Jonah's Baptism

Jonah was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints yesterday.  He has been very excited for this day.  We have been trying to teach and prepare him for this decision.  We told him that it was his decision and he needed to be the one to make it.  We gave him a few lessons on baptism and then we had him give a lesson on baptism for Family Home Evening.  He has been praying to know if this is the right choice for him.  He told us that he felt good about it and he wanted to be baptized.  He was so funny when we met with the bishop.  Bishop Allred did a great job of explaining things to him and asking him questions.  When it was over Bishop Allred asked Jonah if he had any questions for him.  Jonah said, "so how did you get to be a bishop?"  Jonah wants to be a bishop so he was hoping for the inside scoop on how to become one.  Ha!  I told him we will see if he still wants to be one in thirty years.

I made sure that I had everything planned and ready so that the day would not be stressful.  We were all up and ready in plenty of time to get to the church on time and even had time for pictures. 

I sure love this family of mine!

We are sure proud of this boy.  He really is a great kid.

Handsome guys!

Jonah loved all of the pictures I took.  Ha! He was a good sport about them.  I warned him that I would be taking a lot of pictures that day.

Jenna made him this towel.  She made one for Caitlyn and I was secretly hoping she would make Jonah one too.  He loves it!

I love seeing Keith use his Priesthood with our kids. The baptism and confirmation were beautiful.  I stood on the stairs and watched the baptism so I could be there to wrap Jonah in his towel when he was finished.  I took a minute and just talked to him about how he felt.  While they were getting dressed I had everyone write their testimony down for Jonah.  I put it in a binder and he stayed up reading them last night. Keith talked a lot about Jonah being a good example in his blessing. 

After that we went to our ward building for the lunch.  I love these pictures of Jonah.  We had Jonah write down his testimony and displayed it so people could read it.  He did it all by himself and it was beautiful.  It says, "I'd like to bare my testimony.  I know the church is true and I'm glad I chose to be baptized so I can repent of my sins and feel the Holy Ghost.  I'm glad that my dad could baptize me. I'm glad that we have a prophet and the Book of Mormon to teach us about Jesus.  I'm also glad we have a bishop for the leader of the 8th ward.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

I'm so grateful to all of our friends and family that came out and supported Jonah on his special day.  It meant so much to him and us.  Some people couldn't stay for the lunch, but we sure appreciated them coming to the baptism. 

I hope Jonah always remembers how many people are rooting for him and love him. 

Jonah with the grandparents! 

We had a yummy lunch and I was able to relax and visit.  I am so grateful that I was able to relax and enjoy the day.  I don't want to ruin these special days by stressing the whole time.  I'm so glad that Jonah made this decision.  I love hearing my kids bare their testimonies.  They know so much and are so close to their Heavenly Father and Jesus.  I am so grateful to know that Heavenly Father is always looking out for my kids.