I was at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church with my grandparents in January, when I decided that if we were going to name our daughter Vivian, she had to be baptized at that church. My grandparents had retired in Florida and had their house custom built. They volunteered with Mission Builders, who assigned them to help build this church. They came to the North Georgia mountains, found the "Inn on the Lake," put their house in Florida on the market and never looked back. My grandmother wasn't found of the Florida heat and my grandfather didn't like all the crowds and the traffic. When they moved to Blairsville it had one traffic light. The town has grown significantly in the last sixteen years, but it hasn't lost its charm.
Having the baptism in Georgia presented some logistical problems. Our local families would not be able to attend. My mom had hoped she could be there. She is a Lutheran Pastor and has baptized most of her grandchildren. She wanted to baptize Vivian too. We just couldn't find a date that could work for everyone and she was not able to attend.
Even so, it was truly the perfect day. It was perfect for so many reasons. It was the perfect day because it took place in the house that my grandparents' built (kind of like the "house that Ruth built"). It was the perfect day because LaDonna and Dean were there. It was the perfect day because Grandma sang "Borning Cry," the same song she sang at our wedding, and the same song that was sung at Nick's and Jack's baptism. It was the perfect day because both her namesakes were there - my grandmother and my aunt. It was the perfect day because my talented cousin, Jodi was there to take pictures. It was the perfect day because their Pastor, Cheryl Kestor-Schmidt is amazing. It was the perfect day because my grandfather got to show off his family, and he glows when he introduces all of us to his friends.
Vivian didn't cry much at all. She didn't cry when I handed her to LaDonna or when Pastor poured water on her. She cried a little at the end when she was announced as a Child of God. Pastor Cheryl said that was good because it was the devil leaving. In contrast, Nick and Jack both screamed through their baptisms, to the point where you could not hear anything else. Without further ado, the pictures. I did not take any of these. They were either taken by Jodi or LaDonna.
Vivian before the baptism:
This picture shows her headband. Aunt LaDonna and Uncle Dean got it for her. It was a headband for her baptism and she can wear it as a garter at her wedding for "something old." Such a great idea!
The dress she wore was worn by Jodi and her sister Lindsey at their baptisms. We have a gown that my mom made that many of us wore, but it was made for northeast winter babies, this one was more climate appropriate. My grandmother and Pauline Heidemann had purchased it on one of their many shopping trips. This is probably the best picture I have of Vivian wearing the gown:
LaDonna holdingVivian:
Pastor Cheryl performing the baptism:
Taken after the baptism:
Dean, Vivian & LaDonna
Aunt Caroline ("Kelly"), Vivian, Grandma (also Vivian), and Grandpa
Bernie, Nick, Uncle Rich, Jack, Aunt Kelly, Vivian, Me,
Jodi, Rob, Grandma & Grandpa
This little girl was very interested in the baptism and couldn't wait to touch
Vivian. Her name was Autumn (if you read the "Name Game" blog, you know why this is significant. Was it a sign? I'd like to think so.
Dean & Vivi:
The cake:
Me & Grandpa - (hopefully the next time we are together I will have lost 30lbs and he will have gained it).
Thank you to everyone who made Vivian's day so special! Since we are currently attening a Catholic church, Pastor Cheryl cannot transfer her membership. I think this means that Vivian will remain a member of Shepherd of the Hills.
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