Scotty's Baptism

Scotty was baptized on Saturday, April 2nd, in Salt Lake City in between the Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon sessions of General Conference. We drove as a family out to Utah on Friday. We stayed at my parents' condo right across from the Conference Center. After the first session on Saturday, we went over to the stake center just down the street to have his baptism. It was a great experience. Just before the baptism, Emily asked, "Mom, where am I going to be baptized? . . . I want to be baptized at Grandma's house just like Scotty."

It was great to have family there. Mark and Stephanie and their kids - Andrew, Michelle, Chelsea, and Sam were able to come. They had been to a Jazz game the night before and stuck around to come to the baptism. Jean was there with Quinn. Ken's sister, Teresa and part of her family were there also - Alan, Seth, and Abby. Our bishop from Medford and his wife were also able to make it over between sessions. Bishop Merrill conducting the baptism service. Anna and Uncle Mark offered the prayers. Maren gave the talk on baptism (and did an exceptional job). Grandma gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. Scotty chose the music. We sang "Follow the Prophet" for the opening song and "I Like to Look for Rainbows" for the closing song.

There are shining moments in our lives that are unforgettable such as marriage in the temple, the birth of your children, and sons receiving the priesthood. Jonny was able to baptize Scotty. For me that was one of those moments. It was such an incredible experience to see two of my children participating in such an amazing ordinance. When Jonny was baptized, I believe it was Anna that asked, "Mom, is Dad pretending to be Jesus?" It truly is a great experience to act for God and perform an ordinance such as baptism. Jonny did a great job. He was nervous, but he was so gentle but at the same time confident. I am so grateful for happy, obedient children who desire to do what is right.

Scotty was BEAMING! He was so happy. He had been counting down the days to his baptism for about the last six months or so. He is such a fun kid, full of personality. He is a joy to have around. Grandma gave him a set of scriptures with a scripture bag. He was so proud of them.

The spirit at the baptism was amazing. I am so grateful for spiritual experiences in our lives that bring us closer to heaven. It was a great experience for our family and I am grateful we were able to have his baptism in Utah with family. It made it very special.

After the baptism, we had lunch in the church. Grandma had put together sack lunches for everyone. It was so perfect. It's amazing how things work out. We felt the Lord's hand in guiding us where and when to have the baptism. When we were in the planning stages, we would work something out and then it wouldn't seem right and we would go to plan B. It worked out so well to have it at the stake center. The bishop of the ward there was so gracious and helpful. He went and filled the font for us so it would be ready for us on time and then stuck around to make sure everything was okay. We so appreciated that. We had originally planned on having the baptism at Marilyn's stake center after priesthood. It was a good thing that didn't happen though because come priesthood session, I had come down with the stomach flu and wouldn't have been able to be at the baptism. Our Heavenly Father does care about little things in our lives. It was another manifestation to me of his love for us.

After lunch, we rushed over to the conference center to attend the Saturday Afternoon session. Mike was able to get 5 tickets for us. Ken, Jonny, Brian, Scotty, and I were able to go. It was SO great to be there. Scotty was still beaming. The session was incredible as always. It is so neat to feel the spirit of being in the conference center. I was glad my boys were able to experience it as well.

As we were returning through the tunnel back to the condo, we were able to shake Elder Perry's hand. Scotty's comment to everyone after that was, "I got to be baptized, shake an apostle's hand, and be in the conference center ALL in the same day."

It was a great day. I truly am grateful for the gospel in my life and for the blessings it brings to me and my family. Thanks to all of you that participated and added to the spirit of that beautiful day.