Eight is Great!

Hyrum turned eight today!

He asked for pancakes for breakfast, then wanted to Skype with Grandma and Grandpa Kress while he opened his presents. From us he got the board game Escape!, and a tote full of little guys and all kinds of landscapes and accessories that we bought about six years ago at a garage in Indiana and have just been waiting for the kids to be old enough not to choke on all the little pieces. From his Johnson grandparents he got some Minecraft mini Lego's, from his Kress grandparents he got a toolbox with a combination lock and some wooden cars to put together and paint. Sarah got him a Superhero Lego kit. He was very pleased with all his gifts and got right to work playing with them. 

Around 10:00 am Matthew took him out to the Scout shop to get his cub scout shirt and wolf book, as well as his very first pocket knife. He was over the moon excited about it all, but acted very grown up and responsible. He and his dad came home with pizza for lunch, then in the afternoon the Jensen kids came over to play. At about 5:00 pm Jeb came over to give Hyrum his baptismal interview. They sat in the front room and talked for nearly 15 minutes, then Brother Brown declared him ready for the ordinance. He seems so small, and I'll always see my baby when I look at him, but he really is growing up nicely and I'm proud of the young man he's becoming. 

After changing his clothes, he and Matthew headed over to the Brown's to help Jeb put finish on the bookshelves Matthew helped him build for Hannah. I think Hyrum liked going to play with Luci and Cora by himself and said it was the best part of his day.

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My dear, thoughtful Hyrum. I can hardly believe how fast you are growing up. You made me a mama, and now you are eight and about to the enter the gate of baptism and start your own individual walk towards Christ. I see in you such a desire to do and be good. You like rules and try hard to make sure you and everyone around you are following them. You are generally quick to obey and rarely complain about helping me around the house or assisting your younger siblings. You handle the responsibilities placed upon you well and yearn to earn praise and respect. I pray that as you face challenges, you will not shirk or complain, but that you'll always work hard and humbly submit to all things the Lord places upon you. I know as you endure and strive to do your very best, you will grown into a fine man of God and you will be happy. I love you so much my dearest first born. Happy Birthday.