Saturday was an amazing day. Riley decided to get baptized and we couldn't be more thrilled. With all of the things that are going on in our lives right now, it was great to stop and feel the spirit so strongly. Riley was so disappointed that he hadn't gotten scriptures for his birthday. He didn't know we had plans to give them to him for his baptism. So as he was heading out the door, I stopped him to make sure he had everything.
M-"Do you have a towel..change of undies...your scriptures?"
R-"Yep..Yep..I don't have scriptures."
M-"You don't" I look at Brandon "He doesn't have scriptures!"
B-"What a shame!"
M-"Well, you might as well take these then." Pull the scriptures out from behind my back.
R-"What the heck! WOW!" He comes and grabs them and then wraps me in a big hug and quietly says "Thank you, Mom." Then I cry. Wasn't the first time that day, wasn't the last.

We had so many friends and family there to join in this special moment. We had planned to be at an outdoor park for a party afterwards, but the rain forced us indoors. Thankfully, my in-laws offered their house. (Thanks again, Marji and Bill) It was so much better than bringing everybody home 1)because it's bigger than our house and 2)because it stays way cleaner than our house. We had such a fun time. Burgers and hot dog and lots of fun. We made it both a baptism party and a birthday party for all three kids, so to make it really special we "hired" my friends 12 y.o. son to do a magic show. Porter the Magnificent was a wonderful entertainer. The kids all thought it was fun and when he was done the sun had come out, so they all went out for a little while before cake. After the party was over, we stuck around the Kirkwood's for dinner and then celebrated my niece and nephews birthday, which was the next day. After all was said and done, I was excited that the next day was Sunday, the day of rest. We weren't quite sure how it would work out, but Riley wanted to fast with us. So he ate breakfast and then said a fast prayer and didn't eat again until dinner. What a kid! He sleeps with his scriptures in bed with him and looked up the sacrament right away so he could plan a family home evening for us. Since Brandon goes to school on Monday nights now, we went ahead with FHE on Sunday night so that we didn't have to make Riley wait to do it. More tears. He just makes me so proud. I sure do love that kids. -Pam