Nick's Baptism

Today Nick put on his suit and we all prepared to see him get baptized and become an official member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

We believe that once children turn 8, they reach the age of accountability, know right from wrong and are capable of making a commitment, if they choose, to follow Jesus Christ, by being baptized by immersion. They promise, by participating in that ordinance, to follow Jesus' example, keep God's commandments and to serve others. In turn, God promises them that He will send His Spirit to be with them and He will bless them. Peak of excitment face

Nick and his grandpa ("Bompa") Jim Buckwalter, who flew out for the big day!

Spy mission??

Here's the two handsome hunks ready to go the church.

In all white, symbolic of purity.

Ted holds the Aaronic (and Melchizedek) Priesthood and thus, has authority to baptize Nick.

These are some dear friends who live nearby and their son, Garrett, is a best friend to Nick. They came to witness Nick's baptism and we appreciate and love them so much!!

These are all friends from our church (ward) family. Most live in our community, Sendera Ranch. One is Nick's Sunday School (Primary) teacher, one is his Cub Master (and sons), and the rest are close friends and neighbors. I was so touched at all these friends who came as the weather has been quite stormy, the traffic made it a 45 minute drive each way, and its a busy Saturday. We really love and appreciate our "ward family" so much!!

Here we all are, just before the baptism took place.

The man conducting the service had each child being baptized come up to the stand and he shared some things that we had told them about our son/daughter. The things we shared about Nick were:

That he is a good example and teaches his friends and classmates about "The Golden Rule" including "if you want a friend, you have to be one"...he loves sports, math, reading, drawing; his favorite scripture story is about Helamen and his Stripling Warriors; he loves to sing and his favorite Primary song is, "My Eternal Family" (or "I Am A Builder" which he sings constantly and makes up new words to fit whatever we are doing..for better or worse!) which is a new song we are learning in Primary this year with a very catchy tune.

We went to lunch afterwards to Nick's favorite new place, Genghis Grill, and spent the rest of a thunder-storm afternoon watching a sweet movie, The Tale of Despereaux, which we had not seen. I loved the tale's focus and moral on the power of fear and the power of hope and vision in our lives. I love that message and it is one I try hard to pass on to our children. To have vision of your life is to have the power to make it happen; with a little help from heaven, all things are possible.