Thursday, October 28, 2010

Dallin's 16th Birthday-August 28, 2010

Dallin and friends for the pizza party!




I got my iPod!




I can't believe we have a son who is legal to drive and date! Dallin is such a good young man and I watch him daily surprise us with more independence and maturity. The week before his birthday there were so many events that I didn't really get to plan a party. We had baseball 2 evenings, Jarom's pack meeting to get his Wolf and missionaries for dinner, doctor appointments and a Stake Priesthood meeting that Josh was asked to say the prayer at. On his birthday at 4:30am he had shotgun shooting and we had a friend's endowment session in the evening. I wanted to do the big surprise party so my intentions were good but it didn't happen. So I told him to just call a few friends and ask them to come for pizza to celebrate after we got home from the temple. He asked around and it looked like only 2 of his friends could come until Matt called and said he was rounding up a group to come over. Trevor had a date but Brandon, Cody, Matt, and others all came over and we bought a ton of pizza and played games. Mafia was the favorite. What a birthday! He got his iPod nano that he had wanted for so long and some other fun things. I made a cake and he had a great day! He was asked on his first date by Brittany Giles and they went with Marlee and ? to Jump Around trampolines. He had fun but hasn't asked a girl as of yet. I tried to get him to ask to Homecoming but he can only take 1 passenger by law that's not family and Brandon can't drive yet so they didn't want Mom to take them. Imagine that:) He has plenty of time. We got him a car from a guy at work for $250 that needs some work so when that is running I'm sure he'll be asking more and getting a job to have his own money.
Dallin
My dear son,
What an amazing young man you are! You can do anything you set your mind to! You recently won the Moroni Award and sword from the Stake Young Men Presidency. I feel this represents who you are. You are willing to fight for what's right and be a good example. Study Moroni and who he was and follow his example. I am grateful for your example for your siblings. Because you enjoy Seminary and read the scriptures and know what's most important, they will follow. They watch you constantly. This is a big responsibility and I have seen you grow into it. Your love of hunting, shooting, and being in nature is a gift we trust you will be careful with. We trust you and let you go because of the responsibility you show to your duties in the rest of your life. You show your respect and love by your actions.
Thank you for choosing good friends and actions. It's tough to be 16, and we are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. We, as your parents, trust you with the lives of your siblings to drive them because we've seen how hard you've worked to be a good, safe driver. This is a pivotal year for you in so many areas as you begin to date and drive and continue to learn the gospel. Stay close to your Heavenly Father. He knows your heart and loves you. He is always there when more and more your parents are not. We are happy with the choices you make that keep you strong and growing spiritually. We all make mistakes. Please remember that because Christ suffered for us we can always turn to Him to repent. He loves you more than you can imagine. Spend time on your knees and in the scriptures and your faith will continue to grow and strengthen even in tough times. Dallin, I love you so much! Dad loves you so much! We feel so blessed to have you as our oldest - but you will always be my first baby. :)
Thank you for taking control of your school work and grades. You have come so far and it has paid off with all A's this quarter. You can do anything you want to do! 16 is a year of freedom and faith. It's a time when you learn that by choosing the right your freedom grows and faith lifts. Make up your mind to serve a mission no matter what and do what it takes to get there. You are a natural leader and have a fun, outgoing nature. This is another gift that will bless your life and so many others as you choose wisely. You are one of the valiant ones reserved for this time. Do you know what that means? Ask your Heavenly Father to find out. Ask Him the deep questions and search the scriptures for His answers and you will learn of your divine potential. We see an incredible future for you because of who you are. Ask Him how and who to serve each day and he will bless you to be the instrument He needs. Look to the men in your life as your heroes to follow. Follow the example of President Monson in service and work for the Lord all your days. Follow your Dad in hard work, persevering in school and the kind way he treats me and our family with such love. Follow Grampy and his honesty and hard work. Follow Grandpa and his study of the scriptures and hard work. The pattern is work. What a blessing that you are healthy and able to work. It has come so quickly as we approach the time for you to serve a mission. While it brings tears to think of you going, I am proud that you live worthy and are willing to go. Remember this commitment. This is what blessed the lives of your Dad and grandparents to be the good men they are today.
I couldn't help the tears as I watched and listened to you bless the sacrament.
You are such a great example as a Priest.
Dallin, I love you!
Love,
Mom



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