~Sydnee's Baptism~

Yet again, for Sydnee's baptism we were blessed with amazingly nice weather nestled in between the mix of storms and lingering snowfall we've been having... She's quite sick of the wintery weather, so for her this was a major plus and just added to the happy feeling she had that day!

We never tried on her little outfit before the big day and when we got there and she started putting it on we both looked at each other with big eyes wondering if it was going to fit.. we were able to get it on her, but it was close... you can tell by the length. Tee hee hee! Marcus & Chandler each gave talks in the program one on baptism and the other on the gift of the Holy Ghost. They both did really well and Sydnee played a solo of "When I am Baptized" on her violin. She couldn't have played it any better, we were so proud of her. Papa Sosa bore his testimony directly to Sydnee and gave her a white rose and explained how the color white represents being clean and pure. It all was a very memorable experience for everyone.

After the baptism we had our friends and family over for some grub-n-treats! Thanks to everyone who pitched in with bringing things, the food was scrumptious!!!

Sunday she got called up and was recognized as the newest member of our ward and the bishop had us write up some things about Sydnee to read aloud. The bishop added in his two cents here and there and really had the congregation enjoying what was being said and laughing at times. Here's what we wrote:

Sydnee has been anxiously awaiting the day she would be baptized ever since Marcus and Chandler were baptized a year and a half ago. She has always had a strong desire to stay close to her Heavenly Father and is able to sense and feel the spirit. Sydnee loved going through the Draper Temple & can't wait to turn twelve so she can participate in baptisms for the dead.

Sydnee is self-disciplined, she is good at school and getting her homework done. At times, she amazes her Dad at the level of math she understands. Sydnee is a girly-girl, she likes fashion and anything with ribbons, glitter, and ruffles galore! {at this point the bishop said: I can personally testify of this because the first time I went into the primary after becoming bishop, I looked down and saw Sydnee sitting on the front row and asked myself, "Was Sydnee at Jr. Prom last night??? No she couldn't have been..." and everyone chuckled}. She's been putting together her own outfits since she was three and even assists the boys in picking their attire, she'll let them know if it doesn't match. {at this point the bishop looked down at her, holding out his tie & said: "I know my tie matches today, because my wife helped me pick it out" and again everyone chuckled}. 

She has always had a tendency to nurture and wants to look after and care for others, this has been helpful in caring for her little sister. When McKynlee is unhappy she likes to pick her up and twirl her around to make her laugh.

Sydnee loves life to the fullest. She likes to try & learn new things. She really enjoys playing her violin and loves to dance, sing, swim, and ice skate. She has always loved animals and they love her, her favorite is a dog and she would love to have a horse someday!

-Abu, Abuela Elli & Sydnee-

MARCUS & CHANDLER'S Baptism:

Saturday the 29th, the boys had their baptism and it was a very cold and wintery day. There was snow on the mountain tops and it even started to snow down in the valley later in the afternoon. We had a really great time though. All of their aunts and uncles and cousins came, Grandma's and Grandpa's, and Dan and Lara and their family.

We asked Elli to speak on Baptism and she couldn't have done a better job. She was amazing. We sang as a family the song called Baptism in the Children's Songbook. The kids did such a good job at memorizing the words and remembering them when it came time to sing at the baptism. It was nice to do something like that all together as a family. Andres spoke on the Holy Ghost, and the kids loved it because he used a light saber as a visual aid and talked about how they love star wars and the similarities between the jedi's having the force and listening for guidance and doing what's right and listening to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost and following your inner feelings to do what is right. After the baptism and confirmation Grandma Sosa shared her testimony and then the boys each shared theirs. Everyone really felt the spirit.

MARCUS:
Marcus likes to do what's right, he is very meticulous. He always wants to know the details of how things work. He has always had a very thoughtful heart and enjoys serving others. He loves to cook and often brings elaborate breakfasts to his parents in bed. He started cooking for others at the age of 4. Marcus also just recently discovered that he loves to run while preparing for a 1 mile race at BYU for elementary students. He came in 3rd and was very excited!

Marcus was really anxious to be baptized and become a member of the church. He just said this morning, "Mom.. Dad.. It feels good to be a member of the church." We love him very much and enjoy all the kind things he likes to do for us and others!


CHANDLER:
Chandler has always been a happy kid and along with that came a great smile and a courageous spirit! He is also sensitive and loves to make friends. Chandler is a deep thinker. He memorizes well and is a quick learner. He wants to be an inventor and keeps a journal of all his invention ideas. He's recently been asking for a video camera so he can make movies too.

Chandler was looking forward to being baptized and becoming a member of the church. He bore his testimony for the first time after being baptized and confirmed yesterday and he felt the spirit. We love him very much and know that he will bless the lives of many with his fair and cheerful countenance.