I can't believe it. Tom is eight years old already. It really seems like yesterday that I went into labor with him and now, eight years have already passed. On Saturday, January 5th, Tom was baptized. It was an amazing day with family and friends supporting us. The weather was less than great that day and we had family traveling from Utah, Oregon, and Preston, Idaho on some slick wintry roads. The baptism started at ten o'clock and by 10:20, everyone had finally made it. The Stake was in charge of the program and after two talks and a musical number, they began dismissing wards one at a time to do their individual baptism. While the other wards waited, the moms gave a brief biographical sketch of their child. I didn't know we would be asked to give a sketch so I quickly wrote down some notes. I talked about Tom's incredible patience with his little brothers and his ability to teach them. I also talked about some of his favorite things to do like baseball, basketball, soccer, and anything star wars related. I told them of his love of reading and how he always asks to read the first verse of scripture every night and how he loves to write and illustrate his own books to give to people. I hope I said enough for everyone to realize just how great of a little boy he is. Then the time came for him to be baptized. When I saw Gary step down into the font and then turn to reach for Tom's hand to help him in, the Spirit was so strong. I am so grateful that my husband holds and honors his priesthood and is able to baptize our children. He is such an incredible example to the boys. After saying the baptismal prayer, he put Tom under the water and just after he was fully immersed, a foot popped up making us wonder if he would need to do it again but the witnesses, Clyn Bishop and Brandon Streadbeck gave Gary the all clear.
Once Gary and Tom went back into the dressing room, I began to feel helpless. I wanted to help get Tom ready to come out but I couldn't go in there. I worried that they had forgotten something so I sent Kevin in to check for me. Finally, they both came out looking great. Tom was wearing his new suit with his big tie that actually has to be tied instead of a clip on and he looked so handsome.
Next, Gary gave Tom the gift of the Holy Ghost followed by a blessing that was incredible for him. He blessed him with physical, mental, and spiritual strength. He also blessed him with the ability to discern right from wrong and then the courage to choose the right and be an example to his friends. He blessed him that he would be a great missionary and with patience. He also blessed him that he would be a good example to his younger brothers. It is always amazing to me how the priesthood works. Talking to Gary afterwards, he was surprised about some of the things that were said in the blessing and different parts of the blessing stood out to different people that were standing in the circle or sitting in the audience. The Spirit works in marvelous ways. The men standing in the circle were: Gary, Kevin Bishop, Lance Bishop, Clyn Bishop, Ryan Larson, Oliver Larson, and Brandon Streadbeck.
After the baptism and confirmation were over, we all went back to our house for lunch. We had some "San Pete Chicken," dutch oven potatoes, rolls, cookies, green salad, and fruit salad. The people that came were: Irene Larson, Ryan Larson, Melissa Larson, Connor Larson, Austin Larson, Sunnie Streadbeck, Brandon Streadbeck, Oliver Larson, Ashley Larson, Demi Larson, Taylee Larson, Chaney Larson, Clyn Bishop, Leslie Bishop, Kevin Bishop, Amy Bishop, Cohen Bishop, Shane Bishop, Angie Bishop, Lance Bishop, Celeste Bishop, Brandon Moss, Coleen Moss, and Kristine Mullen - Tom's teacher from Primary.
It was a very special day filled with the Spirit that I hope Tom remembers for the rest of his life.
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