We celebrated in typical Xander fashion: fire, explosions, laughter. In addition to the usual popping balloons, dry ice, diet coke/mentos bombs and sparklers, we added a volcano and microwaving Dove soap (though I think everything microwaved at our house will taste like soap for the next year).
One box of peanut butter cups to share– one to hoard.
New scriptures. The ones he received at age eight didn’t have tabs, and as everyone knows, tabs are important (especially in the Old Testament). The church just came out with an updated set last fall and he’s the first among us to own them. A note from Stefan:
Well, happy birthday Xander. Mom tells me that you’re reading your scriptures all the time. That’s great. That is one of the great things that has made such a difference in my life. Having that time every day that keeps you anchored in truth helps you become who you really want to be and helps you know what you really want. It helps you keep your priorities straight.
You turn 15, 50, or 80, your life changes countless times, but the scriptures stay the same. All outside voices change and confuse, but we have truth rooted in the eternities. So keep it up. I moved to BYU, to college, where a lot of people lose their faith. But I was fed by the good word of God every day, so leaving the truth was never even an option. As my Peter answered the Savior’s question of whether his disciples would leave him, “Whither shalt we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”
That’s why I read the scriptures. Because I want eternal life. I know the scriptures will always lead us back to our Father and help us fulfill His will in our lives. We will be able to become like Him and live forever with Him. People talk about the scriptures as instructions, which is true, but I think of them fairly often as a source of power. When we read His word, He helps us to fulfill them in our lives. Have a great year.
Love, Stefan
thatgoodpart
I love this post, just like I love all of the others.
Happy Birthday Xander. 🙂 You don’t know me, but I feel like I know you and your family. You’ve got a good one!
Thanks for sharing your experiences and example online. They are examples to me.
With that said, I’m going to follow your example. I’m going to get off the computer, clean, plant some flowers with my kids (we plant flowers in February down here in AZ), and love every second of it (good or bad).
-catania
Tracy
Oh I love this so much – and that’s Astrid’s favorite song right now.
Happy happy birthday! xoxo
Lizzy
Microwaving Dove soap? Should we try? Happy Birthday Xander! We love you!
Cath
Happy Birthday Xander! A boy worth celebrating to be sure! And LOVED the video. The song. The happy. M – your kids have no doubt you adore them for showing up. xoxo