Stockton was baptized on July 1, 2017. It was such a special day and the Spirit felt very close all day. I don't think that I will forget how I felt. It was a highlight day for me in my life and I felt (and still feel) so grateful for the knowledge I have of the restored gospel on the earth and the opportunity and blessing I have to teach it to my kids. Watching Stockton take the first step on his path back to Heavenly Father is hard to describe in words. It was just very, very special and I am proud to be his mom.
Stockton shared his baptism with two other girls from our ward, Kara Judd and Lily Chappell. Ben Moyes led the music and Stockton was able to pick his favorite song for the closing song, "My Heavenly Father Loves Me." He knew every single word to that song when he was a brand new Sunbeam and it has been his favorite ever since. Grandpa Gene gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and let us have a copy so we can always remember the words and testimony he shared at Stockton's baptism. Grandpa Moyes and Uncle Brett were the witnesses and Stockton only had to be immersed once. In his confirmation circle there was Justin (giving the blessing), Grandpa Moyes, Grandpa Gene, Eric, Bryce, Brett, Christopher, Jeff, and Matt, along with our entire bishopric, Bishop Brad Allen, Brother Justin Ellingford, and Brother Brian Riddle.
Stockton was baptized and then confirmed by Justin. The confirmation blessing was very powerful, Justin blessed him that he would be able to stay close to the Spirit as he is obedient throughout his life. After a few words from Bishop Allen, the baptism program was over and we headed back to our house for lunch.
 |
| He got his own scriptures from Grandma and Grandpa Moyes |
We had all of our families (minus the Seattle Brown's, we miss them at every family function) drive to Heber to support Stockton. Having our families there is part of what made the day so special. I feel so grateful to have such a huge support network on both sides. Wish I would have gotten a picture of everyone, 36 people total and that is not counting my little family of 6!
 |
| April, Stockton, Gene (they gifted him that picture of Christ) |
 |
| Stockton and Brett (he gave him a baptism day journal) |
 |
| Grandpa Moyes, Stockton, Grandma Kay |
 |
| Grant, Stockton, Gavin, Ben |
 |
| Micah, Ivy, Riley |
 |
| Chloe, Abby, Tessa, Molly, Tiana |
 |
| Grace and Brynn had fun with the bows and jewelry! |
It's always a little overwhelming after everyone leaves. There is usually a lot of clean up to do and I am usually exhausted. Stockton was so excited about his new scriptures and all he wanted to do was read them. I wanted to take a nap! However, we had been wanting to go on a hike for a while and schedules had not lined up just right for that to happen and that night was our chance. So we threw some food and water in our backpacks, loaded up, and headed for the mountains. I felt instantly energized as soon as we got out and took a deep breath of that mountain air!
We hiked to Timpanogas Falls, which is near Sundance. It's the first mile of the trail if you were to hike all the way to Timp but we weren't about to do that! It was so green and lush all along the trail. The kids loved that we were able to take Cash with us and took turns holding his leash.
Stockton was being grumpy about being on a hike, complaining about being tired and his legs hurting. He finally broke down and let me take this picture of him. I think he secretly liked it.
More and more these days, if someone were to ask me my favorite thing to do, being with my family in the mountains is probably it. I loved our family time together and it was the perfect end to an already wonderful day.
Comments
Post a Comment