Everett's Baptism

Everett was excited to be baptized for over two years. As soon as he turned six, I think he felt he was in the homestretch for this major life event.

Everett had to wait six weeks after his birthday to be baptized, but it was worth it!  Almost all of our family was able to attend because we waited until we traveled to Utah for Christmas.

Joel baptized Everett the day after Christmas.  I may have been so preoccupied with traveling, packing Christmas for five kids, and figuring out if we have everything we need no matter which house we were staying in, that I forgot a couple of things I promised I'd bring to the post-baptism luncheon.  Fortunately, everyone is so gracious that it all worked out fine.

I had to take some baptism photos of Everett in his new suit.  He wasn't thrilled with this idea but I thought he looked so cute (uh, handsome) in his suit that I couldn't help myself.

Unfortunately, I forgot to explain to Everett that he needed to treat his suit differently than his regular church clothes.  After the baptism, Everett had fun running and sliding across the gym floor with his cousins.  The result?  Holes burned into the knees of his suit pants and scuffed-up (new) shoes.

Sigh.  Lesson learned.  At least we have pictures of him wearing it!

The kids were all very proud of Everett.  They were not too happy about standing still for a picture but they were excited for Everett's special day.

Everett is very blessed--he doesn't know how blessed--to have two sets of wonderful, loving grandparents.

We were thrilled to have my parents come.  My Dad presented Everett with his scriptures.  Everett was thrilled to own his grandfather's scriptures.  He has taken very good care of that special memento.  He is lucky to be able to learn from his Grandma and Grandpa Burton.

Joel's parents hosted the baptism in their church building.  I don't know what I would have done without them, particularly my mother-in-law.  She was amazing and took charge of the details that I could very well have been overwhelmed by.  We had a nice luncheon afterwards thanks to her hard work.  Everett is lucky to have these two wonderful people in his life.

My grandparents came to Everett's baptism, which was a real treat.  Everett calls them "oma" and "opa."  They gave him a special remembrance book and Everett has been working to fill in the details of his special day.  It is because of their support that Everett's baptism was even more meaningful.  I think Everett would happily do anything they asked of him.

I had to get in a picture.  Everett and Joel looked great together in their whites.  Everett's were the wrong size but he didn't care a bit.  

Everett was pretty nervous, which is a little unusual for him.  I think he had been looking forward to this for so long that he was worried about making a mistake.  Fortunately the baptismal ordinance is so simple there is very little opportunity for error.

Joel was mouth for a beautiful blessing which bestowed the gift of the Holy Ghost on Everett.  Everett was excited for this.  He wrote in his book of remembrance: "I felt nervous and happy.  I felt nervous because I thought they were going to say the wrong words and happy because it was exciting."

Everett also wrote that his blessing promised him that he would easily recognize the Holy Ghost and should listen to the Holy Ghost in order to help him and those around him.  The blessing also reminded Everett that he has a supportive family and that they will love him.

I do remember, but not in exact words, that the blessing promised Everett that he would have and recognize many opportunities to serve those around him.  

I was so glad that Everett and Joel got to share this special time.  Moms get to do so much for their kids from birth to adulthood, it is really nice to have milestones that revolve also around the fathers.  I am glad that Joel is the father in our family--he is the best man I know and I love what he does for us.

Everett has a deep, tender testimony of our church.  He loves the gospel and he loves the Savior, and he loves praying and reading the scriptures.  He has a testimony that the scriptures teach truth and he loves trying to emulate the heroes within.  Everett has a great heart and I am grateful for a church that teaches tenderness and love and responsibility in a time that these attributes are not very celebrated, especially in boys.

Turning eight meant that Everett also got to start going to cub scouts.  I don't know very much about this program, but I think I am falling in love with the things it teaches.  Everett loves doing the activities and learning, and I think it will help him to be more well-rounded.