To start off I wanted to show the invitations that I sent out for Ryker's Baptism. One of the perks of having a brother as a graphic designer I can show him what I like and then he can duplicate it. And he always does a fantastic job!!!
Front:
Back:
Didn't they turn out so cute? I love how the pictures turned out too. He looks just so handsome in his new suit.
It is surreal to think that I am old enough to have a son that is baptized! And that he's old enough to remember this day! I remember my baptism day. Maybe not every detail, but it's one of those moments in my life that sticks out to me.
Leading up to this day I will admit that I was feeling like I had ALOT to get done before it arrived. Because I was taking this Saturday off I needed to work on Tuesday to help make up for that lost time at work. So Monday was really my only day off to get a good chunk of it done. My To-Do list was longer than usual and I had one day to get it all in. And we happened to have something going on EVERY SINGLE night. Mon-FHE, Tues-Centerpoint Theater, Wed- I honestly can't remember, Thurs-Take Cy out for his Birthday, Fri-Haircut night for family and prep food for the Baptism.
In the middle of Monday while I'm running so many errands (amongst taking the boys to and from school and piano lessons) I remember texting Jesse (while he was working) and telling him "Could this day feel anymore hectic?" And within 10 minutes I got a text from one of councilors in the Relief Society that said "Are you going to be in Relief Society this coming Sunday? If you are, I'm wondering if you would do me a favor. Our lesson is on "Be Still". Could you do an experiment and take some time every day until Sunday to be still. Like quiet time to think. Then on Sunday take 3-5 minutes to tell us your experience/benefits of doing this. Is this something you could do?"
My first initial thought was "Heck no, I have so much going on this week. I'm way to overwhelmed "
But I felt the Spirit tell me "Ashley, you need this."
And I knew He was right. On top of all those commotion I had it a goal to help Ryker and our family feel spiritually prepared for Saturday. And I knew that couldn't happen if I let myself get caught up in my To-Do List.
I happily replied to her "You bet. I'm up for the challenge!"
Little did I know, at that moment how much good it would do me.
I'll admit it was tough finding and remembering everyday to do be still. But I did find moments when I would ponder and reflect on life. I found myself be more patient with the boys and really truly enjoy them.
Monday night I made it a priority to plan a Family night on Baptism. Family nights are always what you'd picture. They are very often time chaos. But I think the Lord helped me out on this particular night because while we were eating dinner, the boys were super happy, didn't complain about dinner, they ate all their food and we were able to sit and talk. In that moment I found myself feeling gratitude towards all three of them. It is almost hard to exactly explain my feelings. But in that moment I felt Joy. I felt great Love. Love for them and love of being a mother to them. I felt like we were bonding. And in that moment I didn't want them to grow up. I wanted to cherish it and Thank Heavenly Father for blessing me with these boys.
During the lesson, they were so calm and listened intently as we discussed the importance of baptism. My heart grew that night. My testimony of being a mother grew. The responsible to teach these boys about Jesus Christ made itself known. I love seeing them get excited about the gospel. It's quite motivating to me to continue doing what I'm doing and even to be better and do better.
Throughout the week as I tried to find times to be still, I often thought of my wonderful husband and these boys that I'm blessed with. My life isn't perfect, but it sure feels like it. The Lord has blessed me with so much.
As Saturday arrived, I tried really hard to focus on the importance of that day. Mostly not to let Satan make contention and ruin this special day. There were moments that I noticed him trying, but being aware of it helped.
After much preparation around the house and franticness to get ready,we were able to make it off to the church. We arrived early so we could get pictures taken and that we could join in on the prayer meeting for the candidates who were getting baptized and their initiate family members.
I was grateful we had a moment before things were started to compose ourselves and have a word of prayer.
This picture of our family makes my heart just swell.
Grandparents arrived early as well so they could get pictures with Ryker as well.
Both sets of grandparents are experiencing their first grandchild being baptized. It's truly a big day for us all.
After that Ryker and Jesse came back dressed in their baptism clothes. I look at this picture and can't help but get emotional. Look at Ryker, he's glowing. I love that big smile of his. And I look at Jesse and feel SO grateful to him that he's a worthy Priesthood holder and is able to perform these ordinances with honor.
When it came time for Ryker to be baptized, Jesse later told me that Ryker was walking really fast everywhere they were suppose to be. Jesse could tell that Ryker was really excited.
When they were both in the water, they let the little kids come up to glass to get a closer look. Cyrus of course says something silly "Ryker, you look really tiny in there." Everyone kinda giggled at him.
Jesse then baptized Ryker. Only one time was needed. I know Ryker had expressed some feelings to me and in family prayers that he wanted to make sure they only had to do it one time. Jesse had practiced with him a couple of times that week, so they were ready.
Once they left the water everyone left the room and were escorted to another room. That way the other 3 boys were being baptized that day could come in. (That was one cool thing I thought happens was that there were only boys being baptized that day from the Stake).
While we were in the second room waiting for Ryker and Jesse to come out of the dressing room, Brother Johnson (from our Bishopric) conducted. I had little cards for everyone to write a short note or their testimony down for Ryker. Each card had a hole in the top corner so they could be attached together with a ring. That way Ryker could have a little memory of who was there.
When the two of them came into the room Jesse invited all of the men in the room who could participate in the confirmation to join him in the circle. They all gathered around Ryker and Jesse commenced the confirmation. When Jesse said the words "and receive the Holy Ghost" the room was filled with the Spirit. You could literally feel that the Holy Ghost was there. As Jesse continued to give a blessing to Ryker, tears were flowing from my eyes. The words that were spoken were so touching. I can't even remember what he said I just remember the way I felt during it. When he finished, the circle opened up and there sat Ryker with tears flowing from his eyes as well. I will never forget it. As a mother I just felt so proud of him at that moment. I loved seeing that he was touched by the Spirit. Oh such a neat moment.
After the confirmation Brother Johnson opened it up for those to share their testimony. Heidi was the first to pop up. She had been sitting in the back and she mentioned that she was worried about not being able to see Ryker, but from where she was sitting she said she could see perfectly into the circle and had a direct shot of Ryker. She said she watched the tears flowing down his face. At this point there wasn't a dry eye in the room. The Spirit was just oozing.
I went next. Then my Dad, Mike and my Mom. Everyone was crying. Haha, I kinda started to wonder if Ryker was thinking we were all bawl babies. Haha. No probably not. I haven't talked to him about it, but I'm sure he felt the special Spirit that was there.
After that those who could come came over to our house for dinner. I was feeling a little bummed because half of the people that said they'd come eat couldn't come anymore. So we had TONS of food. But better too much than too little.
Anyway, I have a client that is a balloon artist. The last time she was in getting her hair done we were talking about the baptism coming up. And by the end of the appointment we had made arrangements for a trade and she came and decorated the house with the balloons. And they turned out so great.
This was one of my favorites. She made a Ryker out of balloons. Matching tie and all.
While she was hanging up the wall cloud the Mylar #8 popped. Dang it. But she put it up anyway. Got the point across the same. I actually got a text from her during the baptism that after she had left the house she ran down to Dick's Market to buy another #8 and she was going to put it in my car so we would have one that wasn't deflated. But I guess that one popped too. Haha. It just wasn't meant to be.
Found this idea on Pinterest.
Fruit salsa with homemade cinnamon tortilla chips.
Lion House rolls to go with the salad and Pasta casserole that we had for dinner.
Our guests..... Kris and Kenya Jenkins with Heidi and Jesse....
Jessica, Tyson (always making funny faces), my Dad, Mom, Chan and her boyfriend, Tyler....
Amber , Jace and Tyler Seaman (and baby Lainee)...
Jace again, Mike and Ryker(not sure why he's making this face)...
The littles: Cy, Sterling, Hailee Seaman and Kruise Jenkins
Andrew and Emily showed up a little bit late because they ran to a wedding reception (so I forgot to get a picture of them).
I was noticing all the babies that were there. All within a few months of each other. The oldest was 9 months down to 4 months. And Fynn was the only boy.
(left to right: Klowie Jenkins, Evie, Fynn, Jacklynn Goodrich, and Lainee Seaman)
I sent home gallon bags of pasta with anyone who wanted some because of how much left overs I had.
It was such a great day. I will forever remember the tender feelings that were felt. So proud of you Ryker.
When I had to report today in Relief Society on my "Be Still" Experiment I was reflecting on the past week and how I felt grateful I was given this challenge. I feel like it really helped spiritually prepare our family. And I'm so grateful Heavenly Father guided our teacher to ask me to join in on that because I really benefited from it.
