Spencer's Special Day

Yesterday, Saturday August 18th, 2012, was a very special day for Spencer and the rest of our family.  Spencer was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  As he would tell you, he was "finally" baptized!  He has been looking forward to it since July 1st when he turned 8 years old.  

It was a beautiful day and we were so blessed that many friends and family members were able to share the day with us.  Grandpa Stephens said the opening prayer, William gave a great talk on Baptism where he used a picture of Spencer and talked about how we are clean when we are born, but as we grow we make mistakes, or sin.  He used peanut butter to put little smears on the picture that represented the sins that we all make.  He then took a paper towel that had the word baptism written on it and wiped the picture clean, showing that through baptism, Christ has given us a way to become clean from all our sins.  He then went on to explain that even after we are baptized, we sometimes sin and that we can be forgiven and "wiped clean" by repenting and partaking of the Sacrament each week.  He did a really good job with it.  Then William, Jacob, and Nathan and Kaitlyn Peterson sang a Primary Baptism song, sister Ray (the Primary President) talked for a few minutes and gave Spencer a white embossed Baptism towel.  Then Spencer was Baptized by John.  It was so cute to see all the kids gathered around the font watching as Spencer entered the water.  The baptism was beautiful and then as Spencer left the water, Annalise announced, "now I get in the water!" She was not a happy girl when I carried her away explaining that only Spencer was getting in the water now, but that she could go swimming later when we got home.  

After the baptism, Grandma Stephens spoke about the Gift of Holy Ghost.  She had many objects to help explain how the Holy Ghost can help us.  All of which she gave to Spencer after her talk.  Included in these, was his very own set of Scriptures with his name on them!  He was also super excited about the flashlight, compass, and bag of candy that was included!

Then Spencer was confirmed a member of the church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  It was neat to  see such a big circle of friends, men who all hold the priesthood as they conferred this gift to my son.  Wonderful moment!

Then Brother Cooper and Brother Walker officially welcomed Spencer into the ward, we sang a closing song and Jacob gave the closing prayer.  It was a beautiful ceremony!

Spencer and John before the baptism. 

Jacob, Nathan, Kaitlyn, and William practicing for their song.  They did a great job!

Annalise hanging out with her favorite man...next to her dad of course.   

Annalise and Brother Layne Peterson.  I love this picture!  So sweet.

Spencer all dressed in his white clothes and ready for his baptism.  He was so excited! 

After the baptism, we had everyone over for a light lunch/party for Spencer.  Not everyone was able to make it over, but it was nice to visit with those who did.

My fresh, perfectly clean boy next to his cake! 

Shellie and Mark Patton, Layne and Becky Peterson, Eric Crandall, and John. 

A blurry, but happy Bryce.  He had a great time watching little Isaac Patton (6 months old) roll around on the floor next to him.   

Annalise, Emma Crandall, Jenn Crandall, Jacob Crandall, Anna Crandall (I think), Jeffrey Bates, and our wonderful home teacher Brother Jared Bates. 

Swimming after lunch! 

Joseph Crandall and Annalise.  They played really well together with these trains.  It was amazing to watch Joseph walk around on those casts.  They didn't slow him down a bit! 3 year olds are amazing! 

I kept trying to get a picture with them looking at me, but they were way to busy to be bothered with that! 

Congratulations Spencer!