Wally Turns 12!

Wally has done all kinds of growing lately! He turned twelve in March.
At church, the age of twelve is a milestone. For girls, it marks their entrance into the Young Women's program. For boys, it means starting with the Young Men's program, officially being considered a Boy Scout, and being ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. For both boys and girls, it means they can enter our temples and preform baptism by proxy for those who have already died.

As a bit of a explanation, Mormons believe that we are still entitled to revelation directly from God in THIS day. We believe that just as God was involved in the lives of those people in the Bible in ancient times, he is involved in our lives. He loves us and wants us to have all the guidance he offers. He has provided the Bible, for direction, as well as another book full of important truths about Jesus Christ, as a companion to the Bible, the Book of Mormon.

When Joseph Smith was directed by Jesus Christ to re establish his church upon the earth, he was given the power of the priesthood by the laying on of hands. This power is still on Earth today and can be held by worthy men, beginning at the age of 12.

It is the power to serve God. It opens the doors of Heaven to allow Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to heal and comfort our bodies and minds, and give direction and continued revelation to us, as well as preform baptisms, sealings that will last throughout Eternity. The men who hold this priesthood are expected to be humble, clean, worthy servants of the Lord. Abuse of the power in any way makes them unworthy, and ineffectual.

So… it is a big deal to watch your amazing, cute, little boy, given this opportunity to serve the Lord! Wally can now pass the bread and water to the congregation in Sacrament Meeting. He can learn what this responsibility of holding the priesthood means, and grow to be ready to progress in the priesthood as he ages.
I love watching my kids pass these milestones. It is amazing to have healthy, able children that can have these experiences. I love seeing my children face happy times and hard times, and how they handle them. I love knowing that I can pray to Heavenly Father to succeed in helping my kids understand their purpose. I love that we all age, grow and change, and the joy it brings to watch that with your kids!

I have loved the twelve years I have had with my handsome Wally! He is SUCH a good boy! He tries so hard not to let anyone down. He has a sweetness about him that I hope he always keeps. He is a great soul that our family is blessed to have! We love you Wally boy!

Both my parents and Del's were able to come visit over Wally's birthday and be here for his ordination. It is a privilege for my kids to know their grandparents so well. It is a blessing to have those memories. It is amazing that both Del and I have such supportive parents.

My parents wanted to get to the city one more time before we move, so we decided to head down to the Field Museum. We saw the Viking exhibit and it was very interesting! I learned a lot.

Lydie came with us to she could meet Sue the T-Rex. She was not impressed, and instead concentrated on eating her hands.

Me and my Mom.