The Tales of An Anglo-American Mormon Family: Eleanor's baptism

Much has happened since my last entry. At the end of January, Eleanor turned 8. This is an important milestone for Mormons, as this is when our children get baptized into the Church. So it was a very special occasion for us. Grandma and Grandpa Hamilton came down from Idaho for the event; they drove, no less. That shows real dedication - 13 hours, and 13 hours back again, is nothing to be sniffed at!

Eleanor with Dad and Mom on her baptism day. Daddy baptized her, which is why he is dressed in white.

She was baptized on her birthday, January 24. It was a Saturday, so we could make it a really special day. The program was lovely. Grandpa Hamilton spoke first on the importance of baptism and Grandma Hamilton spoke on the Holy Ghost. Imogen, Samuel and Grandpa played a few primary songs in their little chamber group of Imogen on the violin, Grandpa on the viola, and Samuel on the cello. Tim baptized her and confirmed her, with Grandpa assisting in the confirmation, which made me very happy.

The Holy Spirit was strong and we were surrounded by loving family and friends, witnessing our daughter commit herself to Jesus Christ. It was a wonderful day.

Then we had the celebrations after the baptism. Me being me, the post-event celebrations have to be good. Very, very good. No, they have to be fabulous. And not to be shallow, but a fabulous event needs fabulous food. And fabulous people. The people part is easy to take care of, but the food bit takes a bit of planning and work. But its always worth it .....

The celebratory feast

Due to the fact that this was nearly four months ago, unfortunately I don't remember everything about the menu. Dad and Mom helped me wrap about a million baked potatoes, and we had a big ham. William Kilmer kept asking how he could help, so I gave him a bowl of avocadoes and limes and asked him to make guacamole. He was in his element!

William Kilmer talks to my dad while making his awesome guacamole

I made my specialty dishes of lemon tart - a must in the California mid-winter, when the lemons are at their peak - and chocolate raspberry trifle. We also did a strawberry, apple and tortellini salad, which was interesting. Everyone who came brought something, which is always a success. I love potlucks!

Lots of kids at the festivities: Matt Woolley, Maddy and Noah Miles, Josh and Elizabeth Kilmer, Kingston children, Bleakley children, etc.

Tim talks with Cathy Woolley, Laura Worthen and Elizabeth Kingston

Eleanor was baptized on her 8th birthday, which made the day especially nice. So during the evening we brought out her birthday cake - Nigella Lawson's Chocolate Truffle Cake, which ends up being the birthday cake for most of my children each year.

Eleanor with her birthday cake during the 'Happy Birthday' song

The next day, Sunday, happened to be a big day for us as well. Samuel, too, had an important rite of passage at church. Samuel had turned 12 two days before, and 12 is the age at which boys receive the Priesthood in our religion. So he was ordained to the office of a deacon at church. My dad was there, and was able to assist in the ordination, which was really special for me.