Proud day to be a parent

Today was one of those days where it felt great to be a parent! There are definitely moments of frustration when, as a parent, you wonder if you're doing anything right or perhaps why you do anything at all when you feel it goes unnoticed. Then you get those days where you see your kids doing the right things in the right places and you know that somewhere along the way you did something right. Today was one such day. Today Dallin was ordained to the office of Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. As I mentioned in his birthday post, Dallin exhibits maturity beyond his age (most days!). He truly knows what it will require to advance in his priesthood responsibilities. I'm always amazed at how eager he is to learn and how adept he is at making good choices. I can only pray that aliens don't come to inhabit his body at age 15 or 16 and turn him into the dreaded "teenager" with all its negative implications. But, for now, we embrace his obedience, his tender heart, and his good nature. We are so proud of the choices he is making in his progress back to his Father in Heaven.

Those honorable men who ordained Dallin...Evan, Jeff, Grandpa Rodney...and Dallin, of course!

Proud parent moment!

Later that evening, Amber and I had the opportunity to go back to the Payson LDS Temple to walk through the brides room, which wasn't a normal part of the tour. I enjoyed my time with Amber as I was able to reminisce about my wedding day and as we looked forward to hers (which hopefully won't happen for a looooong time). I was humbled to listen to her describe her thoughts and feelings about the type of guy she wanted to marry and why she wanted to be married in the temple. Like Dallin, she too has made good choices that have allowed her to reap good consequences. She has grown in ways that many people never achieve as she has had to exhibit faith in the Lord's plan for her. She has never doubted His love and always desires to do what is right. It is a little scary to think Jeff and I will be sending her off to college in a couple weeks (even though I know she'll be super close). Sometimes I worry whether or not we've given her those opportunities and experiences she needs to take on the responsibilities of being an adult, but when I see her doing the right things in the right places, I take comfort in knowing that, while there may be bumps in the road, a more perfect parent will be there to lift her up even if Jeff and I can't. I feel so honored and privileged to be a part of her life. Love you Amber!

I loved this candid picture of us (and Jonas)! What a phenomenal young woman!