I want my life to be as clean as Earth right after rain...

 

Kaden Kenneth Slichta got baptized on February 1st.

I was SO proud of him.

It was a happy day.

It was a day that we had been looking forward to for a long time.  But it was a bit melancholy for me because my littlest baby was getting baptized.  The last. 

He had an awesome interview with the Bishop which I was glad to be a part of.  Kaden knew all the answers.  He declared that he wanted to get baptized so he could follow the example of Jesus. 

We had to fill out a spotlight paper for Kaden for the Bishopric member when he introduced Kaden at the baptism.  I was impressed with the question that said, "I want to be baptized because:"  Kaden's response, "I want to be a member of the true church forever and I want Heavenly  Father to forgive me of the bad things I've done."

 

He also said that his favorite song is Book of Mormon Stories.  His favorite scripture story is when Amulek and Alma didn't get burned in the fire. 

 

Love that boy!

Kaden chose Uncle Marc to baptize him.

He's been a favorite uncle since Kaden was born.

 

 

Kaden's proud Mom and Dad.

In the font with all the kids gathered around. 

Uncle Marty and James were the witnesses.

The great circle of Priesthood men who helped Uncle Merrill confirm him. 

(Lt to Rt: Brian Stringham, Jim Jessop, Clay Ellis (hometeachers), Jared Springer (bishopric), Uncle Merrill, Uncle James, Uncle Marty, Grandpa Matheson, Uncle Marc and Uncle McKay.)

Kaden picked Uncle Bubba to do the confirmation. 

At Christmas time when Kaden announced that he wanted Bubba to do this it didn't make sense for him to make another trip back to Utah from Seattle only 3 weeks later. However, Dad had a higher way of thinking.  He knew that having Bubba do the confirmation was more than worth the price of an airline ticket.  It worked out perfect for him to come for 2 1/2 days and then take off again.  Always love having that fun Uncle around.  He's one of the kids for sure!

Uncle Marc again.

Love seeing Kaden in a suit. 

Doesn't he look so grown up?

My 4 awesome brothers!

A bunch of good guys right there!

Kaden's family.

We were so surprised and happy to see our cousins the Brinkerhoffs and Ericksons walk in to the chapel.  Rachel and Melanie were the babysitters for the Brinkerhoff kids for the week and I know that it was a big sacrifice to get those kids up so early and drive almost an hour to get to the baptism.  It was extra special to have them there.

Chit-chatting with the big crowd after.  We did have a big group of friends and family supporting us. 

We felt SO loved!!

The Stringhams from our BFF California group.

They ARE family.

 Melissa Madsen Parker and Stephanie Madsen came and represented our Redding family.  Loved having those awesome girls support us!

Didn't get a picture of the Christensen family who was there.  They ARE family also.  Love living close to them after all these years. 

Yummy lunch at our house after.

Maryn must have been sassing somebody because she got her lips chip-clipped.

 We had people spread out eating all over the place.

That's when my house really feels like a home and I feel normal.

 Kaden and the 2 uncles working on our puzzle together.

It was an awesome day!  I went to bed late an I woke up early getting ready for everything.  I wanted it to be as perfect a day as I could make for Kaden.  I kept telling him, "you'll remember this day forever."  It was special for me personally to feel so much love and support and I know that Kaden felt like he had a cheerleading group praising his good choice to be baptized. 

I am so thankful for the amazing church we belong to and for the greatest family and friends anyone could ever ask for. 

On this special February 1st, I am so very thankful for my special boy, Kaden. He has a good, kind heart.  I am so proud that he is now a baptized member of the church.  He wore his suit the next day to church and went up to be welcomed in by the Bishop.  He looked so handsome.  He even bore his testimony which he had been excited about for a few days prior.  He wanted to be one of the first ones up but got beat out by somebody else, so he was the second one up to bear a great, strong testimony.

So proud of this boy!