Honestly this day is really what is spurring me back into blogging. The holiday season is a whirlwind of various celebrations for our family and it's really easy to get backlogged in recording all the birthdays and whatnot. The baptism of my oldest child was a very sacred and special moment for me. I never want to forget it. We were blessed to be living in Utah during the holiday season when it happened, so many of our family were able to attend. It was very comforting to be surrounded by people who love Rowan as he made this step. Our ward holds separate, private programs for each child that is being baptized, but you are only allotted 30 minutes to get everything done. I was a little concerned at first that we would be able to fit everything in, but we finished right on time. In some ways, it was nice to keep it short and sweet. I don't think the kids' attention spans could have handled much longer than that.
Steve was able to baptize Rowan and Grandpa Luke confirmed him. I am so incredibly grateful for the righteous priesthood holders in my family who were able to support Rowan and perform these ordinances. My children are so blessed to have their examples.
Speaking of examples, we gave Rowan the middle name of Elias for several reasons, one being that it means to prepare the way for others. I am grateful for his example to his sisters of making good choices. He is such a good boy.
Elsa, the ever active crazy girl. She actually did pretty well. Here she is patiently waiting for everyone to arrive by playing peekaboo in the curtains.
Nadia joined Chandra during the prelude music. She can't wait to start piano lessons like her brother. Krystal, Chandra, and Elaine took care of the music for the baptism and performed a fantastically beautiful rendition of the Children's Songbook "When I am Baptized". I wish I could have recorded it. Everyone who came has complimented on it.
Rowan's grandmas were both in attendance and gave talks. My mom spoke on baptism and told Rowan how lucky he is to know of the plan in store for him and have the knowledge that this life is just one step of many we get to take and how that knowledge wasn't always available to her as a convert. Steven's mom spoke of the different roles of the Holy Ghost and explained to Rowan how to recognize when and why the Holy Ghost is speaking to you. I'm so grateful they both were able to attend and testify to Rowan of the importance of what was happening to him that day. This was the first baptism my mom has been able to attend even though 6 of her grandchildren have already been baptized. She was either in the mission field or working when they were baptized and unable to get away. There are benefits to having your child born on a holiday.
When Steven went to baptize Rowan, he got a bit choked up and needed a moment before he could perform the ordinance. We both were feeling the spirit very strongly and I'm so grateful for that. Rowan luckily didn't have to get baptized a second time, as he kicked up his feet at the end. He told me later he didn't want to get out of the water because it was so warm. Apparently the changing room was quite chilly.
Rowan's home teacher and his best friend from school also attended. It was a small intimate setting.
Austin Reynolds has been more than an ordinary friend to Rowan and I'm so glad he was able to come. He lives with his grandma, who drives Rowan to and from school everyday and is constantly taking Rowan along on playdates. We've been so blessed to know them.
I don't remember receiving gifts when I was baptized, but Rowan lucked out with his family. Aunt Krystal and Isabelle gave him the sweetest card (pun not intended) and Uncle Darren (aka Mr Moneybags) sent Rowan a rather generous card. Luckily I set Rowan up with a savings account this year and so he is learning to save his money for more important things.
Afterwards we all went to our house and had some brunch and visited before everyone had to hit the road back home. We are so thankful to those who traveled and went out of their way to attend. Uncle Randy even came despite having a kidney stone. We also felt the support and love from those who weren't able to attend. It was a moment where I really felt and understood the blessing of family support, something I lacked growing up. I'm grateful that my children are being raised knowing and being friends with their extended family.
Treats came courtesy of the Provo Bakery. I'm now a fan.
So is Elsa.
Ticklefest with Grandpa.
Apologies for not getting pictures of Vesta's family or Krystal, but they were there and we love them for it! It was a great day!
