Its Great to be Eight....Baptism!

His baptism day. What a day. Seriously, in my parenting career...of 8 years now, this was one of my most memorable and perfectly perfect days. One I know I will never forget, mainly because of my incredible little 8 year old. I was in awe of him all day long, I mean I know he is special every time I look at him, but this was just an extra special day. His strong little spirit was felt by all, and I feel so blessed to be the mama that gets to raise him.

He turned 8 back in June. Usually you are baptized the next month. The Saturday before fast Sunday. July was vacation, August was Lance's baptism, so finally on August 31 it was his turn. His day.

Seriously, I was so relieved to have the day finally here. As a mom, it was a lot of work. And a lot of stress for me. I wanted everything to be perfect. The weather, the location, his pictures, his little suit, our clothes, the food, my family...I so wanted it all to come together. It was also quite costly. So when the big day was finally here I was pretty happy.

A few weeks before, we met my sister, who is an amazing little amateur photographer over at the Logan temple so she could take a few pictures of my boy in his first official suit and tie. They turned out so perfect. She has such a gift, I am so grateful she was able to capture him at this age and at this moment. She took that top picture, and a few more I will show you at the end of this post. I used some of the pictures to create his baptism invitations and then we also created a keepsake book through Shutterfly with all of the pictures. Well she probably took about 50 and we narrowed it down to our favorite 15. We had them arranged in the book and then also left some blank pages where all those that attended could write him a little message.

I seriously didn't get very many pictures of the actual day, it was so crazy and hectic and also really personal and in the moment. I didn't want to miss that by fumbling around with my camera. So I got a couple right before, and that's about it. Here he is in front of the church all dressed in his white.

And here he is with his dad. There are a few moments that stand out in my mind concerning the father of my children. Their blessing days and now Carson's baptism are at the top of that list. Seeing the man I love, and the little boy we both love, all dressed in white just gives me chills. Its like a little glimpse of my eternity, my forever. The people I hold most dear in this life, my whole world, my whole everything, seeing them like this, on this day. I'll never forget it. Don't think I have ever felt heaven so close to earth as I did in that moment. It was perfect.

And our family. I hate to say it, but I have never seen anything quite so cute as my littles in shirt and tie. I was just dying over their adorableness. Who says dressing little boys isn't fun, whatever. Its so dang fun! As far as myself goes, in that exact picture....well I was a hot mess!! Seriously, I don't think I have ever been so hot in my life. I had been running around for like 3 hours before that, getting us all ready, getting the park ready, the food. Then I get dressed in this very cute but very hot outfit. With my long, thick hair down around me. HOT! HOT! Then you add the chaos of greeting all our family and friends, being the center of attention always gets me a little hot and bothered. Seriously you guys, I can't even tell you how hot I was. Ugh!! Just keeping it real friends. Surprised this picture even turned out of me.

It was truly such a special baptism. It was just him that day. No other stake/ward little kids were being baptized. Usually there is a couple more and you share the day with other 8 year olds and their family. But no one that day. Which meant we got to plan the whole program. Vovo and Aunt Ashley said the prayers, my cousin led the music, uncle Eric played the piano, Jenny and Gus gave the talks. It was so special, so personal, so all about Carson. We were so fortunate to have it that way. The room was packed, our bishop and primary president couldn't get over how many people showed up. We are blessed with amazing families on both sides. And everyone showed up for our boy, it was truly perfect.

After the baptism, I met Carson back in the dressing room to help him change. And that is the moment that stands out the most to me on that day. He had been so excited, talking non stop about it all morning long. Unlike his mom, he thrives on being the center of attention. He felt so cool that this day was all about him. His smile was huge and radiant as he came out of that water. He sat so intently listening to Jen and Gus's talks, nodding along as if he understood everything they were saying. Then as I met him back in the dressing room, our eyes met, both of us smiling so huge and ridiculous, and what does he do....he pumps his little arm up in the air and shouts "Yeah". I'll never forget it. The pure joy and exuberance coming out of him. The happiness just sparkling around him. His spirit was so strong, so alive. It seriously make me bawl just typing it. I just hope and pray that his testimony of Jesus Christ and of our church always stays as bright as it was this day. I know he didn't understand the importance of all the covenants he made, but I hope he will never forget the spirit that was there. That room that was so full of love for him. The people in his life that were there, that showed up to show their support and their love. I just hope he never forgets. I know I won't.

We rented out a pavilion right in between our house and the church. Tons of food, tons of family, toys at the park for the kids. Loved it.

The next day was Sunday. He wore his little suit, carried his new scriptures, his new CTR ring around his finger, and a CTR charm pinned to his tie. He was so proud. I was so proud. He was announced in primary, he was announced in sacrament. He strutted his stuff all the way up to the pulpit, stood next our bishop and looked out over the congregation as the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He bore his testimony even. Inspired me to bare mine as well. Which never happens. It was just a weekend I will never forget.

Love this boy. So much so. I know I am the one that is supposed to be teaching him, but in reality he teaches me. Every single day. To be a better person. To love bigger. To be kinder. To never judge. He has the most Christ like heart I have ever known. He is so full of goodness, so full of love and empathy. I am so proud of the little boy he is, and the man I know he will become. These pictures bring tears to my eyes, my mind fast forward to 10 years from now, when I will be sending my first born as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ. The thought hurts my heart, because of how I will miss him. But thrill my heart because of the missionary I know he will be. The lives I know he will bless. The world receives a gift every day that this little boy is a part of it. He is one of a kind, and I love him with my whole heart.