NOTE TO FUTURE ME:
REMEMBER! REMEMBER! How special this night was and how special EVERY ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN'S baptisms will be. Kaden was your first kid, so you went all out on him. Don't cheat Avery, Brighton and Connor out of special experiences just because it's not a new experience for you. They ALL deserve to have their baptism weekend as special as this one was!
Love, the energetic mom of 2011
Most of my inspiration comes in the middle of the night when I can't sleep, this one was no different. I felt like it would be really cool to have a FHE-like meeting with Kaden where we could really talk about the importance of his baptism and not only why it's important for him to do it, but also why it's an important thing in our lives as well. So, I asked both Brian and my parents if they could write down their testimonies for Kaden and to take about 10-15 minutes and share with him their feelings of the gospel and the importance of baptism.
It was a night I hope I never forget. I know the night was for Kaden, but I was blessed tonight. My testimony was strengthened and I gained a new perspective for my own life. I want to be better spiritually. My kids make me want to be better. Listening to the testimonies to our amazing parents and feeling the spirit in my home tonight was just a little piece of what heaven will be like. If I could have the spirit in my home on a daily basis like I had tonight, I KNOW my kids will grow up to be protected from Satan's grasp. I know it's impossible to always have it like that, but I also realized how much I desire to have my home feel that way, and I want to do everything I can to try and make my home as close to heaven as possible.
So, here's how the night went.
First Grandma and Grandpa Larsen talked to Kaden about how baptism makes us clean and perfect. It washes everything away and that every Sunday when we take the sacrament, we can be clean all over again. She gave the sweetest testimony. I think it's so important for these grandkids to hear and feel their grandparents share their love for the gospel. John and Shauna set the tone for the whole night.
They gave him this towell to use when he got baptized.
They gave him this towell to use when he got baptized.
Then Grandpa Larsen talked to Kaden about the Holy Ghost. He told him he will always be there for him to help him in his life. I love this picture of him wrapping the blanket around Kaden. I think it not only symbolizes the Holy Ghost, but also that his grandparents will always be there to comfort him and make him feel special.
Grandma Becky went next. She and grandpa talked about different things that would be important for him as a church member. She gave him a few little gifts with little poems on them to help him remember how important they were. (sorry mom... gotcha blinking or something)
and this is my favorite moment of the whole night. And probably one of my favorite pictures I will ever take. Brian took a minute to share his testimony to his little boy. The power of a fathers testimony is indescribable. If you have any doubt in that, look at Kaden's eyes. He is listening more intently to his dad than he listens to anything. I will treasure this picture forever. I love these two boys so much.
Grandma Becky went next. She and grandpa talked about different things that would be important for him as a church member. She gave him a few little gifts with little poems on them to help him remember how important they were. (sorry mom... gotcha blinking or something)
Bookmark
"Reading the scriptures every single day, will keep you on the straight and narrow way..
Follow the scripture heroes! Do the things they do! They will help you stay strong and brave and true"
Goal Chart
Think about the things you really want to do, Reaching every goal is totally up to you!
If you think and work and try every single day, You will reach every single goal in every single way!
Bank
(lost the poem, but it was cute)
Pass Along Cards
When you are nineteen a missionary you'll be, but you can be a missionary now with everyone you see
Tell them about Jesus and that you love him so, Be an example of good everywhere you go!
Cub Scout Stuff
Being in cub and boy scouts is really super cool, but you must remember to obey every single rule
Following Akela is what it's all about, and soon you'll go from Wolf to an Eagle Scout!
Journal
Karate nights and days at school or just playing in the yard, Writing about your adventures isn't very hard
Take a minute every night and record for history, all the things you do each day and keep their memory.
After my mom shared her thoughts with him and her testimony, my dad talked about the Holy Ghost being Kaden's best friend. He compared the Holy Ghost to Kaden's favorite friend Grottle. This is the picture of Kaden smiling when my dad first showed him grottle. He then explained that the Holy Ghost is much like a best friend. You are happy when you are with them.
Lastly, it was our turn. We gave him this picture frame that holds different "keys" that will unlock the door to heaven. He will be able to continue to add pictures to as he reaches certain milestones or "keys" that will get him closer to heaven.
and this is my favorite moment of the whole night. And probably one of my favorite pictures I will ever take. Brian took a minute to share his testimony to his little boy. The power of a fathers testimony is indescribable. If you have any doubt in that, look at Kaden's eyes. He is listening more intently to his dad than he listens to anything. I will treasure this picture forever. I love these two boys so much.
