Theo's week

Matt baptized Theo on Saturday. It was such a nice weekend. My parents came on Wednesday night, Hannah arrived on Friday, and Matt's parents and his brother Jeff and his wife Deb came on Saturday. 

The baptism itself was simple and sweet, with tons of younger kids there watching the 4 boys from the stake who were getting baptized. Afterward, there was a short program where the other newly baptized boy in our ward recited his favorite scripture (the 4th article of faith), the same boy's mom gave a talk about the Holy Ghost as Comforter, his aunt sang "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" while I accompanied, then Theo recited a scripture from Mosiah 18 (the verse about the people clapping their hands for joy and saying "this is the desire of our hearts") and my mom gave a lovely talk about listening to the Holy Ghost's promptings. 

Then the Primary prez and bishop gave talks and the boys were confirmed. Our dads and Jeff stood in the circle for Theo's. (Robbie hadn't arrived yet.) Hannah played the piano, Deb led the music, and Lynnette offered the closing prayer. 

Theo had mailed out invitations to local friends, and we were happy to see several friends there as well as our family.

Matt didn't bring his own white clothes to baptize Theo in, so he was pretty psyched that there was a long-sleeved polyester jumpsuit option which must be from the '70s, anyway he jumped right on that. If I had known there was a collar + belt loop option I would have brought a tie and a belt. Really would have rounded out the look.

They both did great, and the blessing Matt gave Theo was very nice.

We spent the rest of the day eating lunch at Noodles (Theo's choice), hanging out at the air & space museum at Dulles, and eating delicious pizza. Theo didn't want to skip swim practice that night (in fact he woke up Saturday morning and immediately said, "today I get to go in the water twice!") so Matt and Jeff ventured out into a super short yet intense blizzard to take him. 

Sunday morning was so cold and icy that church was canceled. We spent most of the day hanging out and talking, the kids played outside in the snow, and we had a nice little sacrament meeting at home with all our guests before dinner.

The kids have been at home now for 5 days, between the Presidents Day holiday, and church and school being canceled. But amazingly, it has been so nice. Hardly any fighting. Just lots of happy uninterrupted playing. I spent most of Tuesday on the phone with mechanics figuring out a car issue and completely ignored the kids but still--no issues, or if there were they worked them out themselves. Then I spent this morning painting the inside of a closet. Still the kids played happily. Stopping in occasionally to check my progress.

So I've discovered how much of an influence Theo has over the younger kids. When he's happy and pleasant, they are too. And even when Lars and Ida have fought this week, Theo has mostly stayed out of it. Matt and I have been praising Theo up and down for what great choices he's been making. 

Maybe it's a coincidence or maybe he feels a new responsibility--I don't know. Either way I'll take it, even if it ends up being short-lived. I am so thankful for Theo. What a blessing in our family and to me personally. I have learned so much from him and he has progressed so much since the rougher days of 4, 5, 6 years old.

Love this darling boy.