It's Great to be Eight

March 30, 2003 - 03/30/03

Wouldn't that be a great day for a birthday?!? Well, it is for James. He turned 8 this year. There is something special about 8 year old kids.

Eight years of age is a special day for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It's the age of "accountability" and children can choose to be baptized. Even though James has a severe fear of going under water, he chose to be baptized.
His favorite color this year has been white. How cute is that?

Have you ever been to Cracker Barrel? A year or so ago, we got Mark that game they have on every table. That was the inspiration for James' cake this year. He wanted a cake just like that game. So that's what Karen made!
James has some of the best expressions when he is opening gifts. We captured one of them as he was opening his new Lego set.
Another gift he got was an RC Hummer. The box was big enough that the kids were crawling inside of it. Here's Luke:
James is so good. On his birthday, he was folding everyone's laundry. He made his brother's and sister's bed. He wanted to make sure everyone else was happy. He's thoughtful like that.

He's also very emotional. Over the years, he has learned to better control his emotions. But when he was baptized on April 16, 2011, his emotions got the better of him. And not in a good way! He has a real fear of going under the water. He was scared. And every eye was focused on him. So it was a lot for him to take in. After he was baptized, the emotions were overwhelming for him. And he wasn't happy about it.

Karen and I have learned to remain calm as we talk with him and try to help him in those moments. Fortunately, James kept his composure and allowed me to confirm him a member of the church after he was baptized. Part of me wonders if we should have waited till the next day. But everything turned out fine. After the service was over, James broke down and cried. He was scared and was being brave for everyone else.

He's thoughtful like that.
And we love him immensely! We are so happy for the choices he has made. Happy birthday, James!