The Great 8

It is amazing how quickly time flies. Eight years ago today I anticipated the birth of my first son. I had tried to prepare myself for becoming a mother, doing as all young mothers do, reading everything I could get my hands on, asking advice from my own mother and older sisters, talking with doctors and pediatricians. I was anxious and excited. I was overwhelmed and nervous. Thankfully I did not go into labor on my own (I can say thankfully now because I know what to expect, but then I probably was a wreck) and we were able to schedule an inducement. Ben was born after just a few hours of induced labor. He was a whopping 9 lbs 9 oz and had a head of black hair. His face was red and round, and I held him swaddled as much as I could. I remember watching Dewey hold him and thinking, "He is going to make a great daddy." I remember counting all his fingers and toes and wanting to hold him close to me all the time.

Ben is just an amazing boy. His grandma calls him a genius. He is smart and funny. He loves to read, pretty much anything you put in front of him. He loves motorcycles and bicycles. He wants to climb trees and hike mountains and jump through streams. He enjoys playing games and singing and playing the piano. He likes to make food and eat pickles. He is patient and understanding (I had to add this because being the oldest he is the one I ask to do the most chores, and has to be the one I learn to be a better mom with.) He is kind and helpful, especially with his younger siblings. He is honest and true and is seeking his own testimony. He is a great example to me and I love him so much.

This year he turns eight. This is the year he is baptized and confirmed. Ben I want you to know how wonderful the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. Heavenly Father has a plan for us to become like Him and return to Him. Through His plan we have become an eternal family and as members of the church we make promises and take steps one at a time that bring us closer to Him. I am thankful to know my Savior's love for me, and to be a member of His church. Remembering the day I was baptized and thinking about the steps your are making brings great joy to me.

You have chosen to be baptized

To start your life anew,

Following in Christ’s footsteps

For you know the Gospel’s true,

When our lives are clean and spotless,

The Holy Ghost can guide;

A companion and a prompter

He’ll stay always at your side.

 

For your reflections of today,

I want to remind you,

Of these sacred vows,

and of the Gospel true.

 

So clean and white, 

Like you’ve become today;

When you vowed to follow Jesus

and your sins were washed away.

 

To follow in Christ’s footsteps

The commandments to obey,

To  remember His atonement

and for repentance, pray.

 

Remember God is near you

His love for you is great

Stay near the Straight and Narrow Path

Where lasting blessing wait.