Brandon Boy

 Monday was a wonderful day. I had so much to do but my mom and dad helped me and it was amazing. Dad offered to go get the oil changed in my van, Mom made Brandon's birthday cake for me, I wrapped presents and did laundry and taught piano. Mom even made most of dinner while I was teaching and I felt so spoiled. We had Brandon's official birthday dinner Monday since the girls have dance Tuesday nights so we had chicken pillows and then Brandon opened his presents. He received a new back pack, LEGOS, a robot book, Lily got him a hat like hers from NYC that he loves and Emma offered to do his Saturday job one week. We got him some scriptures with a case and also some little squishmellows that he was so excited about. 

His actual birthday was Tuesday and we sang to him at breakfast and then I took lunch to him at school with a milkshake. They still won't let parents into the cafeteria so I signed him out and he ate in the car with me and my mom. He's such a sweet little guy. He's easy to please and happy with everything. He gets along with everyone and is a peacemaker in our home. It was a busy afternoon but I made his second favorite dinner that night (chicken alfredo) and we looked at his picture books from over the years and talked about when he was little. I'm so grateful for Brandon and what a sweet little buddy he is to me. 

 

Wednesday was the gym and since Leisa came with me we talked for awhile afterwards while doing the elliptical. I was so tired afterwards but it was great to have her come with me. Dad picked up Curtis for me at school after his band practice while I was teaching and then the big kids went to youth activities. They decorated cakes and had a good time. 

Thursday Michelle and my parents and I went to the temple. It was wonderful as always and special to be there with my parents. Michelle and I had a great talk in the celestial room and I'm so grateful for her insights and being able to talk about sacred things with her in a sacred place. Friday was a nice chill day with my parents. We played games and drove the kids around and went out to Nicolletti's for dinner.

 

Saturday was special. Brandon was baptized! We had a busy morning with dance and basketball but then we changed and got over to church. Everything came together nicely and it was a lovely baptism. I felt present and enjoyed every minute, which I was too distracted to do during Emma's. So many of our ward family and friends came and it was great to have my parents here. They have been to all 19 baptisms for all their grandchildren and Brandon was the last one. My sister, brother-in-law and nephew came too and it was nice to see them. Brandon was excited and happy and sweet. It is such a special experience to make a covenant with God and be baptized and to have priesthood authority on the earth to perform sacred ordinances. Brandon is a good boy and has already brought so much joy to our family and I know he will continue to do so. After the baptism we went to Curtis's basketball game and it was so fun having people there cheering for him. It was a great game and he played well. We knew a couple of kids on the other team too and that just made it more fun. I just realized a lot of pictures are on Josh's phone since my storage was full. 

 

On Sunday church was lovely. I prayed that morning over breakfast that a lady I minister to and love would come to church so that she could have the blessing of taking the sacrament. I didn't see her when I was leading the music and was disappointed but then as I was walking out of the chapel, she was right there! I don't know how I missed her but I am so happy she was there and that my prayer was answered. Church was lovely and then my parents left and I worked on music stuff for my calling and read the Liahona. Lily helped Emma and Brandon make scripture calendars so they can color each day that they read since it is both their goal to read the Book of Mormon every day this week. She is such a wonderful sister and blessing to our family. When Josh finally got home we had leftovers and we watched Fixer to Fabulous. Jenny Mars is so funny and reminds me of Shelly. It is a fun show to watch and if I didn't have to live on a farm in Arkansas, it would be fun to be their neighbors and friends. 

Monday was Celebrating Brandon Part 4. We have already had his official birthday dinner, his real birthday dinner, his baptism day and then Monday he invited a few friends over to play. I was also able to work out some play time at Pump It Up, which my kids have always loved, so we had brunch, the kids played and then we went to Pump it Up for just over an hour and everyone had a great time. I love how the adults can play too and not just sit and watch. It was super fun and now his birthday celebration is finally over but man, what a week that kid has had! Love him! 

 

 

Monday night my awesome friend and mission companion from California flew in for work. She has a job in Baltimore so she came a day early and we got to spend all day Tuesday together. It was so fun! We sat around and talked almost all day and had Potbelly for lunch. She played with my kids (who all adore her) and it was just wonderful to have her here, even just for a day. She and I have experienced some very special things and hard things together and even though it was over 20 years ago now, we still love each other just the same. I felt light and happy all day being with her and that was a gift. 

 

She left this morning and I had an amazing workout and for the first time in over a month, I got to sit and read and be alone for a few hours. I love having company and being with people I love but it is nice to relax and be on my own time too. Life is good and I'm so grateful!