A Birthday Tradition...

My parents started a special tradition with the grand kids a few years back. It is to take them out to lunch the day of or day before their birthday. It's a special date because its for only the grandchild and my parents. No siblings, no mommies, no cousins, no one but just the three of them. It happened to start when Kierra was 5 years old, but Alayna has lucked out because she is the youngest grandchild of the "big" four grand kids. So when she turned three she got to start these special dates.
Now back in December my family took a family night to go see Temple Square and all the lights. Alayna did not want to leave. She wanted to stay in the museum and look at all the pictures, movies and statues. My mom and I were taken back by her desire to walk around and around viewing all the pictures. That night she was so sad to leave, that my mom asked her if she would like to come back when it's warm and the flowers are out? So she agreed. They decided that they would come back and spend the day for her "birthday date." Alayna did not forget and with the first signs of spring, flowers appearing, sunshine, flip flops she knew her date was coming closer.

Finally her date came. They even lucked out with great weather! Here is Alayna standing under a picture of the 13 Articles of Faith. A few weeks ago Alayna was asked to share any Article of Faith in opening exercises in Primary. We worked on them during FHE, night time, breakfast time, while praying, etc. She even performed for grandparents and cousins. She was able to master the first two. The time to give it was one day after her birthday (April 12th). Days before she talked of being so excited to stand up "and not be scared at all...I'm brave mom!" She reminded me that the "mom's and dad's listen from the back...I won't even need a little help because I'll be four!" Well, as the day came I was not there that Sunday, since baby #3 wanted to make an early appearance. So I missed it. Come Sunday night I talked with my mom and she reminded me how Alayna gave the Article of Faith. I instantly started to cry. We had worked so hard on it and I couldn't wait to watch her "be so brave!" So as my mom told me how well she did standing up there at the sacrament pulpit up high in front of all the kids and saying it. It was great to know she was so brave!

Alayna has really taken to liking this picture because we taught her about it during FHE before Easter.

I am thankful to my parents enlisting energy, time and a huge desire to help cultivate my children's testimonies at such a young age. Because my children have this influence in their lives they are growing stronger and developing a great love of our Savior. I am forever grateful for this.

*Just an update...bedrest...really what witty thing can be said about it? I'm still intact and hanging in there...pray for 34 weeks next Wednesday! Thanks to ALL who have helped, called brought goodies, dishes, laundry, meals, watched kids and paid me a visit. It's made it so much more enjoyable. THANK YOU!!