Jeffery Thomas's Baptism

What an amazing 2 weeks we have had!!!  We are safely home from Arizona (flying on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 had me a little concerned but we didn't even have the slightest hiccup).  We are all still on Arizona time and I am wishing I could still walk out into the family room and see my parents but it is good to be home.

{Note: For those who have expressed concern....my extended stay in the Grand Canyon State is not a cover for us looking for jobs out there.  :)  My extended stay was just that....an extended stay.  End of story.  :)  }

Moving on....the whole reason for us going to Arizona in the first place was to baptize our little boy.   He is the first grandchild on either side of our families and for numerous reasons, we decided it would be in the best interest of everyone concerned to take him out West for the Sacrament.  I was able to track down Father Steve Schack...the priest and good friend of ours who married us...and he happily agreed to perform the Sacrament of Baptism.

As I had hoped, Jeffery Thomas was baptized in my maternal grandfather's baptismal gown that is 102 years old.  My mom and I figure that about 10 or more babies have been baptized in this gown including my grandfather, my mom, me....and now Jeffery.

102 year old Baptismal Gown

Father Steve is the pastor at a church in El Mirage, AZ....a place that even long time Phoenicians like my family had never visited.  Granted, my family are East Valley residents and El Mirage is about as far West Valley as you can get.  But...even though it was an hour drive for everyone....we had an amazing group of people come to celebrate the day with us.  The California Contingent included Dave's parents, his Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Mike and his Uncle Patrick and Cousin Jeffrey (different spelling but still an awesome name!).  The Arizona Contingent included my parents, my sister, my Aunt Weezie and Uncle Joe (who came out from Iowa but I'm including in this list) and several dear friends who have known me since I was born and even a friend of Dave and mine from college.  And then there was the New Mexico Contingent....Jeffery's Godparents, Jason and Barbara.  :)

Proud Godfather Jason

I had been looking forward to this day for over 2 years.

Momma showing off Jeffery in his baptismal gown

Jeffery had been extremely fussy the day before the baptism.  I believe that this was in response to the 3 hour time difference and the new smells and sights and environment and the long day we had had the day before in traveling to Arizona (waking up at 3am VA time to catch a 6:30am flight is no fun).  I was admittedly a little worried at how he would do during the ceremony.  He was an ANGEL!  He didn't even make a sound when Father poured the water over his head!!

Jeffery slept through most of the baptism

The newly baptized Jeffery Thomas

Father Steve performing the Sacrament of Baptism

Sacrament of Baptism

The Sacrament was a beautiful ceremony and we were so blessed to have so many loved ones with us.

A proud Granny Jean holding newly baptized Jeffery

When faced with choosing Godparents for our son, Dave and I wanted two people who took their Catholic faith seriously.  We wanted two people who would not just view this as a ceremonial responsibility but would take an active role in our son's life and would take their duties as godparents with the seriousness the role demands.  With this in mind, we very quickly asked our friends Jason and Barbara to be Jeffery's Godparents.  Jason introduced Dave to me, he was our best man in our wedding, and having dated Barbara for almost 10 years....they have both become so dear to Dave and I that there was no doubt that they were the people we were looking for.  Jeffery could not be more blessed to have these two amazing people in his life in such a capacity!!

Godparents to Jeffery Thomas...and now family to the Pedersens!

Proud Godfather Jason

Proud Godmother Barbara

Jason and Barbara are quite taken with little Jeffery

After the baptism, my parents held a lovely dinner party for the family and godparents at their house.  It was a wonderful evening of being with family and enjoying every one's company.  We even had my mom's famous Texas Sheet Cake and amazing homemade ice cream in honor of the day!  It was such a special and beautiful day for Dave and me and we are so honored that we were surrounded by our loved ones.  We made the right decision in taking Jeffery out to Arizona for the baptism....no doubt about that!!!!!!!

Father Steve & the Pedersen Famliy