Great to be 8

Where has the time gone? 

Last Sunday (Jan. 13,2013) We attended our Stake’s “Great to be 8” program and scheduled the date and time for Joaquin’s baptism.    To say he is excited is truly an understatement!  He listened intently to the speakers and their detailed explanations of what to expect for their baptisms as well as their recommendations of what to do to prepare himself.  One of the highlights for Joaquin was learning that when he turned 8 he not only gets to be baptized but that he will be a cub scout and can begin working on his “Faith in God”.  I so wish I could have taken a picture of his face when he realized this!  He looked over at me with this huge grin and did a little happy dance right there in his seat, reverently of course J

I too am excited for this year as we prepare for his baptism!  Although I was born of “goodly parents” namely my mother and grandmother (my parent’s divorced when I was 4), we didn’t learn of the church until I was almost 10 years old.  I am enjoying so much watching my children grow up with a knowledge of God’s plan and His glorious gospel.  It is a beautiful thing to watch!

In preparation for his baptism Joaquin has made a goal to say his prayers every night before he goes to sleep.  I, of course, could do this for him but he and I both feel it is important for him to learn to remember to say his prayers on his own.  Also, to learn to truly communicate with our Father in Heaven and to find joy in it.  If he can do that now at this young tender age then he will have set a wonderful pattern for his life.  However, it will require work.  Tonight as we were kneeling for family prayer.  I reminded him to say his personal prayers and he looked at me and said, “Do I have to do this all the way until I turn 8?” and I responded with “You have to do this for the rest of your life, prayer is talking to our Father in Heaven.  We should want to do that not feel like it is a chore.”  But at seven, when you are tired and sleepy it’s hard to remember that J  Even at 43 when I’m tired and sleepy it is difficult to remember that.  Must remember it we must!  After this discussion I announced a need for a FHE on prayer.  That shall be coming shortly.

I am Joaquin’s Sunday School teacher as well and so I get to spend the whole year learning with him and preparing.  What a beautiful privilege and blessing!  It is great to be 8 J

Thanksgiving...

Today I am thankful for friends...some I have known all my life, some are brief acquaintances, some I know well, some know me well, some are family and some I call family, but friends they ALL are and I love each and every ONE!

Thanksgiving....

Today I am thankful for children...for their enthusiasm for life, for their innocence, for their willingness to love, love, and love some more.  Is it any wonder that the Savior has admonished us "to become as a little child"?

This while playing with a neighborhood friend my Joaquin let his emotions get the better of him (this is a super rare thing...Zeke, now that is a different story).  The friend, although repeatedly asked to stop playing rough didn't and Joaquin yelled at him.  The friend yelled back and they both stomped for home.  The next day after arriving home from School with Joaquin our little friend was playing outside with Zeke.  They both, excited to see Joaquin, ran to the car.  Joaquin was a bit hesitant and his friend said, "Joaquin, do you forgive me?  I forgive you."  Joaquin didn't answer but he was listening.  Then his friend looked at him and said "friends forgive friends".  I looked at Joaquin and said that is true.  Zeke, chimed in and said yes, Joaquin, "friends are friends".  There you have it folks plain and simple, straight from the heart!

My boys woke up at 7:30 am this Saturday morning and headed straight for the window to see what the storm had left for us...more than a foot of snow!  WOOOOOOHOOOO!  We love snow at our house! I was still half asleep but I could hear the two of them getting ready.  They were dressing for snow cause the early bird gets the worm(or snow in this case) don't ya know?  Then they headed out back to play.  When they came in an hour later for breakfast (it is only 9am folks and they have already been building and playing away) we decided to go sledding which would include the purchase of a new sled ( a 2 seater).  As we were getting ready to head to the store Joaquin was trying to tell me something but then he stopped and said, "I am so excited I can barely talk!"  Children make everything more magical!

I am so thankful for the two beautiful boys God blessed our home with!  I love you my Joaquiny and Zekiel!

Thanksgiving...

Today I am thankful for all of the difficulties, trials, challenges, and adversity of this life.  Because of them I have experienced great joy!  I can see how my rough edges are being smoothed and softened.  They have and are making me more kind, compassionate, tolerant, and forgiving.  Although terribly painful and often nearly overwhelming I know they are helping me become the person I want to be when my journey on this earth is through.