Great to be 8

Kasen chose to be baptized so we have been helping him prepare all year long. He finished the activity packet the primary gave him, has been reading the Book of Mormon nearly every night with our family (and even some nights by himself in his room) and memorized the 4th Article of Faith, in roughly 15-20 minutes! We've talked about covenants, ordinances, the priesthood, the promises he'll be making, why we get baptized and what the Holy Ghost does. And we've got to talk to him a lot about Jesus Christ and how and why we try to be like Him. He has loved going to boys activity days this year with his friends too!

I went with him to be interviewed by the Bishop and was impressed that he knew exactly what the Good Samaritan picture was of. He told the Bishop the whole story about how 3 people walked by but only one person stopped to help. Bishop Hale asked him if he would continue to help his family and others after he's baptized. Then he talked to him about honesty and what repenting looks like. He gave an example of, "Let's say you stole something" Kasen stopped him though and said, "Can we do something else cause I would never EVER do that!" So then he used the example of accidentally hurting someone. Kasen said he has done that before so we used that example. lol

Half way through the interview Kasen told him, "This is more fun than I thought it would be!"

I know some people think that 8 years old is still too young to decide to be baptized, but I don't think 8 years old is too young to have goals to help others, be honest and make good choices by following a perfect example. Having the Holy Ghost offers blessings of comfort, protection and truth. Everything I'd hope for my children.

We got Kasen a CTR ring for his birthday/baptism and he has worn it everyday since we did these pictures. Except his first day of swimming lessons it got left at the swimming pool. We called later and they found it to hold for us until the next day. Well the next day I put it in the stroller and when it was time to leave I was so frazzled because a super inconsiderate person parked right next to my car, right as I lifted the car seat out of the stroller, too close to even be able to put Kolt's car seat in. I had to put him back in the stroller, lock it up and then move my car to be able to get my kids in to it. Anyways, during my rush to get kids in the car I had no idea where Kasen's CTR ring ended up. I said a silent prayer that we'd be able to find it in the stroller instead of smashed in the parking lot and the next day I opened the stroller and it popped right out! God's tender mercies for a boy who wants to choose the right.

It was a special day because the same day Kasen was baptized, Kolt was also blessed.

Kyle and Kasen said that the water was almost too hot. I guess that's the luck of being the first one of the day. His head didn't quite touch the bottom of the font like he was hoping either, but he's fine with that. lol

When I asked him how he felt afterwords he said, "happy, proud and a bit normal."

Grandma Melanie gave a talk on baptism and brought some shiny, new pennies and some old, dirty pennies. When she asked Kasen what he noticed about the pennies he said, "They are circles." haha such a Kasen answer!

I am so proud of him and his decision to be baptized like Jesus Christ was. Every night, ever since Kasen could talk he has asked me to sing him "Rainbows" before bed. He didn't know that it was about baptism for a long time, but like the song says, I know that if we do the best we can that we can live with God again.

I know that I have felt the spirit in my life. Feelings from a loving Heavenly Father and I could never deny them.

I know that the gospel is the plan of happiness. Following Christ will always bring the greatest happiness.

I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, but also my personal Savior. I know that he lives.

And I know that we are children of God and we are loved.

There wasn't a microphone in the chapel so it was nearly impossible to hear the blessing or confirmation, but Kasen was blessed to be able to recognize the feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost and that through them he will always know the path he should take that will lead him back to Heavenly Father and the most happiness. He was reminded of how much Heavenly Father and his family loves him, how proud of him we are and blessed to continue being an example.

Kolt was blessed to know that "Heavenly Father has a plan for you. He wants you to learn and understand the power of the priesthood, as it has already had an impact in your life. He'll use you as an instrument as you become and remain worthy of the priesthood power in your life. Your family is so grateful for you and has a great love for you. I bless you with a desire to follow Heavenly Father and as you make correct decisions you will be able to live with Him again. I bless you to develop a deep love of the temple and of the blessings and knowledge you can receive by going there."

My Dear Little Kolt,                                                                                       Saturday, July 1, 2023

 

Today was a special day because it was your blessing day and you got to be blessed the same day that Kasen was baptized.

Grandpas Jeff and Jack, Jordan, Hayden, and Jon all stood in the circle as Dad gave you a name and a blessing.

 

He blessed you to know that "Heavenly Father has a plan for you. He wants you to learn and understand the power of the priesthood, as it has already had an impact in your life. He'll use you as an instrument as you become and remain worthy of the priesthood power in your life. Your family is so grateful for you and has a great love for you. I bless you with a desire to follow Heavenly Father and as you make correct decisions you will be able to live with Him again. I bless you to develop a deep love of the temple and of the blessings and knowledge you can receive by going there."

 

Kolt, I am so thankful to Heavenly Father that he sent you to our family. We needed you to be a part of it to make our family whole and complete. I am so happy you are here and we all love you so much.

 

I want you to know that I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I know that I have felt His Spirit in my life and feelings from Heavenly Father that I could never deny feeling. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan of happiness. Following Christ will always bring the greatest happiness and protection. I know that Christ is the Savior of the world, but also my personal Savior. I know that He lives. And more than anything I hope you will grow to know that He loves you. You are a child of God and you are so loved. No matter what. You will always be loved.

 

I know that families can be together forever and I am so grateful that you are part of my eternal family. Families are so important. We need each other and I want you to know that I will always be here for you to help lift, strengthen and comfort you whenever you need help. God wants us to be happy and have joy and I know that if we do the best we can, we’ll be able to live with Him again.

 

God wants you to know truth and also have hope. As you trust in Him you can have both of those things. It will be your responsibility to find out the truth for yourself and to decide what you believe based on your own experiences, feelings and relationship with God. I encourage you to do the work it takes to really know your Savior and how having a relationship with Him can bless your life. Nothing is every permanently wrong when you have God to rely on during the hard times. He gives us the hope that everything will work out in the end and that mistakes can be fixed.

 

Be true to what you know is right. I know you have a great purpose and potential to do good here on this earth. Please believe that I will always be trying my best for you too.

 

I love you forever and ever! Love, Mom

Hayden's family made him the cutest candy bar poster and Grammy Tammy gave him a new CTR tie and tie clip. 

I also bought a Baptism memory book and filled it all out for him. Including messages and testimonies from all 6 of his grandparents and 2 of his great grandparents. I hope he cherishes it and one day realizes how special those are!

Thank you everyone that came to show so much love and support for Kasen on this special day!

It it great to be EIGHT!