Baptismal program by deacons.

I just got back from an amazing baptismal program today.

A deacon aged boy was being baptized. Almost the entire program was filled by his quorum members.

Josh played the opening song, Brightly Beams,while another deacon lead. A different deacon played the rest hymn and the closing hymn. Deacons said the prayers and gave the first talk. Their quorum adviser gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and the Bishop welcomed him to the ward. He was baptized by his grandpa.

I looked at those young boys and thought how wonderful that they were getting ready for their missions in such concrete ways.

I am grateful for our Young Men's leaders who encourage the boys to reach and fulfill meaningful positions.

Another step in mission prep happened today for my son.

I waited 8 years.

I've been meaning to post this as well.

So, eight years ago, Craig blessed Boaz.

I don't know about you, but as a mom there are some things I look for in a blessing. You know the strong and healthy, follow the Holy Ghost and grow up to be a good person, and the whole getting married in the temple thing.

Well, there was no mention of taking a sweet girl to the temple in the blessing 8 years ago.

And, with a one month old baby, I was still very hormonal. I've always had a tendency to be a bit dramatic. So, I started thinking that my little Saturday's Warrior would be killed in a war and wouldn't have time to get married.

Well, that was not a happy thought, so I have stuffed it away and refused to think about it. I have focused on just enjoying my Bozie.

When Craig got up to confirm him, I tried to just focus on the blessings. And then I remembered my eight year old fear. I thought to myself, that that is just a blessing thing. They don't say that in the confirmation. I'm just being silly.

And then I heard Craig say that Boaz will take a girl to the temple and get sealed.

I knew that Heavenly Father had him say that just for me. I took a deep breath and let that silly weight just fall away.

It really is silly the things that I think at times. But I am grateful that He took that almost forgotten fear away for me.

Craig didn't even know that I was thinking that. He was just happy to be there with his brothers, his dad and my brother-in-law. The members of the circle were Craig, Mark, Brad, Ron, Pete, and the Bishop.

People who came to celebrate with us: Deb, Raven, Willa, Kayla, Alysa, Peter, Cyri, Bridger, Mark, Kris, Ashlyn, Bowen, Tayvan, Brad, Ron, Dawn. We are grateful for all the well wishes of those that couldn't make it but wanted to.

It was truly a good day.

Boaz got baptized.

The night before, we put the towels in the bag. I ran to Walmart to find white underwear. I had been baking all day and made two chocolate cream pies and caramel brownies. Craig showed Boaz how to bend his knees and hold his nose and they talked about keeping eyes closed in the water.

When we had all the bases covered, Boaz told us he was going to bed so the morning would get here sooner. He has waited for this day for a very long time. He had the missionary discussions with our lovely ward missionaries the previous month and he had his interview and he was set to go.

Auntie Debbie and Raven came up from Salt Lake. They arrived late at night. Auntie Willa, Uncle Pete, Kayla and Alysa came up from Salt Lake too. They had a flat tire and had to get it fixed before they could finish the journey. We are grateful that they were able to make it.


Uncle Mark, Aunt Cyri and Bridger came. Uncle Brad, Aunt Kris, Ashlyn, Bowen, and Tayven came too. Aunt Kris told us that she was thinking of Tyson in Mexico on his mission and how he might be doing the same thing that very day.

Grandma and Grandpa Oswald came. And we had well wishes from those that couldn't make it, but wanted to be able to come.

I was planning on getting many more pictures than this, but the camera didn't come out again. I thought Craig looked handsome in his whites. :) Boaz was one of four baptisms that day. I got to say a few words about him.

Boaz was born with a believing heart. He is a happy spirit. When we have bad days, he is there to give us hugs and loves and make our day brighter. He has never doubted that Jesus and Heavenly Father are there for us and that They love us. His testimony - a new word for him - is as old as he is. He loves his brother, Josh, and wants to do everything that Josh does. Sometimes that is fun, and sometimes not so much. I love being his mother and am very blessed to have him as my son.









Our little family before the meeting started. (We missed having Thea there.)







Craig with his brothers Mark and Brad.

I wanted pictures with everybody and planned to take them after, but the camera never made it back out again.

We are grateful for all those that came, and grateful for the well wishes of those that wanted to come and couldn't make it.