Porter's Birthday and Baptism

Justin took the following pictures. His pictures always turn out marvelous, even with crazy kids who have a non-photogenic mother. Porter wants the first picture, of him and Jared, for the baptism plaque Grandma Joy and Grandpa gave him. He also wants the next one framed for his room. It meant so much to Porter, and to Jared and I, to have so many family members come show their support on this special day! I didn't send out announcements like so many people do. I think I will when it's time for Logan's baptism just because the next day at church so many people seemed offended they didn't know about it. I would've loved for them to be there, I just didn't think about it! It was such a busy day but it was over all too soon. I really loved having our home filled with family (although I have A LOT to learn about hostessing). Later that day we had a little birthday party for our boy. He is such a blessing to our family! He is a good example to his younger siblings, always looking after everybody and trying his best to make everything fair. He is an avid reader and loves to build stuff with legos, blocks, etc. He is fascinated by this incredible world we live in and I often find him reading encyclopedias just for fun.

Not to take away from the baptism and all, but seriously, is that what my hair looks like? And did I really have too much going on that I let Jessie wear a pink headband with that dress?

The week leading up to his baptism we had family discussions each night. Porter picked a topic I wrote on a piece of paper and then we would have some kind of activity and talk more about what he's doing by choosing to be baptized. The first night we just talked about prayer and how he should be praying about his baptism and get in the habit of saying personal prayers routinely, and then Porter helped me make soft pretzels for a snack. (You know, because you wrap the dough sorta like you fold your arms? It made sense at the time). Another night we talked about what it means to take the name of Christ upon us. We talked about each of the kids names (first, middle, and last) and why we chose those names for them. Then we looked at pictures of the people they are named after and talked about why they are so great. The kids LOVE hearing stories about their family. President Hinckley said, "Be true to who you are and the family name you bear." I think I need to stitch that on a pillow or something as all of the kids are named after amazing people. We talked a whole lot longer about their wonderful heritage than we actually did about taking Christ's name upon us. Sometimes things don't turn out like we plan, but I think it's good we talked about what we did. Another night we discussed what it means to bear one another's burdens. This was hilarious to Jared and I. I can't remember everything that was said, but here are few responses I DO remember when we wrapped up the evening by asking them how we can bear each other's burdens. 

Porter: "So... if someone got expelled... we could help them find a new school to go to."

Logan: "You could say, 'Sorry you have a burden."

Jessie: "Well, when I have a bad dream, you let me sleep in your bed!"

I think they got it pretty well, don't you?

Here's a quick snapshot of the birthday boy!