8 is Really Great!!

(Baptism photo shoot courtesy of Abi....seriously it is the coolest having my own little photographer.....not to mention the photos are fab!)

Baptisms and Birthdays for J.D. this past month.  On February 17, our million-dollar-smile boy turned 8.  And yes this was a year for a big party.  J.D. knew exactly what he wanted to do for his party and that was to play basketball.  We planned everything around a basketball theme.  The invitations went out and the countdown started.

He was so excited and the weather was just perfect so they could actually play a full on game outside.  I think there were 10 boys, although at times it seemed like 110.  I think it was a bit overwhelming for J.D. and halfway through the party the line from the song "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to" kept repeating over and over in my head.  At the end of the party, I told J.D. I was a little disappointed in the way he acted and tried to help him learn a few things from the experience.  He said to me....."well mom it's partly your fault because I haven't had a big party since I was 5 and I didn't know what to expect."  So yes I'll take part of the blame. :)  But all-in-all the party was a great success and the boys had a great time.

I had to laugh at this one.  The look on J.D.'s face (below) is exactly how I was feeling at the time :)

The following Sunday we had our traditional family birthday get together.  And of course we had more basketball themed treats.  We had a great day

Just a couple weeks later, on March 3rd, was J.D.'s baptism.  I don't think I've ever seen a kid so excited to be baptized.  My older 3 were very excited to be baptized but this kid was crazy excited.

I don't think he ever quit smiling.  In fact, he went down into the water smiling.  Russel almost blew in his face so he would take a breath.  Right before he went under, we all heard a little tiny gasp.  We all laughed but were also relieved that he didn't get a mouth and nose full of water.   He managed to keep that awesome smile of his and hold his breath for a few short seconds.  He was baptized with one of his cute friends in the neighborhood and that made it extra special for him.  J.D. was baptized first and I felt a little bad that he wouldn't be able to watch Ethan.  But Russel was a step ahead of me and had already planned to just wait at the top of the stairs so J.D. could watch.  It was a special day.  I even got to give a talk.....just what I had been hoping for. ;)

 J.D. was pretty nervous to have his interview with the Bishop.  I just have to share one cute thing from that interview.  The Bishop asked J.D. who he would like to give him the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Sweet little J.D. just looked up at him and said "Jesus Christ."  The Bishop smiled and said well you might have to choose someone that's on the earth right now :)  Wouldn't that be great if we all could have Jesus give us the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

FIRE POWER! 

 What a great supportive family we have!

We also decided to do a shower for my niece that day since everyone would be coming up for the baptism anyway.  And we wanted the shower to be extra special since the cute couple decided to not have a reception.  So we rushed home from the baptism to have brunch, clean up, and set up for the shower 2 hours later.   Everyone thought I was a little crazy and I admit there were times I questioned it myself but everything turned out great and everyone helped sooo much.  It was a fabulous day to spend with friends and family.  And my niece and her fiancee were so adorable.  Here's one of my cute nieces helping me frantically get ready.  I have the best nieces.  They ran up and down the stairs a billion times doing anything and everything I asked of them.  

We are so proud of you, J.D., and the decision you have made to be baptized.  You have a strong testimony of the gospel and are truly a sweet child of God.  J.D., you have the determination and potential to do great things with your life.  Stay close to the Lord and you will always be happy.  Remember this day always and that wonderful feeling you experienced.  Look through the beautiful baptism book made by Aunt Gina and read the letters from your Dad and me and your wonderful grandparents, and all the little notes made from everyone that came to see you.  It will help you remember your special day.  We love you dearly.  Keep smiling sweet boy!