Damon

Our fourth of July weekend started out with a quick visit from our best friends from dental school, Jenn and Joe Whitesides. We had such a good time visiting with them, and even though they didn't have their two boys, our kids made up for it with their excitement.

Things really started to get busy on the 2nd, when this handsome boy turned 8.

We have been talking about his baptism for a long time, and I honestly can't believe that day is already here. He has grown a lot since we first started taking these pics of him in his daddy's shirt. You can see his legs now. But he still has a ways to go before he can fill it out (phew!).

My family was already planning on being here for the Fourth, so we were excited to find out that Damon would be getting baptized on the third. And although he didn't get to have a party with friends (it was just too much for me, having to host all my family and plan an after baptism get together), he still had a great birthday. Here he is sampling his favorite food--sushi! Harmon's has the best.


He wanted a rainbow cake, but we were running out of time, so all he got was a yellow and green cake (yellow is his favorite color). You can see some of our chaos in the background. It was SO much fun having all my family here, but I think it will take me at least a week to get everything back together.

Saturday was a very special day. There was only one other child in the stake getting baptized, so Damon got to plan a lot of what he wanted to happen. He asked Tara to give the talk on the Holy Ghost, Heather to play the piano, Kimmy to lead the music and Noel to say the prayer. He also prepared a song to sing (which he sang wonderfully--must remember to get video).


Really, it was so special and I am so proud of him and his eagerness to do what's right. Happy birthday Damon! I love you!

Here are 8 things I love about him:

1. He is so determined. Although he often gets frustrated, he never gives up. He always wants to be the best and he's going to keep at it until he is. He must have done over a hundred flips on the trampoline before he landed on his feet.

2. He is very sensitive to the spirit. I told him once at FHE that someday he will have to pray and ask Heavenly Father if the Church is true. He told me he already has and he already knows that it is.

3. He is very responsible. He cleans his own room, makes his own bed, gets himself ready for school (including making his lunch), all with minimal reminding.

4. He has a beautiful singing voice and some great dance moves (the singing voice Jeff is okay with; the dance moves he is not.)

5. He has the best laugh. Really and truly.

6. He loves to dress up for church. And sometimes at home when the girls are in their play dresses. So we bought him a nice suit for his birthday. He looks great (must remember to take a pic)

7. He is a saver. He has saved over $50 during the past few years and when I asked what he is going to buy, he said, "I'm saving it for my mission."

8. He is a great helper. I always thought I wanted to have a girl first, to help me with the kids, but he is a great brother. He loves his sisters and Carter and looks out for them. I'm truly blessed to be his mom.