Great to be 8!

Loubird was baptized Jan 4, 2015

I feel bad that every year I seem to use the excuse that his birthday falls right after Christmas and that is why my lack of preparation for his parties is very minimal.

But really it's so true.

I was beyond stressed when two weeks before his baptism we still had no finished suit (it was being altered), I had taken no pictures, no invitations were ordered, menu was not planned, cute little decor or treats or nothing was thought out and I then came down with step Christmas Eve.

I actually had a mini crying session in the middle of the night feeling like such a failure and that I would be letting him down on his big day.

A very wise friend gently reminded me none of those things were holding any significance to the baptism itself and even if none of them got done it would still be a glorious day.

I never did get pictures taken or invites sent out.

I grabbed a few nic nacs the night before that represented our Luke, grabbed a quick baptism book for people to sign along with his current picture I have displayed at home.

Thanks to amazing family, the food was delicious, the suit was done just in time and my best idea yet we rented out the Hyde Park Civic center for his luncheon afterwards.   Which meant I no longer had to concern myself with a clean organized put away home.

Nope it could remain the bomb of Christmas presents it was and not one person would be the wiser.

And this sweet boy loved every second of his day.

A lesson to his momma that sometimes less is more especially when it comes to important days like this.  He felt the spirit, his parents felt the spirit and he was supported by all those that love him.

I loved this day.

My makeshift Luke shrine......

Oh and his silly momma forgot hair gel, combs and whatever else to tame that mop of his after the baptism.

So yeah, he looked straight from the font for the rest of his day and he never looked more handsome.

We have the most amazing family who came to support him that day, I am so grateful to be surrounded by such love.

Luke kept saying "I just love my special lunch and special day, isn't it great mom!"

Sweet Lance and Cars were the first two to sign his book and congratulate him on his baptism.

They were both so excited to do so and so very sweet to Luke all day.

It warmed my heart, what a gift to have older brother/cousin to look up to and love.

My four favorite ladies right here!

I was so grateful to share my testimony and memories of his special day the next day during fast and testimony meeting.....here are the thoughts I wish to remember about this day.....

I stood to the side of the font to receive his implant and hearing aid from Eric before he entered the water and after he had heard the prayer.  Tears filled my eyes for a few minutes because even as he entered the waters of baptism and he comes out pure and clean, a fresh slate..... he is still not perfect.  Not in this state, not in this world.  Why the technology we place in his ears is miraculous and a blessing and quite frankly had his dad and I a nervous wreck that we would drop those oh so pricey miracles in the water.  They still do not replace whole healthy ears, he will never in this life have that blessing given to him.  But through the covenants and promises made this day he is walking the road that will lead him back to his eternity with a strong, healthy and whole body.  Thank you father in heaven for your oh so perfect plan in my little boys life.  It was heaven on earth today.