Truly Great to be EIGHT!

This is a tough post for me to make. Mostly because I can only share so many pictures. Mason has been my model since he was born. He used to love the camera, but now that he's grown up, we manage to take fewer pictures at his request.

Eight whole years we have been blessed to have Mason in our lives. He joined our family through a process of prayer, hope, and many tears. However, most of all, he joined our family with the greatest amount of love I have ever seen. Mason loves to hear about his birth. Over the past 24 hours, he has made me tell him about his adoption and paused me several times throughout the story so that I could go into more detail.  His attention to detail is one of his enduring qualities and his desire to learn is another.

Mason loves to learn. He loves to be first. He loves to share his accomplishments and as he's told me many times, his love language is words of affirmation. He's soared at being in the second grade. Joining the Highly Capable class and striving to do his best in each subject. He's also learning the value of hard work. Not everything comes so easily to him like he'd prefer. Wrestling was particularly hard for him, but even now he's glad he tried it and hopes to try it again. Basketball is his new favorite sport and he loves playing out on the street with the boys in the neighborhood.

Mason is a very social boy. He loves his friends and works hard at home so he can have friends over or go play with anyone in the neighborhood, no matter what age. He gets along with everyone. Most of all he is the best big brother! I think it's his favorite job!

At Eight Years old Mason has chosen to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He's been planning it for months. With the world in a state of social distancing, he's had to make a tough decision. But he made his choice after praying and coming to an understanding of what's important. Mason loves his family and wants to share his special day as much of his family as possible. So as soon as we are able to gather our entire family together again, he wants to be baptized.

I love being his mother. He keeps us growing and learning and moving. We hardly have a moment to breathe, but when he does pause he becomes the best snuggler, storyteller and reader. If he is not moving or learning I guarantee he's reading a good book. This year, he's become attached to the Stink series. You don't know Stink? He's Judy Moody's brother and he's a boy just like Mason. With a scientific and adventurous mind.

This is my Eternal Family and we're loving life!