Jaxon's Baptism

So I cannot believe my little Jaxon is 8. And baptized. It was kind of crazy time for his baptism-- my mom came into town I think just before our little nephew/cousin Will was admitted to the hospital because he couldn't walk or even sit anymore, after being really sick for like a month. After a few days of questions at Santa Rosa Memorial, they transported him to UCSF..an amazing hospital with zillions of specialists and genius doctors. Thank goodness its so close. After a family fast the day he was transported, Will had a team of doctors surrounding him the next morning who quickly diagnosed him with Guillian-Barre syndrome. At this point I will refer you to his poor mama's blog for her descriptions/feelings of this whole ordeal. No one wants to see their poor baby so lethargic and sick. It was hard for me to hear about this illness, but almost harder to imagine her pain and anguish about learning about it and watching her little man suffer. In fact, he will be turning 2 next week, in the hospital. A memorable birthday for sure. On a good note, he's responded very well to treatment and is regaining movement already. The doctors think he'll be able to head home in 4 weeks. Still a long time, but at least its not months. A challenging time. So...my point was...it was hard to think and plan for a really happy time in Jaxon's life, while thinking of the challenges his cousins were going through. With my parents here, it was a helpful distraction while we prepared. Jaxon was baptized on his actual birthday and I forced the poor kid to take a few pictures right before hand.



After that, Jaxon and Jared changed into their white baptismal clothing and I took another picture.



Then the service started. It was short and sweet. Grandpa Jed gave an amazing talk about baptism, and what its meant to him in his life. He gave Jaxon a headlamp as a reminder of the light and example of Christ, when things in life seem dark and challenging. And even when they're good for that matter! I wish I could remember the specifics of his talk but it was a good reminder to keep in mind the covenants and promises we make to God when we are baptized, and to try to live those more fully.
Jaxon was baptized after that, and it was really cool to see his face light up when he was brought out of the water. The newness and freshness and cleanliness baptism represents is soo comforting.
Following the baptism, Grandpa Art gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, and compared us to a GPS...in order to receive clear signals from the Holy Ghost (like from satellites) we need to be clear of obstructions, basically. Like wrong choices and sins and being caught up in the world. It was a great symbol also, although he didn't then give the GPS to Jaxon (haha). Jaxon then was blessed to received the gift of the Holy Ghost, which was a really nice blessing given by Jared.
The bishop and then Colleen Dame from primary gave him a nice welcome, and we wrapped it up. It was a very cool experience for Jaxon and I could tell he felt really good and appreciated all who had come. It was especially cool that all his grandparents were there and that even Jenna was exhausted from her week at the hospital, she was able to make it with Carson and Max. Thank you Jenna!