We really could not have asked for a more perfect day. Michael's baptism was perfect. We had a lot of help and support from friends - members of our church and nonmembers.
I had several people at church tell me that they would bring cookies or such to the baptism. I was so touched by their willingness to help. And a lot of these people were people I didn't think would come to the baptism.
We had the meeting in the Relief Society room. My friend's boy had his baptism meeting in there and I really liked how it was set up and the overall feeling and comfort of the room, so I wanted it in there.
Todd and his dad had gone to the church early to get the font filled and set up chairs. When I got there, I looked into the Relief Society room and noticed immediately that we would need more chairs. Upon seeing my father-in-law, I asked him if he would set up more chairs. He couldn't believe it and disagreed (in his mind) thinking we didn't need any more, but put more into the room anyways. When we had to get more chairs just as the baptism was starting, he realized that I was correct in my assumption.
I could not believe how many people came out to support Michael's baptism. We had the expected friends from church, and we had even more friends from church that I was surprised and happy to see come. We also had many non-member friends come to support us. Our next door neighbors came. My friend from soccer came. My friend, whose husband is a Pastor at a local church, came with him and their kids. My fellow homeschooling mom came. And a couple of other dear friends I've met throughout the community came. The room was full to the top, probably an hundred people there, and the only family was Todd's parents, my parents, and my sister. Made me see what wonderful friends we have here. I love them dearly.
Here are my boys before the program began:
The program was perfect, in my opinion.
After the opening song and prayer, Mikey's primary teacher, Sister Hook, spoke about baptism. Mikey absolutely loves Sister Hook, and has good reason to. She is such a wonderful person, just a sunshine attitude and super sweet. She also worked several years as an elementary teacher, and you can tell she was a great teacher for she loves children, knows how to interact with them, knows how to teach them, and knows how to express her love for them. She no longer teaches for a year ago she had her first child and has chosen to stay home and be a full time mother. But it's great that she gets to use her knowledge, skills, and talents to teach at church.
Sister Hook talked about Baptism, and why we need it, and the covenants we are making with Heavenly Father when we are baptized. She was energetic, but yet reverent as well. She spoke right to Mikey, who responded to her questions. The best was when she had said something about being a good example and Mikey blurted out "I am a good example". Or when she was going through the letters that spell baptism and he went to correct her, but upon sounding it out, realized she had it correct.
After Sister Hook's talk, we filed out of the room to where the baptismal font is, in the hallway in front of the Primary room. This doesn't leave a lot of room for people to watch, but we squoze in and made it work. They waited for everyone to get into place before the curtains in front of the baptismal font were opened. This left Todd and Michael standing in the water for an extra minute or two. Todd said that Michael was so excited, he even started shaking though the water was not cold.
The curtain doors were finally opened and there was my husband and first-born in the water, ready to perform the baptismal ordinance. It didn't take long, but I was so happy to see it done. Michael was ready and mature enough for baptism, and I was happy to see it take place.
While Todd and Michael got changed out of their wet clothes and into their suits, we went back into the Relief Society room where we played a short video of Mormon Messages. I had chosen videos that explained more of our beliefs.
After Todd and Michael returned, Lana gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. She did such a good job, especially since she's only 16 (something I always forget, she acts like she's 30). She spoke to Mikey about how we get gifts on our birthdays, but that this year, he was getting a wonderful gift. He was getting the gift of the Holy Ghost. She told him about the blessing that come from having the Holy Ghost with you.
Then Michael was Confirmed. It was the smallest circle I had seen in a Confirmation, consisting only of Todd, his dad, and a member of the bishopric, but I thought it was appropriate for it allowed people to see what was going on, to see that these three men were putting their hands on Mikey's head and a prayer was being said.
For the closing song, we had Michael, Roger, William, and Grant sing "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus". Grant decided to not go up, big surprise, not really. The boys did such a good job and were super cute. William sang with his eyes closed for I had the words of the song on my lap in case they needed it, but he wanted to prove that he knew the song. He also swayed with the music, which made it even more adorable. Roger and Michael were super cute and sincere with their singing. They sang loudly and with confidence.
After the closing prayer, we went into the Primary room and had desserts. It was a great way to be able to talk to the many friends that had come.
This woman was a Saint. She helped me with set up, take down, and everything else in between. I just absolutely love her
Bampa's always lots of fun
William stacked his plate of at least one of everything. Everyone was so surprised to see how much he ate...it was no surprise to me, I feed this child every day and have seen what his little body can take in.
Only picture taken of me of the evening. Glad I'm not pregnant and awkward, or something like that.
These boys are excited for us to have a baby in our home. They couldn't keep their hands off my friend's little Brennan
After most of the people had left, my parents, Todd's parents, Todd and I went to the Stake President's office where Todd was ordained a High Priest, by his dad, and also set apart as a member of the High Council by the Stake President. It was so wonderful to hear the blessings pronounced upon Todd. I feel like God knows our concerns about Todd having so many obligations and responsibilities, but that with His help, Todd (and I) will be able to handle all that we are asked to do. I really am grateful for such a wonderful man to be a part of my life and a part of my children's lives. The Stake President did tell me that I had the final say, if I needed Todd, all I had to do was say I needed him. Fortunately Todd is super helpful and mindful of me and the boys and our needs that I don't foresee that being a problem.
Perfect end to a perfect evening, which was the end of a perfect day.
Thanks to all who came to Michael's baptism, and especially to those who helped out.
Congratulations Michael! I am so proud of you and happy with the choices you have made. I love you dearly.
) and a pink-layered cake made by Tanya*in the next picture* 
