Jefferson's 8th birthday

Last week-end was a memorable one for Jefferson. He turned 8 on Friday and then got baptized on Saturday. We had discussed with our children last year that we would celebrate their birthdays with big parties and friends every other year. So this year, we celebrated Jefferson's birthday as a family and with not much fanfare. At the moment I felt that I should have made a big deal about his 8th birthday with fun parties and lots of presents and friends, but as I looked back I knew we had made the right decision. Birthdays come every year, but baptism comes only once and as such it is a special event. Having a small family birthday party helped us enjoy each other and be ready for his other big day, his baptism. Jefferson, who loves presents and parties more than any kid I know, showed his maturity by being excited and concentrating his attention on the importance of baptism and the covenants he was going to make with Heavenly Father. I was so proud of him!

On the day of his birthday, Jefferson received many phone calls from family members around the globe, starting with his own father, who being at work called him first thing in the morning and sang to him "Happy Birthday." That made his day. Upon his return from swimming, Jefferson wanted to open presents before we took him out for dinner and games. As I said, this kid loves presents and that was the first thing he wanted to do. Each of us gave him something that connected us with him. Charlton gave him a workbook on how to write cursive (Jefferson often sits by Charlton and while Charlton "reads" to himself Jefferson practices his cursive handwriting.) James gave him a wooden boat kit (he had bought one for himself also so they could work on them, building and painting, together.) Gillian gave him a how-to-draw imaginative creatures book, since they both share the love for art and imagination. My mother gave him a pair of stylish jeans he had been wanting for a while. My mother-in-law had sent him a BYU-Idaho shirt which he put on as soon as he got it out of the box. I gave him the Mysterious Benedict Society series, with the goal of competing between myself reading it to James and Jefferson reading it to himself. The one who finishes last takes the winner out for a date. Jefferson was very excited about this, ... but not as excited when he saw what his dad had given him: a pocket knife. Boys will always be boys. The special thing about the gift was the fact that Elijah received his pocket knife when he turned eight as well, and he still has it. What a special bond!

After all of the presents were opened, we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's. They were so excited when we told them we were taking them there that as soon as we got there they didn't even wait to eat pizza, but went straight to play the games. My favorite part was when they would stop by our table to pick up a few tokens for Charlton. Although they were each playing on their own, they would often come and spend some time with him.
After the children used all of their tokens, they were ready to go home and have some birthday cake. Considering that they had been to school, swimming, and then to Chuck E. Cheese's, I thought they would be too tired to eat cake, but boy was I wrong. Even Charlton who was tired, waited patently as I cut the cake.

As I tucked Jefferson in that night, I shared with him my gratitude for the blessing of having him in my life. He is truly a joy to have around always wanting to do the right thing, always wanting to help me and others, and always being serious about his testimony and love for Heavenly Father. He amazes me with his natural abilities and his constant desire to do his best and try new things. He is a trustworthy friend, an amazing brother, a loving son, a pure child of God. I'm grateful for his example and for the individual he has become.

The next day Jefferson got baptized by his father and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. We had a wonderful program sharing the day with one of his Primary class mates getting baptized at the same time. For Family Home Evening on Monday we had discussed the reasons we get baptized, why did Jesus get baptized, what covenants do we make, and what promises do we receive. Elijah had printed one copy of those covenants and blessings, and Jefferson hang that piece of paper on his door. Several times I had seen him read and try to memorize those lines. When he was interviewed by the Bishop, prior to his baptism, Jefferson told me that he knew all of the answers, and not because he had memorized them but because, as he put it himself "we talk of those things everyday at home."

“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

— 4^th Article of Faith —

April 21st, 2012 – North Gate 1st Ward – Walnut Creek California Stake

Presiding Bishop Doug Bohne

Conducting Craig Williamson

Pianist Sally Anderson

Chorister Elisabeth Lambert

Opening song “Baptism”

Invocation Joseph Cavazos

Talk on Baptism Tab French

Baptism of Elasi Lorraine Cavazos by Simi Leka

Baptism of Jefferson Clayton Garmon by Elijah C. Garmon

Witnesses: Ron Paul and Bruce Devol

Special music Violin piece by Emily Lambert

“I Am a Child of God” by the Primary children

Talk on the Holy Ghost Christina Bowen

Special music “I Feel My Savior’s Love” by Gillian Garmon

Confirmation of Elasi Lorraine Cavazos by Sione Maile

Confirmation of Jefferson Clayton Garmon by Elijah C. Garmon

Closing song “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized”

Benediction Liri Mema

Happy Birthday, Jefferson, and congratulations on your baptism. You make me happy, and I love you forever.