Brandon arrived on March 18th (also Ty's birthday) and we had a nice family dinner at Tylar's favorite Japanese Steakhouse, but the birthday celebration really got started that weekend when we packed everyone up and headed to the Nick Hotel in Orlando! The kids, and even Chad and I had so much fun. There were things for everyone, from the pool, to the arcade, to the Nick themed shows that happened poolside and in the evening at the studio - there was not a dull moment! We were even 1 of 4 families selected to participate in a the nightly show "Families Go Wild" and faced off against another family with silly challenges and trivia... we WON!! Tylar, our team captian, got SLIMED for the win. Check out the link to the extended pics here: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=bqyul5jc.c4oivd8s&x=0&y=-uos4so&localeid=en_US
The fun continued with Grandma arriving on March 25th. We did lots of stuff as a family, including lots of beach action, bowling, zoo, watched movies, and many, many nightly games to pass the time!
Finally, the week came to a close with Kenny and Tylar's baptism on the 28th and confirmation on the 29th. Something that we've been ernestly working toward for a few months, we were so happy to see the boys take this very special step in thier lives... and even more blessed to have our Brandon and grandma here with us to celebrate! I thought I'd share the talk I gave to my special boys on thier day (below pics). Also see the attached link for extra pictures: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=bqyul5jc.4c4tt9ho&x=0&y=54d6ld&localeid=en_US
Kenny, Ty and the Sister Missionaries right before the baptism (Caitlynn snuck in there too)
Grandma and her grands at the Jax Beach fishing pier
The whole family after the baptism
Me and my Brando at the Nick hotel
Tylar getting slimed poolside!
My message to my boys about the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Kenny & Tylar, your dad & I are so proud of the decision you have made to be baptized today. You have made a decision that will put you on a sure path to eternal & lasting happiness. Our Heavenly Father is also so proud of you because he loves you so much and wants you to be blessed by following his commandments. You know that one of these commandments is to be baptized. In 3 Nephi 27:20 it says:
Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
Dad and I want you to know how much of an inspiration you have been to us in finding joy in this life, and in this church again. You have been like a special guide leading us to renewing our love in this gospel.
Both of you know that after your baptism you will be given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift will be like your own special guide that will give you comfort through your whole life, as long as you remain true to your baptismal promises. There is a passage in the Bible about the special comfort you will have with the Holy Ghost. In John 14:16-20 it says:
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
It is so wonderful, that because you have made this decision and because you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, that you will always have this peace and the love of our Heavenly Father by this comfort.
Kenny and Tylar, there have been many times, since my baptism, that I have needed a special comforting, or a reassurance, or a guide. And in those times, when I was worthy to receive it, I know that the Holy Ghost was within me to comfort me, guide me and reassure me. I pray that the two of you will always remember how special this gift is and that you will always listen to that small, still vice to guide you. We have a promise given to us in D&C 11:12-14 that says:
And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good – yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my spirit. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind which shall fill your soul with joy; And then ye shall know, or by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto the things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive.
And finally, I want to leave my testimony that I know this church is Gods true church built here on earth for us in these latter days. I know that God loves each of us individually and has a specific plan for us. I know that in His love, he has given us many blessings to help us throughout this life so that we can come to live with him once again. I believe that there is a plan of salvation for each of us, that if we are in tune to the spirit, it will guide us through life’s trials. I am especially thankful for this gift! It is my prayer, for all of my children that you will all find comfort in the words of these scriptures and know that our Heavenly Father loves you & wants your life to be full of happiness.
