deacon

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Donning a tie is a rite of passage at our house,

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not until you are twelve. Not until you are a deacon.

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Even if I weren’t a Mormon, I think I’d want my boys to be part of the Aaronic Priesthood. Just when their hormones start to rage they become part of an army of young men who shovel walks, visit the elderly, prepare and pass the sacrament, collect money for the poor, perform every form of home repair and yardwork and set up and take down thousands upon thousands of folding chairs.

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Erik steps back to let him tie the Windsor knot on his own.

Yes, service begins at home and I’ve tried to teach these boys to give of themselves since toddlerhood. But I find it inspired that just at the age when kids begin to look to their peers for guidance that they become part of a group of faithful young men*** who are not only asked, but expected to prepare, bless and pass the Lord’s sacrament with clean hands.

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Hmm, maybe just one more time with Dad’s help.

And when they fall short, when they make mistakes, my boys have not only Erik and I to guide them, but advisors and our Bishop to teach them to turn to Christ.

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Victory!

If I could, I would freeze my Xander in all his little boy innocence. But he will grow, he must grow. And in this world that delights in the crass and mocks everything sacred, I am profoundly grateful for those who guide my sweet boy towards the man of God he will become.

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my boys– Elder, Priest, Teacher, Deacon- flanked by Dad and famous Grandpa Fritz

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with a little craziness in the mix

***linked to my new favorite Mormon Message.
February 13, 2011
February 15, 2011

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12 Comments

  1. Lisa

    February 14, 2011

    Yes, yes, yes…12 is such a monumental age, especially when you are as adorable as this boy. I really loved the photo of your boys all together…such a sweet moment. Also, the V for Victory was pretty great too.

  2. Kerri

    February 14, 2011

    Oh, Michelle, this just made me cry. I’ve been profoundly grateful for the priesthood in my husband and my boy’s life lately, and have been thinking about the phenomenal force for good it is for both of them. I loved this so much.

  3. Tracy

    February 14, 2011

    okay, sobbing.
    xoxo,t

  4. Linn

    February 14, 2011

    Once again, you made me cry. I love this so much.

  5. Anne Marie

    February 15, 2011

    Could these pictures be any more beautiful? Thank you for sharing. Congratulations to your son.

  6. Life Trekking Mama

    February 15, 2011

    AWESOME!!!

    Love,
    Cuz’n A.

  7. Derrick

    February 15, 2011

    I loved this post. The tie tying… the V for victory. Your family is very precious to me. BTW, Mary is getting tall, in case you hadn’t noticed. :o)

  8. Rachelle

    February 15, 2011

    Oops, that note from “Derrick” was really from Rachelle. He forgot to log off. :o)

  9. Kristin

    February 15, 2011

    I love it. Congratulations to the newest priesthood holder in your home.

  10. Jennifer

    February 16, 2011

    You make me wish I had boys!

  11. Mitchell Family

    February 17, 2011

    Love this post. Love the mormonad. Love those boys–and Miss Mary too.

  12. Jeanelle

    February 23, 2011

    Another post I forgot to comment on. I think I may have mentioned before that a friend says when a new deacon is ordained, she sends a cheer up to the heavens because there is another stripling warrior in the army of God. I love that your boys don’t wear ties until they’re 12. Loved the family pics too – hope you got one with you in it as well.

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