Jesse turns *8*

When Jesse was born I changed because his happiness became more important than my own. I was willing to sacrifice anything to help him succeed and thrive. Of course looking back I did a lot of it wrong :) But I do feel like Jesse accepted my offering and knows how much I love him and we have a deep connection because of that! When he came back from Houston the other day he ran straight into my arms, gave me the biggest hug and cried! I was so glad that even though he had so much fun he still missed me.

We had Jesse's cousin Lucus over to play the other day and Jesse played with him for hours. He took him down the slide and chased him and made him laugh. It reminded me of how his Uncle Dallas has played with Jesse since he was a little boy.

For Jesse's baptism I had his Grandmas and Grandpas and Aunts and Uncles and some cousins write a short letter to him. As I glued them into his journal I read those letters and my heart filled with love for my family. It confirmed to me how important family is in his life and mine and how connected we are. I know the goodness and love of the people in my family have helped Jesse to develop his natural goodness that will bless him and everyone. He's funny and so much fun too!

Here are a couple of his journal entries I want to share:

"March 16, 2014: Yesterday I got baptized. It was the second time I felt the spirit! It was a good feeling. I know that God lives. And I know that I am on the path to heaven. I know that if God did not live our lives would be a lot harder. Today is Sunday and I get to go up on the stage!"

"March 30th, 2014: A few days ago I got to go to Houston. I got to see my best friend Hunter's baptism! I told him all the things that he needed to do. I told him how special it was to me and Jesus (smiley face) that he got baptized. Even though I got baptized before him he is still older than me. Haha! I also got to go to a BIG aquarium in Houston. It was awesome. I loved the sharks!"

Jesse was so excited, for so long, to get baptized. I know he was ready and his testimony grew and solidified when he was baptized and when he saw his cousin baptized.

I love you Jesse! We all do.