The Young and the Restless

Twelve

As if having your first born start high school and your last born start kindergarten wasn't enough, now my first born son is turning 12 and getting the priesthood. If that's not enough to turn me into an emotional sentimental shmuck, I don't know what will. But as always, the excitement of new milestones and the pride in seeing them grow into amazing youth always outweighs the sadness of seeing my babies grow up.

A brotherly love moment when Maddox included his own dollar bill in the homemade card he made for Jayden

Checked him out for a birthday lunch at Burger King. The lunch options around the school are limited, but I always love a little one on one Jayden time.

After school we took a golf cart ride around, ending up at Chevron for drinks. Jason took him to dinner that night at Joe's Farm grill, then suit shopping. Which, be still my heart.

The next day he invited a few friends to the lake. Kylie stayed home and watched the little boys (she was thrilled about that, by the way) and it was fun just hanging out and getting to know his friends better. They're such a cute group of boys, I can't say it enough how grateful I am that my kids have chosen such great friends. Even if they did have burping contests almost the whole way home. Boys....

They set a new record for the highest jump. Of course once one did it, they all had to. Thankfully no one got hurt, even with a close call as Landon almost didn't jump out far enough from the side. Maybe we won't be doing cliff jumping without their parents present anymore.

The boys thought it was great to have Jason take them home in the golf cart. It's been a fun toy.

And then came the big day where he got set apart as a deacon and received the Aaronic priesthood. It was quite an eventful weekend for Jayden. But really, he has never looked so happy and so handsome as he did in that moment sitting in the bishop's office getting ordained. So proud of him and the choices he makes to keep him worthy. He has such a strong personality, so glad he's choosing to channel that strength in the right direction. Most of the time.

Can't get over how handsome and grown up he looks in his suit, just like his dad.

We had a ward youth temple trip planned that next week so he was able to go and do baptisms for the first time. It was such a cool experience for both of us. Happy birthday to my boy who can be sweet as sugar and stubborn as a mule, but always loves unconditionally. He can't go to bed without giving us a hug and a kiss, reads his scriptures every night, loves a good book, melts the hearts of every teacher he's ever had, isn't afraid to stand up for what he believes in, is always up for a challenge, doesn't hesitate to try new things, is still a picky eater and bread is his favorite food, gives great back massages, always looks out for his little brothers at school and on the bus, likes knowing about what is going on in the world, spends his Saturdays working hard in the yard with his dad, always the first to befriend the new kid at school, loves soda, sleeping in and HGTV. Sure love this boy of mine. I recently told him that one of the reasons I love monsoon season so much is because it reminds me of when he was born. Rocking him slowly in the night as rain poured outside and lightning lit up the sky. It will always be one of my favorite memories of all time. Happy birthday, Gigi, we love you!