JAXSON'S BAPTISM

Jaxson has been looking forward to his baptism day for a long time, he was extremely excited about this opportunity to become a member of the church and receive the Holy Ghost.

On Jaxson's actual birthday we had the privilege of meeting with the Bishop for Jaxson's baptism interview. We were actually in his office when Jaxson turned 8 years old. Jaxson thought that was awesome and we paused and sang Happy Birthday to him.

On Saturday, March 27th 2010, Jaxson was baptized and confirmed a member of the church by his father. Below is a transcript of his blessing:

Jaxson Daniel Galli, by the authority of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold we confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and say unto you receive the Holy Ghost. Jaxson at this time we pronounce upon you a blessing, a blessing that will help guide you through the coming years. A blessing that will help you live your life. Jaxson, we bless you with the knowledge that you are a child of our Heavenly Father. That you are a member of His true church. Jaxson you have been blessed with the gift of the Holy Ghost, and through your righteousness as you go about your days you will have His constant companionship to help you to know the difference between right and wrong. To help you to make choices with your friends, with your school, and with your family, and in your daily life. Jaxson, we encourage you to use this power. Jaxson you have also been blessed with an open heart and an open mind. You have a knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jaxson, you can be an example to all those around you. You are blessed with a great personality that you can use to enrich and enliven the lives of all those who you'll come in contact with. Jaxson I bless you with the ability to know that the choice you made today is the right one. These blessings and all those other blessings that our Heavenly Father sees fit for you this day we leave upon you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jaxson wrote down some of his own feelings the day of his baptism. Below is what he wrote:

On my baptism day I felt great. I'm glad my family was there to support me. I am glad my Dad got to baptize me. When I was in the water I was excited and the water felt warm. I felt really good after i got the Holy Ghost. I felt really clean. Scott and Papa were the witnesses and when it was over we all went to my house for a party. My Nana gave me a special towel for my baptism and my Mom and Dad gave me a set of scriptures. When I received the Holy Ghost this is who stood in the circle; Dad, Papa, Scott, Chip, Brad Jones, Bishop Pike and Richard. It was a great day.


We are so proud of Jaxson and for the decision he made to get baptized. Even his little sister wants to be just like him. On the day of his baptism, she kept saying she was going to get baptized too. We kept telling her that when she was eight years old she could be baptized just like Jaxson. Her response was I am eight years old! When Jaxson was finished getting baptized, Reagan said "Ok, now it's my turn." Jaxson is a remarkable young man and I am so lucky to me his mother!

JAXSON 8TH BIRTHDAY

For Jaxson's 8th Birthday we put in an Olympics party! With less than a week to go before the party we had a lot of preparation to do - however we had a great time getting ready for the event. It became a family affair trying to get ready for the party. We had an obstacle course to make, cupcakes, party favors and several of items to finish up.

The first thing everyone did when they arrived at the party was make there own country flag and country name. The kids were all very creative. We listened to the Olympic theme songs and assigned everyone a competitive number for the games. The first event was the obstacle course. The kids had a series of things they had to do to complete the course, including; balance beam, hurdles, jump rope and more. The next event was the tug-o-war, followed by the discus throw and the long jump. We had a 50 yard dash and a 200 yard relay, in addition to a trampoline contest.

During the trampoline event, Reagan woke up from her nap and was standing in her bedroom window naked. I went up to help her and notice she had pooped out of her diaper and there was a log of poop on her bed, in addition to poop being all over her legs, blinds and chair. Madi was super sweet to help out and rinse her off in the bathtub so I could clean up her room and get back to the party. (This was something I was not prepared for or expecting during the party, but we got through it.)

After all of the games, we had torch cupcake cones. I baked cupcakes in an ice cream cone and put ice cream on the top, along with yellow colored cool whip and yellow and orange sprinkles.

All the kids left the party with Olympic themed water bottles and gold medals.

Jaxson loved this party because he loves anything to do with sports! Knowing this Dan and I gave him the following for his birthday, baseball and street hockey gear.

FULL TIME MOMMY

It's official, I am a full-time mom!

I have waited for this day for a long time. My heart is so full today because I get the privilege of being able to stay home with my kids and to become a better mom to them. I know there are going to be several days where I wish it was the other way around; however i have worked most of their lives, so I am going to try and enjoy it. I know this job doesn't come with much praise, but I know in the end it will have much reward.

Now I have to figure out how to be a mom and get a good routine going! There is so much I want to do in improve myself as a person and a mother - I just hope I can find the time to do it all.

I guess over the next couple months time will tell!

I love you Madi, Jaxson and Reagan and I am so blessed to be your mother.

DANCING IN THE RAIN

Dan and I attended the adult session of Stake Conference over the past weekend and I learned something that I will never forget. The message that one of the speakers gave has had a strong impact on me and I hope to continue referring to this message throughout my life when things seem hard and when difficult times seem to never end.

I don't remember the speakers name, all I remember is that he spoke about getting very sick last fall, so much that he was completely paralyzed from the neck down as a virus spread throughout his body. He being a young father, had to 100% rely on the people he loved including his immediate family and his ward family to help get him through this trying time. He had several young children at home which made it difficult for his wife. As he lay in his hospital bed not being able to move, he experienced deep sadness and at the same time deep love for the people servicing his family. He couldn't not believe the charity and kindness that he received during this time in an effort to keep is family going both emotionally and financially.

He did recover and is continuing to recover from his illness. What he said was this simple:

"LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS, IT'S ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN!"

When I feel sad or discouraged, I will always remember this message and what it means to me. Life is about living it and not waiting for everything to be perfect, because it will never be perfect. There will always be something that will challenge us or discourage us. It's about learning to be happy in these moments anyway and knowing what things around you that are good!

Too many times I find myself complaining and this small quote has given me new insight on how to handle my trials.