Great to be 8

For a while, The Lime was hesitant about being baptized. He said it wasn't the dunking in the water that made him nervous. In fact, he didn't really know what it was that he was worried about. But he was certain he didn't want to be baptized. And we reminded him that he's the one that gets to make that choice, nobody else.

We talked a lot about the joy and blessings that come from being baptized, and about Christ's example. Slowly but surely, he warmed up to the idea and finally, about a month before the scheduled stake baptism, he decided he did want to be baptized.

I'll be the first to admit I am NOT a fan of stake baptisms. The thought of sharing your special day with 8 other kids, most of which you don't know, was dumb to me. We even asked the bishop in our Tithing Settlement how we could get around it. He said if people were coming into town for his birthday, 10 days earlier, then we could pull the "we can't have all these people come twice in 10 days" card. But nobody was planning on being in town for his birthday because they were all planning on the baptism :P

So we bit the bullet and decided to join the rest of the stake on this special day.

And boy, it was a special day!

LaVor's parents flew in from Colorado, my parents drove in from Idaho, my sisters came up from the Bay Area, John & Becky surprised The Lime from Utah, Jared, his girls, and dad drove up from Livermore, my aunt and uncle (who aren't members) came, LaVor's great grandparents got in from their month long cruise the day before and we still there bright and early, LaVor's local aunt and uncle joined us, and our dear friend (sans husband) brought her six kids to celebrate The Lime.

Since LaVor was performing the baptism, and both our dads were the witnesses, we asked Great Papa if he would give The Lime the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Since The Lime's middle name is after Great Papa, and we aren't sure how many more wonderful opportunities we'll have with him, we thought it'd be the perfect scenario. And it was! So many people commented on how wonderful it was. I wish I had thought to record it, as I did The Lime's baby blessing.

Two other kids from our ward were baptized with The Lime and each of their families had a part in our ward's program. The other moms graciously asked if I wanted someone from my family to offer the talk on the Holy Ghost. My mom is such a good speaker, I knew she'd do an excellent job. And, of course, she did! She spoke directly to the kids and made them feel like a million bucks.

My sister, Amy, offered to conduct the closing song (despite being really nervous) and did a superb job.

Not once, during the whole service and day, did I feel like The Lime was looked over or unloved. Clearly, with all of these people there just for HIM, he was SO loved!

Our original plan was to have everyone come back to our house for lunch. Then we realized we'd have about 40 people and quickly thought of plan B; the church building. It was just our luck that our building's cultural hall was free so we booked it ASAP. Best.idea.EVER!

Bless his heart, The Lime wanted pizza for lunch and root beer floats & root beer float cookies for dessert. With the help of friends grabbing the pizzas and family members prepping the salads and dessert, it couldn't have been any easier! The adults sat around and chatted while the kids ran amuck throughout the building. I think and hope everyone had a good time.

I asked The Lime if he felt any different now that he's baptized. Not to my surprise, his response was no. But we both know he made the right decision, and he's taken his first step in following Christ's example and making his way back to our Heavenly Father.

His Special Day

As soon as I finished with work, I headed to the doughnut shop and got there two minutes after it opened.  I asked the man if they get many customers at 4:30 and he said, "Only you..."  :)

We've carried on LaVor's family tradition of not opening presents until after dinner.  But I wanted The Lime to be able to wear his new shirt to school yesterday so I let him open just one while we FaceTimed with LaVor.

This kid is a HUGE fan of Dude Perfect as is, apparently, the rest of the world. This was the only shirt on their website that wasn't sold out! He was super excited to wear it and I was super excited it wasn't anything Warriors related :)

The Lime originally wanted to bring cupcakes to school as his treat but changed his mind when he realized he'd be getting cake after dinner. We ran through some ideas and when I suggested root beer float cookies, he nearly jumped out of his seat. "Yes!" he exclaimed. He couldn't have picked an easier treat!

Doodlebug and I swung by Togo's to grab The Lime his favorite pastrami/salami sandwich and zipped over to his school where we met his class just in time for lunch. Those kids sure have to eat fast before they're kicked out for the next group. But we still had fun spending some time with The Lime and his buddies, and everyone (except for one girl) loved the cookies.

I needed to finish up The Lime's birthday cake before we headed to dinner with friends. He wanted another basketball themed cake and, since he's on an even bigger Curry kick this year than he was last, this is what I came up with.

There was no way I was making an edible hoop and Curry so those are just pictures taped to skewers. The Lime was happy with how it turned out which is all that mattered.

While I was finishing up his cake, The Lime was painting his Pinewood Derby car. The race was the following day but we had to turn it in that night. LaVor raced home with the weights for it, he strategically slapped them on, and we were the second participant at the leader's house.

Just like the day The Lime was born, it was pouring rain as we drove to a pizza dinner with friends. We were running a little behind and came up with the brilliant idea to order the pizza on the way there. That way, it was ready when we arrived and the kids wouldn't be starving. It worked! Our friends got there just before we did, we walked in, found a spot to sit, and were given our pizzas within minutes.

Since we don't have family close enough to celebrate fun moments like this, it's such a treat to have friends that can fill that void. We love the Swyers and I shouldn't be surprised The Lime begged me to invite them to dinner.

We sang happy birthday, played some arcade games, and called it a night so we could head home and open the rest of The Lime's presents.

The Lime said he didn't know what to ask for since he got everything he wanted for Christmas.  Thankfully he was able to come up with a few ideas and seemed to be pleased as punch with the outcome.

Before we knew it, the day was over. But the festivities were really just beginning! More to come in about a week...

Pinewood Derby

If I'm being completely honest, I have been dreading The Lime turning 8 because then he'd be old enough to start Cub Scouts. It's one more thing for me to keep tabs on and the uniforms are too expensive, in my opinion. And he hasn't shown a huge interest either. So I feel like it's something I have to do because everyone else is doing it. Blah!

The first "event" as a Cub Scout was the Pinewood Derby. We waited until the last feasible moment to start working on his car. LaVor did some research and got everything ready to go so all The Lime had to do was paint it. Apparently Warriors colors are also the scout colors, which I did not realize. The Lime's infatuation with Steph Curry ended up getting him an award for Most Scout Spirit :P

Before we could start racing, a long overdue pack meeting had to take place. We had two boys moving up to Boy Scouts so we got to see several traditions that may be in The Lime's future. Maybe...

Soon enough, we were ready to go. There were lots of fast looking cars and I was a little nervous we'd end up in last place. But I was proven wrong.

The Lime had a great time taking this new experience in with his friends and was so proud of how his car performed.

They had nachos, doughnuts, and Hawaiian punch for us to enjoy and everyone was having a grand time.

I must not have been paying that close of attention to what was going on because before I knew it, The Lime was in the final race with one of the older boys. We weren't surprised that the outgoing scout won but we were THRILLED that The Lime came in 2nd!

Nevertheless, he ended up having a blast and we have a goal to shoot for next year.

The Lime - Tally Mark 96 - Part 2

-Thinks Dominos has the best pizza and ranks Little Caesars #2
-Wears something Warriors related every.single.day
-Has to ride his bike to get the mail with me (even though it's directly across the street from our house)
-Is a huge "Dude Perfect" fan
-Loves to attempt tricks like the DP guys
-Attempts to do his homework in front of the TV but gets way too distracted
-Has to try and reach the net on any basketball hoop he sees in public
-Will probably be taller than me by the end of the year
-Has to put deodorant on every day (not because he needs it, just because he wants to)
-Is trying to learn how to tie a necktie
-Worries if he forgets to wear a hat to school
-Is our official garbage taker outer
-Loves to have dance parties
-Still has and loves Luficer, the pink cat, even though her back is covered in patches
-Wears shorts 90% of the time, no matter the weather.  If it's cold, he wears long socks
-Races to be the first kid in Primary each week
-Has won the hearts of our family for the last 8 fabulous years

The Lime - Tally Mark 96 - Part 1

Dear Freddy,

What in the world is happening?! I was looking through old pictures a few nights ago and it seems like you were just born, and just went potty on the toilet for the first time, and just started baseball, and just started school, and now we're here. You're officially 8 years old and I'm in shock!

We were driving to Target the other day and I said, "Just think...in 8 years, you'll be driving!" To which you replied, "I could drive now. I'm really good at my video games." Time is zipping by on its own, no need to rush it :)

You try hard, most of the time, to be a tough kid who appears to be older than 8. You adjust your voice so it sounds a little deeper. You attempt to act rough, tough, and "cool". You don't seem to be into things kids your age are into. But then you ask me to carry you to bed at night. Or you ask to snuggle with everyone on the couch. Or you get nervous doing something on your own. And I realize you do still need me and I love it! You aren't afraid or embarrassed to hold my hand in public, you still believe 110% in the magic of Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. In fact, Daddy and I let some things slip after Christmas and you questioned us. Particularly why the box for Doodlebug's present was in our closet. When I told you Santa left the gift in the package and I thought it'd be too hard for Doodlebug to open it so I took it out and hid the box in my closet, you were totally satisfied with that answer. And it filled my heart with gratitude that I hadn't ruined the magic for you and you are still so innocent to believe.

Speaking of your brother, it's becoming harder and harder for you two to get along. Christmas vacation was brutal for everyone and the bruises on both your bodies, from wrestling and hitting each other, are proof :P Yet you were his biggest cheerleader the first week he started potty training. And you love teaching him how to play basketball and baseball. I love when I overhear you talking sweet and gentle to him, as I know that's your true character. You're a teacher, leader, and protector, especially when it comes to Doodlebug.

This past year was a fun one for you! Disneyland, trips to San Francisco, teeth falling out of your head like it's going out of style, visits with grandparents, the mud run, lots of baseball, tons of laughter, and so many afternoons spent playing with friends. You're one lucky kid that one of your best friends lives down the street AND is in your class at school. You've always treasured your friendships and this one with Cohen is no different. You're a great example to him and share your story of praying in front of him often (Cohen stayed for dinner one night and The Lime said the prayer). Santi is also one of your good friends, which I find funny because the last two years of school you guys haven't always gotten along. I think you realized you're very similar, have a lot of the same interests, and are able to put that first born mentality behind you guys (most of the time).

You've taken a greater interest in cooking this last year, beyond your "concoctions".  I'll catch you sneaking into the kitchen while I'm making dinner and stirring something on the stove.  Or trying to chop or measure something.

Speaking of food, you are your father's son.  You beg to go to La Piñata when we visit the Bay Area.  And if I'm being honest, you wish for it often when we're at home.

You are not the picky eater you once were and you're willing to try at least one bite of most things.  You usually end up liking it and have done a great job expanding your pallet.  Now if we could just convince you to order the spread on your In N Out burgers :)

You've continued your perfect score on spelling tests streak, even when you started the week out struggling with the words. You get excited when you answer your math problems correctly. You even know how to make slideshows on Google (which I didn't even know how to do). You're gathering new information constantly and sometimes think you know more than me and Daddy. We have to remind you we've been around just a smidge longer than you and know just a smidge more. Nevertheless, you are a smart cookie!

Use that knowledge for good! Especially since you'll be baptized in a week and Satan is going to work extra hard to get you to make naughty choices. You've always strived to do what's right and I hope you can rely on what Daddy and I have taught you, what you've learned at church, and the good examples of those around you. Continue doing what you're doing and you'll be one successful dude in all aspects of your life.

I love you to pieces!

Mommy

Expressing Gratitude - Day 28

Today was our first day back to real life after "vacation" and I'm not grateful for that (not having to be on a strict schedule and not making lunches has been a dream!). We kept The Lime home from school yesterday and LaVor took the day off so we could spend one more day with Grammy & Papa.

So today felt like Monday all.day.long! So much so, we were eating dinner and I realized it was Tuesday and mutual was taking place right that very second. Whoops!

But hey! At least we're really one day ahead and the week will go by faster! That's something to be thankful for, right?

Expressing Gratitude - Day 27

Today was the day! We finally got to see Coco before Grammy & Papa had to head back home.

What a darling movie! And the reclining seats were an added bonus.

We have had the best time with LaVor's parents visiting. From going to breakfast, looking at Christmas lights, playing at the arcade, going Christmas shopping, playing at the park, and just hanging out, it's all been a blast.

We're so grateful they took the time to visit us and make our boys (and LaVor and me) feel so loved. We wish we lived closer but are looking forward to seeing them again soon for The Lime's baptism!