Jack's 8th Birthday AND Baptism!
Jack’s baptism birthday was perfect. I could not have imagined a more idyllic day. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the spirit of the Lord was felt strongly.
I spent a good amount of time preparing for Jack’s special day, but really, he is so easy to please, so obedient, and he makes big events like this a joy.
He woke up to not only gifts to unwrap, but the gifts of the presence of his grandparents from Idaho and Kassidy, Bridger, and Hardy. Monte made breakfast and we all enjoyed each others company as we made the last minute preparations for the baptism.
We got to the church early and had an easy time of filling the font and getting set up. The spirit was sweet and we were all peaceful and happy. Poor Josi’s car broke down an hour away (after 2 full days of driving all the way from Etna to be here) and so she couldn’t make it. Kari, of course, didn’t come either. But Jon and his family, Cami and her kids, and my parents were there. Jill, Reed, and the Bishop came. And Erika came to represent the primary. Lisa Bladh and her cute family came to support Jack and that meant so much to me!
As the program began, a peaceful spirit filled the room. My mom gave a talk on bearing the name of Christ and gave Jack a white bear. Then Jack was baptized. Parker and I were witnesses and Jack was smiling ear to ear. He tried to swim out of the font which was hilarious. I helped him get dressed and he was glowing. It was such a happy time!
The cute cousins sang "There is Peace in Christ" and they did a great job despite the giggles. Kim gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and had Jack come up while she presented him with items representing the work the Holy Ghost does in our lives including a comfy handmade blanket!
Then Jack was confirmed and given a blessing. Tanner’s blessing was beautiful and Jack shook everyone’s hands afterward. Erika presented Jack with a little gift and a message from the Primary. Then Tanner and I shared our testimonies with Jack. The bishop gave some closing remarks and we ended with a song, When I am Baptized.
We took some pictures and then everyone gathered at our house for a birthday party- tacos, cake, and laughter. It was perfect. We were all so happy!
We sat in the hot tub that evening and had some mint chocolate chip ice cream cake and watched the video montage that Tanner made for Jack.
Jack is such a blessing in our lives. He makes us smile and laugh every day. He is kind and considerate, smart, and a good friend. I am so proud of him and know this is the first step on a very powerful, valiant path for Jack. He is on the road to impact a lot of lives in a positive way and I’m here to support him every step of the way.
I love you, Jack! You are perfect!!
I spent a good amount of time preparing for Jack’s special day, but really, he is so easy to please, so obedient, and he makes big events like this a joy.
He woke up to not only gifts to unwrap, but the gifts of the presence of his grandparents from Idaho and Kassidy, Bridger, and Hardy. Monte made breakfast and we all enjoyed each others company as we made the last minute preparations for the baptism.
We got to the church early and had an easy time of filling the font and getting set up. The spirit was sweet and we were all peaceful and happy. Poor Josi’s car broke down an hour away (after 2 full days of driving all the way from Etna to be here) and so she couldn’t make it. Kari, of course, didn’t come either. But Jon and his family, Cami and her kids, and my parents were there. Jill, Reed, and the Bishop came. And Erika came to represent the primary. Lisa Bladh and her cute family came to support Jack and that meant so much to me!
As the program began, a peaceful spirit filled the room. My mom gave a talk on bearing the name of Christ and gave Jack a white bear. Then Jack was baptized. Parker and I were witnesses and Jack was smiling ear to ear. He tried to swim out of the font which was hilarious. I helped him get dressed and he was glowing. It was such a happy time!
The cute cousins sang "There is Peace in Christ" and they did a great job despite the giggles. Kim gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and had Jack come up while she presented him with items representing the work the Holy Ghost does in our lives including a comfy handmade blanket!
Then Jack was confirmed and given a blessing. Tanner’s blessing was beautiful and Jack shook everyone’s hands afterward. Erika presented Jack with a little gift and a message from the Primary. Then Tanner and I shared our testimonies with Jack. The bishop gave some closing remarks and we ended with a song, When I am Baptized.
We took some pictures and then everyone gathered at our house for a birthday party- tacos, cake, and laughter. It was perfect. We were all so happy!
We sat in the hot tub that evening and had some mint chocolate chip ice cream cake and watched the video montage that Tanner made for Jack.
Jack is such a blessing in our lives. He makes us smile and laugh every day. He is kind and considerate, smart, and a good friend. I am so proud of him and know this is the first step on a very powerful, valiant path for Jack. He is on the road to impact a lot of lives in a positive way and I’m here to support him every step of the way.
I love you, Jack! You are perfect!!
The next day, Monte came over and made us a delicious breakfast again and we all went to church together. Parker spoke IN church for the first time and did a great job! He never looked up once but that's ok! He spoke about forgiveness and so did the other speakers and it was a message we all needed and was good to hear. The primary sang to Jack and he was such a goofball. Tanner taught Sunday School and the discussion was so powerful. The spirit was so strong and it really felt like a weekend of healing for me. I just felt so happy and close to the spirit. When we got home after church, Tanner went to town smoking us meat and preparing all kinds of food. We ate so much and even enjoyed some more cake.
We watched family home movies and enjoyed the time together and it was just the best.
I'm so thankful to Kim, Monte, Kassidy, Bridger and Hardy for making the effort to come out this weekend and support Jack. It meant so much to us and it was truly a beautiful weekend that I know we will cherish forever.
(My kids are obsessed with Hardy! He's the best baby!!!!)
Jack, for the moment you were born, I knew there was something special about you. You have a distinct light about you that draws people in. Not to mention a strong wit and sense of humor that keeps everyone laughing and smiling every day. I had a unique and powerful spiritual experience with you in a sealing room of the Provo City Center temple when you were a baby. I had the undeniable impression that you were going to grow up to be a great man.
This right now, your baptism today, is the first step on the covenant path that leads you to your Heavenly Father and eternal life. I have no doubt that you will be successful along this path because you have always been so obedient and close to the whisperings of the spirit.
As you strive to be a valiant son of God and be a witness of Christ at all times, and in all things, and in all places, I know your life will be richly blessed and miraculous experiences will unfold before you. Your talent for music and the arts is a gift that will bless not only your own life, but the lives of those around you.
Continue to let your light shine brightly, Jack. Your Heavenly Father is so very proud of you, as am I. I know the path to true and lasting peace and happiness starts with your choice to be baptized. I love you! And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
This right now, your baptism today, is the first step on the covenant path that leads you to your Heavenly Father and eternal life. I have no doubt that you will be successful along this path because you have always been so obedient and close to the whisperings of the spirit.
As you strive to be a valiant son of God and be a witness of Christ at all times, and in all things, and in all places, I know your life will be richly blessed and miraculous experiences will unfold before you. Your talent for music and the arts is a gift that will bless not only your own life, but the lives of those around you.
Continue to let your light shine brightly, Jack. Your Heavenly Father is so very proud of you, as am I. I know the path to true and lasting peace and happiness starts with your choice to be baptized. I love you! And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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