Mosey's baptism

Mosey was baptized on January 14.  On Friday (the 13th!) my mom and dad and sister Eva flew out from California for his big weekend.  It was such a nice baptism!
We got to the church around 10:15 or so, and Ben and Mosey went to change into their baptism clothes.  Mosey was a little nervous, and took a long time getting changed.  I think being the center of attention was getting to be a little much.  Finally he came out and I took some pictures out in the foyer before the service started. 

He was excited and full of adrenalin and ran completely around the church hallway before coming into the Relief Society room to sit next to Ben and me.
Brigham was playing prelude music as the pianist hadn't come yet-- thank you Brigham! Mosey's Aunt Eva conducted the music (thank you Eva!).  We sang "The Church of Jesus Christ" (Mosey's favorite primary song), and Ben gave the opening prayer.  Mosey's grandpa (my dad) gave a talk about baptism-- specifically about Jesus and John the Baptist.  He talked about what childhood must have been like for Jesus, and for John preparing the way for Christ's mission.  He talked about how Mosey was about to be baptized in the same way and by the same authority by which Christ himself was baptized.
It was a lovely talk and set the mood for Mosey's baptism which came next.
Everyone who came (a lot of people!  The Relief Society room was well filled) moved into the cultural hall and gathered in front of the font.  When Mosey came out and stepped into the water, he let out a little gasp.  The water was cold!  It turned out that the hot water tap had accidentally not been turned on, so the nice warm comforting water that I had reminisced about from my own baptism was not to be for my boy.  That's OK, I bet the water was cold for Jesus, too!
The baptism itself was short and sweet.  Mosey did perfectly as Ben said the prayer and lowered him under the water, bringing him up again dripping and cold, but with a big smile on his face.  He was soon warm again after wrapping up in the new white towel my mom gave to him-- with his name and baptismal date embroidered in silver thread.
We went back into the Relief Society room and after Mosey and Ben got dry and dressed again, my mom gave a talk on the Holy Ghost.  She brought with her several gifts for Mosey, all symbols of the Holy Ghost.  She started off giving him a bar of soap (a nice fancy soap!).  As baptism washes us clean from sin, the Holy Ghost can help us to stay clean, and prompt us to repent when necessary.  She gave him a flashlight-- one with a built in radio and alarm  The Holy Ghost shows the way, keeps us in tune with God, and warns us of danger ahead.  She gave him a compass.  The Holy Ghost helps to keep us heading in the right direction.  She gave him a book-- a neat travel book.  The Holy Ghost testifies of truth, no matter where it is found.  She gave him a soft white blanket.  The Holy Ghost is the comforter-- offering comfort and peace when we need it.  She gave him a leather-bound journal with Matthew 7:7 (Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.) engraved on the front.  And finally she gave him a beautiful Carl Bloch print of Jesus with a young boy-- a boy that looks remarkably like Mosey.

Thank you for such a wonderful talk, mama.  Mosey is so blessed to have the grandparents he has.
Then it was time for Mosey's confirmation.  Ben, my dad, and the bishopric representative (Brother Chase) stood in the circle while Ben pronounced the blessing.  It was a beautiful blessing of encouragement and instruction and one I hope he always remembers.
After warm welcoming by Brother Chase and Sister Reed (primary president), it was time to close with a song-- "How Firm a Foundation" (Mosey's favorite hymn, and mine), and a prayer, given by me.

Then it was time to celebrate!  Cookies in the hall, congratulations and hugs from more people than Mosey will be able to remember, and the obligatory family pictures in front of the church.

 Beautiful Aunt Eva took a lot of the pictures, so we had to make sure she was in one herself.

 (Why didn't I insist on all three boys wearing their suits?  That would have been such a cute picture.  And so funny that Brigham was the one not wearing a suit-- this is the first time he's come to church not dressed in a suit in a long, long time.)

What a good day!  I love you Mosey!