Baptism and Primary ProgramMy cute boy Chance was baptized on October 9. It was a little stressful for me to get ready (don't ask me why, I didn't even do anything!) but it turned out wonderfully.

Chance was so happy to see that a few of his friends from school were being baptized on the same day! There were four boys all together. The talks beforehand were wonderful - neither of the speakers were from our ward, but their talks were very well done. Chance only had to be "dunked" one time. When he came out of the water, he had the biggest smile on his face and he started to giggle. Which made everyone else giggle. Then he began to tread water to the stairs. He must've forgotten it was only waist deep? Shawn made him stand up and walk, the little clown. The confirmation was wonderful, and Shawn's Grandpa Ted gave a great closing prayer. It was a prayer/blessing, which is what he usually does. Classic.

For some reason I thought Shawn was going to have to wear a jumpsuit, too. Wouldn't that be funny!? Probably just funny to me.


warning: big mama in the house

We had a dinner afterward in the cultural hall at the church. That was my best idea yet - to have the dinner at the church instead of at our house. The turnout was AWESOME and there would have never been enough room for everyone in my house. After it was over, Shawn said he felt bad we didn't let the kids play basketball. I told him we couldn't because there were other people in the building and it would have been too loud. Shawn replies, "But that is every kid's favorite memory - playing basketball after their baptism." Really? I have no recollection of that! ha! Shawn made a huge batch of meatballs (that were to DIE for, if I might say) and we had meatball sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and desserts. I think it was a success. Luckily I asked my sister Lindsay to take pictures at the baptism - otherwise, there would be none!

At first I was bugged about Chance's messy meatball shirt, but now I think it's kind of cute. I made those #8 cookies and they were huge!! I think they were supposed to be teeny but I got a little out of control. The picture on the right is Uncle Jason dragging the kids around. It seems like he's always throwing them or dragging them or something! He is the best. Then of course my mom, Chance, and Lily. That is one of my most favorite pictures ever! Lils is the cutest baby in the world.

The very next day we had our primary program. Chance was in charge of ringing a bell and took that task very seriously. He rang it right on cue and as hard as he could! It was very cute. He then had to tell how he felt when he received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Since it just happened the day before, I had to write down a few lines and he read it. But that's okay, he'd had a stressful few days! My little Miss Hannah knew EVERY word of EVERY song, and gave her part memorized all by herself. Here is what she said:

My family is a garden
A place where we can grow
Our garden is for people
Not plants grown in a row

We can tell that we are growing
The seeds of love and cheer
We fill our home with sunshine
And feel our Savior near

I love our family garden
Although I'm still quite small
'Cause in our family garden
I'm growing straight and tall

Prior to all of this, we had Chance's birthday, Shawn's birthday, and last but not least - Rags' birthday. I think Rags had the biggest celebration (if you don't count Chance's baptism dinner). We went to the dollar store and bought him some toys and a "happy birthday" balloon with a dog on it. Spoiled rotten this dog is. Ragsy is going to be in for a shock with the arrival of the baby! For Shawn's birthday (the big 3-5 this year!) we went as a family out to dinner to a new chicken wing place in Layton. I am not a wing fan so I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, with led to Shawn feeling a little embarrassed and deciding to apologize to the waitress for me with "she's pregnant." It's been a fun, busy month so far!