier that this weekend was our stake conference. Elder Hinckley was visiting our stake because our beloved stake president, Pres. Richard Austin was released after serving over 9 years. Kels (and 25 other men in the stake) were invited to meet with Elder Hinckley and the area authority Elder Dan Jones as they prepared to call a new stake president. Kels said his interview was to last 8 minutes and he was to have a form filled out upon entering the interview. The first comment the two authorities made was that Kels was very well thought of in the stake. Kels said that he was surprised by that. He didn’t think many people knew him. They wanted to know if Kels was a good husband. (Of course he is.) Elder Jones commented on his student status…still going to school? Elder Jones could relate, he said. And you have young children…yes, once again. They asked a few other questions and then said keep a cell phone with you today in case you need to be reached. Kels went about the rest of the day’s activities and was quite relieved that his phone didn’t ring and he was able to sit back, relax and enjoy the conference weekend. I also enjoyed the weekend and was grateful to be able to sit next to Kels in church on Valentine’s Sunday.
A few other highlights from the last few months:
• Bianca received her patriarchal blessing on November 18th 2009. She was given some amazing blessings along with great counsel to be diligent in keeping the commandments. She was also given a very specific road map to help her build a happy, healthy, fulfilling life.
• Kate turned 8 on December 23rd and celebrated her birthday by choosing to celebrate Joseph Smith’s birthday as well. We went and visited the Joseph Smith Memorial building, watched the movie about Joseph Smith and then had a little birthday dinner at the Lion House Pantry. We continued to celebrate Kate being 8 as she chose to be baptized on January 2nd. Kate’s words to describe her feelings that day were very happy, scared, thankful, and glad. We felt that too.
• On January 8th Jake made his final appearance at the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. His car was carefully crafted by the wood working expert Lynn Anderton, Grandpa Jackson, Uncle Brent, Uncle Randy, Josh, Ben, Kels…and oh ya…Jake! His car was a black and gold race horse that had a sleek look but the first trip down broke a leg…the wheel came off! Quick-thinking-Jake produced his car from last year and even though it was second best won all the races after that. Jake’s award was for the best ¾ horsepower car. He is now ready to race with the BIG boys in the Boy Scouts.
• I turned officially old on January 28th. Half way home!
• Kels has just a few more months of school and then he will be officially graduated…forever!
• January 30th John and Christine left on their mission for the Jerusalem Center. We hope to visit while they are serving.
Thank you for writing in the Chatter. We love you and love to read all about what goes on in your lives.
Love,
Kels, Kellie, Bianca, Jake and Kate
Alive is what the Springville Chatfields are! We tend to make life happen on a day to day or week to week basis…looking forward to what happens next. I’m sure many can relate to that feeling. In our Stake Conference this last weekend Elder Richard Hinckley (our visiting general authority, son of Pres. Hinckley and looks very much like him) counseled us to slow down. Make sure we are doing the important things…like family prayer, family home evening, scripture study, being together as a family…and I would imagine that being together as we run one place to another doesn’t count…or maybe it does! Either way we are grateful that most of our running around happens right here in little ole Springville.
The holidays were once again spectacularly busy and fun. It seems as though from the beginning of school in September through Valentine’s Day in February we have constant events to plan for and celebrate. Let me name just a few; Back-to-school, Halloween, Bianca’s birthday, Thanksgiving, Kate’s birthday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Kellie’s birthday, Valentine’s day, President’s Day and a whole host of other events like Pinewood Derby, 15 recitals, football, soccer, and basketball games, Jake’s wax museum, plays, and YES…we are still alive…a little jittery, but alive. I guess that is why the counsel that Elder Hinckley gave about slowing down is what resounded most in my mind.
Our latest and greatest news is that after trying out for the school play Aladdin, Jake was on the call back list and then after his audition was given the part of the Genie. Both Kels and I were a little surprised to hear that Jake wanted to try out and even more surprised when he came home claiming that he would be playing the Genie. Jake assured us that there were not many singing parts for him and that made him happy. If you’re in the neighborhood and would like to come see some quality entertainment the play is on May 7th.
Kelsey was grateful that he didn’t receive a “call back”. I mentioned earlier that this weekend was our stake conference. Elder Hinckley was visiting our stake because our beloved stake president, Pres. Richard Austin was released after serving over 9 years. Kels (and 25 other men in the stake) were invited to meet with Elder Hinckley and the area authority Elder Dan Jones as they prepared to call a new stake president. Kels said his interview was to last 8 minutes and he was to have a form filled out upon entering the interview. The first comment the two authorities made was that Kels was very well thought of in the stake. Kels said that he was surprised by that. He didn’t think many people knew him. They wanted to know if Kels was a good husband. (Of course he is.) Elder Jones commented on his student status…still going to school? Elder Jones could relate, he said. And you have young children…yes, once again. They asked a few other questions and then said keep a cell phone with you today in case you need to be reached. Kels went about the rest of the day’s activities and was quite relieved that his phone didn’t ring and he was able to sit back, relax and enjoy the conference weekend. I also enjoyed the weekend and was grateful to be able to sit next to Kels in church on Valentine’s Sunday.
A few other highlights from the last few months:
• Bianca received her patriarchal blessing on November 18th 2009. She was given some amazing blessings along with great counsel to be diligent in keeping the commandments. She was also given a very specific road map to help her build a happy, healthy, fulfilling life.
• Kate turned 8 on December 23rd and celebrated her birthday by choosing to celebrate Joseph Smith’s birthday as well. We went and visited the Joseph Smith Memorial building, watched the movie about Joseph Smith and then had a little birthday dinner at the Lion House Pantry. We continued to celebrate Kate being 8 as she chose to be baptized on January 2nd. Kate’s words to describe her feelings that day were very happy, scared, thankful, and glad. We felt that too.
• On January 8th Jake made his final appearance at the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby. His car was carefully crafted by the wood working expert Lynn Anderton, Grandpa Jackson, Uncle Brent, Uncle Randy, Josh, Ben, Kels…and oh ya…Jake! His car was a black and gold race horse that had a sleek look but the first trip down broke a leg…the wheel came off! Quick-thinking-Jake produced his car from last year and even though it was second best won all the races after that. Jake’s award was for the best ¾ horsepower car. He is now ready to race with the BIG boys in the Boy Scouts.
• I turned officially old on January 28th. Half way home!
• Kels has just a few more months of school and then he will be officially graduated…forever!
• January 30th John and Christine left on their mission for the Jerusalem Center. We hope to visit while they are serving.
Thank you for writing in the Chatter. We love you and love to read all about what goes on in your lives.
Love,
Kels, Kellie, Bianca, Jake and Kate
John and Christine Missionary Sacrament Meeting 1-10-2010
John and Christine’s Missionary Sacrament Meeting
As I sat in the Gunnison 5th Ward yesterday (Sunday, January 10th 2010) everything was vaguely familiar…many of the same faces, the warm comfortable chapel, Bro. Pickett at the pulpit welcoming all those who were visiting that day and a beautiful sense of peace. Just a little over 3 months previous we all gathered to celebrate Brad’s farewell into the mission field. Yesterday it was John and Christine’s turn. There’s nothing like witnessing a missionary preparing to enter the mission field. I loved it with Brad and I think even more so (if possible) with John and Christine…maybe because they are a little closer in age and I could see myself one day following their example.
I was impressed that all of Christine’s brothers, sisters, mom and dad and their families were in attendance. Many of the Jackson clan was there as well, including some of Brad and Gayle’s family. Whenever I’m surrounded by so many people that I love I always think I’m being given a little glimpse of heaven.
Marissa Pickett (the youth speaker…a relation to Stacy?) gave a great talk introducing the subject for the month—The Light of Christ. After she spoke Christine also addressed the theme. She did so by focusing on our responsibility to be good examples. She explained that their mission would not be a prosolyting mission but instead a service mission at the Jerusalem Center in Israel. John and Christine have been asked to oversee the medical needs and dorm room type parenting care of about 80 young men and women, students from BYU.
Christine shared a couple of stories she had heard from the orientations for this mission. One of the stories was about a group of students that had not received word about a riot/protest group that was about to overtake the area they were in. The BYU Jerusalem students (not referred to as Americans but as the Mormon kids) live a very high standard of morals and conduct. This group of kids would have been killed by the people rioting if it were not for the kindness of the town’s people and their willingness to bring them into their own homes for protection. They would keep them in their homes until they knew they would be safe. They did this because they knew “the Mormon kids” were good kids. Good examples.
Christine explained as a worker in the Jerusalem Center they would be held to a high standard as well. Women’s dress collars should come to the base of their neck (right below the throat), sleeves must be at the elbow, and skirts or dress length should be mid calf. She didn’t mention what the dress code was for men but I would assume it would be just as strict. These dress standards were especially important for the American women if they did not want to be thought of as loose women. Our news and media from the US does a great disservice to women when they are portrayed as immodest and available. Many people from other countries listen and learn from what they see on TV. Christine said she was having a tough time finding dresses that would cover the areas that needed to be covered. She had a thought to turn one of her dresses around and saw that it fit perfectly and because of the dress style it looked great!
Christine concluded her talk by expressing her deep gratitude for her family. Would this be a sacrifice…YES…but one that she was grateful for. She remembered a thought she had when they had completed their vacation to the Holy Land several years ago…a wish to be able to take just 6 months out of their lives and rent a little cottage on the banks of the Sea of Galilee to read and study the scriptures. She explained that in some way that wish had been granted through this mission.
John started his talk by saying when given this assignment to speak that he would agree on 3 conditions. 1—that it not be turned into a farewell, 2—he didn’t want a lot of people coming, 3—he didn’t want a dinner. Well he was granted none of those wishes! Good thing Christine got her way or we would have all missed out on a great day! John also told a Jewish lawyer joke…ask John (or Scott) to tell it to you cause I’ll get it messed up! John said he felt good about this day and as he thought about it he said it might have been a bit similar to each of our “farewells in heaven”. As we prepared to come to earth for our earthly mission, we probably gathered together, offered our love and support and gave an enthusiastic goodbye…we’ll see you soon. I liked that thought. And I’d like to think that many of those same people will be there for our “homecoming”.
John also talked about being very grateful for this call to serve. He said he wasn’t quite sure why they were chosen to go to Jerusalem when so many others were probably more qualified but felt very humbled to be able to serve his mission where Jesus had served his earthly mission many, many years ago.
John offered an interesting history of Israel and specifically the area where they will live. He said they sit on a big rock about 10 miles up from the Dead Sea, with cavernous roads for travel. He then told the story of the Good Samaritan. He offered a beautiful description of the story. From the description it was evident that John had traveled these roads and maybe knew and felt a bit more admiration and love for the Good Samaritan.
John thanked the good people he served with professionally, the 2 bishoprics he learned from and expressed love for his temple service. He felt strongly about the temple covenant to give all that we have. He said he felt that giving up a little (his medical practice, free time, etc) was easy, that not being able to be with family was going to be a bit tougher but felt that this was what they were called to do at this time, and he was excited about it.
Both John and Christine mentioned several times they so appreciated the support of their children and grandchildren. Not one of them discouraged the mission but instead asked how they could help get them ready to go. To give further witness of that all the grandchildren sang “Called to Serve” and they sang with great gusto! It was fun to listen and watch.
As we sat listening to John and Christine I took a moment to glance at a couple of family members. I saw tears, smiles, and a grateful pride. And most of all I saw beautiful faces with shining testimonies. Once again I felt grateful for gatherings that witness the love of Christ.
After the Sacrament meeting we all adjourned to Gunnison Valley High School…again a familiar place with lots of good food and great conversation. Thanks to Megan and Jennifer (there couldn’t be a harder working duo) and all those that helped prepare a beautiful setting for a fabulous meal.
We missed Bradley and thought of him often during the gathering but grateful for his example. The family missionary map now shows two arrows of family work in the mission field…Oregon and Jerusalem. I Will Go, I Will Do…good examples everywhere even in good ole’ Springville.
As I sat in the Gunnison 5th Ward yesterday (Sunday, January 10th 2010) everything was vaguely familiar…many of the same faces, the warm comfortable chapel, Bro. Pickett at the pulpit welcoming all those who were visiting that day and a beautiful sense of peace. Just a little over 3 months previous we all gathered to celebrate Brad’s farewell into the mission field. Yesterday it was John and Christine’s turn. There’s nothing like witnessing a missionary preparing to enter the mission field. I loved it with Brad and I think even more so (if possible) with John and Christine…maybe because they are a little closer in age and I could see myself one day following their example.
I was impressed that all of Christine’s brothers, sisters, mom and dad and their families were in attendance. Many of the Jackson clan was there as well, including some of Brad and Gayle’s family. Whenever I’m surrounded by so many people that I love I always think I’m being given a little glimpse of heaven.
Marissa Pickett (the youth speaker…a relation to Stacy?) gave a great talk introducing the subject for the month—The Light of Christ. After she spoke Christine also addressed the theme. She did so by focusing on our responsibility to be good examples. She explained that their mission would not be a prosolyting mission but instead a service mission at the Jerusalem Center in Israel. John and Christine have been asked to oversee the medical needs and dorm room type parenting care of about 80 young men and women, students from BYU.
Christine shared a couple of stories she had heard from the orientations for this mission. One of the stories was about a group of students that had not received word about a riot/protest group that was about to overtake the area they were in. The BYU Jerusalem students (not referred to as Americans but as the Mormon kids) live a very high standard of morals and conduct. This group of kids would have been killed by the people rioting if it were not for the kindness of the town’s people and their willingness to bring them into their own homes for protection. They would keep them in their homes until they knew they would be safe. They did this because they knew “the Mormon kids” were good kids. Good examples.
Christine explained as a worker in the Jerusalem Center they would be held to a high standard as well. Women’s dress collars should come to the base of their neck (right below the throat), sleeves must be at the elbow, and skirts or dress length should be mid calf. She didn’t mention what the dress code was for men but I would assume it would be just as strict. These dress standards were especially important for the American women if they did not want to be thought of as loose women. Our news and media from the US does a great disservice to women when they are portrayed as immodest and available. Many people from other countries listen and learn from what they see on TV. Christine said she was having a tough time finding dresses that would cover the areas that needed to be covered. She had a thought to turn one of her dresses around and saw that it fit perfectly and because of the dress style it looked great!
Christine concluded her talk by expressing her deep gratitude for her family. Would this be a sacrifice…YES…but one that she was grateful for. She remembered a thought she had when they had completed their vacation to the Holy Land several years ago…a wish to be able to take just 6 months out of their lives and rent a little cottage on the banks of the Sea of Galilee to read and study the scriptures. She explained that in some way that wish had been granted through this mission.
John started his talk by saying when given this assignment to speak that he would agree on 3 conditions. 1—that it not be turned into a farewell, 2—he didn’t want a lot of people coming, 3—he didn’t want a dinner. Well he was granted none of those wishes! Good thing Christine got her way or we would have all missed out on a great day! John also told a Jewish lawyer joke…ask John (or Scott) to tell it to you cause I’ll get it messed up! John said he felt good about this day and as he thought about it he said it might have been a bit similar to each of our “farewells in heaven”. As we prepared to come to earth for our earthly mission, we probably gathered together, offered our love and support and gave an enthusiastic goodbye…we’ll see you soon. I liked that thought. And I’d like to think that many of those same people will be there for our “homecoming”.
John also talked about being very grateful for this call to serve. He said he wasn’t quite sure why they were chosen to go to Jerusalem when so many others were probably more qualified but felt very humbled to be able to serve his mission where Jesus had served his earthly mission many, many years ago.
John offered an interesting history of Israel and specifically the area where they will live. He said they sit on a big rock about 10 miles up from the Dead Sea, with cavernous roads for travel. He then told the story of the Good Samaritan. He offered a beautiful description of the story. From the description it was evident that John had traveled these roads and maybe knew and felt a bit more admiration and love for the Good Samaritan.
John thanked the good people he served with professionally, the 2 bishoprics he learned from and expressed love for his temple service. He felt strongly about the temple covenant to give all that we have. He said he felt that giving up a little (his medical practice, free time, etc) was easy, that not being able to be with family was going to be a bit tougher but felt that this was what they were called to do at this time, and he was excited about it.
Both John and Christine mentioned several times they so appreciated the support of their children and grandchildren. Not one of them discouraged the mission but instead asked how they could help get them ready to go. To give further witness of that all the grandchildren sang “Called to Serve” and they sang with great gusto! It was fun to listen and watch.
As we sat listening to John and Christine I took a moment to glance at a couple of family members. I saw tears, smiles, and a grateful pride. And most of all I saw beautiful faces with shining testimonies. Once again I felt grateful for gatherings that witness the love of Christ.
After the Sacrament meeting we all adjourned to Gunnison Valley High School…again a familiar place with lots of good food and great conversation. Thanks to Megan and Jennifer (there couldn’t be a harder working duo) and all those that helped prepare a beautiful setting for a fabulous meal.
We missed Bradley and thought of him often during the gathering but grateful for his example. The family missionary map now shows two arrows of family work in the mission field…Oregon and Jerusalem. I Will Go, I Will Do…good examples everywhere even in good ole’ Springville.
Kate's Baptism day
Kate’s Baptism Day—Jan 2, 2010
Kate was dressed and ready to go to the church at 7:30 AM. Her baptism wasn’t scheduled to begin until 10:00 AM but she was ready for the big day!
When Kate and her dad arrived at the church Bro. Grobben was filling the baptismal font. Kate asked if the water was warm and he quickly replied it was Just Right. The Stake and Ward Primary Presidencies prepared beautiful programs and asked to take a picture with Kate and her dad all dressed in white. Shortly after the picture lots of family and friends started arriving. It was fun to see our neighbors, family from near and far, home teachers, friends and primary leaders.
Bro. Randall started the meeting and we sang I Am a Child of God with Lauren singing a beautiful descant. Kate said Lauren sounded like an angel. Lauren then gave an opening prayer thanking Heavenly Father for this beautiful day. Grandma Jackson gave a great talk on Baptism. She asked Kate to write down her thoughts at the end of the day so she would remember the feelings she had felt. Kate thought that was a great idea.
Grandma Jackson reminded us that part of the baptismal covenant is to stand as a witness of God, not sit, not lay down but to STAND up for God. Kate thought that was an important covenant to remember. Grandma also reminded us that not everyone gets to be baptized in a beautiful font filled with warm water. Uncle John was baptized in a frozen pond in Alaska. Kate was grateful that her water didn’t need to be cracked open before she stepped into it.
After Grandma’s talk the Douglas children (Ben, Audrey and Kate) sang a beautiful song; I’m Being Baptized. Kate loved that Sis. Douglas wrote that song for Ben’s baptism, and felt like it was just right for her too. (Kate hummed and sang it in the dressing room right before she was baptized…and after).
As Kate and her mom went into the dressing room to wait her turn to be baptized she met an 8 year old girl named Kelsey with a big dripping wet smile on her face. Kate asked her how she felt and she said “good.” Then the big moment came for Kate. As she walked down the white tiled steps into the font she felt a little nervous. She saw Grandpa Jackson and Uncle John watching over her, standing as witnesses. After the prayer Kate took a deep breath, smiled and was baptized, just like Jesus. Kate’s new friend Kelsey was right, it did feel good.
Kate hurried to change into her beautiful winter white dress. She didn’t want to miss anything that was happening in the room with all her family and friends. Her dad had to wait his turn for the dressing room so Kate and her mom were the first to arrive back in the Primary room where Bianca was playing beautiful primary songs on the piano. Everyone was reverently writing little notes to Kate while waiting.
Grandma Chatfield gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. She told us that the Holy Ghost was used to living with Heavenly Father and Jesus so when we do something we’re not supposed to do it makes the Holy Ghost uncomfortable and he leaves. We need to make good choices to have the comfort and direction of the Holy Ghost with us at all times.
Kate liked it when her dad and those standing in the confirmation circle laid their hands on her head. She said she closed her eyes and felt “comfortable”. She was given the gift of the Holy Ghost and knowledge that her Heavenly Father loves her and that her testimony of the Gospel would continue to grow stronger. Kate once again smiled. She hugged those who had participated in the confirmation and then Bishop Chatfield welcomed her to the ward as the newest member having been baptized. He told Kate that he loved her example.
We sang the closing song; I Love to See the Temple and Jake offered a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for Kate and for her baptism.
After the prayer Kate gave a special Smart Cookie to each person there with a “thanks for coming,” She thought it was great that “all” those people had come to see her baptized and confirmed. She knows some pretty nice people!
Kate’s celebration continued at the Old Spaghetti Factory. She ordered her favorite, Macaroni and Cheese! Surprise, Surprise!
In Kate’s personal prayer that night she thanked Heavenly Father for being baptized and confirmed. She also prayed that all would return home in safety…shortly after that we heard that her cousin Hannah was home safe and sound. Kate loves her family and knows that Heavenly Father hears and answers her prayers.
(The next day in Sacrament meeting Kate was called to the pulpit and recognized for being baptized and presented a special reminder of the day. After receiving it she hopped down the stairs and bounced back to her seat. Kate’s a pretty happy 8 year old!)
Kate’s words to describe her feelings when she was baptized: Very Happy, Scared, Thankful, Glad.
Kate was dressed and ready to go to the church at 7:30 AM. Her baptism wasn’t scheduled to begin until 10:00 AM but she was ready for the big day!
When Kate and her dad arrived at the church Bro. Grobben was filling the baptismal font. Kate asked if the water was warm and he quickly replied it was Just Right. The Stake and Ward Primary Presidencies prepared beautiful programs and asked to take a picture with Kate and her dad all dressed in white. Shortly after the picture lots of family and friends started arriving. It was fun to see our neighbors, family from near and far, home teachers, friends and primary leaders.
Bro. Randall started the meeting and we sang I Am a Child of God with Lauren singing a beautiful descant. Kate said Lauren sounded like an angel. Lauren then gave an opening prayer thanking Heavenly Father for this beautiful day. Grandma Jackson gave a great talk on Baptism. She asked Kate to write down her thoughts at the end of the day so she would remember the feelings she had felt. Kate thought that was a great idea.
Grandma Jackson reminded us that part of the baptismal covenant is to stand as a witness of God, not sit, not lay down but to STAND up for God. Kate thought that was an important covenant to remember. Grandma also reminded us that not everyone gets to be baptized in a beautiful font filled with warm water. Uncle John was baptized in a frozen pond in Alaska. Kate was grateful that her water didn’t need to be cracked open before she stepped into it.
After Grandma’s talk the Douglas children (Ben, Audrey and Kate) sang a beautiful song; I’m Being Baptized. Kate loved that Sis. Douglas wrote that song for Ben’s baptism, and felt like it was just right for her too. (Kate hummed and sang it in the dressing room right before she was baptized…and after).
As Kate and her mom went into the dressing room to wait her turn to be baptized she met an 8 year old girl named Kelsey with a big dripping wet smile on her face. Kate asked her how she felt and she said “good.” Then the big moment came for Kate. As she walked down the white tiled steps into the font she felt a little nervous. She saw Grandpa Jackson and Uncle John watching over her, standing as witnesses. After the prayer Kate took a deep breath, smiled and was baptized, just like Jesus. Kate’s new friend Kelsey was right, it did feel good.
Kate hurried to change into her beautiful winter white dress. She didn’t want to miss anything that was happening in the room with all her family and friends. Her dad had to wait his turn for the dressing room so Kate and her mom were the first to arrive back in the Primary room where Bianca was playing beautiful primary songs on the piano. Everyone was reverently writing little notes to Kate while waiting.
Grandma Chatfield gave a talk about the Holy Ghost. She told us that the Holy Ghost was used to living with Heavenly Father and Jesus so when we do something we’re not supposed to do it makes the Holy Ghost uncomfortable and he leaves. We need to make good choices to have the comfort and direction of the Holy Ghost with us at all times.
Kate liked it when her dad and those standing in the confirmation circle laid their hands on her head. She said she closed her eyes and felt “comfortable”. She was given the gift of the Holy Ghost and knowledge that her Heavenly Father loves her and that her testimony of the Gospel would continue to grow stronger. Kate once again smiled. She hugged those who had participated in the confirmation and then Bishop Chatfield welcomed her to the ward as the newest member having been baptized. He told Kate that he loved her example.
We sang the closing song; I Love to See the Temple and Jake offered a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for Kate and for her baptism.
After the prayer Kate gave a special Smart Cookie to each person there with a “thanks for coming,” She thought it was great that “all” those people had come to see her baptized and confirmed. She knows some pretty nice people!
Kate’s celebration continued at the Old Spaghetti Factory. She ordered her favorite, Macaroni and Cheese! Surprise, Surprise!
In Kate’s personal prayer that night she thanked Heavenly Father for being baptized and confirmed. She also prayed that all would return home in safety…shortly after that we heard that her cousin Hannah was home safe and sound. Kate loves her family and knows that Heavenly Father hears and answers her prayers.
(The next day in Sacrament meeting Kate was called to the pulpit and recognized for being baptized and presented a special reminder of the day. After receiving it she hopped down the stairs and bounced back to her seat. Kate’s a pretty happy 8 year old!)
Kate’s words to describe her feelings when she was baptized: Very Happy, Scared, Thankful, Glad.
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