Thomas's Baptism

Thomas stole my heart the minute he was born. With gigantic sapphire blue eyes (it's as if God stuck two of Thomas's birth stones in place of eye balls), a sprinkling of freckles and a sticking up tuft of hair, to know Thomas is to love Thomas. He's sensitive. He sympathetic. He loves his family. He's terribly honest.

Thomas turned eight years old in September. Eight is a pretty exciting age. He's become a cub scout and loves attending his den meetings each week. He was excited to attend the Sunday morning session of General Conference with us at the Conference Center and hear President Monson speak. He loves President Monson and when it was his turn to prepare and present Family Home Evening last week, he and his dad acted out the President Monson's story about nearly burning down the canyon when he was a boy. He's been so looking forward to his baptism and has helped plan the event

Thomas was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last Saturday. We prepared for days. We picked out a new suit and tie; met with the Bishop and the Primary President; sent announcements; planned the program; cleaned the house; prepared copious amounts of food to feed our large extended family and talked with Thomas at length about what to expect and how to prepare.

Saturday was a beautiful, crisp and sunny fall day. Thomas dressed in his suit and went to the church with is family. His grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and many friends were there to support him. He requested that Neal and Amberly give the prayers. His grandfathers gave the short talks about baptism and the confirmation of the Holy Ghost. Thomas has learned much over his first eight years in Primary and at home during Family Home Evenings and our evening scripture study. He's now accountable for his actions and old enough to make sacred covenants with his Heavenly Father to be obedient to his commandments and to always remember Jesus Christ.

Thomas was baptized by his father. His was the last baptism of the day and the water was chilly. He was so excited and cold that he could hardly keep from bouncing. His siblings and cousins gathered close to watch. Being the last one, Thomas also had to pull the plug to drain the font. He had to dive down a few times. Cheered on by his cousins, it might not have been the most reverent moment.

Thomas and his dad changed back into their suits and the spirit returned as Thomas's grandfather shared a message about the Holy Ghost. Then he was surrounded by his father, grandfathers and uncles, who hold the priesthood, as his father confirmed Thomas a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost. Beaming, Thomas gave each person a hug. He was so excited. Later, when I spoke with him, he mentioned that even the talks were just for him. It was his day.



Afterward, our family and friends joined us at our house for a luncheon. We had Hawaiian Haystacks (Thomas's favorite) and cake. The kids had fun playing with their cousins even though they got in the mud. Not sure all their parents went home happy that some of the smaller kids got their "Sunday" clothes muddy. Otherwise, it was a lovely day and Thomas was happy.

It's still hard to believe my tiny, little boy is eight years old. I'm so proud of the boy he is and the choices he has made.