Oliver's Baptism

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation!---2 Corinthians 5:17

We celebrated Oliver's sacrament of holy baptism on July 12th! What started as a frustrating situation proved to be the most delightful and celebratory event. I was very sad going into Oliver's baptism just knowing he is our last child, growing so quickly, and this is the last time we'd celebrate the baptism of one of our children. I wanted it to be super special for him and our family.

Our original date in May to have Ollie baptized got double booked with another family. Four families (6 children) were to be baptized that day and Ollie would have made seven. It was just too many families to accommodate in one service. So against MY plan we were moved to July; only to find out that neither the rector nor his associate would be able to perform the ceremony. Not to mention that the family christening outfit that the boys wear wouldn't fit him 2 months later and I'd have to buy something...Just one more glitch!!!!

I was later informed that our former Bishop, Charles Duvall was appointed. While we do not have a close relationship with Bishop Duvall I had heard great things about his ways of conducting a Baptism. Oliver went from being 1 of 7 children to a private Baptism performed by a Bishop!!!! It just doesn't get any more special! Bishop Duvall was awesome!! The service was absolutely perfect! So many people commented on how personal and beautiful it all was. It was every bit as special as I had wanted for the last time we would do this. We are so thankful that God truly IS in charge and knows what He's doing.

We were surrounded by great family and friends. It was a HUGE honor to have our great friends, Ansley and Patrick Grier stand up as his God-parents. They are so special to us and have taken on such a special and important role in Oliver's life as a Christian.

What a GLORIOUS day indeed!

My Mom's sisters---"Uncle" Judy and Aunt Laynie

A few of the wild boys

Mom and Dad with Ollie

Clayton, cousin Renee and my S-I-L April

Part of the Gibson gang

Jason, Katie, and Henry

Me and our sweet God-daughter, Caroline

Good and Dear Friends!!!

Shannon and the Overdykes

Fenton and Heather

More of the crowd

And more

Mom, Dad, Aunt Laynie, Aunt Judy, and Ms. Phyllis our parish sponsor for Oliver

Ms. Phyllis Gee, Patrick and Ansley with Newton and Liddy, Bishop Charles Duvall, and the Bakers

Me, Ollie, and Shan posing in front of the St. John's signature keepsake banner

St. John's just does it right!!!!!!!!!!

Oliver's favors to our guests to match his invitations

His sweet petit fours