Baptism Day!

 We were so lucky today to be witnesses to James baptism as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  To be surrounded by family and friends was prefect. I only wish everyone could have been there and that is what this post is for!Yesterday Clay, Stacie, Cora, Curtis and Mama (Grandma) came in to town for James big day! We have been talking about this day and planning for it for months and it was finally here! James and I had talked about how to plug his nose and not to kick up his legs when he goes under the water...the important stuff.  Yet in the car on the way to the Stake Center it is my 5 year old that asks quietly, "Mom, did you bring extra underwear for James for after is baptism?" Oh my goodness.  I am pretty sure that there is no amount of planning that could have prepared me for this day! I didn't bring dry underwear James went commando!

It was so moving seeing the 4 kids sitting in the front row dressed in white.  It made me grateful for the power of the priesthood here on earth and that men have been given such an amazing gift to bless the lives of others with.

 Several people asked if Clay was James father or my brother...interesting story! So grateful that Clay was willing to run back to the house when there was the mix up and get all his extra stuff! He really made our day.  During the ordinance Clay was especially emotional which made holding back what I felt inside a little harder.  As a parent I feel like I have a lot of moments that I wish I could repeat or pause and watching James be immersed into the water was definitely one of those moments.  Even so it felt a little surreal, like it was moving in slow motion for that moment, just long enough to really take in the gift of the spirit.

I wish we would have had time to take happy pictures afterwards and we probably should have just taken happy pictures of just the adults since we have all learned to fake it by now.  The kids at this point were done with this day and more than ready to move on do lunch! It was fun going to Texas Roadhouse with the Oliverson Family, Clay's Family, Mama and Daddy.  We were a loud bunch but it was worth the bribing to get us there. 

It's Sunday!

Years ago my sister said that she had a friend that used to take family pictures on fast Sundays.  I loved that idea and did a good job for James first year, but then life happens and it has been hit or miss.  Now I figure if I get it done one a month it should count!

I love how much character this kid has...it's not like I asked him to do this pose, it just happen that way!

So official.  My CEO all the way!

 

James tried really hard to smile and look normal, maybe too hard.

This is how boy pictures usually end in my house! Everyone on the floor wrestling, but happy!

Now to get off to church!

Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam...

My sweet baby is a Sunbeam this year!

  Its hard to believe that these boys are getting so big and I will be planning a baptism in 4 months. So many milestones that we get to watch and celebrate together!

Carson was such a big boy when I dropped him off in Primary.  He was one of 11 new Sunbeams this morning and it was like he's been sitting in that seat for months! His teacher said that he told her his name was Tyson and his class agreed with that until he noticed that his hat didn't say his name at the end of class.  She was so embarrassed, but I was proud that he was able to recognize his name was wrong!