Carter's Baptism Day. It was perfect.
I really wanted to make sure that Carter was making this choice himself. I told him that I didn't get baptized until I was 18, that Brian was baptized when he was 8 and that ultimately this decision was his to make. This boy's faith is amazing. He has no doubt that Heavenly Father is real. That Jesus Christ is the son of God and the the Holy Ghost is one of the greatest gifts that we will ever receive from our Father in Heaven.
Carter had his hand on the heartbeat of his baptism day. He chose all the little details. He made the program and picked who he wanted to do what on the program. He really wanted there to be cute handouts (just for the kids - he made this very clear) and he even made the guest list. Carter chose to keep it intimate and invited immediate family including his great-grandmas as well as his primary teachers, our Bishop and one friend from his primary class. We were sad that my Brother and his family as well as my sister from Manitoba and her family weren't able to be there. We also missed my Grandma from Manitoba and Grandparents from Montreal as well as Grandma Reed who wasn't able to make it either.
Carter and "C" have been great buddies for years and he recently attended her baptism a couple of month ago. He was excited that she could be there.
His baptism was at 4 in the afternoon so the anticipation of it was crazy for Carter. He was counting the hours and couldn't wait to get there, to fill the font, and to see all his cousins. He truly was SO excited!
Seeing the faith and testimony that Carter has at such a young age definentley strengthens mine. As parents I think we always wonder if we're doing enough. Are we leading by example? Are we teaching them enough. Would they know to kneel in prayer without me prompting them? This experience has shown us that yes, Carter kneels in prayer without being prompted to. He reads his scriptures in bed at night. He knows his Heavenly Father and can recognize the spirit. My heart swells with happiness and peace with this knowledge. I know that our saviour has comforted me in times of need and I am grateful to know that Carter has a knowledge of that feeling of comfort too.
On December 2nd, Carter was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The spirit was so strong. I had a close friend tell me to enjoy the moment because she felt like in that moment, Heaven is so close to earth and she was right. As I watched Brian and Carter go into the water and watch Carter being baptized by immersion, tears of happiness swept down my cheeks. When Carter came up from under the water, the spirit filled the entire room. A huge smile was immediately on his face and just like that, all good feelings flooded in. Heaven was for sure close to earth in that moment. I wish I could relive it again and again.
We initially had a hard time finding someone to play the piano so Brian, being the incredible Dad that he is, learned how to play the two songs on the piano just for Carter. Brian does NOT play the piano but for the last 2 weeks for hours at a time each night, he played and played and played until his wrists wouldn't let him anymore. Ive never heard anything more pleasing than that piano overplaying two songs for 2 weeks straight. Truly, I am so proud to have a husband who will always do anything he can for us. Carter said "thank you Dad" about 100 times when he heard Brian practicing. I know Carter appreciated it. I love you so much Brian Reed. Thank you for doing that for our boy. The songs were played perfectly at the baptism and when Brian finished playing the opening song and came to sit back down with us, Carter gave him a sweet high-five... my heart exploded and my cheeks hurt from smiling. He is so proud of you, Brian. What a great Dad you are!
Carter asked me to give the talk on Baptism. I was so happy and excited to and it took EVERYTHING in me not to cry though the whole thing. Carter asked Bentley to give the talk on the Holy Ghost and Bentley did AMAZING! He had been practising everyday for a week so that he would be able to read it loudly by himself without help. We were all so impressed by his ability to stand in front of everybody and clearly and loudly give his few minute talk. Bentley was so thoughtful too. He explained to Carter that the Holy Ghost is there to comfort us when he are scared or sad or uncomfortable. Him and I secretly bought Carter a big soft blanket and in the middle of his talk he surprised Carter with the blanket explaining that the Holy Ghost is just like this blanket. It will keep you warm and make you feel comforted. Bentley nailed his talk and Carter was so grateful.
We were grateful for Carter's Auntie Lena and Auntie Amanda who gave the opening and closing prayers and for his Grandma Reed who conducted the music and his Grandma Gardiner who organized the sweet letters to Carter from everyone who attended. We are so beyond grateful for those who came and who supported our boy in this decision. We are proud of his decision and happy for him.
After the baptism I asked Carter if he could feel the spirit during his baptism and he said "Mom, it was one of the best days of my life. I felt the spirit so strong so many times, it was amazing". What more could a mother ask for on her sons special day. The only thing I really wanted on this day was for Carter to feel like he had made the right choice for himself. That he would recognize the spirit when he felt it and that even if everything fell apart, the only thing I wanted was for Carter to get what he was seeking. This day was for him.
I am so beyond grateful that even though my parents do not share the same faith as us, they have always completely supported us without fail. They show up and participate. They are genuinely so excited and happy for Carter. They support him and make it known how proud they are of him for making the choice he made. I have the best parents in the world. Religion really can be such a beautiful thing when it goes hand in hand with love. This is what fills our souls. Whatever fills yours is a beautiful thing.
I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. I am thankful for this gospel and for the Holy Ghost. Heaven knows, I need as much guidance as possible. I know that life for Carter won't always be easy. The ways or the world, the influences and pressures that he will face in the coming years will be hard but I hope he can look back on this day and read his journal and the feelings he felt, the impressions he had and lean on that when times get tough.
Carter, you are a great leader and example to those around you. You are dedicated and have so much faith. I love your sweet spirit and your strong willed personality. You teach me more than I teach you, I am sure of it!
After being baptized, Brian got to lay his hand upon Carter's head and give him the gift of the Holy Ghost through a blessing. Again, the spirit filled the room. It was calm and quiet and perfect. There was no sense of questioning and only assurance in the good Lord above.
What a perfect evening it was. This is a day that I will never forget. And because Carter is who Carter is, I never want to forget these pictures either...
Congratulations Carter on being baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We love you bug and hope you remember this day forever.