Hayden gets baptized!

What a special day for us. Hayden was baptized today. Something that he has been very excited about. He was able to choose the program and asked me to talk on Baptism, Chandler to talk on the Holy Ghost and for his Dad to perform the baptism. It was the first time that I have participated in one of the Boys Baptisms, more than just being a mom, and in charge of refreshments. It was very humbling to look into his eyes as I talked to him. I am grateful for that opportunity. Chandler, although he started out his talk saying he couldn't top that, did awesome. He sounded so mature, he handled himself so well, his hands in his pockets, not always reading from his paper. At one time he asked Hayden to come up. When Chandler sat down he told me had ad-libbed half of it. I would have never known. The whole things went well. Chandler was ordained a Deacon and will proudly pass the sacrament tomorrow as Hayden takes it for the first time with full meaning and purpose. I am proud of these boys, of all my boys.

Hayden turns 8

Holy cow....another milestone. Hayden turned 8 today. He has been so excited for his birthday. Last night he couldn't sleep. He came downstairs and said I am just so excited for tomorrow. It took a few extra prayers but he did finally fall asleep. Geoff was home this morning so he was able to go in with me to wake him up by singing Happy Birthday, he jumped out of bed so fast. I think he was actually already awake, but he had the Happy Hayden Grin on. He was ready in no time. It was torture to wait to open his presents but finally everyone was ready. He tore through them all. I brought him McDonalds to lunch for school. He kinda knew I would so that wasn't a huge suprise. He handed out sour stix to his class. He has let me know that he would like to go back to ring pops.

It was also the Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts so that is how we celebrated his birthday. The boys had to decorate a cake that represented the state they were born in. They had fun!

For the final part of his birthday I placed a underwater webkinz on his pillow. His face lit up and I knew he had a great day. And that is the most important thing of all. He is a great kid, and I love him so much!

Prestons 100th day of School

I can't believe my baby has been in real school for 100 days. I was able to go in the classroom today for the celebration. It was fun to go with MaryJane because we normally trade off. The kids made crowns with a 100 dollars on them, they counted out a 100 pieces of cereal and made a 100 day necklace, they read a story and had a 100 dollar treat. It is always fun to be able to go in the classroom and spend time with your child. As they get older you get less and less of an opportunity so I will take anything I can get. The teacher also printed up large one hundred dollar bills, put their faces in the middle of them and laminated them, oh so cute!

Chandler

It is hard for me to believe that my first born is 12. I remember the day he was born, and it seems like yesterday. My little blue-eyed blonde baby boy in the ICU hooked up to IV's and oxygen, is now a preteen, hooked to his MP3 player and his laptop. He has always had an amazing personality, a fun loving, easy going, entertaining kid. When he was little he used to squish his face up and make silly faces, he loved to hold his bottle with his feet. He was a little charmer. He was fascinated with Godzilla's at age 2 and called them zilla's, at 3 he loved Blues Clues and wanted to be Steve, he also loved Mulan and wouldn't answer to his real name. I would ask, "Chandler, are you hungry?" and he would say, "I don't know, ask Mulan." He quickly moved to the Superhero era of Batman. Then he entered school and his passion for reading took off like the Space Shuttle to the moon. He has a book with him at all times. He is a people person and has many friends. He loves to write and he loves to sing. I am proud to have him as my son. Happy Birthday Chandler, I love YOU!

Chandler's big Party with Noah

Well after much persistence and planning on Chandler's part and his accomplice Noah a joint birthday party dream became a reality. The final count 8 boys each. We figured since it was the begenning of the winter break not everyone could come. But they all made it. So 18 boys. Saron was great she made the invitations and tye-dyed the shirts, boys choice in colors to create teams for capture the flag. We started at Noah's house for Pizza, Capture the Flag, Cake and craziness. Then off to my house about 10:00 for games, movies and some sleep...just a little bit. I don't think anyone got more that a few hours if that. The boys had a good time. But in the morning when I asked Noah about it, he said it was too many people. Chandler could have had more.

Chandler gets his Scouting Badge

Well Chandler managed somehow to get his scouting badge. We started cub scouts on a good foot, he received his Bobcat, Wolf and then his Bear...but as we moved into Weebelos we fell off somehow. Life got busy. Chandler has enjoyed the 11 year old scouting. Their Den competed in the Klondike Derby last month, in the freezing cold. He turns 12 in just a few days and will move onto Boy Scouts.