Maxson chose to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, December 12.
It was a beautiful day surrounded by so much family!All of our Arizona family was there as well as Brad, Nan, Tayli, and Lance and Malinda's family.
Preparation beforehand (mainly for my benefit to read next time before the twins baptism)- bought a $20 etsy kit for all things printed- definitely not something I'd normally do but glad I did for this special occasion. I bought this kit from etsy (and future reference kimber, here's the link to edit it for future boy baptisms). I asked Max to write down his testimony and that's what i had on the back of the program. We bought him a new suit from Target (size 10)- it was too big, go figure. My mom and dad gifted him a new tie with little Moroni's all over it and an embroidered towel. I took pictures of him the day before- wish i had gotten them done a week or 2 prior...oh well. I ordered subs from Walmart- for 43 people i got two 6 ft subs, they said one 6 ft sub feeds 20-25 people, it seemed like we almost had half left! You can order the subs in 3 ft platters... My childhood friend, Amber, now lives by me, and made the cutest cupcakes and cookies. So so so nice of her to do that for me! Took lots of stress off my back. Remember to bring extra underwear for Casey and child and hair gel and a comb. Part of that etsy kit was little cards for people to write thoughts on for Max- I had family write on those while Max and Casey were gettin changed out of wet clothes.
The actual baptism program was beautiful. Sis Jobe played the piano and it was literally all family in the room except Bro and Sis Jobe- so glad they would come for it and Bordy and Tanner who snuck in the back. First Papa spoke on baptism and the covenant we make of being a representative of Jesus Christ and just like people know part of your character because of your last name because they know family members of yours, it's the same way as being a Christian- you have qualities of Christ and people know parts about you before they really know you. It was really really sweet.
All the cousins got up and sang "I will be what i believe" Max loves that song so much. Annalee has gotten so big, I can't believe it. She's a teenager up there with all the little kids, she held Summer the whole time. It was so sweet to finally hear singing and be surrounded by so many children! Jaden too looked old, ha. But Max was beaming in his white clothes surrounded by all the family members singing a song he knows and loves.
Then Grandpa Cutler spoke on the Holy Ghost- he told a story of Grandpa Cutler being lost in the snowy woods with fog all around, even though he wasn't a typical praying guy, he prayed when he was scared and after walking a bit where he couldn't tell he just followed his feelings the clouds withdrew for a second and saw the surroundings and could find his way back through the fog. The Holy Ghost will be a constant companion. He also shared the beauty of Max, Casey, Brad, and Grandpa all having D's in their name. And he also shared the signifcance and numbers that today Max will receive the Holy Ghost from his father, and 27 years ago Casey reeiceved the Holy Ghost from his father, and 54 years ago Brad received the holy ghost from his father, and 75 years he received the Holy Ghost from his father. A beautiful example of the tradition of faith deep in the roots of Maxson's blood.
Max was then baptized by his father, who holds the Melkhesidic priesthood. The cousins surrounded the glass so I could barely see, ha. But Max had this closed face smile on and it was so sweet seeing him come out all wet and clean, it was a really special moment.
He was quite cold when he got out but his towel was nice and fluffy to use.
Grammy Cutler then shared some words and was emotional, I didn't hear what she said though and everyone filled out their little papers.
They came out all freshly dressed and I got to give Max a big hug and was so proud of him. The priesthood circle then formed and Max was confirmed a member of the church by his dad, 2 grandpas, 4 uncles, and 1 great uncle. It was tender looking over there at the love of brotherhood and God in that circle.
Casey then bore his testimony, and was very emotional, I haven't seen him emotional like that in awhile it was sweet. he talked about how the Holy Ghost relay shaped hi life, and there's a lot of brothers in the room, and the bond of brothers is something really special and how Uncle Cody was there when Casey had his first real experience with the Holy Ghost and he'll never forget that. It was just super super sweet.
After the closing prayer, we took pictures and came back to our house for lunch, everyone was so crazy helpful, Malinda, my mom and Nan helped so much on getting the food table ready, Blair was helping take pictures, Camille was surely helping me in there too. Kids were playing and laughing lots outside running through the house, on the swing, it was just a perfect afternoon. So happy for Max to be an office member of the church
