Big Day

Things are a little different these days.

But some things never change.

Boys keep growing up and older and milestones are met.

Emerson turned 8 in July but with Covid, and construction and general life running amuck we waited to arrange his baptism.

And waited.

With cases of covid lower than they have been and Caleb now living here we seized an opportunity.

And then I had a migraine for a few days and wondered if it was wise. But in a few moments without an aching head I knew I needed to send out the link/announcement.  I wasn't feeling terribly inspired to make him a tasteful, reverent announcement of this decision to take the first step on the covenant path...  

So this is what was sent. 

It really captured him though.  And effectively got the important info. across.

Then Saturday morning dawned, overcast, snowing and blizzard like... see last blog post for the adventures in snow and trucks!!

But we made it to the church.  Bishop (Uncle James) and Aunt Tina were there waiting for us.  We spent more time trying to find large enough white jumpsuits for our big 8 year old and his big dad, than we spent setting up chairs. 

We snapped a few photos.

I couldn't resist a Covid Baptism photo.  We were prepared in case there were others in the building and we had to mask up but it was only us.  (we had been told there were 3 baptisms scheduled that day, so I didn't know if we'd be sharing the building, but they were spread out through the day)

So we hooked up the zoom link and began.

(I wasn't able to capture a screen shot of everyone who attended... some didn't have cameras on also. Miles was there for a bit and Schmidt girls, and the Ranch)

He chose 'Jesus want me for a Sunbeam' for his opening song and then Grandma gave an opening prayer (via zoom)

Tina bore her testimony of Baptism and commented that his choice of song was ideal.  Emerson has always had a joy about him and that song showed his personality and his testimony of the simplicity of choosing to be a sunbeam for Jesus.

Then he was baptized by daddy... with Whittaker and Caleb as witnesses.

Then Miles bore his testimony in Spanish (via zoom)

Caleb then confirmed him a member of the church and conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Whittaker next.  He chose to have Duncan ordain him to the office of a Deacon in the priesthood.

We sang, I hope they call me on a Mission and then Whittaker gave the closing prayer. 

It was short and definitely sweet.

I don't think I'd realized until it was happening how many little touching events were taking place.  All five sons were involved in some way, even via technology.  

(The spiffy boys... didn't get a photo with all the handsome men)

It was over and it was perfect... and Emerson was still visiting with the zoom guests on the phone as we climbed in the truck to head home. 

I had planned to give a talk on the Holy Ghost but it had been forgotten... so I gave it in the truck on the way home.  It was more relaxed and informal... but I prefer that anyway!

Finding these images on the zoom... helps me to know that I still need to work on giving more succinct talks... I struggle with being a tad long-winded... and this format didn't keep me in check time wise.... I ended up carrying on for 22 minutes.  yikes.  

Summary of talk... (condensed for 45 seconds of reading)

Parable is a greek word for comparison

This is the modern day Parable of the cell phone

The Holy Ghost is like a cell phone.  

* You always have access to use one, but when you own your own it's more accessible

- Everyone can have the Holy Ghost, but when you have the gift of it, it's more accessible

*You have to charge a cell phone for it to work

-You have to live righteously and do things like prayer and scriptures to 'charge' your spirit

*There are dead zones where cell phones won't work

-There are places and times that the Holy Ghost can't be... Stand in Holy Places (create holy places)

*Some places have full bars and better service

-Learn where your full spiritual signal strength is..  (when you study scriptures, in temple, in a certain room or spot...)

*Personalized ringtones 

-Recognize how the spirit speaks to you.

*Cell phones have GPS, phone and texting(communication/connection to people), google access to info., notifications and alerts, entertainment/music/, access to prophets words and scriptures

-Holy Ghost gives guidance, messages from heaven, revelation, warnings/protection, comfort/peace and joy, testifies of Christ

Every inch a gentleman

 

The aspired for 72" (6') has been reached.  

Better than the 72" he is tall, is that he's,

 every inch delightful,

every inch helpful,

every inch a hard worker,

every inch active and adventurous,

every inch dependable,

every inch willing,

every inch creative and capable,

every inch savvy (tech and otherwise),

every inch muscle and strength,

every inch gentle and sweet,

every inch kind to his brothers, to animals, to the elderly, to everyone he meets,

every inch... ALWAYS hungry.

And at just 16 years old... he's still growing in wisdom, stature and favour!

Left foot, Right foot, Feet, Feet, Feet.. Oh how many feet you meet.

Once upon a time... 

Twelve years ago.  In a relaxing moment in July, I captured the normally busy feet of the children in my care.  It was a hectic time with chaos at every turn but it was an enjoyable time. 

Derek, Kenzie, Miles, Sarah, Caleb, Audrey, Duncan, Cooper

We're in another state, there aren't as many feet running around here all the time.. There are no more pitter pattering feet, in fact the feet these days are enormous.  Their play is certainly different and our day to day lives are still chaotic and busy, but no less enjoyable.  

Caleb, Duncan, Patrick.