Jumping the Gun

Although Matthew doesn’t actually graduate until Thursday, he was given the Melchizedek priesthood and ordained to the office of elder today. This slightly premature ordination was done with the full support of the stake president so that Matthew can attend the temple for his own endowment this Friday. I’m so grateful that our leaders are spirit of the law folks as Matthew’s preferred temple will be closing for cleaning starting next week and the only time they had available for a living endowment was this Friday. We’ve reminded him that the ordinances are the same in all the temples, but he has favorites, and the specific temple really matters to him. So, I’m grateful everything is working out in order to accommodate his preference.

Matthew has never been one who loves to be the center of attention, so our gathering today was small, our immediate family (including Tawni), my parents, Cory, Michelle, Coryn and Aliese, with our stake high counsel representative rounded out our group. It was a quiet affair, but a big step forward for Matthew. And he has a few more big steps coming up later this week.

Behold! A Royal Army

There was much excitement in our house after last month’s announcement that the youth would progress to their new quorums and classes on January 1 rather than waiting for their birthdays. Matthew and Nathan have been waiting (mostly patiently) for the Bishop to conduct interviews so they could join their new quorums. Although it has only been a month since the announcement, the wait has felt interminable to them. Interviews were held last week and today was the big ordination day.

We started off the day by attending the ordinations for two of my nephews (Jacob and Drew). Then we dashed back across the valley so I could teach my primary class before Nathan and Matthew’s ordinations. Many family members joined us, and it was an amazing experience. Nathan was ordained to the office of teacher first so that he would be able to stand in the circle as Matthew was ordained to the office of a deacon. The spirit was strong, so strong, and I know that many in attendance felt the power of it. It is one of those experiences that tells me beyond a doubt that the gospel is true. Hopefully my boys will remember this event and allow it to strengthen their faith, even in moments of doubt.

Today it strikes me that these young men, this generation of youth, truly are like the army of Helaman. Their faith is burning bright in a world filled with ever increasing amounts of darkness. Their conviction is leading them toward righteous choices that defy the ways of the world. They are standing strong against an innumerable foe who would drag them down. And the Lord is leading them on toward a victorious end. I stand in awe of all they do, all they are, all they can become. I’m prouder of them than words can express.

He’s Officially a Young Man

Today Nathan was ordained to be a deacon. I'm so proud of him for the good choices he makes. But when did he get old enough for this? When Daniel turned twelve I don't remember looking at him and being surprised by how old he had gotten. But I looked up at Nathan today and I was honestly caught off guard by the fact that he is twelve. The time is passing far too fast.

Some Days Just Don't Go According to Plan

Today is Christmas Adam. (Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, Adam came before Eve, therefore today is Christmas Adam. This tidbit brought to you by our ward’s Teachers’ Quorum.) Kev has been running a fever for the past three days and he is finally on the downhill side of whatever he has. Now Malia is running a fever. Matthew woke up sick this morning as well, throwing up and running a fever. Poor kid. He really, really, really wants to not be sick on Christmas. I don’t blame him. Being sick is never fun, but being sick on Christmas is absolutely miserable.

I was sick on Christmas the year I was in first grade. I woke up sick on the very first day of Christmas vacation. I remember being sick a lot when I was a kid and spending a lot of time lying on the couch with a barf bowl. On this particular occasion I was so sick that I didn’t even make it to the couch. For a number of days I was in my bed feeling like death. As Christmas approached, Jon and Patti (my older brother and sister) would come in and encourage me to eat a little soup or drink some 7-Up so I could get better in time for Christmas. But I had no appetite and couldn’t keep anything down even if I did manage to eat it.

And so it went until I awoke on Christmas Day still just as sick. I did make it to the couch, but I just laid there not even caring that Christmas was happening all around me. My siblings tried to get me excited about the gifts that were for me, but I was still feeling so awful that I honestly could not work up any enthusiasm. As the day began to wane and I was feeling no better, my Dad called our home teacher and the two of them gave me a blessing. Within a few hours I was nearly completely recovered. As night fell and my siblings all went to bed, it was quiet and peaceful (something that rarely happens in a home with seven children) and I finally had my own little Christmas. I clearly remember finally being excited about the dolls and doll house furniture I received.

This particular experience is one that has always stuck in my mind for a couple of reasons. For starters, it was the first time I ever remember knowing without a doubt that there really is power in the priesthood. In all the subsequent years, I have never faltered in that knowledge. That’s how powerful a lesson it was for me. Second, it taught me that in spite of all the grief that siblings may give each other (and believe me, with seven of us there was grief a plenty), there is love there. The kindness and compassion my two older siblings showed to me is one of the only clear memories I have of those sick days. This is a particularly valuable reminder for me now as I watch my own children bicker and fight and wonder if they are ever going to get along. I believe it will come, with time and age and understanding because in spite of it all, there is love there.

I know it doesn’t help Matthew at all, but I know how rough it is to be sick on Christmas. While he still has a full day until our first holiday gathering, I have a feeling that we may just be hunkering down at home for Christmas this year. Nathan was pretty disappointed when we had that conversation a bit earlier today, but when I explained that it is more important to be together on Christmas that it is to attend all the fun parties, I think he understood. Because in spite of all the drama that happens between Nathan and Matthew, there is love there.

So to wrap things up, we may not currently be merry and bright but we are still hoping to have some holiday cheer. If you show up at our door we will welcome you, just enter at your own risk. You may go home with the plague.

Proud Mama Moment

Today Daniel was ordained to the office of a deacon and received the priesthood. I’m so proud of all the good choices he makes. I know that sometimes it is a challenge being the oldest because he knows all his younger siblings are watching him, but he is continually proving to be a good example to those around him. People tell me all the time that he is a great kid and I have to agree. He is friendly and easy to get along with. He is becoming quite responsible and making good decisions on his own. He is now one of sixteen in his quorum and I'm hoping that all these young men will be able to support each other outside of church. Once again, I’m so proud that Daniel has chosen to take this step.