HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN

I am way behind again on my blogging so I will have to slowly catch up over the next few days.  One of the first things I missed was Ben's bday.  It was December 11, but since he wanted a Saturday sledding party with his friends we made him pretend that December 11 was Sarah's bday and the 12th (which was actually Sarah's bday) was his.  After Sarah's friend party we snuck Ben one of his presents, a new cell phone, so he wouldn't feel too bad.  This was a special birthday for Ben. He turned 12 and received the priesthood.  I can't tell you how happy I felt as I watched my Tony, my dad, Scott, and Ben's leader Lance stand in the circle around my little boy and give him the priesthood.  I was so happy that he had a dad worthy to give it to him and that he was worthy to get it.  I also remembered him being a baby and spending hours looking into his sleeping face and wondering what life had in store for him, what he would look like when he was older, what his personality would be like.  I can honestly say that so far he has exceeded all my expectations.  He is so much fun to have around, he listens to our counsel and genuinely tries his best to do what is right.  He is kind to his family and friends, responsible beyond his years, and incredibly smart and creative.  I love spending time with him and am grateful for any opportunities I get to be alone with him.  I am always in awe of the amazing young man he is.  We love you Ben and my only request is that you slow down and stop growing!!! You are growing up too fast!