Great to be Eight

Cake that Auntie Paula (aka Sugar Mama) made for Zach

Zach & Sugar Mama

Unblemished coin that Zach received from Nana & Papa to remind

him of the day he was absolutely perfect

Yep, that's what Zach says! On Sunday, June 27th, Zach was baptized as a member of the church! Already we were riding on a spiritual high due to Mason's ordination. This was just a sweet cherry on top of an already sweet day! Zach turned 8 back on June 4th, but he decided to wait to be baptized so that Nana & Papa could watch both his baptism and Mason's ordination! It was such a great night! So many family and friends came to watch and support Zach! And Zach really did plan the whole thing! I told him ahead of time that I wanted him to be the one to choose who spoke, sang, lead songs, prayed etc! When it came down to making decisions, he knew exactly what he wanted, and he even called everyone to ask them to participate himself! I was so happy to watch how excited he was. Aunt Misty gave a great talk on baptism and becoming "clean". "Aunt" Cindy gave a fabulous talk on the Holy Ghost. Auntie Emma lead the music while Auntie Jen played the piano. Mason gave the opening prayer and I gave the closing prayer. He had Papa and Popi be the witnesses while he was baptized. Then all his cousins and friends sang a song after he was dressed and returned. Afterward, Zach said that during that song, he started to feel little tears in his eyes because he was feeling so happy! It was awesome to watch as Uncles and Grandpas and friends, formed a huge circle around Zach to give him the Holy Ghost. I was overjoyed and really quite humbled at the spirit that was in attendance at that time! And then our amazing Bishop, Bishop Johns got up to speak. He asked Zach to come to front with him, and then he preceded to ask him all sorts of questions about the Gospel, to which Zach proudly answered each and every one of them! Then the Bishop asked Zach if he's ever born his testimony. Zach answered no, but the Bishop asked if he would, with his help. Then the two of them, working in tandem, proceeded to give a powerful yet simple testimony! I couldn't believe that was my little Zachy up there, standing so tall and straight - looking out at the crowd of family and friends and proudly telling us those simple things he knew to be true! I am so grateful for this Gospel - which leads us and guides us with our Father in Heaven securely by our side! How grateful I am to know that despite the fact that my children will grow up and away from me someday, our family unit can remain intact! That we can live forever, together, someday! I am proud of you Zach, for taking this very important, first step in that direction! Thank you all for helping to make this a wonderful day!