Jonathon's 8th Birthday and Baptism

I'm trying to find the words to describe my feelings on the day my first baby turned 8 years old. I still see his little face like this one. 

Time goes by so quickly. As I looked through old pictures and videos of his previous seven birthday parties, and saw the gradual change from baby, to toddler, to preschooler, and now to a big eight year old, I realized how grateful and blessed I felt to be his mom. I'm grateful I get to be there, along with Jake and so many family and friends, to help him along his journey. 

On the day of his birthday we surprised him with a decorated house and donuts put in the shapes of an 8 for breakfast. We spent the day swimming and then grandpa surprised Jonathon with his first birthday gift, a really cool Star Wars watch that he had been wanting. Grandpa brought pizza out by the pool and grandma brought out a surprise Oreo cake, his favorite! It was a fun and relaxing day as we prepared and focused on his baptism the next day. 

Jonathon was excited when he woke up the next morning and realized it was his baptism day. He got ready two hours before it was time to head to the church. We talked all about the importance of this day for so long that I was happy he knew what was about to take place. His joy mirrored mine and Jake's as well. I've never seen Jake look so happy and proud, other than when he married me and when our babies were born :) 

The baptism went wonderfully. My dad gave the talk on baptism and I loved his sincere and heartfelt message and the love he has for Jonathon. He shared about his own baptism day as a convert to the church when he was 28. I loved hearing his feelings about that day again.  

Before the special baptism ordinance my cousin Emily, my aunt Julie and my mom all sang "when I am baptized" along to Emily's guitar, which she played beautifully! I wish I could've recorded it because it was one of the most beautiful songs I've heard that way. I have some raw footage of them practicing on my cell phone though :) Jonathon was all smiles and loved it. My mom gave the talk on the Holy Spirit when Jake and Jonathon returned, and as she spoke on the warm comforting feeling we get when He is with us, she wrapped a blanket she made for him around his shoulders. After this he received this most special gift by the laying on of hands by my favorite men all standing around him. It truly was an amazing sight to see; my husband, my dad, brother, grandpa, uncle, cousins and friends encircling him. I will never forget the love and power I felt. My brothers were kind enough to say the prayers, my cousin Steven Tringali played the piano for us and my aunt Julie led the music. 

Picture time with the new member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! My pure and sweet boy holding his wild and cute little sister :) 

And then there's Caleb! Proud little brother who kept hugging and patting Jonathon on the back. 

Great grandpa Ferguson, so happy and proud. 

Family picture minus Bella who was running around saying hi to everyone :) I'm so proud of Jonathon, it was an emotional evening, so full of love and light. One I will never forget. 

Back home after the baptism we had a little "it's great to be eight!" dessert party with family and friends for Jonathon. Celebrating both his birthday and baptism. We sang to him, opened presents, and then let him run loose to play with his cousins and friends. His favorite gifts were his own personalized set of scriptures, a journal, new books, treats, and money from grandparents :) 

I love this picture of Jonathon stopping Caleb from blowing out his 8 candles. Caleb does this any chance he gets, so beware :) 

What a wonderful and special day we had, full of gratitude for all that we have and all that lies ahead. We are so grateful for all of our family and friends who came to support Jonathon on his special day.