Deacon's Baptism

 Deacon's Baptism was on Feb.25, 2024. He was baptized and confirmed by his Dad, with a room full of family and friends there to support him, including the Fox's and Nielson grandparents on Facetime. Rick and Ann were very sad to miss it, and even tried to find a flight home, but the timing just didn't work out. It turned out great  and I was so thankful to our family who was in town for being so willing to participate and show up for him. We had Melanie and Don give talks, Jordan play the piano, Tamara and Brent say prayers, Lee and Don be witnesses, and Brother Meldrum from the bishopric give a message and conduct. Besides immediate family, we had Paul and Renata's family, the Lockings, Aluel's family, the Engens (Deacon's class friend Vander), and Amanda Olsen (the primary president). 

We had a table to display a picture of Deacon, the programs, and a baptism book, where people could write him a little message. Besides a little hiccup of trying to get facetime working and starting a bit late, everything went great. Deacon was thrilled to be baptized and receive so much attention. Melanie brought cotton candy for everyone, and I had little bags of rainbow candy too. We had just family over to our house afterward for dinner and dessert. We had pulled pork on a bun, and lots of sides. Deacon requested an Italian Soda Bar, so we had lots of Torani flavors, club soda and other sodas, creams (hazelnut or plain), whipped cream, and ice. It was a lot of fun! I really liked the salted caramel flavor with club soda and hazelnut cream, but it was fun for the kids to experiment different flavors. We also had a little brownie dessert bar. It had bite brownies, ice cream, strawberries, chocolate and caramel sauce, sprinkles, and mini m&ms. He also got spoiled with gifts from family! Lots of Kit Kat's, CTR rings, and a scripture case that Grandma had made and sent to him that matched the camo spine on his scriptures we got for him. Bentley also used her own money to buy him a gift, which was so nice of her. 

Deacon is such a good kid and it was important to me to make this day really special for him. I think we succeeded! He had a really great experience. The week after his baptism was Fast Sunday. We woke up to Deacon coming into our room saying "Happy Fast Sunday!" He was already dressed in his suit, ready for church, and telling us he was going to fast today. Then at church he decided to bare his testimony and did that on his own so bravely. I am constantly amazed by Deacon and his testimony and obedience to the gospel. I've seen him many times taking a moment in the middle of the day to say a prayer, and he tells us all the time that things happen because he prayed for it. He sure is a special boy! I don't know what we did to deserve him, but we feel so blessed, and are so proud of him.