Owen's Baptism Day

Owen's baptism day was very special.  Owen has been preparing for his baptism all year.  He has two wonderful books from his grandparents that he read and discussed with us.  He prayed a lot to be able to prepare properly.

  We were blessed to have Nana and Grandpa, Aunt Lucy, Grandma Spencer, her friend Ashley, and Great Aunt Elizabeth join us for the baptism, as well as some of our good friends.  Owen asked James and I to give the talks.  He actually couldn't think of anyone besides James to give a talk, but when informed that he needed to pick two people, he said I could give the second one.  :-)  He enjoyed going over to the church to help James fill the font.

During the service, Owen was very quiet and reverent and attentive.  James spoke about the miracle of Owen's birth--a miracle to us because he was an 8 lb baby, totally healthy, when he was born.  He talked about how Owen is starting a new life now, just like he did when he was born.  He really spoke from his heart and it was a great talk.  The baptism went well, and Owen was glowing and happy when he came out of the water.  I talked a bit about how the Holy Ghost is a gift, and Heavenly Father wants us to use it, just like when we get a gift from our parents or friends, they want us to use it.  I reminded him of some times he had already used it, and how that was good practice for when he could have the Holy Ghost with him all the time.  The Bishop gave some heartfelt remarks.  He knew Grandpa Spencer at dental school, and he talked about what a wonderful person he was and said he was sure that he was aware of this baptism and was pleased.
We had some delicious cupcakes--handcrafted and decorated by Aunt Lucy--and yummy spiced cider drink (leftover from the trio recital the night before) afterwards.  Owen is officially a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and happy to be so.  For Christmas we are giving him a new set of scriptures with his name on them and a white towel with his baptism date inscribed on it.  We are thrilled with this sweet boy and love watching him as he learns to use his new Gift and other gifts of the Spirit that will come to him as he continues to grow and mature.  He has already proven to be a teacher for his parents.  He said to me the other day, "Why don't we have Home Evening anymore?  I miss it!"  This is because our home evenings have been less "official" as we take the kids to hockey on Monday nights.  He also made a comment to the bishop at tithing settlement.  When the bishop mentioned that we learn certain things during FHE, Owen piped up with, "We don't do that anymore."  ;-)  It was a good kick in the pants for James and I to try harder and focus more in this area.  We are thankful for this boy.

At work making the icing decorations to top the cupcakes--so much fun Lu!