ow! I can't believe I now have three baptized children. I remember how surreal it seemed the day Aubrie was baptized. I just felt like my kids were growing up so fast, and now my little Ethan is eight and Baptized. He was Baptized May 5th. He was baptized a month late, because we were in Hawaii for the first Stake Baptism day after his birthday. We considered baptizing him in Hawaii, but since Ethan didn't know we were going to Hawaii, I didn't feel good about making that decision for him. I'm glad we had him baptized here. He was surrounded with his friends and family, and everything else was wonderful about his special day.
First, I have to mention and show off his cute Baptism announcement. Terri Moore threw this together last minute. I put it on Facebook and it got a lot of comments on how cute he is. He is so handsome. Those freckles are so cute, and he has that sparkling smile.
The day of his Baptism was a little busy in the morning, but it really worked out perfectly. Aubrie and Boston both had their soccer games at the same time and early in the morning, and Sophia had hers Friday night. That opened up the afternoon, and so we had no conflicts. I believe that was meant to be! Ben took Ethan a little early to get him ready, and while I finished things up here.
Ethan had a lot in attendance. I was sad that my parents couldn't attend, but my Dad was in the hospital, and my Mom couldn't fly out. Ben's parents, Craig, Bryce, Nicole and Shea were the family that attended. He also had several friends, that included his best friend Xander. Also, his piano teacher, Heather, came with her kids. The Hawkins also came.
The Baptism talk was very good, and one the kids could relate to. The speaker spoke to the kids level, and even called them by name. Our Ward was the first to go (Ethan was the only child from our Ward so it was all about him). After he was baptized, and everyone went to the room to wait for him to get dressed, I passed out note cards to everyone, and asked them to write on it some words of advise or something they liked about Ethan, or both. That passed the time nicely, and was also a nice thing to give Ethan later in the day.
I was inspired to ask our old Hometeacher, and Ethan's recently released cub scout leader, Ryan Morse to give the talk on the Holy Ghost. That was divine inspiration. Ryan started his talk out by telling Ethan he got him a gift. He then pulled out walkie talkie radios. Ethan's eyes were instantly glued to Ryan. Ryan spoke about how the Holy Ghost is like a radio, and spoke about how we get on the right frequencies by doing right things, and also about how there is an emergency announcement feature, and related that to how the Holy Ghost warns us. He continued going over all the functions and related it to the Holy Ghost. It was PERFECT for Ethan and every other kid that was there. Ethan got his white blanket that he had been looking forward to, and then after the Bishop spoke, Aubrie led the closing song, "I Have a Family Here on Earth", which was Ethan's pick.
After the services, we came back to the house for a BBQ. Ethan had fun with his friends, but half way through the party, I found him changed out of swimsuit, and walking to the office with his white blanket and his box of note cards, and other cards he had received. I found it endearing that he was excited for his blanket. I really felt that he appreciated his baptism day. The next day was Fast Sunday, and Ethan fasted without having to be told. That was a miracle within itself, considering how much that kid likes to eat. Then at church he was so well behaved. His teacher even mentioned how well behaved he was.
Even though he still has a lot ot work on, we have noticed a softening, and a greater desire from him to be better. He is such a sweet endearing boy. We are so lucky to have him!
