Ashlin's Baptism Pictures

Priceless Day Ashlin's Baptism

Ashlin was baptized on July 3rd.  To say she was excited would be be an understatement.  She has been planning this day for years.  Yes, I mean years.  She was so excited to turn 8 where she could be baptized.  She was a little sad she had to wait several weeks where family could be there but she sacrificed.  Ashlin and Shawn share a birthday and now they share a baptism date as well.  They are quite a pair. 
We were blessed with family and friends to share in her special day.  We are so grateful that they took time out of their busy lives to be with us.  I had the opportunity of giving a talk on Baptism for her.  It was such an honor to be able to speak to her about the importance of this covenant.  Shawn's mom, Linda, gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.  Remember when I mentioned Ashlin planning her baptism she even told Linda which stories to include to give examples on the Holy Ghost.  Ashlin played "When I am Baptized" on the piano and it was so beautiful.  All of the hard work she has put into the song for the last few months was definitely illustrated in her performance.  I have never seen a more beautiful image than Ashlin as she came out of the water after baptism.  Her face was glowing with excitement.  I gave her a big hug and asked her how she felt and she replied, "I would like to do it again."  To add to the spirit of the day Teresa Burton gave a sweet heartfelt welcome from the primary. Eric O'brien gave her a welcome from the Bishopric.  He got on his knees and spoke to her with such a gentle spirit. 
There are no words to describe the joy, happiness, and spirit that filled the day.  I'm so grateful for the decision Ashlin made to be baptized.  She has such a sweet spirit and it a constant example to me!  I'm thankful for these precious moments here on earth that help us build the strength we need to always have joy in life.

My Precious Boys!

I just wanted to take this mom to say I absolutely love my boys!  They add much joy and happiness to our lives.  It truly is an honor to be their mother.
Jaxon and Jeron are great friends and find their days filled with wrestling each other and playing with legos.  They filled some of their summer break with swim time.  They have come along way this year.  I hope we can get them ready to the swim program in the fall. 
Jaxon also had the opportunity to attend a week of Super Kids Science Camp.  He absolutely loved it.
He was able to study paleontology and chemistry.  He came home each day excited to tell all of the wonderful things he learned.    

 Swim Lessons! 

 Wow, it's hot out here!

 Just Chillin!

 Their cage!

 Who says this isn't a chair?

 Great smiles!

 More Swim lesson pictures!

Jaxon snuggling his cute little friend. 

Going through baby clothes to share with a friend.  

Jeron found one of our favorite outfits and had to put it on! 

Ashlin's first swim meet!

 Getting the goggles on

One step closer

 

Freezing afterwards

Excited to compete again

 Ashlin had her swim meet yesterday. I wish I would have got a picture of the waiting area. It was pure chaos, shoulder to shoulder people! I wasn't sure I would survive. We swam again the Sherwood Baracudas and the Pirana's which were the largest 2 swim teams. Ashlin had a big surprise during warm ups. She dove right in and the pool was shallower than she expected scraped her nose and upper lip. She was a true champ and kept swimming. I was so proud of her. She was already nervous and I was really worried after this she did great. First, she swam a relay, then freestyle, and her last event was the backstroke (her strongest). I waited with her before each event. I was on the sideline for each of the events but the first one I pleaded with Heavenly Father in prayer to comfort her to help her due her very best. I was so afraid that she would be afraid to dive in or just get scared with the people watching. She was a little more reserved diving in but she got in and swam like she normally did. I met her in the back and embraced her and got tears in my eyes told her how proud I was of her and I knew it would be scary but that she did what she needed to. I am sure the other parents must have thought I was crazy. I am so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven that will hear all our prayers even when we are being overprotective Mothers! Ashlin did very well for her swim meet. We have stressed that it doesn't matter if she places but that she improves each time and that she does her best. Ashlin was quit offended by a parent she overheard yelling at her kid saying you needed to swim faster than the other kids. She said that is just not right that is putting to much pressure and not good sportsmanship. My Ashlin has such a soft heart! To sum up, we survived pure chaos and are looking forward to at least 4 more swim meets!

They've had a birthday, shout hurray!

Happy Birthday to Shawn and Ashlin! They share a birthday (i.e., June 6th). We had a great day celebrating their special day. Ashlin and I snuck off and got a pedicure together. We went to Logan's Steakhouse for dinner. Then we came home and opened gifts. Friday night, we got together with friends at Larry's pizza to celebrate. Thank you friends and family for all the birthday wishes! We appreciated all of your thoughtful messages, calls, and gifts. We truly are blessed with great people around us. Ashlin was very excited for this birthday. She is finally 8 and can be baptized! She is patiently waiting for family to get here on July 3rd for the big day. This is the same day Shawn was baptized.....so Daddy & Daughter will share not only a birthday but a baptism date as well!

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth...

Jaxon lost 2 teeth on the same day.  One of his front teeth has been loose for awhile and just refused to let go.  It had dropped down really low so it looked significantly bigger than the others.  He was eating and apple and it out it came.  We should have made it eat a whole apple a month ago.  He was playing with the other one and out it came in the car.  He looks absolutely adorable!!