Baptism Day!

10/25/08

He did it! CONGRATULATIONS Honey!! I LOVE YOU!

October 25, 2008 will be seared into my memory forever, the day Oscar was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What an awesome day to experience! I have been dreaming of this day for over 10 years and it was just as sweet as I dreamed it. We were surrounded by so many family members and friends I will cherish it always. This was a huge step for Oscar to make, and he did it for the right reasons, for himself. I have seen Oscar grow spiritually so much over the past couple of weeks it's like I'm watching miracle after miracle right before my eyes, I love it. I don't think I will ever forget the feelings of the spirit I have had during this time, and it's always strongest around Oscar. I am so proud of him, and so happy it's hard to put words to my feelings. I am still up in the clouds and it's wonderful.

Oscar was baptized by one of his great friends Todd Downing. Todd was the first one to encourage Oscar to take the missionary discussions, and after that they became fast friends. There friendship still remained true even when Todd moved his family to Allen, Texas. How fitting it was to have him come all this way for Oscar, what a great friend. Thank you Todd!



Oscar was very impressed with the missionaries this time around especially Elder Harvey (far right). From the first time Oscar chatted with him he liked him, they had a lot in common except for their age *wink*. He would crack jokes right along with Oscar during the discussions and even brought him chocolate chocolate chip cookies and M&M's!! Oscar loved it. Thanks Elders for who you are and who you represent, your parents must be so proud. We will never forget you ever!



Here are my boys with their daddy, don't they look sharp?





Family shot (love it)



Oscar holding Raegan with Grandma Bullock holding Kennedy, and Aunt Teresa holding Jaxson.



The baptism program had to be held in the chapel since so many had called Oscar to tell him they were coming. So many people showed up I wasn't able to shake hands, say hello, or even give hugs to everyone, but please know it meant the world to Oscar and to me to see you there supporting him. The spirit was once again strong in the meeting. Our loving former Bishop Layton Anderson gave a talk on baptism which was awesome, and even told some memories of Oscar. When it was time for the baptism we all went back to the Relief Society Room to standing room only. We all crunched in together to see Oscar being baptized by Todd. I was afraid Mason was going to fall in head first because he wanted to touch the water so bad! Thank goodness Grandma was within reaching distance. I had been doing good the whole day but as Oscar was lowered into the water the tears of joy started coming. I was so so happy, and I truly thought I wouldn't be where I was for a very long time, my numerous prayers had been answered. What a wonderful memory to cherish.

We all went back into the chapel to wait for Oscar and Todd while Addie Ashton (my friend) played some beautiful music. I even got to see some more people and give hugs and talk briefly. When they came back in, Kip Dribnak, one of Oscar's best friends & our home teacher, gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. He started by telling how he came to know Oscar and our family, it was funny to hear it from his perspective. He talked about how my boys would do cartwheels off him and be rowdy, Oscar not wanting to be preached to, and the yummy desserts. I had to laugh at the rule we had to make where Kip had to give the lesson within the first 5 minutes of coming, before any other topics could be discussed (Oscar has the gift of gab). He also talked about how Jessica would have to call after being there for 2 hours and telling him it was time to come home. hehehe He gave a great talk and even bore his testimony and I teared up again, good thing for waterproof mascara.

Oscar was then confirmed by Warren Stewart who has also been in our lives for these past 10 years too. I didn't count how many Oscar was surrounded by but here is what I remember to the best of my knowledge Warren, Todd Downing, Kip Dribnak, Neil Adams, Carter Andrew, Kelby Dribnak, Dave Perry, Jason Oswald, Shane Dittrich, Jody Sedrick, Brent Lee, and Jason Kotter if I left someone out I apologize. (please let me know who so I can add them to my list). I know Oscar wanted to include more friends too. During the blessing all it took was Warren starting to get emotional and I couldn't hold it in anymore, I started crying. Thank goodness I was on the front row.

Bishop Ashton welcomed Oscar to the ward and afterwards Oscar got up to say a few words. He did great and is much better talking in front of people than I am. You could understand him and he joked, me I just talk fast, cry, and my words sound all shaky! He talked about how all the little things added up that helped him to this day. For that I have many many people to thank and the list could go on and on, Thank You, Thank You to all of you. I also liked how he had a picture of a smiley face to remind him to smile and not cry. He said he knew he was a member of the church because he was bearing his testimony and he was crying *smile* He wasn't really crying he just got teary eyed. I love him very much!

Afterwards we headed over to the Happy Valley Building for a dinner. Lots of people were there and I could tell Oscar was happy. He only wished there were more of him so he could talk with everybody. I tried to get pictures of everyone, but some left before I could, others weren't able to make it to the dinner, so I did the best I could. Just so you have a rough idea of how many were supporting Oscar on his special day, I planned dinner for 200 people (more than that were at the baptism). Thank goodness for awesome friends Judie Sedrick and Sara Adams they took the reins of planning the majority of it so I wouldn't get stressed out. Thank you gals, and thanks to all of you who brought your yummy dishes to share, I think I'm gonna need a few recipes (Jessica *wink*). Since I took so many pictures here is a slide show of them. Some of them are not the best, some were eating, some blurry, but you were there and are a part of our memories. Thank you to the Oswalds and Perry's for the picture of the Boise Temple with the inscription 'Williamson Family Sealing', I'll keep it pretty until that day happens. *smile*

Thanks again to all of our dear friends and family, we LOVE you all. Thanks for being such great friends to Oscar all these years.