Stockton's Baptismal Preview

Stockton had is Baptismal Preview meeting tonight. All of the kids who will turn 8 this year and get baptized were invited to come. He was so excited to go, it was a meeting for him and he felt very important.
He is growing up so fast, and it's fun to watch him as he grows and matures. It was definitely fun to see him feel proud tonight. He has watched Conner enjoy Cub Scouts, so when they talked about starting scouts tonight he lit up. He can't wait to begin those fun activities.
But the most memorable moment for me was during the bishop's talk. The bishop was talking about making good choices and the things we can do after we are baptized. Stockton raised his hand and forcefully said "When we make mistakes, we can repent"...he then looked at me and Amy and said "See, I DO listen in church". It was a very cute moment, but it also made me proud. He is such a good kid and has so much love in his heart. Often we think he is not being responsible or paying attention, but in reality he is doing the things he should be and is so kind to everyone. Stockton is an example to me, I always hope I treat other people the way Stockton does. And I am looking forward to the great day when he gets baptized.

Who is Santa

**This post is not for young readers**

"I can hear you!! What are you doing upstairs? Are you putting out our Christmas presents? I can hear some banging!" Conner was shouting this at the top of him lungs from downstairs. He was suppose to watching a movie and being quiet. He is suppose to be all nestled up in his covers with sugar plums dancing through his head. But no, he is too curious and outwardly putting suspicious thoughts in his brother's little heads that Santa, is in fact, Niel and I.

"Conner... go to sleep! Santa is not going to come tonight if you don't go to sleep!" This is my attempt to make him be quiet.

It is Christmas Eve... late. Conner is right, Niel and I are frantically working on getting all the Santa gifts up and displayed so perfectly for Christmas morning. Conner has been throwing out all different comments about Santa this year. "Do you really think Santa can fit down our chimney?" "Reindeer really can't fly!" "It is too cold to live at the North Pole... even for Elves."

As a child, I remember how crushed I was when the poor neighborhood boy told me about Santa. I was only 7 when the thought of magical Christmas was ruined for me. Matthew Griffin was the neighborhood child, yes... I can even remember his name, the place I was standing and everything about that 5 seconds when I realized Santa was my mom and dad. The bad thing about that moment was my little sister Brooke was standing right next to me. Brooke was only 5 at that time and I wonder if she really even understand what the mean, bully neighbor told us. As you might guess, it was a very tragic event for me. I made a vow at that moment that I would never ruin Santa for anyone.... especially my own kids.

Well, I guess there comes a point in time when we all realize that Santa isn't real. Conner is 10, old enough to start his questions. I hadn't thought he would be so public in expressing his thoughts. I just couldn't have him ruin it for his brothers, so I took him in his room to give him the talk.... hoping to not crush his spirit. The talk went well. Conner understood and seemed ok with this new information. I kept saying "Are you all right?" He just smiled and told me he was all right. He even thanked me for being such a great Santa over the years.

This talk I had not wanted to have ended up being a good thing. Conner is now going overboard in making sure his brothers know that Santa is awesome! "WOW! Garrett, you must have been a really good boy this year. Santa brought you just what you wanted!!" I am glad Conner's knowledge of Santa was a pleasant memory for him, or at least I hope it was. Now, I just have to do it 3 more times...smile!