Privileges and Responsibilities

Did this little sweetheart just turn 16!!! SIXTEEN!!! Holy Cow....where did the time go? Turning 16 is such a huge milestone in one's life. I remember marking off each day on the calendar until my 16th birthday not long ago. Jake has always been my baby boy. Jordan always thought of himself as one of the adults in the house, but Jake has savored every bit of his childhood. He plays to the fullest, laughs until he cries, eats until he is ready to explode, and yet he is quiet when it's time to be reverent and is obedient when guidance is given or promptings are felt. He's been my little angel from heaven. As a little boy I remember him asking me once, "Mom are you happy?" I said something like, "Of course I'm happy Jake! I have you and you are my little piece of heaven." He smiled and said, "Good because Heavenly Father sent me to make you happy."  He has lived up to that every single day of his life. I am so proud of the young man that he is. Such a good example to our family and to his friends. Such a happy person. Always looking for adventures. Never wanting to waste a moment of precious time by idle activity. Always on the go and in search of good things.

To celebrate this milestone, Jake had lots of his friends come over for a grand sweet 16 party. We played lots of crazy games. Some from the TV game show "Minute to Win It" and other tried and true family favorites  like Chubby Bunny

   To add to the fact that Jake can now officially go on dates, we played a game where he was blindfolded and had to guess who it was that kissed him on the cheek.  It was so funny to see him tense up as he new his guy friends were up to no good. Ryan sat on his lap, puckered up his two fingers, and "kissed" him on the cheek. Jake's reaction was hilarious!

Jake worked hard by getting up early the first two weeks of summer break and attending summer driver's ed for 3 hours each day and range and road driving sessions in the evening. He finished his last test the day before his birthday and was able to drive to the DMV on the morning of his 16th birthday to get his long awaited license. He's gone on a few group dates and is making plans for a double date with some friends soon. 

Dating and driving are two of the most anticipated privileges that come with turning 16, but Jake was also ordained to the office of a priest by his dad that following Sunday at church. What a blessing to have the privilege and responsibilities that come with that office of the priesthood. What an honor to be able to bless the sacrament and to receive the keys necessary to baptize someone a member of our church. We love you Jakers!