A LOT IN A WEEK

A lot happened this past week! The most special moment of the week was Isaac's baptism. It was a beautiful experience. I'm pleased with Isaac's decision to be baptized. He thought and prayed about it. I used to think he just couldn't grasp the weight and relevance of baptism. But he absolutely did! He's made a great decision.

He is totally aware of the religious differences with my extended family as well as some in Bry's extended family. He has learned to respect others beliefs and still stand strong in his own faith and decisions. Of course we encourage him to choose the religious teachings that we follow. That is what God commands us to do as parents. Why wouldn't we? We believe with all of our hearts and minds Christ's Gospel as taught in the LDS Church, is the most correct Gospel on the face of the Earth. Of course we teach him what we believe to be God's truths.
Isaac has a curious mind and thinks about everything he hears. Everything. I'm grateful that God has given Isaac answers to his questions, blessed him to hear and think about these important issues. Isaac is a special kid.
When Bryan and the other influential Priesthood holders in Isaac's life laid their hands on Isaac's head, the power of God was palpable. As the Holy Ghost was given to Isaac, I felt the strength that the Spirit brought to Isaac. His blessing contained many references to service. He was encouraged to study and follow the example of Gordon B. Hinckley (our beloved Prophet that passed away last week). President Hinckley loved and served everyone. Isaac has a sense of humor similar to President Hinckley's that will be a blessing to those that he serves. It was a wonderful day that I'll remember all of my life.
For me, Saturday and Sunday were another confirmation of the reality of Christ. The truth of His teachings and His gospel came strongly into my mind and heart this weekend. My testimony became strengthened and more firmly entrenched in my soul. My faith expanded this past weekend. I received again a strong confirmation that God is aware of Isaac, of me and of my family. He again confirmed to me that our religious choices were absolutely correct. It is only because of God's love and guidance that we are here, that we are members of His church. He gave us this gift, this knowledge, this faith and conviction. I'm so grateful. I've chosen this knowingly, studied His words and His doctrine and sought answers through prayer and fasting. So.... to all of my friends and family members that I love so much..... you know where I stand and what I stand for .......

Thank you to all of the family the flew/drove in to be with Isaac on his special day. Love love love you and your support. It was great to have his grandparents in attendance. My Mom was a huge help last week. We appreciated Dad & Mom Holt (Don & Karen) coming early too so that they could enjoy Griff's Choral performance, Pinewood Derby & the baptism. Thanks Mom, Mom & Dad. I love you.

Less mushy stuff.....Pinewood Derby was great too. The boys worked really hard on their cars. Even Noah made a car and waited patiently until after the scouts had raced to race his car. Griff's car was a "Kashi" car -looked just like our dog. Isaac made a corvette car. Both were fast!! It was Isaac's first Pack Mtg. and I think he had a great time. It was awesome watching the excitement they felt and how "into it" my boys were that night. DERBY ROCKS!!

Griff had a choral performance last week too. It was great. I was completely surprised to see Griff, along with two other students, accompany the chorus on the piano for one song. He told us that he had a little surprise for us. It was fun and Griff did a great job!!

I love being a Mom. It was a huge week. Nonstop!! I never imagined how much fun it would be as my kids got older. Actually, I worried that I wouldn't love it as much as I loved their infancies. But, I have to say that I love watching them grow. I love having conversations with them. I love watching them experience life. I ache when I see the pain they feel as they experience the consequences of their bad choices but rejoice in the learning they received too. I love cuddling them closely and letting them know how special they are and how deeply I love each one of them.