The Johnson Family: 2010

On April 12Th, 2009 I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was pretty much one of the best decision I've ever made!

I took the missionary lessons for the first time in the winter of 2007. I was 34 weeks pregnant with my second daughter at the time. I was having a hard time in my life and was looking desperately for a way to make it better. I knew that I needed to have the Lord in my life, I knew that I needed to have him with me, to help me and guide me.

Bobby's wonderful Aunt and family were Mormon and I knew that I wanted to be like them. I wanted the happiness and love that they had for one another. I wanted Bobby to be a wonderful husband, father, son just like his uncle was. I wanted to feel peace within myself. To feel like I belonged somewhere. To feel accepted (even though I already was) in the family and feel like I had a common bond with them. I thought being Mormon would fix all of my troubles.

My first encounter with the missionaries was pleasant. I was taught by 3 sister missionaries who were desperate for me to feel the spirit and be baptized into the church. By the 3rd lesson they wanted me to commit to a baptismal date of December 23rd. I felt very pressured. I went home and prayed about the decision that I had to make. At that time in my life I knew what they were teaching me was true and I desperately wanted it more then anything. But I knew that I was chasing after a fantasy of a quick fix. So I kindly declined there offer, not because I wasn't interested, but because I needed to do it for the right reasons.

On December 23rd my daughter Sophie was born. Nothing else mattered at that time. I still attended church with Ellen and her family. I felt at home at church, I felt comfortable with the ward, I felt accepted and like I belonged. I tried talking Bobby into taking missionary lessons with me again on a few occasions over a 6 month period. He wasn't interested, and I never pushed him. I figured when the time was right I would get my lessons and be a member of the church. By mid June Bobby and I started looking for a place to move to. We talked about moving back down to south phoenix (to be by all his friends), moving closer to my mother (so she could help with the girls), and moving more north to be closer to Ellen and her family. I pushed hard to move closer to Ellen, to get us closer to her ward. I knew that when I became a member of the church, I wanted it to be in the ward I had grown in. In July I got my wish and we moved into the Cactus View Ward boundaries. I was excited!

In November Pamella left on her mission for the church. She wrote me wonderful, inspiring letters. We talked about faith and the power of prayer. I confided in her, and she helped me to see that I was ready to be a member of the church for all the right reasons! I was excited!! Ellen helped me to "trick" Bobby into taking the missionary lessons with me. Our first lesson was in February of '09 with Elder White and Elder Saunders. It was a great Lesson and I was able to actually listen and learn knowing that I wanted to be baptised and not feeling the anxiety of "how do I tell them no". My second lesson was with Elder White and Elder Van Orden (above: Elder White on the left and Elder Van Orden on the Right). They stayed together and taught me, and stayed through my baptismal interview. The Wednesday before my baptism Elder Van Orden was transferred and missed my baptism. I was really sad about it. I really wanted him to be there.. I was comfortable with him and didn't like the idea of someone new coming in and

taking over. That was until I met Elder Chalmers (picture on the right). He was funny and had an awesome British accent. It was hard to not mimic his accent when he talked. And he tried hard to not let it show, but it snuck out every once in a while. Elder White and Elder Chalmers stayed and taught use for a while... At least 3 transfers before Elder White had to leave. They were on of my favorite pairs. They were both good with the girls, and had a lot of patience with both me and Bobby. We got really close to them while they were here. We were sad when they both moved on from our ward....

Side tracked sorry..Back to the baptism...

So on Easter Sunday we got up and got ready for church as usual. It was weird sitting in sacrament and thinking, this is the last Sunday that I will sit here as a non member... But at the same time, I had been attending church pretty regularly so it was almost as though I was already a member, and my baptism was just a confirmation of that. After church we went to the Black's house for Easter lunch/dinner / Grandpa's birthday. It was fun but very nerve racking... Sitting and counting down the hours until my baptism was like pulling teeth. I just wanted to go and do it already!! At the same time, I was sad that Pamella wouldn't be there to share that moment with me. Whether she believes it or not, I believe she is the reason that I was getting baptised. I give her all the credit, well next to the missionaries for teaching me, and Ellen and Rocky for lending us their house... but other then that, it was Pam.

We were supposed to be at the stake center at 5, the baptism started at 5:30. About 4 I got a terrible headache. I think all the waiting and excitement took a toll on me. So I went and laid down in Brittany's bed and fell asleep.. Before I knew it, it was already 5 and we were scrambling to leave the house!

We got to the stake center and the Elders were already there setting up chairs, and trying to get everything ready. They showed me where my white suit was.. They had 1 size too small or 2 sizes too big.. I was told bigger is better so I got changed and hurried to the foyer to take pictures. I was really starting to get nervous.. A lot of people were showing up, Brittany had mailed out soo many invitations!!! It was time to start and the room was full. I took my seat next to my husband and Rocky and an Opening prayer started the program.

It was time to get into the waters of baptism. I was lucky enough to have Rocky baptising me. I know that it was probably hard on his back, but I really appreciated it and it meant so much to me to have someone in my family baptise me. And in the middle of this spiritual moment Chloe cries out "Why is uncle pushing mommy under the water" in the most terrified voice you could ever imagine. It was funny and sad at the same time. After we were finished, I changed as quickly as possible thanks to Brittany. Bobby and Brittany gave wonderful talks. I was very excited to have Bobby give a talk. After they were finished it was time to bare my testimony. Did I mention there were a lot of people there?? I don't take well in front of people. I'm pretty sure that was the shortest testimony that anyone had ever heard!! I had so much more that I wanted to say, I just couldn't bring myself to say it! After the program was over, we had wonderful refreshments that Ellen and Grandma prepared for us. I walked around and visited with people. So many friends were there and family. My sister even showed up! It was nice to have so much love and support!!

The following Sunday at church I was confirmed into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost which was laid upon me by dear Elder White. It was so touching, and I could literally feel the Holy Ghost as Elder White laid his hands upon my head. Now its been 1 year since my baptism. Bobby and I are currently working on going to the temple to be sealed to one another and our children for all time and eternity.

I know this church is true. I am so blessed to be a member. I am thankful to all of the people that have helped me along the way to become the person I am today. I am so grateful to Elder White, Elder Van Orden, and Elder Chalmers who all taught me and participated in my baptism and confirmation. I am so blessed to know that one day I will be sealed to my family and be able to spend eternity in heaven with my children and husband.

My sister turned 21 on March 1st. I have to make a big deal about her birthday's because she blames Chloe for ruining her birthday. It isn't Chloe's fault that she was born 3 days before her birthday!! But you try telling that to the middle child!!

Ellen was kind enough to watch my children so I could take my sister out to dinner. It was nice to not have to worry about spilled juice, or cutting food in tiny toddler size bites. We sat and visited, and actually had a grown up conversation. Most of the time I spend with my sister is when we are doing things with my girls. Everyone knows when the girls are around the world revolves around them!

Anyway, its strange that my little sister is already 21. We started talking about age and how time has flown by. I started thinking of all of my old friends and how "old" they are now. That's when Summer so kindly reminded me that I'm getting "old" myself. I can't believe I am going to be 25 this year... It seems like only yesterday I was turning 21!! Its kind of crazy how much my life has changed since I turned 21. I wouldn't change a thing! =0)

Happy Birthday Summer!

I love you sister!