Eight is Great: Baptism!!!

This is Nathan's invites for his baptism. Thank you digital camera and Sam's Club for this end result.

 

Daddy, Nate and Mommy right before the baptism. And the tears had already began.

Grandpa and Nate. Grandpa got the honors of baptizing him.

So glad that Tilisa, Sophie and Wiatt could be there on his special day.

And this is our family. Colton is never happy when we it's a picture moment. I've accepted this is how all our photo's are going to go during his childhood.

Grandpa and Grandma-thanks for coming out.

The grandkids that were there. Notice Colton isn't as angry:)

We wanted a cute picture of them all but they were DONE!!! It really had been a long week for everyone. However, I love this picture- in years to come it's going to be a great memory for me.

Grandpa Howell and Grandpa Fritz

Danny, Josh and Nate playing Beyblades. This is what he chose in replace of the alarm clock.

Grandma and Tilisa getting lunch and snacks ready for their trip back home.

Colton and Wiatt  are entertaining Grandpa H, Mari and Grandpa F

     First off, I want to thank everyone that came out to Missouri to Nate's baptism. I know it was a far trip and right after Thanksgiving nonetheless. But thank you-we really appreciate your support and love on his special day. Thank you Dan and Mari for coming and being there for Nate it meant a lot to us that you made the sacrifice to be here with him. Thank you Tilisa, Sophie and Wiatt for driving out here especially being pregnant. Been there, done that, it's a harder trip when you are pregnant. Thanks Mom and Pop for being here and being a apart of his baptism. We are so grateful for all our family's love and support since we do live so far away from everyone. It's not easy or realistic to always be there for these special occasions so know that we are very  indebted to you.

     On November 26th, 2011, Nathan Christopher was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Danny, Pop and Nathan went early to get dressed and the rest of us came later. The minute I finished setting up some pictures and looked at my Nate all dressed in white and ready to be baptized, I began crying. I couldn't believe my baby Nate had reached this age. 8 years has just come and gone. He was ready for this day. He was excited for his baptism. He had been planning this day for months now. He chose everything for the program. He chose his grandpa Howell to baptize him. We told him that was fine but he needed to be the one to call and ask him about it. And he did. He chose his grandma Howell to give a talk on the Holy Ghost and once again, he called her and asked her to talk. He decided to have his Grandpa Fritz give a prayer, his brother Josh also said a prayer. He chose his songs, 'I love to see the Temple' and 'Praise to the Man.' He asked his Aunt Tilisa to lead the music and our friend Melissa Reynolds to play the music. His dad did the confirmation and his mom gave a talk on baptism.

     Bishop Piontek conducted the meeting. We sang I love to see the Temple then had Grandpa Fritz give the prayer. I gave the talk and it wasn't until my testimony that I started crying again. Then he was baptized. While we waited for him, everyone wrote a letter to him bearing their testimony. Then mom gave her talk. She did a really great job and had some great visuals aids that she had made. Nate had a beautiful confirmation by his father. The spirit was strong as he conferred the Holy Ghost on him. I couldn't help but think of our loved ones on the other side. And I honestly feel that their were a few there at that time. I know they aren't there for every thing in our lives but this was one of those times that I could feel them. I know his Grandma Fritz and sister Lidia wanted to share this special day with Nate. Lastly, we closed with Praise to the Man and then Josh said the prayer.
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     Finally we came back to the house (just the family)  and had some finger foods. Nate also had some presents to open that he'd been dying to unwrap. He got a little children's songbook that he'd been wanting forever (he's kind of weird). New scriptures and case, tie, tie pin, future missionary tag, hold to the rod key chain, a world globe puzzle, and a new white towel. I think that was it. But thank you everyone for his gifts and for coming. It was a beautiful day. The only downside to it all was having to say goodbye to mom, pop, Tilisa and the kids. That really stunk! I hate saying good bye and not knowing when we'll see each other again. That was a bummer- It really is harder being the one left behind than the one going! But on a good note, the boys now have a new favorite restaurant- Golden Corral. They loved the chocolate fountain!

     Our bishop had told us that Nate was well prepared to be baptized. He knew the answers to his questions. In fact,  the next day the bishop's wife told us, that he told her that he really enjoyed Nate's baptism. She said that he says they all baptisms are good but that this one was really special and got to him. He had enjoyed being there with Nate-and thought he was just a wonderful kid.  Of course I really enjoyed hearing that-it made me feel so good.

      It was a simple service but it was beautiful. The spirit was there. I know that Nate is doing what is right. He chose to get baptized and follow our Savior's example. This is only the first step in returning back to our Heavenly Father. I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet that restored Christ's gospel to the earth once more. I know the scriptures are true. I know my Savior died for my sins and but lives again. I know our Heavenly Father wants us back to Him. I know He know me. I know He knows my family and I know He knows that Nathan chose to follow him by being baptized. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.