The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel are

First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Second, Repentance

Third, Baptism by Immersion

Fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

September 27th was a great day in Kate's life and in the life of her family. She has already shown such great faith, a desire to repent and be clean and now she has been baptized, confirmed, and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This proud Mom is crying even as I write this.

The day dawned beautiful and hot. We couldn't pass up going to the girls' early soccer games in the morning. Kate even showed off and scored in front of both grandparents. Then Sarah kept up the traditon and scored one too. And Abby got on the field and played!! We had all three be winners that day!! It was fun and I think we all enjoyed it. We hurried home and amazingly enough we were at the Church 45 mintues early. It was a record. I have to mention that so I remember that I really can be on time for an event. :) My aunt Vicki and her husband Jim came all the way from Sacremento and the Toomers came all the way from Bakersfield to join us. We love them all so much and are grateful for the extra effort they both made to attend. Heidi was gracious enough to be the official photographer as well as play the piano. Sister Ware and Sister Howard had made the programs and they turned out so nice! The inside cover had Kate's testimony written in it.Many of our good friends came and supported us. We so appreciate the love we feel from our ward family. You are our family away from home. It meant a lot to us to have you be a part of such an important event. THANK YOU!! Brother Wittwer conducted and did such a nice job. Both Grandpa's said the prayers and Grandma Phippen spoke on baptism while Grandma Macdonald spoke on the Holy Ghost. All four of the Grandparents did a wonderful job. The talks were so sweet and personal, just for Kate. They were amazing. It was supposed to be the stake baptisms and we were so lucky that no one else decided to be baptized on that day. I secrectly wanted it to be just for Kate, and how blessed we were to get our wish. There is something about having grandparents participate and such. Darin and Kate even sang a musical number. It was touching to watch the two of them, just before the baptism. Darin was incredibly calm and did such a nice job baptizing her and confirming her. I had some fun moments with Kate. I realize that as a Mom of all girls, I get to be with each of them after they get baptized and are changing into dry clothes. What a little extra special time to be with them, just me and them. It was so fun to be with Kate as she changed into the jumpsuit before the baptism. She got so excited and said, "It really is happening! I'm getting baptized!" Her smile could not have been bigger. I will never forget it! And then after the baptism, I got my skirt all wet because I didn't want to let go of her and she didn't seem to want to let go either. We kept hugging!!! We were both so excited. Kate was as beautiful as I anticipated. She wore a dress my Mother made for her. The Macdonald tradition has been for all the girls to wear this dress my Mom made in 1978 for my oldest sister's baptism. Each of my 4 sisters and I wore the dress, and now the granddaughters are wearing the dress. It turned out beautiful. Kate also wore a locket that we all wore too. Her eyes sparkled and she shone. Her little spirit was radiant. Several of the people in attendance, bore their testimonies the next day and mentioned the spirit that was there. It was one of those perfect days, with perfect moments scattered all along the way.