Hayden was insistint that I be the one to give the talk on the Holy Ghost. I asked why and he said, "Mom, you have to be the one to talk on the Holy Ghost. That is your favorite thing to talk about."
Excerpts from my talk to Hayden regarding the Holy Ghost:
I started thinking about our talks about the Holy Ghost. I remember the first time that you told me that you were feeling the sweet spirit of the Holy Ghost. You had just turned five years old, and we were leaving Phoenix Children’s hospital. We had just dropped off all of Hayden’s Toy Drive toys to the hospital. I asked you how you felt and you said, “Mom, I like how I feel when I give toys away!” I explained to you that was the Holy Ghost testifying to you that you had done a good thing. Before each surgery or hospital stay you are given a blessing. I was talking to you about a procedure you were going to have at the hospital, you asked questions and then took a deep breath and said, “It’s okay mom, I will just get daddy to give me a priesthood blessing and then Jesus and the Holy Ghost will help me not to be scared. I remember driving home from school after you had given your treasure box toy to a friend and asking me, “Mom, why does it feel better to give something away than to get something” Another time we were at FHE and were talking about the Plan of Salvation, at bedtime you said, “Mom, I feel so happy inside, how come I always feel that way after FHE?, I don’t want this feeling to go away.” Last year dropping off toys at PCH, the worker looked at you and said, Hayden, what is your favorite part about the toy drive? You looked at her and said, "The way I feel all tingly inside. I know that Heavenly Father is proud of me for doing this and I like making him happy.”
Hayden, you have an incredible understanding of how the Holy Ghost can comfort us, bring us peace and help us. This is one of your precious gifts to you from our Heavenly Father. He loves you and has given you the ability to understand and use the Holy Ghost from a young age. Now you are going to be blessed for daddy, grandpa and your uncles that love you to place their hands on your head and give you the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Once this happens, if you live righteously and make good decisions, the Holy Ghost can be with you always. You will have more experiences with feeling the Holy Ghost and he will teach you many things.
Hayden, you are such a good boy. You have such a deep knowledge of right and wrong. I have watched you gain your testimony of our Savior, this church and of the Holy Ghost. You are an amazing boy with so much to give. You are one of Heavenly Father’s choice spirits and I am so thankful that I was chosen to be your mother. I love you very much. I want you to know that I have a testimony of this church. I know it is true. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us very much. They know me and they know you and each of us. They know what is going on in our lives and are constantly guiding us and helping us. And the Holy Ghost probably is one of my favorite topics because he is such a special gift in my life. I lean on the Holy Ghost for comfort, strength and guidance. And I pray that you will always cherish him as a special gift in your life. I love you, Hayden.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Firefighters
Okay, I am behind on blogging... Remind me to NEVER run a toy drive, plan a baptism, a birthday party and do Christmas all at the same time. I think I am going CRAZY!
We woke up last Friday morning (Dec.11th) to fire alarms blaring in our house. I jumped out of bed, freaked out and tried calling 911, as I am trying to grab warm clothes for Hayden since it was FREEZING outside. 911 put me on hold, really, I think my house might be burning down, really not a good time to hold. As the 911 operator comes on and hears the fire alarms blaring, she patches me thru to the fire department. As this is happening, Thomas can tell the heaters aren't working correctly and is trying to shut them down. We see smoke but no fire.
The firemen come in, think it is just the heater and aren't worried until they open the attic to some smoke. They pull out there cameras and begin to search for hot spots. After over a half hour in our house, Hayden is LOVING them. He has given them a cookie platter that was for the baptism, talked to them about PCH, discussed him riding on the firetruck while in the hospital, and talked toy drive.
Hayden LOVES the firefighters and after he gave them the cookie platter, they were happy to pose for pictures. He followed them out of the house, and keeps waving and waving. They turn on all their lights and start playing with the lights. Hayden is getting more and more excited. The firemen are loving him, so at 6:45am, they do their siren and horn for him. He is waving his little guts out as they drive off.
He comes running into the house, tackles me in a hug and says, "Mom, thank you, thank you! That was the best birthday present EVER! You are the BEST mom ever!!"
I laugh! Wow, not my idea of a good morning or the best mom award. I was just thankful that all was okay and the house didn't burn down. To Hayden, I deserve mom of the year for orchestrating that so he could tell the class during his birthday song. How different the same event from a different perspective. I love his attitude, it kept me laughing all day at a stressful situation.
We woke up last Friday morning (Dec.11th) to fire alarms blaring in our house. I jumped out of bed, freaked out and tried calling 911, as I am trying to grab warm clothes for Hayden since it was FREEZING outside. 911 put me on hold, really, I think my house might be burning down, really not a good time to hold. As the 911 operator comes on and hears the fire alarms blaring, she patches me thru to the fire department. As this is happening, Thomas can tell the heaters aren't working correctly and is trying to shut them down. We see smoke but no fire.
The firemen come in, think it is just the heater and aren't worried until they open the attic to some smoke. They pull out there cameras and begin to search for hot spots. After over a half hour in our house, Hayden is LOVING them. He has given them a cookie platter that was for the baptism, talked to them about PCH, discussed him riding on the firetruck while in the hospital, and talked toy drive.
Hayden LOVES the firefighters and after he gave them the cookie platter, they were happy to pose for pictures. He followed them out of the house, and keeps waving and waving. They turn on all their lights and start playing with the lights. Hayden is getting more and more excited. The firemen are loving him, so at 6:45am, they do their siren and horn for him. He is waving his little guts out as they drive off.
He comes running into the house, tackles me in a hug and says, "Mom, thank you, thank you! That was the best birthday present EVER! You are the BEST mom ever!!"
I laugh! Wow, not my idea of a good morning or the best mom award. I was just thankful that all was okay and the house didn't burn down. To Hayden, I deserve mom of the year for orchestrating that so he could tell the class during his birthday song. How different the same event from a different perspective. I love his attitude, it kept me laughing all day at a stressful situation.
Get Together
After the baptism, we had a big celebration at our house. Over 70 people showed up and joined us in celebrating Hayden's decision to follow our Savior. We had Joe's BBQ, salads, veggies, chips and tons of desserts.
We had tables set up outside and the kids jumped on the tramp while us adults were able to chat. I had so many great family members and friends that took care of dealing with the kitchen so I could socialize. I was able to catch up with so many friends and enjoy the day. It was amazing!
Hayden loved having so many friends and cousins around. He loves his cousins. He was blessed to be surrounded by loved ones.
Later, I asked Hayden how he felt. His response, "Mom, can you believe how many people love me?"
Thanks everyone for making his birthday and baptism so special! It couldn't have gone off better!
We had tables set up outside and the kids jumped on the tramp while us adults were able to chat. I had so many great family members and friends that took care of dealing with the kitchen so I could socialize. I was able to catch up with so many friends and enjoy the day. It was amazing!
Hayden loved having so many friends and cousins around. He loves his cousins. He was blessed to be surrounded by loved ones.
Later, I asked Hayden how he felt. His response, "Mom, can you believe how many people love me?"
Thanks everyone for making his birthday and baptism so special! It couldn't have gone off better!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Loved - Very, Very Loved
As I walked into the baptism, I was surprised and overwhelmed by the out-pouring of love that our friends and family have for Hayden. I was absolutely amazed that over 70 people showed up for Hayden's baptism and were there to support our family on this special day.
I was deeply touched by the plans people changed, preparations people made and acts of service that were performed for our family this day.
I can never express the joy I felt as I stood in front of the room and saw all the people that love and care about Hayden. I felt a joy, love and peace that is indescribable. It warmed my heart, brightened my soul and completely lifted my spirit. I am so thankful. I am so blessed.
As I write this now, tears are again swelling up in my eyes as that feeling of love is brought back. Thank you to all of you that supported us on this very special day for my very special boy! Words will never do justice to how much love I have felt.
I was deeply touched by the plans people changed, preparations people made and acts of service that were performed for our family this day.
I can never express the joy I felt as I stood in front of the room and saw all the people that love and care about Hayden. I felt a joy, love and peace that is indescribable. It warmed my heart, brightened my soul and completely lifted my spirit. I am so thankful. I am so blessed.
As I write this now, tears are again swelling up in my eyes as that feeling of love is brought back. Thank you to all of you that supported us on this very special day for my very special boy! Words will never do justice to how much love I have felt.
Haydens Baptism
Hayden was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday, his eigth birthday.
What a special feeling that was in our home all day. Hayden was so excited for his dad to lay his hands on his head and for him to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Hayden had an extreme calm and peacefulness with him all day.
As I stood next to Hayden by the font with him dressed in white, I could hardly keep from tearing up. Here is my little guy and he is ready to enter the waters of baptism. He already has a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel.
As I asked Hayden if he was ready, he said that he was scared to get baptized but was so excited to have the Holy Ghost with him always.
As Thomas and Hayden entered the water, I felt an overwhelming peace and felt the Spirit testify to me again of the truthfulness of his gospel. I felt an overwhelming reassurance that Hayden was loved by our Heavenly Father and is one of his choice spirit children.
After the baptism, I spoke to Hayden regarding the Holy Ghost. He was so anxious to receive this special gift. After his sweet confirmation, Hayden came over to me and hugged me and told me how he felt so wonderful inside.
The rest of the day he was at peace. Calm and at peace.
Hayden's Testimony: I know this church is true. I know Heavenly Father and Jesus love me. I know that if I make good choices, the Holy Ghost will help me do what is right. I know if I want to talk to Heavenly Father, I just need to pray.
Simple and to the point. He knows. He believes and he lives it. I am so proud of my little boy.
I add my testimony to his. I know this church is true. I know the Holy Ghost guides us, directs us and brings us peace. This blessing is one of my greatest gifts and treasures in life. I know. What a great feeling.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Hayden is 8
It is Hayden's birthday. I have been up writing a talk for his baptism on the Holy Ghost. I can't believe my boy is 8. It feels like I was just holding this newborn infant in my arms. As I think about all the wonderful memories I have with this boy, I feel so blessed.
When Hayden was first born and wasn't breathing, I was given a priesthood blessing. In the blessing it said, "Hayden will bring much joy into your life." As I sit here this morning and reflect back on Hayden's eight years with me, he has brought incredible amounts of joy into my life. I feel so blessed. So loved by a loving Heavenly Father that let Hayden and his sweet spirit come to our home. So honored and humbled that Heavenly Father chose me to be this boy's mom.
Hayden is an incredible boy. He has learned so much in his short time here on earth. He knows the church is true. He understands the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. He serves. He loves. He gives. He chooses the right. He has a good spirit. He smiles. He laughs. He plays. He's an example.
I love you, Hayden! I am so thankful for you every day! Thanks for being my boy!
When Hayden was first born and wasn't breathing, I was given a priesthood blessing. In the blessing it said, "Hayden will bring much joy into your life." As I sit here this morning and reflect back on Hayden's eight years with me, he has brought incredible amounts of joy into my life. I feel so blessed. So loved by a loving Heavenly Father that let Hayden and his sweet spirit come to our home. So honored and humbled that Heavenly Father chose me to be this boy's mom.
Hayden is an incredible boy. He has learned so much in his short time here on earth. He knows the church is true. He understands the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. He serves. He loves. He gives. He chooses the right. He has a good spirit. He smiles. He laughs. He plays. He's an example.
I love you, Hayden! I am so thankful for you every day! Thanks for being my boy!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The Last Straw
I love this book and more than anything love this Christmas tradition. I can't take credit for it, I copied it from this book.
The first FHE of December we read this book, set up our manager for baby Jesus and start doing secret acts of service for those around us. We talk about how Jesus came to earth for us and that is why we celebrate Christmas. We can't buy Jesus presents so do acts of service to one another instead. During the month of December we do secret acts of service for our family members and friends and for each service done, a straw is placed in the manager. On Christmas Eve, we place baby Jesus in his bed and measure the good acts that were done by the softness of baby Jesus' bed.
I love the Spirit that this simple message brings in our home. I love reading the story. It is probably my favorite FHE of the year.
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