I was completely nervous when I was asked to speak on baptism for the program. There were three in our ward (we just have ward baptisms) that day and there were a TON of people (probably half at least for Carson though). Anyways, it turned out being the best thing for me to prepare and really feel the Spirit for Carson’s baptism. Instead of just focusing on everyone coming to our house and cleaning and cooking, I got to also focus on the special choice Carson was making and I really felt the Spirit strongly that whole week before. 
Carson doesn’t really get nervous for anything, and this was no exception. He felt completely loved and supported and very very excited! He wanted to go first he was so excited. It was really cute. I asked my Uncle Dirk if he could find 3 new looking 2003 (the year the kids were born) pennies since Dillon said that was the only thing he remembered about his baptism. So for part of my talk I mentioned that because they weren’t accountable, they weren’t dirty like the dirty penny I showed them, but today they would be washed clean and that when we sin, we might not be as clean as the new shiny pennies, but through repentance and taking the Sacrament, we can be new like the shiny pennies again. I also gave each of the kids the poem Washed Clean by Elder Packer (BEAUTIFUL poem…I didn’t read all of it but read bits of it and tried to explain it to them). This is what helped me feel the Spirit so strongly during that week! The fact that the wonderful news of the gospel is that we can mess up and we can repent because of our Savior. I really wanted the kids to realize how much the Atonement and the Sacrament mean after we are baptized! 
I bought him this baptism book from Seagull and I’m so happy I did. He filled it all out that day. The types of things he kept writing over and over was, “I felt really good inside. I felt really happy!” Another thing I love about this book is that there were places for people to sign, all the details of baptism and promises and that sort of thing, then places for him, us parents, our Bishop, his Primary teacher, and siblings to write their testimony down. He excitedly presented it to all of them. It was great for Devon because he got to feel included as well. And by the way, his teacher LOVES him so much in Primary. She says he is so good at participating, and she once passed around some papers to draw on and she said he wrote her a thank you note. So sweet. 
When he was confirmed a member and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, I asked him how he felt when Dillon paused after telling him to receive the Holy Ghost. Carson thought about it and said, “Oh! He paused so I could feel the Spirit!” I asked if he did and he said, “Yes! I felt happy. I felt really warm inside. I felt really really happy!” So there I was, enjoying all the festivities and feeling very happy myself, when I realized after most everyone had gone home, that I forgot to take pictures of everyone at my house! Me–the person who ALWAYS is taking pictures of EVERYTHING! I was slightly disappointed with myself. I knew there was a reason why I was feeling so relaxed! It was actually wonderful to be honest :)! But I am a bit sad I didn’t take more pictures. Here’s a few just to show you a portion of who was there. 
So thank you so much everyone who came. We could feel your love and support and it was so great to see you all! My friend Dezi had blogged about her son’s baptism and something neat they did. You just have people write down some of their thoughts, advice, testimony, or something to Carson that he can read. He really felt special reading those messages! 
And lastly, I made him this cute scripture case to give him his new scriptures. We just bought the cheapest ones so I had to figure out the divider thing, but it ended up working great and saving some money. He really loves them and it was so cute to see him open it and tell me how much he liked them. 
Perfect day! It was great. I’m so proud of Carson and the choices he’s making. He’s really a great kid. I can’t believe we’ll be doing it again with Devon in less than a year and a half!
What a beautiful day! And what a great way to look at having to give a talk. (I was definitely relieved when East wanted to ask his uncles. :)