Michael was baptized on March 12 in a lovely, well-planned stake baptism in Ogden. I admit I had doubts that the experience would equal Anna's personal baptism in Brownsburg, Indiana, but I was wrong to doubt. We were so grateful to have both sets of grandparents and many aunts and uncles and cousins. We missed everyone who couldn't be there, and I'm sincere when I say that we remembered you at his baptism. I knew his baptism would be special, but I was surprised at the abundance of the Spirit that I felt. I won't ever forget it. How wonderful to be reminded that the Spirit that resides in my young, eight year-old boy is so much greater than I remember every day. My mind was flooded with thoughts of the wonderful family and friends who have influenced his young life already. I thought of great-grandparents, and even earlier ancestors, of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and of so many adults who have befriended Michael and taught him. He's had great primary leaders and teachers, even nursery leaders that taught him so much. I'm a little extra weepy these days as primary president in our Ogden Ward. I'm so grateful for the love and time that's spent on the children in our lives. Michael was beaming all day. His special quote of the day, right after he was confirmed a member of the church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, was, "I wish I had fifty hands so I could hold hands with everyone." Michael is our teddy bear, a very affectionate boy who loves hugs. He beamed on Sunday when the bishop handed him his baptism and confirmation certificate. He has poured over his new scriptures from Grandma and Grandpa Dastrup, exploring them as the treasure that I occasionally take for granted. And he will never forget the dozen donuts that Uncle Matt sent with Elisa, though he couldn't be there. I'm pretty sure from the look on cousin Will's face that Matt will be buying all of his nieces and nephews a dozen donuts for their baptisms.
