Grant's Very Special Day

 July 30, 2011 was a very special day for Grant and our family. It was the day he was baptized. It was such a special event for us to have our last child become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was made even more special by having all of the kids home and participating in the program.  

All the grandparents were there along with Uncle Doug, Aunt Lori and their family, Aunt Susan and Connie, Aunt Tiffany, Chase, and Chloe, and Uncle Dennis.  

Sister Dicenzo, Grant's piano teacher, played the music for us. I led the music. Grant chose the songs I Am A Child of God and If I Listen With My Heart. Following the opening song Catherine said the prayer.  Geoffrey gave a wonderful talk on Baptism. It was nice to hear him talk to his little brother about the importance of repentance and how the atonement works for us in our lives.

Gatlin performed the baptism while the grandfathers served as witnesses.  Grant’s little toe barely stayed under the water and I mean split second timing barely, before the rest of him was under.  It was close but he was fully immersed for that split second and Gatlin didn’t have to do it over again.

Gordon spoke on receiving the Holy Ghost and the wonderful gift that is in our lives.  Following his talk Dale confirmed Grant a member of the church and through the sacred priesthood power that he holds gave the gift of the Holy Ghost to Grant. 

Dale was joined in the circle by Geoffrey, Gordon, Grandpa Brown and Grandpa Reid, Uncle Doug and Van as well as Bishop Yeafoli and Brother Thornton.

After the closing song Gregory gave a beautiful closing prayer that made me sob.  I haven’t heard him pray for so long. It was such a wonderful prayer and you could truly feel the Spirit in the room. It was such a beautiful  program and I was so proud of all of my children.   I am grateful to be married to a man that is worthy to confirm his son a member of Christ’s church. What a gift that is for our family.   I am proud of my children for the efforts they make to do what’s right and be on track with how the Lord wants them to live.  We are not a perfect family. We travel down paths that lead us off track now and then but in the end we try to do the right thing and get back on track so that we can return to our Father in Heaven. 

I am so pleased that Grant has decided to join us on this pathway back to our Father.  

It has been a tradition in our family that the boy just old enough has baptized his sibling. Geoffrey baptized Catherine and Gordon baptized Gatlin. Since Gatlin turned 16 six months before Grant turned 8 it was his turn to do the honors. Dale has always felt it was an important honor for his sons to use their Priesthood in this capacity. 

I couldn't convince Grant to stay in his church clothes long enough for pictures with everyone. He wanted to wear his Disney shirt so here he is with his Uncle Doug, Aunt Lori and his cousins. This is the first time we have been together for any of our children's baptisms since they live in Utah. They were nice enough to hold off driving home for a few hours so they could be at Grant's baptism and lunch after. We love these guys!!!

Van took our picture for us. He is a great photographer but unfortunately the toddler's fingers were not cooperating with him.

Grant with his very special grandparents...The Browns and the Reids

Aunt Susan and cousin Connie also made it. Love the support from family.  Aunt Tiffany and Chase and Chloe came as well but we didn't end up with a picture of them.