Jared Turned 8 & Gets Baptized

Jared turned 8 this last year!  It is strange to see him change from being my little boy.  There are times when I have to check myself before being overly affectionate or teasing him and ask myself if I would have liked that at his age.  Most of the time I answer probably not.

When Jared was about 6 he really wanted a pocket knife. We told Jared he could have one after he was baptized at 8.  (You know, way in the future, a date to look forward to but one that would never really come.)  Anyways, it came and he has a knife.  Granted we keep it for him and he only uses it with supervision.

 We were actually really excited about giving it to him because we had it engraved to say, "With love on your Baptism, December 1st, 2012."  

Right before his baptism.

 I'm not sure who taught them to hold their dresses like this but it's way cute!

 They are way cute!

The whole crew.

 What fun would a baptism be without a silly face picture? ;)

 I only just love each of these little ones,  A LOT!

I'm so proud of Jared for choosing to get baptized.  He knows way more about the church, about his own personal testimony and how much Heavenly Father loves him than I did at his age or even for years to follow.  I'm so grateful for his special prayers and strong testimony.  He is a reminder everyday how precious children are and their sweet innocence and desire to do good.  Probably everyday I notice something Jared did that was selfless or said something that was just pure truth and I can't help but pause and think I want to be more like that.

Here's Jared's reaction when we told him we were going to keep his presents for ourselves.

I guess they were a hit!

Happy Birthday Jared!  Thank you for being my first and thank you for challenging me and changing my life in so many ways for the better.