Satchel turns 8....

(I was taking pictures for the program for his baptism. I think this is a keeper.)

Well I am officially the parent of an 8 year old. I don't know what it is, but just the thought that he is eight and has been baptized make me feel like I should be 10 years older.

(I told him to look "thoughtful" and this is what he gives me.) :)

It was kind of a crazy time leading up to his birthday. I think Andrew and I were all too aware of the little time we had left before we knew he would be fully accountable for his decisions. We wondered if we had taught him enough and I guess we will never truly know.

He is a very sensitive, loving, helpful boy. He has always been very mild-mannered and kind to others. Now, I am not saying that he is perfect, because I know we all have our days and so does he. I am saying that he generally just tries to be a good boy and succeeds most of the time.

(His birthday game.) :)

His birthday was on a Saturday this year. In the morning we gave him his present from us (a board game...what else would Andrew want to give him?). :) Gehrig used his own money to get him additional guys for his game. I was really proud of how generous that was of him. So most of the morning all he wanted to do was look at the figurines and play with it. In the afternoon we went to his favorite place "with lots of food".... Chuck-a-Rama. There they ate their fill and Satch was so happy when the servers came over and sang Happy Birthday to him. After lunch we went to Hastings and let Satch pick out a movie and he chose to buy the first season of He-Man. It is kind of fun that he is watching what we grew up with.

(Birthday kisses at Chuck-a-Rama)

The following weekend was his baptism. On Friday we were making cookies all night for the people that came. Saturday morning we woke up at 6am to get ready and meet Grandma Rino and Breezy for breakfast. It was nice to be able to hang out with them. The kids loved being able to go out to breakfast and the fact that Grandma and Breezy were there only made it better.

(Passing time while waiting for our food. Who knew jelly packets could be so fun?)

(Shouldn't she be illegal? She is too cute.)

After breakfast we went home to change and left for the church. We got everything set up in the chapel and had a wonderful program. Our friend and Second Councilor in the Bishopric, Christian Hall, conducted. We sang "I am trying to be like Jesus." My sister, Breezy, said the opening prayer. I know she was nervous, but she did a wonderful job. Andrew's brother Jeff gave a talk about baptism. Andrew teased him afterwards that it seemed more like an Elder's Quorum talk. :) Satchel was baptized by his Dad (with Jeff and Pops witnessing). It was so nice to know that my husband has the authority to baptize him and that he lives worthy of his priesthood. My father didn't baptize me and I can just imagine how special that would have made it. We came back into the chapel and my friend Jessica accompanied my SIL Lexi, who played her violin. Afterwards, Pops gave a great talk about the Holy Ghost and to my amazement Satchel was still attentive. :) He then was given the Holy Ghost. He asked his Cub Scout Leader (Brandon Sholly) to be there in the circle...he really loves scouts AND the Shollys. Our Primary President (Rebecca Miller) gave a few words and then Andrew got to talk on behalf of the Bishopric welcoming him to the ward. He did such a great job. We ended by singing "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" and my cousin Lisa gave the closing prayer.

(William and Aunt Lexi)

(My sister, Breezy, and my mom)

Ultimately it was a very intimate gathering. From my family only my mother, sister and cousin came. Andrew's parents, brother and sister-in-law, and uncle were there. Then we had friends from our ward (Christian, Rebecca, Hollie with Anna, Renee, the Shollys, and the Shaffers). I guess I should have spread the word more, but I know that Satchel still felt loved even though every seat wasn't filled.

(Satchel and Gehrig were busy running around with their friends so we have a lot of pictures of Emma. :) Here she is with her Grandma Sproul that she loves so much.)

(All the kids)

(The Shollys with Satch...Thanks so much for coming guys.)


(Renee, Hollie, and Jessica)

After the baptism we went out to lunch with Andrew's family to Chili's. It is kind of our family's place. We usually go after the General Priesthood Session. Again it was nice to have time to visit and REALLY nice to be able to change out of my skirt...what can I say? I am a pants kind of girl. :)

(I swear they take the best pictures. :) Uncle Jeff and Aunt Lexi)