Cal, the newest deacon

Callahan received the Aaronic Priesthood on January 12. We have been studying and preparing and talking about the Priesthood of God lot to help him prepare. We even have talked with Grandparents about the importance of them and how it has impacted their lives, and we had some special FHE's on the Priesthood. He's been excited but a little nervous too. We told him he could wait until he felt he was ready. He had an interview the first Sunday in January and our Branch President found him worthy and he decided to move forward. He is excited to even learn more about the Priesthood and made it one of his Children & Youth goals for the year to find out more and study about the Priesthood. He was also set apart to be the Deacon's class president. He said he felt good and was glad he could serve others through the Priesthood that he held. The week after, he got to pass the sacrament. He's been so cute and practicing tying real ties lately to look just right for church. He was so reverent and dignified as he passed the sacrament and even President Graham noted how thankful he was for Callahan and that he was able to do that so well. We were so grateful for the steps he is making in the Gospel and advancing to the Priesthood. As I've been thinking about how significant it is that the Lord trusts these young ones so much, I was thinking about Joseph Smith and how he wasn't much older than Cal when he had the first vision. The Lord gives these boys the Priesthood to teach them, to help them, to strengthen them, and so they can teach others, help others, and strengthen others. I thought of a talk Elder Callister gave about "The Power of the Priesthood in the Boy". He said "The priesthood in the boy is just as powerful as the priesthood in the man when exercised in righteousness." That's pretty powerful! We are thankful for Cal and the example he sets for us all!

35

I had a wonderful birthday! I woke up and did my normal routine, prayer, scriptures, exercise, shower, pack lunches, make breakfast and then got birthday wishes from my little fam. Then it was off to preschool. Another little guy in my class had his birthday so that was fun. My assistant teachers made we wear a birthday crown...pay back, haha! Carol made us some little M&M cakes so that was fun! The day before we had a baby day for preschool and got to share a picture of us as a baby. The kids figured out pretty quick who I was. After prepping for the next day of preschool, we had piano group lessons with the home schoolers. Then a little quick cleaning, then our kids got home and we did another round of group lessons. Had some calls, texts, and Facebook messages from family and friends throughout the day. For the activity we did a relay game with balloons and time signatures and had some cake. Dave came home early and made some fish and sides for dinner. Sweet guy! Then the kids wanted to do presents. Lucy gave me a card with a picture she drew of us. Cutie! Covey wrapped a picture of Jesus from his room. He is such a sweet giver and always gives his favorite and the best things to others. And he told me “Mom, really I want you to have this because I know you’ll like it!” So heart felt! Cal said he wants to go to the store and get me something with some of his money next time we go to Billings. I told him spending time with him is enough. Emma made me a peppermint cheesecake (we did part of it together). Talented girl! Then I got a sweater and necklace set. Dave gave me a sweet card that said "Flying higher, further, faster, the past 35 years than this F-35 lightning II jet. Love ya tons! Thanks for lifting me higher every day! Love, your Dave XooXoXXXOOooxX. Happy 35th Birthday, Melanie!" Then on the back it said "Flight Orders - Who: You, the best co-pilot ever. Where: Scenic Fly over with Dave in April. Food: Dinner date to follow. Attire: "lightning" sweater to be worn." Cutest guy ever! Then we played a bunch of games with balloons I made up on the spot. We had a walk with the balloon between your knees and then ankle races, best hair static contest, use a balloon and try to make everyone else laugh, and did a dance party. It was a fun night with lots of laughing! 

Saturday, we went to Billings to celebrate a bit more. We went to the Ice Arena in Billings to go ice skating. Emma sat out, as her knee has been popping and giving her troubles lately and Dave's favorite thing isn't ice skating, so he sat out and helped with the kids when they got tired and needed to sit. Everyone who skated had a blast and Cov and Lucy keep saying we need to do it more often. They did great! It was nice that they had chairs there you could use to help with balance, and to push the littlest skaters on, like Sydnie. She had so much fun. Though it had been a while for Cal since we did this, he picked right back up like he's done it a bunch! The best part for the kids though might have just been the zamboni clearing the ice after we were done. We went to lunch at Applebee's after, yummy! We played some games we made up and talked and tried not to make too big of a mess (we always leave a good tip!). Then it was shopping time, which is always fun for me. There is no one I’d rather spend these special moments with and am thankful I have my family. They are the best gift!