Jaylen's getting baptized!

Jaylen is getting baptized this Saturday! Merilee will be in town, so we moved his baptism from February to March to have her there. He's ready and excited! He's been preparing and giving our family home evening lessons for the past couple months on faith, repentance, the Holy Ghost, baptism, the Atonement, Joseph Smith and has done a really good job. It's fun to watch him prepare and learn. The primary presidency came over to talk to Jaylen about his baptism and he was so excited and giggly about it. He is such a sweet boy who wants to do what's right. We're very proud of him.

Here's the announcement we made and sent out.

We took Jaylen over to the temple a month or so ago and took some pictures of Jaylen. They were so adorable. I can't choose just one, so here are a few for keepsake. We love our 8 year old Jaylen! 

 

So so handsome!

It's really helped my own testimony to watch Jaylen go through this process. It's made me think deeper on these subjects and bearing my testimony to Jaylen has witnessed to my heart the truth of these things. Seeing the joy and happiness of Jaylen learning and growing as been a good example to me. I've struggled in the past few years with my testimony, and I've come to realize the past few months, that although my testimony isn't perfect, I love the life we have and the things we believe have shaped my life and given me the blessings I have. There was a lesson Jaylen gave a few weeks ago, that really hit my heart. I felt the Spirit and it spoke to my heart. I'm where I should be and I'm forever grateful for these tender moments of clarity.

Lately

I'm feeling so blessed for my boys lately. They are the best, I couldn't be more proud. Here's a few stories from lately I want to remember:

At dinner for Jaylen's birthday, Aaron asked him what his favorite part of his birthday was. He snuggled up to me and said "Mommy is my favorite birthday gift because she's my mom." He looked up into my eyes, all snuggled up on my shoulder and I melted! He's the sweetest little boy- I don't know how I even deserve him. 

Today at church in relief society, another 1 year old boy came up to Miles and bit him on the face. It was crazy- I thought he was going to kiss him and Miles screamed bloody murder after he touched him. When I went outside his lip was bleeding and had a scratch on his nose and I realized he'd been bitten! I was telling Aaron after church and Jaylen overheard and came out fuming mad. "WHO DID THAT?? I want to find that little boy and just kick him!!" It was amazing how protective and defensive Jaylen got and felt for his little brother. It startled Aaron and I. Jaylen was not going to stand someone hurting Miles. Jaylen has such a tender heart and is such a sweet, protective big brother. Gavin and Miles are lucky to have him as an example and big brother. 

We've been talking to Jaylen about fasting lately, so he tried to fast a meal today. Gavin wanted to join in, but after realizing what it really meant, he asked me on the way home, "Can I fast playtime, mom?? I can't live without food!!" It was a pretty funny thought he had. That poor kid is going to struggle with fasting like his momma! 

As I was putting Gavin to bed tonight he gave me a kiss on each cheek and told me "he loved me being his mommy." There is nothing better than slowing down, looking into my boys' eyes and connecting- being present in the moment and soaking in the sweetness of a child. I don't do it enough, I'm sure, but I want to have these moments with each one of them every day. I love Gavin's sweet age right now. He's so tender and sweet. Oh, and those deep brown eyes and smile are the best. Simply THE BEST!