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Jacob celebrated the big TWELVE last Thursday.  He was pretty excited, but also pretty bummed because his birthday wasn't a "free-for-all" (i.e. he still had lots of homework).  But lucky for him, Nana came over to make it a little more special.  Derek had been traveling all week and flew in just in time for dinner (and cancelled a meeting he had that night so he could be with us).  We had hamburgers (at J's request) with hash brown fries, corn and fruit salad.  And he wanted a coconut white cake (just like his Dad!).  He added an "a la mode" request as well.  And the best surprise was his present for us – a PHONE!  He was really hoping but not expecting that from us.  He's one of the last of his friends to get one (ironically) and was so excited (see picture!).  p.s. I wanted to see how many parentheses I could fit in one paragraph!

On Saturday morning we hosted 12 of Jacob's friends for a breakfast and football game at the park.  These are well-mannered and good boys and it was fun to have them.  We had 4 dozen donuts, 20 breakfast sandwiches that I made (TX toast, eggs, sausage or bacon and cheese), waters and capri suns.  They were so cute about all the food – that's certainly the way to these boys' hearts.  It was fun for us and for Jacob.

 
Attendees, clockwise from the back: Tariq, Cooper and Caleb, Josh, Brock, Boston, Cooper, Lance, Will, Austin, Jacob and Nyle

On Saturday night he played his guts out in a heartbreaking game against the 3-time division champions (Hawkeyes).  They beat us in the last minute of the game.  It was so tense and exciting the entire game and we were so proud of our guys.  Fun to see this kid shine on the field – and boy does he.  I had a dad of one of our teammates talk to me about how impressed he is with Jacob – how he gives 100% in everything they do and how he hits HARD all the time.  It's been fun to watch him excel in this sport.

But the BEST part of the weekend was getting to watch Jacob receive the Aaronic Priesthood and be ordained as a deacon.  What a neat occasion.  He has been so excited about this for 4 years – the opportunity to be a deacon and be in the Young Men's organization.  He is most excited about getting to pass the sacrament each Sunday.  He told me he was a little nervous about his interview with the Bishop (living with the Bishop might add to that), but he came out with a big grin on his face and said "He says I'm ready".  That made me smile.  Nana joined us for his ordination.  He was ordained along with two friends, Boston Chappell and Josh Price - Jacob was born on the 22nd, Josh on the 23rd and Boston on the 24th. 

I hope Jacob will always remember the Spirit that he felt as worthy men laid their hands on his head to confer upon him the power of God used to bless and lead His children.  I hope he will strive to always maintain a pure heart and clean hands so that he can recognize the "power of godliness" being made manifest in his own life (D&C 84:20-21).  We believe that this Aaronic priesthood is a "lesser priesthood" and by definition "holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel; which gospel is the gospel of repentance and baptism, and the remission of sins, and the  law of carnal commandments" (D&C 84:26-27).  The priesthood is only used to bless, never to serve oneself…it should never be trifled with or taken for granted.  I hope that Jacob will always consider this gift a precious treasure.  He can look to Derek for help in how to operate and use the Priesthood with honor and integrity.

One thing that helped Jacob prepare for this responsibility is a program called "Faith in God" – a program that consists of goals, activities and assignments that children ages 8-12 do.  Jacob successfully completed this program which also included memorizing all 13 Articles of Faith.  He was recognized in Primary two weeks ago.

What a birthday!  I love this kid with all my heart and am excited to see what the future holds for him.