It's Great to be Eight!

November

November was a month that seemed to be coming too quickly. I was having a hard time with this, too. Not just because of the weather change, but because my little tiny, 8 lb. 11 oz. baby boy was turning the big EIGHT. How can that even happen? It seems like it was just yesterday that I endured eight long weeks of labor for him.

But, as much as I dug my heels in, it still came, and it still went.

Kevin was a lucky little boy and was able to have both sets of Grandparents Fly in for his big day. Granny and Pa and Aunt Jordin flew in the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We enjoyed a hike at the Castle, my Mom and I ran a 5K together, several rounds of Rummy Cube, an installation of a fireplace, and a very delicious Thanksgiving Meal. On Kevin’s Birthday we went swimming and out for dinner. Thanksgiving night Cody’s parents flew in and the next day we enjoyed a big lunch at Buckey’s the Girls hit up the outlets for a little after Black Friday Shopping while the boys continued the work on the fireplace.  We cut it close with time and hurried home to get ready for the baptism and then raced out the door.

It will definitely be a baptism to remember. Upon arriving at the church we started to set up and find baptismal clothes, only to discover that there were no children’s baptismal clothes to be found, anywhere! There was one adult jump suit, so we put Kevin in it and with some slight alterations with safety pins, rubber bands, and a stapler. Cody ended up wearing size 40 men’s pants ( only 8 sizes too large!) and some of our friends brought an extra white shirt for him to wear.  It was a wee bit stressful, but thankfully, we can now look back and laugh.

We ended up holding the baptism on the day after Thanksgiving and we were a little iffy as to how many people would be able to make it. But, we were blown away as more and more and more people came flooding through the doors. The love and support from friends, family members, and our branch family was unreal! I get all teary just thinking about it.

Kevin had asked Julia to speak on Baptism and she hit is out of the park. She did such a great job speaking and the spirit was quite strong.

Kevin asked my Dad to speak on the Holy Ghost. He also did a wonderful job and he gave Kevin a book to go along with his talk that talks about how the Holy Ghost can make us feel. I loved this!!  When I was baptized my Aunt spoke and gave me a picture of Christ. Although, I do not have that original picture anymore, anytime I see it, I am filled with the same feelings I felt on that day 22 (whatttt!?!?!) Years ago! I hope every time Kevin see’s this book he will have the same reminders.

Kevin was baptized and confirmed by Cody, with his Pa and Grandpa as the Witnesses.

Brother Temple, Jensen, Anderson, Burke, and Lucas also joined in on the confirmation.

And Aunt Jordin did a wonderful job playing the piano.

We also had amazing support from Kevin’s aunts and uncles at home, with many amazingly heartfelt letters and gifts. Kevin told me several times, “Mom, this is the best day ever!”

Sadly, we had to return my parents and sister the day after the baptism, but thankfully we had a few more days to enjoy Cody’s parents. We hit the arcades and bowling for an afternoon of fun and are so grateful for their help finishing the installation of the fireplace.

We are so overwhelmed with gratitude for so much love and support.

I can’t thank you all enough!!