Jared's Baptism

Jared had been looking forward to his baptism all year and I think it turned out just how he wanted.  I did my best to do what he wanted (and not what I thought should happen) and think he had a great experience.  I delegated all picture taking to my sister Susanna and it was probably the smartest thing I did that day.  Julie Shaw was super helpful in setting up the primary room and the speakers did a nice job. My favorite part was actually when Mark gave Jared the gift of the Holy Ghost.  He gave Jared a beautiful blessing.  We talked a bit about things we wanted for Jared and what we want the most is for him to have the DESIRE to serve the Lord, to study the scriptures and work on being like Jesus to be obedient. I believe that if people lack the desire to be involved in the church then its not going to happen.  We want him to have a strong desire to have the church in his life.  The service was lovely, Mark did a great job and I think Jared felt really loved, I know I did.

We managed to get to the church by 10:40, set up the table how I wanted and take lots of pictures. Mark opted to preside and conduct the baptism. I'm not really sure why he opted to do that but he was quite busy for that 45 minutes. Earlier in the week Mark typed up the program for me and then I formatted it.  Our family theme for the school year is "hold to the rod" and so I wanted to incorporate that into his baptism.  There are very few pictures of someone holding the iron rod to choose from but I managed to find the one I really wanted.  Julie had asked me how many chairs to set up and I told her around 30 but she ended up needing to set up even more.  We are so grateful for the support we have here in Charlottesville. Susanna played the piano and Sue led the music.  My Mom gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and Jared's former primary teacher Brother Jeremy Walker gave the talk on Baptism.  Jared was really sad that he could not have either of his grandpa's be witness's but decided to have Chris Shaw and his current primary teacher Henry Courier be the witness's which worked out well.  They are both so kind to Jared.  Jared told me later that he felt like he could feel both his Grandpa's there and that he felt the sprit a lot.  That was all I needed. I am proud of Jared and look forward to seeing him develop his testimony.

I stayed up later than I intended to the night before trying to get as much done beforehand so our morning could run smoothly and am happy I did it.  I feel like while it was busy with one thing after another it went smoothly and turned out how we hoped.

Mini Photo Shoot:  It was a lot of pictures and Jared was a trooper.

Marmee (Sheri Fieth, my mom ) Jared and Grandma Sue (Spencer, Mark's mom)

Marmee, Aunt Susanna, April, Mark, Lydia and Jared

Jared and Aunt Susanna

We are so grateful to be Jared's parents and love him more than we could ever say. 

I knew for a long time I wanted to have the Kit Kats (with the KAT baptismal covenant saying) on a table but then I saw the idea to have Skittles and the "I like to look for Rainbows" baptism song and fell in love with that idea so we did both. It was just how I pictured it. The program turned out just how I wanted to. What's great is now that I have done it once I have it ready for Lydia in 2 years!

Goofy kid felt the need to sign his own mat to put in the frame of his baptism picture. 

In case he forgets he was there?

Susanna took some secret pictures which are pretty fun to have. 

Even though I thought some people may have frowned on this I really wanted a group shot of all the people who came so we went for it. I am so glad we did.  Brother Walker, (back row in the blue shirt) surprised Jared with a gift of 8 dollars.  After the baptism he talked to Jared outside asking him casually how old he was. Jared replied 8 and he reached into his pocket and pulled out 8 dollars rolled up and passed it to Jared.  It was really kind and generous.  Given Jared's love for money it was really awesome to Jared.  In the back row is Jared's friend from school Marcus's parents Eric and Annelle.   They are not members of the church and it was really kind of them to come support Jared.

Grovers, Whites, Brother Courier, Brother Miller, Jessie Charles, DeSimmones,Shaws, Brother Walker, Farnsworths.

 We cleaned up the RS room and then headed over to our house for a get together, just snacks and visiting.

Jared and Marcus

We made CTR cookies and the number 8 out of donuts to be all theme like and had chips and salsa, apples and crackers and cheese. It was fun to visit with people but sort of weird when you are the host as you feel like you  need to try to visit with everyone so you don't have very much quality time with anyone but I am so grateful for so many good friends. I know it was a busy day for lots of people and was so touched that they made time to support Jared.  I hope Jared can remember how he felt this day and how many people care for him and are cheering for him.