A Fun Hopeful Family: Scott's Birthday Party

We celebrated Scott's 8Th birthday today, his real birthday is next Sunday. But since our summer weather is quickly fading away we decided to have his party while the pool is still usable. What a party it was! The 8Th birthday is a big one for children in our church because that is the age when you can first get baptized. Scott does not need to get baptized because he will be innocent and pure. We decided to make Scott's 8Th Birthday special by sharing it when some of the individuals who have gone out of their way to make Scottie feel loved. Scott doesn't like having a lot of people or noise around so the guest list was well thought out. I really tried to invite kids Scott's own age who have taken a special interest in Scott like Izzie who before Scott could hold his own sippy cup, sat next to him for years in primary so she could hold his cup for him and of course the two girls who are his friends at school, Stephanie and Taylor. There are also the three little boys from church who go out of their way to be kind to Scott, some of his friends with special needs also joined us today.

Scott has always been my spiritual beacon. I learn so much from just basking in his sweet spirit. That sweet spirit filled our home today. I am just so honored to have Scott as my son. I think this is the first party we have ever had that everyone who was invited came. They all came because in one way or another their lives have been touched by our little angel boy! I watched today as strangers became fast friends because of Scottie. Two of my closest friends Tricia and Karen met for the first time today. Tricia is an incredible mom who with her wonderful husband is raising four tender-hearted, remarkable, and bright children. Karen is the mom of Ian who has lots and lots of disabilities and the most amazing smile, she is also Gavin's mom. Gavin's adoption into Karen and Pat's family will be finalized in November; Ian was also adopted. I watched as Tricia held Ian and song primary songs to him in English and Spanish too. I watched Karen, who is not a member of our church, enjoy so profoundly having Tricia sing "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (Zac picked the song). Ian just lit up with his beautiful smile as she sung. Words can't even describe with tenderness of the moment, but perhaps this picture might help.

Because Scott doesn't really play with toys we asked that people not bring gifts, but if they wanted to they could donate money so we could buy Scottie a light box, which helps visually impaired people see objects. Scott just loves the one the visual therapist brings to his class once a month. One of the families at the party gave Scottie $250! I was just astonished by this incredible act of love and giving. I think now we can buy a light box for Scott to have at home and one for him and his classmates to use at school.

Another friend stayed after the party was finished to swim with Brycen a Zac while Lance cleaned up and I took a nap; she knew that I only got about 2 hours of sleep last night--I'll explain in a later post. She also made a coupon as a gift for Scott that said she would be his companion the next time our family goes to do something that Scott doesn't want to do.

I just feel so truly blessed to have these incredible people in my life. Again, Heavenly Father knows exactly what he is doing he has filled our life with just the right people to keep us going strong.

Scott liked the water slide once the water was turned off.