June 30, 2015
Luke’s baptism
Jared and I were out of town (in Chicago) for the stake baptism day, so we were all on our own for Luke’s baptism and it kind of snuck up on us! I ordered invitations but we left town and I wasn’t able to send them through the mail in time, so luckily I was able to hand deliver or text/email most of them. Jared pretty much took care of everything (contacting the stake for the font, scheduling the building, talking with Bishop, etc. The day of the baptism I talked with the primary president to make sure we had the baptismal clothes). Jared also took care of the program. Luke decided who he wanted to talk, pray, sing and conduct and then he talked to each one and asked them if they would do it. He did a great job! Grandpa Webb spoke on baptism and Grandma Williams spoke on the Holy Ghost and both did a wonderful job! It was really nice seeing my dad play the role of Grandpa (because he’s a dad all over again with his family) and teach Luke important things. He took the job very seriously and he even gave Luke a compass, which was really cool. Grandma Williams always does a great job speaking on the Holy Ghost. She told interesting stories of how the Holy Ghost can teach, comfort and warn us. She gave Luke a warm, white blanket. Grandpa Williams sang a musical number (Baptism) and Levi said the opening prayer. Wyatt said the closing prayer. Levi was pretty nervous to say the prayer. He started out great but got embarrassed when I told him to talk loud (and he started out a little too loud). Reed was sitting right in front and started laughing uncontrollably. Levi froze, so I got up and helped him finish. I was proud of Levi for being so brave. Maren played the piano, of course.
The day of the baptism was a little hectic. I had an appointment earlier that day and then did a few last minute store runs. Lauren was kind enough to watch the kids while I was gone (Kristy was in town with all the kids). I made a couple stops at the stake center to drop things off, and I spent a little time finishing up the video I made of Luke (birth-8 yrs old). I brought the kids with me to the stake center to start setting up and luckily Jared came home from work and took all the kids (except Wyatt) home to eat dinner and get ready. Also, I was planning on making cupcakes but thankgoodness Jared talked me out of that and we grabbed pre made cookies from Costco! And Jared saved us a ton of time setting the chairs up the night before! Wyatt was a tremendous help setting the cookies out, making lemonade and blowing up balloons. The decorations were simple, but it always takes more time than I think, so Wyatt and I got home at the same time Jared was leaving with the kids to come back to the church. Wyatt and I quickly got ready and rushed down to the church. Once at the church everything slowed down and it was nice. Luke was smiling from ear to ear the entire evening. There were lots of people there to support him! The program went smoothly and Jared said that when they were changing back into their clothes (after the baptism) Luke was pretty much bouncing off the walls because he couldn’t wait to get back out there! What a funny boy. I love Luke so much! He is a happy kid. He has a great sense of humor and loves to tell outrageous stories and make us laugh.
Those in attendance:
Williams
Dad, Mickey, Cooper
Cam, Jenny and girls
Connie, Tim and kids
Carrie, Dan and boys
Ladd, Janet, Maren, Truman, Preston, Trevor
Wade, Kimber and kids
Tyler and Kristy’s kids (Kristy was picking Tyler up from the airport. Kristy and kids have been visiting from PA for a couple of weeks now!)
Porter and Karla’s kids (Karla had her baby earlier in the day!)
Brad, Julie and kids
Jessica, Jordan and boys
Phil, Brittny and Ben Tew
Connor Jones and dad (friend)
Koen Williams and dad (friend)
Sis Petersen (primary pres)
Bro Richardson (2nd counselor in bishopric)
Bro Carlisle (Luke’s primary teacher)
