Happy Birthday and Congrats!

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY!

Can you believe I pulled off two baptisms in one month!? Kolten's birthday was Sat., Sept. 6 and he kept telling me that he wanted to get baptized on his birthday. I repeatedly told him that it wouldn't happen because he would have to wait until the following month for his baptism. Well, as it turns out baptisms for Sept. were indeed right on his birthday. After much reassurance that all would go well and things would run smoother than last time, the day arrived. Of course, not everything went smooth. We had to wait a bit for Mike to get there but once he did it went perfectly. I am so happy for Kolten and his desire to be like Christ. Most people don't know but this almost didn't happen, Kolten was going through a tough time and decided that he not only didn't want to get baptized but he didn't want to attend church anymore (along with football, school and anything else). If any of you don't know how problems like this get fixed here is the formula: grandpa + spirit = baptism. Kolten has not totally changed his bad attitude but he has definitely improved! Thanks dad for your love, guidance and example! The night before Kolten was baptized I was tucking him into bed and he said,"Mom, can I just say one thing?" I said,"Sure." He looked me straight in the eyes and said,"I know the Book of Mormon is true, I know the prophets are true and I know the Lord is true!" God 2 Satan 0! I am so proud of you Kolten for your decision to be baptized! I love you!

Elder San Diego (Langton) and Elder Brazil (Periera)

Baptism

So, even though this took place a couple of weeks ago and before I started my blog I still wanted to post about it. Many of you know that my daughter Jaiden (11) was baptized on Aug. 9. She had been meeting with Elder San Diego and Elder Brazil for a few months and decided that she really was ready to get baptized. After being so nervous for her interview and so excited for her big day, it finally arrived! She got her new dress on and her hair professionally done (thanks Terri) and headed off to get ready for her big day. Mike took her down to meet my dad (who would be the one to dunk her. I came a few minutes later with the other kids. We pulled in and the first thing I see is my dad walking away from the building still in his suit. I thought, what is he still doing in his suit? He should be dressed already! Then I got out and walked over to the big crowd that was standing not in the building, by the building! What in the world? Then they tell me,"The doors are locked and no one has the keys, we are trying to find someone who has some." Ok, I think no big deal, they will come let us in and we will be on our way. I even give the missionaries a hard time by saying,"What is this your first baptism, or what?" They give me that little polite chuckle and I go to tell the others. When I do, my brother has to go and be all knowledgeable and inform me that if the doors are locked and no one is here to let us in, then that probably means that the baptismal font has not been filled either and it will take about 40-45 minutes to fill! Thats when I freak out. I went back to the Bishop who says no problem we were thinking that maybe she could just do it in the Lawrences pool. At first I think he is joking so I say oh yeah that would be awesome, he says so we would just have the service there and as soon as someone came with the keys the baptism clothes could be brought over. Then I realize he is serious! So off course the first thing out of my mouth is ,"That's it, I am inactive again!" I thought he would die! So, Jaiden and I go to talk about things to decide what to do. She takes a walk with my dad and comes back and says,"Everyone told me it was fine, I could wait 'til tomorrow or next week and that would be fine, but mom I chose today and I am going to do it today. I will do it in the pool." Needless to say, it turned out wonderful! She was beautiful and it was amazing!

The spirit was so strong! Take that Satan! God 1 Satan 0! It was also a good lesson to all the little kids (and adults) to realize it doesn't matter where it takes place. It only takes water, the priesthood and the desire to do what is right. I am so proud of Jaiden and the decision she made and the strong person that she has become. I love you, sis!

Thanks to Sister Kari Lawrence and her family for opening their home to our family in time of need, we will never forget your generosity and assistance to make this wonderful experience happen!